JP2021039178A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that improves convenience for a user while preventing the occurrence of image quality deterioration or paper jam.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus forms images on sheets, and comprises: at least one or more paper cassettes that store sheets before image formation; and a sensor that is provided in the middle of a sheet conveyance path and detects the type of the sheets stored in the paper cassettes. The image forming apparatus further comprises: setting means that sets the type of the sheets stored in the paper cassettes; storage means that stores the type of the sheets set by the setting means for each of the paper cassettes; determination means that determines, for the sheets conveyed from the paper cassettes, whether the type of the sheets detected by the sensor satisfies a predetermined inhibition condition; and warning means that, when the determination means determines that the predetermined inhibition condition is satisfied, can issue a warning on image forming processing according to a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

In the conventional image forming apparatus, even if the type of the sheet set in the paper feed cassette and the type of the sheet set to be used for printing by the user are different, it is possible to perform the printing process. However, depending on the combination of the type of sheet set in the paper cassette and the type of sheet set by the user for printing, image quality deterioration, paper jams, or jams may occur when printing is performed. There was sex.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 automatically detects and detects the type of sheet fed from the paper feed cassette by a sensor provided in the middle of the sheet transport path during printing processing. It is determined whether or not the type of sheet that has been printed and the type of sheet that the user has set to use for printing are prohibited combinations. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in the case of a combination of prohibited sheet types, a warning is displayed and the printing process is stopped. As a result, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can prevent deterioration of image quality, paper jam, or jam in the printing process.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-062916

However, when an image forming apparatus capable of determining a combination of sheet types as in Patent Document 1 is introduced, the image forming apparatus has previously been able to perform printing processing even if the combination of sheet types is possible. , If the combination of prohibited sheet types is used, a warning is displayed and the printing process is stopped, which reduces the convenience of the user.

In addition, since there are differences in the degree of image quality deterioration and the probability of jam occurrence depending on the combination of sheet types, the combination of specific sheet types is uniformly prohibited as in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, and printing processing is performed. There is a risk that the operation of the image forming apparatus will be reduced if the above is stopped.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the actual circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus for improving user convenience while suppressing deterioration of image quality or occurrence of jam.

An image forming apparatus according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and is provided at least one paper feed cassette for storing the sheet before image formation and in the middle of a sheet conveying path. A sensor that detects the type of sheet stored in the paper cassette, a setting means for setting the type of sheet stored in the paper cassette, and a sheet type set by the setting means are stored for each paper cassette. It is equipped with a storage means. Further, when the type of the sheet detected by the sensor for the sheet conveyed from the paper feed cassette set by the setting means satisfies a predetermined prohibition condition, the image forming apparatus warns about the image forming process according to the setting condition. It is provided with a warning means capable of performing.

An image forming method according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one or more paper cassettes for storing sheets before image formation, and types of sheets provided in the middle of a sheet transport path and stored in the paper cassettes. It is used in an image forming apparatus including a sensor for detecting, a setting means for setting a type of sheet stored in a paper cassette, and a storage means for storing the type of sheet set by the setting means for each paper cassette. Further, the image forming method includes a step of detecting a sheet conveyed from the paper feed cassette set by the setting means with a sensor and an image forming according to the setting condition when the sheet type satisfies a predetermined prohibition condition. Includes steps that can give warnings about processing.

According to the present disclosure, when it is determined by the determination means that the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus can issue a warning regarding the image forming process according to the predetermined condition, so that deterioration of image quality or occurrence of jam can be suppressed. At the same time, the convenience of the user can be improved.

It is a figure which shows one configuration example of the image forming apparatus which follows this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structure of an image forming apparatus. It is the figure which showed the appearance of the operation panel. It is a figure which showed the screen example displayed on the touch screen. It is a figure which shows the type of the paper which can be detected by an ultrasonic sensor. It is a figure explaining the example of the prohibition condition of the combination of the print setting and the type of the paper to be conveyed. This screen is for setting whether to prioritize the manually set paper type or the automatically detected paper type. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure with respect to the prohibition condition which causes the image quality deterioration. This is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure in the case of the prohibition condition which causes the damage to the image forming apparatus 100 as a factor. This is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. It is a figure explaining the example of the prohibition condition of the combination of the paper feed cassette and the type of the paper to be conveyed. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure with respect to the prohibition condition of a paper cassette and a paper type. This is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. This is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of a print process using the process history of a user.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical concept according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, the detailed description of them will not be repeated.
[Embodiment 1]
<Overall configuration of image forming device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is roughly described as a manual feed tray 101, a paper feed cassette 102, a paper feed cassette 103, a paper feed cassette 104, a paper feed cassette 105, and a paper feed roller 106. The ultrasonic sensor 107, the resist roller 108, the imaging unit 109, the intermediate transfer belt 110, the transfer roller 111, the fixing unit 112, the discharge tray 113, the control unit 114, and the storage unit 115. Includes panel 116. Hereinafter, the operation of each configuration during the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

The bypass tray 101 or the paper feed cassette 102 to the paper feed cassette 105 on which an unused sheet (including, for example, paper, a sticker, an envelope, etc.) is placed. The paper feed roller 106 transports the sheets placed on the manual feed tray 101 or any of the paper feed cassettes 102 to 105 one by one to the transport path.

An ultrasonic sensor 107 for detecting the type of paper (including plain paper, thick paper, OHP, envelope, etc.) stopped by the resist roller 108 is provided on the transport path. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 107 is used as the sensor for detecting the type of paper, but other sensors (for example, a displacement sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a capacitance sensor, etc.) are used. May be good. Alternatively, a camera that captures the surface of the paper may be used to detect the type of paper. Of course, in the image forming apparatus 100, these sensors and a camera may be used in combination.

The ultrasonic sensor 107 includes a transmitting side ultrasonic sensor and a receiving side ultrasonic sensor. The transmitting side ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic waves to the receiving side ultrasonic sensor. The receiving side ultrasonic sensor receives the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting side ultrasonic sensor. When the paper is between the transmitting side ultrasonic sensor and the receiving side ultrasonic sensor, the transmitted ultrasonic waves collide with the paper and are attenuated by being reflected, absorbed, and diffused. The receiving-side ultrasonic sensor measures the basis weight of the paper from the amount of attenuation of the transmitted ultrasonic waves and transmits it to the control unit 114. The control unit 114 detects the type of paper based on the amount of ultrasonic wave attenuation and the measured basis weight.

The resist roller 108 conveys the type-detected paper further downstream. The imaging unit 109 produces a transfer image on the intermediate transfer belt 110. The imaging unit 109 includes a photoconductor, a charging unit, an exposure unit, and a developing unit. The imaging unit 109 includes a plurality of imaging units for generating toner images of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and key plate (K), respectively.

