JP5051059B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, or a combination of these, an image forming process is executed in response to an image processing request called a job. As such an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus capable of reserving a plurality of jobs and sequentially executing the reserved plurality of jobs in order is widely used.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus capable of reserving a plurality of jobs as described above, there is a technique for displaying a job list screen in which setting information of a plurality of reserved jobs including a job being executed is listed in order of execution reservation. Are known.
FIG. 8 shows an example of this job list screen. In the job list screen of FIG. 8, the user can obtain the job execution order, the expected number of sheets used for each job, the required output time, and the like.
In addition, in the image forming apparatus as described above, there is known a technique for displaying a paper tray screen in which the type, basis weight, remaining amount, and the like of the paper stored in the paper feed tray are listed for each paper feed tray. Yes.
FIG. 9 shows an example of the paper tray screen. In the paper tray screen S of FIG. 9, the user can obtain tray information such as the type, basis weight, and remaining amount of paper stored in each paper feed tray.

However, in the screens of FIGS. 8 and 9, each job and the paper used in each job are not displayed in association with each other, and when the jobs are sequentially executed, which paper runs out when and at what timing the paper is used. Since it is not possible to grasp whether replenishment is to be performed or not, during the execution of one of the jobs, if paper becomes insufficient and paper feeding becomes impossible, the image forming process will be stopped at that point. . Therefore, in order to avoid a situation where the image forming process is stopped, the operator has to constantly monitor the apparatus, which is troublesome.
In addition, in order to change the settings of each paper feed tray, it is necessary to display a dedicated setting change screen (not shown) for changing the settings, and the paper feed trays are adapted to the execution of a plurality of jobs. When changing the setting, since it is necessary to confirm the above-described FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and shift to another operation screen and then instruct the display of the setting change screen, it takes time to change the setting. There was a problem.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus as described above, a plurality of reserved jobs are arranged on a two-dimensional table with a series of paper types and execution times stored in a plurality of paper feed trays of the image forming apparatus. Has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-348713 A

  However, the display method of Patent Document 1 cannot grasp which paper feed tray stores each paper. Therefore, it is not possible to recognize in advance at a glance how to set each paper feed tray when executing a plurality of jobs, and whether paper replenishment is necessary for the paper feed tray. There was a problem that the settings of the paper feed tray could not be changed quickly and the efficiency was poor.

  An object of the present invention is to recognize at a glance whether or not it is necessary to change the setting of a paper feed tray by displaying the paper feed tray, tray information for each paper feed tray, and a plurality of reserved jobs in association with each other. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can quickly change the setting of a paper feed tray and operate efficiently.

The invention described in claim 1
In an image forming apparatus comprising: a reservation unit capable of reserving a plurality of jobs; and an image forming unit that executes an image forming process according to a job reserved by the reservation unit.
Multiple paper trays,
Job scheduling in which the reservation information of each reserved job is displayed on a two-dimensional table indicating the tray information for each paper feed tray on the first axis and the scheduled execution time of the job or the expected number of sheets to be used on the second axis A control unit for displaying a screen on the display unit;
A first operation unit for instructing display of a setting change screen for changing the setting of the tray information in a state where the job scheduling screen is displayed on the display unit;
A second operation unit that instructs to change the setting of the tray information on the setting change screen;
With
The control unit identifies a tray used by each job based on the setting information of each reserved job, and is a position on the first axis corresponding to the identified tray, and the execution time of each job or The reservation information is displayed at a position on the second axis corresponding to the length corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used, and when the first operation unit is operated, the setting change screen is displayed on the display unit. The tray information setting is changed when an instruction to change the tray information setting is given by the second operation unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect,
The tray information includes at least one of the type, size, basis weight, and remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The job scheduling screen includes a display field for displaying reservation information of a job having no tray that matches the setting information of the job on the first axis,
The control unit displays reservation information of a job having no tray information that matches job setting information in the display field.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
When the reservation information of the plurality of jobs is displayed, the control unit sets the origin of the second axis as the current time, and sets the position corresponding to the tray information that matches the setting information of each job in the execution reservation order of each job. The relevant reservation information is displayed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The control unit updates the display position of the reservation information on the job scheduling screen at a predetermined update timing with the origin of the second axis as the current point.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect,
The predetermined update timing is:
When the tray information setting is changed, the image forming process for a predetermined number of sheets is completed, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous update timing.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray;
When the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than the scheduled number of use of the job, the control unit includes, in the reservation information of the job on the job scheduling screen, The display of the display area corresponding to the length in the second axis direction corresponding to the shortage of paper is made different from the display of the other display areas, thereby displaying the shortage of paper.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the relationship between the paper feed tray, the tray information for each paper feed tray, and the job can be displayed at a glance so that the settings of the paper feed tray can be grasped in advance. Since it is possible to instruct the display of the paper feed tray setting change screen on the job scheduling screen, the paper feed tray setting can be changed quickly, and the apparatus can be operated efficiently.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the setting of the tray information including the type, size, basis weight, and remaining amount of the paper stored in the paper feed tray can be changed on the setting change screen.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to recognize that there is a job for which there is no tray information that matches the tray information scheduled to be used on the job scheduling screen.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, on the job scheduling screen, it is possible to grasp at a glance the execution order of a plurality of jobs, the paper used in each job, and the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored. .

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the relationship between the execution order of a plurality of jobs, the paper used in each job, and the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored at every predetermined update timing.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, each time the setting of the tray information is changed, the image forming process is performed on a predetermined number of sheets, or the predetermined time elapses, It is possible to grasp the relationship between the paper used in the job and the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the shortage of sheets to be used for each reserved job.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body unit 10, and a large capacity tray unit 20 and a post-processing unit 30 that are optionally connected thereto.

  The main body unit 10 includes a scanner unit 200, an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 300, an operation display unit 500, and an image forming unit 600. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called digital multi-function peripheral having a scanner function, a copy function, and a printer function.

  The main body unit 10 includes three paper feed trays FT1 to FT3 which are trays for printing paper, and stores printing paper. In the vicinity of each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT3, detection sensors D.

