JP5846062B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, not only general copying paper but also various papers are used. In particular, high-end models for professional traders such as publishing and advertising are premised on the use of various types of paper such as high-quality paper, medium-quality paper, coated paper, and art paper.
For this reason, the image forming apparatus stores in advance conveyance conditions corresponding to the type of paper, and the conveyance conditions corresponding to the type of paper to be used are automatically selected and set.

As such an image forming apparatus, when there is a change in the setting state of the recording medium storage unit that stores the recording medium, it is known to perform a predetermined display for prompting the user to respond to the change in the setting state. (Patent Document 1).
It is also known that a plurality of image forming parameter sets suitable for a recording medium are recorded, one parameter set is specified and searched, and the searched parameter set is displayed (Patent Document 2). ).
Furthermore, it is also known that a plurality of recording medium information and image formation information are recorded in association with each other in advance, and image formation parameters suitable for the recording medium are automatically set (Patent Document 3).

JP 2008-017108 A JP 2006-174266 A JP 2009-020271 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the user's operation and increase the consistency between sheet attribute settings and stored sheets.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Receiving means for receiving a print job;
A plurality of trays for storing paper to be printed;
Image forming means for recording an image on the paper;
Paper attribute management means for managing paper attribute information of paper stored in the tray;
Based on the paper attribute information managed by the paper attribute management means, and a tray for detecting printing of the print job and detection means for detecting information on the tray,
When the paper stacking plate of the tray is lowered and no paper is not detected at the time of power-on or return from the non-response state,
A display for prompting the paper attribute management unit to set or check the paper attribute information of the corresponding tray;
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is provided.
Receiving means for receiving a print job;
A plurality of trays for storing paper to be printed;
Image forming means for recording an image on the paper;
Paper attribute management means for managing paper attribute information of paper stored in the tray;
Based on the paper attribute information managed by the paper attribute management means, and a tray for detecting printing of the print job and detection means for detecting information on the tray,
Record the remaining amount of paper in the tray before turning off the power or not responding.
When the paper stacking plate of the tray is lowered and no paper is not detected when the power is turned on or returned from the non-response state
Compared to the detected remaining amount of paper in the tray, if the remaining amount of paper in the tray acquired in the tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper,
A display for prompting the paper attribute management unit to set or check the paper attribute information of the corresponding tray;
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user's operation and increase the consistency between the paper attribute setting and the storage paper.

2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an operation information unit of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or released from a sleep state. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen that displays that a sheet has been replaced in a tray. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1A is turned on or released from a sleep state. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1B is turned on or released from a sleep state. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1C is turned on or released from a sleep state. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1D is turned on or released from a sleep state. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1E is turned on or released from a sleep state.

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings with reference to embodiments and examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples.
Also, in the description using the following drawings, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension and the like are different from the actual ones, and are necessary for the description for easy understanding. Illustrations other than the members are omitted as appropriate.

“First Embodiment”
(1) Overall Configuration and Operation of Image Forming Apparatus (1.1) Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10, a plurality of paper feeding devices 20, 30, and 40 attached to one end of the image forming unit 10, and a printed sheet provided at the other end of the image forming unit 10. A paper discharge unit 50 that discharges paper and an operation information unit 60 are provided.

  The image forming unit 10 includes a semiconductor laser, an optical system, a photosensitive drum, and the like. For example, the image forming unit 10 forms a toner image on one side of a sheet fed from the first sheet feeding device 20 and is output from the printing mechanism. A fixing mechanism for fixing the toner image on the sheet.

  The first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, and the third paper feeding device 40 all supply paper to the image forming unit 10. In other words, a plurality of trays for storing sheets of different types (for example, material, thickness, sheet size, and grain) are provided, and sheets fed out from any one of the plurality of trays are stored in the image forming unit 10. It is comprised so that it may supply.

  The paper discharge unit 50 discharges the paper on which the image is output by the image forming unit 10. For this purpose, the paper discharge unit 50 includes a paper discharge tray for discharging the paper after image output. The paper discharge unit 50 may have a function of performing post-processing such as cutting and stapling (stitch binding) on the sheet bundle output from the image forming unit 10.

