JP2020181220A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform suitable selection according to designated binding processing when selecting a holding part to be used out of a plurality of holding parts that hold a sheet on the basis of sheet size.SOLUTION: An MFP 101 accepts a job execution instruction (S1302). In a case of a job where a holding part is automatically selected, holding parts holding sheets that can be executed by binding processing designated by the job is set as holding part of a search target in automatic selection (S1404 to 1409). Auto paper selection (APS) is executed on the holding parts of the search target (S1411), and if there is a holding part to be a candidate, the sheet to be used for printing is fed from the holding part and the printing is executed (S1307). Meanwhile, if there is no holding part to be the candidate, a predetermined message is displayed and the job is canceled (S1305 to S1306).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, as one of the post-processing functions that can be executed by an image forming apparatus, a binding process for consistently binding a plurality of printed sheets is known.

Conventionally, as a method of binding sheets, there is an image forming apparatus provided with a binding means for binding a plurality of sheet bundles using a binding member such as a staple needle. Further, there is an image forming apparatus provided with a binding means for binding a sheet without using a binding member such as a staple needle (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, in consideration of the environment, a binding means for entwining and binding fibers between sheets by sandwiching a sheet bundle with a tooth profile and applying pressure without using a binding member such as a staple needle is used. Proposed. Further, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2, a binding means for binding a sheet bundle by forming a tongue-shaped piece and a notch hole in the sheet bundle and inserting the tongue-shaped piece into the notch hole has been proposed.

Further, conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a function of automatically selecting a holding portion to be used for printing from a plurality of holding portions (for example, a paper cassette) for holding a sheet included in the image forming apparatus based on the sheet size. It is known (for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-189101 JP 2012-0254999A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-240078

It is considered that the image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of binding means. For example, an image forming apparatus including both a binding means for binding a sheet bundle using a staple needle and a binding means for binding a sheet bundle without using a staple needle can be considered.

Here, the binding means for binding the sheet bundle without using the staples is more susceptible to the surface properties and basis weight of the sheets to be bound than the binding means for binding the sheet bundles with the staples, and binding is possible. There are few types of sheets that can be made.

An object of the present invention is to enable an image forming apparatus provided with a binding means for performing such different types of binding processing to perform appropriate processing according to a designation of the type of binding processing.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes for storing paper, an image forming means for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette, and the image forming. For the first binding means for executing the first binding process of binding the plurality of sheets on which the image is formed by the means, and for the plurality of sheets for which the image is formed by the image forming means. A second binding means that executes a second binding process in which pressure is applied in the vertical direction to bring the paper into close contact with each other without using a needle, and a paper feed source for which image formation is performed by the image forming means. As a selection means for selecting one of the plurality of paper cassettes, and a control means for controlling the execution of an image forming job for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected by the selection means. The control means uses the selection means to select a paper cassette containing paper that can perform the first binding process but cannot perform the second binding process among the plurality of paper cassettes. When selected and the execution of the second binding process is specified, a message indicating that the binding process is not possible is displayed on the display unit.

According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with a binding means for performing different types of binding processing, appropriate processing can be performed according to the selection of a paper cassette and the designation of the type of binding processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the print processing system. It is a figure which shows the operation part 116. It is sectional drawing of the MFP 101. It is sectional drawing which saw the sheet processing part 122 from above. It is a figure explaining the binding process by the needle-free binding part 314b. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the panel 201. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the panel 201. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the panel 201. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the panel 201. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the panel 201. It is a figure which shows the data model of the paper information database. It is a figure which shows the operation screen displayed on the panel 201. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a print process. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a print process. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of a print process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the means for solving the invention.

<First Embodiment>
First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a printing processing system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus, and the PC 102 will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus. The MFP 101 and the PC 102 are communicably connected via the network 100.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where one information processing device is provided in the print processing system, the MFP 101 and a plurality of information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. Further, the printing processing system of the present embodiment illustrates the case where the MFP 101 and the PC 102 are included, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the MFP 101 may be called a print processing system.

First, the PC 102 will be described. The PC 102 can execute various programs such as an application program. Further, a printer driver having a function of converting print contents into print data to be transmitted to the MFP 101 is installed in the PC 102. A user who wants to print can give a print instruction from various applications. The printer driver can convert the data output by the application based on the print instruction into print data that can be interpreted by the MFP 101, and transmit the print data to the MFP 101 connected to the network 100.

In the present embodiment, a PC is illustrated as an example of the information processing device, but it may be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The method of transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus can be appropriately modified. The print data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a printing application or driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a cloud server.

Next, the MFP 101 will be described. The MFP 101 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet and a printing function for printing an image on the sheet. In addition, the MFP 101 has a post-processing function of binding a plurality of sheets on which an image is printed and aligning the plurality of sheets.

In this embodiment, the MFP 101 will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but for example, an image forming apparatus such as a printer having no reading function may be used. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus includes various configuration requirements described below as an example.

The control unit 110 including the CPU 111 controls the operation of the entire MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 and performs various controls such as read control and print control. The ROM 112 stores a control program that can be executed by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores boot sequences, font information, and the like. The RAM 113 is the main storage memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the work area, the ROM 112, and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, and various setting information. In the present embodiment, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD is assumed as the storage 114, but FLASH DISK represented by SSD may be used instead of the HDD.

