JP2015003454A - Image forming device and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compound machine which can efficiently utilize backing paper in accordance with an intention of a user.SOLUTION: A compound machine comprises: paper sheet setting means 402 which sets a setting condition of a paper sheet used in printing to both-face white paper or backing paper in accordance with an operation of a short cut key in which a setting condition of a paper sheet by a user is registered in advance or the attribute information of the user; and printing means 404 which performs printing by withdrawing a paper sheet from a paper feed cassette in which the both-face white paper is accommodated when the setting condition is the both-face white paper at printing, and when the setting condition of the paper sheet is the backing paper, performs printing by withdrawing a paper sheet from a paper feed cassette in which the backing paper is accommodated.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of efficiently using a backing paper according to a user's intention.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral, a printer, etc., from the viewpoint of reusing recording paper, recording on which one side has already been printed without using new recording paper on which both sides have not yet been printed. In some cases, paper (referred to as backing paper) is used. As a result, wasteful consumption of new recording paper is suppressed, thereby reducing costs and reducing the environmental load.

  However, if the user mistakenly executes double-sided printing on the back paper, printing is further performed on the printing surface of the back paper, resulting in a wasteful printing process. There are many techniques for solving such problems.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-272160 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus capable of either single-sided image formation or double-sided image formation on a recording medium. In the image forming apparatus, double-sided image formation prohibition setting means for prohibiting double-sided image formation on the recording medium, and double-sided image formation is stopped when the double-sided image formation prohibition setting means is set to prohibited And a first double-sided image formation stop control means. Accordingly, a switch indicating prohibition of double-sided image formation (double-sided copying) is provided on the paper supply unit of the recording medium, and means for determining whether the recording medium has been recorded or translucent is provided. When it is determined that the image formation on both sides of the medium is unsuitable, the image formation is stopped, so the recording medium is unsuitable for image formation on both sides such as a backing paper or a translucent paper. In this case, even if the user tries to form an image on both sides of the recording medium, the image formation is stopped and miscopying can be prevented.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-87092 (Patent Document 2) includes a printer unit capable of duplex printing, a plurality of paper feeding devices that supply printing paper to the printer unit, and each paper feeding device. An image provided with a storage unit that stores paper information including information on whether or not the paper is used on one side, and an operation display unit that displays various types of information necessary for operations including information on each paper feeding device A forming apparatus is disclosed. In this image forming apparatus, based on the paper information stored in the storage unit, it is determined whether or not the paper feeding device is a paper feeding device for single-sided used paper, and paper feeding for single-sided used paper is performed. In the case of an apparatus, this fact is displayed on the operation display unit. As a result, the user can be notified whether the paper stored in each paper feeder is double-sided white paper or back paper, so that the user can mistakenly specify the paper feeder for the back paper. It is possible to prevent double-sided printing from occurring.

  Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-341387 (Patent Document 3) discloses a printer function that develops a print job transmitted from the outside into image information and records the image information on paper, and reads the document to obtain image information. And an image recording apparatus having at least a copy function for recording the image information on a sheet and a controller for giving an operation instruction to the image recording apparatus. In this image recording apparatus, the controller records paper image information on both sides of the paper, and paper tray information storage means for storing information on the paper tray on which the back paper is set, transmitted from the main body of the image recording apparatus. When a print job to be instructed is received, the paper tray designated as the paper source tray in the printer job is loaded with the backing paper based on the information recorded in the paper tray information storage means. A determination unit for determining whether or not the paper tray is a paper tray, and when the determination unit determines that the paper tray is a paper tray on which a backing paper is set, recording of image information based on the print job is stopped. And a canceling means. As a result, resource saving can be achieved.

JP-A-8-272160 JP-A-10-87092 JP 2001-341387 A

  However, in addition to the case where double-sided printing is performed on the back paper, there is a problem that the back paper and the new paper are mixed in the paper feed unit of the image forming apparatus. That is, when the user inputs print conditions without considering the type of paper stored in the paper feed unit of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus prints according to the amount of paper in each paper feed unit. Therefore, the printed material may be mixed between the back paper and the new paper. Here, if the printed matter printed on the backing paper is used as a material for introducing to the outside, information already printed on the backing paper leaks to the outside, causing a problem of information leakage.