As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which the toner images generated by the respective imaging units 109 are transferred to the transferred member via the intermediate transfer belt 110. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the toner image is once transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 110 and then transferred to the transfer member is illustrated, but a configuration in which the toner image on the photoconductor is directly transferred to the transfer member is adopted. May be done.

The transfer roller 111 transfers the transfer image on the intermediate transfer belt 110 to the conveyed paper. The fixing unit 112 melts the toner transferred to the surface of the paper and fixes the toner on the paper. The paper that has completed the fixing process is discharged to the discharge tray 113. The control unit 114 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the control unit 114 determines whether or not the type of sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 satisfies the prohibition condition described later, particularly with respect to the sheet conveyed from the paper feed cassette. Further, when it is determined that the prohibition condition described later is satisfied, the control unit 114 gives a warning regarding the printing process depending on whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied.

The storage unit 115 stores the information of the table for obtaining the paper type from the attenuation amount of the received ultrasonic waves. In addition, the storage unit 115 stores user login information, which will be described later, and information related to predetermined conditions associated with each user.

The operation panel 116 displays to the user information including acceptance of operations from the user, warnings, and the like. The operation panel 116 typically comprises a touch screen 117 and hardware keys 118. The touch screen 117 is a device in which a touch panel is superimposed on the display.
<Hardware configuration of image forming device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. With reference to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 114, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, a non-volatile memory 25, and a hard disk apparatus 26 via the bus 22. The operation panel 116, the authentication unit 28, the network communication unit 29, the facsimile communication unit 30, the printer unit 31, the image processing unit 32, and the scanner unit 33 are provided.

The control unit 114 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus based on the program stored in the ROM 23. The RAM 24 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 21 executes a program, and is also used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

The non-volatile memory 25 is a memory that retains the stored data even when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off, and includes device-specific information, various setting information, user authentication information, and a touch screen included in the operation panel 116. Display data for various screens to be displayed on 117, and the like are stored.

In addition to storing various types of stored data, the hard disk device 26 stores image data obtained by reading the original in scanning or copying the original, and print data included in a print job received from another terminal and requested ( Image data), received facsimile data, image data attached to an e-mail, image data input by connecting an external storage device, etc. are also saved. The storage unit 115 in FIG. 1 includes a ROM 23, a RAM 24, a non-volatile memory 25, and a hard disk device 26 in FIG. 2. The storage unit 115 functions as a storage means in the image forming apparatus 100.

The touch screen 117 included in the operation panel 116 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various screens such as an operation screen, a setting screen, a confirmation screen, and a notification screen. The touch screen 117 is composed of a touch panel or the like provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display to detect the pressed coordinate position, and accepts various operations performed by the user on the image forming apparatus 100.

The hardware key 118 included in the operation panel 116 is composed of various buttons such as a mode selection key for selecting an operation mode (job type) of a job to be set, a start key, a stop key, a cancel key, and a numeric keypad.

The authentication unit 28 identifies (identifies) and authenticates the user by comparing the authentication information input by the user with the verification authentication information stored in the image forming apparatus 100. The verification authentication information may be held by another terminal connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The authentication unit 28 functions as a user authentication means.

The network communication unit 29 communicates with other terminals through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

The facsimile communication unit 30 transmits / receives image data to / from another terminal having a facsimile function through a public line.

The printer unit 31 forms an image based on the image data on the recording paper by an electrophotographic process and outputs the image. The printer unit 31 uses a paper transport device, a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode) whose lighting is controlled according to input image data, and a laser beam emitted from the LD. It includes a scanning unit for scanning above, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing heater. In the present embodiment, the printer unit 31 is configured as a so-called laser printer, but it is an LED printer that irradiates a photoconductor drum with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a laser beam, or a printer of another type. It doesn't matter if there is one. The printer unit 31 includes an imaging unit 109 in FIG. 1, an intermediate transfer belt 110, a transfer roller 111, and a fixing unit 112.

The image processing unit 32 performs rasterization processing on print data (vector format print data) received from other terminals, and various types of image data such as image correction, rotation, enlargement / reduction, compression / decompression, and the like. Image processing of.

The scanner unit 33 optically reads the original and acquires image data. The scanner unit 33 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates the document with light, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light and reads the document for one line in the width direction, and a reading position for each line in the length direction of the document. An optical path consisting of a moving means for making the document, a lens or a mirror that guides the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit that converts the analog image signal output by the line image sensor into digital image data. Is configured with.
<Specific example of operation panel>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 116. With reference to FIG. 3, the operation panel 116 includes a touch screen 117 and a hardware key 118 composed of a plurality of physical keys. The touch screen 117 has a touch panel installed on the display.

The touch screen 117 displays various operation screens including a setting screen. In a certain aspect, one operation screen has at least one operation button. Operation buttons are also referred to as software keys, software buttons, selectable objects, and icons. The user of the image forming apparatus 100 can set items, change currently set items, and the like by operating the operation buttons.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch screen 117. With reference to FIG. 4, the control unit 114 displays on the touch screen 117 a screen 400 for changing the settings of the paper cassette 102 to the paper cassette 105. The tray (first stage) shown on the screen 400 indicates the upper paper cassette 102 among the four paper cassettes 102 to 105.

The screen 400 includes a paper type setting item 491 and a paper size setting item 492. The setting item 491 is an object image 410 for setting on (valid) and off (disabled) of the function of automatically detecting the paper type (that is, the sheet type automatic detection function) by the sensor including the ultrasonic sensor 107. including.

Further, the setting item 491 includes a plurality of object image groups 420 for selecting a paper type. In the example of FIG. 4, the object images are "plain paper", "single-sided paper", "thin paper", "special paper", "thick paper # 1", "thick paper # 1 +", "thick paper # 2", and "thick paper # 2". "Cardboard # 3", "recycled paper", and "letterhead paper" are shown. Further, in the example of FIG. 4, the object image of "thick paper # 1 +" is selected by the user.

In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 (specifically, the control unit 114) turns on the input for turning on the sheet type automatic detection function for detecting the paper type and turning off the sheet type automatic detection function via the operation panel 116. It is provided with a means for accepting input.

Further, even when the sheet type automatic detection function is turned on, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs an input for setting a paper type as a setting means (an object image is input from a plurality of object image groups 420) via the operation panel 116. A setting means for accepting an input to be selected) is provided.

The input method of the setting means included in the image forming apparatus 100 may be input not only from the touch screen 117 but also from the hardware key 118 provided on the operation panel 116. Of course, the input method of the setting means may be a physical button provided on the paper cassette 102 to the paper cassette 105 or the manual feed tray 101.

According to such a configuration, the control unit 114 can determine the type of paper loaded in the paper feed cassettes 102 to 105 before the ultrasonic sensor 107 detects the type of paper. As a result, the control unit 114 can preliminarily determine whether or not the combination of the print setting and the paper type is prohibited before the ultrasonic sensor 107 performs the detection process.

