JP2009188833A - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a sense of discomfort of an operator by shortening the standby time of the operator which occurs in association with start-up processing. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is equipped with: a display screen; a power supply switch 1a for switching an on/off-state of a power supply of a main body of a complex machine 1 by the operation of the operator; a memory 1h for storing the setting of display items wherein arbitrary setting information is stored; and a control section 1w which, when the main body of the complex machine 1 is powered on, executes the start-up processing of the main body of the complex machine 1, and reads out the setting information from the memory 1h during the execution of the start-up processing, and makes a status display screen image including the read-out setting information displayed on the display screen before the start-up processing of the main body of the complex machine 1 is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program for displaying a status screen including arbitrary setting information such as an IP address assigned to an image forming apparatus main body after power-on and before completion of a startup process.

  Conventionally, image editing that adds image data such as a logo or replaces part of the print data to image data based on a preset setting value to print data received from the host computer after the power is turned on An image forming apparatus that executes processing is known (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the operator's effort and reducing the discomfort given to the operator, key functions that are frequently used by the operator are set as favorite keys to be displayed on the basic screen after the device startup process is completed. Thus, there is known an image forming apparatus including an operation device capable of assigning a key function frequently used by an operator to the favorite key (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-044332 A Japanese Patent No. 3006693

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses an image editing process for adding image data such as a logo to print data received from a host computer or replacing part of the print data with image data. Since it is only executed after being turned on, an operator who wants to execute the setting for executing the print job as soon as possible can use the print job etc. regarding the time from immediately after turning on the power to the completion of the startup processing of the image forming apparatus. You have to wait without making any settings to execute the job.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 can reduce the discomfort given to the operator. However, the image forming apparatus prefers a key function frequently used by the operator after the start-up is completed. By assigning the key, the work performed to display the information required by the operator is reduced, so even if such an image forming apparatus is used, the waiting time for the operator during the startup process is reduced. It is extremely difficult to do.

  Also, in a general image forming apparatus, after the power is turned on and after the start-up process of the apparatus main body is started until the start-up process is completed, only a screen including the manufacturer's logo is displayed on the display screen. Thus, the setting information for the operator to perform settings necessary for executing the job cannot be displayed.

  In general, in an image forming apparatus, although it depends on the scale and model of the apparatus, it takes at least about several tens of seconds to several minutes after the power is turned on until the start-up process of the apparatus main body is completed.

  In other words, these image forming apparatuses can be set to start a job such as a print job after the power is turned on, even if it is desired to perform some setting for executing a job such as a print job. The operator must wait for a time of at least a few dozen seconds to several minutes.

  As a result, these image forming apparatuses may give an unpleasant feeling to an operator who wants to make necessary settings and execute various jobs such as print jobs as soon as possible.

  According to the inventor's study on the activation process of the image forming apparatus, by displaying arbitrary setting information before the completion of the activation process, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the operator accompanying the activation process. Therefore, there is an increasing demand from the industry for an image forming apparatus capable of reducing discomfort given to an operator.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming program capable of reducing an operator's standby time that occurs in association with a start-up process and reducing discomfort given to the operator. The purpose is to provide.

  The essence of the present invention is that “a status display screen including the read setting information after the setting information is read from the setting information storage means during execution of the startup process is displayed on the display means before the startup process is completed. By the “display” configuration, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the operator accompanying the start-up process and to achieve the effect of making it possible to reduce discomfort given to the operator. .

  In this specification, “start-up processing” means “printing is possible under the control of the installed OS by returning the hardware constituting the image forming apparatus to the initial state, in other words, returning to the power-on state. And the software that configures the image forming apparatus is in an initial state, in other words, immediately after being started or immediately after the software is installed in the computer of the image forming apparatus. For example, fixing roller temperature adjustment processing, color code adjustment processing, processing for reading initial setting values of data used by software from a semiconductor memory, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Access to the server, and to the MFP by the DHCP server It includes processing for obtaining an IP address assigned by a constant time.

  The gist of the present invention as described above is specifically realized by taking the following means.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means, a power switch capable of switching an on / off state of the power source of the image forming apparatus main body by an operator's operation, a setting information storage means storing arbitrary setting information, When the power switch of the image forming apparatus is switched to the ON state, the setting information is set during the execution of the start process executed by the start process executing unit that executes the start process of the image forming apparatus main body. Setting information reading means read from the storage means, and a display control means for displaying the status display screen including the setting information read by the setting information reading means on the display means before completion of the activation process by the activation process executing means. An image forming apparatus provided.

  Thereby, during the execution of the activation process, the setting information is read from the setting information storage unit by the setting information reading unit, and the status display screen including the read setting information is displayed by the display control unit before the completion of the activation process. Since it is displayed on the display means, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the operator accompanying the start-up process and to reduce the discomfort given to the operator. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming program installed in an image forming apparatus having a power switch and a display means, wherein the power switch of the image forming apparatus main body is switched on by the computer of the image forming apparatus. In the case where the setting information is stored in the setting information storage unit in which arbitrary setting information is stored during the starting process executed by the starting process execution function executed by the starting process execution function. Image for realizing the display control function for displaying the setting information reading function to be read and the status display screen including the setting information read by the setting information reading function on the display means before the start processing by the start processing execution function is completed. It is a formation program.

  Thus, during execution of the startup process, the setting information is read from the setting information storage unit in which arbitrary setting information is stored, and the status display screen including the read setting information is displayed before the completion of the startup process. Since it is displayed on the display means, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the operator accompanying the start-up process and to reduce the discomfort given to the operator. .

  Here, from the viewpoint of simplifying the description, only the invention expressed as “image forming apparatus” and “image forming program” of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Needless to say, it may be expressed as an arbitrary category such as “image forming method” and “recording medium” within the scope of the above.

  When the above invention is expressed as a “method”, the word “means” in the description of the invention of the “apparatus” is the word “step”, “stage”, “stroke”, or “step”. Shall be read as

  Further, when the above invention is expressed as “recording medium”, the word “program” in the invention of the above “program” is replaced with the word “computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded”. .

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the power source of the image forming apparatus main body is turned on, the setting information read from the setting information storage unit is included during the start-up process of the image forming apparatus main body started. Since the status display screen is displayed on the display means by the display control means before the completion of the activation process, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the operator accompanying the activation process and It is possible to reduce the discomfort given to the user.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a multifunction machine 1 to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  A multifunction device 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied includes a well-known personal computer (not shown) via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), or another multifunction device (not shown). 1 is a multi-function peripheral that is connected to 1 and has various functions such as a FAX function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a printer function.

