JP4730047B2 - Image forming apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention has one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, and is suitable for the paper stored so that appropriate image formation can be performed using the paper stored in the paper feeding device. In particular, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of setting an attribute to a paper feeding apparatus and a method thereof, and in particular, image formation in which custom paper that requires image formation by paper attribute setting and plain paper that does not require paper attribute setting are distinguished. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which an instruction is given and a method thereof.

  In general, when forming an image on a sheet stored in a sheet feeding device, the image is formed at an optimum speed or temperature depending on the size and type of the sheet, or the close contact between the sheets when the sheet is fed. An image forming apparatus having a function of blowing air at a strength and time suitable for paper is well known.

  Conventionally, there are not many paper attributes (paper parameters) that control these operations, such as the size and paper type (coated paper / non-coated paper), and so the setting switch is also installed on the paper feeder. It was normal to set using.

  In such a case, when the paper is opened and the paper is stored, the paper attribute is set by the setting switch and then the paper supply device is closed, so that the paper stored in the paper supply device and the paper are set. The various attributes are always the same except for a selection switch selection error, and optimal control is possible for the paper stored in the paper feeder.

However, in recent years, the paper types that can be controlled by the image forming apparatus and the paper attributes for optimal image formation have been further subdivided into various types. It is difficult to perform all settings using the installed setting switches. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, setting is performed using a user interface device provided in the image forming apparatus, or connection is made via a network or the like. A configuration for setting various paper attributes from a personal computer or the like has been proposed.
JP 2003-270872 A

  When a paper feeding device to be fed is selected in the image forming apparatus, the user designates a paper size and the like so that the image forming apparatus automatically selects a paper feeding device corresponding to the designated content. APS (Auto Paper Selection) to select is known.

