JP2017226086A - Image formation apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to easily and surely confirm a preview image in accordance with a plurality of types of sheets.SOLUTION: A compound machine 1 as an image formation apparatus includes: a plurality of sheet feeding parts such as a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 and manual feeding trays 4 storing sheets; a preview generation part 22; and an operation display unit 7. The preview generation part 22 generates a preview image 45 of output image data based on the sheet setting of the sheet feeding parts such as the sheet feeding cassettes 3 and manual feeding trays 4 in association with the sheet feeding parts. The operation display unit 7 displays the preview image 45 generated by the preview generation part 22 on a display such as a touch panel. The preview generation part 22 generates the plurality of preview images 45 in association with each of the plurality of sheet feeding parts. The operation display unit 7 displays the plurality of preview images 45 on one screen with a function screen such as a copy screen 30 by the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that output a preview image of image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral performs image forming processing such as copying for forming image data such as a result of reading a document by a scanner on a sheet. The image forming apparatus is configured so that a plurality of types of paper having different paper sizes (for example, A3, A4, A5, etc.) and paper types (for example, plain paper, OHP film, etc.) can be selected for image forming processing. A plurality of paper feed units such as a paper feed cassette for storing paper and a manual feed tray are provided. Further, the image forming apparatus is configured to display a preview image showing a state in which the image data is formed on the paper, and the user can check that the image data has been formed on the paper before actually performing the image forming process. Can be confirmed. The preview image is created by arranging image data on a paper image corresponding to the paper stored in the selected paper feed unit based on the print settings. Therefore, the image forming apparatus displays the preview image by operating the preview button after the selection operation of the paper feeding unit.

  For example, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an image output unit, a paper cassette, and an operation unit. The operation unit includes a display image generation means, a display panel, and an operation unit side control unit having a preview display function. The image forming apparatus includes a specific display image generation function and a paper display image generation function as a display image generation unit, and includes a specific paper supply unit display function and an output state display function as an operation unit side control unit. A preview of the status of the supply unit and paper is displayed.

JP2015-23350A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus can display only a preview image in a state where image data is formed on the paper stored in the selected paper feeding unit. Therefore, in order to check the state in which the image data is formed on another sheet, it is necessary to temporarily hide the currently displayed preview image, re-select the paper feed unit, and operate the preview button again. is there. As described above, confirmation of the preview image is very time-consuming.

  In addition, since the preview image is created corresponding to one type of paper, the user cannot compare and confirm the preview images corresponding to each of a plurality of types of paper. For this reason, there is a possibility that the selection operation of the paper (paper feeding unit) may be wrong, and the image forming operation such as copying cannot be smoothly advanced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable easy and reliable confirmation of a preview image corresponding to a plurality of types of paper.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention associates a plurality of sheet feeding units that store sheets and a preview image of output image data based on sheet settings of the sheet feeding unit with the sheet feeding unit. A preview generation unit for generating, and a display unit for displaying the preview image, wherein the preview generation unit generates a plurality of the preview images in association with each of the plurality of paper feed units, and the display unit The plurality of preview images are displayed on one screen.

  The image forming system of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a user terminal that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of paper feeding units that store sheets. A preview generation unit that generates a preview image of output image data based on the paper setting of the paper supply unit in association with the paper supply unit; and a transmission unit that transmits the preview image to the user terminal. The terminal includes a receiving unit that receives the preview image from the image forming apparatus, and a display unit that displays the preview image. The preview generation unit is associated with each of the plurality of paper feeding units. The preview image is generated, and the display unit displays the plurality of preview images on one screen.

  According to such a configuration, the user refers to the state in which the output image data is formed on the sheet, by referring to a plurality of preview images for each of a plurality of types of sheets on one screen, so that the sheet ( The paper feed unit) can be easily compared. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a mistake in selecting the paper (paper feeding unit).

  In the image forming apparatus or the image forming system, the display unit displays a plurality of selection buttons corresponding to each of the plurality of sheet feeding units and receiving selection of a sheet feeding unit used for an image forming operation. The plurality of preview images may be additionally displayed on each of the plurality of selection buttons.

  According to such a configuration, the user refers to each preview image associated with each paper feed unit, and compares the paper (paper feed unit) used for the image forming operation with respect to each preview image. By operating each selection button, it is possible to easily select a desired sheet (paper feeding unit). Therefore, it is possible to avoid the selection mistake of the paper (paper feeding unit) and to smoothly advance the image forming operation.