  Further, during the printing, for example, when the paper feeding is switched from the new paper feeding unit to the back paper feeding unit, the printed paper is mixed with the back paper and the new paper, and the quality is not aligned, There is a problem that it looks bad. Furthermore, although the department to which the user belongs encourages printing on the back paper, printing of new paper will be executed depending on the printing conditions of the user, resulting in wasteful consumption of new paper and wasteful expenses. There is a problem of using.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of efficiently using a backing paper in accordance with a user's intention. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feed cassettes in which stored paper types are registered. Is adopted.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus determines whether the paper setting conditions used for printing are double-sided white paper or backing paper according to a shortcut key operation or user attribute information registered in advance by the user. A paper setting unit that sets the paper, and when the paper setting condition is double-sided white paper at the time of printing, the paper is drawn out from the paper feed cassette containing the double-sided white paper, and printing is performed. And a printing unit that pulls out a sheet from a paper feed cassette in which the backing sheet is stored and executes printing when the condition is a backing sheet.

  Further, when the paper setting condition is a double-sided white paper, the input of only the setting conditions of other function items corresponding to the double-sided white paper is accepted, and when the paper setting condition is the back paper, the back paper Display receiving means for receiving only the setting conditions of other function items corresponding to.

  Further, when the paper setting condition is double-sided white paper, the printing unit performs printing by pulling out the paper from the double-sided white paper feed cassette, and when the paper in the paper feed cassette becomes empty, Printing is continued by pulling out the paper from another stored paper cassette, and when the setting condition of the paper is the back paper, the paper is pulled out from the paper feeding cassette of the back paper and printing is performed. When the paper in the cassette becomes empty, the paper is pulled out from another paper feeding cassette in which the back paper is stored, and printing is continued.

  Further, the paper setting means further sets, among the setting conditions of the paper, whether to give priority to double-sided white paper that uses double-sided white paper or priority to use back paper that gives priority to backing paper, and the printing means If the double-sided blank paper priority is set in the paper setting condition, printing is performed by pulling out the paper from the double-sided white paper feed cassette, and when all the double-sided white paper feed cassettes are empty, the back paper is Pull out the paper from the stored paper cassette and continue printing, and if the paper setting conditions have priority on backing paper, pull out the paper from the backing paper cassette and execute printing. When the paper in the paper feed cassette becomes empty, the paper is pulled out from the paper feed cassette containing double-sided white paper and printing is continued.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus further includes storage means for associating and storing the attribute information of the user and a paper setting condition corresponding to the user, and the paper setting means receives the input of the user attribute information from the user. The paper setting conditions of the storage means corresponding to the user attribute information are set.

  In addition, the present invention can be configured as an image forming method of an image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feeding cassettes in which stored paper types are registered. In the image forming method, the paper setting condition by the user is set to the double-sided white paper or the back paper according to the shortcut key operation registered in advance or the user attribute information. And if the paper setting condition is double-sided blank paper at the time of printing, the paper is drawn out from the paper feed cassette containing double-sided white paper and printing is performed, and the paper setting condition is In this case, the method includes a step of executing printing by pulling out the paper from the paper feed cassette storing the back paper.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, it becomes possible to efficiently use the backing paper in accordance with the user's intention.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 6A), and FIG. 6B shows an example of a sheet registration table according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 6B). is there. FIG. 7A shows an example of a paper size screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B shows an example of the paper size screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B). The figure (FIG. 8 (A)) which shows an example of the single-sided double-sided printing screen displayed on the touch panel of embodiment of this invention, and the figure which shows an example of the user ID table of embodiment of this invention (FIG. 8 (B)) ).

  In the following, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus and an image forming method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. Moreover, the alphabet S added before the number in a flowchart means a step.

<Image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multi-function machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus.

  The operation of the MFP 100 (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy function will be briefly described below.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction machine 100, the document is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the casing. Subsequently, the user uses the operation unit 102 (operation panel) provided in the vicinity of the document table 101 to input setting conditions related to image formation from the operation screen of the operation unit 102. When the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 102, the multifunction peripheral 100 starts image formation (print processing).

  Next, in the image reading unit 103, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108, and image data corresponding to the original is generated.