Each of the image forming unit 10, the first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, the third paper feeding device 40, and the paper discharge unit 50 is provided with a paper conveyance unit 70.
The paper transport unit 70 is disposed between the first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, and the third paper feeding device 40 to the image forming unit 10, in the image forming unit 10, and discharged from the image forming unit 10. The sheet is conveyed to the section 50. For this purpose, the paper transport unit 70 includes a plurality of rollers that are rotated by a drive source, a path switching unit (not shown), a guide that guides the transport of paper, a sensor that detects the passage and arrival of paper, and the like (not shown). ).

The image forming unit 10 is provided with an operation information unit 60 as an example of a sheet attribute management unit.
The operation information section 60 is used for inputting various settings and instructions and displaying information. That is, it corresponds to a so-called user interface, and is specifically configured by combining a liquid crystal display panel, various operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like.

(1.2) Operation of Image Forming Apparatus In the image forming apparatus 1 having such a configuration, the first sheet feeding apparatus 20, the second sheet feeding apparatus 30, and the third sheet feeding apparatus 40 are synchronized with the timing of image formation. Then, the paper fed out from the tray designated for each printing in the print job is sent to the image forming unit 10.
The sheet sent to the image forming unit 10 passes between an image carrier (for example, an intermediate transfer member) and a transfer roller (transfer unit TR; see FIG. 1) in the image forming unit 10, and the toner image is transferred. Will be done.
The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is further conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 70 and passes through a fixing device arranged at the subsequent stage. The paper conveyed to the fixing device is fixed with a toner image by the action of pressure bonding and heating by a pair of fixing rollers.

The sheet on which the fixing is completed is transported by the paper transport unit 70 and sent to the paper discharge unit 50.
When outputting images on both sides of the paper, the front and back sides of the paper are reversed by the paper transport unit 70 and sent again to the transfer unit TR in the image forming unit 10. Then, after the toner image is transferred and the transferred image is fixed, it is sent to the paper discharge unit 50. The paper sent to the paper discharge unit 50 is discharged onto a paper discharge tray after undergoing post-processing such as cutting and stapling (needle binding) as necessary.

(1.3) Block Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated, in the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 10, the first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, and the third paper feeding device 40 are connected by a communication cable 80. Information can be exchanged between them.
If the paper discharge unit 50 has a function of performing post-processing such as cutting and stapling (stitching), the paper discharge unit 50 can be similarly connected by the communication cable 80.

  The image forming unit 10 includes a system control unit 11 including a combination of a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like. Control the operation.

The operation control performed by the system control unit 11 includes the following control in addition to control of information exchange with the first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, and the third paper feeding device 40. Is mentioned.
The system control unit 11 controls the operation of the image input unit 12, the image processing unit 13, the image storage unit 14, the image output unit 15, the post-processing device control unit 16, the paper transport unit 71 and the like included in the image forming unit 10. Give instructions.
Further, the system control unit 11 gives an operation control instruction to the power supply control unit 17 included in the image forming unit 10. That is, the power control unit 17 determines whether or not to supply power to the image forming unit 10, the first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, and the third paper feeding device 40, and the determination result is used as the power source. The control unit 17 is instructed.
Further, the system control unit 11 receives a processing request input from the operation information unit 60 included in the image forming unit 10 or a processing request input from the host computer 82 connected to the image forming unit 10 via the communication network 81. It recognizes and accepts the processing request.

The first paper feeding device 20, the second paper feeding device 30, and the third paper feeding device 40 include control units 21, 31, 41 composed of a combination of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and the control units 21, 31, 41 exchanges information with the image forming unit 10.
In addition, tray control for controlling the operation of the sheet conveying units 72, 73, and 74 installed in the first sheet feeding device 20, the second sheet feeding device 30, and the third sheet feeding device 40, and the respective sheet feeding trays. Operation control instructions are given to the units 22, 32, 42 and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the operation information unit 60 included in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the operation information unit 60 accepts an operation input from a control unit 61 that performs setting processing of each parameter value for an image forming process executed in the image forming unit 10 according to a predetermined processing program. An operation input unit 62, a storage unit 63 in which processing programs and paper attribute setting values (see later stage) are stored, a display unit 64 for displaying various information to the user, and information (various types) between the image forming unit 10 It includes an input / output unit 65 that manages input / output of signals and various data.

