JP2012256060A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that provides paper feed tray information about a paper feed tray used for execution of a job, job execution time, or number-of-sheets information.SOLUTION: On a job scheduling screen 71 displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus that forms images on the basis of a plurality of jobs, paper feed tray information is displayed on a vertical axis display 71B, and job execution time or information about the number of sheets used is displayed on a lateral axis display 71C.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

In recent years, in the field where image forming work is performed, image forming work is performed by using various kinds of papers having different specifications such as paper types or sizes by an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed trays.
A user in the field of such an image forming operation performs various adjustments of the image forming apparatus, paper supply, and the like. In order to perform the image forming operation smoothly, the user knows what paper feed tray is used in the job before executing the job, and adjusts the paper feed tray or replenishes paper in advance. is necessary.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing system has been disclosed in which a schedule for each job is displayed on a display unit for the convenience of a user such as paper supply work (see Patent Document 1). In the example of Patent Document 1, the types of paper are arranged along the vertical axis on the screen of the display unit, the operation time / the number of used sheets are taken along the horizontal axis, and the schedule display on the graph is performed.

JP 2004-348713 A

In the field where image forming work is performed, a job with a large number of sheets to be used (large capacity job) may be executed. In this case, since the number of sheets stored in one sheet feeding tray is not enough, sheets stored in a plurality of sheet feeding trays are used. At this time, the paper feed tray used for the job is automatically switched.
When such a large-capacity job is executed, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 displays information (switching information) about which paper feed tray runs out of paper and at which timing paper is switched to. Can not. That is, with the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user cannot know the switching information before executing the job.
In addition, in order to operate the image forming apparatus stably, no adjustment is performed so that automatic switching is not performed for an unadjusted paper feed tray or the like for front / back adjustment (adjustment of image forming positions on the front and back sides of the paper). In some cases, it may be desirable to disable automatic switching for a paper feed tray. However, with the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to disable automatic switching because switching information cannot be displayed.
In addition, in order to operate the image forming apparatus stably, there is a case where it is desired to change the priority of automatic switching for a paper feed tray with a small remaining amount of paper among a plurality of paper feed trays. However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since switching information cannot be displayed, it is difficult to change the priority of switching.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of knowing paper feed tray information, job execution time or paper number information of a paper feed tray used for job execution.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on a plurality of jobs,
A display unit for displaying the plurality of jobs;
The paper feed tray information arranged along one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the display screen of the display unit, the job execution time arranged along the other axis, or the number of sheets used are displayed. A control unit for controlling
It is characterized by having.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The control unit controls the paper tray information to be arranged on the vertical axis of the display screen of the display unit, and the job execution time or the number of sheets to be used is arranged on the horizontal axis.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect,
The horizontal axis of the display screen of the display unit is a job execution time.

  According to the present invention, the user can know the paper feed tray information, job execution time, or paper number information of the paper feed tray used for executing the job.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an ATS setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an ATS setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the automatic selection setting screen and the priority setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the automatic selection setting screen and the priority setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a job scheduling screen. (A) is a figure showing an example of a display of a horizontal bar when ATS setting is not carried out. (B) is a diagram showing an example of a horizontal bar display when ATS is set and ATS is possible. (C) is a figure which showed an example of the display of a horizontal bar when ATS setting is carried out and ATS is impossible. It is a figure which shows an example of a job scheduling screen. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a display process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a display process.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 reads an image from a document, forms an image of the read image on a sheet P, page data including image data from an external device or the like, image forming conditions of each image data, and the like. The main body 1a that receives job information including the setting information and forms an image on the paper P based on the received job information, and the post-processing unit 50 that performs post-processing on the paper on which the image is formed It is a digital multi-function machine equipped with the above. The main body 1a includes an image reading unit 20, an operation display unit 30, a printing unit 40, and the like.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder 21 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a reading unit 22, and has a function of reading images of a plurality of documents based on setting information received by the operation display unit 30. Is realized. The document d placed on the document tray T1 of the automatic document feeder 21 is conveyed to a contact glass as a reading location, and an image on one or both sides of the document d is read by an optical system, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 22a. As a result, the image of the document d is read. Here, the image means not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  Image data (analog image signal) of an image read by the image reading unit 20 is output to a reading processing unit 140 of an image control board described later, and A / D converted and various image processings are performed in the reading processing unit 140. Thereafter, the data is output to the print unit 40.