  The large capacity tray unit 20 includes paper feed trays FT4 to FT9 which are trays for printing paper, and stores printing paper. In the vicinity of each of the paper feed trays FT4 to FT9, detection sensors D.

  The post-processing unit 30 is a so-called finisher that performs various post-processing on the paper conveyed from the main body unit 10. For example, a sorting unit that performs a sorting process on sheets conveyed from the main body unit 10, a punch unit that performs a punching process, a folding unit that performs a folding process, a cutting unit that performs a cutting process, and the like are provided. On the left side of the post-processing unit 30, there are provided paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2 for discharging the conveyed paper, and the conveyed paper is discharged.

Further, two post inserter upper PI1 and lower PI2 that are trays for inserted paper are provided on the upper portion of the post-processing unit 30, and various types of paper are stacked and fed in accordance with user needs. It is possible.
For example, one of the post inserters PI1 and PI2 is provided with a tab sheet having a tab portion protruding from a part of a sheet piece, a color sheet having a different color scheme, a sheet already formed with an image (hereinafter referred to as a tab sheet or the like). ) And the like, and paper is fed according to the job setting, these papers can be inserted between a plurality of printing papers conveyed from the main body 10.

In the image forming process, for example, a document placed on a document tray of the ADF unit 300 is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading portion of the scanner unit 200, and an image of the document is read by the optical system of the scanner unit 200. Here, the image includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.
An image (analog image signal) read by the scanner unit 200 is output to a state management unit 100, which will be described later, A / D converted by the state management unit 100, and subjected to various types of image processing. Is output. In the image forming unit 600, an image based on the digital image data is formed on a sheet fed from any of the sheet feeding trays FT1 to FT9 provided in the main body unit 10 or the large capacity tray unit 20.
The paper on which the image has been formed is transported to the post-processing unit 30 by the transport unit 610 in the image forming unit 600, subjected to predetermined post-processing by the post-processing mechanism of the post-processing unit 30, and then the paper discharge trays ET1, ET2. The paper is discharged to either of these.

  Note that the forms of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9, the post inserters PI1 and PI2, and the paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1, and for example, the number thereof may be more or less than that illustrated. Also good.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.
The main body unit 10 includes a state management unit 100, a scanner unit 200, an ADF unit 300, a print controller 400, paper feed trays FT1 to FT3, a detection sensor D ..., an operation display unit 500, and image formation. Unit 600.

  The state management unit 100 includes a control unit 101, a program memory (ROM: Read Only Memory) 102, a system memory (RAM: Random Access Memory) 103, a nonvolatile memory 104, a read processing unit 105, a write processing unit 106, a DRAM (Dynamic Random). (Access Memory) control IC 107, compression / decompression IC 108, and image memory 109.

  The control unit 101 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, reads various processing programs such as a system program, an image formation processing program, and a post-processing processing program stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and expands them. The operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is centrally controlled according to the program.

Specifically, the control unit 101 stores, in the nonvolatile memory 104, setting information for a job reserved on a job reservation screen described later. The control unit 101 executes image forming processing by the image forming unit 600 based on the setting information of this job stored in the nonvolatile memory 104. A job refers to a series of operations relating to image formation. For example, when copying a plurality of originals, a series of operations relating to copying of a plurality of originals is one job. In addition, when a plurality of copies are performed, a series of operations related to a plurality of copies is one job.
Here, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can reserve a plurality of jobs, and the control unit 101 executes image forming processing corresponding to the reserved jobs in the order of job execution reservation.

Further, as will be described later, the control unit 101 displays a job scheduling screen G1 (see FIG. 4) indicating reservation information Rn for a plurality of reserved jobs based on setting information for a plurality of reserved jobs. The control displayed on the screen 501 is executed.
In addition, the control unit 101 executes control to update the display position of the reservation information Rn on the job scheduling screen G1 at a predetermined update timing.
Further, the control unit 101 displays a setting change screen G2 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, on the display unit 501 in accordance with an operation on the touch panel 502, and executes control for changing the setting of the tray information.

  The ROM 102 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores a system program corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 and various processing programs such as an image forming processing program and a post-processing program that can be executed on the system program. These programs are stored in the form of computer readable program codes, and the control unit 101 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The RAM 103 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 101 and data related to these programs, and stores setting information and the like of the job being executed.

The nonvolatile memory 104 stores various setting data related to the image forming apparatus 1.
Specifically, the nonvolatile memory 104 stores job setting information input on a job reservation screen described later.
The nonvolatile memory 104 includes a tray information table 104a described later, and stores tray information for each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9.
Further, as will be described later, the nonvolatile memory 104 stores information related to the update timing set by the user.

The reading processing unit 105 performs various processing such as analog signal processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the scanner unit 200, generates digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the DRAM control IC 107. .
The writing processing unit 106 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the image data input from the compression / decompression IC 108 and outputs the generated signal to the image forming unit 600.

The DRAM control IC 107 controls the compression / decompression processing of the compression / decompression IC 108 based on the control from the control unit 101 and performs input / output control of image data in the image memory 109.
Specifically, digital image data input from the reading processing unit 105 or image data input from the print controller 400 is compressed by the compression / decompression IC 108, and the compressed image data is stored in the compression memory 109 a of the image memory 109. Write and store temporarily. In addition, the image data stored in the image memory 109 is decompressed by the compression / decompression IC 108 and output to the write processing unit 106. At this time, if a control signal indicating that the composition processing is to be performed is output from the control unit 101, the DRAM control IC 107 decompresses the image data by the compression / decompression IC 108, and then the unique image data in the nonvolatile memory 104. Are overwritten and output to the writing processing unit 106.
The DRAM control IC 107 outputs the control data input from the print controller 400 to the control unit 101.

The compression / decompression IC 108 performs image data compression processing and decompression processing under the control of the DRAM control IC 107.
The image memory 109 includes, for example, a compression memory 109a and a page memory 109b configured by DRAM. For example, the compression memory 109 a temporarily stores the job file compressed by the compression / decompression IC 108 in accordance with a control signal input from the DRAM control IC 107. For example, the page memory 109b temporarily stores an uncompressed job file to be printed before printing.