(2) Feeding Control Operation / Operation of Image Forming Apparatus In the image forming apparatus 1 described in the present embodiment, in the process of forming an image, the sheet is fed to a predetermined transport path starting with the feeding operation from the tray. Various operations and processes such as sheet conveyance along the sheet, transfer process of the toner image onto the sheet, and fixing process of the transferred toner image onto the sheet are performed.
In these various operations and processes, there are optimum setting conditions for each paper type (paper type). For this reason, when trying to achieve a very high level of image quality, the paper transport system and the paper type, such as the material, thickness, size, and grain of the paper used (hereinafter referred to as paper attributes) are used. It is necessary to adjust the conditions set in the image forming process section.

(2.1) Paper attribute setting Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1, it is difficult to set the paper attribute according to the type of all papers in each tray, and the user can set the paper attribute via the operation information unit 60. Configured to make settings.
The operation information unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 is an optimum information to be set in each image forming process such as transfer, fixing, and sheet conveyance for a plurality of typical types of sheets assumed to be frequently used in advance. Each parameter value is stored as a paper attribute setting.
Therefore, the user sets the pre-stored paper attribute setting from the operation information unit 60 when the paper is stored in the tray.

On the other hand, since the operation for storing the paper in the tray and the paper attribute setting operation from the operation information unit 60 are not linked, the operation for setting the paper attribute becomes complicated.
In addition, when one of the operation of storing the paper in the tray and the operation of setting the paper attribute from the operation information unit 60 is forgotten, the paper attribute setting does not match the paper stored in the tray, and the optimum image formation is performed. There is a problem that is not made.

Therefore, a warning display can be made on the operation information section 60 to prompt the user to change the paper attribute setting when the tray opening / closing operation is performed.
In addition, when the paper attribute setting change operation is first performed from the operation information unit 60, a method is considered in which the tray is disabled until the tray opening / closing operation is performed, and the paper attribute setting and the paper stored in the tray are matched as much as possible. It is done.

However, when the user changes the tray paper when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off or is not responding (hereinafter referred to as a sleep state), the image forming apparatus 1 cannot detect the user's tray operation. When the power is turned on later or when returning from the sleep state, mismatch may occur between the paper attribute setting and the paper stored in the tray, and optimal image formation may not be performed on the paper to be used. .
Therefore, a method of displaying a warning prompting the user to confirm the paper attribute setting on the operation information unit 60 when the power is turned off or the computer returns from the sleep state is also conceivable.

However, if the warning information that prompts confirmation of the sheet attribute setting is always displayed on the operation information unit 60 when the power is turned off or the computer returns from the sleep state, the confirmation is complicated for the user.
If the warning information for confirming the paper attribute setting is displayed on the operation information unit 60 only once for all the trays at a time, it is necessary for the user to determine the tray whose paper attribute setting is to be changed. And sometimes things get confused.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the tray is opened or closed with the power off or in the sleep state, the tray on which the user has changed the paper when the power is turned off or the sleep state is restored. Judgment is made, and a warning display for prompting confirmation of the sheet attribute setting to the operation information unit 60 is performed on the tray.
Hereinafter, sheet feeding operation control in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to a block diagram and a flowchart.

(2.2) Method for Specifying Tray In order to form an image on a large amount of paper, each of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, and 40 included in the image forming apparatus 1 accommodates a large amount of paper, and an image forming unit 10 is fed.
For this purpose, each tray 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is provided with a mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a lifter: not shown in FIG. 1) in which a bottom plate on which a paper is placed is moved up and down. If the tray is opened when the paper is replenished, the lifter is lowered to prepare for the paper replenishment. When the user places a sheet on the lowered bottom plate and performs a closing operation of the tray, the bottom plate rises and a sheet can be fed.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 including the above-described lifter will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is turned on or released from the sleep state.