  The operation display unit 30 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 31, a touch panel 32 provided to cover the LCD 31, and other operation key groups (not shown). The operation display unit 30 receives an instruction from the user and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 110. In addition, various setting screens for inputting various operation instructions and setting information, various processing results, and the like are displayed according to a display signal input from the control unit 110.

  The LCD 31 functions as a display unit that displays an operation screen having a plurality of buttons indicating various operation instructions, and outputs an operation signal indicating an instruction received by each screen to the control unit 110 described later.

  The touch panel 32 accepts a button selection instruction on the operation screen based on a press signal on the operation screen.

  The print unit 40 performs electrophotographic image forming processing based on input print data, and includes a stacking unit 41, a paper transport unit 42, an image forming unit 43, and a carry-out unit 44. .

The stacking unit 41 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 411a, 411b, and 411c, a paper feed unit 41b, a manual feed tray T2, and the like. In FIG. 1, three sheet feeding trays 411 a, 411 b, and 411 c are provided as a plurality of sheet feeding trays. However, three or more sheet feeding trays (not shown) may be provided. Each paper feed tray stores paper P identified in advance for each paper type for each paper feed tray, and transports the paper P from the top to the paper transport unit 42 one by one by the paper feed means 41b. To do.
The manual feed tray T2 can stack various types of paper P according to the user's needs, and transports the paper P stacked by the paper feed rollers one by one from the top toward the paper transport unit 42. .

  The paper transport unit 42 transports the paper P transported from each paper feed tray or manual feed tray T2 to the transfer device 43a via a plurality of intermediate rollers, registration rollers 42a, and the like. Further, the sheet conveying unit 42 conveys the sheet P on which the single-sided image formation processing has been performed to the duplex conveying path by the conveying path switching plate, and again conveys the sheet P to the transfer device 43a via the intermediate roller and the registration roller 42a.

  The image forming unit 43 includes an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device 43a, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser output unit that outputs laser light based on image data, and a polygon mirror that scans the laser light in the main scanning direction. A cleaning unit and a fixing device 43b are provided and have a function of forming an image on a sheet based on job information. Specifically, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a photosensitive drum charged by a charging device with laser light using an exposure device. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image by attaching charged toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device is transferred to the paper P by the transfer device 43a. Further, after the toner image is transferred to the paper P, residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum is removed by the cleaning unit.

  The fixing device 43b thermally fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P conveyed by the paper conveyance unit 42. The fixed sheet P is sandwiched between the discharge rollers of the carry-out unit 44 and conveyed from the carry-out port to the post-processing unit 50.

  The post-processing unit 50 performs a sorting unit that performs sorting processing of the image-formed sheets P, a folding unit that performs folding processing, a punch unit that performs punching processing, and a stapling process that binds a bundle of sheets P at a set binding position. Various post-processing units such as a staple unit, a paper sheet T on which an image is formed by the main body 1a, and a paper discharge tray T3 on which paper P subjected to various post-processing are discharged and stacked are provided.

FIG. 2 shows a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 1a, a printer controller 1b, and a post-processing unit 50 connected to the main body 1a. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the PC 2 on the network 3 through a LANIF (Local Area Network InterFace) 14 as a receiving unit of the printer controller 1b so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other.

  The main body unit 1a includes an image reading unit 20, an operation display unit 30, a printing unit 40, and an image control board 100. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as each part demonstrated in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The image control board 100 includes a switching unit, a control unit 110 as a control unit, a nonvolatile memory 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a reading processing unit 140, a compression IC 150, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 160, and an image memory 170. The decompression IC 180 and the write processing unit 190.

  The control unit 110 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, reads a system program stored in the non-volatile memory 120 and a specified program from various application programs, expands the RAM 130, and expands the RAM 130. Various processes are executed in cooperation with the program, and each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is centrally controlled.

