JP2018187769A - Printer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer that achieves both of proper elimination of a jam state and ensuring of security.SOLUTION: A printer executes: print processing (S11) for printing an object image indicated by object data on a first sheet supported by a tray in response to reception of a printing instruction; interruption processing (S14) for interrupting the print processing in response to detection of a jam state in which the first sheet is jammed in a conveyance path during execution of the print processing (S12: Yes); and test print processing (S21) for printing a test image indicated by test data on a second sheet supported by the tray in response to detection of elimination of the jam state (S20: Yes). A controller resumes the print processing interrupted by the interruption processing (S11) in response to determination as to whether the test print processing has normally finished or not (S22: Yes).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that prints an image on a sheet.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that prints an image on a sheet and notifies the occurrence of a jam in response to the occurrence of a jam during printing. Also, in such an image forming apparatus, it is common to resume printing that has been interrupted due to the occurrence of a jam in response to the jam being resolved.

JP 2006-297654 A

  Here, there is a possibility that the work for clearing the jam is performed by a person (for example, a maintenance staff member) different from the user who instructs the image forming apparatus to print. Since the resumed printing does not end normally unless the jam is properly resolved, the worker needs to confirm that the printing can be properly performed.

  However, as described above, if the print that was interrupted by the removal of the jam is resumed, the operator may be able to see the image printed on the sheet. This is necessary from the viewpoint of the jam clearing operation, but it is not desirable when the image data to be printed includes confidential information.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer that achieves both proper elimination of a jammed state and security.

  Various disclosures are provided herein. A printer that is one of the disclosed examples includes a tray that supports a sheet, a conveyance path that conveys a sheet supported by the tray, a sheet that is supported by the tray, and conveys the sheet along the conveyance path; and Printing hardware that executes a printing operation for printing an image on a conveyed sheet, a memory, and a controller are provided. The controller receives a print instruction for instructing the print operation for target data, and the first sheet supported on the tray receives the print instruction in the reception process. A print process for causing the print hardware to execute the print operation for printing the target image indicated by the target data, and a jam condition in which the first sheet is jammed in the conveyance path during the execution of the print process. A first detection process to be detected; an interruption process to interrupt the print process in response to detecting the occurrence of the jam state in the first detection process; and the jam condition detected in the first detection process is eliminated. In response to detecting the cancellation of the jammed state in the second detection process and the second detection process. Performing a second test to execute the printing operation for printing a test image shown in sheet test data to said print hardware printing process which is supported on the tray. The test data is stored in advance in the memory and is different from the target data. The controller executes a first determination process for determining whether or not the test print process has ended normally, and interrupts the interrupt process in response to determining that the test print process has ended normally in the first determination process. The above-described printing process is resumed.

  According to the above configuration, the test print process is executed in response to the cancellation of the jammed state, and the print process is resumed in response to the normal completion of the test print process. In other words, the worker can determine whether or not the jammed state has been properly resolved based on the sheet output in the test print process, and thus sees the sheet output in the print process that is resumed thereafter. There is no need. As a result, it is possible to achieve both proper resolution of the jammed state and security.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the printer 10. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. 3A shows a block diagram of the printer 10, and FIG. 3B shows a tray list stored in the EEPROM 34. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the printing process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the test process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the restart preparation process. 7A and 7B are display examples of the display 121, where FIG. 7A shows a removal instruction screen and FIG. 7B shows a jam notification screen. FIG. 8 is a display example of the display 121, where (A) shows a tray selection screen and (B) shows an authentication screen. FIG. 9 is a display example of the display 121, where (A) shows a restart instruction screen and (B) shows a setting screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  The printer 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 transports the sheet 12 supported by the feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C along the transport path 65 to a position facing the recording head 24, and supplies ink to the recording head 24. By ejecting, a printing operation for printing an image on the sheet 12 is executed. That is, the printer 10 employs a so-called inkjet recording method. However, the recording method of the printer 10 is not limited to the ink jet recording method, and may be an electrophotographic method or the like. The printer 10 may further include a scanner capable of executing a scan operation for reading an image recorded on a document and generating image data. That is, the printer 10 may be an MFP.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3A, the printer 10 includes feeding trays 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> B, and 20 </ b> C, a discharge tray 21, feeding rollers 25 </ b> A and 25 </ b> B, a conveyance roller unit 54, and a recording head 24. A discharge roller unit 55, a platen 42, a controller 30, a sheet sensor 120, a display 121, an input I / F 122, and a communication I / F 123. The feed rollers 25A and 25B, the transport roller unit 54, the recording head 24, the discharge roller unit 55, and the sheet sensor 120 are examples of print hardware.

  In addition, a conveyance path 65 for conveying the sheet 12 is provided inside the printer 10. The conveyance path 65 is a space through which the sheet 12 conveyed by the feeding rollers 25A and 25B, the conveyance roller unit 54, and the discharge roller unit 55 passes. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance path 65 is defined by guide members 18A and 18B, a recording head 24 and a platen 42, and guide members 19A and 19B that are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval inside the printer 10. Space. The conveyance direction 16 of the sheet 12 in the conveyance path 65 is indicated by a one-dot chain arrow in FIG.

  The feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C support a plurality of stacked sheets 12. The feed trays 20A and 20B are configured to be detachable from the printer 10. The feeding trays 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B are cassette-type trays in which the sheet 12 cannot be inserted / extracted while being attached to the printer 10 and can be inserted / extracted while being removed from the printer 10. is there. On the other hand, the feeding tray 20 </ b> C is fixed to the printer 10. The feeding tray 20 </ b> C is a so-called “manual feed tray” in which the sheet 12 can be inserted and removed without being removed from the printer 10. The tray 20C is an example of a first tray, and the trays 20A and 20B are examples of a second tray. The sheet 12 on which an image is printed by the printing operation is discharged to the discharge tray 21.