  The scanner unit 200 includes an image sensor such as a CCD 201 and a scanner control unit 201. The scanner control unit 201 drives and controls each unit of the scanner unit 200 based on a control signal from the control unit 101. Specifically, exposure scanning of the document surface placed on the contact glass is executed, and the reflected light is imaged by the CCD 201 to read the image. Then, the imaged optical signal is photoelectrically converted to generate an analog image signal, which is output to the reading processing unit 105.

  The ADF unit 300 includes an ADF control unit 301 that controls the ADF unit 300 based on a control signal from the control unit 101, and each document placed on the document tray is placed on the contact glass of the scanner unit 200 one by one. Automatic feeding.

The paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 are trays that store printing paper, and store papers of various paper types, paper sizes, and basis weights.
Here, each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 is configured to store paper of a preset paper type, paper size, and basis weight.
In addition, information about the paper type, paper size, basis weight, and remaining amount of paper stored in each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 and the post inserters PI1 and PI2 is tray information for each paper feed tray. 104a.

FIG. 3 shows the tray information table 104a.
As shown in FIG. 3, the tray information table 104a stores tray information for each paper feed tray (paper feed trays FT1 to FT9, post inserters PI1 and PI2). As described above, the tray information for each paper feed tray is stored in the tray information table 104a, whereby the paper stored in each paper feed tray is set.

In FIG. 3, for example, the paper feed tray FT1 is set to store paper of “plain paper”, paper size “A4”, basis weight “62-71 g / m ² ”, and the remaining amount of paper is “1700”. Sheet ". Further, for example, the paper feed tray FT2 is set to store paper of “quality paper”, paper size “A3”, basis weight “50-61 g / m ² ”, and the remaining amount of paper is “130 sheets”. It is.
Further, the tray information table 104a in FIG. 3, the sheet of "plain paper · A4 · 62-71g / m ^2" in each of the paper feed tray FT1~FT9 and post inserters PI1, PI2, "plain paper · A4 · 50-61g / m ² "of the paper, to accommodate any of the paper out of the paper of" high quality paper · A3 · 50-61g / m ² "of the paper," ○○ special paper · A4 · 62-71g / m ² " It is set. That is, other sheets are not usable in the image forming apparatus 1.

As described above, the detection sensors D are provided in the vicinity of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9. As the remaining amount detection unit, the paper size of the paper stored in the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9, The weight is detected, thereby detecting the remaining amount of paper.
The paper size and the remaining amount of paper in each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 detected by the detection sensor D ... are output to the control unit 101, and as described above, along with the preset paper type, as tray information, The information is stored in the tray information table 104a of the nonvolatile memory 104.

The printer controller 400 includes a controller control unit 401, a DRAM control IC 402, an image memory 403, a LANIF 404, and the like. When the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer, the image forming apparatus is connected from an external device connected to the network. Management and control of the job input to 1 is performed.
Specifically, as a reservation unit, the print controller 400 receives data including job setting information, which will be described later, from an external device, and transmits the data to the main body unit 10. The job setting information transmitted from the printer controller 400 to the main unit 10 is output to the control unit 101 together with other information such as mode, user name, file name, post-processing mode, paper discharge trays ET1, ET2, etc. It is stored in the memory 104 together with the execution reservation order.

  The controller control unit 401 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the print controller 400. The controller control unit 401 converts print data input from the external device via the LANIF 404 into image data in a data format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 1 using a predetermined page description language, and is input from the external device. Output to the DRAM control IC 402 together with job information.

  The DRAM control IC 402 outputs job information and print data received by the LANIF 404 to the controller control unit 401, and in accordance with instructions from the controller control unit 401, job setting information and image data input from the controller control unit 401. Is temporarily stored in the image memory 403. The DRAM control IC 402 is connected to the DRAM control IC 107 of the control unit 101 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and reads job setting information and image data from the image memory 403 in accordance with instructions from the controller control unit 401. To the DRAM control IC 402.

  The image memory 403 is composed of, for example, a DRAM, and temporarily stores input data.

  The LANIF 404 is configured by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and performs data transmission / reception such as job information, print data, and FAX image data with an external apparatus connected to the communication network N. Job information, print data, and image data received from the external device are output to the DRAM control IC 402.

  The operation display unit 500 includes a display unit 501, a touch panel 502 provided integrally with the display unit 501, an operation display control unit 503, and other operation key groups (not shown).

The display unit 501 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various setting screens, image status displays, operation statuses of functions, and the like on the screen in accordance with display control signals from the operation display control unit 503. Do.
In addition, a pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel 502 in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is configured on the screen of the display unit 501, and the XY coordinates of a power point operated by a finger or a touch pen are expressed as voltage values. The detected position signal is output to the operation display control unit 503 as an operation signal.

  The operation display control unit 503 performs display control on the display unit 501 based on a control signal from the control unit 101. Specifically, the operation display control unit 503 includes a job reservation screen for reserving a job, a job scheduling screen G1 indicating job reservation information Rn described later, a setting change screen G2, various setting screens, various processing results, and the like. Is displayed on the display unit 501. Further, the operation display control unit 503 outputs an operation signal input from the touch panel 502 or the operation key group on the display unit 501 to the control unit 101.

  Specifically, the touch panel 502 is operated as a reservation unit when a user reserves a job. The job reservation is performed by the user operating the touch panel 502 on the job reservation screen displayed on the display unit 501 to set job setting information.

  The touch panel 502 is operated when the user requests the display unit 501 to display the job scheduling screen G1. When a display request for the job scheduling screen G1 is made on the touch panel 502, the operation display control unit 503 outputs an operation signal based on this operation to the control unit 101. Upon receiving the display request from the touch panel 502, the control unit 101 determines that it is the display timing of the job scheduling screen G1, and displays the job scheduling screen G1 on the display unit 501.

The touch panel 502 is operated as a first operation unit when the user instructs to display a setting change screen G2 for changing the setting of the tray information.
Specifically, the setting change screen G2 is displayed when the user operates the tray setting change button 504 on the job scheduling screen G1 while the job scheduling screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 501.