  In the image forming apparatus or the image forming system, the display unit receives the selection of a paper feeding unit used for an image forming operation for each page when the output image data includes a plurality of pages. A selection button should be displayed.

  According to such a configuration, even when the output image data includes a plurality of pages, it is possible to select the paper feeding unit used for the image forming operation for each page. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the image forming operation for all pages for each sheet feeding unit, and the image forming operation using a desired sheet can be easily performed.

  According to the present invention, a preview image can be easily and reliably confirmed corresponding to a plurality of types of paper.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a plan view illustrating an example of a copy screen displayed on the operation display unit in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a preview display operation in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral and a user terminal in an image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the multifunction machine 1 will be described. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the front side of the sheet of FIG. 1 will be described as the front side (front side) of the multifunction machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1 includes a device body 2 having a substantially box shape. A plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 (3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d) are detachably housed in the lower part of the apparatus body 2 as a paper feed unit for storing paper inside the multifunction device 1. A manual feed tray 4 is provided on the right side of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be openable and closable as a paper feed unit for storing paper (on which paper is placed) outside the multifunction machine 1. A first paper discharge tray is provided in the paper discharge space at the top of the apparatus body 2. The paper feed cassette 3, the manual feed tray 4, and the first paper discharge tray are used for transporting paper on which an image is formed by an image forming unit 12 described later in the apparatus main body 2. The plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 can store papers having different combinations such as paper size and paper orientation. Information indicating combinations of paper sizes and orientations of each paper feed cassette 3 and manual feed tray 4 is stored in a storage unit 21 described later as paper settings.

  An image reading device 5 for reading what is displayed on a document as image data is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus body 2. The image reading device 5 includes a platen glass on the upper surface, and is configured to read an image of a document placed on the platen glass with a scanner and generate image data. Above the image reading device 5, a document conveying unit 6 such as an automatic document feeder (ADF) that supplies a document to the image reading device 5 is provided. The document conveying unit 6 is attached so as to be openable and closable as a cover member that covers the platen glass of the image reading device 5.

  Further, an operation display unit 7 (display unit) is attached to the front side of the apparatus main body 2. The operation display unit 7 includes, for example, operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, a system menu key, a transmission key, a copy key, and a confirmation key, and a display device such as a touch panel. Accepts setting input from the user.

  An intermediate transfer belt 10 is installed between a plurality of rollers at the center of the apparatus main body 2. Below the intermediate transfer belt 10, an exposure device 11 including a laser scanning unit (LSU) is provided. Along the lower surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10, four image forming units 12 are provided for each toner color (for example, four colors of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black). Each image forming unit 12 includes a rotatable photosensitive drum. Further, around the photosensitive drum, a charger, a developing unit, a primary transfer unit, a cleaning device, and a static eliminator are primary transferred. Are arranged in the order of the processes. A secondary transfer unit 13 is provided at the right end of the intermediate transfer belt 10, and the secondary transfer unit 13 includes a part on the right end side of the intermediate transfer belt 10 and a secondary transfer roller. A cleaning device for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 10 is provided at the left end of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

  A paper conveyance path 15 is provided on the right side of the apparatus main body 2. A plurality of paper feed mechanisms 16 including paper feed rollers and the like are provided for each of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 in the upstream portion of the transport path 15. The secondary transfer unit 13 is provided in the middle portion of the transport path 15. Further, the transport path 15 communicates with the manual feed tray 4 on the downstream side of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and on the upstream side of the secondary transfer unit 13. In the vicinity of the manual feed tray 4, a paper feed mechanism 17 including a paper feed roller and the like is provided. A fixing device is provided at the downstream portion of the conveyance path 15, and a paper discharge port is provided at the downstream end of the conveyance path 15.