When the power source is switched from OFF to ON or the sleep state is canceled by an instruction from the system control unit 11 (S101), the image forming apparatus 1 stores each tray 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Information on the state is acquired (S102). Specifically, each of the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is connected from the control units 21, 31, 41 of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, 40 via the communication cable 80. Acquires lifter descent detection information.

Next, it is determined whether or not the tray lifter is in the lowered state with reference to the acquired information on the tray state (S103).
As a result, when it is affirmed in the tray that the lifter of the tray is in the lowered state (S103; Yes), it is estimated that the sheet has been exchanged in the tray, and the operation information unit 60 has the display unit 61 For example, a display prompting the user to set the paper attribute of the tray at 64 is performed on a pop-up screen (S104).
In the tray, when it is denied that the tray lifter is in the lowered state (S103; No), it is determined whether or not the next tray exists (S106).

Next, the system control unit 11 raises the lifter of the tray (S105).
Thereafter, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S106). If there is no next tray (S106; No), the paper attribute setting process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S106; Yes), information on the state of the next tray is acquired (S102), and the processing of S103 to S106 described above is continued.

(2.3) Display of Pop-up Screen FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up screen that displays that the paper has been changed in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
As shown in FIG. 5, the pop-up screen warns that the paper has been changed for trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and says “There has been a paper change in the paper tray!”. Display 641, and further, a setting button 642 for starting the above-described paper attribute setting screen and a setting for starting a screen for setting a combination of each parameter value stored in the preset setting value storage unit 631 A button 643 and a setting button 644 for automatically setting a combination of parameter values corresponding to the changed paper are displayed.

The user can select a desired process from the pop-up screen. In that case, the setting process of each parameter value described above, the process of selecting the combination of the parameter values for the preset paper type stored in the storage unit 63, and the parameter value corresponding to the replaced paper Processing for automatically setting the combination can be performed.
On the other hand, if no processing is performed, the pop-up screen can be closed.

By such processing, when the tray is opened or closed with the power off or in the sleep state, when the power is turned off or the computer returns from the sleep state, the tray on which the user has changed the paper is determined, and On the other hand, it is possible to display a warning prompting confirmation of the paper attribute setting to the operation information unit 60.
As a result, the operation of the user is reduced, and the setting value of each parameter set in the operation information unit 60 and the sheets stored in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are reduced. Inconsistency can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which optimal image processing cannot be performed on the paper to be used.

“Second Embodiment”
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment is turned on or released from the sleep state.
The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1A of the present embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Detailed description will be omitted.

In the image forming apparatus 1A, when the power of the operation information unit 60 is switched from OFF to ON or the sleep state is canceled by an instruction from the system control unit 11 (S201), each tray 1, 2, 3, 4 Information about the states 5 and 6 is acquired (S202). Specifically, each of the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is connected from the control units 21, 31, 41 of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, 40 via the communication cable 80. Lifter lowering detection information and tray paper presence detection information are acquired. The detection of the presence of paper can be acquired from information from a paper presence sensor provided on the tray.

Next, with reference to the acquired information on the state of the tray, it is determined whether the tray lifter is in the lowered state and there is paper in the tray (S203).
As a result, in the tray, when the tray lifter is in the lowered state and it is affirmed that there is paper in the tray (S203; Yes), it is estimated that the paper has been changed in the tray, and the operation information unit 60 The control unit 61 performs display for prompting the setting of the paper attribute of the tray on the display unit 64, for example, using a pop-up screen (S204).
In the tray, when it is denied that the tray lifter is in the lowered state (S203; No), it is determined whether or not the next tray exists (S206).

Next, the system control unit 11 raises the lifter of the tray (S205).
Thereafter, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S206). If there is no next tray (S206; No), the paper attribute setting process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S206; Yes), information on the state of the next tray is acquired (S202), and the processing of S203 to S206 described above is continued.