The touch panel 502 is operated as a second operation unit when the user changes the setting of the tray information.
Specifically, the tray information setting is changed when the user changes the tray selection buttons B1 to B9, the tray information selection button 505 on the setting change screen G2, and the setting change screen G2 on the display unit 501. This is done by operating the setting completion button 506.

Here, the job setting information includes tray setting information, paper setting information, the expected number of sheets to be used, and the like. The tray setting information is information for setting a paper feed tray to be used by a job. Specifically, any one or more of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9, post-inserters PI1 and PI2 are set in the job. Is information set as a paper feed tray to be used. The paper setting information is information for setting the paper used by the job. Specifically, the paper setting information is information for setting the paper type, paper size, and basis weight of the paper used by the job.
The user operates the touch panel 502 on the job reservation screen displayed on the display unit 501, and sets tray setting information (for example, paper feed tray FT1) and paper setting information (for example, plain paper / A4) as job setting information. By setting either one or both of the paper size 62-71 g / m ² ), the paper feed tray and / or paper used by the job is set. Further, when only the paper setting information is set as the job setting information without setting the tray setting information, that is, when the paper is set without setting the paper feed tray, the tray information table described above is used. Based on 104a, a paper feed tray for storing the set paper is automatically selected.

  Such job setting information is set by operating the touch panel 502 on the job reservation screen, along with other information (information such as mode, user name, file name, post-processing mode, paper discharge tray ET1, ET2, etc.) The data is output to the control unit 101 via the operation display control unit 503 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 104 together with the execution reservation order. Thereby, the reservation of the job is completed.

  The image forming unit 600 includes a conveyance unit 610, an LD (Laser Diode) unit 620, and a printer control unit 630, and forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from the writing processing unit 106.

The transport unit 610 includes various rollers including a paper feed roller 611, a registration roller 612, and a paper discharge roller 613 for transporting paper according to a transport path in the LD unit 620, a transport path switching plate 614, a reversing unit 615, and the like. Prepare. The transport unit 610 feeds paper from a paper feed tray according to the job reservation information Rn based on control from the printer control unit 630 and transports the fed paper along a transport path.
A plurality of sensors (not shown) are provided on the conveyance path of the LD unit 620. These sensors generate a detection signal when the paper passes and output it to the printer control unit 630.

The LD unit 620 includes an LD 621, a photosensitive drum 622, a charging unit 623, a developing unit 624, a transfer unit 625, a fixing unit 626, and the like.
The LD unit 620 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 622 of the LD unit 620 with the charging unit 623 based on an instruction from the printer control unit 630, and the photoconductor with the LD 621 based on the PWM signal input from the writing processing unit 106. An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the drum 622 with laser light. The developing unit 624 attaches toner to a region including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 622, and the transfer unit 625 transfers the toner to a sheet to form an image. Then, after the transferred image is fixed by the fixing unit 626, the paper on which the image has been formed is conveyed to the post-processing unit 30 by the paper discharge roller 613.

The printer control unit 630 receives a control signal from the control unit 101 and controls the operation of each unit of the LD unit 620. Further, the printer control unit 630 counts the number of fed sheets based on a detection signal from a sensor provided on the conveyance path, and outputs the counted number of sheets to the control unit 101.
Further, the printer control unit 630 counts the number of fed sheets by counting sensor signals output from sensors (not shown) provided near the sheet feeding roller 611 during execution of each job. And output to the control unit 101.

FIG. 4 shows a job scheduling screen G1 displayed on the display unit 501.
A two-dimensional table having two axes orthogonal to each other is displayed on the job scheduling screen G1 in FIG.
The first axis, which is the vertical axis, indicates tray information for each paper feed tray (paper feed trays T1 to T9, post inserters PI1, PI2), and the second axis, which is the horizontal axis, indicates the expected number of sheets to be used. Show. On the two-dimensional table, reservation information R1 to R7 for each job is displayed. In the following description, the second axis of the job scheduling screen G1 will be described as the expected number of sheets to be used. However, the scheduled job execution time may be used instead of the estimated number of sheets to be used.

  The tray information of the first axis is linked with the tray information table 104a, and when the tray information in the tray information table 104a is changed, the job scheduling screen G1 is also updated. Further, as will be described later, the reservation information R1 to R7 refers to a position on the first axis corresponding to the paper feed tray to be used and a position on the second axis having a length corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used. This is information indicating the paper feed tray to be used and the expected number of sheets to be used.

  In addition, the first axis is provided with “no corresponding sheet” as a display field for displaying reservation information Rn of a job having no tray information that matches the job setting information. For example, job reservation information R2 when only paper is set as job setting information and the set paper itself is not stored in any of the paper feed trays is displayed.

  In the job scheduling screen G1 of FIG. 4, the reservation information R2 is also displayed as a reserved job for the job being executed. For the job being executed, the remaining number of sheets at the display / update timing of the job scheduling screen G1 is set as the expected number of sheets to be used.

Specifically, the first axis on the job scheduling screen G1 includes 11 rows corresponding to the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9, post inserters PI1 and PI2, and one row corresponding to “no corresponding sheet”. It is divided into
In the first to ninth rows corresponding to the paper feed trays FT1 to F9 on the first axis, the remaining amount of paper detected by the detection sensors D. It is displayed. In FIG. 4, the remaining amount of paper is expressed by the number of lines.

  A scale indicating the expected number of sheets to be used is displayed on the second axis on the job scheduling screen G1. The origin of the second axis indicates zero sheets, and one scale indicates 100 sheets.

