JP2017040681A - Image forming apparatus, sheet size setting method executed in the same and sheet size setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which enables setting of the sheet size even when sheets are not set in a sheet feeding tray to which the sheet size is set and can store the size detected in the sheet feeding tray and the sheet size set on the basis of the user operation and reading of the sheet image in association with each other.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: sheet size setting means 101 which sets the sheet size on the basis of the setting operation of the user or reading of the sheet with respect to a sheet feeding tray; reception means 101 which receives the setting of the sheet size by the sheet size setting means in the state where there are no sheets in the sheet feeding tray. When setting of the sheet size is received by the reception means, storage means 110 stores the sheet size received by the reception means and the sheet size detected by the sheet size detection means in association with each other when the size of the set sheets is detected by the sheet size detection means after the sheets are set on the sheet feeding tray.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multi-function digital multi-function peripheral having functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a scan function, and a paper size setting method executed by the apparatus. And a paper size setting program.

  Conventionally, the paper size that can be detected by the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus has been limited to the standard size that is often used. For sizes that cannot be detected by the paper tray sensor, such as irregular sizes, the operation panel It was supported by making it possible to set the size by user operation.

  In addition, after setting the size by the above user operation, if another different paper size is set in the paper feed tray, the actual paper and size will remain the same as set by the user operation. It may be different, and image defects may occur.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, when a paper change is detected, the user is guided to input paper type information and / or size information of the paper set in the paper feed tray. An image forming apparatus is known.

  In addition, the paper size detected by the paper tray sensor such as a restriction plate is stored in association with the paper size when the user sets the user size, and then another different paper size is stored in the paper tray. When set, if there is a difference between the stored detected size and the detected size of the currently set paper, it is determined that the size of the paper set in the paper feed tray has changed, The size set by the user operation was cleared and returned to the size detected in the paper feed tray.

  The above correspondence is necessary to avoid printing with incorrect size settings, but in order to perform the above correspondence, when setting the paper size, Since the size set by the user operation is linked and stored, the paper is surely set in the paper feed tray, and the position of the regulation plate needs to be set correctly according to the paper. As a countermeasure, when the paper is not set in the paper feed tray, the size cannot be set by the user operation from the operation panel or the like.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-87470

  However, if the paper tray to be used is being used by another job, the paper whose size is to be set cannot be set in the paper tray, and it is necessary to wait for the end of the job.