  The feeding roller 25A feeds the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20A to the conveyance path 65. The feeding roller 25B feeds the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20B to the conveyance path 65. More specifically, the feeding rollers 25 </ b> A and 25 </ b> B cause the leading end of the sheet 12 supported by the feeding trays 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B to reach the conveyance roller unit 54. The feeding rollers 25A and 25B are rotated by the driving force of a motor (not shown) being transmitted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20 </ b> C has reached the conveyance roller unit 54 through the installation position of the sheet sensor 120. That is, the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20 </ b> C is detected by the sheet sensor 120.

  The conveyance roller unit 54 is arranged upstream of the recording head 24 in the conveyance direction 16. The conveyance roller unit 54 includes a conveyance roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 that face each other. The discharge roller portion 55 is disposed downstream of the recording head 24 in the transport direction 16. The discharge roller portion 55 includes a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63 that face each other. The transport roller 60 and the discharge roller 62 are rotated by a driving force of a motor (not shown) being transmitted. The sheet 12 sandwiched between the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 is transported in the transport direction 16 as the transport roller 60 rotates. Similarly, the sheet 12 sandwiched between the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 is conveyed in the conveyance direction 16 as the discharge roller 62 rotates.

  The sheet sensor 120 is installed downstream of the feed trays 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> B, and 20 </ b> C in the transport direction 16 and upstream of the transport roller unit 54 in the transport direction 16. The sheet sensor 120 detects whether or not the sheet 12 exists at the installation position. More specifically, the sheet sensor 120 outputs a first detection signal corresponding to the presence of the sheet 12 at the installation position or a second detection signal corresponding to the absence of the sheet 12 at the installation position. The sheet sensor 120 detects the sheet 12 fed from the feed trays 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B by the feed rollers 25 </ b> A and 25 </ b> B immediately before reaching the transport roller unit 54. The sheet sensor 120 detects the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20C.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording head 24 is disposed between the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 in the transport direction 16. The recording head 24 is disposed so as to face the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7. For example, the recording head 24 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction intersecting the conveyance direction 16 by the driving force of a motor (not shown) being transmitted. The recording head 24 selectively ejects ink droplets from a plurality of nozzles provided on the lower surface of ink stored in an ink cartridge (not shown) or a tank. As a result, an image is printed on the sheet 12 supported by the platen 42.

[Controller 30]
As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the controller 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an EEPROM 34, and an ASIC 35. The ROM 32 stores a program for the CPU 31 to control various operations. The RAM 33 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing data and signals used when the CPU 31 executes a program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 34 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. The ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the EEPROM 34 are examples of memories.

  The memory may be a computer readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM in addition to the above examples. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium that is a kind of computer-readable medium, but a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in the media.

  To the ASIC 35, feed rollers 25A and 25B, a transport roller 60, a discharge roller 62, and the recording head 24 are connected via a motor (not shown). That is, the controller 30 drives the motor through the ASIC 35 to rotate the rollers 25A, 25B, 60, and 62 and to reciprocate the recording head 24 in the main scanning direction. In addition, the controller 30 applies a drive voltage to a vibration element (not shown) associated with each of the plurality of nozzles of the recording head 24 to discharge ink droplets from the corresponding nozzle.

  In addition, a sheet sensor 120 is connected to the ASIC 35. The controller 30 detects the state of the sheet 12 in the conveyance path 65 based on the detection signal acquired from the sheet sensor 120 through the ASIC 35. Although details will be described later, for example, the controller 30 determines whether or not the sheet 12 is supported on the feeding tray 20C, and whether or not the sheet 12 fed by the feeding rollers 25A and 25B has reached the conveying roller unit 54. Alternatively, it is possible to detect whether or not the sheet 12 is jammed in the conveyance path 65 (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a “jam state”).

  Further, a display 121, an input I / F 122, and a communication I / F 123 are connected to the ASIC 35. The controller 30 can display a screen on the display 121, acquire an operation signal from the input I / F 122, and communicate with an external device through the communication I / F 123. The display 121 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and includes a display screen that displays various types of information.

  The input I / F 122 is a user interface that receives an input operation by a user. Specifically, the input I / F 122 includes a button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pressed button to the CPU 31. Further, the input I / F 122 may include a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display 121. An operation for designating an object displayed on the display screen of the display 121 and an operation for inputting a character string or a numeric string are examples of user operations. The “object” is, for example, a character string, icon, button, link, radio button, check box, pull-down menu, or the like displayed on the display 121.

  The input I / F 122 realized as a touch sensor outputs position information indicating the position on the display screen touched by the user. Note that “touch” in this specification includes all operations for bringing an input medium into contact with a display screen. In addition, even if the input medium is not touching the display screen, “hover” or “floating touch” that brings the input medium close to a position where the distance to the display screen is very small is based on the above-mentioned concept of “touch”. May be included. Furthermore, the input medium may be a user's finger or a touch pen. The user operation for tapping the position of the object displayed on the display 121 is an example of a user operation for designating the object.

  The communication I / F 123 is an interface capable of communicating with an external device through a communication network. That is, the printer 10 transmits various types of information to the external device through the communication I / F 123 and receives various types of information from the external device through the communication I / F 123. Although the specific communication procedure of communication I / F123 is not specifically limited, For example, Wi-Fi (trademark) is employable.

