JP2016068523A - Image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To equalize a use frequency or a used amount of a paper feed stage.SOLUTION: The problem is solved by making an image forming apparatus include: determination means for determining priority of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image formation functions; and selection means for selecting the paper feed stage used for the requested image formation function on the basis of the priority determined by the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for leveling the usage frequency or usage amount of a paper feed tray.

If there is no paper in the selected paper feed tray in the image forming device during printing, and there is another paper feed tray of the same paper size and type, the selected paper feed tray is automatically selected. Some cassettes have a cassette auto selection function that allows them to be switched and continue printing.
Also, a method has been proposed in which, when there are a plurality of paper feed stages of the same paper size and the same paper type, the paper feed stage for picking up paper can be set for each function (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-190028

In the conventional cassette auto selection function, the paper feed time is selected in the order of cassette 1 → cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 and printing can be continued by automatically switching.
For this reason, there is a concern that the frequency of use of a paper feed stage (for example, the cassette 1) having a short paper conveyance time is increased.
It is an object of the present invention to level the usage frequency or usage amount of a paper feed tray.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a determining unit that determines the priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions, and a requested image forming function based on the priority order determined by the determining unit. Selecting means for selecting a paper feed stage used in the above.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to level the usage frequency or usage amount of the paper feed tray.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cassette auto selection process according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information of cassette auto selection. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority order table of cassette auto selection of Embodiment 1. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cassette auto selection process according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information of cassette auto selection priority cassette designation | designated. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority order table of cassette auto selection. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cassette auto selection process according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority order table of cassette auto selection of Embodiment 3.

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

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 and the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.
Each block represents hardware. Arrows between blocks indicate the flow of data or instructions.
The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing unit 107, a reading unit 109, an operation panel 110, a line I / F 112, and a controller unit 101 that controls these components.
The controller unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, a printing unit I / F 106, a reading unit I / F 108, a MODEM 111, a USB I / F 115, and a network I / F 118, and each block is connected by a system bus 105.
The CPU 102 comprehensively controls each block described above by executing processing according to various control programs. Various control programs are executed when the CPU 102 reads out the control programs stored in the program area of the ROM 104. Alternatively, the various control programs are executed by the CPU 102 decompressing and expanding the compressed data stored in the program area of the ROM 104 into the RAM 103. When the image forming apparatus 100 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), the various control programs described above may be stored in the HDD in a compressed state or an uncompressed state. Hereinafter, for simplification of description, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described as having an HDD. The table shown below is stored in the RAM 103 or HDD.

A network I / F 118 performs communication processing with a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 121 via a network (LAN) 120 or the like. The network I / F 118 and the network 120 are connected by a communication cable such as a LAN cable 119.
The MODEM 111 is connected to the public line network 114 via the line I / F 112 and performs communication processing with other data communication apparatuses, fax apparatuses, telephones, and the like. The line I / F 112 and the public line network 114 are generally connected by a telephone line 113 or the like.
The printing unit I / F 106 serves as an interface for outputting an image signal to the printing unit 107 (printer engine). The reading unit I / F 108 serves as an interface for inputting a read image signal from the reading unit 109 (scanner engine). The CPU 102 processes the image signal input from the reading unit I / F 108 and outputs it as a recording image signal to the printing unit I / F 106.

Using the font information stored in the font area of the ROM 104, the CPU 102 displays characters and symbols on the display unit of the operation panel 110 and receives instruction information from the operation panel 110 that has received a user instruction. In the data area of the ROM 104, device information of the image forming apparatus 100, user phone book information, and the like are stored by the CPU 102, read by the CPU 102 as necessary, and updated as necessary.
In FIG. 1, the reading unit 109 and the printing unit 107 are configured inside the image forming apparatus 100, but each or both may be configured outside.
When the CPU 102 executes a process based on a program stored in the ROM 104 or the like, the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 and a process related to a flowchart described later are realized.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus 100.
The image forming apparatus 100 has a copy function by the reading unit 109 and the printing unit 107, a scan function by the reading unit 109 and the USB I / F 115, or the network I / F 118, and the like. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 has a FAX function by the MODEM 111 and a function of performing printing (printing) in response to an instruction from the PC 121 via the USB (Universal Serial Bus) 116 or the network 120.
The operation panel 110 will be described below. The operation panel 110 has function keys (201 to 203) for selecting the above-described functions, and the user presses a button of a function to be used. The operation panel 110 also has a display unit 204 for notifying the user of the setting state and the device state of the image forming apparatus 100. An arrow key 205 is used to move a cursor or the like displayed on the display unit 204. The arrow key 205 has four buttons, up, down, left, and right. An OK key 206 is arranged in the center of the arrow key, and has a “decision key” function for setting and inquiry.
The user uses the numeric keypad 207 to input the number of copies and the telephone number for the fax function.