  Then, when performing image formation by specifying a paper size when forming an image of a sheet that requires setting of the above-described sheet attributes (image formation of a custom sheet), a custom sheet such as a coated sheet or an art sheet is used. There is a request to select one of the sheets and select the sheet feeding device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a method for performing an image forming instruction for distinguishing between custom paper that requires image formation by paper attribute setting and plain paper that does not require paper attribute setting.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes one or a plurality of paper feeding devices that store paper, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding device. A sheet attribute input unit for inputting a sheet attribute for performing image formation suitable for the sheet, a sheet attribute storage unit for storing the sheet attribute input by the attribute input unit, and the attribute storage unit The paper attribute identifier assigning means for assigning an identifier for identifying the paper attribute to the paper attribute, the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storing means, and the user selecting the identifier given by the paper attribute identifier giving means By specifying the paper feeding device, the paper attribute setting means for setting the paper attribute of the paper stored in the paper feeding device and the image forming instruction device are connected to the image forming instruction device. An image forming instruction receiving unit that receives an image forming instruction for a specified job from the image forming instruction device; the image forming instruction received by the image forming instruction receiving unit is used for image formation; the identifier assigned by the identifier assigning unit; When the paper size to be specified is specified independently, an identifier included in the image formation instruction is set by the paper attribute setting unit as a paper supply target of paper for starting image formation based on the job. A sheet feeding device selecting unit that selects a sheet feeding device that is a designated identifier and stores a sheet of a sheet size included in the image forming instruction; and the image forming instruction receiving unit. and selection within the image forming instruction received, desires the paper sheet feeding device set by the paper attribute setting means is not performed from the device, the image forming If it contains the designation of the paper size to be used as the sheet feeder of the sheet feed target paper starts image formation based on the job, according to the identifier included in the image forming instruction the sheet attribute setting means A non-custom paper feeding device selection means for selecting a paper feeding device that has not been set and that stores a paper of a paper size included in the image formation instruction; If the paper attribute of the target paper feeding device is not set by the identifier, image formation is performed on the standard setting for the paper, and the paper attribute of the paper feeding target paper feeding device is set by the identifier. In this case, the image forming apparatus is configured to include image forming control means for performing control so as to perform optimum image formation on the sheet based on the sheet attribute.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the identifiers specified by the paper attribute setting means for the one or more paper feed trays are all the identifiers specified by the image forming instruction. An identifier discriminating unit for checking whether or not they are different from each other, and the identifier discriminating unit designates each identifier designated by the paper attribute setting unit for the one or a plurality of paper feed trays, When it is determined that all are different, the image forming apparatus further includes an image formation stopping unit that does not form an image on the paper.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selection means has run out of paper, the identifier included in the image forming instruction is the paper. The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming continuation unit that selects the paper feeding device specified by the attribute setting unit and continues image formation .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the image formation is not performed by the image formation stopping unit, the paper feed tray that stores the paper size designated by the image formation instruction is stored. On the other hand, by setting an identifier included in the image forming instruction, a paper attribute is set for the paper feed tray, and paper is changed from the paper feed tray to form an image. It is comprised so that a formation means may further be provided .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the image formation is not performed by the image formation stopping unit, the next image transmitted from the image formation instruction device after the image formation instruction. There is a paper feeding device in which the identifier included in the formation instruction is the identifier specified by the paper attribute setting unit, and there is a paper feeding device that stores the paper of the paper size included in the next image formation instruction A paper feeding device discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not to perform the identifier, and an identifier included in the next image forming instruction by the paper feeding device discriminating unit is an identifier designated by the paper attribute setting unit. If it is determined that there is a paper feeder that stores paper of the paper size included in the next image formation instruction, the image formation instruction is suspended and the next image formation instruction is held. Image formation is further configured to and a next image forming instruction image forming means exist by said sheet feeding apparatus determination means is conducted from confirmed the sheet feeding apparatus.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1 , wherein the paper sizes of the paper stored in the one or more paper feed trays are all different from the paper size specified by the image forming instruction. The identifier specified by the sheet attribute setting unit for the one or more paper feed trays is all different from the sheet size specified by the image forming instruction by the sheet size determining unit for checking the image and the identifier determining unit. If it is determined, the image forming apparatus further includes an image formation stopping unit that does not form an image on the paper .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selecting means has run out of paper, the setting by the paper attribute setting means is performed. The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming continuation unit that selects a paper feeding device that stores a sheet having a sheet size included in the image forming instruction from among the sheet feeding devices that have not been selected, and continues image formation. Configured .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the image formation is not performed by the image formation stopping unit, the next image transmitted from the image formation instruction device after the image formation instruction. A sheet feeding device discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not there is a sheet feeding device storing a sheet of a sheet size included in the forming instruction; and a sheet included in the next image forming instruction by the sheet feeding device discriminating unit. If it is determined that there is a paper feeder that stores the size paper, the image formation instruction is suspended, and the image formation of the next image formation instruction is confirmed by the paper feeder identification means. And a next image forming instruction image forming unit which is performed by the sheet feeding device .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for carrying out an image forming process for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding device. In the image forming method of the apparatus, a sheet attribute for performing image formation suitable for the sheet is input by a sheet attribute input unit, the sheet attribute input by the attribute input unit is stored by a sheet attribute storage unit, and the attribute An identifier for identifying the paper attribute stored by the storage unit is assigned to the paper attribute by the paper attribute identifier adding unit, and the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage unit is assigned to the identifier by the paper attribute identifier adding unit. By the paper attribute setting means as the paper attribute of the paper stored in the paper supply device, Connected to the image forming instruction apparatus, the image forming instruction for the designated job is received from the image forming instruction apparatus by the image forming instruction receiving means, and the image forming instruction received by the image forming instruction receiving means is received by the identifier giving means. When the assigned identifier and the paper size used for image formation are specified independently, the image formation is performed as a paper supply device for paper supply for starting image formation based on the job. An identifier included in the instruction is a sheet feeding device whose identifier is specified by the sheet attribute setting unit, and a sheet feeding device storing a sheet of a sheet size included in the image formation instruction is selected; Further, the in the image forming instruction image formation instruction reception unit has received, the paper sheet feeding device set by the paper attribute setting means is not performed from the device A selecting desired, when the designation of the paper size used for the image formation contains, as the sheet feeder of the sheet feed target paper starts image formation based on the job, included in the image forming instruction A paper feeding device whose identifier is not set by the paper attribute setting means, and which stores paper of a paper size included in the image formation instruction is selected, and the selected paper feeding device is selected. When the paper attribute of the paper supply target is not set by the identifier, image formation is performed with standard settings for the paper, and the selected paper supply device of the paper supply target is determined by the identifier. Is set, control is performed so that optimum image formation is performed on the sheet based on the sheet attribute.

According to the image forming apparatus and method of the present invention, the effect that it is possible to image forming instruction to distinguish between unnecessary plain paper Paper attribute setting image formation by a custom paper and required paper attributes setting is performed Play.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a print control apparatus 30, an image reading apparatus 40, and information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n via a network 20.

  Here, the print control apparatus 30 performs image formation control of various documents using the image forming apparatus 100, and constitutes a print server.

  The image reading apparatus 40 reads an image to be formed using the image forming apparatus 100 and is configured as a network scanner.

  The information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n perform processing of a document on which an image is formed using the image forming apparatus 100. For example, each user's personal computer corresponds to this.

  Here, the print control apparatus 30 has a user interface unit for inputting paper attributes that enable image formation suitable for the paper used for image formation in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a user interface unit 110, a control unit 120, and an image forming unit 130.