  The EEPROM 34 can store, for example, a tray list shown in FIG. The tray list includes one or more tray records. The tray record corresponds to each of the plurality of feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C included in the printer 10. The tray record includes, for example, a tray ID, sheet information, and a priority flag.

  The tray ID identifies the feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C included in the printer 10. In this embodiment, the feeding tray 20A is identified by the tray ID “tray 1”, the feeding tray 20B is identified by the tray ID “tray 2”, and the feeding tray 20C is identified by the tray ID “manual feed”. The sheet information includes the size (for example, “A4”, “B5”, “L plate”, etc.) of the sheet 12 supported by the feeding trays 20A, 20B identified by the tray ID and the sheet type (for example, “plain paper”). , “Glossy paper”, “inkjet paper” and the like. The sheet information can be changed by a user operation through the input I / F 122, for example.

  The priority flag is an example of priority tray information indicating whether or not the feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C identified by the tray ID are “priority trays”. In the priority flag, the first value “OFF” corresponding to the corresponding feeding tray 20A, 20B not being the priority tray, or the second value “ON” corresponding to the corresponding feeding tray 20C being the priority tray. Is set. The priority tray refers to a tray that is a feeding source of the sheet 12 with priority over other trays when a feeding tray is not designated by a print instruction to be described later.

  Further, although not shown, the EEPROM 34 stores a plurality of test data having different formats. The test data is data indicating a test image to be printed on the sheet 12 in S38 described later. As the data format, for example, the image indicated by the data mainly includes a photograph (hereinafter referred to as “photo format”) or mainly includes text (hereinafter referred to as “text format”). ) Or both of a photograph and text (hereinafter referred to as “composite format”). The plurality of test data is selected by the manufacturer when the printer 10 is manufactured, for example, and stored in the EEPROM 34. That is, the test image indicated by the test data is different from the target image indicated by the target data described later.

[Operation of Printer 10]
The operation of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the hardware configuration of the printer 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3A is an example, and a method for detecting a jam condition, a method for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet 12 on the feeding tray 20C, and the like. The method is not limited to the method described later.

  The flowchart of this specification basically shows the processing of the CPU 31 in accordance with instructions described in the program. That is, in the following description, “judgment”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, “decision”, “specification”, “control”, “acquisition”, “acceptance”, etc. Represents. The processing by the CPU 31 includes hardware control. “Acquisition” is used in a concept that does not require a request. That is, the effect that the CPU 31 receives data without requesting it is also included in the concept of “the CPU 31 acquires data”. Further, “data” in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. Data having substantially the same semantic content but different formats are handled as the same data. The same applies to “information” in this specification.

  The controller 30 of the printer 10 executes the printing process shown in FIG. 4 in response to receiving the print instruction. The process for receiving a print instruction is an example of a reception process. First, the controller 30 causes the print hardware to start the print operation for the target data instructed by the print instruction in accordance with the execution condition instructed by the print instruction (S11). The process of S11 is an example of a print process.

  As an example, the controller 30 may accept a user operation for designating a [copy] icon displayed on the display 121 through the input I / F 122 as a print instruction. In this case, the print instruction instructs execution of a print operation for image data generated by the scanner reading from an original. As another example, the controller 30 may receive print instruction information as a print instruction from an external device through the communication I / F 123. The print instruction in this case is an instruction to execute a print operation for the image data included in the print instruction information. The image data that is the target of the printing operation is an example of the target data.

  In addition, the print instruction may include condition information indicating the execution condition of the print operation. The condition information includes, for example, at least one of tray information for designating a designated tray, image quality information indicating the image quality of the target image to be printed on the sheet 12, and number of copies information indicating the number of sheets 12 on which the target image is printed. The tray information indicates one of the feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C. The image quality information indicates the first image quality “fine” or the second image quality “draft” that is lower than the first image quality. The sheet number information indicates a numerical value indicating the number of sheets 12. The tray information, image quality information, and number of copies information can be omitted.

  As an example, the controller 30 reaches a position at which the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20A reaches the conveying roller unit 54 along the conveying path 65 in response to the designation of the feeding tray 20A by the tray information. Until the feed roller 25A is fed. More specifically, the controller 30 rotates the feeding roller 25A until the sheet sensor 120 detects the sheet 12, and after the sheet sensor 120 detects the sheet 12, a predetermined number of rotations (from the sheet sensor 120 to the conveying roller). The feed roller 25A is rotated by the number of revolutions corresponding to the distance to the section 54). Then, the controller 30 executes processing to be described later in response to the leading edge of the sheet 12 reaching the conveyance roller unit 54. The same applies when the feeding tray 20B is designated by the tray information.

  As another example, the controller 30 supports the sheet 12 on the feeding tray 20C in response to the feeding tray 20C being designated by the tray information or in response to the print instruction not including the tray information. It is detected through the sheet sensor 120 whether or not it is. More specifically, the controller 30 supports the sheet 12 on the feeding tray 20C in response to the first detection signal being output from the sheet sensor 120 in a state where the feeding rollers 25A and 25B are not rotated. Judge that Then, the controller 30 executes processing to be described later in response to detecting the sheet 12 on the feeding tray 20C through the sheet sensor 120.

  Next, the controller 30 conveys the sheet 12 conveyed by the supply rollers 25A and 25B or the sheet 12 supported by the supply tray 20C to a position facing the recording head 24 along the conveyance path 65. It is conveyed to the section 54 and the discharge roller section 55. Further, the controller 30 selectively ejects ink from the nozzles in the process of reciprocating the recording head 24 in the main scanning direction. Further, the controller 30 repeatedly executes the conveyance of the sheet 12 by the conveyance roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 and the ejection of the ink by the recording head 24 until the target image indicated by the target data is printed on the sheet 12. . Then, the controller 30 causes the discharge roller unit 55 to discharge the sheet 12 on which the target image is printed onto the discharge tray 21. The sheet 12 on which the target image is printed in S11 is an example of a first sheet.