  Next, an image forming operation of the multifunction device 1 as described above will be described. In the multifunction device 1, image data is input from the image reading device 5 or an external computer. Based on the input image data and various print settings, output image data to be subjected to image formation processing is created. In each image forming unit 12, the photosensitive drum is charged by the charger and then exposed by the exposure device 11 based on the output image data, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. The The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is developed into a toner image of each color by a developing device. The toner image on the photosensitive drum is primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the primary transfer unit. By sequentially repeating the above operation by the four image forming units 12, a full-color toner image (color toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10. The color toner image is supplied to the secondary transfer unit 13 at a predetermined secondary transfer timing by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

  On the other hand, the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 3 or the manual feed tray 4 is taken out by the paper feed mechanism 16 or the paper feed mechanism 17 and transported on the transport path 15. The paper on the transport path 15 is transported to the secondary transfer unit 13 at the predetermined secondary transfer timing. In the secondary transfer unit 13, the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is secondarily transferred to a sheet. The sheet on which the color toner image has been secondarily transferred is conveyed to the downstream side of the conveyance path 15, and after the color toner image is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device, the sheet is discharged from the discharge port to the first discharge tray. Is done.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The multi-function device 1 includes a control unit 20 including a CPU and a storage unit 21 including a ROM and a RAM inside the apparatus main body 2.

  The control unit 20 is connected to each unit of the multifunction machine 1 such as the image reading device 5, the operation display unit 7, the exposure device 11, and the image forming unit 12 described above. Further, the control unit 20 is connected to the preview generation unit 22 and the display control unit 23.

  In the multifunction device 1, the storage unit 21 stores programs and data necessary for image formation processing control, and other programs and data for controlling other functions of the multifunction device 1. The control unit 20 executes arithmetic processing according to each program stored in the storage unit 21 and controls each unit connected to the control unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores, for example, paper settings indicating combinations of paper sizes and paper orientations of the paper feed cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4. Note that the preview generation unit 22 and the display control unit 23 may be configured by a program stored in the storage unit 21 and executed by the control unit 20.

  The preview generation unit 22 displays a preview image 45 (see FIG. 3) indicating a state in which output image data is formed on the paper stored in each of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4. Generated for each manual feed tray 4. In other words, the preview generation unit 22 generates a plurality of preview images 45 in association with each of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4. For example, the preview generation unit 22 acquires each paper setting (paper size, paper orientation, etc.) of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 from the storage unit 21, generates a paper image based on each paper setting, Each preview image 45 is generated by combining the paper image and the output image data. Note that the preview generation unit 22 may generate a preview image 45 for each of a plurality of pages included in the output image data.

  The display control unit 23 controls screen display on the display of the operation display unit 7. For example, the display control unit 23 displays a copy screen 30 (see FIG. 3) on which the various settings and executions of the copy function can be operated on the display of the operation display unit 7 according to the operation of the copy key of the operation display unit 7. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the copy screen 30 is provided with a paper setting button 31, a reduction / enlargement button 32, a color setting button 33, and a duplex printing button 34 that can be operated. Various setting screens are displayed on the copy screen 30 by operating any one of the paper setting button 31, the reduction / enlargement button 32, the color setting button 33, and the duplex printing button 34. For example, when the paper setting button 31 is operated, a paper setting screen 35 is displayed.

  On the sheet setting screen 35, a sheet feeding position diagram 36 showing the positions of the plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 in the multifunction machine 1 is displayed. The paper setting screen 35 is provided with a preview button 37, a cassette button 38, and a plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39 (a plurality of selection buttons). Further, the page setting screen 35 displays a page number 40 of a setting page to be set as a paper feed unit among pages included in the output image data, and further includes a page change button 41 and a paper feed unit setting button. 42 is operably provided.

  Either the preview button 37 or the cassette button 38 can be selected. When the preview button 37 is operated, image data is read from the original by the image reading device 5, and a preview image 45 of output image data based on the image data is generated. Then, a preview image 45 is displayed on each paper feed unit selection button 39. On the other hand, when the cassette button 38 is operated, the preview image 45 of each paper feed unit selection button 39 is not displayed.

  The plurality of sheet feeding unit selection buttons 39 are provided corresponding to each of a plurality of sheet feeding units such as a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 and a manual feed tray 4. Each paper feed unit selection button 39 has a paper size (for example, A3, A4, A5, etc.) and a paper type (for example, plain paper, OHP film, etc.) stored in the corresponding paper feed cassette 3 or manual feed tray 4. ) Is displayed. Each paper feed unit selection button 39 displays a preview image 45 generated by the preview generation unit 22 in association with the corresponding paper feed cassette 3 or manual feed tray 4 by operating the preview button 37 as described above.