  The multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment has setting information set by an operator's operation on the display screen of the panel unit 1b, for example, an IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 main body by a DHCP server device (not shown), Information on the remaining amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge provided in the main body of the apparatus 1, information on the remaining amount of recording paper for each paper feed stage (paper feed tray) provided in the main body of the multifunction apparatus 1, the composite A status screen including at least one piece of information related to firmware installed in the main body of the machine 1 is displayed immediately after the power switch 1a provided in the main body of the multifunction machine 1 is turned on by an operation of the operator. This is a multifunction device that displays on the display screen (display means) 1b1 of the panel unit 1b before the start-up process executed by the multifunction device 1 is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a power switch 1a, a panel unit 1b, an interface unit 1c, a toner remaining amount detection unit 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, and 1dK, and a paper feed stage. Separate sheet remaining amount detectors 1e1 to 1en, sheet feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn, IP address storage memory 1g, display item setting storage memory 1h, toner remaining amount storage memory 1i, and sheet feed stage sheet remaining amount storage Memory 1j, Number of printed sheet storage memory 1k, Firmware data storage memory 1l, Program storage memory 1m, Occupant data storage memory 1n, Discharge tray data storage memory 1o, Paper type data storage memory 1p A paper feed stage data storage memory 1q, a scheduled job storage buffer 1r, a print job history data storage memory 1s, a template file Le a storage memory 1t, includes an image generator 1u, and a printer engine unit 1 v, and a control unit 1 w.

  The multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment is realized by a computer in which an image forming program is written in a built-in memory (not shown) at the time of manufacture or the image forming program is installed via a recording medium or a communication network.

  Needless to say, each unit constituting the multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment may be configured by any of software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.

  The power switch 1a is a mechanical switch that can be turned on and off by an operator's operation. When the power switch 1a is turned on by an operator's operation, the power switch 1a indicates that the multifunction device 1 has been turned on. A closing signal is output to the controller 1w.

  The panel unit 1b is displayed before completion of the start-up process of the multifunction device 1 executed when the power switch 1a of the multifunction device 1 is turned on by an operator's operation, and is described later in advance. A status display screen including at least one of information on IP address, toner remaining amount, recording paper remaining amount, and firmware version, which is setting information set by a setting operation on the menu screen, and a multifunction device After the start-up process executed in the MFP 1 main body when the power switch 1a of the main body is switched to the ON state, in other words, after the status display screen described above is displayed, Mutual switching among FAX function, scanner function, copy function, and printer function, resolution when reading document data, document data to be created Format of electronic file including data, image quality, reading density, reading magnification setting, setting information to be displayed on the status display screen described above, setting information to be displayed on the ready screen to be described later, and setting of each mode Including the remaining amount of toner, the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed stage, etc., which is the setting information set by the setting operation on the menu screen when a job can be accepted And a display screen (display means) for displaying a ready screen indicating that a job can be received.

  The panel unit 1b according to the present embodiment includes a status display screen display item setting request output function, a status display screen display function, a menu screen display function, a ready screen display item setting request output function, a display time setting input reception function, and a display time. It has a setting request output function and a ready screen display function.

  The status display screen display item setting request output function displays on the display screen when the startup process is executed when it accepts the setting input of the display item data made by the operator's selection operation on the menu screen displayed on the display screen. The status display screen display item setting request for setting the display item included in the status display screen to be displayed and the data of the display item included in the status display screen selected by the operator's selection operation are output to the control unit 1w. It is a function.

  In the status display screen display function, when the power switch 1a is switched to the ON state, the IP address, the remaining amount of toner, and the information recording material are recorded before the start-up process executed in the multifunction device 1 is completed. This is a function for displaying a status display screen including at least one piece of information on the remaining amount of paper and information on the firmware version on the display screen.

  The menu screen display function switches between the FAX function, the scanner function, the copy function, and the printer function when the start-up process executed in the main body of the multifunction device 1 is completed after the power switch 1a is turned on by an operator's operation. , Resolution when reading document data, format of electronic file containing document data to be created, image quality, density at reading, setting of reading magnification, setting of setting information to be displayed on status display screen described above, and each mode This is a function for displaying a menu screen for performing settings and the like on the display screen.

  The ready screen display item setting request output function displays on the display screen after completion of the startup process when it accepts the setting input of the display item data made by the operator's selection operation on the menu screen displayed on the display screen. This is a function for outputting to the control unit 1w a ready screen display item setting request for setting a display item included in the ready screen to be displayed and display item data included in the ready screen selected by the selection operation of the operator. .

The display time setting input acceptance function is selected by the operator's selection operation on the touch panel.
This is a function for receiving an input of a display time for each ready screen that can be set to an arbitrary time between the end of the immediately preceding print job and the start of execution of the next print job.

  The display time setting request output function is a combination of display time data for each ready screen that has been input by the operator's selection operation on the touch panel and a display time setting request for setting the display time for each ready screen. This function is output to the control unit 1w.

  The ready screen display function is a function for displaying a ready screen including data of display items selected by an operator's selection operation.

  The interface unit 1c has an IP address acquisition function, an IP address transfer function, a print data reception function, and a print data transfer function.

  The IP address acquisition function is provided externally in accordance with a well-known DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) procedure when the control unit 1w determines that power has been turned on by an operator's operation. This is a function for accessing an unshown DHCP server device and acquiring an IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 for a certain period of time by the DHCP server device.

  The IP address transfer function is a function for outputting data related to the IP address acquired from the DHCP server device provided outside by the above-described IP address acquisition function to the control unit 1w.

  The print data reception function is transmitted from a well-known personal computer (not shown) connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), or another multifunction device (not shown). A header part including a job ID assigned to the terminal and a MAC address assigned to a terminal on the network, a payload described in a page description language, and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) used for error detection and parity check. This is a function for receiving a packet including it.

  The print data transfer function is a function of outputting data included in the received packet to the control unit 1w after executing processing such as parity check and error correction of the data of the packet received by the print data reception function.

  Toner remaining amount detection units 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, and 1dK detect the remaining amount of toner for each YMCK (Yellow / Magenta / Cyan / black), and each remaining toner amount detection unit includes the detected toner remaining amount data. A toner sensor ID assigned to 1dY to 1dK is added, and a set of the remaining amount of toner and the toner sensor ID is output to the control unit 1w.

  The paper remaining level detection units 1e1 to 1en for each paper feed stage are installed for each paper feed stage, detect data relating to the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed stage, and add the paper feed stage to the detected data relating to the remaining amount of paper. A paper sensor ID assigned to each of the remaining paper remaining amount detection units 1e1 to 1en is added, and a set of the detected remaining paper amount and the paper sensor ID is output to the control unit 1w.