  In addition, the controller 30 monitors the occurrence of a jam state through the sheet sensor 120 during the execution of the printing operation described above (S12). As an example, the jammed state refers to a state in which the sheet 12 that has reached the conveyance roller unit 54 cannot enter between the conveyance roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and cannot advance beyond the conveyance roller unit 54. As another example, the jammed state refers to a state in which the sheet 12 that has reached the discharge roller portion 55 cannot enter between the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 and cannot advance beyond the discharge roller portion 55. For example, the controller 30 responds to the fact that the detection signal of the sheet sensor 120 does not change from the first detection signal to the second detection signal even though the conveyance roller 60 is rotated by the number of rotations corresponding to the size of the sheet 12. To detect the occurrence of a jam condition. The process of S12 is an example of a first detection process.

  Then, the controller 30 ends the printing process in response to the discharge of the sheet 12 to the discharge tray 21 without detecting the occurrence of a jammed state (S12: No & S13: Yes). On the other hand, before discharging the sheet 12 to the discharge tray 21, the controller 30 interrupts the printing operation started in S11 in response to detecting the occurrence of a jammed state through the sheet sensor 120 (S13: No & S12: Yes). (S14). More specifically, the controller 30 stops the operation of the print hardware, and at the same time, the target data to be subjected to the print operation, the condition information included in the print instruction, and the information indicating the progress of the print operation (for example, print The number of completed pages) is stored in the EEPROM 34. The process of S14 is an example of an interruption process.

  Next, the controller 30 determines whether or not the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C is jammed in the conveyance path 65 (S15). In other words, the controller 30 moves the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20C in the conveyance path 65 when the feeding tray 20C is designated by the tray information and when the print instruction does not include the tray information. Judged to be stuck. On the other hand, the controller 30 determines that the sheet 12 supported by the feeding trays 20A and 20B different from the feeding tray 20C is jammed in the conveying path 65 when the feeding trays 20A and 20B are designated by the tray information. to decide. The process of S15 is an example of a third determination process.

  Then, the controller 30 displays the removal instruction screen shown in FIG. 7A in response to determining that the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C is jammed in the conveyance path 65 (S15: Yes). It is displayed on 121 (S16). The extraction instruction screen displays a message “Please remove the sheet from the manual feed tray and input the authentication PW.”, A text box 131 for displaying the authentication PW input through the input I / F 122, and an [OK] icon 132. Including. The authentication PW is, for example, a 4-digit number string. The process of S16 is an example of a first notification process for notifying that the sheet 12 is removed from the feeding tray 20C.

  Then, the controller 30 receives a user operation for the removal instruction screen through the input I / F 122 (S17). The user who has viewed the removal instruction screen removes the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20 </ b> C, inputs the authentication PW through the input I / F 122, and taps the [OK] icon 132. The tap of the [OK] icon 132 is a user operation indicating that the sheet 12 has been removed from the feeding tray 20C and that the authentication PW has been input. The process of S17 is an example of a third detection process for detecting that the sheet 12 has been removed from the feeding tray 20C. However, the method of detecting the removal of the sheet 12 from the feeding tray 20C is not limited to the above example, and may be detected by a sensor (not shown) provided on the feeding tray 20C, for example.

  Next, in response to receiving the input of the authentication PW and the designation of the [OK] icon 132 through the input I / F 122 (S17: Yes), the controller 30 displays the authentication PW displayed in the text box 131 as the EEPROM 34. (S18). The authentication PW stored in the EEPROM 34 in S18 is an example of setting authentication information. On the other hand, although illustration is omitted, the controller 30 gives the following warning in response to the [OK] icon 132 being designated before the authentication PW is input, and may execute the processing subsequent to S16 again. Good.

  The “warning” here may be, for example, a notification that the authentication PW needs to be input or a notification that the sheet 12 should not be taken away without inputting the authentication PW. The warning method is not particularly limited, and a message may be displayed on the display 121, a guide voice or warning sound may be output from a speaker (not shown), or an LED lamp (not shown) is turned on. Alternatively, the message may be transmitted to the mail address of the login user registered in advance in the EEPROM 34.

  Next, the controller 30 displays the jam notification screen shown in FIG. 7B on the display 121 (S19). The jam notification screen includes a message “Open the cover and remove the sheet.”, An animation 133 for explaining the procedure for clearing the jammed state, and an [OK] icon 134. Then, the controller 30 receives a user operation on the jam notification screen through the input I / F 122 (S20). The process of S19 is an example of a third notification process, and the process of S20 is an example of a second detection process for detecting that the jam state detected in S12 has been eliminated.

  An operator in charge of maintenance performs an operation for eliminating the jam state according to the animation 133 on the jam notification screen. More specifically, the worker rotates the guide members 18A, 19A and the like to expose the conveyance path 65 to the outside of the printer 10, remove the sheet 12 jammed in the conveyance path 65, and remove the guide members 18A, 19A. Return to the original state and tap the [OK] icon 134. The tap of the [OK] icon 134 is a user operation indicating that the jam state has been resolved. However, the method of detecting the cancellation of the jammed state is not limited to the above-described example, and even if the cancellation of the jammed state is detected when the detection signal of the sheet sensor 120 is changed from the first detection signal to the second detection signal. Good.