  Here, the user interface unit 110 is for inputting paper attributes in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

  The control unit 120 controls the image forming unit 130 and includes a non-volatile memory that receives and stores paper attributes input from the user interface unit 110 and a user interface unit included in the print control apparatus. A sheet attribute storage unit 121; an identifier adding unit 122 that generates an identifier and assigns an identifier to the sheet attribute; and a sheet attribute storage unit corresponding to the identifier based on the identifier specified by the sheet attribute setting unit of the paper feed tray A sheet attribute setting validating unit 124 that validates the sheet attribute stored in the sheet feeding tray as a setting for the sheet feeding tray, and a sheet attribute setting detecting unit that detects an identifier of the sheet attribute input to the sheet attribute setting unit of the sheet feeding tray. 123.

  The image forming unit 13 includes a plurality of paper feed trays, that is, a paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a, a paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b, a paper feed tray (paper feed tray c) 131c, and a paper feed tray. A paper tray (paper feed tray d) 131d is provided.

  Opening the paper feed tray refers to a state in which the paper feed tray is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 and image formation using the paper stored in the paper feed tray cannot be performed. “Closed” refers to a state in which the removed paper feed tray is installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, each paper feed tray has a paper attribute setting unit that serves as a means for setting a paper attribute suitable for the paper stored in the paper feed tray with an identifier specified by the user. a) 131a includes a paper attribute setting unit 132a, a paper tray (paper tray b) 131b includes a paper attribute setting unit 132b, and a paper tray (paper tray c) 131c includes a paper attribute setting unit 132c. The (paper feed tray d) 131d is provided with a paper attribute setting unit 132d.

  Next, main functions of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of main parts of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  The block diagram showing the main functions of the image forming apparatus 100 is the user interface unit 110, the paper attribute storage unit 121, the identifier assigning unit 122, the paper attribute setting valid unit 124, and the paper attribute setting detection described with reference to FIG. The image forming unit 130, the image forming unit 130, and the sheet attribute setting unit 201.

  A paper attribute setting unit 201 indicates a paper attribute setting unit provided in each paper feed tray in the image forming unit 130.

  When setting the paper attribute suitable for the paper used for image formation in the image forming apparatus 100, “2nd BTB” is set so that the user can form an image with the setting suitable for the paper from the user interface unit 110. “Voltage”, “paper curl amount”, “NIP voltage”, and “air assist operation” are input and stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121 as paper attributes.

  Then, the identifier assigning unit 123 performs processing for assigning an identifier to the stored paper attribute.

  In the process of assigning an identifier, the identifier assigning unit 123 automatically generates a numerical identifier and assigns the generated identifier to the paper attribute input by the user.

  Further, the identifier to be generated may be a name identifier instead of a numerical identifier, or it may be configured such that an arbitrary identifier is generated by a user and given to an input paper attribute.

  When an identifier is assigned to the stored paper attribute, the paper attribute storage unit 121 stores the paper attribute and the identifier in association with each other.

  When the user desires to perform image formation using custom paper that requires image formation with settings suitable for the paper, when the user performs image formation, the user is used for image formation. The custom paper is stored in the paper feed tray, and an identifier corresponding to the paper attribute of the setting content suitable for the custom paper is input from the paper attribute setting unit 201 provided in the paper feed tray.

  When image formation is performed, if a paper feed tray whose identifier has been input to the paper attribute setting unit 201 is used, the paper attribute setting detection unit 123 has an identifier in the paper attribute setting unit 201 of the paper feed tray. Upon detection of the input, the paper attribute setting valid unit 124 sets the paper attribute corresponding to the input identifier when the paper stored in the paper feed tray is formed, and the paper feed tray The image forming unit 130 forms an image using the paper stored in the printer.

  When an image is formed, if a paper feed tray whose identifier has not been input to the paper attribute setting unit 201 is used, the paper attribute setting detection unit 123 uses the paper attribute setting unit 201 of the paper feed tray. When the identifier is not input, the sheet stored in the sheet feeding tray is used and the image forming unit 130 forms an image.

  Next, the paper attribute stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121 is input by the user from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, and the identifier is added by the identifier adding unit 122. The screen of the user interface showing the state will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the paper attribute stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121 is input by the user from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, and the identifier is added by the identifier adding unit 122. FIG. 3A is a screen configuration diagram showing a screen of a user interface showing an input state, and FIG. 3A is a remote operation of the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. FIG. 3B is a screen configuration diagram showing a screen of the user interface to which the paper attribute stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121 is input from the user interface of the print control apparatus 30, and FIG. 3B is stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121. An identifier is assigned to the sheet attribute by the identifier assigning unit 122. It is a screen configuration diagram illustrating a screen of a user interface that is.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, paper attributes relating to “2nd BTB voltage”, “paper curl amount”, “NIP voltage”, and “air assist operation” of the paper used for image formation are displayed on the user interface unit. Here, when using this paper attribute as it is, the user presses the OK button 301 in this state, and when changing the paper attribute, the user presses the OK button 301 after changing the displayed paper attribute. Then, paper attributes are input.