  In addition, there is an image forming apparatus having a function for setting a paper size based on reading paper by a scanner instead of setting a paper size based on a user operation for paper of an irregular size. If there are multiple sheets of paper that you want to print in an image forming apparatus, set the paper in the manual feed beforehand, then take one of them and read the size, but there is no problem. If there is no sheet, the sheet to be printed is used for reading by the scanner, and the sheet cannot be set in the sheet feeding tray in advance. Therefore, in this case as well, there is a problem that the read paper size cannot be set because no paper is set in the paper feed tray.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and enables the paper size to be set even when no paper is set in the paper feed tray for setting the paper size. By making it possible to store the size detected in the tray and the paper size set based on user operations or reading paper images, it is possible to avoid printing with incorrect size settings. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and to provide a paper size setting method and a paper size setting program executed by the image forming apparatus.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) Paper detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray, and paper size detection means for detecting the size of the paper in a state where the paper detection means detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray And paper size setting means for setting a paper size based on a user setting operation or reading of the paper for the paper feed tray, and there is paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection means. And when the paper size is set by the paper size setting means, a storage means for storing the set paper size and the paper size detected by the paper size detection means in association with each other, An accepter for accepting a paper size setting by the paper size setting means in a state where the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray. And when the paper size setting by the paper size setting means is received by the reception means in a state where the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray, the storage means After the paper is set in the paper feed tray, when the size of the set paper is detected by the paper size detecting means, the paper size received by the receiving means and the paper size detecting means An image forming apparatus, wherein the detected paper size is linked and stored.
(2) Based on a user operation, a paper feed tray designating unit for designating one of a plurality of paper feed trays, a display unit, and designation of a paper feed tray by the paper feed tray designating unit Later, when the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designation means, and the paper size setting by the paper size setting means is accepted by the acceptance means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a display prompting the user to set a sheet in the paper feed tray.
(3) Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is designated as the paper of that size. When the paper size cannot be set in the paper feed tray, the paper feed tray specifying means for changing the designated paper feed tray to another paper feed tray capable of loading paper of the paper size, display means, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display, when the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designating unit is changed.
(4) Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is designated as a paper of that size. If the paper size is an irregular size that cannot be set in the paper tray, the designated paper tray is changed to another paper tray that can set paper of an irregular size, a paper tray designation means, a display means, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display on the display unit when the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designating unit is changed. .
(5) When any one of a plurality of paper feed trays is designated based on the user's operation and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is a long size, If the designated paper feed tray is not the manual feed tray, the paper feed tray designation means for changing the designated paper feed tray to the manual feed tray, the display means, and the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designation means 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display the changed unit on the display unit when the manual feed tray is changed.
(6) One of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated based on the user's operation, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means includes the designated paper feed tray. When any paper tray exceeds the upper limit of the paper size that can be set, a paper tray specifying means is provided for changing the designated paper tray to the paper tray with the largest paper size that can be set. When the paper tray specifying unit changes the paper tray to the largest paper size that can be set, the paper size setting unit sets the upper limit value of the paper size that can be set in the paper tray. 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 set as a paper size.
(7) One of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated based on the user's operation, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means includes the designated paper feed tray. When any of the paper trays falls below the lower limit of the size of paper that can be set, a paper tray specifying means is provided for changing the designated paper tray to the paper tray with the smallest paper size that can be set. When the paper tray specifying unit changes the paper tray to the smallest paper size that can be set, the paper size setting unit sets the lower limit value of the paper size that can be set in the paper tray. 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 set as a paper size.
(8) The paper size detection means in a state in which the paper size set by the paper size setting means and the paper size detected by the paper size detection means are linked and stored in the storage means. When a new paper size different from the paper size stored in the storage means is detected in the main scanning direction of the paper, the paper size setting means sends the new paper size to the paper feed tray. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7 set in the above.
(9) A paper detection step for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray, and a paper size detection step for detecting the size of the paper when the paper detection step detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray. A paper size setting step for setting a paper size based on a user setting operation or reading of the paper for the paper feed tray, and there is paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step. When the paper size is set in the paper size setting step in a state where the paper size is detected, the set paper size and the paper size detected in the paper size detection step are linked and stored in the storage unit And the paper size setting in a state where it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step. Receiving a paper size setting according to the step, and setting the paper size according to the paper size setting step according to the receiving step when the paper detection step detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray. Is received by the receiving step when the size of the set paper is detected by the paper size detecting step after the paper is set in the paper feed tray. A paper size setting method executed in an image forming apparatus, wherein a paper size and a paper size detected by the paper size detection step are linked and stored in the storage unit.
(10) A paper detection step for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray, and a paper size detection step for detecting the size of the paper when the paper detection step detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray. A paper size setting step for setting a paper size based on a user setting operation or reading of the paper for the paper feed tray, and there is paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step. When the paper size is set in the paper size setting step in a state where the paper size is detected, the set paper size and the paper size detected in the paper size detection step are linked and stored in the storage unit The paper size in a state where it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray in the step and the paper detection step. An accepting step for accepting the setting of the paper size in the fixing step, and causing the computer of the image forming apparatus to execute, and in the state where the paper detecting step detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray, When the setting of the paper size in the size setting step is accepted, in the storing step, after the paper is set in the paper feed tray, the size of the set paper is detected by the paper size detecting step. A paper size setting program for causing the computer to execute a process of associating the paper size received by the receiving step with the paper size detected by the paper size detecting step and storing it in the storage means.