In the MFP 101 of the present embodiment, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages can be made to cooperate with each other to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later. Further, a part of the processing may be executed by using a hardware circuit such as ASIC or FPGA.

The operation unit I / F 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user and inputs an instruction from the user. FIG. 2 is an external view showing the operation unit 116. The operation unit 116 includes a panel 201 for displaying an operation screen described later and a hard key input unit 202. Panel 201 is, for example, a touch panel display. The hard key input unit 202 has various hard keys such as a setting button 211 and a start button 212. The user touches the key displayed on the panel 201 or presses various hard keys of the hard key input unit 202 to input an instruction. The panel 201 may be a display that does not have a touch panel function. In this case, instead of the key input by the touch operation, a scroll key for selecting a key displayed on the display and a decision key for determining the key may be provided as a hard key input unit. The operation unit 116 receives an instruction from the user via the panel 201 and the input unit 202, and displays the operation screen on the panel 201 as needed.

The reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads an image on the sheet and converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is transferred to the compression / decompression unit 124 via the reading unit I / F 117. The image data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 124 is stored in the storage 114 or the RAM 113 of the control unit 110. The stored image data is transmitted to an external device via the communication unit I / F 123 or printed on a sheet.

The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. The image data to be printed (image data to be printed) is transferred from the control unit 110 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 receives a control command and image data to be printed via the control unit 110, and prints an image based on the image data on the sheet.

The sheet processing unit I / F 121 connects the sheet processing unit 122 and the control unit 110. The sheet processing unit 122 receives a control command via the control unit 110, and performs post-processing on the sheet printed by the printing unit 120 according to the control command. For example, post-processing such as aligning a plurality of sheets or binding a plurality of sheets is executed. Further, the post-processing function and the post-processing capability of the sheet processing unit are notified in advance to the control unit 110 via the sheet processing unit I / F 121 (for example, when the MFP 101 is started), and the storage 114 or the RAM 113 is notified. Will be done. In the present embodiment, the sheet processing unit 122 has at least a binding process for binding a sheet using a binding member such as a staple needle (hereinafter, a binding process using a needle) and a binding process for binding a sheet without using a binding member. (Hereinafter, the binding process without using a needle) can be executed.

Further, the control unit 110 is connected to the network 100 via the communication unit I / F 123. The communication unit I / F 123 transmits image data and information to an external device on the network 100, and receives print data and information from an information processing device on the network 100. Further, the communication unit I / F 123 communicates with an external device via a local interface such as USB. The print data received by the communication unit I / F 123 is stored in the storage 114.

The print data received via the communication unit I / F 123 is analyzed by a software module (PDL analysis unit, not shown) for analyzing the print data stored in the storage 114 or ROM 112. The PDL analysis unit analyzes print data expressed in various types of page description languages (PDL) stored in the storage 114. The print data consists of a code related to print attributes and a code related to drawing. The PDL analysis unit temporarily stores the settings (print attribute information) related to the print attributes obtained by analyzing the print data in the RAM 113 or the storage 114. In addition, the PDL analysis unit analyzes the drawing code included in the print data and converts it into an intermediate code.

Further, the PDL analysis unit calculates the number of sheets to be output from the result of PDL analysis and stores the print attribute information in the RAM 113 or the storage 114. The print attribute information acquired or calculated by the PDL analysis unit is appropriately referred to when performing print processing based on the print data or post-processing by the sheet processing unit 122.

Further, the intermediate code generated by the PDL analysis unit is converted into image data by RIP125. The RIP 125 performs a rendering process on the intermediate code generated by the PDL analysis unit, and generates image data to be printed by the printing unit 120. The image data generated by the RIP 125 is printed by the printing unit 120 based on the print settings.

Next, the printing process and the post-processing on the sheet will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the MFP 101. In FIG. 3, the sheet processing unit 122 is arranged inside the housing of the MFP 101. However, the arrangement of the sheet processing unit 122 is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, the sheet processing unit 122 may be connected so as to be adjacent to the MFP 101. Further, for example, the MFP 101 itself may have a device configuration including the sheet processing unit 122 as standard equipment as in the present embodiment, or may have a device configuration in which the sheet processing unit 122 is connected as an option. ..

The cassettes 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d hold the sheet. In FIG. 3, the MFP 101 has four cassettes, but the number of cassettes is not limited to four. For example, a manual feed tray (not shown) or another paper feed deck that can be optionally connected to an image forming apparatus may be provided. Hereinafter, cassettes, bypass trays, paper feed decks, etc. are referred to as "holding units".

When the holding unit to be used for printing is specified by the user, the CPU 111 feeds the sheet held by the holding unit specified by the user to perform printing. Further, when the holding unit to be used for printing is not specified by the user, the CPU 111 determines from which of the plurality of holding units the sheet is to be fed based on the output size (sheet size) of the printed matter or the like by APS. It can also be selected automatically. In this case, the sheet held in the selected holding portion can be fed and printed.

The feeding roller 303 feeds the sheet held by each holding unit to the printing unit 120. The printing unit 120 prints an image on the first surface of the supplied sheet. The printing unit 120 may employ an inkjet method of spraying ink onto a sheet to print an image, or an electrophotographic method of fixing toner to a sheet to print an image.