Specifically, when image formation is performed based on a plurality of jobs, the control unit 110 displays, on the LCD 31, switching information indicating that the paper feed tray used for job execution is switched before the execution of the plurality of jobs. Display.
Here, the switching information includes sheet feeding tray information, job execution time or number of sheets to be used, information indicating the estimated remaining amount of sheets, information indicating the timing of switching, and information indicating the sheet feeding tray to be switched. .
The paper feed tray information is information displayed on the vertical axis display unit 71B described later. The job execution time or the information on the number of sheets to be used is information displayed on the horizontal axis display unit 71C described later. Information indicating the estimated remaining amount of paper is a display pattern displayed on horizontal bars 71E to 71M described later. Information indicating the switching timing is a line A described later. Information indicating the paper feed tray to be switched is an ATS display unit 71O (or an ATS button icon 91A) described later.

Next, the operation of the control unit 110 when the remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray used for job execution runs out during job execution will be described. In this case, the control unit 110 stores paper of the same size as the paper stored in the paper supply tray that has run out of remaining paper according to the priority for switching the paper supply tray used for job execution. Automatically switches the paper tray to the paper tray used for job execution.
For example, when a job is being executed on a paper feed tray 1 (a paper feed tray of paper feed tray number information 1 to be described later; hereinafter, the name of the paper feed tray is a name corresponding to the paper feed tray number information), the paper feed tray Suppose that there is no remaining A4 paper stored in No. 1. Assume that the priority order of the paper feed tray 2 is high and A4 paper is stored. In this case, the control unit 110 switches the paper feed tray used for the job from the paper feed tray 1 to the paper feed tray 2.

  The nonvolatile memory 120 stores a display program according to the present embodiment.

  The RAM 130 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 110 and various data related to these programs.

  The reading processing unit 140 performs various processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the image reading control unit 200 of the image reading unit 20, and then generates digital image data. To do. The generated image data is output to the compression IC 150.

  The compression IC 150 performs compression processing on the input digital image data and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 160.

The DRAM control IC 160 controls the image data compression processing by the compression IC 150 and the decompression processing of the compressed image data by the decompression IC 180 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 170.
For example, when an instruction to store the image signal read by the image reading unit 20 is given, the compression processing of the image data input from the reading processing unit 140 is executed by the compression IC 150, and the compressed image data is compressed in the image memory 170. It is stored in the memory 171. When the print output of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 171 is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 171, decompressed by the decompression IC 180, and stored in the page memory 172. Further, when an instruction to print out the image data stored in the page memory 172 is issued, the image data is read from the page memory 172 and output to the writing processing unit 190.

  The image memory 170 includes a compression memory 171 and a page memory 172 configured from DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The compression memory 171 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 172 is a memory for temporarily storing image data (print data) for print output.

  The decompression IC 180 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data.

  The write processing unit 190 generates print data for image formation based on the image data input from the DRAM control IC 160 and outputs the print data to the print unit 40.

  The image reading unit 20 includes a CCD 22a, an image reading control unit 200, and other automatic document feeding unit 21 and reading unit 22 shown in FIG. The image reading control unit 200 controls the automatic document feeding unit 21, the reading unit 22, and the like to execute exposure scanning of the document surface, and performs photoelectric conversion on the reflected light of the light by the CCD 22a to read the image. The read analog image signal is output to the reading processing unit 140.

  The operation display unit 30 includes an LCD 31, a touch panel 32, an operation display control unit 300, and other operation key groups such as a numeric keypad. The operation display control unit 300 causes the LCD 31 to display various screens for inputting various setting conditions, various processing results, and the like in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 110. The operation display control unit 300 outputs operation signals input from various switches, buttons, numeric keys, operation key groups, the touch panel 32, and the like to the control unit 110.