There are a monochrome start key 208 and a color start key 209 as keys for instructing the start of copying, scanning, and faxing. The image forming apparatus 100 having a function capable of discriminating between a color original and a monochrome original when the original is read may not have an individual start key as shown in the drawing.
A stop key 210 is a key for giving an instruction to stop the operation of each function. On the other hand, as means for stopping the operation, the user can select and stop the process to be stopped from the state confirmation screen of the process currently being performed in the image forming apparatus 100 using the state confirmation / stop key 211. . Also in this case, the above-described arrow key 205 and OK key 206 are used for selection / determination.
There are a one-touch key 212, an abbreviated key 213, and an address book key 214 as means for simply specifying a destination when performing fax or transmission. In the one-touch key, one destination is registered for each button, and the user can specify a destination by pressing a desired button. When the user presses the abbreviated key 213, a screen prompting the user to input a number is displayed. The user can designate the destination of the speed dial by inputting the number assigned to the desired destination from the numeric keypad 207. Also, the user can use the address book function by displaying a list of destinations registered in the image forming apparatus 100, selecting a destination with the arrow keys 205, and determining a desired destination with the OK key 206. .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cassette auto selection process according to the first embodiment. The cassette auto selection process is an example of information processing.
In S301, the CPU 102 acquires the paper size and paper type (hereinafter referred to as paper information) of the print page to be printed from the print job or the like, and proceeds to S302. The print job is an example of an image forming job.
In S302, the CPU 102 acquires paper feed stage information (hereinafter referred to as paper feed stage information) stored in the HDD or the like, and the process proceeds to S303. The paper feed stage information is, for example, the paper size and paper type of the paper set in the paper feed stage.
In S303, the CPU 102 acquires setting information for cassette auto selection of the target function stored in the HDD or the like, and proceeds to S304. The setting information for cassette auto selection is shown in FIG.
In S304, the CPU 102 creates a cassette auto selection priority order table for the target function based on the cassette auto selection setting information, and proceeds to S305. The cassette auto selection priority table is shown in FIG.
The process of S304 is an example of a process for determining the priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions.

In step S <b> 305, based on the setting information and the priority order table, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the paper feed stage with the priority order 1 of the processing target image forming function (for example, a printer) is an auto selection target. If the CPU 102 determines that it is an auto selection target, it proceeds to S306, and if it determines that it is not an auto selection target, it transitions to S307.
In step S <b> 306, the CPU 102 determines, based on the paper information and the paper feed stage information, the paper size and paper type related to the print page to be printed and the paper size and paper type set in the paper feed stage of priority 1. Whether or not matches. The CPU 102 determines that the two paper sizes and paper types match, and determines that they match, and if at least one of the paper size and paper type does not match, determines that they do not match. . If the CPU 102 determines that they match, the process proceeds to S316. If the CPU 102 determines that they do not match, the process proceeds to S307.
In step S <b> 307, based on the setting information and the priority order table, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the paper feed stage with the priority order 2 of the processing target image forming function (for example, a printer) is an auto selection target. If the CPU 102 determines that it is an auto selection target, it proceeds to S308, and if it determines that it is not an auto selection target, it transitions to S309.
In step S <b> 308, the CPU 102 determines, based on the paper information and the paper feed stage information, the paper size and paper type related to the print page to be printed and the paper size and paper type set in the paper feed stage of priority 2. Whether or not matches. The CPU 102 determines that the two paper sizes and paper types match, and determines that they match, and if at least one of the paper size and paper type does not match, determines that they do not match. . If the CPU 102 determines that they match, the process proceeds to S316. If the CPU 102 determines that they do not match, the process proceeds to S309.