In the case of single-sided printing, the printed sheet is guided by the transfer rollers 305 and 306, transferred to the sheet processing unit 122, and discharged to the intermediate tray 320. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet on which the first side is printed by the printing unit 120 is guided by the transfer roller 308 and conveyed to the reverse path 310. When the rear end of the sheet reaches the transfer roller 309, the transfer roller 309 starts to rotate in the reverse direction, and the sheet is transferred to the printing unit 120 via the double-sided printing transfer path 312. The printing unit 120 prints an image on the second surface of the sheet. The double-sided printed sheet is guided by the transport rollers 305 and 306 and discharged to the intermediate tray 320.

The intermediate tray 320 is inclined by locating the downstream side (left side in the figure) in the sheet transport direction upward in the vertical direction and the upstream side (right side in the figure) downward in the vertical direction, and a plurality of sheets are provided. Can be held. Further, the intermediate tray 320 has a bundle discharge roller pair 318 composed of a set of upper and lower bundle discharge rollers 318a and 318b arranged on the downstream side, and a pull-in paddle 315 arranged above the middle portion. There is. The upper bundle discharge roller 318a is supported by the guide 317.

The guide 317 is configured to be movable up and down by a motor (not shown). Therefore, the upper bundle discharge roller 318a provided on the guide 317 can be separated from and detached from the lower bundle discharge roller 318b as the guide 317 moves up and down. Therefore, the distance between these bundle discharge rollers and the rollers of 318 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the sheet bundles held in the intermediate tray.

The CPU 111 moves the guide 317 upward so that the lower bundle discharge roller 318b is separated from the upper bundle discharge roller 318a, and the sheet P discharged by the transfer roller 306 is placed on the intermediate tray 320. accept.

Further, matching members 321 are provided on the front side and the back side in the width direction orthogonal to the sheet transport direction on the intermediate tray 320. The matching member 321 is moved in the width direction by a front matching motor (not shown) and a rear matching motor (not shown), respectively. Here, the “front” refers to a portion that is in front of the paper when the MFP 101 is viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 3, and the “back” refers to a portion that is in the back of the paper. The retractable paddle 315 rotates about the rotation axis in the direction of pressing the sheet toward the stopper 316 (for example, counterclockwise in FIG. 3).

The sheet P guided by the transfer roller 306 and discharged to the intermediate tray 320 is loaded on the loading surface of the intermediate tray 320 or on the intermediate tray 320 by the action of tilting the intermediate tray 320 and pressing the sheet of the pull-in paddle 315. Slide down on the seat. The sheet discharged onto the intermediate tray 320 is subjected to a matching process by the matching member 321 during downhill, and stops when the rear end (upstream end in the discharge direction) of the sheet abuts on the stopper 316.

The sheet bundles aligned on the intermediate tray 320 are bound by the needle-using binding portion 314a or the needle-free binding portion 314b, if necessary. The binding portions 314a and 314b can bind the rear end portions of the sheet bundle held on the intermediate tray 320 in the transport direction. In the present embodiment, the rear end portion with respect to the transport direction of the sheet bundle is bound, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the front end portion with respect to the transport direction of the sheet bundle held on the intermediate tray 320 is bound. It may be.

The sheet bundle that has undergone post-treatment such as binding by the sheet processing unit 122 is discharged to the discharge unit 307. Specifically, the guide 317 is moved so as to bring the bundle discharge roller 318a into contact with the uppermost sheet on the intermediate tray 320, and the bundle discharge roller pair 318 is rotationally driven in the contacted state. The sheet bundle after the post-treatment is discharged onto the discharge unit 307.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet processing unit 122 as viewed from above, and is a diagram for explaining a position where the binding process of the binding unit 314a or 314b is executed. 403 indicates a plurality of sheets. The sheet processing unit 122 can bind a plurality of sheets according to the information regarding the binding process received from the control unit 110. The needle-using binding portion 314a is configured to be slidable in the direction indicated by the arrow 410 in the drawing by a motor (not shown). The CPU 111 drives a motor (not shown) to move the needle-using binding portion 314a in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction to bind the corners of the rear end portion with respect to the conveying direction of the sheet bundle, or bind the two rear ends. To do. Therefore, by moving the binding portion 314a and turning the printed image upside down (rotating 180 degrees), it is possible to bind two sides orthogonal to each other when viewed from the transport direction. Similarly, any one of the four corners (upper left, upper right, lower right, lower left) of the sheet can be bound.

Further, the needle-using binding portion 314a performs a binding process by driving a staple needle (not shown) as a binding member for binding the sheet bundle. A cartridge (not shown) loaded with staple needles is stored in the needle-using binding portion 314a. The user can refill the needle by exchanging the cartridge.

On the other hand, the needle-free binding portion 314b is fixed at a position on the back side when viewed from the front of the MFP 101. Therefore, when binding the sheet bundle by the needle-free binding portion 314b, the following processing is performed. The CPU 111 slides the matching member 321 in the "back" direction in which the needle-free binding portion 314b is arranged. Further, the CPU 111 controls to eject the printed sheet bundle to the back side of the intermediate tray. The needle-free binding portion 314b binds one location on the back side of the rear end portion of the sheet bundle aligned by the matching member 321. In the present embodiment, when binding a sheet bundle with the needle-free binding portion 314b, corner binding is performed on the four corners (upper right, upper left, lower left, lower right) of the printed matter by combining the rotation of the image to be printed and the printing order. It can be carried out.