  When the enter button 301 is pressed, the input paper attribute is stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121, and an identifier is added to the stored paper attribute by the identifier adding unit 122. The paper attribute and the identifier correspond to each other. Attached and stored in the sheet attribute storage unit 121.

  When the identifier is added to the paper attribute by the identifier assigning unit 122 and the identifier and the paper attribute are stored in association with each other in the paper attribute storage unit 121, the user is displayed in order to show the stored stored identifier to the user. In FIG. 3B, the identifier stored in association with the user interface unit that has input the paper attribute is displayed.

  Next, a sheet attribute is input from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30 by remote operation of the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. A processing flow of processing performed in the image forming apparatus 100 when an identifier is assigned will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a case where paper attributes are input from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30 by remote operation of the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 when an identifier is assigned to the image processing apparatus.

  When paper attributes are input from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30 by remote operation of the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n (step 401), the input is performed. The sheet attributes stored in the sheet attribute storage unit 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 are stored.

  Then, the identifier assigning unit 122 assigns an identifier to the paper attribute stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121 (step 402), and the identifier and the paper attribute are associated with each other in the paper attribute storage unit 121. Saved.

  As described above, when an image is formed on the custom paper stored in the paper feed tray, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a paper attribute that enables image formation control suitable for the custom paper.

  Next, referring to FIG. 5, which shows the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b, the paper attributes are set in the paper feed tray for storing custom paper. I will explain.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a paper feed tray in which paper attributes are set so that image formation suitable for a custom paper to be stored is performed. FIG. 5A is a paper feed in which paper attributes are set. FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a tray (paper feed tray a) 131a, and FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b in which paper attributes are set.

  The user stores the custom paper in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a is provided in order to perform image formation suitable for the custom paper. An identifier corresponding to a paper attribute capable of forming an image suitable for the stored custom paper is input to the paper attribute setting unit 132a.

  In this way, when the identifier is input to the paper attribute setting unit 132a of the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a, the paper attributes are set in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a, and the paper feed tray ( When an image is formed using the paper stored in the paper feed tray a) 131a, image formation suitable for the paper stored according to the paper attribute is performed.

  In addition, in order to invalidate the identifier input to the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a so that the paper attribute is not set in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a, the paper feed tray (paper feed) This is performed by depressing a release button 133a shown in FIG. 5A provided in the tray a) 131a.

  Further, as shown in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b, the paper feed tray is different from the paper attribute setting unit 132a in which the identifier input field is input with the numeric identifier, and the paper attribute storage unit 121. It may be configured to have a paper attribute setting unit 132b in which an identifier is input by selecting an identifier such as a name stored in.

  Next, refer to FIG. 6 for processing in which paper attributes are set in the paper feed tray containing the paper so that the paper is stored in the paper feed tray and image formation suitable for the paper is performed. And explain.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of processing for storing paper in a paper feed tray and setting paper attributes in the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored.

  The user opens a paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 100 and stores desired custom paper used for image formation (step 601).

  Then, in order to set a paper attribute that can be controlled so as to appropriately perform image formation using the stored custom paper, the user sets the paper tray of the paper feed tray. An identifier corresponding to the paper attribute is input from the paper attribute setting unit 201 (step 602).

  Then, the paper feed tray in which custom paper used for image formation is stored and the identifier is input is closed by the image forming apparatus 100 (step 603).

  By performing the processing in this way, a paper attribute corresponding to the identifier is set in the paper feed tray.

  When the user stores plain paper other than custom paper that does not require setting of paper attributes, the plain paper is stored in the paper feed tray (step 601). A release button for canceling the paper attribute of the tray is pressed (step 602), and the paper feed tray is closed to the image forming apparatus 100 (step 603).

  By performing the processing in this manner, the setting of the paper attribute of the paper feed tray is canceled so that plain paper is imaged.

  Next, after the custom paper is stored in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a and the identifier is input to the paper attribute setting unit 132a, the user uses the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n to select the image. A print job property screen for requesting the image forming apparatus 100 to form a document image will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, after the custom paper is stored in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131 a and the identifier is input to the paper attribute setting unit 132 a, the user uses the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n to FIG. 6 is a screen configuration diagram showing a print job property screen 700 for requesting image forming apparatus 100 to form an image of a document.

  The print job property screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed when the print control apparatus 30 creates a print job for forming an image of a document created by the user using the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. It is a screen opened on a display of ~ 50-n.

  When a user operating the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n remotely operates a printer driver installed in the print control device 30, a print job property screen is displayed on the display of the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n. 700 is displayed.

  On the print job property screen 700, the detailed contents of the print job can be determined, and input such as a paper size (symbol 701), a paper feed tray (symbol 702), and a custom paper type designation (symbol 703) is performed.

  The paper size (symbol 701) field is a field where the paper size of the paper used for image formation is designated, and “A4” is entered in the print job property screen 700 (symbol 704).