  Next, the controller 30 executes a test process in response to detecting the cancellation of the jammed state (S20: Yes) (S21). The test process is a process for testing whether or not the jam state has been properly resolved. Details of the test process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the controller 30 determines the format of the target data (S31). That is, the controller 30 determines whether the target data corresponds to a photo format, a text format, or a composite format. The process of S31 is an example of a second determination process. The method of determining the format of the target data is not particularly limited, but for example, the following method can be considered. A part of the photo format, text format, and composite format is an example of the first format, and the other part is an example of the second format.

  As an example, the controller 30 prints the target image indicated by the target data on the sheet 12 according to the amount of ink landed per unit area of the sheet 12 (hereinafter referred to as “Duty”). Determine the format of. The duty can be specified from the target data by a known method. Then, the controller 30 determines that the target data is in a photo format when the duty of the target data is greater than or equal to a first threshold (for example, 60%). In addition, the controller 30 determines that the target data is in text format when the duty of the target data is less than a second threshold (for example, 5%). Further, the controller 30 determines that the target data is in a composite format in response to the fact that the duty of the target data is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than the second threshold, and only part of the target data protrudes and the duty is high. .

  As another example, the controller 30 may determine the format of the target data based on format information indicating the format of the target data included in the print instruction. The format information may be, for example, the file format (for example, extension) of the target data. That is, the controller 30 determines that the target data with the extensions “.jpeg” and “.tiff” is the photo format, determines the target data with the extension “.txt” as the text format, and sets the extension “.rtf”, The target data of “.pdf” may be determined as a composite format.

  Next, in response to determining that the target data is in the photo format (S31: photo), the controller 30 reads test data in the photo format from the EEPROM 34 (S32). In response to determining that the target data is in text format (S31: text), the controller 30 reads test data in text format from the EEPROM 34 (S33). Furthermore, the controller 30 reads the test data in the composite format from the EEPROM 34 in response to determining that the target data is in the composite format (S31: composite) (S34). That is, the controller 30 reads test data having the same format as the target data among the plurality of test data stored in advance in the EEPROM 34. A part of S32 to S34 is an example of a first reading process, and another part of S32 to S34 is an example of a second reading process.

  Next, the controller 30 displays the tray selection screen shown in FIG. 8A on the display 121 (S35). The tray selection screen includes a message “Please insert a sheet into the manual feed tray or select a tray to be used for the test.”, A [tray 1] icon 141, and a [tray 2] icon 142. [Tray 1] icon 141 corresponds to feeding tray 20A, and [Tray 2] icon 142 corresponds to feeding tray 20B. The process of S35 is an example of a fourth notification process for notifying that a sheet is inserted into the feeding tray 20C or that the feeding trays 20A and 20B are designated.

  That is, the worker who has viewed the tray selection screen may insert the sheet 12 into the feeding tray 20C or specify one of the feeding trays 20A and 20B that already support the sheet 12 through the tray selection screen. Then, the controller 30 detects that the sheet 12 is inserted on the feeding tray 20C through the sheet sensor 120 (S36) and accepts a user operation on the tray selection screen through the input I / F 122 (S37). The process of S36 is an example of a fourth detection process, and the process of S37 is an example of a first reception process. The tap of the [tray 1] icon 141 or the [tray 2] icon 142 is an example of a designation operation.

  Next, before accepting the designation operation through the input I / F 122, the controller 30 changes the detection signal of the sheet sensor 120 from the second detection signal to the first detection signal (S37: No & S36: Yes) The print hardware is caused to execute a print operation for printing the test image indicated by the test data read in S32 to S34 on the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C (S38). The process of S38 is an example of a test print process, and the operation of the print hardware is common to S11. The sheet 12 on which the test image is printed is an example of a second sheet.

  On the other hand, the controller 30 accepts the designation of the [tray 1] icon 141 through the input I / F 122 before the detection signal of the sheet sensor 120 changes (S36: No & S37: Yes), in S32 to S34. The print hardware is caused to execute a print operation for printing the test image indicated by the read test data on the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20A (S38). Further, when the [tray 2] icon 142 is designated, a test image is printed on the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20B (S38).

  Next, returning to FIG. 4, the controller 30 determines whether or not the process of S <b> 38 has ended normally (S <b> 22). As an example, the controller 30 may determine that the process of S38 has been normally completed in response to the fact that the sheet 12 can be discharged to the discharge tray 21 without detecting the occurrence of a jam state during the process of S38. Good. As another example, the controller 30 allows the operator to confirm the sheet 12 discharged to the discharge tray 21 in the process of S38, and performs a user operation indicating whether or not the test image is appropriately printed on the sheet 12 with the input I / You may accept through F122. The process of S22 is an example of a first determination process.

  Next, in response to determining that the process of S38 has not ended normally (S22: No), the controller 30 executes the processes after S19 again. On the other hand, the controller 30 executes a restart preparation process (S23) in response to the normal completion of the process of S38 (S22: Yes). The resumption preparation process is a process for causing the user to prepare for resuming the pudding process interrupted in S14. Details of the restart preparation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the controller 30 displays an authentication screen shown in FIG. 8B on the display 121 (S41). The authentication screen includes a message “Please enter authentication PW.”, A text box 143 for displaying the authentication PW input through the input I / F 122, and an [Authentication] icon 144. Then, the controller 30 receives a user operation on the authentication screen through the input I / F 122. This process is an example of a second reception process. The authentication PW input through the authentication screen is an example of input authentication information.