In step S <b> 309, the CPU 102 determines based on the setting information and the priority order table whether the paper feed stage with the priority order 3 of the image forming function to be processed (for example, a printer) is an auto selection target. If the CPU 102 determines that it is an auto selection target, it proceeds to S310, and if it determines that it is not an auto selection target, it transitions to S311.
In step S <b> 310, the CPU 102 determines the paper size and paper type related to the print page to be printed and the paper size and paper type set in the paper feed stage of priority 3 based on the paper information and the paper feed stage information. Whether or not matches. The CPU 102 determines that the two paper sizes and paper types match, and determines that they match, and if at least one of the paper size and paper type does not match, determines that they do not match. . If the CPU 102 determines that they match, the process proceeds to S316. If the CPU 102 determines that they do not match, the process proceeds to S311.
In step S <b> 311, the CPU 102 determines based on the setting information and the priority order table whether or not the paper feed stage with the priority order 4 of the processing target image forming function (for example, a printer) is an auto selection target. If the CPU 102 determines that it is an auto selection target, the process proceeds to S312. If it is determined that the CPU 102 is not an auto selection target, the process proceeds to S313.
In step S312, the CPU 102 determines, based on the paper information and the paper feed stage information, the paper size and paper type related to the print page to be printed and the paper size and paper type set in the paper feed stage of priority 4. Whether or not matches. The CPU 102 determines that the two paper sizes and paper types match, and determines that they match, and if at least one of the paper size and paper type does not match, determines that they do not match. . If the CPU 102 determines that they match, the process proceeds to S316. If the CPU 102 determines that they do not match, the process proceeds to S313.