  The column of the paper feed tray (symbol 702) is a field for inputting the designation of the paper feed tray on which paper feed is performed, and “automatic selection” is entered on the print job property screen 700 (symbol 705). .

  When “automatic selection” is input in the field of the paper feed tray (symbol 702), the paper tray to be fed is selected by selecting the paper size (symbol 701) and the custom paper type on the print job property screen 700. A paper feed tray that meets the conditions entered in the fields such as (reference 703) is automatically selected.

  In the column for custom paper type designation (symbol 703), an identifier corresponding to the paper attribute is input. On the print job property screen 700, an identifier of “custom paper type 10” is entered (symbol 706). .

  When an identifier is entered in the custom paper type designation (reference 703) field, the fact that the entered identifier has been entered in the paper feed tray is added to the paper feed tray selection condition.

  In the custom paper type designation (symbol 703) field, not only the identifier number such as “custom paper type 10” but also the paper feed tray in which the identifier is input is selected regardless of the number. Enter a “custom paper type” for which conditions are specified, or “custom paper type for which conditions are specified to select paper trays for which no identifier has been entered and the paper attributes are not set. It is possible to input “other than”.

  Next, a print job property screen in which “other than custom paper type” is input in the custom paper type designation field will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a screen configuration diagram showing a print job property screen 800 in which “other than custom paper type” is entered in the custom paper type designation field.

  As shown in FIG. 8, “other than custom paper type” is entered in the custom paper type designation (symbol 803) field of the print job property screen 800 (symbol 806).

  As described above, when “other than custom paper type” is input in the custom paper type designation (reference numeral 803) field, an identifier is input to the paper feed tray as a condition for selecting the paper feed tray. In addition, the selection condition is that a paper feed tray for which no paper attribute is set is selected.

  Next, processing in which the user transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus using the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in which the user transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus using the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n.

  When the user creates a document requesting image formation by any one of the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n (step 901), the user opens the printer driver of the print control apparatus 30 by remote operation, and print job Create.

  When creating a print job, an identifier is entered in the custom paper type designation field on the print job property screen opened from the printer driver, and the paper size used for image formation is entered (step). 902).

  When a print job is created so that the document created in step 901 is image-formed under the conditions entered on the print job property screen in step 902, the print job is sent to the image forming apparatus 100 (step 903). .

  Next, a processing flow in which image formation is performed in the image forming apparatus 100 to which the print job has been sent will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in which image formation is performed in the image forming apparatus 100 to which a print job has been sent.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print job (step 1001), if the condition for selecting the paper feed tray is automatically selected in the print job content, the image forming apparatus 100 further stores the print job content in the paper feed tray. Paper size (contents entered in the column of paper size (symbol 701) on the print job property screen 700) and identifier (contents entered in the column of custom paper type designation (symbol 703) on the print job property screen 700) With reference to the above, the control unit 120 selects a paper feed tray that meets the conditions of the paper size and the identifier from the paper feed trays provided in the image forming apparatus 100 (step 1002).

  The control unit 120 controls the paper size (contents entered in the paper size (sign 701) field of the print job property screen 700) and the identifier (custom paper type designation (sign 703) on the print job property screen 700 by the control unit 120. If there is a paper feed tray that satisfies the condition of (content entered in ()) (YES in step 1003), for example, in the content entered in the print job property screen 700, the paper stored in the paper feed tray is A4 size. In the case where there is a paper feed tray in which the identifier input to the paper feed tray is the identifier of 10 indicating the custom paper type 10 in the image forming apparatus 100, the paper feed tray that satisfies the conditions described in the print job is selected. The paper feed tray is selected.

  Here, the condition for selecting the paper feed tray in the content of the print job is automatically selected (the content entered in the paper feed tray (reference 702) on the print job property screen 700) and is described in the print job. A condition is specified so that the identifier (the content entered in the custom paper type designation (symbol 703) column of the print job property screen 700) selects the paper feed tray in which the identifier is input regardless of the identifier number. In the case of the “custom paper type”, a paper feed tray that stores paper that matches the paper size described in the print job is selected from the paper feed trays to which the identifier is input.

  Here, the condition for selecting the paper feed tray in the content of the print job is automatically selected (the content entered in the paper feed tray (reference 702) on the print job property screen 700) and is described in the print job. An identifier (content entered in the custom paper type designation (symbol 803) field of the print job property screen 800) is selected so that a paper feed tray for which no identifier has been input and no paper attribute is set is selected. If the condition is “Other than Custom Paper Type”, the paper that contains the paper that matches the paper size described in the print job from the paper tray that has not been entered with an identifier A tray is selected.