  An image forming unit 109 forms a toner image based on the image data. The image forming unit 109 is provided with a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 112, the developing unit 113, the transfer unit 114, the cleaning unit 115, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 114 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the formed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, paper, sheet) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The paper is transported from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. When transported, the paper is pulled out from any one of the paper feed cassettes 116 to the transport path by a pickup roller 117. Each sheet cassette 116 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on setting conditions relating to image formation.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is sent between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119. When the paper is fed, the toner image is transferred to the paper by the transfer device 114 and conveyed to the fixing device 120.

  When the paper on which the toner image has been transferred passes between a heating roller and a pressure roller provided in the fixing device 120, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed on the paper. The The amount of heat of the heating roller is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the paper and the image formation is completed, and the paper is guided to the path switching unit 121 by the transport roller 118.

  In the path switching unit 121, the sheet is guided to a sheet discharge tray 122 provided on a side surface of the casing unit or the casing through the sheet discharge port 123 according to a switching instruction from the multifunction peripheral 100. To the in-body tray 124 provided in the body cylinder. The sheets are stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 122 or the in-body tray 124. Through the above procedure, the housing unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy function to the user.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing a key in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition corresponding to the pressed key is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201, and the display unit displays an operation screen such as the initial screen, for example. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201. When the user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit, and an operation. The units 306 (102) are connected by the internal bus 307.

  The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and based on the execution result, data and instructions from the driver 306 and the operation unit 307, key 1 is transmitted and received, and the operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled.

  Also, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the multifunction device 100 is activated, and the display receiving unit 401 displays an operation screen (initial screen) on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S101).

  On the operation screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6A, a predetermined message “Can copy” 601; a function item key 602 for inputting setting conditions such as a copy function; and In order to use the backing paper, a backing paper use shortcut key 603 in which the paper setting condition is registered in advance as “backing paper” is displayed. In addition to the backsheet use shortcut key 603, there is also a double-sided blank page use shortcut key in which the paper setting condition is registered in advance as “double-sided blank page” in order to use double-sided blank page at the time of printing. The use of the backing paper will be described.

  Here, for example, when the user selects the backing paper use shortcut key 603 (FIG. 5: S102 YES), the display accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of the backing paper use shortcut key 603 and sets the paper accordingly. The means 402 is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the paper setting unit 402 sets the setting condition of the paper used in the printing from “none” to the back paper (FIG. 5: S103). As a result, the paper used for printing can be used as the backing paper in accordance with the user's shortcut key instruction.

  Here, the paper setting condition means that the type of paper to be printed is specified. If it is “None”, either double-sided white paper or back paper can be specified. "Means that only double-sided white paper can be designated, and" back paper "means that only the back paper can be designated.

  Next, when the user selects a paper size key 602a for selecting a paper size from among the function item keys 602 while looking at the operation screen 600, the display receiving unit 401 uses the paper size key 602a. The selection is accepted (FIG. 5: S104 YES), and the fact is notified to the paper setting means 402. Upon receiving the notification, the sheet setting unit 402 determines whether or not the sheet setting condition is a backing sheet (FIG. 5: S105).

  As a result of the determination, when the paper setting condition is a back paper (FIG. 5: S105 YES), the paper setting means 402 refers to a back paper registration table stored in advance in the back paper registration storage means 403. (FIG. 5: S106).

  In the back paper registration table 604, as shown in FIG. 6B, the identification information 605 of the paper feed cassette of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the type of paper 606 stored in the paper feed cassette (for example, whether the back paper is used) , Double-sided blank paper) is stored in association with each other.

  The paper setting unit 402 referring to the back paper registration table 604 acquires the identification information 605 (“A003”, “A004”) of the paper feed cassette corresponding to the back paper out of the paper types 606, and to that effect Is displayed to the display receiving means 401. Upon receiving the notification, the display receiving unit 401 displays a paper size screen on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S107).

  In the paper size screen 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, a predetermined message “Please select paper size” 701, and a paper selection key indicating the paper size and paper type for each paper cassette. 702 and an OK key 703 are displayed.

  Here, the display receiving unit 401 displays only the paper selection key 702a corresponding to the paper feed cassette in which the back paper is stored based on the notification from the paper setting unit 402, and changes the color. The paper selection key 702b corresponding to the paper feed cassette in which paper other than the back paper (double-sided white paper) is stored is displayed in a different color with the selection disabled. In addition, the non-selectable paper selection key 702b is displayed together with a graphic (× mark) indicating non-selection.