Specifically, when only the ultrasonic sensor 107 is made to function, the image forming apparatus 100 does not know the type of paper until the type of paper is detected. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the printing process even though the combination of the print setting and the type of the paper to be conveyed is prohibited.

In the case of a combination of the print setting and the type of paper to be conveyed, the image forming apparatus 100 has no choice but to interrupt the printing process, and the time required for the printing process and the used paper are wasted. There's a problem. However, even when the sheet type automatic detection function is turned on, the above problem is solved by accepting an input for setting the paper type via the operation panel 116.

The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the combination of the print setting and the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is prohibited. In the present disclosure, whether or not the combination of the print setting and the paper type is prohibited will be described in the present embodiment as the first prohibition condition. That is, when the combination of the print setting and the paper type is prohibited, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the first prohibition condition is satisfied and can display a warning.

In the present disclosure, whether or not the combination of the paper feed cassette and the paper type is prohibited is set as the second prohibition condition, and will be described in the second embodiment. The prohibition condition is not limited to the first prohibition condition and the second prohibition condition, and the prohibition condition may be set from the combination of the paper type and other conditions.

The sheet type automatic detection function can be turned on and off for each of the paper cassettes 102 to 105 (in this embodiment, the first (upper) paper cassettes 102 to 4 (lower). ) Can be set in the paper cassette 105). Input to set the paper type regardless of whether the sheet type automatic detection function is on or off on each of the screens for changing the settings of the plurality of paper cassettes 102 to 105 (multiple object image groups). Input to select an object image from 420) is accepted.
<Paper type>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the types of paper that can be detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107. FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the type of paper and the basis weight (g / m ^2). The type of paper is determined based on the amount of ultrasonic attenuation and basis weight measured by the ultrasonic sensor 107.

For example, in this embodiment, "thin" is the basis weight is defined as 52 g / ^{m 2} or more and 59 g / ^{m 2} or less of the paper. Further, "plain paper" is defined as paper having a basis weight of 60 g / m ² or more and 90 g / m ^{2 or less.}

Similarly, "plain paper +", "thick paper # 1", "thick paper # 1 +", "thick paper # 2", "thick paper # 3", and "thick paper # 4" each have a basis weight of 91 g / m ² or more. and 105 g / ^{m 2} or less of the sheet, a basis weight of 106 g / ^{m 2} or more and 120 g / ^{m 2} or less of the paper, basis weight of 121g / ^{m 2} or more and 157 g / ^{m 2} or less of the sheet, a basis weight of 158 g / ^{m 2} or more and 209 g / ^{m 2} or less of the paper, basis weight of 210g / ^{m 2} or more and 256 g / ^{m 2} or less of the paper, the basis weight is defined as 257 g / ^{m 2} or more and 300 g / ^{m 2} or less of the paper.

Further, the ultrasonic sensor 107 detects recycled paper, coated paper, envelopes, and OHP (Overhead projector) films based on the amount of attenuation of the received ultrasonic waves. For example, for an envelope, the transmitted ultrasonic waves collide twice with the double-layered paper that the envelope has. Therefore, the amount of ultrasonic wave attenuation is larger than that of other papers.

<Specific examples of conditions prohibiting the combination of print settings and paper types>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prohibition condition for a combination of a print setting and a type of paper to be conveyed. With reference to FIG. 6, information indicating whether or not the printing process may be executed with predetermined print settings is associated with the type of paper. As predetermined print settings, for example, "shift processing", "punch processing", "staple processing", "middle folding / saddle stitching processing", "double-sided printing processing", "color printing processing", and "glossy printing processing" are available. Can be mentioned.

With reference to FIG. 6, the combination indicated by "OK" is not prohibited from printing in that combination. For example, the combination of the thin paper and the print setting of the punch process is indicated as "OK", so that the print process is not prohibited.

On the other hand, the combination indicated by "NG1" or "NG2" is prohibited from printing in that combination. For example, the combination of recycled paper and glossy printing is indicated as "NG1", so that the printing process is prohibited. Further, since "NG2" is indicated for the combination of the thick paper # 4 and the double-sided printing, the printing process is prohibited.

The reason why the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG1" is prohibited is that the image quality may be deteriorated. When the image forming apparatus 100 performs a printing process on recycled paper with the setting of the glossy printing process, the image quality of the image including the print printed on the recycled paper cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of the combination.

The reason why the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG2" is prohibited is that the image forming apparatus 100 may be damaged due to the occurrence of a paper jam or jam. When the image forming apparatus 100 prints on thick paper # 4 with the double-sided printing setting or the staple processing setting, there is a high possibility of inducing a paper jam or jam due to the nature of the combination.

In the present disclosure, the factor that prohibits the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG1" is the first factor, and the factor that the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG2" is prohibited is the second factor. And. The prohibited factors are not limited to the first factor and the second factor, and factors prohibited from other factors may be defined.

When the combination of the paper type and the print setting detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is the combination indicated by "NG1" or "NG2", the control unit 114 determines that the prohibition condition is satisfied. When the prohibition condition is satisfied, the control unit 114 can issue a warning regarding the printing process according to a predetermined condition.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a determining means for the control unit 114 to determine whether or not the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor 107 satisfies the prohibition condition. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a warning means that allows the control unit 114 to give a warning according to a predetermined condition when the prohibition condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the warning means warns the user via the operation panel 116, but the warning may be given by voice warning, transmission of a signal to the external device by the network communication unit 29, or the like. .. Hereinafter, predetermined conditions will be described.
<Predetermined conditions for warning>
When the combination of the print setting and the type of paper to be conveyed is prohibited, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment gives a warning or the content of the warning depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. To switch. More specifically, the control unit 114 switches the presence / absence of a warning and the content of the warning according to a predetermined condition. Various conditions can be considered for the predetermined conditions, but the predetermined conditions are shown below as examples.
(Predetermined condition example 1)
The predetermined condition example 1 is, for example, a setting of giving priority to either a paper type manually set by the user shown on the screen 400 of FIG. 4 or a paper type automatically detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107. .. FIG. 7 is a screen for setting whether to prioritize the manually set paper type or the automatically detected paper type.

Button B1 and button B2 are displayed on the touch screen 117 shown in FIG. 7. Button B1 is a button for setting priority on the result automatically detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107. Button B2 is a button for setting priority on the paper type manually set by the user.

As an example, the control unit 114 is set to give priority to the paper type manually set by the user even if the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the print setting are a combination indicated by "NG1". If so, it is conceivable to print without displaying a warning. For example, the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the paper type manually set by the user are different, and the paper type and the print setting manually set by the user are not the combination indicated by "NG1". The case applies.