  Next, the controller 30 stores the authentication PW displayed in the text box 143 in response to the input of the authentication PW and the designation of the [authentication] icon 144 received through the input I / F 122, and the EEPROM 34 in S18. It is determined whether or not the authenticated authentication PW matches (S42). The process of S42 is an example of a fourth determination process. Then, in response to determining that the input authentication information and the setting authentication information do not match (S42: No), the controller 30 executes the processes subsequent to S41 again.

  On the other hand, when the controller 30 determines that the input authentication information matches the setting authentication information (S42: Yes), the controller 30 causes the display 121 to display the restart instruction screen shown in FIG. 9A (S43). The restart instruction screen includes a message “Please insert a sheet into the manual feed tray. The execution condition can be changed in [Setting].” And a “Setting” icon 151. The process of S43 is an example of a second notification process for notifying that the sheet 12 is inserted into the feeding tray 20C. That is, the user who sees the restart instruction screen may change the execution condition of the printing operation as necessary, and insert the sheet 12 for recording the target image into the feeding tray 20C. Then, the controller 30 receives a user operation on the restart instruction screen through the input I / F 122 (S44) and detects that the sheet 12 is inserted on the feeding tray 20C through the sheet sensor 120 (S45).

  Next, the controller 30 accepts the designation of the [Setting] icon 151 through the input I / F 122 before the detection signal of the sheet sensor 120 changes (S45: No & S44: Yes), FIG. ) Is displayed on the display 121 (S46). The setting screen includes pull-down menus 152, 153, and 154 and a “change” icon 155. Then, the controller 30 receives a user operation on the setting screen through the input I / F 122 (S47). The process of S47 is an example of a third reception process.

  The pull-down menus 152 to 154 correspond to tray information, image quality information, and copy number information that constitute the execution conditions of the printing operation. The pull-down menus 152 to 154 have a plurality of options that can be set in the corresponding information. The pull-down menus 152 to 154 are in a state in which options corresponding to tray information, image quality information, and number of copies information included in the print instruction are designated. The designated options are displayed in pull-down menus 152 to 154.

  The controller 30 changes the display of the pull-down menus 152 to 154 in response to accepting a user operation for changing an option through the input I / F 122. Then, the controller 30 pulls down the tray information, the image quality information, and the copy number information stored in the EEPROM 34 in S14 in response to accepting the designation of the [change] icon 155 through the input I / F 122 (S47: Yes). Overwrite with the options specified in menus 152-154. Furthermore, the controller 30 executes the processes after S43 again. The user operation for the pull-down menus 152 to 154 is an example of an instruction operation for instructing to change the execution condition of the printing operation.

  On the other hand, the controller 30 changes the detection signal of the sheet sensor 120 from the second detection signal to the first detection signal before accepting the designation of the [Setting] icon 151 through the input I / F 122 (S44: No & S45). : Yes), the restart preparation process is terminated. Returning again to FIG. 4, the controller 30 causes the print hardware to resume the printing operation interrupted in S14 (S11). That is, the controller 30 reads the information stored in the EEPROM 34 in S14 and restarts the printing operation based on the read information. More specifically, the controller 30 prints the target image to be printed on the sheet 12 when the jam occurs, on the sheet 12 newly inserted in the feeding tray 20C in S45.

  Further, the controller 30 executes the processes of S24 and S25 in response to determining that the sheet 12 supported on the feeding trays 20A and 20B is jammed in the transport path 65 (S15: No). The processes of S24 and S25 are common to the processes of S19 and S20. Then, in response to detecting the cancellation of the jammed state (S25: Yes), the controller 30 causes the print hardware to restart the printing operation interrupted in S14 (S11). That is, the controller 30 does not execute the processes of S16 to S18 and S21 to S23 when the sheet 12 supported by the feeding trays 20A and 20B is jammed in the transport path 65.

[Effects of Embodiment]
According to the above-described embodiment, the test print process is executed in response to the cancellation of the jammed state, and the print process is resumed in response to the normal completion of the test print process. In other words, the maintenance worker can determine whether or not the jammed state has been properly eliminated based on the sheet 12 output in the test print process, and is output in the print process that is resumed thereafter. There is no need to look at the sheet 12 to be used. As a result, it is possible to achieve both proper resolution of the jammed state and security.

  Further, the occurrence probability of a jam state may vary depending on the format of an image printed on the sheet 12. For example, in an ink jet printer, if the amount of ink that lands on the sheet 12 is large, the deformed sheet 12 is likely to be jammed in the conveyance path 65. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the test print process is executed using the test data corresponding to the format of the target data among the plurality of test data, so that it is further appropriately determined whether or not the jammed state has been eliminated. be able to.

  Further, the sheet 12 on which an image is printed by the printing process may be, for example, a sheet 12 having a high unit price such as glossy paper or special paper, or a sheet 12 on which a template image including secret information is already printed. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, the sheet 12 is removed from the feeding tray 20C before the test printing process, and the sheet 12 is reset on the feeding tray 20C before the printing process is resumed. The sheet 12 is suppressed from being used in the test print process.

  Then, after the sheet 12 is removed from the feeding tray 20C through the removal instruction screen, the procedure for removing the jam state is notified through the jam notification screen, so that a maintenance worker starts work for eliminating the jam state. Before doing so, the user of the printer 10 can remove the sheet 12. Further, such a sheet 12 is highly likely to be set on a feeding tray 20C in which the sheet 12 can be easily inserted and removed, instead of the cassette-type feeding trays 20A and 20B in which the sheet 12 is always set. Therefore, the processing of S16 & S17 may be executed only when the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C is jammed. However, S16 & S17 processing may be executed when the sheet 12 supported on the feeding trays 20A and 20B is jammed.