In step S313, based on the setting information and the priority order table, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a paper feed stage having a priority order 5 of an image forming function to be processed (for example, a printer) is an auto selection target. If the CPU 102 determines that it is an auto selection target, it proceeds to S314, and if it determines that it is not an auto selection target, it transitions to S315.
In step S <b> 314, the CPU 102 determines, based on the paper information and the paper feed stage information, the paper size and paper type related to the print page to be printed and the paper size and paper type set in the paper feed stage of priority 5. Whether or not matches. The CPU 102 determines that the two paper sizes and paper types match, and determines that they match, and if at least one of the paper size and paper type does not match, determines that they do not match. . If the CPU 102 determines that they match, the process proceeds to S316. If the CPU 102 determines that they do not match, the process proceeds to S315.
In S315, the CPU 102 stores information indicating that there is no target cassette in the setting information or the like in the auto cassette selection process, and ends the process illustrated in FIG.
In S316, the CPU 102 stores the selected paper feed stage information (for example, cassette 1) in the setting information or the like in the auto cassette selection process, and ends the process shown in FIG.
The processing in S305 to S316 is an example of processing for selecting a paper feed stage used for the requested image forming function based on the priority order.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting information for cassette auto selection.
In FIG. 4, the setting information includes whether or not the manual feed tray, cassette 1, cassette 2, cassette 3, and cassette 4 are subject to cassette auto selection for copy, printer, fax, and other printing. ing.
According to the setting information in FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, cassette 1, cassette 2, cassette 3, and cassette 4 are targets of cassette auto selection for copying, printer, fax, and other printing. It has been shown.
The setting information shown in FIG. 4 is set by the user via the operation panel of FIG. 2, for example. It may be preset as a default value. Even when preset, the user can correct the setting information via the operation panel of FIG. That is, the CPU 102 sets or corrects the setting information in accordance with a user setting operation via the operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cassette auto selection priority order table according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows that the priority order of cassette auto selection at the time of copying is the order of cassette 1 → cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → manual feed tray.
In addition, it is shown that the priority order of cassette auto selection at the time of printer is the order of cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → cassette 1 → manual feed tray.
Further, it is shown that the priority order of cassette auto selection at the time of faxing is the order of cassette 3 → cassette 4 → cassette 1 → cassette 2 → manual feed tray.
Further, it is shown that the priority order of the cassette auto selection at the time of other printing is the order of cassette 4 → cassette 1 → cassette 2 → cassette 3 → manual feed tray.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the priority order of the paper feed stages can be changed for each function of the image forming apparatus 100, the use frequency or the usage amount of the paper feed stages can be leveled. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of paper jams in a specific paper feed stage. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of replacement of the paper feed rollers and the like due to service maintenance.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cassette auto selection process according to the second embodiment.
The processing of S601 to S603 is the same as the processing of S301 to S303 in FIG.
In step S604, the CPU 102 acquires setting information for cassette auto selection priority cassette designation of the target function stored in the HDD or the like, and proceeds to step S605. The setting information for cassette automatic selection priority cassette designation is shown in FIG.
In S605, the CPU 102 creates a cassette auto selection priority order table of the target function based on the cassette auto selection setting information and the cassette auto selection priority cassette designation setting information, and the process proceeds to S606. The cassette auto selection priority order table is shown in FIG.
The processing of S606 to S617 is the same as the processing of S305 to S316 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of setting information for cassette automatic selection priority cassette designation.
In FIG. 7, for copy, printer, fax, and other printing, which paper feed stage is selected preferentially from the manual feed tray, cassette 1, cassette 2, cassette 3, and cassette 5 when cassette auto is selected. It is included in the setting information.
According to the setting information in FIG. 7, it is indicated that the priority cassette designation of the cassette auto selection at the time of copying is cassette 1.
Further, it is shown that the priority cassette designation of the cassette auto selection at the time of the printer is the cassette 3.
Further, it is shown that the priority cassette designation of the cassette auto selection at the time of fax is cassette 2.
Further, it is indicated that the priority order of the cassette auto selection at the time of other printing is not designated (OFF).
The setting information shown in FIG. 7 is set by the user via the operation panel of FIG. 2, for example. It may be preset as a default value. Even when preset, the user can correct the setting information via the operation panel of FIG. That is, the CPU 102 sets or corrects the setting information in accordance with a user setting operation via the operation panel.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a priority order table for cassette auto selection.
FIG. 8 shows that the priority order of cassette auto selection at the time of copying is the order of cassette 1 → cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → manual feed tray.
Further, the priority order of the cassette auto selection at the time of the printer is shown in the order of cassette 3 → cassette 4 → cassette 1 → cassette 2 → manual feed tray.
Further, the priority order of the cassette auto selection at the time of faxing is shown in the order of cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → cassette 1 → manual feed tray.
Further, it is shown that the priority order of the cassette auto selection at the time of other printing is the order of cassette 1 → cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → manual feed tray.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user can change the priority order of the automatic selection of the paper feed tray for each function of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, since the priority order of the paper feed stages can be changed for each function of the image forming apparatus 100, the use frequency or the usage amount of the paper feed stages can be leveled. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of paper jams in a specific paper feed stage. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of replacement of the paper feed rollers and the like due to service maintenance.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the printing process.
In S901, the CPU 102 performs an auto cassette selection process as shown in FIG. 10 to be described later, and proceeds to S902.
In step S902, the CPU 102 controls the printing unit 107 and the like to perform printing. When printing is completed, the CPU 102 proceeds to S903.
In step S <b> 903, the CPU 102 stores the paper feed stage information (for example, the cassette 1) at the end of printing in, for example, the HDD.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cassette auto selection process according to the third embodiment.
The processing of S1001 to S1003 is the same as the processing of S301 to S303 in FIG.
In step S1004, the CPU 102 acquires the paper feed stage information saved at the end of the previous print job (paper feed stage information saved in step S903), and the process proceeds to step S1005.
In step S1005, the CPU 102 creates a cassette auto selection priority table for the target function based on the cassette auto selection setting information and the paper feed stage information, and the process advances to step S1006. The cassette auto selection priority order table is shown in FIG.
The processing of S1006 to S1017 is the same as the processing of S305 to S316 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cassette auto selection priority order table according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 11, the priority order of cassette auto selection for odd-numbered jobs (for example, 1, 3,..., Nth job) is the order of cassette 1 → cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → manual tray. It is shown.
Also, the priority order of cassette auto selection for even-numbered jobs (for example, 2, 4,..., N + 1th job) is the order of cassette 2 → cassette 3 → cassette 4 → cassette 1 → manual tray. Has been.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the priority of auto selection of the paper feed tray can be changed every time the job is executed, so that the usage frequency or usage amount of the paper feed tray can be leveled. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of paper jams in a specific paper feed stage. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of replacement of the paper feed rollers and the like due to service maintenance.
The processing of the third embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to level the usage frequency or usage amount of the paper feed tray. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of paper jams in a specific paper feed stage. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency of replacement of the paper feed rollers and the like due to service maintenance.