  The print unit 40 includes various units related to print output, such as the image forming unit 43 shown in FIG. The print control unit 400 controls the operation of each unit of the print unit 40 such as the image forming unit 43 according to an instruction from the control unit 110, and forms an image on the paper P based on the print data input from the writing processing unit 190. In addition, an instruction signal for operating each part of the post-processing unit 50 according to an instruction from the control unit 110 is output to the post-processing control unit 500.

  The post-processing section 50 is provided with various post-processing units, transport means such as transport rollers for transporting the paper P to the various post-processing units, a paper discharge tray T3 for discharging the paper P transported from the various post-processing units, and the like. The various post-processing units are comprehensively controlled by the post-processing control unit 500. The post-processing control unit 500 transports the paper P to a predetermined post-processing unit along the transport path in response to a post-processing instruction signal input from the control unit 110 via the print control unit 400, and drives each unit. Control is performed so that the paper P is subjected to predetermined post-processing, and discharged to the paper discharge tray T3.

  Next, each part of the printer controller 1b will be described. The printer controller 1b manages and controls image data and jobs input from the PC 2 connected to the network 3 to the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer. Data is received, and the data is transmitted to the main unit 1a as image data or a job associated with the operation manual.

  The printer controller 1b includes a controller control unit 11, a DRAM control IC 12, an image memory 13, and a LANIF 14.

  The controller control unit 11 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the printer controller 1b, and transmits data input from the PC 2 as a job to the main body unit 1a via the LANIF 14.

  The DRAM control IC 12 controls storage of data received by the LANIF 14 in the image memory 13 and reading of data from the image memory 13. The DRAM control IC 12 is connected to the DRAM control IC 160 of the image control board 100 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and reads data to be printed from the image memory 13 in accordance with instructions from the controller control unit 11. Output to the control IC 160.

  The image memory 13 is composed of a DRAM and temporarily stores input output data.

  The LANIF 14 is a communication interface for connecting to a network 3 such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a LAN such as a modem, and receives data from the PC 2. The received data is output to the DRAM control IC 12.

  Next, an example of the ATS setting screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. ATS is to automatically switch the paper feed tray used for job execution. A display screen 31A shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a screen displayed on the LCD 31 when ATS setting is performed. When the user presses the ATS permission setting button 31B on the display screen 31A, a display screen 41A shown in FIG. The display screen 41A is a screen for setting whether to execute ATS setting. When the user presses the ON button 41B and further presses the OK button 41D, ATS is set. When the OFF button 41C is pressed, ATS is not set.

  Next, an example of a paper feed tray automatic selection setting screen and priority setting screen used for job execution will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The display screen shown in FIG. 5 is the same display screen 31A as FIG. When the user depresses the paper feed tray automatic selection button 31C on the display screen 31A, a display screen 61A shown in FIG. The display screen 61A displays an automatic selection presence / absence setting unit 61B and a tray priority order setting unit 61C. The automatic selection presence / absence setting unit 61B is a setting unit for automatically selecting and setting a paper feed tray used for job execution from a plurality of paper feed trays. The tray priority order setting unit 61C is a setting unit for setting the priority order.

  For example, when the tray 1 button 61D, the tray 2 button 61E, and the tray 3 button 61F are pressed in the automatic selection presence / absence setting unit 61B, the paper feed tray 1, the paper feed tray 2, and the paper feed tray 3 are automatically selected. Set to the paper tray to be used. In the tray priority order setting unit 61C, the priority order of the paper feed trays (tray 1, tray 2, tray 3) set by the automatic selection presence / absence setting unit 61B is set by pressing the upper button 61G and the lower button 61H. Is done. For example, when the user wants to increase the priority order of the tray 3, the priority order of the tray 3 can be set higher by pressing the tray 3 button 61K and pressing the upper button 61G.

  Next, an example of a job scheduling screen 71A displayed on the LCD 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The job scheduling screen 71 is a screen displayed on the LCD 31 before executing a job in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110 after ATS setting, automatic selection setting, and priority setting are executed. The job scheduling screen 71 displays a job schedule table 71A indicating a job execution schedule. The job schedule table 71A includes a vertical axis display unit 71B, a horizontal axis display unit 71C, a vertical line 71D, horizontal bars 71E to 71M, and a switching state display unit 71N.