  According to the invention described in (1), the paper size setting means detects the presence of paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection means, or based on the user's setting operation or based on the reading of the paper. When the paper size is set, the set paper size and the paper size detected by the paper size detecting means are linked and stored in the storage means. On the other hand, when it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray, the setting of the paper size by the paper size setting means is accepted, and when the size of the paper set in the paper feed tray is detected after acceptance, The accepted paper size and the detected paper size are linked and stored in the storage means.

  In other words, even if no paper is set in the paper tray for setting the paper size, the paper size setting means can accept the paper size setting, and the paper size can be set. Since the size detected in step S3 is stored in association with the paper size set based on the user operation or paper reading, the inconvenience of printing with an incorrect size setting can be avoided.

  According to the invention described in (2) above, when it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray designated by the paper detection means, and the paper size setting means by the paper size setting means is accepted, the designation is made. A message prompting you to set paper in the specified paper tray is displayed on the display means, so the user can easily recognize that no paper is loaded in the specified paper tray, and load paper quickly. can do.

  According to the invention described in (3) above, when the set paper size is a paper size that cannot be set in the designated paper feed tray, the designated paper feed tray can set paper of that paper size. Since the display unit displays that the paper feed tray has been changed, the user can easily recognize this.

  According to the invention described in (4) above, when the set paper size is an irregular size that cannot be set in the designated paper feed tray, the designated paper feed tray can set the irregular size paper. The display means displays that the paper feed tray has been changed.

  According to the invention described in (5) above, when the set paper size is a long size, if the designated paper feed tray is not the manual feed tray, the designated paper feed tray is changed to the manual feed tray. At the same time, the display means displays that the paper feed tray has been changed.

  According to the invention described in item (6) above, if the set paper size exceeds the upper limit value of the paper size that can be set in any paper feed tray including the designated paper feed tray, the designated paper size is designated. The selected paper feed tray is changed to the paper feed tray having the largest settable paper size. Then, the upper limit value of the paper size that can be set in the paper feed tray is rounded and set as the paper size of the paper.

  According to the invention described in item (7) above, if the set paper size is less than the lower limit value of the paper size that can be set in any paper feed tray including the designated paper feed tray, it is designated. The selected paper feed tray is changed to the paper feed tray having the smallest settable paper size. Then, the lower limit value of the paper size that can be set in the paper feed tray is rounded and set as the paper size of the paper.

  According to the invention described in (8), the paper size set by the paper size setting means and the paper size detected by the paper size detection means are linked and stored in the storage means. If a new paper size that is different from the paper size stored in the storage means is detected in the main scanning direction of the paper, the new paper size is set for the paper feed tray. It can be prevented from continuing as it is.

  According to the invention described in item (9) above, the paper size can be set even when no paper is set in the paper feed tray for setting the paper size, and the paper tray is detected after the paper is set. Since the size and the paper size set based on the user operation or the paper reading can be stored in association with each other, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of printing with an incorrect size setting.

  According to the invention described in (10) above, the paper size can be set even when no paper is set in the paper feed tray for setting the paper size, and the size detected in the paper feed tray after the paper is set. In addition, the computer of the image forming apparatus can execute a process of associating the sheet size set based on the user operation or the sheet reading and storing it in the storage unit.

1 is an overall view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. The storage contents when the paper size set based on the operation of the operation panel by the user and the size detected by the size detection device provided in the paper feed tray specified by the user are linked and stored are changed according to the operation procedure. It is a figure which shows a mode that it does. 3 is a flowchart showing a paper size setting operation executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the size setting process of step S04 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of setting size storage processing in step S16 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another setting operation of the paper size executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram of an operation screen displayed on the display unit when setting a paper size based on reading of a paper image in a state where a user designates a manual feed tray. FIG. 9 is a transition diagram of the operation screen continued from FIG. 8.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1, along a predetermined paper conveyance path 30, a paper conveyance unit 3 that supplies a sheet as a recording medium to the image forming unit 5, optically reads an original, converts it into digital data, and reads a read image. An image reading unit 4 that generates data, an image forming unit 5 that forms an image as a visible image on a sheet, and a control unit 100 that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 are provided.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 20 having a display unit 21 including an LCD or the like for displaying various information and keys for setting modes, and hard keys such as a start key, and each size such as A. In addition, first to fourth paper feed trays 21-1 to 21-4 that store paper for each paper type, a manual feed tray 22 for temporarily using special size paper, and image formation A paper discharge tray 23 on which a sheet on which an image is formed by the unit 5 is discharged, and a document supply tray of an automatic document feeder (ADF) that sequentially supplies the document to the image reading unit 4 in order to sequentially read a plurality of documents. 42, a document discharge tray 25 from which a document read by the image reading unit 4 is discharged, and a document glass (platen) 41 on which a document to be read is placed.