100 image forming apparatus, 102 CPU

Claims (16)

Determining means for determining the priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions;
Selection means for selecting a paper feed stage used in the requested image forming function based on the priority order determined by the determination means;
An image forming apparatus. An acquisition unit configured to acquire setting information in which whether or not the selection unit selects a target for the plurality of sheet feeding stages for each of the plurality of image forming functions;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions based on the setting information acquired by the acquiring unit. An acquisition unit configured to acquire setting information in which a preferred paper feed stage among the plurality of paper feed stages is set for each of the plurality of image forming functions;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions based on the setting information acquired by the acquiring unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a setting unit configured to set the setting information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting unit sets the setting information in accordance with a user setting operation via an operation panel. Determining means for determining the priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each execution of an image forming job;
Selection means for selecting a paper feed stage used in the image forming job based on the priority order determined by the determination means;
An image forming apparatus. Storage means for storing paper feed stage information of a paper feed stage used in the image forming job at the end of the image forming job;
An acquisition means for acquiring paper feed stage information stored by the storage means in response to execution of a new image forming job;
Further comprising
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determining unit determines a priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages related to execution of the new image forming job based on the paper feed stage information acquired by the acquisition unit. An information processing method executed by an image forming apparatus,
A determination step for determining a priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions;
A selection step of selecting a paper feed stage used in the requested image forming function based on the priority order determined in the determination step;
An information processing method including: An information processing method executed by an image forming apparatus,
A determination step for determining a priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each execution of an image forming job;
A selection step of selecting a paper feed stage used in the image forming job based on the priority order determined in the determination step;
An information processing method including: On the computer,
A determination step for determining a priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each of a plurality of image forming functions;
A selection step of selecting a paper feed stage used in the requested image forming function based on the priority order determined in the determination step;
A program for running And further executing an acquisition step of acquiring setting information in which whether or not the plurality of paper feed stages are to be selected by the selection step for each of the plurality of image forming functions,
The program according to claim 10, wherein in the determination step, priorities of a plurality of paper feed stages are determined for each of a plurality of image forming functions based on the setting information acquired in the acquisition step. Further executing an acquisition step of acquiring setting information in which a priority paper feed stage is set among the plurality of paper feed stages for each of the plurality of image forming functions;
The program according to claim 10, wherein in the determination step, priorities of a plurality of paper feed stages are determined for each of a plurality of image forming functions based on the setting information acquired in the acquisition step.   The program according to claim 11 or 12, further causing a setting step of setting the setting information.   The program according to claim 13, wherein in the setting step, the setting information is set in accordance with a user setting operation via an operation panel. On the computer,
A determination step for determining a priority order of a plurality of paper feed stages for each execution of an image forming job;
A selection step of selecting a paper feed stage used in the image forming job based on the priority order determined in the determination step;
A program for running A storage step of storing paper feed stage information of a paper feed stage used in the image forming job at the end of the image forming job;
An acquisition step of acquiring the paper feed stage information stored by the storage step in response to execution of a new image forming job;
Is executed further,
The program according to claim 15, wherein in the determination step, priorities of a plurality of paper feed stages related to execution of the new image forming job are determined based on the paper feed stage information acquired in the acquisition step.

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