  The paper feed stage may be called a paper feed tray.

  The sheet feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn are installed for each sheet feed stage, count the number of printed sheets for each sheet feed stage, and are assigned to the counted sheet counts for the respective sheet feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn. The identification ID is added, and the set of the counted number of printed sheets and the counter identification ID is output to the control unit 1w.

  The IP address storage memory 1g stores an IP address that is assigned to the multi function device 1 for a certain period of time by a DHCP server device (not shown) provided outside. The IP address storage memory 1g is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory.

  The IP address storage memory 1g according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like.

  The display item setting storage memory 1h stores data of display items input from the panel unit 1b by the operation of the operator. The display item setting storage memory 1h is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The display item setting storage memory 1h according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

  In the toner remaining amount storage memory 1i, the remaining amount of toner, the toner sensor ID, and the detection time are stored correspondingly. The remaining toner storage memory 1i is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The remaining toner storage memory 1i according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, a buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The remaining paper amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage stores the remaining amount of paper, the paper sensor ID, and the detection time correspondingly. The sheet remaining amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The remaining paper amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

  The number of printed sheets, counter identification ID, and detection time are stored in correspondence in the number-of-sheets printed sheet number storage memory 1k. The sheet-feed-stage printed sheet number storage memory 1k is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  It should be noted that the number-of-sheets-by-paper-stage printing number storage memory 1k according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like.

  The firmware data storage memory 11 stores data related to the version of firmware installed in the multifunction device 1 main body. The firmware data storage memory 11 is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The firmware data storage memory 11 according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

  The program storage memory 1m stores software including a plurality of programs installed in the multifunction device 1 main body. The program storage memory 1m is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The program storage memory 1m according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like.

  In the occupant data storage memory 1n, at least the MAC address assigned to each terminal device connected on the network and the data relating to the name of the individual who occupies each terminal device assigned with the MAC address correspond to each other. It is remembered. The occupant data storage memory 1n is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The occupant data storage memory 1n according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like.

  In the discharge tray data storage memory 1o, data relating to the paper size and data relating to the discharge tray to which the paper size is assigned are stored at least in correspondence. The discharge tray data storage memory 1o is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The discharge tray data storage memory 1o according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like.

The paper type data storage memory 1p stores at least the paper feed stages and the paper types assigned to the respective paper feed stages by the setting operation from the terminal device described above.
The paper type data storage memory 1p is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The paper type data storage memory 1p according to the present embodiment may be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

  The paper feed stage data storage memory 1q is set for each paper feed stage by the data of the counter identification ID assigned to the paper feed stage-specific counters 1f1 to 1fn set in advance for each paper feed stage and the operation of the operator. Data relating to the size of the printed paper is stored at least correspondingly. The paper feed stage data storage memory 1q is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The paper feed stage data storage memory 1q according to the present embodiment can be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory, buffer, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like.

  In the scheduled job storage buffer 1r, bitmap data, MAC address data corresponding to the bitmap, file name data, print job ID, paper size, and capacity data are sorted according to the execution order. A print job list including the print jobs is stored in a writable / readable manner. The scheduled job storage buffer 1r is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The scheduled job storage buffer 1r according to the present embodiment can be provided in various forms such as a so-called cache memory and HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The print job history data storage memory 1s can write / read print job ID, MAC address data, file name data, paper size, capacity data, print job execution start time, and print job end time. It is remembered. The print job history data storage memory 1s is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The print job history data storage memory 1s according to the present embodiment can be provided in various forms such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  In the template file storage memory 1t, execution scheduled job presence / absence information regarding the presence / absence of a scheduled print job, executed job presence / absence information regarding the presence / absence of an executed print job, a display time set by an operator's operation, A template file of at least a menu screen, a status display screen, and a ready screen in which display items, display formats, and data relating to the layout of the display items are determined in advance is stored. The template file storage memory 1t is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory to which a voltage for holding data is applied by an external power source (not shown).

  The template file storage memory 1t according to the present embodiment can be provided in various forms such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The image generation unit 1u has a bitmap data generation function and a bitmap data output function.

  The bitmap data generation function is a function that receives print data described in a page description language from the control unit 1w, expands the received print data, and generates bitmap data.

  The bitmap data output function is a function that returns the bitmap data generated by the bitmap data generation function described above to the control unit 1w.

  The printer engine unit 1v has an image generation function, a job list generation function, a job start notification output function, and a job end notification function.

  The image generation function is a function that visualizes an image by an electrophotographic method based on the bitmap data received from the control unit 1w, and generates the visualized image on the surface of paper that is an information recording material.

  The job list generation function generates a job list to be executed by changing the order of jobs to be executed when there is an interrupt job based on the priority of the job included in the data received from the control unit 1w. Thus, the generated job list is output to the control unit 1w.

  The job start notification output function is a function for outputting, to the control unit 1w, a job start notification indicating that job processing has started at the start of the job.

  The job end notification function is a function for outputting, to the control unit 1w, a job end notification indicating that job processing has ended when the job ends.

  The control unit 1w has the following functions, and the power switch 1a, the panel unit 1b, and the interface unit 1c so that the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment executes setting information display processing described later. A toner remaining amount detecting unit 1d, a paper remaining amount detecting unit 1e, a paper feeding step counter 1f, an IP address storage memory 1g, a display item setting storage memory 1h, and a toner remaining amount storage memory 1i. Sheet-by-sheet feed remaining amount storage memory 1j, sheet-by-feed stage printed sheet number storage memory 1k, firmware data storage memory 1l, program storage memory 1m, occupant data storage memory 1n, and discharge tray data storage memory 1o, paper type data storage memory 1p, paper feed stage data storage memory 1q, scheduled job storage buffer 1r, print job history data storage memory 1s, text Controlling the plate file storage memory 1t, an image generating unit 1u, and a printer engine unit 1 v.

  The power on / off determination function is a function for determining whether the electronic switch is turned on by an operator's operation based on whether a power-on signal output from the electronic switch is detected.

  The interface activation process execution function performs the activation process of the interface unit 1c when it is determined that the electronic switch is turned on by the operation of the operator by the power on / off determination function described above, in other words, the power is turned on. The function to execute.

  The interface control function is a function of controlling the interface unit 1c so as to access a DHCP server device (not shown) provided outside in accordance with a well-known DHCP-compliant procedure.

  The IP address writing function receives the IP address assigned to the MFP 1 main body from the interface unit 1c for a certain period by the accessed DHCP server device, and stores the received IP address data in the IP address storage memory 1g. It is.