In this embodiment, the case where the needle-free binding portion 314b is fixed at the back position is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the needle-free binding portion 314b may move like the needle-use binding portion 314a to bind two sides or each corner.

5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing the binding process by the needle-free binding portion 314b. In the needle-free binding portion 314b of the present embodiment, pressure is applied from above and below the plurality of sheets to bind the sheet bundles 403 in close contact with each other. Therefore, the binding process can be performed without using the binding member. FIG. 5A shows the vicinity of the position where the needle-free binding portion 314b executes the binding process on the sheet bundle 403. The upper mold 501 presses a plurality of sheets from above. A plurality of convex blades 502 are lined up on the upper mold 501, and each blade 502 applies pressure to the sheet. The lower mold 505 presses a plurality of sheets from below. A plurality of recesses 504 corresponding to the plurality of blades 502 are lined up in the lower mold 505, and each recess 504 receives the blade 502.

FIG. 5B shows a state in which the upper mold 501 and the lower mold 505 pressurize a plurality of sheets from the vertical direction. By pressurizing the plurality of sheets by the upper mold 501 and the lower mold 505, it is possible to entangle and bind the fibers between the sheets. Further, since the plurality of blades 502 and the plurality of recesses 504 pressurize a plurality of locations on the sheet, the sheet is less likely to come off.

Next, the setting related to APS in this embodiment will be described. The user can press the setting button 211 of the operation unit 116 to change the settings related to the functions provided by the MFP 101, the operation of the MFP 101 when various events occur, and the like. 6 (a), 6 (b) and 7 are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116 by the CPU 111.

FIG. 6A shows a setting screen related to the sheet feeding operation. The user can select each item shown in FIG. 6A and make settings related to the sheet feeding operation of the MFP 101. The setting key 601 is a key for setting a holding unit to be automatically selected in APS and autocassette change (ACC: AutoCassette Change). The APS is a function that automatically selects a holding unit to be used based on the output size (sheet size) of the printed matter when performing the printing process. Further, ACC is a function of automatically selecting another holding unit that holds a sheet of the same size and continuing printing when the sheet runs out during printing.

The user can touch the setting key 601 to set the holding unit to be automatically selected. When the setting key 601 is touched, the CPU 111 displays a pop-up screen for setting a holding unit to be automatically selected. FIG. 6B illustrates a pop-up screen displayed on the panel 201.

Through the screen of FIG. 6B, the user can set a holding unit to be automatically selected for each function included in the MFP 101, such as copy processing, printing processing based on print data, or FAX reception processing. The copy key 602 is a key for setting a holding unit to be automatically selected in the copy process. In the present embodiment, the case of copy processing will be described below as an example. Further, the OK key 617 is a key used when the setting related to the automatic selection is completed and the pop-up screen is closed.

When the copy key 602 is selected, the CPU 111 transitions to a screen for setting a holding unit to be automatically selected in the copy process. FIG. 7 shows a setting screen for setting a holding unit to be automatically selected in the copy process, and the third holding unit (cassette 301c) and the fourth holding unit (cassette 301d) are The case where it is the target of automatic selection is illustrated. The user can set whether or not to be the target of automatic selection for each holding unit included in the MFP 101 via the screen of FIG. 7. Since the MFP 101 of the present embodiment has four holding portions as described with reference to FIG. 3, it is possible to switch whether or not to be the target of automatic selection for each of the four holding portions.

The ON button 701 is a key used when the target holding unit is targeted for automatic selection, and the OFF button 702 is a key used when the target holding unit is not targeted for automatic selection. These ON button 701 and OFF button 702 are exclusive settings, and one of the buttons is in the selected state. Further, the CPU 111 accepts a setting so that one or more holding units are subject to automatic selection. Specifically, for example, the CPU 111 prevents the OK key 717 from being pressed when all the holding units are set not to be automatically selected (when all the holding units are turned off). Control.

In this embodiment, when APS and ACC are executed, the holding unit is set as the target of automatic selection via the screens of FIGS. 6 and 7, and the holding unit is the target of APS. The holding part where the type of sheet is held is the target of automatic selection. Examples of types of sheets covered by APS include types of sheets that are widely used for printing, such as thin paper, plain paper, thick paper with a relatively small basis weight, recycled paper, or user-defined sheets. This is different from the user's intention if printing is performed by automatically selecting the holding unit that holds a type of sheet such as tab paper or label paper even if the holding unit is set as the target of automatic selection. This is because there is a high possibility that it will be an output.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data model of the sheet information database according to the present embodiment. The sheet information database stores information about the sheet such as the basis weight and surface quality of the sheet for each type of sheet that can be used by the MFP 101 so that it can be referred to. In addition, information on whether or not to apply various settings in the copy process and the print process is stored in reference for each type of sheet.