  In addition, the occurrence probability of a jam state may differ depending on which of the feeding trays 20A, 20B, and 20C the sheet 12 supported is used. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, by setting the sheet 12 used for the test print process on the feeding tray 20C, it can be more appropriately determined whether or not the jammed state has been eliminated. On the other hand, when it is troublesome to set the sheet 12 on the feeding tray 20C for the test print processing, the feeding trays 20A and 20B on which the sheet 12 is already set may be specified.

  However, the method for selecting the tray from which the sheet 12 to be used for the test print process is selected is not limited to the above example. As another example, the controller 30 displays the feeding tray based on the tray list in response to the fact that the sheet 12 is not inserted into the feeding tray 20C until a predetermined time elapses after the tray selection screen is displayed. One of 20A and 20B may be selected. More specifically, the controller 30 selects a feeding tray that supports the sheet 12 on which an image is printed in S11 and one or both of the size and the paper type is the same among the plurality of feeding trays 20A and 20B. May be.

  Further, the occurrence probability of jam may vary depending on the execution condition of the printing operation. Therefore, by accepting the change of the execution condition through the setting screen, it is possible to prevent the jam state from occurring again in the resumed print processing.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, even if the worker clears the jammed state, the printing process is not resumed until an appropriate authentication PW is input, so that high security can be ensured. In addition, when the [OK] icon is tapped before the authentication PW is input on the extraction instruction screen, a warning is given without executing the processing from S18 onward, whereby the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C. The possibility that a user who does not follow the instructions on the removal instruction screen will take away can be reduced. However, the setting authentication information may be stored in the EEPROM 34 at the time of S41, and is not limited to being input through the removal instruction screen.

  As another example, a preset login PW may be stored in the EEPROM 34 of the printer 10. The controller 30 may accept a user operation for inputting the login PW through the input I / F 122 prior to tapping the [copy] icon on the display 121. Next, the controller 30 determines whether or not the login PW input through the input I / F 122 matches the login PW stored in the EEPROM 34 in response to the [copy] icon being designated. Also good. And the controller 30 may perform the process after S11 according to having judged that two login PW corresponds. Further, the controller 30 may compare the input authentication information input through the authentication screen with the login PW stored in the EEPROM 34 in S42. That is, the login PW is another example of setting authentication information.

  Further, the controller 30 requests the input of the login PW prior to the processing of S16 in response to the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C being jammed in the transport path 65 (S12: Yes & S15: Yes). An input screen to be displayed may be displayed on the display 121. Then, the controller 30 may execute the processing from S16 onward in response to the login PW input through the input screen and the login PW stored in the EEPROM 34 match. On the other hand, the controller 30 may issue a warning in response to the login PW input through the input screen and the login PW stored in the EEPROM 34 not matching.

  The “warning” here may be, for example, a notification that the login PWs do not match, or a notification that the login user needs to perform the subsequent processing. Further, the warning method may be the same as S16 in the above embodiment. This increases the possibility that the logged-in user performs the operation of removing the sheet 12 from the feeding tray 23C. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a user other than the login user will carry away the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 23C.

  As another example, a user who intends to instruct the printer 10 to perform a printing operation from an external device may input the secure PW through the input I / F of the external device. Then, the external apparatus may transmit print instruction information including the input secure PW to the printer 10. On the other hand, the controller 30 may wait for the execution of S11 until the secure PW is input through the input I / F 122 in response to receiving the print instruction information including the secure PW as the print instruction. Then, the controller 30 may execute the processing from S11 onward when the secure PW input through the input I / F 122 matches the secure PW included in the print instruction information.

  The controller 30 may temporarily store the secure PW included in the print instruction information in the EEPROM 34. Further, the controller 30 may compare the input authentication information input through the authentication screen with the secure PW temporarily stored in the EEPROM 34 in S42. That is, secure PW is another example of setting authentication information. Note that, when the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C is jammed in the conveyance path 65, the process for requesting the input of the secure PW can be implemented in the same manner as the above-described modification.

  As yet another example, the EEPROM 34 may store a plurality of sets of user IDs and user PWs. Further, the external device may transmit print instruction information including the user ID input through the input I / F to the printer 10. Furthermore, the controller 30 may wait for execution of S11 until the user PW is input through the input I / F 122 in response to receiving the print instruction information including the user ID as the print instruction. Then, in response to the fact that the user PW input through the input I / F 122 matches the user PW stored in the EEPROM 34 in association with the user ID included in the print instruction information, the controller 30 and subsequent steps. Processing may be executed.

  The controller 30 may temporarily store the user ID included in the print instruction information in the EEPROM 34. Further, the controller 30 may compare the input authentication information input through the authentication screen with the user PW corresponding to the user ID temporarily stored in the EEPROM 34 in S42. That is, the user PW is another example of setting authentication information. In addition, when the sheet 12 supported on the feeding tray 20C is jammed in the transport path 65, the process for requesting the user PW input can be implemented in the same manner as in the above-described modification.