  The program read function is a function for sequentially reading all the programs installed in the MFP 1 main body from the program storage memory 1m.

  The software activation process execution function is used to check the operation of each program module included in the read program, change the local variables and global variables set in each program module to the default settings, and set the arguments to the default settings. This is a function for executing software startup processing including changes and the like.

  The software activation process completion determination function is a function for determining whether the software activation process is completed for all the read programs.

  The display item check function displays the display item data set by the operator in the display item storage memory when it is determined that the software activation processing has been completed for all the programs read by the software activation processing completion determination function described above. This is a function for determining the data type of the display item read out from the display item.

  When the status display screen data generation function determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory by the above-described display item check function is “IP address”, the data of the IP address is stored in the IP address storage memory 1g. Is read from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read status display screen template file data and the IP address data are combined to include the IP address data. This function generates status screen data.

  The status display screen control function is a function for displaying a status display screen including the IP address data generated by the above-described status display screen data generation function on the display screen of the panel unit 1b.

  The status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the multi-function device 1 immediately after the power is changed to the off state last time. Information on the remaining amount of toner remaining in the toner container, information on the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the toner container provided in the multi-function device 1 immediately after the power supply is changed to the off state, and Needless to say, at least one of the pieces of information regarding the firmware installed in the multifunction device 1 may be further included.

  When the second status display screen data generation function determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory by the above-described display item check function is “remaining toner amount”, the remaining toner storage memory 1i After the toner remaining amount data is read from the template file storage memory 1t, the status display screen template file data is read, and the read status display screen template file data and the toner remaining amount data are combined. Thus, the status screen data including the toner remaining amount data is generated.

  The second status display screen control function is a function for displaying on the display screen of the panel unit 1b a status display screen including data on the remaining amount of toner generated by the second status display screen data generation function described above.

  Note that the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes information on the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 by the DHCP server device, and the previous power is turned off. At least one of information relating to the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the paper tray provided in the MFP 1 and information relating to firmware installed in the MFP 1 immediately after the change to the state of It goes without saying that information may be further included.

  When the third status display screen data generation function determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory by the display item check function described above is “recording paper remaining amount”, Is read out from the remaining storage memory for each paper feed stage, the template file data on the status display screen is read out from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read template file data on the status display screen and the remaining amount of recording paper are stored. This is a function for generating data of a status screen including data on the remaining amount of recording paper by combining the data of the above.

  The third status display screen control function is a function for displaying on the display screen of the panel unit 1b a status display screen including data on the remaining amount of recording paper generated by the above-described third status display screen data generation function. .

  Note that the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes information on the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 by the DHCP server device, and the previous power is turned off. At least one of information relating to the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the toner container provided in the multifunction peripheral 1 and information relating to firmware installed in the multifunction peripheral 1 immediately after the change to the state of It goes without saying that information may be further included.

  When the fourth status display screen data generation function determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory by the above-described display item check function is “data related to firmware version”, the data related to the firmware version Is read from the firmware data storage memory 1l, the template file data of the status display screen is read from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read status display screen template file data is combined with the firmware version data. This is a function for generating status screen data including data relating to the firmware version.

  The fourth status display screen control function is a function for displaying on the display screen of the panel section 1b a status display screen including data relating to the firmware version generated by the above-described fourth status display screen data generation function.

  The status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes information on the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 by the DHCP server device and the previous power supply. It can be said that at least one of the information regarding the remaining amount of the recording paper remaining in the toner container provided in the multifunction device 1 immediately after the change to the off state may be further included. Not too long.

  The multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment may display a status display screen including jam information indicating that a jam in which a sheet-shaped information recording material is jammed in any of the conveyance paths has occurred in the past. Needless to say.

  The hardware activation processing execution function is a function for sequentially executing hardware activation processing including recognition processing, operation check, and the like for all the hardware mounted on the MFP 1 main body.

  The hardware activation process completion determination function is a function for determining whether the activation processes of all the hardware mounted on the MFP 1 main body have been completed.

  The menu screen display control function is a menu screen set as a default when it is determined by the hardware activation process completion determination function that the activation processes of all the hardware mounted on the MFP 1 have been completed. This function reads data from the template file storage memory 1t and displays the read menu screen on the display screen of the panel unit 1b.

  The display time setting request determination function determines whether a ready screen display time data output from the panel unit 1b and a display time setting request for setting the display time of the ready screen are received from the operator. This is a function for determining whether there is a display time setting request for setting the display time of the screen.

  The display time setting function is a ready screen stored in the template file storage memory 1t when it is determined by the display time setting request determination function that there is a display time setting request for setting the display time of the ready screen from the operator. This function sets display time data for each template file.

  The packet data transfer function is a function for outputting data included in a packet received from the interface unit 1c to the image generation unit 1u.

  The bitmap data transfer function is a function for outputting the bitmap data received from the image generation unit 1u to the printer engine unit 1v.

  The data copy function receives the print job list data output from the printer engine unit 1v, and generates a copy of data related to the MAC address, file name, print job ID, paper size, and capacity in the received print job list. It is a function.

  The initial data writing function is a function for writing a copy of data relating to the MAC address, file name, print job ID, paper size, and capacity generated by the above-described data copy function to the print job history data storage memory 1s.

  The scheduled execution job data writing function includes the received bitmap data and the data attached to the bitmap data, which is the origin of the copy generation by the data copy function, in other words, the MAC address, the file name, This is a function for writing a set of print job ID, paper size, and capacity data with the master into the scheduled job storage buffer 1r.

  The timer function is a function for measuring time continuously.

  The toner remaining amount writing function receives a set of toner remaining amount and toner sensor ID for each YMCK output from the toner remaining amount detecting units 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, and 1dK, and receives the remaining amount of toner and toner sensor ID. The received time data is added to the set as the detection time data, and the set of the remaining toner amount, the toner sensor ID, and the detection time data is written in the remaining toner storage memory 1i.

  The printed sheet number writing function receives a set of the counted number of printed sheets and the counter identification ID output from the sheet feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn, and receives the set of the counted number of printed sheets and the counter identification ID. This is a function of adding the counted time data as detection time data and writing a set of the counted number of printed sheets, the counter identification ID, and the detected time data in the number-of-sheets printed sheet number storage memory 1k.

  The paper remaining amount writing function receives a set of the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount sensor ID for each detected paper feed stage output from the paper remaining level detection units 1e1 to 1en for each paper feed stage, and detects the detected paper feed. The received time data is added as detection time data to the set of the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount sensor ID for each stage, and the remaining amount of remaining paper and the remaining amount sensor ID for each detected paper feed stage This is a function for writing a set with the data of the detection time into the remaining paper amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage.