As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 does not strictly prohibit the printing process that may deteriorate the image quality only from the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor 107, and can perform the printing process that respects the intention of the user.
(Predetermined condition example 2)
Example 2 of the predetermined condition is whether or not a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed. The user who uses the image forming apparatus 100 does not always use the image forming apparatus having the sheet type automatic detection function before using the image forming apparatus 100, and habitually uses "NG1" or "NG2". It is possible that the printing process of the combination shown is performed. In this case, by replacing the image forming apparatus 100 with an image forming apparatus 100 having an automatic sheet type detection function, if a warning is issued that strictly prohibits the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG1" or "NG2", the user Convenience will be impaired. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a predetermined period is provided as a grace period after the image forming apparatus 100 is installed, and within the period, the prohibition condition is satisfied within a certain range. Allows forcing the printing process in.

As an example, even if the paper type and the print setting detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 are a combination indicated by "NG1", the control unit 114 has passed a predetermined period or more since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed. If not, it is conceivable that the warning is not displayed or the content of the warning is switched and displayed. The predetermined period may be set for each user authenticated by the authentication unit 28. Further, when the user enforces the printing process in which the prohibition condition is satisfied within the predetermined period, the control unit 114 determines that the output by the printing process is necessary in the future, and determines that the output by the printing process is necessary in the future, and performs the print process for the predetermined period. May be extended.
(Predetermined condition example 3)
Example 3 of the predetermined condition is whether or not the paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is the paper fed from the bypass tray 101.

As an example, when the paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is the paper fed from the bypass tray 101, it is conceivable to perform the printing process without displaying a warning. Unlike the other paper feed cassettes 102 to 105, the manual feed tray 101 generally does not always store paper.

That is, the manual feed tray 101 is different from the paper cassette 102 to the paper cassette 105 in which the paper once set in the paper cassette is used for a temporary purpose and continues to be used until the end. Therefore, the sheet fed from the bypass tray 101 is less important to give a warning than the paper fed from the paper cassette 102 to the paper cassette 105 because it is temporary.

Therefore, in the case of paper fed from the bypass tray 101, it is permissible to force the printing process in a state where the prohibition condition is satisfied within a certain range.
(Predetermined condition example 4)
In Example 4 of the predetermined condition, the number of times a paper jam or jam occurs due to the forced printing process in the image forming apparatus 100 in a state where the prohibited condition is satisfied (hereinafter referred to as the number of times an error occurs). ) Is more than a predetermined number of times. That is, if the number of past errors occurred in the image forming apparatus 100, it can be estimated that there is a high possibility that a paper jam or a jam will occur when the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG2" is performed again. The control unit 114 increases the count of the number of errors stored in the non-volatile memory 25 each time an error occurs.

Therefore, in the control unit 114, even if the paper type and the print setting are a combination indicated by "NG2" and the user desires to force the printing process, the image forming apparatus 100 has jammed or jammed the paper in the past. When the number of occurrences of the above is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, it is conceivable that there is no room for forcing the printing process.
<Processing procedure for prohibited conditions caused by image quality deterioration>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for a prohibited condition caused by image quality deterioration. After the processing is started, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the paper in the paper feed cassette 102 to the paper feed cassette 105 or the manual feed tray 101 by the user (step S100). The image forming apparatus 100 receives the setting of the type of the loaded paper for each paper cassette from the screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 (step S101). The image forming apparatus 100 accepts the print process and the print setting (step S102). The image forming apparatus 100 starts the printing process (step S103).

The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not there is a difference between the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the type of paper set manually (step S104). When there is no difference in the paper types (NO in step S104), the image forming apparatus 100 sets the print control and creates the print profile for the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S112). The printer unit 31 performs image forming processing according to the type of paper, and the control unit 114 causes the printer unit 31 to perform image forming processing using the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 as a set value. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 as the set value of the print control, and performs the printing process. Similarly, the control unit 114 creates a print profile as the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107. The image forming apparatus 100 continues the printing process (step S113) and ends the process.

When there is a difference in the paper types (YES in step S104), the image forming apparatus 100 prohibits the combination of the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the print setting received in step S103 as a factor of image quality deterioration. It is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied (step S105). That is, the received printing process is a combination of printing processes shown by "NG1" in FIG. 6, and is, for example, a printing process in which a glossy printing process is set on recycled paper.

When the prohibition condition is not satisfied (NO in step S105), the image forming apparatus 100 detects the type of paper loaded in the paper cassette received from the screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 by the ultrasonic sensor 107. (Step S111). The image forming apparatus 100 creates a print control setting and a print profile for the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S112), continues the print process (step S113), and ends the process.

When the prohibition condition is satisfied (YES in step S105), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S106).

The predetermined condition determined by the image forming apparatus 100 in step S106 may be any of the predetermined condition examples 1 to 3 already described. Here, it is assumed that priority is given to either the paper type manually set by the user shown in the predetermined condition example 1 or the paper type automatically detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107.

When the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the manual setting of the paper type is prioritized, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in step S106). The image forming apparatus 100 creates a print control setting and a print profile for the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S112). The image forming apparatus 100 continues the printing process (step S113) and ends the process. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 does not change the setting of the type of paper set in the paper feed cassette received from the screen 400 shown in FIG. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 retains the paper type manually set by the user on the screen 400, but the image forming process performed by the printer unit 31 uses the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107. I will.

When the image forming apparatus 100 is set to give priority to the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 in step S106, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in step S106). The image forming apparatus 100 ejects the fed paper as a blank sheet and displays the warning display shown in FIG. 9 on the touch screen 117 (step S107).

FIG. 9 is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibited condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. The touch screen 117 displays a warning that "the paper is not optimal." The touch screen 117 displays the button B3 and the button B4. Button B3 is a button for canceling the print setting. For example, when the user has selected the staple processing as the print setting, the image forming apparatus 100 cancels the staple processing setting when the user presses the button B3. Button B4 is a button for changing the paper cassette used in the printing process. The prohibition condition is canceled by canceling the print setting or changing the paper cassette.

Returning to FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B3 is pressed (step S108). When it is determined that the button B3 is pressed (YES in step S108), the image forming apparatus 100 cancels the print setting (step S109). The image forming apparatus 100 changes the type of paper set in the paper feed cassette received from the screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 to the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S111). The image forming apparatus 100 creates a print process and a print profile for the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S112), continues the print process (step S113), and ends the process.

When it is determined that the button B3 is not pressed (NO in step S108), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B4 is pressed (step S110). When the button B4 is pressed (YES in step S110), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S104. As a result, the type of paper fed from the changed paper cassette is detected again by the ultrasonic sensor 107, and it is redetermined whether the combination with the print setting satisfies the prohibition condition. When the button B4 is not pressed (NO in step S110), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S108 and waits for a response from the user.