  The first to fourth paper feed trays 21-1 to 21-4 can be opened and closed from the main body 2 while being opened and closed, and an open / close detection sensor for detecting that the paper has been opened and closed, and paper detection for detecting the presence or absence of paper. A sensor or the like is provided. The number of paper feed trays 21-1 to 21-4 may be two, or four or more.

  Each of the paper feed trays 21-1 to 21-4 and the manual feed tray 22 is provided with a regulation plate (not shown) that is slidable in the paper width direction as a paper size detection unit. By detecting the position of the restriction plate by bringing the restriction plate into contact with the edge in the width direction of the paper when the paper is stored, the length of the paper in the width direction (main scanning direction) can be detected and the paper size can be detected. It is like that.

  The paper transport unit 3 removes paper from the first to fourth paper feed trays 21-1 to 21-4 or the manual feed tray 22 from the tray specified in the print instruction information based on the user operation. And a plurality of paper passage sensors 32 for detecting the passage of the paper conveyed by the conveyance roller 31. The paper feed trays 21-1 to 21-4 and the manual feed tray 22 are each provided with a paper presence / absence detection sensor 33 that detects the presence or absence of paper.

  The paper passage sensor 32 and the paper presence / absence detection sensor 33 may be a reflection type sensor or a transmission type sensor.

  The image reading unit 4 optically reads a predetermined surface of a document to be read. For example, the image reading unit 4 converts a photoelectric conversion element such as an image sensor and an analog signal output from the photoelectric conversion element into a digital signal for reading. An A / D converter for generating image data.

  The image forming unit 5 is based on an exposure unit 50 that generates an optical signal based on image data to be imaged, a mirror 51 that reflects light from the exposure unit 50 in a predetermined direction, and light from the mirror 51. A photosensitive drum 52 on which a latent image is formed on the surface and a toner image is formed on the latent image; a transfer unit 53 that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 52 to a predetermined surface of the paper; And a fixing device 54 that fixes the transferred toner image as an image on a sheet by heat and pressure.

  The image formed by the image forming unit 5 may be black and white or color. The image forming unit 5 may use an image forming method such as an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, or a plotter method instead of the electrophotographic method, but is not limited thereto.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms on a sheet a scanned original image and a copy image of an image generated from print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus. Here, the print data is a drawing instruction in a page description language obtained by converting a drawing instruction issued by the operating system or application program of the information processing apparatus into a page description language that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 1 by a printer driver, or This is document data described in a file format such as PDF, TIFF, JPEG, or XPS.

  The scanned document image can be transmitted to an information processing apparatus (not shown) and further to another image forming apparatus via a network. Further, the document image can be transmitted to another image forming apparatus or information processing apparatus connected to another network via an external network. Furthermore, the manuscript image that has been operated and the document data received from the information processing apparatus can be stored in the fixed storage device.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 has a built-in CPU 101, in which a ROM 102 storing a control program, a working S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 103, and various types of settings related to image formation are backed up by a battery. Further, an NV-RAM (nonvolatile memory) 104 and a clock IC 105 are connected via a bus to constitute a control unit 100 that comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The control unit 100 includes the above-described image reading unit 4 that reads a document image, the above-described operation panel 2 that includes various keys such as a numeric keypad, a print key, and a logout key for performing various inputs and a display unit 21, and the network 10. A network interface (network I / F) 160 for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from external devices such as the information processing device 3 connected in this manner, and a copy image from print data received by the network interface 160 The printer controller 150 to be generated and the above-described image forming unit 5 for forming a copy image on a sheet are connected to each other via a bus.