Note that FIG. 11 illustrates a part of the sheet information database. Although FIG. 11 shows five types of sheets, it is assumed that other sheets (not shown) are also managed. Similarly, it is assumed that information regarding whether or not other settings (not shown) are possible is managed as appropriate.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are plain paper 1, thin paper 1, and thick paper 1 as an example of the types of sheets targeted for APS in the copy process. Further, it is assumed that there are thick paper 2 and label paper as examples of types of sheets that are not subject to APS in the copy processing. In addition, these sheet information databases are also referred to as appropriate in the flowchart described later.

By the way, the MFP 101 of the present embodiment limits the types of sheets that can be bound according to the type of the binding portion so that a binding defect does not occur when the binding process is performed by the binding portion. As described above, in the needle-free binding process using the needle-free binding portion 314b, the sheets are crimped and bound. Therefore, it is more susceptible to the surface properties and basis weight of the sheet than the binding process using a needle by the needle-using binding portion 314a. Therefore, in the binding process without using a needle, the types of sheets that can be subjected to the binding process are more limited as compared with the binding process using a needle. For example, in the binding process that does not use a needle as shown in item 1113 of FIG. 11, in consideration of the binding strength of the sheet bundle, the binding process is restricted so as not to be performed on the thick paper.

However, when the holding portion is automatically selected by APS, the holding portion holding a type of sheet (for example, thick paper 1 in FIG. 11) that cannot be bound by the binding process without using a needle may be automatically selected. In this case, although the user expects the printed matter to be bound correctly, a type of sheet that cannot be bound may be fed, and the sheet may be output without the binding process.

On the other hand, if the sheet to be automatically selected by APS is limited to a type that can be bound by a binding process that does not use a needle (for example, plain paper 1 and thin paper 1), the above problem does not occur. However, there is a problem that the types of sheets to be APS are reduced when the sheet bundle is output without binding or when the sheet bundle is output by performing the binding process using a needle.

In view of these problems, in the present embodiment, when the holding unit to be used for printing is automatically selected from the plurality of holding units, the control of selecting the holding unit according to the designated binding process will be described. ..

When the user starts using the MFP 101, a home screen (not shown) for selecting a process to be executed is displayed. The user can select the functions included in the MFP 101 such as the copy function and the transmission function via the operation unit 116.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116 by the CPU 111. When the user selects the copy function via the home screen (not shown), the CPU 111 displays the copy job setting screen shown in FIG. 8 on the panel 201.

There are many setting items for copy job settings. Therefore, it is difficult to make all the settings on the same screen. Therefore, a transition is made to an individual setting screen for each setting item, and a plurality of functions are set.

The finishing key 801 is a key used when setting the finishing process for the copy process. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are diagrams showing an example of a setting screen related to the finishing process. When the finishing key 801 is touched, the CPU 111 displays a screen for setting the finishing process. FIG. 9A shows an example of a screen for setting the finishing process, and shows a state in which the needleless binding key 904 is selected. The key 901, the key 903, and the key 904 are exclusive settings, and any one of the keys can be selected. If neither key is selected, the output is set without post-processing.

The finishing process refers to the overall processing process for the output printed matter. Here, the processing process related to the binding process is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other post-processing (for example, group sort, shift sort, etc.) and other settings may be included.

The corner binding key 901 is a key used when binding is performed on any of the four corners (upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right) of the printed matter using a needle. Further, the double binding key 903 is a key used when binding processing is performed on two places on any one side of the printed matter using a needle. The needleless binding key 904 is a key used when binding is performed on any of the four corners (upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right) of the printed matter without using a needle.

The next key 905 is a key used when making detailed settings for the selected finishing process. When the next key 905 is touched, the CPU 111 transitions to the detailed setting screen of the finishing process. Further, the setting cancel key 916 is a key used when discarding the setting related to the finishing process made via the screens of FIGS. 9A and 9B. When the setting cancel key 916 is touched, the CPU 111 discards the setting related to the finishing process and transitions to the copy function setting screen (FIG. 8).

When the next key 905 is touched while the corner binding key 901 or the needleless binding key 904 is selected, the CPU 111 selects any one of the four corners as shown in FIG. 9B. Set the binding position via the screen of.

FIG. 9B shows an example of the detailed setting screen of the finishing process displayed when the next key 905 is touched with the corner binding key 901 or the needleless binding key 904 selected, and is shown in the upper left. The state where the corner is selected is illustrated. The user specifies the binding position via the screen of FIG. 9B. The keys corresponding to the upper left, upper right, lower right, and lower left are exclusive settings, and one of the keys can be selected.

The OK key 917 is a key used when applying the finishing processing setting selected through the screens of FIGS. 9A and 9B. When the OK key 917 is touched, the CPU 111 applies the setting related to the binding process made through the screens of FIGS. 9A and 9B as the copy setting, and applies the copy setting screen (FIG. 8). Return to.

In this embodiment, the case where the finishing process is set separately for the screen shown in FIG. 9A and the screen shown in FIG. 9B is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the binding process is not limited to this. Anything that can specify the type and binding position of. For example, the type of binding process and the binding position may be specified in one screen, or the binding position selection window may be displayed in a pop-up manner.

Returning to the description of FIG. 8, the paper selection key 802 is a key used when selecting a holding unit to be used for printing. When the paper selection key 802 is touched, the CPU 111 displays a screen for selecting a holding unit to be used for printing. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116 by the CPU 111.