  As a result, the user can grasp at a glance only the paper selection key 702a corresponding to the backing paper of the paper setting condition set by himself and select only that key. On the other hand, since the user cannot select the paper selection key 702b different from the back paper of the paper setting conditions, the user can surely output the printed matter intended by the user and prevent miscopying and the like. It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, in S102, when the user selects the paper size key 602a without selecting the backing paper use shortcut key 603 (FIG. 5: S102 NO) (FIG. 5: S104 YES), the result of the determination in S105. The paper setting condition is not a back paper, that is, “none” (FIG. 5: S105 NO). Therefore, the paper setting unit 402 notifies the display accepting unit 401 to that effect without referring to the backing paper registration table 604, and the display accepting unit 401 that has received the notification notifies the touch panel 201 in the same manner as described above. A paper size screen is displayed on the top (FIG. 5: S107).

  On the paper size screen 704, as shown in FIG. 7B, a predetermined message “Please select a paper size” 705, and a paper selection key indicating the paper size and paper type for each paper cassette. 706 and an OK key 707 are displayed.

  Here, since the setting conditions of the paper are not the back paper, in other words, the user may print using either the back paper or the double-sided white paper. Therefore, the display accepting unit 401 displays that both the paper selection key 706a corresponding to the paper feed cassette containing the double-sided white paper and the paper selection key 706b corresponding to the paper feed cassette containing the back paper can be selected. . In this case, the user can freely select and print the paper size and type.

  In S108, when the user selects a desired paper selection key while looking at the paper size screen (FIG. 5: S108 YES), the display accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of the paper selection key and receives the paper. The paper size and type corresponding to the selection key are received (FIG. 5: S109). The display accepting unit 401 displays the operation screen 600 again and accepts input of other setting conditions from the user.

  Here, in S110, when the user selects the start key 205 while looking at the operation screen 600, the display accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of the start key, and the setting conditions accepted so far. To the printing unit 404. Upon receiving the notification, the printing unit 404 determines whether or not the paper setting condition is the back paper (FIG. 5: S111).

  As a result of the determination, when the paper setting condition is the back paper (FIG. 5: S111 YES), the printing unit 404 refers to the back paper registration table 604 and supplies the paper type as the back paper. The paper is pulled out from the paper cassette and printing is executed (FIG. 5: S112). As a result, if the user first inputs the use of the back paper in advance by selecting the back paper use shortcut key 603, the printing means 404 is supplied with the back paper stored during the printing. Since printing is performed using a paper cassette, it is possible to prevent miscopying due to a user's key operation error or the like.

  Here, when the display accepting unit 401 accepts the selection of a predetermined paper selection key by the user's key operation, the printing unit 404 first starts from the paper feed cassette corresponding to the paper selection key. Pull out the paper and print. When the paper in the paper cassette becomes empty, the printing unit 404 performs printing by pulling out the paper from the paper cassette of the other paper cassette whose paper type is the back paper. To do. As a result, it is possible to execute print processing that satisfies the paper setting conditions while reflecting the user's intention of key operation.

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S111 is that the paper setting condition is not backing paper (FIG. 5: S111 NO), the printing means 404 refers to the backing paper registration table 604 and the paper type is double-sided. Paper is pulled out from a paper feed cassette that is a blank paper or a paper feed cassette that is a back paper, and printing is performed (FIG. 5: S113). In this case, double-sided white paper or backing paper is used.

  When the display accepting unit 401 accepts selection of a predetermined paper selection key by a user's key operation, the printing unit 404 first corresponds to the paper selection key as described above. When paper is pulled out from the paper cassette and printing is performed, and the paper in the paper cassette becomes empty, the printing unit 404 is configured so that the other paper cassette, that is, a paper cassette that is a double-sided white paper, Printing is executed by pulling out the paper from the paper feed cassette.

  If the paper setting condition is not backing paper and there is no user key operation, for example, the printing unit 404 corresponds to the order of identification information of the paper feeding cassette among the paper feeding cassettes. A predetermined paper cassette may be selected and printing may be performed using the paper in the selected paper cassette.