  A fixed storage device 110 is connected to the control unit 100 via a bus. The fixed storage device 110 is, for example, a hard disk device. The fixed storage device 110 stores the paper size set in the paper feed tray and the paper size detected in the paper feed tray in association with each other and various data.

  A wireless interface (Wireless I / F) 170 and a short-range wireless interface (short-range wireless I / F) 180 are connected to the control unit 100 via a bus. The wireless interface 170 is used for communication with a network and communication with the mobile terminal device 2, and the short-range wireless interface 180 is an interface for performing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or infrared data association (IrDA). It is.

  FIG. 3 illustrates the paper size set based on the operation (manual operation) of the operation panel 20 by the user and the size detection device provided in the paper feed tray designated by the user, for example, the width direction of the paper is described above. The state in which the stored content in the case where the detection size by the restriction plate is stored in association with each other is shown according to the operation procedure.

  No. In the state 1, an irregular size of 220 mm × 150 mm is set for the paper feed tray as a set size based on a user operation (denoted as a panel set size). At this time, the sheet feeding tray detects the A5 size, and is stored in association with the panel setting size.

  Next, no. The state of 2 is No. In state 1, the paper is removed from the paper feed tray, and the paper feed tray is empty. Since there is no sheet, there is no detected size in the sheet feeding tray.

  Next, no. 3 is a case where the paper size is changed to an irregular size of 223 mm × 150 mm by a user operation from the operation panel 20 in a state where the paper is not in the paper feed tray. At this time, the setting of an irregular size of 223 mm × 150 mm is accepted and stored as “panel setting size”, but the detection size stored in association with the setting size from the operation panel 20 is cleared.

  Next, no. No. 4 is No.4. After the paper size is set in step 3, the paper is set in the paper feed tray. The paper feed tray detects the A5 size as in the previous time, and the detected paper size is displayed on the operation panel 20. It is stored in association with the panel setting size that has been set and already accepted.

  Next, no. 5 is No.5. 4 when the paper set in the paper feed tray is removed and a standard A4 size paper is set. The A5 size stored in association with the panel setting size and the current paper feed tray are detected. Compared with the A4 size, since the size is different, it is determined that the paper size has changed, and the panel setting size is cleared and changed to A4.

  Next, the paper size setting operation executed by the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  4 and the subsequent flowcharts are executed when the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 operates according to an operation program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 102.

  First, when the user operates the operation panel 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 and designates a paper feed tray to be set in size, the image forming apparatus 1 accepts designation of the paper feed tray in step S01. Next, in step S02, it is determined whether or not the user has performed an instruction to change the paper size setting. In this embodiment, the paper size setting change instruction operation is performed by pressing a paper size setting change button displayed on the operation panel 20. If the paper size setting change instruction operation has not been performed (NO in step S02), the process proceeds to step S07.

  When the paper size setting change instruction operation is performed (YES in step S02), a pop-up display of the paper setting screen is performed in step S03.

  Next, a size setting process is performed in step S04. This size setting process will be described later.

  In step S05, the presence / absence of paper in the designated paper feed tray is determined based on the paper presence / absence sensor 33. If there is no sheet (NO in step S05), a warning display for prompting the user to set the sheet is displayed on the display unit 21 and then waiting for the sheet to be set. If there is paper (YES in step S05), the paper size is detected by the detection device on the paper feed tray side in step S07.

  Next, in step S08, the paper size set in step S04 and the paper size detected in step S07 are linked and stored in the fixed storage device 110.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the paper size is set by the user before the paper presence / absence determination of the paper feed tray (step S05). In other words, even if there is no paper in the paper feed tray, the paper size setting is accepted, so that the paper size can be set and the paper size detected in the paper feed tray after the paper is set. Since the received set size is linked and stored in the fixed storage device 110, it is possible to avoid problems such as printing with an incorrect size setting.