In FIG. 8, when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied, the image forming apparatus 100 forces the printing process in a state where the prohibition condition is satisfied without warning the user. It is desirable that the process shown in FIG. 8 is mainly used for prohibition conditions due to factors with low risk such as image quality deterioration, but it is also used for prohibition conditions due to other factors including factors that damage the image forming apparatus 100. sell.
<Processing procedure for prohibited conditions caused by damage to the image forming device>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case of a prohibition condition caused by damage to the image forming apparatus 100. In the description of FIG. 10, the points that are the same as those of FIG. 8 will be omitted. After the process starts, the image forming apparatus 100 starts the preparatory process and the print process (step S200). The preparatory process and the start of the print process shown in step S400 are the same processes as in steps S100 to S103 in FIG.

In step S205 in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 100 is prohibited because the combination of the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the print setting received in step S103 causes damage to the image forming apparatus 100. It is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied (step S205). That is, the received printing process is a combination of printing processes shown by "NG2" in FIG. 6, and is, for example, a printing process in which the setting of double-sided printing processing is applied to the thick paper # 4.

When the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the prohibition condition caused by the damage to the image forming apparatus 100 is satisfied (YES in step S205), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be any of the predetermined condition examples 1 to 4 already described. Here, the predetermined condition is whether or not the number of times of occurrence of an error such as a paper jam or jam shown in the predetermined condition example 4 is equal to or more than the predetermined number of times.

When the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the number of error occurrences is not more than a predetermined number of times (NO in step S206), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S207, which performs the same processing as in FIG. When the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the number of error occurrences is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (YES in step S206), the image forming apparatus 100 ejects the fed paper as a blank sheet and displays the warning display shown in FIG. 11 on the touch screen 117. (Step S211).

FIG. 11 is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibited condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. The touch screen 117 displays a warning that "the paper is not optimal." The touch screen 117 displays the button B3, the button B4, and the button B5. Button B3 and button B4 are the same as the buttons described with reference to FIG. Button B5 is a button that asks the user whether to force the printing process while satisfying the prohibition condition. When the user presses the button B5, the image forming apparatus 100 forces the printing process in a state where the prohibition condition is satisfied.

Returning to FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B3 is pressed (step S212). When it is determined that the button B3 is pressed (YES in step S212), the image forming apparatus 100 cancels the print setting (step S210). The image forming apparatus 100 changes the type of paper set in the paper feed cassette received from the screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 to the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S215). The image forming apparatus 100 creates a print control setting and a print profile for the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S216), continues the print process (step S217), and ends the process.

When it is determined that the button B3 is not pressed (NO in step S212), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B4 is pressed (step S213). When the button B4 is pressed (YES in step S213), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S204.

When the button B4 is not pressed (NO in step S213), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B5 is pressed (step S214). When the button B5 is not pressed (NO in step S214), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S211 and waits for a response from the user.

When the button B5 is pressed (YES in step S214), the image forming apparatus 100 sets the print control and creates the print profile for the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S216), and performs the print process. Continue (step S217) and end the process.

Thus, in FIG. 10, when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied, unlike FIG. 8, the button B5 asking the user whether to force the printing process while satisfying the prohibition condition is displayed. As a result, the control unit 114 can confirm the intention of the user even if it is determined that the forcible printing process is permitted even if the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied.

When the factor of the prohibition condition is a factor with a relatively high risk such as damage to the image forming apparatus 100, if the printing process is performed without confirming the intention of the user for convenience, the image forming apparatus can be used. 100 increases the possibility of causing a loss to the user.

Therefore, in FIG. 10, when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied, the warning display shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and the image forming apparatus 100 asks the user whether to force the printing process. Of course, in FIG. 10, it is determined that the factor of the prohibition condition causes damage to the image forming apparatus 100, but even if the factor of the prohibition condition is deterioration of image quality, the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 may be used.
[Embodiment 2]
In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the prohibition condition is satisfied from the combination of the paper type and the print setting. On the other hand, depending on the combination of the type of paper and the paper cassette, the printing process may damage the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the prohibition condition is satisfied from the combination of the type of paper and the paper feed cassette. In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the same configurations as the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
<Specific examples of conditions for prohibiting combinations of paper cassettes and paper types>
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prohibition condition for the combination of the paper feed cassette and the type of paper to be conveyed. With reference to FIG. 12, a paper cassette on which the paper is fed is associated with the type of paper.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined paper cassettes are the first stage (paper cassette 102), the second stage (paper cassette 103), the third stage (paper cassette 104), and the fourth stage. (Paper cassette 105) and manual feed (manual feed tray 101).

With reference to FIG. 12, the combination indicated by "OK" is not prohibited from printing in the combination of the paper cassette and the paper type. For example, the process of printing plain paper fed from the paper cassette 102 is not prohibited.

On the other hand, in the combination indicated by "NG3", the printing process in the combination of the paper cassette and the paper type is prohibited. For example, the process of printing the thick paper # 4 fed from any of the paper cassette 102 to the paper cassette 105 is prohibited. This is because none of the paper feed cassettes 102 to 105 is compatible with the thick paper # 4, and there is a high possibility that a paper jam or jam will occur. That is, the reason why the printing process of the combination indicated by "NG3" is prohibited is that the image forming apparatus 100 may be damaged due to the occurrence of a paper jam or jam.

In the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when the combination of the type of paper detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the paper feed cassette into which the paper is fed is "NG3", the predetermined conditions are met. The content of the warning regarding the printing process can be switched accordingly. The predetermined condition may be any of the predetermined condition examples 1 to 4 described in the first embodiment.
<Processing procedure for prohibited conditions of paper cassette and paper type>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for the prohibited conditions of the paper cassette and the paper type. In the description of FIG. 13, the points that are the same as those of FIG. 8 of the first embodiment will be omitted. After the process starts, the image forming apparatus 100 starts the preparatory process and the print process (step S300). The preparatory process and the start of the print process shown in step S300 are the same processes as in steps S100 to S103 in FIG.

In step S305 in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the prohibition condition relating to the combination of the paper feed cassette and the paper type is satisfied. When the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the prohibition condition relating to the combination of the paper feed cassette and the paper type is satisfied (YES in step S305), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined conditions may be any of the predetermined condition examples 1, 2 and 4 already described. Here, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the predetermined condition example 2 was installed.

When it is determined that a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed (NO in step S306), it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and the image forming apparatus 100 is fed. The paper is ejected as a blank sheet, and the warning display shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the touch screen 117 (step S307).

FIG. 14 is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibited condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. The touch screen 117 displays a warning that "the paper is not optimal." The touch screen 117 displays the button B4. Button B4 is a button that allows the user to change the paper cassette used in the printing process to another cassette. When the user presses the button B4, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the paper feed cassette used in the printing process to another cassette.