FIG. 10A shows a screen for selecting a holding portion to be used for printing, and is displayed when a binding process using a needle is specified as a finishing setting or when a binding process is not specified as a finishing setting. This is an example of the screen to be printed.

The user can specify the holding unit to be used for printing through the screen of FIG. 10A. The area 1010 shows a holding unit that is displayed so as to be selectable by the user, and the user can specify the holding unit to be used for printing by touching each line. For example, in the binding process using needles, as shown in items 1111 and 1112 of FIG. 11, the same binding process can be performed on plain paper 1, thin paper 1, thick paper 1, and thick paper 2, so that all the holding portions can be selected. Become.

On the other hand, FIG. 10B shows an example of a screen for selecting a sheet to be used for printing, and shows an example of a screen to be displayed when a stitch-free binding process is specified as a finishing setting. Area 1010 shows a holding unit that is displayed as selectable by the user, and area 1011 shows a holding unit that is displayed as non-selectable by the user. The user can specify the holding unit to be used for printing by touching the line displayed in the selectable manner. For example, in the binding process that does not use needles, as shown in item 1113 of FIG. 11, the binding process can be executed on the plain paper 1 and the thin paper 1, but the binding process can be executed on the thick paper 1 and the thick paper 2. I can't. Therefore, when the binding process that does not use the needle is specified, the CPU 111 displays so that the holding portion that holds the sheet that cannot perform the binding process that does not use the needle cannot be selected.

Specifically, when displaying the screens of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit, and based on the acquired sheet type, the sheet information database (FIG. 11). Further, the CPU 111 compares various settings made via the copy setting screen with the sheet information database, and determines whether to display the holding unit in a selectable manner or in a non-selectable manner.

Further, the automatic key 1002 is a key selected when the holding unit is automatically selected by the APS. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the default setting for copying is to automatically select the holding unit by APS. That is, when the holding unit is not specified by the user, the holding unit is automatically selected based on the settings made in advance via the screens of FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b) and 7.

The OK key 1017 is a key used when applying the setting of the holding unit (sheet) used for printing made via the screen. When the OK key 1017 is touched, the CPU 111 applies the setting related to the holding unit made via FIG. 11 as the copy setting, and returns to the copy setting screen (FIG. 8).

Next, the control of the copy process of the present embodiment will be described. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing control of copy processing. Each operation (step) of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program. The CPU 111 executes the control corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14 when the copy function is selected by the user via the home screen (not shown).

In step S1301, the CPU 111 accepts the copy job setting via the panel 201. In the copy job settings, the above-mentioned settings related to the binding process and the designation of the holding unit used for printing related to the sheet used for printing are accepted. In addition, various settings such as the setting of the number of copies to be printed and the setting of the magnification are accepted according to the user's instruction.

In step S1302, the CPU 111 determines whether the start button 212 has been pressed. When the start button 212 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1303, and if the start button 212 is not pressed, the process returns to step S1301 and accepts the copy job setting via the panel 201.

In step S1303, the CPU 111 determines the holding unit used for printing. Details will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S1401, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the holding unit is set to be automatically determined. If the copy job is set to automatically select the holding unit by APS, the process proceeds to step S1403. On the other hand, if the holding unit used for printing is specified as the copy job setting, the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1402, the CPU 111 selects the holding unit designated as the copy setting, and proceeds to step S1414.

In step S1403, the CPU 111 determines the optimum sheet size when copying the printed matter, based on the copy job settings and the size of the original set in the scanning unit 118. In step S1404, the CPU 111 determines whether the binding process that does not use the needle is specified as the copy job setting. If the binding process that does not use a needle is specified, the process proceeds to step S1405, and if the binding process that does not use a needle is not specified, the process proceeds to step S1407.

In step S1405, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection. Taking the target of automatic selection shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the thick paper 1 held by the third holding portion and the thick paper 2 held by the fourth holding portion are acquired.

Next, the CPU 111 refers to the sheet information database based on the acquired sheet type, and determines whether or not the sheet can be bound without using a needle. If the sheet held in the holding portion is a type of sheet that can be bound without using a needle, the holding portion in which the sheet is held is searched for in the APS process described later. Taking the target of automatic selection shown in FIG. 7 as an example, since the thick paper 1 and the thick paper 2 are sheets of a type that cannot be bound in the binding process that does not use a needle, there is no holding portion for the search target of the APS process. It becomes.

On the other hand, in step S1407, the CPU 111 determines whether the binding process using the needle is specified as the setting of the copy job. If the binding process using a needle is specified, the process proceeds to step S1408, and if the binding process using a needle is not specified, the process proceeds to step S1409. In step S1408, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection. Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the sheet can be bound by using a needle, based on the acquired type of sheet. If the sheet held in the holding portion is a type of sheet that can be bound without using a needle, the holding portion in which the sheet is held is searched for in the APS process described later. Taking the automatic selection target shown in FIG. 7 as an example, since the thick paper 1 and the thick paper 2 are sheets of a type that can be bound in the binding process using a needle, the holding unit of the search target in the APS process is the third. It becomes the holding part and the fourth holding part.

On the other hand, in step S1409, the CPU 111 sets all the holding units set as targets for automatic selection as search targets for APS processing. Taking the target of automatic selection shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the third holding portion and the fourth holding portion are the search targets of the APS process.