  On the paper setting screen 35, at least one button 39 can be selected from among a plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39, and the selected paper feed unit selection button 39 may be highlighted. The paper feed cassette 3 or the manual feed tray 4 corresponding to the selected paper feed unit selection button 39 is selected as the paper feed unit of the output image data copy operation (image forming operation). The selected paper feeding unit may be highlighted. In other words, the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39 can set one of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 as a paper feed unit used for copying image data. When the two paper feed unit selection buttons 39 are selected, two paper feed units are set and output image data is formed on two types of paper. If the output image data includes a plurality of pages, a page change button 41 and a paper feed unit setting button 42 are used in addition to a plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39, so that a plurality of paper feeds for each page. At least one paper feeding unit among the cassette 3 and the manual feed tray 4 can be set.

  The page change button 41 receives an operation for changing a setting page that is a target of paper feed unit setting among a plurality of pages of output image data. When the setting page is changed by the page change button 41, the setting page is reflected in the page number 40.

  The paper feed unit setting button 42 sets the paper feed cassette 3 or the manual feed tray 4 selected by the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39 as a paper feed unit for the image forming operation of the setting page, and prints the setting contents. To remember.

  Next, a preview display operation using the copy screen 30 in the multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as a copy preparation (step S1), the user sets a document to be copied on the platen glass of the image reading device 5 or the document transport unit 6. Then, the user operates the operation display unit 7 to display the copy screen 30 on the display of the operation display unit 7 and display the paper setting screen 35 on the copy screen 30. In the initial state of the paper setting screen 35, the cassette button 38 is operated.

  When the preview button 37 on the paper setting screen 35 is operated (step S2), the set original is read by the image reading device 5, and output image data is generated based on the read image data and various print settings.

  Further, in response to the operation of the preview button 37, the preview generation unit 22 acquires the sheet settings of each sheet feeding unit such as the plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 from the storage unit 21 (step S3). The preview generation unit 22 generates a preview image 45 in association with each paper feed unit based on the output image data and the paper settings of each paper feed unit.

  Then, the display control unit 23 displays each preview image 45 generated by the preview generation unit 22 on each sheet feeding unit selection button 39 of the sheet setting screen 35 (step S4). At this time, the user can refer to a plurality of preview images 45 using the respective sheets fed by the plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 on one screen of the sheet setting screen 35.

  When the user operates the paper feed unit selection button 39 corresponding to the preview image 45 desired to be output while referring to the plurality of preview images 45 on the paper setting screen 35 (step S5: YES), the user associates with the preview image 45. The selected paper feeding unit can be selected. Note that the user can also perform a copy cancel operation without operating the paper feed unit selection button 39 (step S5: NO) (step S6).

  When the user selects the paper feed unit and operates the paper feed unit setting button 39 on the paper setting screen 35 (step S7), the selected paper feed unit is set as the paper feed unit used for the copy operation and print settings are set. Is remembered.

  Next, when the user operates the page change button 41 on the paper setting screen 35 (step S8: YES), the setting page that is the target of paper feed unit setting is changed, and the change is made by repeating the above steps S5 and S7. The sheet feeding unit used for the copy operation can be individually set for the set page. For example, after the A3 paper feed cassette 3b is set for the first page of the output image data, the A5 paper feed cassette 3d can be set for the second page. Note that at least one paper feed unit (for example, a paper feed unit designated by the initial setting) may be set for all pages other than the individually set pages, or the first page It may be configured such that the sheet feeding unit set to is applied.

  Then, if the start key of the operation display unit 7 is operated without operating the page change button 41 (step S8: NO), the output image data is output based on the print setting in which the paper feed unit is set as described above. A copy operation is executed (step S9). For example, the first page of the output image data can be copied onto A3 paper using the paper feed cassette 3b, and the second page can be copied onto A5 paper using the paper feed cassette 3d.

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, the multifunction machine 1 includes the plurality of sheet feeding units 3 such as the plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 and the manual feed tray 4 that store sheets, the preview generation unit 22, and the operation display unit 7. With. The preview generation unit 22 generates a preview image 45 of output image data based on the sheet settings of the sheet feeding unit such as the sheet feeding cassette 3 or the manual feed tray 4 in association with the sheet feeding unit. The operation display unit 7 displays the preview image 45 generated by the preview generation unit 22 on a display device such as a touch panel. Further, the preview generation unit 22 generates a plurality of preview images 45 in association with each of the plurality of sheet feeding units. Further, the operation display unit 7 displays a plurality of preview images 45 on a single screen on a function screen such as the copy screen 30 by a display.