In such a job scheduling screen G1, the control unit 101 specifies the paper feed tray used by each job based on the setting information (tray setting information and paper setting information) of each job stored in the nonvolatile memory 104. In the job scheduling screen G1, the reservation information R1 to R7 of each job is displayed at the position on the first axis corresponding to the specified paper feed tray (that is, the first to twelfth lines).
In addition, the control unit 101 determines the length of the job reservation information R1 to R7 in the second axis direction on the job scheduling screen G1 based on the planned number of sheets to be used as the setting information of each job stored in the nonvolatile memory 104. This is the length corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used.
As described above, in the job scheduling screen G1, the reservation information R1 to R7 of each job is a second position having a length corresponding to the planned number of sheets to be used and the position on the first axis corresponding to the paper feed tray to be used. By displaying the position on the axis, it is possible to grasp the scheduled number of sheets used for each sheet feeding tray in each job and the entire job.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R1 of the job in the execution reservation order No. 1 on the first line corresponding to the paper feed tray FT1 to be used, and the reservation information R1. By setting the length in the two-axis direction to a length corresponding to the nine-scale scale corresponding to the scheduled use number of sheets “900”, the job in the first execution reservation order uses 900 sheets in the sheet feed tray FT1. It is possible to recognize that.
Further, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R3 of the job in the execution reservation order No. 3 in the second row corresponding to the paper feed tray FT2 to be used, and the length of the reservation information R3 in the second axis direction. By setting the length to 2.3 scales corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used “230 sheets”, it is possible to recognize that the job in the third execution reservation order uses 230 sheets in the sheet feed tray FT2. Yes.
Further, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R5 of the job in the execution reservation order No. 5 on the fourth row corresponding to the paper feed tray FT4 to be used, and the length of the reservation information R5 in the second axis direction. By setting the length to 14 scales corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used “1400 sheets”, it is possible to recognize that the job in the execution reservation order No. 5 uses 1400 sheets in the sheet feed tray FT4.
Further, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R4 of the execution reservation order No. 4 in the seventh row corresponding to the paper feed tray FT7 to be used, and the length of the reservation information R4 in the second axis direction is set to the sheet By setting the length to 4.7 scales corresponding to the scheduled use number “470 sheets”, it is possible to recognize that the job in the execution reservation order No. 4 uses 470 sheets in the sheet feed tray FT7.
In addition, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R6 for the job of execution reservation number 6 in the first row corresponding to the paper feed tray FT1 to be used, and the length of the reservation information R6 in the second axis direction. By setting the length to the length of 9.5 scales corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used “950 sheets”, it is recognized that the job in the execution reservation order No. 6 uses 950 sheets of the sheet in the sheet feed tray FT1. It is possible.

Further, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R7 for the job in the execution reservation order No. 7 on the ninth to eleventh lines corresponding to the paper feed tray FT9 and post inserters PI1 and PI2 to be used. The seventh job forms an image on paper fed from the paper feed tray FT1, inserts paper fed from the post inserters PI1 and PI2 between these papers, and what number It is possible to recognize whether to insert paper from post inserters PI1 and PI2.
In addition, the control unit 101 displays the reservation information R2 of the execution reservation order No. 2 on the 12th line corresponding to “no corresponding sheet”, and sets the length of the reservation information R2 in the second axis direction to the sheet information. By setting the length of the four scales corresponding to the scheduled use number “400”, it is possible to recognize that the job of the second execution reservation order uses 400 sheets of unstored paper.

  In addition, as described above, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the remaining amount of paper that is scheduled to be used is sufficient for the scheduled usage amount for each job. The reservation information Rn of the job is displayed on the display unit 501 so that the shortage can be recognized. As a result, a job that runs out of paper can be easily recognized at a glance on the job scheduling screen G1.

Specifically, the control unit 101 displays all of the reservation information Rn in a first color (for example, blue) for jobs that do not run out of paper.
For example, when the paper supply tray FT1 and the scheduled number of sheets to be used “900” are designated as the setting information of the first job in the execution reservation order, the control unit 101 detects the detection sensor provided in the paper supply tray FT1. Based on the remaining amount of paper detected by D and the scheduled use number of the job whose execution reservation order is the previous, using the same paper feed tray FT1, the remaining amount of paper at the start of execution of the job is calculated. . In other words, if the remaining amount of paper detected by the detection sensor D is “1700 sheets” and there is no previous job in the execution reservation order using the same paper feed tray F1, the execution of the job in the execution reservation order No. 1 is executed. The remaining amount of paper in the paper feed tray FT1 at the start time is “1700 sheets”. Further, the control unit 101 compares the remaining amount of paper “1700 sheets” in the paper feed tray FT1 at the start of execution of the first job in the execution reservation order with the expected number of sheets used for the job “900 sheets”. If it is determined that the remaining amount of paper “1700 sheets” in the paper feed tray FT1 at the start of execution of the job is equal to or more than the scheduled use number “900 sheets” of the paper of the job, all of the job reservation information R1 is displayed in blue. To do.
As described above, by displaying all the job reservation information R1 in the first color on the job scheduling screen G1, the user can easily recognize that all the image forming processes of the job can be executed. Can do.

Further, the control unit 101 displays all the reservation information Rn of the job having no tray information that matches the job setting information in the second color (for example, brown).
For example, when the setting information of the job in the execution reservation order No. ² is set to “plain paper / B5 / 50-61 g / m ² ” which is not set to be accommodated in any of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9. The control unit 101 displays the job reservation information R2 in brown on the twelfth line on the first axis where “no applicable sheet” is displayed.
Thus, in the job scheduling screen G1, the job reservation information R2 is displayed in the second color at the position on the first axis indicating that there is no paper feed tray corresponding to the set paper. The user can easily recognize that the unusable paper has been set as the job setting information.

  Further, the control unit 101 displays, in the first color (for example, blue), a display area corresponding to the length in the second axis direction corresponding to the remaining amount of paper in the reservation information Rn of the job that runs out of paper. At the same time, a display area corresponding to the length in the second axis direction corresponding to the shortage amount of paper is displayed in a third color (for example, red).