As a result of this processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 displays a pop-up screen warning that the sheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 have been replaced. In addition, a display 641 stating that “the paper has been replaced in the paper tray!”, A setting button 642 for starting the above-described paper attribute setting screen, and each parameter stored in the preset setting value storage unit 631 A setting button 643 for starting a screen for setting a value combination and a setting button 644 for automatically setting a combination of parameter values corresponding to the changed paper are displayed (see FIG. 5). .

Then, the user can perform a process of selecting a combination of parameter values for the preset paper types stored in the storage unit 63 from the pop-up screen.
As a result, the operation of the user is reduced, and the setting value of each parameter set in the operation information unit 60 and the sheets stored in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are reduced. Inconsistency can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which optimal image processing cannot be performed on the paper to be used.

“Third Embodiment”
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment is turned on or released from the sleep state.
The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1B of the present embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but means for detecting the remaining amount of paper placed on the bottom plate by the lifter of the tray. It has. Accordingly, the same components as those in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus 1 </ b> B detects the remaining amount of paper placed on the bottom plate of each tray 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 before the power is turned off or the sleep state is entered. Specifically, the remaining amount of paper is determined by, for example, the lift-up time until the paper delivery position is reached after starting to raise the tray on which the paper is loaded for each piece of paper information such as size, paper quality, and environmental information. This can be detected by storing in advance and calculating the remaining amount of paper loaded on the tray using the actual lift-up time.
Therefore, based on the lift-up time obtained by this measurement, the remaining amount of the paper placed on the bottom plate in the tray is detected, and the remaining amount of the paper is stored in the tray controller 22, 32, 42. (S11).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S12). If there is no next tray (S12; No), the remaining paper amount detection process is terminated.

If there is a next tray (S12; Yes), the remaining amount of paper in the next tray is detected, and this remaining amount of paper is stored in storage means (not shown) of the tray control units 22, 32, and 42 (S11). .
Hereinafter, the processing of S11 to S12 described above is continued for all trays.

In the image forming apparatus 1B, when the power of the operation information unit 60 is switched from OFF to ON or the sleep state is canceled by an instruction from the system control unit 11 (S301), each tray 1, 2, 3, 4 Information about the states 5 and 6 is acquired (S302). More specifically, information on the remaining amount of paper in each of the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, via the communication cable 80 from the control units 21, 31, 41 of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, 40. To get.

Next, the acquired remaining amount of paper in the tray is compared with the remaining amount of paper recorded in S11, and the acquired remaining amount of paper in the tray is recorded before the power is turned off or the state shifts to the sleep state. It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of paper is different (S303).
As a result, when it is affirmed in the tray that the remaining amount of paper in the acquired tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper (S303; Yes), it is estimated that the paper has been replaced in the tray, and the operation information The unit 60 causes the display unit 64 to display a message prompting the user to set the paper attribute of the tray, for example, using a pop-up screen (S304).
In the tray, when it is denied that the acquired remaining amount of paper in the tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper (S303; No), it is determined whether there is a next tray (S305).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S305). If there is no next tray (S305; No), the paper attribute setting process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S305; Yes), information on the remaining amount of paper in the next tray is acquired (S302), and the above-described processing of S302 to S305 is continued.

As a result of this processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 displays a pop-up screen warning that the sheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 have been replaced. In addition, a display 641 stating that “the paper has been replaced in the paper tray!”, A setting button 642 for starting the above-described paper attribute setting screen, and each parameter stored in the preset setting value storage unit 631 A setting button 643 for starting a screen for setting a value combination and a setting button 644 for automatically setting a combination of parameter values corresponding to the changed paper are displayed (see FIG. 5). .

Then, the user can perform a process of selecting a combination of parameter values for the preset paper types stored in the storage unit 63 from the pop-up screen.
As a result, the operation of the user is reduced, and the setting value of each parameter set in the operation information unit 60 and the sheets stored in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are reduced. Inconsistency can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which optimal image processing cannot be performed on the paper to be used.