Returning to FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B4 is pressed (step S308). If it is determined that the button B4 has been pressed (YES in step S308), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S304. If it is determined that the button B4 is not pressed (NO in step S308), the image forming apparatus 100 stops the process in step S308 and waits for a response from the user.

When returning to step S306 and determining that the predetermined period or more has not elapsed (YES in step S306), the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, since the image forming apparatus 100 has not passed a predetermined period or more since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 100 is within the grace period during which the printing process can be performed under the prohibited conditions. The image forming apparatus 100 ejects the fed paper as a blank sheet and displays the warning display shown in FIG. 15 on the touch screen 117 (step S309).

FIG. 15 is an example of a warning to be displayed when the prohibited condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. The touch screen 117 displays a warning that "the paper is not optimal." The touch screen 117 displays the button B5 and the button B4. Button B5 is a button that asks the user whether to force the printing process while satisfying the prohibition condition. Button B4 is a button that allows the user to change the paper cassette used in the printing process to another cassette.

Returning to FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B4 is pressed (step S310). When it is determined that the button B4 is pressed (YES in step S310), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S304.

When it is determined that the button B4 is not pressed (YES in step S310), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the button B5 is pressed (step S311). When it is determined that the button B5 is pressed (YES in step S311), the image forming apparatus 100 sets the print control and creates the print profile for the paper type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step S313), and prints. The process is continued (step S314), and the process is terminated. When it is determined that the button B5 is not pressed (NO in step S311), the image forming apparatus 100 returns the process to step S310 and waits for a response from the user.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment sets the combination of the type of paper and the paper feed cassette as a prohibition condition. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 forces the printing process when the confirmation from the user is obtained in the printing process in which the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition of the combination of the paper type and the paper cassette are satisfied. Can be done. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user while suppressing damage to the image forming apparatus 100.
[Modification example]
The image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment displays a warning to the user when the prohibition condition and the predetermined condition are satisfied. However, even though the user knows that the prohibition condition is satisfied, displaying a warning reduces the convenience of the user.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 in the modified example determines whether or not to display a warning based on the processing history of each user. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an authentication unit 28. The authentication unit 28 identifies and authenticates the user who uses the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 114 can store in the non-volatile memory 25 the history of processing performed by each authenticated user.

The image forming apparatus 100 in the modified example stores the history of the processing in which the user has forced the printing processing in the state where the prohibition condition is satisfied in the past. When the user intends to perform printing processing in a state where the prohibition condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the processing history of the user. The image forming apparatus 100 can determine whether or not to display a warning according to the referenced result.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of printing processing using the processing history of the user. After the process starts, the image forming apparatus 100 starts the preparatory process and the print process (step S400). The preparatory process and the start of the print process shown in step S400 are the same processes as in steps S100 to S103 in FIG.

The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the prohibition condition is satisfied (step S401). If the prohibition condition is satisfied (NO in step S401), the printing process is continued (step S405), and the process is terminated.

When the prohibition condition is satisfied (YES in step S401), it is determined whether the currently authenticating user has forced the printing process in the state where the prohibition condition is satisfied in the past (step S402). When it is determined that the printing process has been forced while the prohibition condition is satisfied (YES in step S402), the image forming apparatus 100 stops the operation of the ultrasonic sensor 107 without displaying a warning. (Step S403). The image forming apparatus 100 continues the printing process (step S405) and ends the process.

When it is determined that the printing process has never been performed while the prohibition condition is satisfied (NO in step S402), the image forming apparatus 100 displays a warning and does not stop the operation of the ultrasonic sensor 107 (step). S404). The image forming apparatus 100 continues the printing process (step S405) and ends the process.

As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 does not display the same warning to the same user many times, and the convenience of the user is not deteriorated. However, when the image forming apparatus 100 detects that the papers stored in the paper feed cassettes 102 to 105 have been replaced, it is desirable that the image forming apparatus 100 displays a warning without referring to the user's history.
<Summary>
As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 for forming an image on the sheets according to the first and second embodiments includes at least one or more paper cassettes or manual feed trays 101 for storing the sheets before image formation. It is provided in the middle of the sheet transport path, and includes a sheet stored in the paper feed cassette 102 to the paper feed cassette 105 and an ultrasonic sensor 107 for detecting the type of the sheet placed on the manual feed tray 101. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 114 for setting the types of sheets stored in the paper feed cassettes 102 to 105 and the sheets placed on the manual feed tray 101, and a sheet set by the control unit 114. The non-volatile memory 25 that stores the type for each paper cassette and the type of the sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 for the sheets conveyed from the paper cassette 102 to the paper cassette 105 and the manual feed tray 101 are predetermined prohibition conditions. Is provided with a control unit 114 for determining whether or not the above conditions are satisfied. When the control unit 114 determines that the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied, the control unit 114 can issue a warning regarding the image forming process according to the predetermined condition.

According to this, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user while suppressing the deterioration of the image quality or the occurrence of jam.

Further, the predetermined prohibition condition includes the first prohibition condition in which the combination of the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the print setting set by the user is prohibited, and the control unit 114 sets the first prohibition condition. When the condition is satisfied, the presence / absence of the warning and the content of the warning are switched according to the factor of the first prohibition condition and at least one of the predetermined conditions. According to this, the prohibition condition can be set based on the combination of the sheet type and the print setting set by the user.

Further, the predetermined prohibition condition includes the second prohibition condition in which the combination of the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the type of the paper feed cassette including the manual feed tray 101 is prohibited, and the control unit 114 has a second prohibition condition. 2 When the prohibited conditions are met, the content of the warning is switched according to the predetermined conditions. According to this, the prohibition condition can be set based on the combination of the type of sheet and the paper feed cassette including the manual feed tray 101.

Further, the first prohibition condition is that the combination of the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the print setting set by the user causes the image quality of the image formed on the sheet to deteriorate, and the paper jam or the image. It includes a second factor that causes damage to the forming device 100. According to this, the factors that determine the prohibition condition based on the combination of the sheet type and the print setting set by the user are the deterioration of the image quality of the image formed on the sheet and the paper jam, or the damage to the image forming apparatus 100. And include.

Further, the second prohibition condition is that the combination of the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 and the paper feed cassette including the bypass tray 101 causes a paper jam or damage to the image forming apparatus 100. Includes two factors. According to this, the factors for determining the prohibition condition based on the combination of the sheet type and the paper feed cassette including the manual feed tray 101 include a paper jam or damage to the image forming apparatus 100.