  As a result, the user refers to a plurality of preview images 45 for each of a plurality of types of sheets on a single screen to see a state in which the output image data is formed on the sheet, thereby selecting a sheet (paper feeding unit) used for the image forming operation. It can be easily compared. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a mistake in selecting the paper (paper feeding unit).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the operation display unit 7 corresponds to each of a plurality of paper feed units such as a plurality of paper feed cassettes 3 and a manual feed tray 4 and is used for a copy operation (image forming operation). A plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39 (a plurality of selection buttons) for accepting selection of a paper unit are displayed on a function screen such as a copy screen 30 by a display device such as a touch panel. Further, the operation display unit 7 additionally displays a plurality of preview images 45 on each of the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39.

  Thus, the user refers to each preview image 45 associated with each paper feed unit, and compares each sheet (paper feed unit) used for the image forming operation with each selection button corresponding to each preview image 45. By manipulating, it is possible to easily select a desired paper (paper feeding unit). Therefore, it is possible to avoid the selection mistake of the paper (paper feeding unit) and to smoothly advance the image forming operation.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the operation display unit 7 includes a plurality of paper feeding units so as to accept selection of a paper feeding unit used for the image forming operation for each page when the output image data includes a plurality of pages. The selection button 39 is displayed on a function screen such as the copy screen 30 by a display device such as a touch panel.

  As a result, even when the output image data includes a plurality of pages, the paper feed unit used for the image forming operation can be selected for each page. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the image forming operation for all pages for each sheet feeding unit, and the image forming operation using a desired sheet can be easily performed.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which each preview image 45 is displayed on each paper feed unit selection button 39 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In another embodiment, for example, each preview image 45 may be displayed in the vicinity of each paper feed unit selection button 39 so that the association with each paper feed unit can be understood.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a plurality of preview images 45 associated with a plurality of paper feed units are displayed on one screen on the copy screen 30 in order to select a paper feed unit to be used in the copy operation. It is not limited to this configuration. In other embodiments, for example, the configuration of the present invention can be applied to functions other than copying. In this case, a plurality of preview images 45 associated with a plurality of sheet feeding units are displayed on a function screen on which various settings and executions of other functions can be performed in order to select a sheet feeding unit used for an image forming operation of another function. Is displayed on one screen.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which a plurality of preview images 45 associated with a plurality of paper feeding units is displayed on the operation display unit 7 of the multifunction device 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In another embodiment, for example, the configuration of the present invention can be applied to an image forming system 50 (see FIG. 5) including the multifunction device 1 and the user terminal 51. In the image forming system 50, the multifunction device 1 and the user terminal 51 are connected to be communicable by wire or wireless, may be connected directly, or may be connected via a network.

  In this case, the multifunction device 1 includes a communication unit 25 (transmission unit) that realizes communication with the user terminal 51, and the communication unit 25 is connected to the control unit 20. The communication unit 25 transmits paper settings and print settings to the user terminal 51 in order to display on the user terminal 51 a function screen capable of operating various settings and execution of functions such as copying of the multifunction device 1. For example, the communication unit 25 transmits to the user terminal 51 a plurality of preview images 45 associated with the plurality of paper feeding units generated by the preview generation unit 22. In addition, the communication unit 25 receives and receives various setting and execution instructions for functions such as copying of the multifunction device 1 from the user terminal 51.

  The user terminal 51 is a personal computer, a portable terminal, or the like that is communicably connected to the multifunction device 1 and can operate the multifunction device 1. The user terminal 51 includes a control unit 52 composed of a CPU and the like, and a storage unit 53 composed of a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 52 is connected to a communication unit 54 (reception unit) that realizes communication with the multifunction device 1, a display control unit 55, and a display unit 56. The display control unit 55 may be configured by a program stored in the storage unit 53 and executed by the control unit 52. The display control unit 55 is configured by the display control unit 23 of the multi-function device 1 of the above embodiment and the screen of the display unit 56. Since the display is controlled, the description is omitted.