“Fourth Embodiment”
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> C according to the present embodiment is turned on or released from the sleep state.
The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1C of the present embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but means for detecting the remaining amount of paper placed on the bottom plate by the lifter of the tray. It has. Accordingly, the same components as those in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus 1 </ b> C detects the remaining amount of paper placed on the bottom plate of each tray 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 before the power is turned off or enters the sleep state. The remaining amount is recorded in storage means (not shown) of the tray controllers 22, 32 and 42 (S11).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S12). If there is no next tray (S12; No), the remaining paper amount detection process is terminated.

If there is a next tray (S12; Yes), the remaining amount of paper in the next tray is detected, and this remaining amount of paper is stored in storage means (not shown) of the tray control units 22, 32, and 42 (S11). .
Hereinafter, the processing of S11 to S12 described above is continued for all trays.

When the power of the operation information unit 60 is switched from OFF to ON, or when the sleep state is canceled by an instruction from the system control unit 11 (S401), the image forming apparatus 1C has the respective trays 1, 2, 3, 4 Information about the states 5 and 6 is acquired (S402). Specifically, each of the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is connected from the control units 21, 31, 41 of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, 40 via the communication cable 80. Lifter lowering detection information and tray paper presence detection information are acquired.

Next, with reference to the acquired information regarding the state of the tray, it is determined whether or not the tray lifter is in the lowered state and there is paper in the tray (S403).

Next, the system control unit 11 raises the lifter of the tray (S404), and acquires the remaining amount of paper in the tray (S405). Specifically, based on the lift-up time when the bottom plate is raised to the paper feeding position, the remaining amount of paper placed on the bottom plate in the tray is detected, and this remaining amount of paper is controlled by the tray. It records in the memory | storage means (not shown) of the part 22, 32, 42 (S405).

Next, the acquired sheet remaining amount in the tray is compared with the remaining sheet amount recorded in S11, and the acquired sheet remaining amount in the tray is recorded before the power is turned off or the sleep state is entered. It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of paper is different (S406).
As a result, when it is affirmed in the tray that the remaining amount of paper in the acquired tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper (S406; Yes), it is estimated that the paper has been replaced in the tray, and the operation information The unit 60 causes the control unit 61 to display on the display unit 64 to prompt the user to set the paper attribute of the tray, for example, using a pop-up screen (S407).
If it is denied in the tray that the remaining amount of paper in the acquired tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper (S406; No), it is determined whether there is a next tray (S408). .

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray is present (S408). If there is no next tray (S408; No), the paper attribute setting process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S408; Yes), information on the remaining amount of paper in the next tray is acquired (S402), and the processes of S402 to S408 described above are continued.

As a result of this processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 displays a pop-up screen warning that the sheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 have been replaced. In addition, a display 641 stating that “the paper has been replaced in the paper tray!”, A setting button 642 for starting the above-described paper attribute setting screen, and each parameter stored in the preset setting value storage unit 631 A setting button 643 for starting a screen for setting a value combination and a setting button 644 for automatically setting a combination of parameter values corresponding to the changed paper are displayed (see FIG. 5). .

Then, the user can perform a process of selecting a combination of parameter values for the preset paper types stored in the storage unit 63 from the pop-up screen.
As a result, the operation of the user is reduced, and the setting value of each parameter set in the operation information unit 60 and the sheets stored in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are reduced. Inconsistency can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which optimal image processing cannot be performed on the paper to be used.