  The vertical axis display unit 71B displays information on a plurality of paper feed trays. The paper feed tray information refers to, for example, paper feed tray number information for identifying a paper feed tray, paper size information, paper type information, and paper remaining amount information. For example, the paper feed tray display section 711 of the vertical axis display section 71B has the paper feed tray number information “1”, the paper size information “A4”, the paper type information “plain paper”, the current paper remaining amount information (remaining information) (Applicable to the quantity display portion 712).

  The horizontal axis display unit 71C indicates the number information of sheets used for the job. The vertical line 71D is a line displayed for each job break.

  The horizontal bars 71E to 71M are bars representing information indicating the estimated remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray used for job execution. The information indicating the estimated remaining amount of paper refers to a display pattern indicating the level of the estimated remaining amount of paper. Specifically, the display patterns of the horizontal bars 71E to 71M change according to the level of the estimated remaining amount of paper. For example, the horizontal bar 71E is displayed with the same pattern (diagonal line). This display pattern indicates that the estimated remaining amount of sheets stored in the sheet feed tray 1 is sufficiently high (there is an estimated remaining amount of sheets). On the other hand, for example, the horizontal bar 71G has three types of patterns. This display pattern indicates that the estimated remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray 2 gradually decreases as the job is executed. For example, the pattern on the left indicates that the estimated remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray 2 is sufficiently large (there is an estimated remaining amount of paper). The middle pattern indicates that the estimated remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray 2 is at a level (the estimated remaining amount of paper is small) as the job is executed. The pattern on the right indicates that the estimated remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray 2 disappears (no estimated remaining amount of paper) as the job is executed.

  The switching state display unit 71N displays horizontal bars 71H, 71I, 71J, line A, and ATS character 71O. Line A is a line for indicating the switching timing. Specifically, the line A connects the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray before switching to the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray after switching. The ATS character 71O is a character for indicating a paper feed tray to be switched as a paper feed tray used for a job. Specifically, the ATS character 71O is displayed next to the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray to be switched. For example, the paper feed tray 4 is selected as the paper feed tray used for job execution, and the paper feed tray 5 has the same size as the paper (A4 high quality paper) stored in the paper feed tray 4 (A4). Plain paper) is stored. Further, it is assumed that the paper feed tray 5 is set to have the next highest priority after the paper feed tray 4 as a paper feed tray used for a job. In this case, when there is no remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray 4 at the time of job execution, the paper feed tray used for job execution is switched from the paper feed tray 4 to the paper feed tray 5. . In this case, the line A and the ATS character 71O are displayed on the switching information display portion 71N as shown in FIG.

  Further, the job scheduling table 71A is updated at a predetermined cycle during execution of a job. For example, when a new job occurs during job execution, the new job is added and displayed in the job scheduling table 71A.

  Next, an example of a horizontal bar display when ATS is not set will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A corresponds to a diagram showing the horizontal bar 71G in FIG. 7 in detail. When ATS is not set, the horizontal bar shows, for example, a pattern indicating that the estimated remaining amount of paper is sufficient, a pattern indicating that the estimated remaining amount of paper is small, and an estimated remaining amount of paper. A pattern indicating that there is no is displayed. In this case, since ATS is not set, ATS characters are not displayed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8B, an example of a horizontal bar display when ATS is set and ATS is possible will be described. FIG. 8B corresponds to a diagram showing the switching state display unit 71N of FIG. 7 in detail. In this case, when the pattern indicating the estimated remaining amount of paper in the horizontal bar 71H of the paper feed tray 4 changes to a pattern indicating the estimated remaining remaining amount of paper (small estimated remaining amount of paper), the line A is supplied. The horizontal bar 71H of the paper tray 4 is connected to the horizontal bar 71I of the paper feed tray 5 and displayed. Further, an ATS character 71O (or an ATS button icon 91A described later) is displayed next to the horizontal bar 71I of the paper feed tray 5. Further, the horizontal bar 71H of the paper feed tray 4 is displayed by being extended by the estimated remaining amount of paper after ATS. Further, the horizontal bar 71I of the paper feed tray 5 displays a pattern indicating that there is an estimated remaining amount of paper. With reference to FIG. 8B, the user can grasp ATS from the paper feed tray 4 to the paper feed tray 5 and know the switching timing from the paper feed tray 4 to the paper feed tray 5. it can.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8C, an example of a horizontal bar display when ATS is set and ATS is impossible will be described. For example, it is assumed that the paper feed tray 4 is switched to the paper feed tray 5 and there is no estimated remaining amount of paper in the paper feed tray 5. In this case, the line A and the ATS character 71O are displayed, but a pattern indicating that there is no estimated remaining amount of paper is displayed on the horizontal bar 71H of the paper feed tray 5. By referring to FIG. 8C, the user can grasp that ATS from the paper feed tray 4 to the paper feed tray 5 is impossible.