  As described above, when the paper setting condition is the back paper, the printing unit 404 pulls out the paper from the back paper feed cassette and executes printing. For example, the back paper use shortcut key In place of 603, there is a double-sided blank page use shortcut key, and when the user selects the double-sided blank page use shortcut key, the setting condition of the paper is double-sided blank page. The sheet is pulled out from the sheet feeding cassette and printing is executed. In this case, the printing unit 404 does not pull out the paper from the paper feed cassette on the back side (prohibited).

  As described above, according to the present invention, in response to a shortcut key operation in which a paper setting condition by a user is registered in advance, a paper setting for setting the paper setting condition used for printing to double-sided white paper or backing paper. Means 402, and when the paper setting condition is double-sided blank paper at the time of printing, printing is performed by pulling out the paper from a paper feed cassette containing double-sided white paper, and the paper setting condition is the back paper In this case, the image forming apparatus includes a printing unit 404 that pulls out a sheet from a sheet feeding cassette in which a backing sheet is stored and executes printing. This makes it possible to efficiently use the backing paper in accordance with the user's intention.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the paper setting condition is the back paper, the display accepting unit 401 uses the paper selection screen corresponding to the paper feed cassette in which the back paper is stored on the paper size screen 700. Although only 702a is displayed as selectable, other configurations may be used.

  For example, on the backing paper, if double-sided printing is set (selected) in the function item “single-sided / double-sided”, miscopying occurs. Therefore, when the setting condition of the paper is backing paper, when the user selects the single-sided / double-sided key 602b for selecting either single-sided printing or double-sided printing from the function item keys 602 on the operation screen 600. As shown in FIG. 8A, the display accepting unit 401 displays only the single-sided printing key 801a corresponding to single-sided printing on the single-sided double-sided printing screen 800 so that the color can be selected. The corresponding double-sided printing key 801b is displayed in a different color because it cannot be selected.

  As a result, the user cannot select the setting conditions of other function items that deviate from the paper setting conditions set by the user, so that the printed matter intended by the user can be output with certainty, such as miscopying. Can be prevented. Further, even when the user forgets the paper setting conditions set by the user, the setting error of the user can be prevented by the above-described aspect.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the paper setting unit 402 is configured to set the paper setting conditions by a user's shortcut key operation, but other configurations may be used. For example, the paper setting unit 402 may be configured to set the paper setting condition used for printing to double-sided white paper or back paper in accordance with user attribute information (ID or the like).

  For example, when a predetermined user ID is assigned to each user and the predetermined user uses the multifunction device 100, his / her user ID is input to the multifunction device 100 using a login screen, a keyboard key, a predetermined ID card, or the like. The paper setting unit 402 receives the input of the user ID and refers to the user ID table stored in the predetermined user ID storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the user ID table 802 includes a user ID 803 (for example, “A0001”) and a paper setting condition 804 (for example, “none”) corresponding to the user ID. The remarks 805 (for example, “staff” etc.) corresponding to the user ID are stored in association with each other.

  The paper setting unit 402 referring to the user ID table 802 acquires the paper setting condition 804 (for example, “back paper”) in the user ID table 802 corresponding to the input user ID (for example, “A0002”). Then, a paper setting condition corresponding to the input user ID is set.

  As a result, the user can automatically set the paper setting conditions corresponding to his / her user ID without operating the shortcut keys, thereby preventing forgetting to operate the shortcut keys and setting errors. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent miscopying. In particular, among the paper setting conditions, it is preferable that a user ID that handles internal materials is associated with “back paper” and a user ID that handles external materials is associated with “double-sided blank paper”. In addition to the user ID, for example, paper setting conditions may be associated with user attribute information, duties, work places, and the like.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the paper setting condition is the back paper, the printing unit 404 executes the printing by pulling out the paper from only the paper feed cassette in which the back paper is stored, and performs the supply. Although the configuration is such that printing is stopped when all the back paper of the paper cassette is used up, other configurations may be used.