  The first print job history update function stores the print job execution start time data in the print job history data storage when a print job start notification indicating that the print job processing has started is received from the printer engine unit 1v. This is a function for updating the data by overwriting the initial data of the print job stored in the memory 1s.

  When the second print job history update function receives a print job end notification indicating that the processing of the print job has been completed from the printer engine unit 1v, the print job history data storage memory stores the print job end time data. This is a function for overwriting the print job data stored in 1 s and updating the data.

  The job acceptance determination function refers to the print job data scheduled to be executed stored in the execution schedule job storage buffer 1r, and the total capacity of the print job data to be executed is less than the capacity of the execution job storage buffer 1r. This is a function for determining whether or not a print job can be accepted depending on whether the print job is accepted.

  The execution scheduled job presence / absence determination function stores the data of the scheduled execution job stored in the execution scheduled job storage buffer 1r when it is determined that the print job can be received by the above-described job acceptance determination function. This is a function for determining whether there is a print job to be executed next.

  The job execution processing command output function is a print job to be executed next, which is stored in the execution scheduled job storage buffer 1r when it is determined that the job cannot be received by the job acceptance determination function. This is a function for outputting a print job execution instruction to the image generation unit 1u.

  The execution job related data read function reads the MAC address data and file related to the next execution job to be executed when it is determined by the execution execution job existence determination function that the next execution job is scheduled to be executed. This is a function for reading name data from the scheduled job storage buffer 1r.

  The first occupant name reading function occupies data relating to the name of the individual who occupies the terminal device corresponding to the MAC address data read from the execution scheduled job storage buffer 1r by the execution job related data reading function described above. This is a function of reading from the person data storage memory 1n.

  The first ready screen display control function reads from the template file storage memory 1t the ready screen template file whose information regarding the presence or absence of the scheduled print job is “scheduled job is present”, and then print job history data described above. The data of the file name to be printed read from the storage memory 1s, the data about the name of the individual who occupies the terminal device read from the occupant data storage memory 1n, and the information about the presence or absence of the print job to be executed The ready screen template file is combined with the template file data and the ready screen including the data of the file name to be printed and the name of the individual who occupies the terminal device is displayed for a preset display time. This is a function to display only on the display screen 1b1.

  The executed print job presence / absence determination function is the executed print stored in the print job history data storage memory 1s when it is determined by the above-described execution scheduled job presence / absence determination function that there is no print job scheduled to be executed next. This is a function for determining whether there is data of a print job executed before the current time by referring to the job execution end time data.

  The executed job-related data read function is configured such that, when the executed print job presence / absence determining function described above determines that the data of the executed print job exists, the MAC address and the paper size corresponding to the executed print job described above Is read from the print job history data storage memory 1s.

  The second occupant name reading function is a function of reading data relating to the name of the individual who occupies the terminal device corresponding to the MAC address read from the print job history data storage memory 1s from the occupant data storage memory 1n.

  The discharge tray data reading function reads the discharge tray data corresponding to the paper size data read from the print job history data storage memory 1s by the executed job related data read function described above from the discharge tray data storage memory 1o. It is a function.

  The second ready screen display control function reads from the template file storage memory 1t the ready screen template file whose information on the presence or absence of an executed print job is “executed job present”, and then occupant data storage memory 1n. Data relating to the name of the person who occupies the terminal device corresponding to the MAC address read from the data, information on the discharge tray corresponding to the paper size read from the print job history data storage memory 1s, and information relating to the presence or absence of an executed print job The ready file that contains the data of the name of the individual who occupies the terminal device corresponding to the MAC address and the data of the discharge tray from which the document has been discharged is synthesized by combining the template file data of the ready screen with “executed job” The screen is for a preset display time Is a function to be displayed on the display screen 1b1.

  The default display screen specifying function is information regarding the presence / absence of setting of the default display screen stored in the template file storage memory 1t when it is determined by the above-described executed job presence / absence determination function that there is no data of the executed print job. This is a function for specifying a ready screen whose information on whether or not a default display screen is set is “default setting exists”.

  In the third ready screen display control function, when the ready screen including the remaining amount of toner is specified as the default display screen specified by the above-described default display screen specifying function, information on the presence or absence of a print job to be executed is “ "No job scheduled to be executed", information on whether there is an executed print job is "No job already executed", and information on whether there is a default display screen setting is set to "With default setting" After the ready screen template file including the remaining toner amount is read from the template file storage memory 1t, the remaining toner amount data is read from the remaining toner amount storage memory 1i, and the read remaining toner amount data is read. By combining the template file data, the ready screen including the remaining amount of toner is displayed in advance. It is only the function to be displayed on the display screen 1b1 between the constant has been displayed time.

  In the fourth ready screen display control function, a ready screen including the paper size for each paper feed stage and the number of printed sheets for each paper feed stage is specified as the default display screen specified by the above-described default display screen specifying function. If there is a print job that is scheduled to be executed, the information about whether or not there is a job to be executed is "No job to be executed", the information about the print job that has been executed is "No job that has been executed", and the default display screen is set. After reading from the template file storage memory 1t the template file of the ready screen including the paper size for each paper feed stage and the number of printed sheets for each paper feed stage, each of which is set to “with default setting”. The number of printed sheets related to all the counter identification IDs, in other words, the number of printed sheets for each sheet feed stage is stored in the memory for storing the number of printed sheets for each sheet feed stage. After reading from 1k, data of counter identification IDs assigned to the paper feed stage counters 1f1 to 1fn installed in advance for each paper feed stage, in other words, data of each paper feed stage, and for each paper feed stage The data relating to the set paper size is read from the paper feed stage data storage memory 1q, and the read data for the number of printed sheets for each paper feed stage, the data relating to the paper size set for each paper feed stage, and the read Combining the ready screen template file data, the ready screen containing the paper size set for each paper feed stage and the number of prints for each paper feed stage is started, and the next scheduled print job is started. This is a function for displaying on the display screen 1b1 only for a preset display time.

  In the fifth ready screen display control function, a ready screen including the paper size for each paper feed stage and the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed stage is specified as the default display screen specified by the above-described default display screen specifying function. If there is a job to be executed, the information about whether there is a print job to be executed is "No job to be executed", the information about the executed print job is "No job to be executed", and the default display screen The template file of the ready screen including the paper size for each paper feed stage and the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed stage, each of which is set to “default setting” as the information regarding the presence / absence of the setting, is the template file storage memory 1t. Is read from the paper remaining amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage, and then, the paper feed previously set for each paper feed stage is read. Data of counter identification IDs assigned to the other counters 1f1 to 1fn, in other words, data of each paper feed stage and data relating to the paper size set for each paper feed stage is read from the paper feed stage data storage memory 1q. The paper remaining amount data for each paper feed stage, the paper size data set for each paper feed stage, and the read ready screen template file data are combined for each paper feed stage. A ready screen including the size of the paper and the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed stage is displayed on the display screen 1b1 only for a preset display time until the start of execution of the next scheduled print job. It is a function.