  Here, the condition for selecting the paper feed tray as the content of the print job is not automatically selected (the content entered in the paper feed tray (reference 702) on the print job property screen 700), and a specific paper feed tray is selected. Is selected, the control unit 120 and the paper attribute setting detection unit 123 determine whether or not the paper size and custom paper type designation conditions described in the print job match the paper feed tray. If all the conditions are met, the paper feed tray is selected. If even one of the conditions is not met, the image forming process is faulted and the process for resuming printing is performed (predefined step 1008).

  When the paper feed tray is selected, the image forming unit 130 forms an image of one page in the image data included in the print job by controlling the paper attributes set in the paper feed device (step 1004).

  If the identifier (contents entered in the custom paper type designation (symbol 803) column of the print job property screen 800) described in the print job is “other than custom paper type”, the standard setting is used. The image forming unit 130 forms an image of one page in the image data included in the print job (step 1004).

  When image formation for one page is performed, if all of the image data included in the print job has been formed and the print job has not ended (NO in step 1005), it is determined whether or not a sheet has run out. If it is confirmed by the control unit 120 and no sheet has run out (NO in step 1006), image formation of one page in the image data included in the print job is performed again (step 1004).

  When occurrence of paper out is confirmed by the control unit 120 (YES in step 1006), another paper feed tray is selected and ATS (Auto Tray Switching) which is a function to continue image formation is used. In this case, the paper size described in the contents of the print job (paper size (symbol 701) on the print job property screen 700 is displayed as if the paper feed tray was automatically selected in step 1002. ) And the identifier (content entered in the custom paper type designation (sign 703) field of the print job property screen 700) are selected (step 1007).

  Then, image formation for one page is performed (step 1004), and when all the image data in the print job is formed (YES in step 1005), the process ends.

  Also, when a paper feed tray is selected in step 1002, if there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the print job (NO in step 1003), the image forming process becomes a fault and printing resumes. Is performed (step 1008 of the predefined process).

  When the identifier described in the print job (the content entered in the custom paper type designation (symbol 803) column of the print job property screen 800) is “other than custom paper type”, the identifier is input. Even if the control unit 120 determines that there is no paper tray that contains paper that matches the paper size described in the print job among the paper feed trays that are not used, the image forming process becomes a fault and printing is performed. Processing for resumption is performed (step 1008 of predefined processing).

  Next, a process (step 1008 of the predefined process) performed in the image forming apparatus 100 for resuming printing without selecting a paper feed tray will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows the contents of step 1008 of the predefined process that is performed when there is no paper feed tray that satisfies the conditions described in the print job in the image forming apparatus 100 (NO in step 1003). FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing a process for performing printing by changing the identifier input to the paper feed tray to the contents described in the print job. (B) confirms the content of the next print job, and if there is a paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the content of the next print job, the print job being processed is put on hold, 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing for first performing image formation of the next print job.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the received print job in the image forming apparatus 100 (NO in step 1003), the input is made to the paper feed tray. By changing the identifier, the paper attribute set for the paper feed tray is changed to be the same as the identifier described in the print job, and a paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the print job is created. (Step 1101).

  Then, by changing the paper attribute set for the paper feed tray, when there is a paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the print job, the paper feed tray is used as a paper feed tray used for printing. Then, the process proceeds to step 1004, and image formation is performed on the paper feed tray (step 1004).

  In addition, in step 1008 of the predefined process, not only the process of the flowchart described with reference to FIG. 11A but also the process of the flowchart described with reference to FIG. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, when there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the received print job in the image forming apparatus 100 (NO in step 1003), the next print job being processed is displayed. The print size of the print job is checked, the paper size described in the next print job (the content entered in the paper size (sign 701) column of the print job property screen 700) and the identifier (custom of the print job property screen 700). If there is a paper feed tray that meets the conditions of the paper type designation (content entered in the reference numeral 703) (YES in step 1102), the print job currently being processed is suspended and the next printing is performed. Processing is performed by the control unit 120 so as to form an image of the job.

  If there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the next print job (NO in step 1102), the image forming process is terminated.

  As a result of the processing performed in the image forming apparatus 100 in this way, an image formation instruction is performed that distinguishes between custom paper that requires image formation by paper attribute setting and plain paper that does not require paper attribute setting.

  In this embodiment, in step 1002 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the content described in the print job is the paper size (the content entered in the paper size (symbol 701) column of the print job property screen 700). And the identifier (content entered in the custom paper type designation (symbol 703) on the print job properties screen 700), if there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions (NO in step 1003), the process becomes a fault. In the above description, the image formation is not started immediately. However, when there is no paper feed tray that meets the paper size condition, the process is faulted (NO in step 1003), and the image formation is performed immediately. Can be prevented from starting, or the process becomes a fault when there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions of the identifier. (NO in step 1003), it is possible to prevent the image formation from being started immediately. In this way, if there is no paper feed tray that meets the paper size condition, the process is immediately set as a fault. In the case where image formation is not started, even when ATS processing is performed in step 1007, processing is performed so that a paper feed tray matching the paper size condition is automatically selected, or the condition of the identifier If there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions, and if the process is set as a fault and image formation is not started immediately, a paper feed tray that meets the identifier condition is also detected when the ATS process is performed in step 1007. It can be processed to be automatically selected.