Further, the control unit 114 selects either a case where no warning is given when the first prohibition condition is satisfied, an option for canceling the print setting, or an option for changing the type of the paper cassette including the bypass tray 101. Switch between the case of giving a warning and the case of giving a warning. According to this, the image forming apparatus 100 can select a case where a warning is given and a case where the warning is not given when the first prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, when the first prohibition condition is satisfied, the control unit 114 has an option of forcing the image formation process in the state of satisfying the first prohibition condition, an option of canceling the print setting, and a paper feed including the manual feed tray 101. A warning is given to select one of the options for changing the cassette type, a warning for canceling the print setting, or a warning for selecting one of the options for changing the type of the paper cassette including the bypass tray 101. Switch between cases. According to this, the image forming apparatus 100 can switch the content of the warning when the first prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, when the second prohibition condition is satisfied, the control unit 114 has either an option of forcibly performing the image forming process in the state of satisfying the second prohibition condition or an option of changing the type of the paper feed cassette including the manual feed tray 101. The case of giving a warning to select the paper feed tray 101 and the case of giving a warning to change the type of the paper cassette including the bypass tray 101 are switched. According to this, the image forming apparatus 100 can switch the content of the warning when the second prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, the predetermined condition is whether or not the image forming process is performed with priority given to the sheet type set by the control unit 114 over the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107, and the control unit 114 When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the first factor, no warning is given when the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is prioritized, and the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is not prioritized. Make a warning. According to this, a warning regarding the image forming process is issued depending on whether or not the sheet type set by the control unit 114 is given priority over the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 to perform the image forming process. You can choose whether to do it, and the user can decide which one to prioritize.

Further, the predetermined condition is whether or not the image forming process is performed with priority given to the sheet type set by the control unit 114 over the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107, and the control unit 114 If the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor, warns including the option of forcing the image formation process when giving priority to the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107, and detects it by the ultrasonic sensor 107. When the type of sheet is not prioritized, a warning is given that does not include the option to force the image formation process. According to this, the warning content regarding the image forming process depends on whether or not the sheet type set by the control unit 114 is given priority over the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 to perform the image forming process. Can be switched, and the user can decide which is prioritized.

Further, the predetermined condition is whether or not a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed, and the control unit 114 determines that the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the first factor. , A warning is not given when a predetermined period or more has not passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed, and a warning is given when a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed. According to this, by giving a grace period as a predetermined period to the user after replacing the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible not to give a warning even if the prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, the predetermined condition is whether or not a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed, and the control unit 114 determines that the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor. When a predetermined period or more has not passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed, a warning including an option to force the image forming process is given, and a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus 100 was installed. At that time, a warning is given that does not include the option of forcing the image formation process. According to this, the user after replacing the image forming apparatus 100 can be given a grace period as a predetermined period, so that there is room for forcing the image forming process even if the prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, a manual feed tray 101 on which the sheet is placed is further provided, and the predetermined condition is whether or not the sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 has been fed from the manual feed tray, and the control unit 114 has a predetermined prohibition condition. When the factor included in is the first factor, no warning is given when the sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is fed from the bypass tray 101, and the sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is fed from the bypass tray 101. If not, give a warning. According to this, in the case of the sheet fed from the bypass tray 101, the warning can not be given even if the prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, the manual feed tray 101 on which the sheet is placed is further provided, and the predetermined condition is whether or not the sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is fed from the manual feed tray 101, and the control unit 114 prohibits the predetermined condition. When the factor included in the condition is the second factor, when the sheet detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 is fed from the manual feed tray 101, a warning including an option to force the image formation process is issued, and the ultrasonic sensor 107 detects it. When the sheet is not fed from the bypass tray 101, a warning is given that does not include the option of forcing the image formation process. According to this, in the case of the sheet fed from the manual feed tray 101, even if the prohibition condition is satisfied, it is possible to provide room for forcing the image forming process.

Further, the non-volatile memory 25 stores the number of error occurrences, which is the number of errors that occurred during the image formation process in a state where the image forming apparatus 100 satisfies a predetermined prohibition condition, and the predetermined condition is that the number of error occurrences is predetermined. If the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor, the control unit 114 includes an option to force the image formation process when the number of error occurrences is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times. When the number of times the error has occurred is not more than the predetermined number of times, a warning is given that does not include the option of forcing the image formation process. According to this, when the number of times of error occurrence is more than a predetermined number of times, it is possible to provide room for forcing the image formation process even if the prohibition condition is satisfied.

Further, an authentication unit 28 that individually authenticates the user is further provided, and the non-volatile memory 25 stores a predetermined period for each user, and when the predetermined period or more has not passed, a predetermined prohibition is performed by the operation of the authenticated user. If the image formation process is performed while the conditions are satisfied, the user's predetermined period is extended. According to this, it is possible to manage a predetermined period for each user.

Further, when the image forming process is forcibly performed while the first prohibition condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus 100 does not change the type of the sheet set by the control unit 114, and the type of the sheet used for the print control is ultrasonic. The first is performed by performing image formation processing assuming that the type of sheet is detected by the sensor 107, canceling the print setting after the warning of the control unit 114, or changing the type of the paper feed cassette including the manual feed tray 101. When the prohibition condition is no longer satisfied, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the sheet type set by the control unit 114 to the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107, and the sheet type used for printing control is the ultrasonic sensor. Image formation processing is performed assuming that the type of sheet is the type detected in 107. According to this, when the image forming process is performed in a state where the prohibition condition is satisfied, it is displayed to the user that the printing is performed with the sheet type set to the user, while the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 is super Image formation processing can be performed with the type of sheet detected by the sound wave sensor 107.

Further, the non-volatile memory 25 stores log information related to processing for each authenticated user, and if there is log information in which the image forming process is performed while the user satisfies a predetermined prohibition condition, the user again receives the same supply. When performing image forming processing using a paper cassette, the ultrasonic sensor 107 does not detect the type of sheet stored in the paper feed cassette including the manual feed tray 101. According to this, it is possible to omit issuing a warning to the user again.

Further, the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 100 for forming an image on the sheet according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is a paper feed cassette including at least one or more manual feed trays 101 for storing the sheet before image forming. An ultrasonic sensor 107 that is provided in the middle of the sheet transport path and detects the type of sheet stored in the paper cassette, a control unit 114 that sets the type of sheet stored in the paper cassette, and a control unit. A non-volatile memory 25 for storing the type of sheet set by 114 for each paper cassette is provided. Further, in the image forming method, the step of detecting the sheet type with the ultrasonic sensor 107 for the sheet conveyed from the paper feed cassette and whether the sheet type detected by the ultrasonic sensor 107 satisfy the predetermined prohibition conditions. It includes a step of determining whether or not the image is formed, and a step of issuing a warning regarding the image forming process according to the predetermined condition when it is determined that the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

22 Bus, 23 ROM, 24 RAM, 25 Non-volatile memory, 26 Hard disk device, 28 Authentication section, 29 Network communication section, 30 Facsimile communication section, 31 Printer section, 32 Image processing section, 33 Scanner section, 100 Image forming device, 101 Bypass tray, 102, 103, 104, 105 paper feed cassette, 106 paper feed roller, 107 ultrasonic sensor, 108 resist roller, 109 imaging unit, 110 intermediate transfer belt, 111 transfer roller, 112 fixing part, 113 discharge tray, 114 Control unit, 115 storage unit, 116 operation panel, 117 touch screen, 118 hardware keys.