  The sixth ready screen display control function is a ready screen including the paper size for each paper feed stage, the paper type for each paper feed stage, and the remaining amount of paper as the default display screen specified by the default display screen specifying function. Is specified, the information related to the presence or absence of the print job scheduled to be executed is "No job to be executed", the information related to the executed print job is "No job executed", and the default A ready screen template file including the paper type for each paper feed stage and the remaining amount of paper is read from the template file storage memory 1t. After that, the paper remaining amount data for each paper feed stage is read from the paper remaining level storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage, and further, a paper feed stage counter installed in advance for each paper feed stage. The counter identification ID data assigned to f1 to 1fn, in other words, the data for each paper feed stage and the data relating to the paper size set for each paper feed stage are read from the paper feed stage data storage memory 1q. After that, the paper type information corresponding to each paper feed stage is read from the paper type data storage memory 1p, and the remaining paper amount data for each paper feed stage and the paper size for each read paper feed stage are read. The data, the data of the paper type for each paper feed stage, and the data of the read template file of the ready screen are combined, and the paper size for each paper feed stage, the paper type for each paper feed stage, and the paper type This is a function for displaying the ready screen including the remaining amount on the display screen 1b1 only for a preset display time until the start of execution of the next scheduled print job.

  Note that the control unit 1w according to the present embodiment uses the aforementioned execution scheduled job presence / absence determination function to refer to the data in the execution scheduled job storage buffer 1r in which the print job list including the print job scheduled to be executed is stored. After executing the function, a function for executing processing for referring to the print job history data storage memory 1s in which history information relating to already executed print jobs is stored, and as a result of the reference, the print job scheduled to be executed and the executed job are executed. If there is both a function for determining whether a print job exists, and a print job to be executed and a print job that has been executed as a result of the determination, information related to the executed print job, specifically, Relevant data for each executed print job, in other words, the name of the individual who occupies the terminal device that sent the print job execution request And a function for selectively displaying on the display screen 1b1 of the panel section 1b a ready screen including data on the executed print job and data of a discharge tray on which a printed document is discharged. Needless to say, it is good.

  Further, in the multi function device 1 according to the present embodiment, the IP address storage memory 1g, the display item setting storage memory 1h, the remaining toner storage memory 1i, the paper remaining amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage, and the paper feed stage Separate print number storage memory 1k, firmware data storage memory 11, program storage memory 1m, occupant data storage memory 1n, discharge tray data storage memory 1o, paper type data storage memory 1p, and paper feed stage data storage The memory 1q, the scheduled job storage buffer 1r, the print job history data storage memory 1s, and the template file storage memory 1t are physically provided separately. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the IP address storage memory 1g, a display item setting storage memory 1h, a toner remaining amount storage memory 1i, a paper remaining amount storage memory 1j for each paper feed stage, Number of printed sheet storage memories 1k, firmware data storage memory 1l, program storage memory 1m, occupant data storage memory 1n, discharge tray data storage memory 1o, paper type data storage memory 1p, paper feed stage The data storage memory 1q, the scheduled job storage buffer 1r, the print job history data storage memory 1s, and the template file storage memory 1t are divided into a plurality of areas such as the same semiconductor memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Needless to say, it can be provided.

  Next, execution processing executed by the multi-function device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of execution processing executed by the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the effects obtained by the execution process executed by the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  In the following description regarding the execution process of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator selects the start-up process of the multifunction device 1 selected on the menu screen (not shown) by the operation of the panel unit 1b. It is assumed that data relating to a display item desired to be displayed is stored in advance in the display item setting storage memory (setting information storage means) 1h.

  Further, in the following description regarding the execution processing of the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment, data on the remaining amount of recording paper immediately before the power is switched to the previous power-off state is stored in the paper remaining level storage memory 1j. It is assumed that

  Furthermore, in the following description regarding the execution processing of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that data regarding firmware installed in the multifunction device 1 is stored in the firmware data storage memory 11.

  Further, in the following description regarding the execution process of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the description is limited to the point of the invention, and from the viewpoint of simplifying the description, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment is executed. Of all the execution processes, only the execution process related to the startup process executed when the power switch 1a is turned on by an operator's operation will be described.

  First, the control unit 1w determines whether the electronic switch is turned on by the operation of the operator, in other words, whether the power is turned on, depending on whether the power-on signal output from the electronic switch is detected. (ST1).

  When it is determined in step ST1 that the electronic switch has been turned on by the operator's operation (ST1: Yes), the control unit 1w executes the activation process of the interface unit 1c (ST2: activation process). Execution means).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST1 that the electronic switch is not turned on by the operator's operation (ST1: No), the control unit 1w turns on the electronic switch by the operator's operation. The determination process regarding whether the state has been switched is repeated.

  In step ST3, the control unit 1w controls the interface unit 1c to access a DHCP server device (not shown) provided outside in accordance with a well-known DHCP-compliant procedure.

  In step ST4, the control unit 1w receives the IP address assigned to the MFP 1 main body from the interface unit 1c for a certain period by the accessed DHCP server device, and receives the received IP address data in the IP address storage memory 1g. Remember.

  In step ST5, the control unit 1w sequentially reads all the programs installed in the MFP 1 main body from the program storage memory 1m.

  In step ST6, the control unit 1w checks the operation inside each program module included in the read program, changes the local variables and global variables set in each program module to the initial setting values, and the initial setting values of the arguments. A software activation process including a change to the process is executed (activation process execution means).

  In step ST7, the control unit 1w determines whether the software activation process has been completed for all the read programs.

  When it is determined that the software activation process has been completed for all the programs read in the above-described step ST7 (ST7: Yes), the control unit 1w stores the display item data set by the operator in the display item setting storage. Reading from the memory 1h (setting information reading means), the type of data of the read display item is determined (ST8).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the software activation process has not been completed for all the programs read in step ST7 described above (ST7: No), the control unit 1w completes the software activation process for the remaining software. Until the software is started.

  When the control unit 1w determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory in the above-described step ST8 is “IP address” (ST8: Case 1), the data of the IP address is stored in the IP address storage memory 1g. Is read from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read status display screen template file data and the IP address data are combined to include the IP address data. Status screen data is generated (ST9).