  In addition, when the paper size setting is accepted when there is no paper in the paper feed tray, a warning message is displayed prompting the user to set the paper, so the user has not loaded paper in the designated paper feed tray. This can be easily recognized, and the paper can be set quickly.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the size setting process in step S04 in FIG.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the setting of the paper size by reading the paper image is specified by the user on the displayed paper setting screen. If the paper size setting by reading the paper image is not designated (NO in step S11), the setting (manual setting) by the operation of the operation panel 20 is accepted in step S18, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  If setting of the paper size by reading the paper image is designated (YES in step S11), it is determined in step S12 whether or not the start key has been pressed. If not pressed (NO in step S12), it waits for the button to be pressed.

  If the start key is pressed (YES in step S12), it is determined in step S13 whether or not there is a sheet in the document supply tray 42 of the automatic document feeder (ADF). If there is a sheet in the document supply tray 42 (YES in step S13), in step S14, the sheet is conveyed to the image reading unit 4 by the automatic document feeder (ADF) to read the image, and the process proceeds to step S15. If there is no paper in the document supply tray 42 (NO in step S13), after reading the image of the paper set on the document glass (platen) 41 in step S17, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the paper size is detected from the read image, and the detected size is set as the paper size. Note that a method for detecting the paper size from the read image is a well-known technique, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a set size storage process is executed in step S16. This process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the set paper size is a long size. If it is a long size (YES in step S21), after the designated paper feed tray is changed to the manual feed tray 22 in step S22, the display unit 21 indicates that the paper feed tray is changed to the manual feed tray in step S23. To display. In step S24, the set paper size is stored in the fixed storage device 110.

  If the paper size set in step S21 is not the long size (NO in step S21), it is determined in step S25 whether the set paper size can be set in the designated paper feed tray. If it can be set (YES in step S25), the set paper size is stored in the fixed storage device 110 in step S24.

  If the set paper size cannot be set in the designated paper feed tray (NO in step S25), it is determined in step S26 whether there is another paper feed tray in which the set paper size can be set. . If there is a settable paper feed tray (YES in step S26), the designated paper feed tray is changed to a settable paper feed tray in step S27, and then the paper is fed in step S28. The display unit 21 displays that the tray has been changed. In step S24, the set paper size is stored in the fixed storage device 110.

  If there is no paper feed tray that can set the set paper size in step S26 (NO in step S26), in other words, the set paper size is in any of the paper feed trays including the designated paper feed tray. If the upper limit value of the paper size that can be set is exceeded, the designated paper feed tray is changed to the paper feed tray having the largest settable size in step S29. In step S30, the upper limit value in the width direction and the length direction of the paper that can be set in the changed paper feed tray is set as the paper size. That is, the set paper size is rounded to the changed paper feed tray size. Next, in step S31, the display unit 21 displays that the paper feed tray has been changed and the paper size has been rounded, and in step S24, the rounded paper size is stored in the fixed storage device 110 as a set value.

  If the paper size set in step S21 is too small and falls below the lower limit value of the paper size that can be set in any paper feed tray including the designated paper feed tray, it can be set in step S29. Change to the smallest paper feed tray. In step S30, the lower limit value in the width direction and the length direction of the paper that can be set in the changed paper feed tray is set as the paper size, so that the set paper size is changed to the changed paper feed tray size. After rounding, the rounded paper size is stored in the fixed storage device 110 as a set value.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another setting operation of the paper size executed by the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. This operation is performed as shown in No. 3 of FIG. 4 to No. This corresponds to a change to the state of 5.

  In step S41, it is determined whether or not there is paper in the designated paper feed tray. If there is no sheet (NO in step S41), the process waits until the sheet is set. If there is a sheet (YES in step S41), in step S42, the sheet size is detected by the detection device on the sheet feed tray side. In other words, by detecting the position of the restricting plate by contacting a restricting plate (not shown) provided in the sheet feeding tray, which is slidable in the width direction of the sheet, against the edge in the width direction of the sheet. The paper size is detected by detecting the length in the width direction (main scanning direction).