Next, in step S1411, the CPU 111 executes APS processing based on the optimum size for the holding unit to be searched. In the APS process, when the CPU 111 holds a sheet having the same size as the optimum size calculated in step S1403 and a sheet to be automatically selected for the holding unit to be selected, the holding unit is printed. It is a candidate for the holding part to be used. If there are a plurality of candidate holding units, prioritize them based on the time required for feeding, the amount of sheets held in the cassette, and the like. The APS process described here is an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a holding portion having a size close to the optimum size may be listed as a candidate.

In step S1412, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a candidate for the holding unit used for printing has been found in step S1411. If a candidate for the holding unit is found, the process proceeds to step S1413, and if no candidate for the holding unit is found, the process proceeds to step S1415. In step S1413, the CPU 111 selects the holding unit having the highest priority as the holding unit used for printing, and proceeds to step S1414. In step S1414, the CPU 111 sets the copy job that the process related to printing can be executed, and returns to step S1304.

On the other hand, in step S1415, the CPU 111 sets the copy job that the process related to printing cannot be executed, and returns to step S1304.

Returning to the description of FIG. 13, in step S1304, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the copy job can be executed. If the copy job is set to be capable of executing printing-related processing, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S1307. On the other hand, if it is set in the copy job that the process related to printing cannot be executed, the process proceeds to step S1305.

In step S1305, the CPU 111 displays a predetermined message on the panel 201. FIG. 12 shows an example of the screen displayed on the panel 201. Information 1201 is information for notifying the user that the binding process cannot be performed. The stop key 1216 is a key used to close a predetermined message.

Returning to the description of FIG. 13, in step S1306, when the CPU 111 determines that the stop key 1216 has been touched, the job is stopped, the execution of the print process is avoided, and the process is terminated. When the stop key 1216 is pressed, the process may return to step S1301. In this case, the display such as "copy is possible" in FIG. 9A can be changed to the display such as "setting change is required".

On the other hand, in step S1307, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 and the printing unit 120 to execute the copy process based on the copy job settings. If the copy job is designated for the binding process, the CPU 111 prints the image read by the reading unit 118 by appropriately rotating it according to the binding position.

In step S1308, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the binding process is specified in the copy job setting. If any of the binding designations is made, the process proceeds to step S1309, and if the binding designation is not made, the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge unit 307 to end the process. In step S1309, the CPU 111 controls the sheet processing unit 122 to perform the binding process according to the binding designation. Next, the CPU 111 discharges the bound sheet bundle to the discharge unit 307, and ends the process.

In the present embodiment, the determination in step S1303 is performed after the determination in step S1302, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the process of step S1303 may be performed at the timing when it is detected that the original is set in the scanning unit 118 or every time the setting change of the copy job is accepted in step S1301.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the holding unit is automatically selected, the holding unit that holds the sheet that can be bound by the binding process specified for the job is set as the holding unit to be searched by APS. Can be done. Therefore, when the holding portion is automatically selected and the printing process is performed, it is possible to prevent the sheet that cannot be bound from being fed from the holding portion.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the holding portion in which the sheet that can be bound by the binding process specified in the job is held is controlled to be the holding portion to be searched by APS. In the second embodiment, after performing APS on the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection, control is performed so that the holding unit holding the sheet that cannot be bound by the binding process specified for the job is not selected. Explain that.

In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the presupposed device is the same as that in the first embodiment. A detailed description of the configuration similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is executed instead of the flowchart of FIG. 14 described in the first embodiment. Each operation (step) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program.

The CPU 111 executes the flowchart of FIG. 13 when the copy function is selected by the user via the home screen (not shown).

In step S1301, the CPU 111 accepts the copy job setting via the panel 201. In step S1302, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S1303 when the start button is pressed, and returns to step S1301 when the start button is not pressed. In step S1303, the CPU 111 determines the holding unit used for printing. Details will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Steps S1501 to S1503 are the same as steps S1401 to S1403 in the first embodiment, and are therefore omitted.

In step S1504, the CPU 111 executes APS processing based on the optimum size for the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection. The selection of the candidate holding unit used for printing in the APS process is the same as in step S1411 in the first embodiment.

Next, in step S1505, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a candidate for the holding unit used for printing in step S1504. If there is a candidate holding unit, the process proceeds to step S1506, and if there is no candidate holding unit, the process proceeds to step S1515. In step S1415, the CPU 111 sets the copy job that the process related to printing cannot be executed, and returns to step S1304.

On the other hand, in step S1506, the CPU 111 determines whether the binding process that does not use the needle is specified as the setting of the copy job. If the binding process that does not use a needle is specified, the process proceeds to step S1507, and if the binding process that does not use a needle is not specified, the process proceeds to step S1511. In step S1507, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit having a higher priority from the candidate holding units. Next, the CPU 111 refers to the sheet information database based on the acquired sheet type, and determines whether or not the sheet can be bound without using a needle. If the sheet held in the holding portion is of a type that can be bound without using a needle, the process proceeds to step S1516. On the other hand, if the sheet held in the holding portion is not a type of sheet that can be bound without using a needle, the holding portion is removed from the candidates for the holding portion, and the process returns to step S1505.