  In step ST10, the control unit 1w displays a status display screen including data of the generated IP address on the display screen of the panel unit 1b.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  On the status display screen, a message indicating that the IP address assigned to the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment by the DHCP server device is “xxxx.xxxx.xxxx.xxxx”, and a message indicating the name of the manufacturer And a message indicating that the activation process of the multifunction device 1 is being executed, and a message indicating the progress of the activation process of the multifunction device 1.

  The status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the multi-function device 1 immediately after the power is changed to the off state last time. Information on the remaining amount of toner remaining in the toner container, information on the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the toner container provided in the multi-function device 1 immediately after the power supply is changed to the off state, and Needless to say, at least one of the pieces of information regarding the firmware installed in the multifunction device 1 may be further included.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 1w determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory in the above-described step ST8 is “remaining toner amount” (ST8: Case 2), the remaining toner storage memory 1i. After the toner remaining amount data is read from the template file storage memory 1t, the status display screen template file data is read, and the read status display screen template file data and the toner remaining amount data are combined. Then, status screen data including toner remaining amount data is generated (ST11).

  In step ST12, the control unit 1w displays a status display screen including the generated toner remaining amount data on the display screen of the panel unit 1b.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  This status display screen includes a message indicating information on the remaining amount of toner for each YMCK remaining in the toner container provided in the multi-function device 1 immediately after the power is changed to the off state last time, and the manufacturer's A message indicating the name, a message indicating that the activation process of the MFP 1 is being executed, and a message indicating the progress of the activation process of the MFP 1 are included.

  Note that the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes information on the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 by the DHCP server device, and the previous power is turned off. At least one of information relating to the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the paper tray provided in the MFP 1 and information relating to firmware installed in the MFP 1 immediately after the change to the state of It goes without saying that information may be further included.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 1w determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory in the above-described step ST8 is “recording paper remaining amount” (ST8: Case 3), the remaining recording paper amount Is read out from the remaining storage memory for each paper feed stage, the template file data on the status display screen is read from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read template file data on the status display screen and the remaining amount of recording paper The status screen data including the remaining recording paper data is generated (ST13).

  In step ST14, the control unit 1w displays a status display screen including data on the generated remaining amount of recording paper on the display screen of the panel unit 1b.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  On this status display screen, a message indicating information on the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the paper tray provided in the multi-function peripheral 1 immediately after the previous power-off state is changed, and the name of the manufacturer are displayed. A message indicating that the activation process of the MFP 1 is being executed, and a message indicating the progress of the activation process of the MFP 1.

  Note that the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes information on the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 by the DHCP server device, and the previous power is turned off. At least one of information relating to the remaining amount of recording paper remaining in the toner container provided in the multifunction peripheral 1 and information relating to firmware installed in the multifunction peripheral 1 immediately after the change to the state of It goes without saying that information may be further included.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 1w determines that the type of the display item read from the display item storage memory in the above-described step ST8 is “data relating to firmware version” (ST8: Case 4), the data relating to the firmware version Is read from the firmware data storage memory 1l, the template file data of the status display screen is read from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read status display screen template file data is combined with the firmware version data. Then, status screen data including data relating to the firmware version is generated (ST15).

  In step ST16, the control unit 1w displays a status display screen including data on the generated firmware version on the display screen of the panel unit 1b.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  This status display screen includes a message indicating information on the version of the firmware installed in the multifunction device 1 immediately after the power supply was previously turned off, a message indicating the name of the manufacturer, and the multifunction device. 1 includes a message indicating that the activation process 1 is being executed and a message indicating the progress of the activation process of the multifunction device 1.

  The status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes information on the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 by the DHCP server device and the previous power supply. It can be said that at least one of the information regarding the remaining amount of the recording paper remaining in the toner container provided in the multifunction device 1 immediately after the change to the off state may be further included. Not too long.

  The multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment may display a status display screen including jam information indicating that a jam in which a sheet-shaped information recording material is jammed in any of the conveyance paths has occurred in the past. Needless to say.

  In step ST17, the control unit 1w sequentially executes hardware activation processing including recognition processing, operation check, and the like for all hardware mounted on the multifunction device 1 main body (activation processing execution means).

  In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the execution processes in the process ST2, the process ST6, and the process ST17 correspond to the activation process execution unit.

  In step ST18, the control unit 1w determines whether the startup processing of all hardware mounted on the main body of the multifunction device 1 has been completed.

  If it is determined in step ST18 that the activation processing of all the hardware mounted on the main body of the multifunction device 1 has been completed (ST18: Yes), the control unit 1w stores the menu screen data set as default. Is read from the template file storage memory 1t, and the read menu screen is displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b (ST19).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST18 that the activation processing of all the hardware mounted on the main body of the multifunction device 1 has not been completed (ST18: No), the control unit 1w relates to the remaining hardware. The hardware startup process is executed until the hardware startup process is completed.

  Through the series of processes described above, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment ends the process being executed.

  As described above, according to the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, by displaying arbitrary setting information before completion of the activation process, the waiting time for the operator accompanying the activation process can be shortened. It is possible to reduce discomfort given to the operator.

  Further, according to the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator knows information about the IP address during the start-up process of the multifunction device 1 main body by waiting for a while after turning on the power switch 1a. Therefore, by using a terminal device such as a personal computer occupied by the operator, it becomes possible to set the output port before the start-up process of the main body of the multifunction device 1 is completed.

  Furthermore, according to the multi function device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator waits for a while after turning on the power switch 1a, so that the multi function information is displayed from among a plurality of information displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b. Information such as information on the remaining amount of toner that is physically difficult to acquire during execution of the startup process of the main body of the machine 1, information on firmware, and the like is selected by a selection operation on the display screen of the operator's own panel unit 1b. It is possible to improve usability.

  Further, according to the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator can effectively use the activation time required for the activation process of the multifunction device 1, and the labor of the operator can be reduced.

  The program according to the above embodiment may be realized by an application program, an emulator, an OS, a browser, middleware, or the like installed in a computer.

  Note that the methods described in the above-described embodiments are magnetic disks (floppy (registered trademark) disks, hard disk drives, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROM, DVD, BD (Blu- ray Disk) -ROM (Read Only Memory), BD (Blu-ray Disk) -R (Recordable), BD (Blu-ray Disk) -RE (Rewritable), HD (High Definition) DVD-ROM, HD DVD-R, HD DVD-RW, HD DVD-RAM, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO), semiconductor memory, holographic memory, etc. Can be provided.