  Note that in the image forming apparatus 100, when the image forming apparatus 100 is performed, when the paper runs out and the paper feed tray is automatically selected by the ATS process, the paper feed tray in the image forming apparatus 100 is set. The paper attributes set in the paper feed tray are changed, and the contents entered in the identifier (custom paper type designation (symbol 703) in the print job property screen 700 are set to the paper attributes set in the paper feed tray. ), A paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the print job may be created, and the created paper feed tray may be selected to form an image.

  Documents to be imaged are not only documents created by the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n, but also documents read by the image reading device 40 or information processing devices 50-1 to 50-1 from an external storage device. The document downloaded to 50-n is also the document for image formation.

  Note that a user interface unit that can input paper attributes to the image forming apparatus 100 is not only the image forming apparatus 100 and the print control apparatus 30 but also the image reading apparatus 40 and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. It may be provided.

  Further, the printer driver for opening the job property screens 700 and 800 may be installed not only in the print control apparatus 30 but also in the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n.

  The present invention has one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, sets a paper attribute suitable for the paper stored in the paper feeding device, and stores the paper in the paper feeding device. The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus that enables image formation suitable for paper.

  According to the present invention, an image formation instruction is performed that distinguishes between custom paper that requires image formation by paper attribute setting and plain paper that does not require paper attribute setting.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. A user inputs a paper attribute stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121 from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, and an identifier is input by the identifier adding unit 122. The screen block diagram which showed the screen of the user interface which showed. Paper attributes are input from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or from the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30 by remote operation of the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n, and an identifier is assigned to the paper attribute. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 when a mark is given. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a paper feed tray in which paper attributes are set so that image formation suitable for a custom paper to be stored is performed. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of processing for storing paper in a paper feed tray and setting paper attributes in the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored. After the custom paper is stored in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a and the identifier is input to the paper attribute setting unit 132a, the user uses the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n to input the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is a screen configuration diagram showing a print job property screen 700 for requesting image formation of a document. FIG. 9 is a screen configuration diagram showing a print job property screen 800 in which “other than custom paper type” is entered in the custom paper type designation field. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in which a user transmits a print job to an image forming apparatus using the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in which image formation is performed in the image forming apparatus 100 to which a print job is sent. In the image forming apparatus 100, there is a content of step 1008 of the predefined processing that is performed when there is no paper feed tray that meets the conditions described in the print job (NO in step 1003), and the processing flow for resuming printing The flowchart which showed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Network 30 Print control apparatus 40 Image reading apparatus 50-1 to 50-n Information processing apparatus 100 Image forming apparatus 110 User interface part 120 Control part 121 Paper attribute preservation | save part 122 Identifier provision part 123 Paper attribute setting detection part 124 Paper attribute setting Valid section 130 Image forming section 131a Paper feed tray a
131b Paper feed tray b
131c Paper feed tray c
131d Paper tray d
132a Paper attribute setting unit 132b Paper attribute setting unit 132c Paper attribute setting unit 132d Paper attribute setting unit

Claims (9)