Claims (19)

An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet.
At least one paper cassette that stores the sheet before image formation, and
A sensor provided in the middle of the sheet transport path and detecting the type of sheet stored in the paper cassette,
A setting means for setting the type of sheet stored in the paper cassette and
A storage means for storing the type of sheet set by the setting means for each paper cassette, and a storage means.
A means for determining whether or not the type of sheet detected by the sensor with respect to the sheet conveyed from the paper cassette satisfies a predetermined prohibition condition, and
An image forming apparatus including a warning means capable of issuing a warning regarding an image forming process according to a predetermined condition when it is determined by the determining means that the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied. The predetermined prohibition condition includes a first prohibition condition in which a combination of the sheet type detected by the sensor and the print setting set by the user is prohibited.
According to claim 1, when the first prohibition condition is satisfied, the warning means switches the presence / absence of a warning and the content of the warning according to the factor of the first prohibition condition and at least one of the predetermined conditions. The image forming apparatus described. The predetermined prohibition condition includes a second prohibition condition in which a combination of the sheet type detected by the sensor and the paper cassette type is prohibited.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning means switches the content of the warning according to the predetermined condition when the second prohibition condition is satisfied. The first prohibition condition is that the combination of the sheet type detected by the sensor and the print setting set by the user causes the image quality of the image formed on the sheet to deteriorate, the paper jam, or the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second factor that causes damage to the image. The second prohibition condition includes a second factor that the combination of the type of the sheet detected by the sensor and the type of the paper feed cassette causes a paper jam or damage to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The warning means does not give a warning when the first prohibition condition is satisfied, and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 switches between the case of issuing a warning to select either the option of canceling the print setting or the option of changing the type of the paper cassette. The warning means
When the first prohibition condition is satisfied, either the option of forcing the image formation process in the state of satisfying the first prohibition condition, the option of canceling the print setting, or the option of changing the type of the paper feed cassette. When giving a warning to select
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the case of giving a warning to select either the option of canceling the print setting or the option of changing the type of the paper cassette is given. The warning means
When the second prohibition condition is satisfied, a warning is given to select either an option of forcibly performing image formation processing while satisfying the second prohibition condition or an option of changing the type of the paper cassette. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the case of issuing a warning prompting to change the type of the paper cassette is switched. The predetermined condition is a condition of whether or not the image forming process is performed with priority given to the type of sheet set by the setting means over the type of sheet detected by the sensor.
When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the first factor, the warning means does not give a warning when giving priority to the type of sheet detected by the sensor, and does not give priority to the type of sheet detected by the sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a warning is given when the image is formed. The predetermined condition is a condition of whether or not the image forming process is performed with priority given to the type of sheet set by the setting means over the type of sheet detected by the sensor.
When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor, the warning means gives a warning including an option of forcing an image forming process when giving priority to the type of sheet detected by the sensor, and the sensor gives a warning. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, which gives a warning not including an option to force an image forming process when the detected sheet type is not prioritized. The predetermined condition is based on whether or not a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus was installed.
When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the first factor, the warning means does not give a warning when a predetermined period or more has not passed since the image forming apparatus was installed, and the image forming apparatus does not give a warning. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, which gives a warning when a predetermined period or more has passed since the installation of the image forming apparatus. The predetermined condition is based on whether or not a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus was installed.
The warning means has an option of forcing an image forming process when the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor and the predetermined period or more has not passed since the image forming apparatus was installed. The image according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a warning including is given, and when a predetermined period or more has passed since the image forming apparatus was installed, a warning not including the option of forcing the image forming process is given. Forming device. It also has a manual feed tray for placing sheets.
The predetermined condition is based on whether or not the sheet detected by the sensor has been fed from the bypass tray.
When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the first factor, the warning means does not give a warning when the sheet detected by the sensor is fed from the bypass tray, and the sheet detected by the sensor is manually fed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, which gives a warning when the paper is not fed from the tray. It also has a manual feed tray for placing sheets.
The predetermined condition is based on whether or not the sheet detected by the sensor has been fed from the bypass tray.
When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor, the warning means gives a warning including an option to force an image forming process when the sheet detected by the sensor is fed from the bypass tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the sheet detected by the sensor is not fed from the bypass tray, a warning is given that does not include the option of forcing the image forming process. The storage means stores the number of error occurrences, which is the number of errors that occurred during the image formation process in a state where the image forming apparatus satisfies the predetermined prohibition condition.
The predetermined condition is based on whether or not the number of error occurrences is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times.
When the factor included in the predetermined prohibition condition is the second factor, the warning means gives a warning including an option to force the image formation process when the number of error occurrences is equal to or more than the predetermined number of times, and the number of times the error occurs. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when is not more than a predetermined number of times, a warning is given that does not include an option to force the image forming process. It also has a user authentication method that authenticates users individually.
The storage means stores a predetermined period for each user and stores the storage means.
Claim 11 or claim 11 or the above, if the image formation process is performed in a state where the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied by the operation of the authenticated user when the predetermined period or more has not passed, the predetermined period of the user is extended. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. When the image forming process is performed in a state where the first prohibition condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus does not change the type of the sheet set by the setting means, and the type of the sheet used for the print control is the sensor. Image formation processing is performed assuming that it is the type of detected sheet,
When the first prohibition condition is no longer satisfied by canceling the print setting or changing the type of the paper feed cassette after the warning of the warning means, the image forming apparatus is set by the setting means. According to claim 6 or 7, the type of the sheet is changed to the type of the sheet detected by the sensor, and the image forming process is performed assuming that the type of the sheet used for the print control is the type of the sheet detected by the sensor. The image forming apparatus according to the description. The storage means stores log information related to processing for each authenticated user, and stores the log information.
When there is log information in which the user has performed the image forming process while satisfying the predetermined prohibition condition, the sensor receives the image forming process when the user performs the image forming process again using the same paper feed cassette. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, which does not detect the type of sheet stored in the paper feed cassette. At least one paper cassette for storing the sheet before image formation, a sensor provided in the middle of the sheet transport path to detect the type of the sheet stored in the paper cassette, and the paper cassette. It is an image forming method of an image forming apparatus that includes a setting means for setting a type of stored sheet and a storage means for storing the type of sheet set by the setting means for each paper cassette, and forms an image on the sheet. hand,
A step of detecting the type of sheet with the sensor for the sheet conveyed from the paper cassette, and
A step of determining whether or not the type of sheet detected by the sensor satisfies a predetermined prohibition condition, and
An image forming method including a step in which a warning regarding an image forming process can be issued according to a predetermined condition when it is determined that the predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied.

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