  Further, as a method for providing the image forming program of the present invention, for example, a method of distributing the image forming program to a user in a state where the image forming program is recorded on a recording medium, or a method of transmitting to a computer owned by the user via a communication network such as the Internet. In addition, there are a technique for installing the transmitted program in a computer, a technique for providing the program using radio, and the like. Needless to say, the technique for providing the image forming program according to the present embodiment may be a so-called ASP (Application Service Provider) technique.

  In addition, the image forming program according to the above embodiment is a general high-level language such as C language, Delphi, XTL, Perl (Practical Extraction and Report Language), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), or object-oriented language (C +). +, JAVA, C #, JAVA2, Small Talk) may be used.

  Further, as the recording medium in the present invention, any recording format can be used as long as it can record a program and can be read by a computer. For example, a magnetic tape, a microfilm, a semiconductor flash memory, Floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM, CD-R / RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R / -RW, DVD + R / + RW, MO, holographic memory, BD-ROM, BD- R, BD-RE, HD (High Definition) DVD-ROM, HD DVD-R, HD DVD-RW, HD DVD-RAM, and the like may be used.

  Furthermore, the recording medium of the present invention is not limited to a medium independent of a computer, and may be a medium that is stored or temporarily stored via a communication network such as a LAN, a WAN, an intranet, and the Internet.

  In the present invention, it is needless to say that the type and number of recording media are not necessarily one, and may be composed of a plurality of recording media having the same form or different forms.

The present invention also includes a data structure, a machining program, and various hardware on which the machining program functions, which are indispensable for configuring a program that implements the functions described above.

  Note that the processing program includes general high-level languages such as C language, Delphi, XTL, Perl (Practical Extraction and Report Language), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), and object-oriented languages (C ++, JAVA, C). (#, JAVA2, Small Talk) or the like may be used.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention in the implementation stage. Further, the above embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be generated by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, when an invention is generated by omitting some requirements from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the omitted portion is supplemented with a well-known common technique in the stage of implementing the generated invention. It is.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a multifunction machine 1 to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine 1 to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of execution processing executed by the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an effect obtained by an execution process executed by the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the invention is applied. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a status display screen displayed on a display screen of a panel unit 1b included in a multifunction machine 1 to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a status display screen displayed on the display screen of the panel unit 1b of the multifunction machine 1 to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 1a ... Power switch, 1b ... Panel part, 1c ... Interface part, 1dY, 1dM, 1dC, 1dK ... Toner remaining amount detecting part, 1e1-1en ... Paper remaining amount detecting part by sheet feed stage, 1f1-1fn ... Paper feed stage counter and 1g ... IP address storage memory, 1h ... Display item setting storage memory, 1i ... Toner remaining amount storage memory, 1j ... Paper remaining paper storage memory, 1k ... Number of prints per paper feed stage Storage memory, 1l ... firmware data storage memory, 1m ... program storage memory, 1n ... occupant data storage memory, 1o ... discharge tray data storage memory, 1p ... paper type data storage memory, 1q ... paper feed stage data storage memory, 1r ... execution scheduled job storage buffer, 1s ... print job history data storage memory, 1t ... template file storage memory, 1u ... image raw Department, 1v ... printer engine part, 1w ... control unit

Claims (14)

Display means;
A power switch capable of switching an on / off state of the image forming apparatus main body by an operator's operation;
Setting information storage means for storing arbitrary setting information;
An activation process executing means for executing an activation process of the image forming apparatus main body when a power switch of the image forming apparatus main body is switched to an on state;
Setting information reading means for reading the setting information from the setting information storage means during execution of the starting process executed by the starting process execution means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to display a status display screen including setting information read by the setting information reading unit on the display unit before completion of the activation process by the activation process execution unit. The setting information includes
Including an IP address assigned to the image forming apparatus main body,
The display control means includes
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a status display screen including the IP address is displayed on the display unit before completion of the activation process by the activation process execution unit. The setting information includes
Contains information about installed firmware,
The display control means includes
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a status display screen including information relating to the firmware is displayed on the display unit before completion of the activation process by the activation process execution unit. The setting information includes
Including the remaining amount of toner provided in the image forming apparatus main body,
The display control means includes
The status display screen including the remaining amount of toner is displayed on the display unit before the start-up process by the start-up process executing unit is completed. Image forming apparatus. The setting information includes
Including the remaining amount of information recording material provided in the image forming apparatus body,
The display control means includes
The status display screen including the remaining amount of the information recording material is displayed on the display unit before the start-up process by the start-up process execution unit is completed. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The display information setting means for setting setting information included in a status display screen to be displayed on the display means by an operator's operation is further provided. Image forming apparatus. The display control unit displays a status display screen including the setting information read by the setting information reading unit during execution of the startup process executed by the startup process execution unit, and the image forming apparatus main body 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the initialization process of all software installed on the computer is completed, the image is displayed on the display unit. 8. An image forming program installed in an image forming apparatus having a power switch and a display means,
In the computer of the image forming apparatus,
An activation process execution function for executing an activation process of the image forming apparatus main body when the power switch of the image forming apparatus main body is switched to an on state;
A setting information reading function for reading the setting information from the setting information storage unit in which arbitrary setting information is stored during execution of the starting process executed by the starting process execution function;
An image forming program for realizing a display control function for displaying a status display screen including setting information read out by the setting information reading function on the display means before completion of a starting process by the starting process execution function. The setting information includes
Including an IP address assigned to the image forming apparatus main body,
The display control function is:
The image forming program according to claim 8, wherein a status display screen including the IP address is displayed on the display unit before completion of the activation process by the activation process execution function. The setting information includes
Contains information about installed firmware,
The display control function is:
10. The image forming program according to claim 8, wherein a status display screen including information on the firmware is displayed on the display unit before completion of the activation process by the activation process execution function. The setting information includes
Including the remaining amount of toner provided in the image forming apparatus main body,
The display control function is:
The status display screen including the remaining amount of toner is displayed on the display unit before the start-up process by the start-up process execution function is completed. Image forming program. The setting information includes
Including the remaining amount of information recording material provided in the image forming apparatus body,
The display control function is:
The status display screen including the remaining amount of the information recording material is displayed on the display unit before the start-up process by the start-up process execution function is completed. The image forming program described in 1. The image forming program according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein setting information included in a status display screen to be displayed on the display unit can be set by an operator's operation. The display control function displays a status display screen including the setting information read by the setting information reading function during execution of the startup process executed by the startup process execution function, and the image forming apparatus main body The image forming program according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the image forming program is displayed on the display unit after completion of initialization processing of all software installed on the computer.

Images