  For example, among the paper setting conditions, when “backing paper priority” is specified to give priority to the back paper, and the paper setting conditions have the back paper priority, the printing unit 404 first sets the paper back Pull out the paper from the paper cassette that contains the backing paper, perform printing, and when all the backing paper cassettes are used up, pull the paper out of the paper cassette that contains double-sided white paper. The printing may be continued. This makes it possible to execute printing smoothly. In addition, when the printing means 404 switches from a backing paper feeding cassette to a double-sided white paper feeding cassette, a predetermined message “No backing paper is available. Can I use double-sided white paper?” ? ", An OK key, and a cancel key are displayed, and when the user selects the OK key, the printing means 404 switches from the backing paper feeding cassette to the double-sided white paper feeding cassette, and Pull out the paper from the double-sided blank paper cassette and continue printing. In addition, when the user selects the cancel key, the printing unit 404 does not switch from the backing paper feeding cassette to the double-sided white paper feeding cassette, stops printing, and prompts the user to May be configured to display the message “Please replenish the backing paper”.

  Although the above description is about “backing paper priority”, the same applies to “double-sided white paper priority” in which double-sided white paper is specified with priority.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the shortcut key is displayed as a shortcut key for use of a backing paper registered in advance as “backing paper” as a shortcut key, but other configurations may be used.

  For example, when registering another shortcut key to a screen for setting other setting conditions (image quality setting, layout, etc.), the other shortcut key is registered in association with the other shortcut key, and the other shortcut key is registered. The setting condition of the sheet used at the time of execution may be set as the setting condition of the associated sheet. Thus, when other shortcut keys are used, that is, in a standard job that is frequently used by the user, the paper is automatically set, so that a paper that does not match the user's intention is not set.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention are useful for scanners, copiers, printers, and the like as well as multifunction peripherals, and efficiently use the backing paper according to the user's intention. Is effective as an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 102 Operation part 401 Display reception means 402 Paper setting means 403 Paper registration storage means 404 Printing means

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of paper feed cassettes in which stored paper types are registered,
A paper setting means for setting a paper setting condition to be used for printing on a double-sided white paper or a backing paper in response to a shortcut key operation or user attribute information in which a paper setting condition is registered in advance by the user;
If the paper setting condition is double-sided white paper at the time of printing, printing is performed by pulling out the paper from the paper cassette containing double-sided white paper, and the paper setting condition is back paper An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that pulls out a sheet from a sheet feeding cassette in which a backing sheet is stored and executes printing. When the paper setting condition is double-sided white paper, it accepts input only for the setting conditions of other function items corresponding to the double-sided white paper, and when the paper setting condition is back paper, it corresponds to the back paper The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display receiving unit that receives an input of only setting conditions for other function items. When the paper setting condition is double-sided white paper, the printing unit pulls out the paper from the double-sided white paper feed cassette and executes printing. When the paper in the paper feed cassette becomes empty, the double-sided white paper is stored. Pull out the paper from the other paper cassette and continue printing.
When the paper setting condition is backing paper, printing is performed by pulling out the paper from the paper feeding cassette of the backing paper, and when the paper in the paper feeding cassette is empty, another paper feeding containing the backing paper is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing is continued by pulling out the paper from the cassette. The paper setting means further sets, among the setting conditions of the paper, whether double-sided white paper prioritizing use of double-sided white paper or backing paper prioritizing use of backing paper,
The printing unit executes printing by pulling out the paper from the double-sided blank paper feed cassette when the paper setting condition is priority on double-sided blank paper, and when all the double-sided blank paper feed cassettes are empty, Pull out the paper from the paper cassette containing the backing paper, continue printing,
When the paper setting condition is the priority for backing paper, printing is performed by pulling out the paper from the backing paper feed cassette, and when all the backing paper cassettes are empty, double-sided white paper is stored. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing is continued by pulling out the sheet from the sheet feeding cassette. Storage means for storing the attribute information of the user in association with the paper setting conditions corresponding to the user;
The said paper setting means will set the setting condition of the paper of the said memory | storage means corresponding to the said received attribute information of the user, if the input of user attribute information from a user is received. The image forming apparatus described. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus including a plurality of paper feed cassettes in which stored paper types are registered,
Setting a paper setting condition to be used for printing on a double-sided white paper or a backing paper in response to a shortcut key operation or user attribute information registered in advance as a paper setting condition by the user;
If the paper setting condition is double-sided white paper at the time of printing, printing is performed by pulling out the paper from the paper cassette containing double-sided white paper, and the paper setting condition is back paper An image forming method comprising: pulling out a sheet from a paper feed cassette storing a back sheet and executing printing.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 6. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 7.

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