  For example, when the paper feed tray FT1 and the scheduled use number “950 sheets” of the paper are designated as the setting information of the job in the execution reservation order No. 6, the control unit 101 detects the detection sensor provided in the paper feed tray FT1. Based on the remaining amount of paper detected by D... And the estimated number of sheets to be used in the previous job reservation order using the same paper feed tray FT1, the remaining amount of paper at the start of execution of the job Is calculated. That is, the remaining amount of paper detected by the detection sensors D... Is “1700 sheets”, and the scheduled number of jobs to be used for the first job in the execution reservation order using the same paper feed tray F1 is “900 sheets”. In this case, the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed tray FT1 at the start of execution of the sixth job in the execution reservation order is “800 sheets”. Further, the control unit 101 compares the remaining amount of paper “800 sheets” in the paper feed tray FT1 at the start of execution of the job of execution reservation number 6 with the scheduled number of sheets used for the job “950 sheets”. If it is determined that the remaining amount of paper “800 sheets” in the paper feed tray FT1 at the start of execution of the job is less than the expected number of sheets used for the job “950 sheets”, the difference between the planned number of sheets used and the remaining amount of paper is calculated. calculate. Then, in the job reservation information Rn, the display area corresponding to the length in the second axis direction corresponding to the remaining amount of paper is displayed in blue. Further, the difference “150 sheets” between the expected number of sheets to be used and the remaining amount of paper is set as an insufficient amount, and a display area corresponding to the length in the second axis direction corresponding to the insufficient amount, that is, 1.5 scales is displayed in red. .

  As described above, in the job scheduling screen G1, the job reservation information Rn has one or more sheets remaining in the sheet feeding tray selected based on the set tray or sheet setting, and the sheet usage is performed. By displaying the first color and the second color indicating that the number is less than or equal to the planned number, the user can check the remaining amount of paper in the tray set as the setting information of the job or the paper feed tray corresponding to the set paper. Can be easily recognized. In addition, the shortage amount of the sheet can be easily recognized by displaying the display area of the length corresponding to the shortage amount in the second color in the job reservation information Rn.

  Further, the control unit 101 accumulates the scheduled number of use of each job in order of execution reservation based on the setting information of each job stored in the nonvolatile memory 104. Then, on the job scheduling screen G1, the reservation information Rn of each job is displayed at the position in the second axis direction where the scheduled number of use of the job whose execution reservation order is earlier than that job is accumulated, so that each job is being executed. It is possible to grasp the total number of sheets to be used at an arbitrary point in time.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 101 sets the job reservation information R1 of the job whose execution reservation order is No. 1 from the start point to the second axis direction, starting from the origin of the second axis. Is displayed at a position on the second axis whose end point is a position advanced by nine scales corresponding to the number of sheets to be used “900 sheets”.

  Next, the control unit 101 sets the reservation information R2 of the job having the second execution reservation order to the position on the second axis indicating the scheduled use number “900 sheets” of the job having the first execution reservation order (that is, 9 from the origin). A position advanced by 4 scales corresponding to the expected number of sheets used for the job “400 sheets” in the second axis direction from the start point (ie, a position advanced by 13 scales from the origin). Is displayed at a position on the second axis with ending at.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an integrated value “1300 sheets” of the expected number of sheets to be used in the first and second jobs in the execution reservation order. Then, the reservation information R3 of the job whose execution reservation order is No. 3 is stored in the position on the second axis indicating the integrated value “1300 sheets” of the scheduled number of use of the previous job in the execution reservation order (that is, 13 divisions from the origin). The position advanced by 2.3 scales corresponding to the expected number of sheets used for the job “230 sheets” in the second axis direction from the start point (that is, advanced position) (ie, advanced by 15.3 scales from the origin). Is displayed at a position on the second axis with the end position as the end point.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an integrated value “1530 sheets” of the expected number of sheets to be used in the first to third execution order jobs. Then, the reservation information R4 of the job whose execution reservation order is No. 4 is stored in the position on the second axis (ie, 15.3 from the origin) indicating the integrated value “1530 sheets” of the scheduled number of use of the previous job in the execution reservation order. The position advanced by the graduation of 4.7 corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used for the job “470 sheets” in the second axis direction from the start point (ie, the position advanced by the graduation) (ie, advanced by 20 graduations from the origin). Is displayed at a position on the second axis with the end position as the end point.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an integrated value “2000 sheets” of the number of sheets to be used for the jobs whose execution reservation order is No. 1 to No. 4. Then, the reservation information R5 of the job whose execution reservation order is No. 5 is stored in the position on the second axis indicating the accumulated value “2000 sheets” of the scheduled number of use of the previous job in the execution reservation order (that is, 20 divisions from the origin). The position advanced from the start point in the second axis direction by the 14th scale corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used for the job “1400 sheets” (that is, the position advanced by 34 scales from the origin). Displayed at the position on the second axis as the end point.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an integrated value “3400 sheets” of the expected number of sheets to be used in the jobs whose execution reservation order is Nos. 1 to 5. Then, the reservation information R6 of the job whose execution reservation order is No. 6 is stored in the position on the second axis indicating the integrated value “3400 sheets” of the scheduled number of use of the previous job in the execution reservation order (that is, 34 scales from the origin). The position advanced from the start point by the 9.5 scale corresponding to the scheduled use number “950 sheets” of the paper for the job (that is, advanced from the origin by 43.5 scales). Is displayed at a position on the second axis with the end position as the end point.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an integrated value “4350 sheets” of the expected number of sheets to be used in the jobs whose execution reservation order is Nos. 1 to 6. Then, the reservation information R7 of the job whose execution reservation order is No. 7 is stored in the position on the second axis (ie, 43.5 from the origin) indicating the integrated value “4350 sheets” of the scheduled number of use of the previous job in the execution reservation order. Since the planned number of sheets used for this job is equal to or more than “650” corresponding to the remaining 6.5 scales in the second axis direction, the two-dimensional table Is displayed at a position on the second axis whose end point is the right end of.

  In addition, the control unit 101 can individually distinguish the reservation information R1 to R7 of each job by displaying the dividing lines Sa to Sf indicating the separation of each job in parallel with the first axis in the second axis direction. It is said.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 101 displays a separator line Sa at the boundary between the reservation information R1 of the first job in the execution reservation order and the reservation information R2 of the second job. In addition, a separator line Sb is displayed at the boundary between the reservation information R2 of the job in the second execution reservation order and the reservation information R3 of the third job. In addition, a separation line Sc is displayed at the boundary between the reservation information R3 of the third job in the execution reservation order and the reservation information R4 of the fourth job. In addition, a separation line Sd is displayed at the boundary between the reservation information R4 of the job No. 4 in the execution reservation order and the reservation information R5 of the job No. 5. In addition, a separation line Se is displayed at the boundary between the reservation information R5 of the job in the execution reservation order No. 5 and the reservation information R6 of the job No. 6. In addition, a separation line Sf is displayed at the boundary between the reservation information R6 of the sixth job and the reservation information R7 of the seventh job. As a result, it is possible to grasp each job in the execution reservation order Nos. 1 to 7 separately from the jobs in the execution reservation order.