  Moreover, in the printer 10 of the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which each process executed by the controller of the present invention is realized by the CPU 31 executing various programs stored in the ROM 32. However, the configuration of the controller is not limited to this, and part or all of the configuration may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be realized not only as the printer 10 but also as a program for causing the printer 10 to execute processing. Then, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a memory mounted on a server that can be connected to the printer 10 through a communication network, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and the like. And the program memorize | stored in the memory of the server may be distributed through communication networks, such as the internet, as the information or signal which shows the said program.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer 20A, 20B, 20C ... Feed tray 25A, 25B ... Feed roller 24 ... Recording head 30 ... Controller 34 ... EEPROM
54 ... Conveying roller unit 55 ... Discharging roller unit 120 ... Sheet sensor 121 ... Display 122 ... Input I / F

Claims (11)

A tray that supports the sheet;
A transport path through which the sheet supported by the tray is transported;
Print hardware for carrying a printing operation for carrying the sheet supported by the tray along the carrying path and printing an image on the conveyed sheet;
Memory,
A printer comprising a controller,
The controller is
A reception process for receiving a print instruction for instructing the print operation for target data;
A print process for causing the print hardware to execute the print operation for printing the target image indicated by the target data on the first sheet supported by the tray in response to receiving the print instruction in the reception process; ,
A first detection process for detecting the occurrence of a jammed state in which the first sheet is jammed in the transport path during execution of the print process;
An interruption process for interrupting the print process in response to detecting the occurrence of the jammed state in the first detection process;
A second detection process for detecting that the jammed state detected in the first detection process has been resolved;
In response to detecting the cancellation of the jammed state in the second detection process, the print hardware is caused to execute the print operation for printing the test image indicated by the test data on the second sheet supported on the tray. Test print processing, the test data is pre-stored in the memory and is different from the target data,
The controller is
Executing a first determination process for determining whether or not the test print process has been normally completed;
A printer that resumes the printing process interrupted in the interruption process in response to determining that the first determination process ended normally. The controller is
A second determination process for determining the format of the target data;
First reading out the test data in the first format from the memory among the plurality of test data stored in advance in the memory in response to the determination in the second determination process that the format is the first format Processing,
A second reading process for reading the test data in the second format from the memory in response to determining that the second determination process is a second format different from the first format;
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the test print process for the test data read in the first reading process or the second reading process is executed. The printer includes a user interface and a plurality of the trays.
The controller is
Performing a third determination process for determining whether the first sheet is supported by a first tray of the plurality of trays;
In response to determining that it is the first tray in the third determination process,
Performing a first notification process for informing through the user interface that a sheet is to be removed from the first tray after the first detection process and before the second detection process;
3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein a second notification process for notifying through the user interface that a sheet is to be inserted into the first tray is performed after the test print process and before restarting the print process. . The controller is
A third detection process for detecting that a sheet has been removed from the first tray;
4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein a third notification process for notifying the procedure for clearing the jammed state through the user interface is executed in response to detecting the removal of the sheet in the third detection process. The controller is
It is notified through the user interface that a sheet is inserted into the first tray or a second tray different from the first tray is designated in response to detecting the cancellation of the jammed state in the second detection process. A fourth notification process;
A fourth detection process for detecting a sheet on the first tray after the fourth notification process;
5. The printer according to claim 3, wherein the test print process is executed using the sheet supported by the first tray in response to the detection of the sheet in the fourth detection process. The printer has an input interface;
A first accepting process for accepting a designation operation for designating the second tray through the input interface after the fourth notification process;
In response to receiving the designation operation in the first reception process before detecting the sheet in the fourth detection process, using the sheet supported by the second tray designated in the designation operation, The printer according to claim 5, wherein test printer processing is executed. The first tray is capable of inserting and removing sheets with the first tray fixed to the printer.
The printer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second tray is capable of inserting and removing sheets only in a state where the second tray is removed from the printer. In the printing process, the controller
In response to a designated tray being one of the plurality of trays being designated by the print instruction accepted in the acceptance process, an image is printed on a sheet supported on the designated tray,
In response to the fact that the designated tray is not designated in the print instruction accepted in the acceptance process, an image is printed on a sheet supported on the priority tray indicated by the priority tray information stored in the memory,
The printer according to claim 3, wherein the first tray is the priority tray indicated by the priority tray information. The printer has an input interface;
The controller is
A second receiving process for receiving a user operation for inputting input authentication information through the input interface in response to determining that the first determining process is normally completed;
A fourth determination process for determining whether or not the input authentication information received in the second reception process matches the setting authentication information stored in advance in the memory;
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the printing process is resumed in response to the determination that the fourth matching process matches. The printer has an input interface;
The controller is
In the printing process, an image is printed on a sheet according to an execution condition indicated by the print instruction received in the receiving process,
In response to determining that the first determination process has ended normally, a third reception process for receiving an instruction operation for instructing a change in the execution condition through the input interface is performed.
10. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, in the restarted printing process, an image is printed on a sheet according to the execution condition for which a change is received in the third receiving process. A tray for supporting the sheet, a conveyance path for conveying the sheet supported by the tray, a printing operation for conveying the sheet supported by the tray along the conveyance path, and printing an image on the conveyed sheet A program that can be executed by a printer including print hardware and a memory,
The program
A reception process for receiving a print instruction for instructing the print operation for target data;
A print process for causing the print hardware to execute the print operation for printing the target image indicated by the target data on the first sheet supported by the tray in response to receiving the print instruction in the reception process; ,
A first detection process for detecting the occurrence of a jammed state in which the first sheet is jammed in the transport path during execution of the print process;
An interruption process for interrupting the print process in response to detecting the occurrence of the jammed state in the first detection process;
A second detection process for detecting that the jammed state detected in the first detection process has been resolved;
In response to detecting the cancellation of the jammed state in the second detection process, the print hardware is caused to execute the print operation for printing the test image indicated by the test data on the second sheet supported on the tray. The test print process is executed by the printer, and the test data is stored in advance in the memory and is different from the target data,
The program
Causing the printer to execute a first determination process for determining whether or not the test print process has ended normally;
A program for resuming the printing process interrupted in the interruption process in response to determining that the first determination process ended normally.

Images