  In step S43, it is determined whether or not the paper size has been set (manual setting) by the user operation. If manual setting has been performed (YES in step S43), the detected paper size associated with the set paper size and stored in the fixed storage device 110 in step S44 and the paper detected in step S42. Compare the size (current size).

  Next, in step S45, it is determined whether there is a difference in paper size. If there is a difference (YES in step S45), the detected paper size is set as a new set size in step S46, and the detected paper is detected. The data is stored in the fixed storage device 110 in association with the size. Accordingly, in this case, the set size and the detected paper size associated with the set size are the same size.

  If there is no difference in paper size in step S45 (NO in step S45), the process is terminated as it is. If it is determined in step S43 that the setting is not manual setting, that is, the setting is based on reading of a sheet image (NO in step S43), the set sheet size is linked with the size detected in step S42 in step S46. 110 stored.

  Thus, in this embodiment, in the state where the set paper size and the paper size detected by the paper size detection unit are linked and stored in the storage unit, the size in the main scanning direction is stored in the storage unit. When a new paper size different from the paper size stored in is detected, the new paper size is set for the paper feed tray, so that the wrong setting can be prevented from being continued.

  8 and 9 are transition diagrams of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 21 when setting the paper size based on the image reading of the paper with the user specifying the manual feed tray 22.

  A screen D1 indicated by a circled number 1 in FIG. 8 is a paper setting screen, and a paper size reading button 211 is displayed together with setting buttons for the paper type and paper size.

  When the user presses the paper size reading button 211, the screen changes to a screen D2 indicated by a circled number 2. On this screen D2, a start button 212 and a return button 213 are displayed in a pop-up together with a message prompting the user to set the size measurement target paper on the ADF or the original glass.

  When the user presses the start button 212, a message indicating that the document size is being read transitions to a screen D3 indicated by a circled number 3 displayed as a pop-up.

  When the paper size obtained by reading is a standard size, the screen transitions to a screen D4 indicated by a circled number 4 in FIG. 9, and a message indicating that a standard paper size (for example, B5 size) has been detected, along with a reflection button 214 and A close button 215 is popped up.

  When the user presses the reflection button 214, if there is paper in the manual feed tray 22, the reflection process is executed as indicated by the circled number 5, the detected paper size is set, and the screen transitions to the screen D <b> 1 in FIG. 8. To do. When there is no sheet in the manual feed tray 22, the screen transitions to the screen D6 as indicated by the circled number 5. On this screen D6, a message prompting to set paper in the manual feed tray is displayed as a pop-up.

  When the user presses the close button 215 on the screen D4, the screen transitions to the screen D1 in FIG. 8 without doing anything.

  When the paper size obtained by reading is an irregular size, the screen transitions to a screen D5 indicated by a circled number 4 in FIG. A pop-up window will appear.

  When the user presses the reflection button 214 after setting the size, if there is a sheet in the manual feed tray, the reflection process is executed as indicated by the circled numeral 5, and after the detected sheet size is set, the screen D1 in FIG. Transition to. When there is no paper in the manual feed tray 22, as shown by the circled number 5, the screen is shifted to a screen D6 in which a message for prompting the user to set paper in the manual feed tray is displayed as a pop-up.

  When the user presses the close button 215 on the screen D5, the screen transitions to the screen D1 in FIG. 8 without doing anything.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 4 Image reading part 5 Image forming part 100 Control part 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
110 Fixed storage device

Claims (10)