  Next, an example of the job scheduling screen 91 displayed on the operation display unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, the same parts as those in the job scheduling screen 71 are denoted by the same reference numerals, the detailed description thereof is cited, and different parts are mainly described.

  The job schedule table 71A shown in FIG. 9 displays an ATS button icon 91A and an ATS setting unit 91B. The ATS button icon 91A is a button icon that can be pressed to execute various settings in the ATS setting. The various settings refer to settings for changing the priority order and settings for disabling ATS. When the user presses the ATS button icon 91A, an ATS setting unit 91B is displayed according to an instruction from the control unit 110. The ATS setting unit 91B displays priority order change buttons 91C and 91D and an ATS invalid button 91E. The priority order changing buttons 91C and 91D are buttons for changing the set priority order. For example, when the priority order setting button 91 </ b> C or 91 </ b> D is pressed by the user, the priority order of the paper feed tray 4 is changed according to an instruction from the control unit 110. The ATS invalid button 91E is a button for invalidating the ATS setting. For example, when the user depresses the ATS invalid button 91E, the ATS is set to invalid in the paper feed tray 4 according to an instruction from the control unit 110.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a flow of display processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, for example, a display program that is read from the nonvolatile memory 120 and loaded into the RAM 130 as appropriate when triggered by a user pressing a display processing execution instruction via the operation display unit 30, Display processing is executed in cooperation with the CPU.

  Assume that job information including job setting information is received from the PC 2 via the LANIF 14 in advance. Further, it is assumed that ATS is set on the display screen 31A and the display screen 41A via the operation display unit 30. Further, on the display screen 31A and the display screen 61A, the presence / absence of automatic selection of the paper feed tray is set, and the priority order of the paper feed trays is set.

  First, the received job information is referred to, and the number of sheets necessary for job execution is calculated (step S11). Specifically, the number of sheets required for job execution is calculated based on the number of sheets per copy information included in the job information, the number information, information on whether or not to form an image on both sides or one side, and the like. The Then, the estimated remaining amount of paper in the selected tray is calculated (step S12). The selected tray refers to, for example, a paper feed tray set with the highest priority in the tray priority order setting unit 91C. For example, in the case of setting the display screen 61A, the paper feed tray 1 corresponds to the selected tray. The estimated remaining amount of paper is calculated based on the remaining amount of paper detected by a sensor (not shown) that detects the remaining amount of paper provided in the paper feed tray. For example, if the sensor detects that the remaining amount of paper is 1000 sheets and there is a job that uses 300 sheets of paper in the selected tray in a job that is scheduled to be executed before the job that is the target of this processing, 1000 -300 = 700 sheets are calculated as the estimated remaining amount of paper. At this time, if there is no job scheduled to be executed before the target job in this process, 1000 sheets are calculated as the estimated remaining amount of paper.