“Fifth Embodiment”
The image forming apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1D according to the present embodiment is turned on or released from the sleep state.
The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1D of the present embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but includes means for detecting the paper size of the paper placed on the bottom plate. Accordingly, the same components as those in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus 1D detects the sheet size of the sheets placed on the bottom plates of the respective trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 before the power is turned off or the sleep state is entered. Specifically, for example, a plurality of sensors for detecting the convex portions of the pattern formed on the paper feed tray facing the back surface of the paper feed tray and a detecting unit such as a mechanical switch are provided, and the concave and convex pattern is provided by the detecting unit. Or the convex part on a pattern can be detected and the paper size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray can be detected.
Therefore, the paper size of the paper placed on the bottom plate in the paper feed tray is detected and recorded in the storage means (not shown) of the tray control units 22, 32, and 42 (S21).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S22). If there is no next tray (S22; No), the remaining paper amount detection process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S22; Yes), the remaining amount of paper in the next tray is detected, and this remaining amount of paper is stored in storage means (not shown) of the tray control units 22, 32, and 42 (S21). .
Hereinafter, the processes of S21 to S22 described above are continued for all trays.

When the power of the operation information unit 60 is switched from OFF to ON or the sleep state is canceled by an instruction from the system control unit 11 (S501), the image forming apparatus 1D receives each tray 1, 2, 3, 4 Information about the states 5 and 6 is acquired (S502). Specifically, information on the paper sizes of the respective trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is transmitted from the control units 21, 31, and 41 of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, and 40 via the communication cable 80. get.

Next, the obtained paper size of the tray is compared with the paper size recorded in S21, and the obtained paper size of the tray is changed to the recorded paper size before the power is turned off or the sleep state is entered. It is determined whether or not they are different (S503).
As a result, when it is affirmed that the obtained paper size of the tray is different from the recorded paper size (S503; Yes), it is estimated that the paper has been exchanged in the tray, and the operation information unit 60 The control unit 61 performs a display prompting the display unit 64 to set the paper attribute of the tray on, for example, a pop-up screen (S504).
If it is denied that the remaining amount of paper in the acquired tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper (S503; No), it is determined whether or not there is a next tray (S505). .

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray is present (S505). If there is no next tray (S505; No), the paper attribute setting process is terminated.

If there is a next tray (S505; Yes), information on the paper size of the next tray is acquired (S502), and the processing of S502 to S505 described above is continued.

As a result of this processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 displays a pop-up screen warning that the sheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 have been replaced. In addition, a display 641 stating that “the paper has been replaced in the paper tray!”, A setting button 642 for starting the above-described paper attribute setting screen, and each parameter stored in the preset setting value storage unit 631 A setting button 643 for starting a screen for setting a value combination and a setting button 644 for automatically setting a combination of parameter values corresponding to the changed paper are displayed (see FIG. 5). .

Then, the user can perform a process of selecting a combination of parameter values for the preset paper types stored in the storage unit 63 from the pop-up screen.
As a result, the operation of the user is reduced, and the setting value of each parameter set in the operation information unit 60 and the sheets stored in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are reduced. Inconsistency can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which optimal image processing cannot be performed on the paper to be used.

“Sixth Embodiment”
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1E according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1E according to the present embodiment is turned on or released from the sleep state.
The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1E of the present embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but includes means for detecting the paper size of the paper placed on the bottom plate. Accordingly, the same components as those in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The image forming apparatus 1E detects the paper size of the paper placed on the bottom plate of each tray 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 before the power is turned off or enters the sleep state, and tray control is performed. It records in the memory | storage means (not shown) of the part 22, 32, 42 (S21).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S22). If there is no next tray (S22; No), the remaining paper amount detection process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S22; Yes), the remaining amount of paper in the next tray is detected, and this remaining amount of paper is stored in storage means (not shown) of the tray control units 22, 32, and 42 (S21). .
Hereinafter, the processes of S21 to S22 described above are continued for all trays.

When the power of the operation information unit 60 is switched from OFF to ON or the sleep state is canceled by an instruction from the system control unit 11 (S601), the image forming apparatus 1E receives each tray 1, 2, 3, 4 Information about the states 5 and 6 is acquired (S602). Specifically, each of the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is connected from the control units 21, 31, 41 of the paper feeding devices 20, 30, 40 via the communication cable 80. Lifter lowering detection information and tray paper presence detection information are acquired.

Next, with reference to the acquired information regarding the state of the tray, it is determined whether or not the tray lifter is in the lowered state and there is paper in the tray (S603).