Paper detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray;
Paper size detection means for detecting the size of the paper in a state where the paper detection means detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray;
A paper size setting means for setting a paper size based on a setting operation of a user or based on reading of a paper with respect to the paper feed tray;
When the paper size is set by the paper size setting means while the paper detection means detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray, it is detected by the set paper size and the paper size detection means. Storage means for storing the associated paper size in association with each other,
Accepting means for accepting a paper size setting by the paper size setting means in a state where the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray;
With
When the paper detection unit detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray and the paper size setting means is accepted by the paper size setting means, the storage means After the paper is set on the tray, when the size of the set paper is detected by the paper size detecting means, the paper size received by the receiving means and the paper size detected by the paper size detecting means Are stored in association with each other. A paper feed tray designating unit for designating one of a plurality of paper feed trays based on a user operation;
Display means;
After the paper tray is designated by the paper tray designation means, the paper detection means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designation means, and the paper size by the paper size setting means Display control means for causing the display means to display a display prompting the user to set paper in the paper feed tray when the setting is accepted by the accepting means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is the paper feed tray in which the paper of that size is designated. A paper feed tray specifying means for changing the designated paper feed tray to another paper feed tray capable of loading paper of the paper size when the paper size cannot be set in the paper;
Display means;
Display control means for displaying on the display means when the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designating means has been changed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is the paper feed tray in which the paper of that size is designated. A paper feed tray specifying means for changing the designated paper feed tray to another paper feed tray capable of loading paper of a custom size,
Display means;
Display control means for displaying on the display means when the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designating means has been changed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and if the paper size set by the paper size setting means is a long size, the designated paper tray is designated. If the paper feed tray is not a manual feed tray, a paper feed tray specifying means for changing the designated paper feed tray to a manual feed tray,
Display means;
Display control means for displaying on the display means when the paper feed tray designated by the paper feed tray designating means has been changed to a manual feed tray;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is any of the paper feeds including the designated paper feed tray. In the paper tray, when the upper limit value of the paper size that can be set is exceeded, a paper feed tray specifying unit that changes the designated paper feed tray to the paper feed tray having the largest paper size that can be set is provided.
When the paper feed tray specifying means changes the paper feed tray to the largest paper size that can be set, the paper size setting means sets the upper limit value of the paper size that can be set in the paper feed tray to the paper of the paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set as a size. Based on the user's operation, one of the plurality of paper feed trays is designated, and the paper size set by the paper size setting means is any of the paper feeds including the designated paper feed tray. A paper tray specifying means for changing the designated paper feed tray to the paper feed tray with the smallest paper size that can be set when the paper tray is below the lower limit of the size of paper that can be set,
When the paper tray specifying unit changes the paper tray to the smallest paper size that can be set, the paper size setting unit sets the lower limit value of the paper size that can be set in the paper tray to the paper sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set as a size.   In a state where the paper size set by the paper size setting means and the paper size detected by the paper size detection means are linked and stored in the storage means, the paper size detection means When a new paper size different from the paper size stored in the storage means is detected in the main scanning direction, the paper size setting means sets the new paper size for the paper feed tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A paper detection step for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray;
A paper size detection step for detecting the size of the paper in a state where the paper detection tray detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray;
A paper size setting step for setting a paper size for the paper feed tray based on a user setting operation or based on paper reading;
When a paper size is set in the paper size setting step while the paper detection tray detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray, it is detected by the set paper size and the paper size detection step. A storage step for storing the stored paper size in the storage means,
An accepting step of accepting a paper size setting by the paper size setting step in a state where it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step;
With
When it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step and the paper size setting by the paper size setting step is received by the reception step, the storage step When the size of the set paper is detected by the paper size detection step after the paper is set in the tray, the paper size received by the reception step and the paper size detected by the paper size detection step Is stored in the storage means, and a sheet size setting method executed in the image forming apparatus. A paper detection step for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray;
A paper size detection step for detecting the size of the paper in a state where the paper detection tray detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray;
A paper size setting step for setting a paper size for the paper feed tray based on a user setting operation or based on paper reading;
When a paper size is set in the paper size setting step while the paper detection tray detects that there is paper in the paper feed tray, it is detected by the set paper size and the paper size detection step. A storage step for storing the stored paper size in the storage means,
An accepting step of accepting a paper size setting by the paper size setting step in a state where it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step;
Is executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus,
When it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed tray by the paper detection step and the paper size setting by the paper size setting step is received by the reception step, the storage step When the size of the set paper is detected by the paper size detection step after the paper is set in the tray, the paper size received by the reception step and the paper size detected by the paper size detection step Is a paper size setting program for causing the computer to execute a process of storing the information in the storage unit.

Images