  Then, a subtraction of the number of sheets calculated in step S11 (the remaining amount of sheets−the number of sheets) is calculated from the estimated remaining amount of sheets calculated in step S12 (step S13). Then, it is determined whether or not the estimated remaining amount of paper becomes small in the middle of the job (step S14). For example, the determination of this step is performed by referring to the value calculated in step S13 (the estimated remaining amount of paper−the number of sheets) and the threshold number of sheets where the estimated remaining amount of paper is small. For example, if the value calculated in step S13 is a value smaller than the threshold number, it is determined in this step that the estimated remaining amount of paper is a little remaining during the job.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the estimated remaining amount of paper does not become small in the middle of the job (step S14; NO), the bar display on the selected tray is displayed in a pattern with the estimated remaining amount of paper (step S15). ). After execution of step S15, the display process is terminated.

  In step S14, when it is determined that the remaining amount of paper is small in the middle of the job (step S14; YES), there is an estimated remaining amount of paper when the bar display on the selected tray shows that the estimated remaining amount of paper is small. The pattern is changed to a pattern in which the remaining estimated remaining amount of paper is small (step S16). Then, according to the priority setting, the same size paper feed tray is searched (step S17). Specifically, a paper feed tray storing paper of the same size as the paper stored in the selected tray is searched in descending order of priority set by the tray priority setting unit 91C.

  After execution of step S17, it is determined whether there is no tray (corresponding tray) searched in step S17 (step S18). If it is determined in step S18 that there is no corresponding tray (step S18; YES), a pattern indicating that there is no estimated remaining amount of paper is displayed in the no-paper portion (step S19). The corresponding sheet absence portion is one item in the vertical axis item of the job schedule, and corresponds to, for example, the corresponding sheet absence portion 713 in the job scheduling screen 71 of FIG. After execution of step S19, the display process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S18 that there is a corresponding tray (step S18; NO), it is determined whether or not all of the corresponding trays are paper (step S20). That is, it is determined whether or not there is no sheet in all the searched paper feed trays. When it is determined that all the corresponding trays are out of paper (step S20; YES), a pattern + ATS with no estimated remaining amount of paper is displayed on the paper feed tray having a high priority (step S21). For example, when the paper feed tray 4 is selected as the selected tray, and the paper feed tray 5 has the next highest priority after the paper feed tray 4, the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 5 is displayed in a pattern with no estimated remaining amount of paper. Next, the ATS character 71O is displayed next to the horizontal bar. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, a pattern with no estimated remaining amount of paper and the ATS character 71O are displayed on the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 5.

  If it is determined in step S20 that all the corresponding trays are out of paper (step S20; NO), the estimated remaining amount of paper in the switching destination tray is calculated (step S22). The switching destination tray refers to a paper feeding tray that is switched as a paper feeding tray used for a job. For example, the paper feed tray 4 is selected as the selected tray, and the same size paper as that stored in the paper feed tray 4 is stored in the paper feed tray 5. Assume that the priority order of the paper feed tray 5 is high. In this case, the paper feed tray 5 having a higher priority is determined as the switching destination tray, and the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed tray 5 is calculated.

  After execution of step S22, the remaining required number is recalculated (step S23). The remaining required number of sheets means the remaining number of sheets necessary for job execution. For example, in step S11, if the required number of sheets is 1000 and 500 sheets are stored in the selected tray, the remaining required number is 1000−500 = 500. After execution of step S23, a pattern + ATS with an estimated remaining amount of paper is displayed on the switching destination tray (step S24). For example, when the paper feed tray 5 is a switching destination tray, the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 5 is displayed in a pattern with an estimated remaining amount of paper, and an ATS character 71O is displayed next to the horizontal bar. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, a pattern with an estimated remaining amount of paper is displayed on the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 5, and an ATS character 71O is displayed next to the horizontal bar. Further, when the display pattern of the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 4 becomes less than the estimated remaining amount of paper from the estimated remaining amount of paper, the line A extends from the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 4 to the side of the paper feed tray 5. Connected to the bar. Further, the horizontal bar of the paper feed tray 4 is extended and displayed by the estimated remaining amount of paper. After execution of step S24, the process proceeds to step S13.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user is used to execute the switching information (for example, the paper feed tray number information 4 to the paper feed tray number information 6 of the vertical axis display unit 71B and the job of the horizontal axis display unit 71C. The number of sheets to be printed, horizontal bars 71H to 71J, line A, ATS character 71O) can be referred to before the job is executed. You can know before running the job. Thus, for example, when there is no estimated remaining amount of paper in any of the paper feed trays 4 to 6 (for example, in the case of FIG. 8C), the supply of paper with no estimated remaining amount of paper is performed. Since the paper can be supplied to the paper tray before the job is executed, the paper can be supplied to the paper supply tray at an appropriate timing.
Further, since the user can know the paper feed tray (paper feed tray 5 and paper feed tray 6) to be switched before executing the job, the front and back adjustment of the paper feed tray 5 and paper feed tray 6 can be performed before the job is executed. Etc. can be adjusted.