  In addition, the control unit 101 updates the display position of each reservation information R on the job scheduling screen G1 with the origin of the second axis as the current time at a predetermined update timing.

  Here, the predetermined update timing is when the setting of the tray information is changed, when the image forming process for a predetermined number of sheets is completed, or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous update timing, and at which timing Whether the update timing of the job scheduling screen G1 is set can be set in advance by the user by operating the touch panel 502 on a setting screen (not shown). If the update timing has never arrived after the job scheduling screen G1 is displayed, the display timing of the job scheduling screen G1 is the previous update timing.

When the update timing is set when the image forming process for each predetermined sheet is completed, it is possible to set how many sheets are updated. For example, the user can set to update the job scheduling screen G1 every one, ten, or 100 sheets.
On the other hand, when the time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous update timing is set as the update timing, it is further possible to set how many seconds / minutes / hours the update is performed. The user can set to update the job scheduling screen G1 every 10 seconds, 60 seconds, and 10 minutes, for example.
Information regarding the update timing set by the user is output to the control unit 101 via the operation display control unit 503 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 104.

  Further, the control unit 101 performs job scheduling when the tray setting change button 504 is operated in a state where the job scheduling screen G1 displaying the reservation information R1 to R7 of a plurality of jobs reserved on the display unit 501 is displayed. A setting change screen G2 for changing the settings of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 is displayed on the screen.

FIG. 5 shows a setting change screen G2 displayed on the job scheduling screen G1.
The setting change screen G2 includes tray selection buttons B1 to B9 for selecting paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 whose settings are to be changed, and a tray information selection button 505 for selecting tray information whose settings are to be changed. Yes.

  For example, when the user operates the tray selection button B3 for selecting “tray 3” on the setting change screen G2 in FIG. 5, the tray information of the paper currently stored in the paper feed tray FT3 is “current It is displayed as “Setting”. Next, when the user changes the tray information by operating the tray information selection button 505 on the setting change screen G2 of FIG. 5, the changed tray information is displayed as “reservation setting”.

The control unit 101 detects that the tray information changed on the setting change screen G2 by the detection sensors D of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 coincides with the sheets actually stored in the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9. If the setting completion button 506 on the setting change screen G2 is operated in a state where they do not coincide with each other, this operation is not accepted.
In addition, the control unit 101 changes the setting information when the setting completion button 506 on the setting change screen G2 is operated in a state where the changed tray information matches the sheet actually stored in each of the sheet feeding trays FT1 to FT9. The tray information in the information table 104a is rewritten for the paper feed tray (for example, the paper feed tray FT3).
Further, the control unit 101 opens / closes at least one of the paper feed trays FT4 to FT9 even when the setting is changed on the setting change screen G2 as described above and the setting completion button 506 is operated. If not, no changes will be accepted.
In this way, erroneous operation can be prevented by detecting whether the setting change made by the user matches the paper actually stored in the paper feed tray FT3 whose tray information has been changed.

Next, the flow of setting change processing for the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 will be described with reference to FIG.
This process can be executed at any time while the job scheduling screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 501.

  First, in step S101 of FIG. 6, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the tray setting change button (first operation unit) 504 has been operated. In step S101, when the control unit 101 determines that the tray setting change button 504 is not operated (step S101; No), the control unit 101 returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines in step S101 that the tray setting change button 504 is operated (step S101; Yes), on the job scheduling screen G1 displayed on the display unit 501 in the subsequent step S102, The setting change screen G2 is displayed.

  Next, in step S103, the user selects a paper feed tray whose settings are to be changed (for example, the paper feed tray FT3), and the tray information of the paper feed tray FT3 is changed. Further, the user changes the paper stored in the paper feed tray FT3 whose settings have been changed.

  Next, in step S <b> 104, the control unit 101 determines whether the setting completion button (second operation unit) 506 has been operated. In step S104, when the control unit 101 determines that the setting completion button 506 has not been operated (step S104; No), the control unit 101 returns to step S104.

  On the other hand, in step S104, when the control unit 101 determines that the setting completion button 506 has been operated (step S104; Yes), in step S105, the sheet actually stored in the paper feed tray FT3 whose setting has been changed. Then, it is determined whether or not the tray information whose setting has been changed by the user matches. In step S105, when the control unit 101 determines that the paper stored in the paper tray whose setting has been changed does not match the tray information whose setting has been changed (step S105; No), in the subsequent step S106, The display unit 501 displays “error” characters for notifying the user that the sheet actually stored in the paper tray FT3 whose settings have been changed does not match the tray information whose settings have been changed. The process returns to step S103. A warning sound may be emitted instead of displaying the characters “error”.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines in step S105 that the paper stored in the paper tray whose setting has been changed matches the tray information whose setting has been changed (step S105; Yes), in the subsequent step 107, The setting change made in step 103 is accepted.

  Next, in step S108, the control unit 101 updates the job scheduling screen G1, and ends this process.

  Next, the flow of update processing of the job scheduling screen G1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201 in FIG. 7, the control unit 101 determines whether it is any of preset update timings. In step S201, when the control unit 101 determines that it is not any of the update timings (step S201; No), the control unit 101 returns to step S201.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines in step S201 that it is any of the update timings (step S201; Yes), in the subsequent step S202, each of the current paper feed trays detected by the detection sensors D. The remaining amount of paper is stored in the tray information table 104a.

  Next, in step S203, the control unit 101 selects a paper feed tray (for example, the paper feed tray FT1) used by the job in the execution reservation order N (initial value of N = 1) based on the setting information of the job. Identify. That is, the position on the first axis of the job in the execution reservation order N is specified.