Next, the system control unit 11 raises the lifter of the tray (S404), and detects the paper size of the paper in the tray (S605).

Next, the obtained paper size of the tray is compared with the paper size recorded in S21, and the obtained paper size of the tray is changed to the recorded paper size before the power is turned off or the sleep state is entered. It is determined whether they are different (S606).
As a result, when it is affirmed that the obtained paper size of the tray is different from the recorded paper size (S606; Yes), it is estimated that the paper has been exchanged in the tray, and the operation information unit 60 The control unit 61 performs a display prompting the display unit 64 to set the paper attribute of the tray on, for example, a pop-up screen (S607).
If it is denied that the remaining amount of paper in the acquired tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper (S607; No), it is determined whether or not there is a next tray (S608). .

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray is present (S608). If there is no next tray (S608; No), the paper attribute setting process is terminated.

When there is a next tray (S608; Yes), information on the paper size of the next tray is acquired (S602), and the processing of S602 to S608 described above is continued.

As a result of this processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 displays a pop-up screen warning that the sheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 have been replaced. In addition, a display 641 stating that “the paper has been replaced in the paper tray!”, A setting button 642 for starting the above-described paper attribute setting screen, and each parameter stored in the preset setting value storage unit 631 A setting button 643 for starting a screen for setting a value combination and a setting button 644 for automatically setting a combination of parameter values corresponding to the changed paper are displayed (see FIG. 5). .

Then, the user can perform a process of selecting a combination of parameter values for the preset paper types stored in the storage unit 63 from the pop-up screen.
As a result, the operation of the user is reduced, and the setting value of each parameter set in the operation information unit 60 and the sheets stored in the trays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are reduced. Inconsistency can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which optimal image processing cannot be performed on the paper to be used.

As mentioned above, although embodiment concerning this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various changes are made. Is possible.

For example, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are described as printers. However, a copying machine having a document reading function may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E ... Image forming apparatus 10 ... Image forming part 11 ... System control part 12 ... Image input part 13 ... Image processing part 14 ... Image Storage unit 15 ... image output unit 16 ... post-processing device control unit 17 ... power supply control unit 71 ... paper transport unit (image forming unit)
20, 30, 40 ... paper feeding devices 21, 31, 41 ... control unit (paper feeding device)
22, 32, 42 ... Tray control unit (paper feeding device)
72, 73, 74... Paper transport unit (paper feeding device)
50: paper discharge unit 60 ... operation information unit 61 ... control unit 62 ... operation input unit 63 ... storage unit 64 ... display unit 65 ... input / output unit 80 ... Communication cable 81 ... Communication network 82 ... Host computer

Claims (2)

Receiving means for receiving a print job;
A plurality of trays for storing paper to be printed;
Image forming means for recording an image on the paper;
Paper attribute management means for managing paper attribute information of paper stored in the tray;
Based on the paper attribute information managed by the paper attribute management means, and a tray for detecting printing of the print job and detection means for detecting information on the tray,
When the paper stacking plate of the tray is lowered and no paper is not detected at the time of power-on or return from the non-response state,
A display for prompting the paper attribute management unit to set or check the paper attribute information of the corresponding tray;
An image forming apparatus. Receiving means for receiving a print job;
A plurality of trays for storing paper to be printed;
Image forming means for recording an image on the paper;
Paper attribute management means for managing paper attribute information of paper stored in the tray;
Based on the paper attribute information managed by the paper attribute management means, and a tray for detecting printing of the print job and detection means for detecting information on the tray,
Record the remaining amount of paper in the tray before turning off the power or not responding.
When the paper stacking plate of the tray is lowered and no paper is not detected when the power is turned on or returned from the non-response state
Compared to the detected remaining amount of paper in the tray, if the remaining amount of paper in the tray acquired in the tray is different from the recorded remaining amount of paper,
A display for prompting the paper attribute management unit to set or check the paper attribute information of the corresponding tray;
An image forming apparatus.

Images