  Further, since the user can refer to the horizontal bars 71E to 71M indicating the estimated remaining amount level of the sheet, the estimated remaining amount of the sheet stored in the sheet feeding tray used for the job can be grasped.

  Further, for example, the user can refer to the line A connecting the horizontal bar 71H and the horizontal bar 71I, so that the user can know the timing of switching from the paper feed tray 4 to the paper feed tray 5.

  In addition, the user can instruct whether to invalidate switching of a paper feed tray used for job execution via the ATS invalid button 91E. Thereby, for example, it is possible to instruct not to switch an unadjusted paper feed tray to a paper feed tray used for a job. Therefore, setting with a high degree of freedom according to the status of the apparatus is possible, and efficient apparatus operation can be realized.

  The user can change the priority order via the priority order change buttons 91C and 91D. Thereby, for example, it is possible to lower the priority order of the paper feed tray with a small amount of paper remaining. Therefore, setting with a high degree of freedom according to the status of the apparatus is possible, and efficient apparatus operation can be realized.

  Further, the user can know the estimated remaining amount of the paper feed tray and paper used for executing the job in units of jobs by referring to the vertical line 71D.

  Further, the user can know the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed tray by referring to the current paper remaining amount information (for example, the remaining amount display unit 712) stored in the paper feed tray.

  The description in the above embodiment is an example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the horizontal axis display unit 71C displays the number of used jobs, but is not limited to this. For example, the job execution time required for job execution may be displayed on the horizontal axis display unit 71C.

  Further, at least three display patterns indicating that there is an estimated remaining amount of paper, a display pattern indicating an estimated remaining amount of paper, and a display pattern indicating no estimated remaining amount of paper are displayed on the horizontal bars 71E to 71M. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three or more display patterns may be displayed.

  Further, although the paper feed tray having the highest priority is selected as the selection tray, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user has set the paper feed tray to be used for the job, the paper feed tray designated by the user may be selected as the selection tray.

In the following description, an example in which the nonvolatile memory 120 is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a general-purpose recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied.
A carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1a Main part 1b Printer controller 2 PC
3 Network 11 Controller Control Unit 13 Image Memory 20 Image Reading Unit 21 Automatic Document Feeding Unit 22 Reading Unit 22a CCD
30 Operation display unit 31 LCD
32 Touch Panel 40 Printing Unit 41 Stacking Unit 41a Paper Tray 41b Paper Feeding Unit 42 Paper Conveying Unit 42a Registration Roller 43 Image Forming Unit 43a Transfer Device 43b Fixing Device 44 Unloading Unit 50 Post-Processing Unit 100 Image Control Board 110 Control Unit 120 Nonvolatile Memory 130 RAM
140 Reading processing unit 150 Compression IC
160 DRAM control IC
170 Image memory 171 Compression memory 172 Page memory 180 Decompression IC
190 Write processing unit 200 Image reading control unit 300 Operation display control unit 400 Print control unit 500 Post-processing control unit

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on a plurality of jobs,
A display unit for displaying the plurality of jobs;
The paper feed tray information arranged along one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the display screen of the display unit, the job execution time arranged along the other axis, or the number of sheets used are displayed. A control unit for controlling
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so that paper feed tray information is arranged on a vertical axis of a display screen of the display unit, and job execution time or paper number information to be used is arranged on a horizontal axis. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a horizontal axis of a display screen of the display unit is a job execution time.

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