One or more paper feeders for containing paper;
Image forming means for forming an image on paper fed from the paper feeding device;
Paper attribute input means for inputting paper attributes for performing image formation suitable for the paper;
Paper attribute storage means for storing paper attributes input by the attribute input means;
A paper attribute identifier giving means for giving an identifier for identifying the paper attribute saved by the attribute saving means to the paper attribute;
By specifying the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage unit to the paper feeding device that the user selects the identifier given by the paper attribute identifier giving unit, the paper attribute of the paper stored in the paper feeding device Paper attribute setting means to be set as
An image formation instruction receiving unit connected to the image formation instruction apparatus and receiving an image formation instruction for a specified job from the image formation instruction apparatus;
When the image forming instruction received by the image forming instruction receiving unit specifies the identifier given by the identifier giving unit and the paper size used for image formation independently, the image based on the job As a sheet feeding device to be fed for forming paper, the identifier included in the image forming instruction is an identifier designated by the sheet attribute setting means, and the image forming instruction Paper feeding device selection means for selecting a paper feeding device in which paper of the contained paper size is stored;
In the image forming instruction received by the image forming instruction receiving unit, a selection of a paper feeding device that is not set by the paper attribute setting unit from the paper feeding device, and a paper used for image formation If the size designation is included, an identifier included in the image formation instruction is set by the paper attribute setting unit as a paper supply target of paper for starting image formation based on the job. A non-custom paper feeding device selection means for selecting a paper feeding device that is not a paper feeding device and stores a paper of a paper size included in the image forming instruction;
If the paper attribute of the paper supply target is not set by an identifier, image formation is performed with standard settings for the paper, and the paper attribute of the paper supply target is set by the identifier. An image forming control unit that performs control so as to perform optimal image formation on the sheet based on the sheet attribute. Identifier discriminating means for checking whether or not each identifier designated by the paper attribute setting means for the one or more paper feed trays is completely different from the identifier designated by the image forming instruction;
If the identifier determining unit determines that each identifier specified by the sheet attribute setting unit for the one or more paper feed trays is completely different from the identifier specified by the image forming instruction, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image formation stopping unit that does not perform image formation. When the paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selection means runs out of paper, the paper feeding device whose identifier included in the image formation instruction is designated by the paper attribute setting means is selected to form an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming continuation unit that continues the operation. When the image formation is not performed by the image formation stopping unit, the identifier included in the image formation instruction is set for the paper feed tray that stores the paper size specified by the image formation instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a sheet attribute changing image forming unit configured to set a sheet attribute in the sheet feeding tray and perform sheet feeding from the sheet feeding tray to form an image. When the image formation is not performed by the image formation stop unit, an identifier included in the next image formation instruction transmitted from the image formation instruction apparatus after the image formation instruction is designated by the sheet attribute setting unit. A paper feed device discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a paper feed device that is an identifier and contains a paper of a paper size included in the next image formation instruction;
The sheet feeding device determination unit is a sheet feeding device in which the identifier included in the next image formation instruction is the identifier specified by the sheet attribute setting unit, and the sheet size included in the next image formation instruction When it is determined that there is a sheet feeding device that stores paper, the image forming instruction is suspended, and the image forming instruction for the next image forming instruction is confirmed by the sheet feeding device determining unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a next image forming instruction image forming unit that is performed by the sheet feeding device. Paper size determination means for checking whether or not the paper size of the paper stored in the one or more paper feed trays is all different from the paper size specified by the image forming instruction;
If it is determined by the identifier determining means that the identifiers specified by the paper attribute setting means for the one or more paper feed trays are all different from the paper size specified by the image formation instruction, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image formation stopping unit that does not form an image on the paper. When the paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selection means runs out of paper, it is included in the image forming instruction from among the paper feeding devices not set by the paper attribute setting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming continuation unit that selects a paper feeding device that stores paper of a certain paper size and continues image formation. When the image formation is not performed by the image formation stopping unit, the paper feed that stores the paper of the paper size included in the next image formation instruction transmitted from the image formation instruction device after the image formation instruction. Paper feeding device discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the device exists;
If it is determined by the paper feeding device determination means that there is a paper feeding device that stores paper of the paper size included in the next image forming instruction, the image forming instruction is suspended and the next image forming instruction is held. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a next image forming instruction image forming unit configured to perform image formation of a forming instruction from the paper feeding device whose existence is confirmed by the paper feeding device determination unit. In an image forming method of an image forming apparatus that includes one or a plurality of paper feeding devices that store paper and performs an image forming process for forming an image on paper fed from the paper feeding device.
A paper attribute for performing image formation suitable for the paper is input by a paper attribute input unit,
The paper attribute input by the attribute input means is saved by the paper attribute saving means,
An identifier for identifying the paper attribute stored by the attribute storage means is assigned to the paper attribute by the paper attribute identifier giving means;
By specifying the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage unit to the paper feeding device that the user selects the identifier given by the paper attribute identifier giving unit, the paper attribute of the paper stored in the paper feeding device As the paper attribute setting means,
Connected to an image formation instruction apparatus, and receives an image formation instruction for a specified job from the image formation instruction apparatus by an image formation instruction reception unit;
When the image forming instruction received by the image forming instruction receiving unit specifies the identifier given by the identifier giving unit and the paper size used for image formation independently, the job As a paper supply device for paper supply for starting image formation based on the identifier, the identifier included in the image formation instruction is an identifier designated by the paper attribute setting means, and the image formation A paper feeding device storing a paper of the paper size included in the instruction is selected, and the image forming instruction received by the image forming instruction receiving unit is selected from the paper feeding device by the paper attribute setting unit. If the setting is included and selecting a desired sheet feeding apparatus not performed, and the designation of the paper size used for image formation, the paper starts image formation based on the job As a paper target paper supply device, an identifier included in the image formation instruction is a paper supply device that is not set by the paper attribute setting unit, and a paper having a paper size included in the image formation instruction is provided. Select the stored paper feeder,
If the selected paper feeding device does not have a paper attribute set by an identifier, image formation is performed with standard settings for the paper, and the selected paper feeding device is selected. An image forming method in which when a paper attribute is set by an identifier, control is performed so as to perform optimal image formation on the paper based on the paper attribute.

Images