In step S1516, the CPU 111 selects the holding unit as the holding unit used for printing and proceeds to step S1517. In step S1517, the CPU 111 sets the copy job that the process related to printing can be executed, and returns to step S1304.

On the other hand, in step S1511, the CPU 111 determines whether the binding process using the needle is specified as the setting of the copy job. If the binding process that does not use a needle is specified, the process proceeds to step S1512. On the other hand, if the binding process that does not use a needle is not specified, the process proceeds to step S1516, and the holding portion is selected as the holding portion used for printing.

In step S1512, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit having a higher priority from the candidate holding units. Next, the CPU 111 refers to the sheet information database based on the acquired sheet type, and determines whether or not the sheet can be bound by using a needle. If the sheet held in the holding portion is of a type that can be bound using a needle, the process proceeds to step S1516, and the sheet held in the holding portion is not a type of sheet that can be bound using a needle. , The holding portion is removed from the candidates for the holding portion, and the process returns to step S1505.

Since the processing after step S1304 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the second embodiment, after the holding portion is automatically selected, it is possible to control so that the holding portion holding the sheet that can be bound by the binding process specified for the job is not selected. Therefore, when the holding portion is automatically selected and the printing process is performed, it is possible to prevent the sheet that cannot be bound from being fed from the holding portion.

<Other Embodiments>
In the first and second embodiments, the control of automatic selection of the holding unit in the copy process included in the MFP 101 has been illustrated, but the present invention can also be applied to the control of automatic selection of the holding unit in other functions. For example, a print process that receives print data from an information processing device such as a PC 102 and performs a print process, a print control when printing a saved file stored in a storage 114, and a reception that receives a fax or an e-mail and performs a print process. It can also be applied to processing and the like.

When applied to the print process, the CPU 111 may execute the determination control of the holding unit after step S1303 in FIG. 13 based on the print attribute information (print setting) obtained by analyzing the print data. In the PC 102, there are cases where print data in which the sheet type is specified is transmitted via the printer driver, and cases in which print data is transmitted without specifying the sheet type. Therefore, in step S1411 and step S1504, when the sheet type is specified as the print setting, the CPU 111 searches for the holding unit in which the sheet specified as the print setting is held as a candidate for the holding unit. Control. On the other hand, when the sheet type is not specified as the print setting, it is controlled to search for the candidate of the holding unit based on the type of the sheet to be APS in the print process stored in the MFP 101 in advance.

Further, when applied to the reception process, the determination control of the holding unit after step S1303 may be executed based on the print setting at the time of the reception process.

The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 MFP
111 CPU
120 Printing section 122 Sheet processing section 314a Needle-using binding section 314b Needle-free binding section

Claims (10)

Multiple paper cassettes for storing paper and
An image forming means for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper cassette and
A first binding means that executes a first binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed by the image forming means using a needle, and
A second binding means for executing a second binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed by the image forming means by applying pressure in the vertical direction to bring them into close contact with each other without using a needle.
A selection means for selecting one of the plurality of paper cassettes as a paper feed source for paper for which an image is formed by the image forming means, and
It has a control means for controlling the execution of an image forming job that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected by the selection means.
Among the plurality of paper cassettes, the control means selects a paper cassette containing paper that can perform the first binding process but cannot perform the second binding process, and the selection means selects the paper cassette. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, when the execution of the second binding process is specified, a message indicating that the binding process is not possible is displayed on the display unit. The first aspect of the present invention is the method of claim 1, wherein the selection means automatically selects a cassette containing paper having the same size as the output size of the printed matter specified in the image forming job as the paper feed source. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects a paper cassette designated by a user via an operation screen displayed on the display unit. The paper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper in which the first binding process is possible but the second binding process is not possible among the plurality of paper cassettes is thick paper. Image forming device. The paper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper in which the first binding process is possible but the second binding process is not possible among the plurality of paper cassettes is a label paper. The image forming apparatus described. A first binding means for performing a first binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed using a needle, and a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed without using a needle. An image forming apparatus capable of connecting a binding processing device provided with a second binding means for executing a second binding process of binding by applying pressure in the vertical direction to bring them into close contact with each other.
Multiple paper cassettes for storing paper and
An image forming means for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper cassette and
A selection means for selecting one of the plurality of paper cassettes as a paper feed source for paper for which an image is formed by the image forming means, and
It has a control means for controlling the execution of an image forming job that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected by the selection means.
Among the plurality of paper cassettes, the control means selects a paper cassette containing paper that can perform the first binding process but cannot perform the second binding process, and the selection means selects the paper cassette. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, when the execution of the second binding process is specified, a message indicating that the binding process is not possible is displayed on the display unit. The sixth aspect of claim 6 is characterized in that the selection means automatically selects a cassette containing paper having the same size as the output size of the printed matter specified in the image forming job as the paper feed source. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the selection means selects a paper cassette designated by the user via an operation screen displayed on the display unit. The paper according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the paper which can perform the first binding process but cannot perform the second binding process among the plurality of paper cassettes is thick paper. Image forming device. The paper according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the paper in which the first binding process is possible but the second binding process is not possible among the plurality of paper cassettes is a label paper. The image forming apparatus described.

Images