  Next, in step S204, the control unit 101 calculates an integrated value of the number of sheets that are scheduled to be used for jobs in order of execution reservation No. 1 to No. N-1, and calculates the calculated integration with the origin of the second axis as zero sheets. The position on the second axis corresponding to the value is specified as the starting point of the reservation information Rn in the execution reservation order N. That is, the position on the second axis of the job in the execution reservation order N is specified.

  Next, in step S205, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the scheduled number of sheets used by the job in the execution reservation order N is less than the remaining amount of sheets stored in the sheet feed tray FT1. In step S205, if the control unit 101 determines that the scheduled number of sheets to be used is less than the remaining amount of paper (step S205; Yes), in the subsequent step S206, the control unit 101 displays the above steps S203 and 204 on the job scheduling screen G1. All the reservation information Rn of the job in the execution reservation order N is displayed in the first color from the position specified in (2) to the position on the second axis corresponding to the length corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used.

  On the other hand, in step S205, if the control unit 101 determines that the expected number of sheets to be used is greater than the remaining amount of paper (step S205; No), in the subsequent step S207, the control unit 101 displays the above step S203 on the job scheduling screen G1. , 204, the remaining amount of paper is displayed in the first color from the position specified in 204, and the shortage of paper is displayed in the second color.

Next, in step S208, the control unit 101 determines whether there is an undisplayed job on the job scheduling screen G1. In step S208, when the control unit 101 determines that there is an undisplayed job (step S208; Yes), the process returns to step S203 and repeats the process of step S203.
On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines in step S208 that there is no undisplayed job (step S208; No), the process ends.

  Note that the processing in steps S201 to S208 described above describes the flow of update processing of the job scheduling screen G1, but similar processing is also performed when the display timing is based on a display request for the job scheduling screen G1. .

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the paper feed trays ((paper feed trays FT1 to FT9, post inserters PI1, PI2), the tray information for each of these paper feed trays, and the job By displaying the relationship between the reservation information R1 to R7 so as to be grasped at a glance, the settings of each paper feed tray can be grasped in advance, and the display instruction of the paper feed tray setting change screen G2 on the job scheduling screen G1 Therefore, it is possible to change the setting of the paper feed tray quickly and to operate the apparatus efficiently.
Also, when the setting change screen G2 is displayed on the job scheduling screen G1, the setting of the tray information including the type, size, basis weight, and remaining amount of paper stored in each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT9 is changed. can do.

Further, on the job scheduling screen G1, it is possible to grasp at a glance the execution order of a plurality of jobs, the paper used in each job, and the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored.
Further, by providing “no corresponding sheet” on the first axis of the job scheduling screen G1, it is possible to recognize that there is a job for which there is no paper feed tray information that matches the tray information scheduled to be used.
In addition, when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than the expected number of jobs to be used, the shortage amount of paper in the reservation information Rn display area of the job scheduling screen G1 in the reservation information Rn of the job. The display area corresponding to the length in the second axis direction is displayed differently from the display of other display areas and the amount of paper shortage is displayed. It will be possible to grasp the shortage.

In addition, since the job scheduling screen G1 is updated at a predetermined update timing, the current number of sheets used and the number of paper shortages at the current time of each reserved job are grasped for each tray information at each predetermined update timing. It will be possible.
Specifically, each time the setting of the tray information is changed, the image forming process is performed on a predetermined number of sheets, or the predetermined time elapses, the current number of sheets to be used for each reserved job is determined. Thus, it can be grasped for each tray information.

  In the present embodiment, the tray setting change button 504 and the setting completion button 506 are described as being provided on the job scheduling screen G1 and the setting change screen G2, but are provided in the operation display unit 500 in advance. It may be a key.

1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the tray information table which memorize | stores tray information. It is a figure which illustrates a job scheduling screen. It is a figure which illustrates a setting change screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a setting change process for a paper feed tray. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a job scheduling screen update process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a job list screen in a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper feed tray screen in a conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 501 Display part 400, 502 Reservation part 504 1st operation part 506 2nd operation part 600 Image formation part FT1-FT9 Paper feed tray D Remaining amount detection part (detection sensor)
G1 Job scheduling screen G2 Setting change screen

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus comprising: a reservation unit capable of reserving a plurality of jobs; and an image forming unit that executes an image forming process according to a job reserved by the reservation unit.
Multiple paper trays,
Job scheduling in which the reservation information of each reserved job is displayed on a two-dimensional table indicating the tray information for each paper feed tray on the first axis and the scheduled execution time of the job or the expected number of sheets to be used on the second axis A control unit for displaying a screen on the display unit;
A first operation unit for instructing display of a setting change screen for changing the setting of the tray information in a state where the job scheduling screen is displayed on the display unit;
A second operation unit that instructs to change the setting of the tray information on the setting change screen;
With
The control unit identifies a tray used by each job based on the setting information of each reserved job, and is a position on the first axis corresponding to the identified tray, and the execution time of each job or The reservation information is displayed at a position on the second axis corresponding to the length corresponding to the expected number of sheets to be used, and when the first operation unit is operated, the setting change screen is displayed on the display unit. An image forming apparatus that changes the setting of the tray information when an instruction to change the setting of the tray information is given by the second operation unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tray information includes at least one of a type, a size, a basis weight, and a remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray. The job scheduling screen includes a display field for displaying reservation information of a job having no tray that matches the setting information of the job on the first axis,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays job reservation information that does not have the tray information that matches job setting information in the display field.   When the reservation information of the plurality of jobs is displayed, the control unit sets the origin of the second axis as the current time, and sets the position corresponding to the tray information that matches the setting information of each job in the execution reservation order of each job. The corresponding reservation information is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The said control part updates the display position of the said reservation information in the said job scheduling screen by making the origin of the said 2nd axis into the present time at a predetermined update timing, The one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. The predetermined update timing is:
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the setting of the tray information is changed, when an image forming process for a predetermined number of sheets is completed, or when a predetermined time elapses from the previous update timing. Image forming apparatus. A remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray;
When the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than the scheduled number of use of the job, the control unit includes, in the reservation information of the job on the job scheduling screen, The paper shortage amount is displayed by making the display area display corresponding to the length in the second axis direction corresponding to the paper shortage amount different from the display of other display areas. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 6.

Images