  The communication unit 54 receives paper settings and print settings transmitted from the multifunction device 1 in order to display a function screen on which various settings and execution of functions such as copying of the multifunction device 1 can be operated on the display unit 56. . For example, the communication unit 54 receives a plurality of preview images 45 associated with a plurality of sheet feeding units of the multifunction device 1. In addition, the communication unit 54 of the user terminal 51 transmits various setting and execution instructions for functions such as copying of the multifunction device 1 to the multifunction device 1.

  The display unit 56 can display a function screen such as the copy screen 30 in the same manner as the operation display unit 7 of the above-described embodiment. For example, a plurality of previews associated with a plurality of sheet feeding units of the multifunction device 1 can be displayed. The image 45 can be displayed on one screen as a function screen. For example, the user terminal 51 may include a display control unit (not shown) such as the display control unit 23 of the above embodiment and control the screen display of the display unit 56.

  The display unit 56 corresponds to each of the plurality of sheet feeding units of the multifunction machine 1 and displays a plurality of sheet feeding unit selection buttons 39 for accepting selection of the sheet feeding unit used for the image forming operation on the function screen. Furthermore, a plurality of preview images 45 can be additionally displayed on each of the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39. Furthermore, when the output image data includes a plurality of pages, the display unit 56 displays a plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 39 on the function screen so as to accept selection of the paper feed unit used for the image forming operation for each page. You can also

  According to such another embodiment, even in a configuration in which a plurality of preview images 45 associated with a plurality of paper feeding units are displayed using the user terminal 51 of the image forming system 50, a multifunction device as in this embodiment is used. It is possible to realize the same effect as the configuration displayed on the one operation display unit 7.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the configuration of the present invention is applied to the multifunction device 1 or the image forming system 50 including the multifunction device 1 has been described. However, in other different embodiments, the image forming operation is performed from a plurality of paper feeding units. The configuration of the present invention may be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile for selecting a paper feeding unit, and other image forming systems including such other image forming apparatuses.

1 MFP (image forming device)
3 Paper cassette (paper feeder)
4 Bypass tray (paper feeder)
5 Image reading device 7 Operation display unit (display unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Image formation part 15 Conveyance path 16 Paper feed mechanism 17 Paper feed mechanism 20 Control part 21 Memory | storage part 22 Preview production | generation part 23 Display control part 30 Copy screen 31 Paper setting button 35 Paper setting screen 36 Paper feed position figure 37 Preview button 38 Cassette Button 39 Paper source selection button (selection button)
40 Page number 41 Page change button 42 Paper source setting button 45 Preview image

Claims (6)

A plurality of paper supply units for storing paper;
A preview generation unit that generates a preview image of output image data based on the paper setting of the paper supply unit in association with the paper supply unit;
A display unit for displaying the preview image,
The preview generation unit generates a plurality of the preview images in association with each of the plurality of sheet feeding units,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display unit displays the plurality of preview images on one screen.   The display unit corresponds to each of the plurality of sheet feeding units, displays a plurality of selection buttons for receiving selection of a sheet feeding unit used for an image forming operation, and displays the plurality of selection buttons on each of the plurality of selection buttons. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview image is additionally displayed.   The display unit displays the plurality of selection buttons so that selection of a paper feeding unit used for an image forming operation is accepted for each page when the output image data includes a plurality of pages. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. An image forming apparatus;
A user terminal communicably connected to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A plurality of paper supply units for storing paper;
A preview generation unit that generates a preview image of output image data based on the paper setting of the paper supply unit in association with the paper supply unit;
A transmission unit that transmits the preview image to the user terminal,
The user terminal includes a receiving unit that receives the preview image from the image forming apparatus;
A display unit for displaying the preview image,
The preview generation unit generates a plurality of the preview images in association with each of the plurality of sheet feeding units,
The image forming system, wherein the display unit displays the plurality of preview images on one screen.   The display unit corresponds to each of the plurality of sheet feeding units, displays a plurality of selection buttons for receiving selection of a sheet feeding unit used for an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, and the plurality of selection buttons. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of preview images are additionally displayed on each of the images. When the output image data includes a plurality of pages, the display unit displays the plurality of selection buttons so as to accept selection of a sheet feeding unit used for the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus for each page. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.

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