JP5935559B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  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, in high-end models for specialists such as publishing and advertising, in order to achieve extremely high image quality, not only paper size and paper mass, but also high-quality paper, medium-quality paper, coated paper, and art paper are used as paper information. And various paper parameters such as paper types such as horizontal and vertical eyes.

As such an image forming apparatus, when the attribute of the paper used for printing and the paper attribute assigned to the tray are different, the change of the paper attribute is instructed, and the printing with the paper attribute loaded in the tray is instructed. In this case, it is known that printing information and image data are re-edited and printed so as to correspond to the paper attribute of the paper (Patent Document 1).
It is also known to display a warning on the display means when the attribute of the paper used for printing and the paper attribute assigned to the tray are different (Patent Document 2).
In addition, when the paper having the paper attributes specified by the print data is out of paper or no paper is available, other paper is automatically selected according to the specified conditions and printing is continued without interrupting printing. It is also known to do (Patent Document 3).

JP 09-323457 A JP 2006-123481 A JP 2002-264447 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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for a specific tray, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job and the tray accommodated Different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information, with the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of pieces of paper attribute information for each existing tray, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, and storage in the tray The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the printed paper is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 3 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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of pieces of paper attribute information for the tray designated by the user, and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, and the tray The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for the tray with the most matching paper attribute information, and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job And the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 5 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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information only for the trays having the same paper size , and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 6,
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for the tray used immediately before the stop , and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job and The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 7,
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. When the tray is stopped with a message indicating that there is a plurality of pieces of paper attribute information for the tray in which the user replaced the paper after the stop, and among them, the paper attribute for determining the paper to be used in the print job Information and paper attribute information assigned to the tray as paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 8 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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. If the tray has been stopped and the user has changed or attempted to change the paper attribute information assigned to the tray after stopping,
There are a plurality of paper attribute information, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, and paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray. Different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information .
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, a program according to claim 9 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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. If the tray has been stopped and the user has changed or attempted to change the paper attribute information assigned to the tray after stopping,
There are a plurality of paper attribute information, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, and paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray. , A function to display different attribute information separately from other attribute information ,
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the present invention, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match, and the user can use the specified paper quickly and accurately, reducing the user's operation and improving convenience. Can be improved.

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. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen that clearly shows a different portion of paper attribute information for a specific tray. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when a portion having different sheet attribute information is clearly indicated for a tray in which the image forming apparatus 1A exists. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1B clearly indicates a portion having different sheet attribute information for a tray tray designated by a user. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1C clearly indicates a portion having different sheet attribute information for a tray having the most matched sheet attribute information. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1D clearly indicates a portion having different sheet attribute information for a tray having the same sheet size. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when a portion having different sheet attribute information is clearly indicated for a tray that has been used immediately before by the image forming apparatus 1E. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1F clearly indicates a portion having different sheet attribute information for a tray in which a user has replaced a sheet. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when the image forming apparatus 1G clearly indicates a portion having different sheet attribute information for a tray in which a user has changed the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray.

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 paper feed trays for storing different types of paper (for example, material, thickness, paper size, and paper size) are provided, and the paper fed out from any one of the plurality of paper feed trays is imaged. It is configured to supply to the forming unit 10.

  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.
In addition, 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, in order to achieve an extremely high level of image quality, a paper transport system and image formation are performed in accordance with the type of paper (hereinafter referred to as paper attributes) such as the material, thickness, and size of the paper used. Each condition set in the process section needs to be adjusted.

(2.1) Paper attribute setting For this purpose, in the image forming apparatus 1, the user can perform paper attribute setting by a plurality of methods according to the job status via the operation information unit 60. Specifically, by specifying the tray that stores the paper to be used in the job, by specifying paper attribute information such as a definition name or numerical value that associates the paper information, by specifying multiple paper attribute information, At that time, it is possible to automatically select a tray of paper that matches the specified paper attribute information among the paper stored in the tray.

The method of specifying the tray storing the paper used in the job has the advantage that the paper attribute setting in the operation information unit 60 is easy because the tray is directly specified, and is easy for the user to understand. There is a problem in that the number of sheets that can be specified is limited by the number of trays.

The method of specifying paper attribute information such as a definition name or numerical value that associates the paper information can uniquely specify the paper to be used in the job, and even if the paper is not stored in the tray in advance, Although there is an advantage that the sheets in the tray can be used in the middle, it is necessary to define a plurality of sheets in advance and to match the information with the host computer 82 side that transmits the job in advance. Furthermore, it is necessary to remember the paper attribute information specified by the user in the job.

By specifying multiple paper attribute information and automatically selecting the paper tray that matches the specified paper attribute information among the papers stored in the tray at that time, the job can be executed even if the paper is not in the tray. There is an advantage that paper in the tray can be changed and continued on the way.
Further, even when the paper is not defined in advance, there is a convenience that the paper attribute information can be specified and used when storing the paper in the tray, and the convenience is high when using the temporary paper.

However, in the image forming apparatus 1 that attempts to achieve an extremely high level of image quality, a plurality of paper attribute information is designated, and the designated paper attribute information matches among the papers stored in the tray at that time. When selecting the paper tray automatically, there are multiple pieces of paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job. If these multiple paper attributes do not match, it is not determined that the paper is to be used in the job. An out-of-paper error message is likely to occur.
In such a situation, it is difficult for the user to determine which attribute does not match, and even if the paper is stored and the paper attribute is set, the job may remain stopped with a paper out indication. Will do.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment does not match the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray. If the user has stopped indicating that there is no paper (out of paper), the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job for a specific tray and the tray stored A portion different from the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet is clearly indicated.
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 The paper feeding devices 20, 30, and 40 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 are used for the type of paper such as the material, thickness, size, and grain of the paper used (hereinafter referred to as paper attributes). ), A plurality of trays are provided to form images on various types of paper.
Then, the system control unit 11 searches for a tray in which a sheet whose sheet attribute information matches the sheet designated on the host computer 82 side that transmits the job is stored. As a result of the search, if some of the paper attributes for determining the paper to be used in the job do not match, it is not determined that the paper is used in the job, and the operation information unit 60 is controlled by the control unit 61. For example, a pop-up screen is used to clearly indicate the paper attribute of the tray that does not match on the display unit 64 and prompt the user to replenish the tray with the corresponding paper.

(2.3) Display of Pop-up Screen FIG. 4 differs between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray. It is the figure which showed an example of the pop-up screen which displays a location.
As shown in FIG. 4, the pop-up screen indicates that the “paper texture” of the paper in the paper attributes of the tray 1 does not match, and “landscape (short side direction)” paper should be supplied. Is displayed.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match, and the user can use the designated paper quickly and accurately, and the convenience can be improved.

“Second Embodiment”
Hereafter, for each existing tray, an image that clearly shows the difference between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray The operation of the forming apparatus 1A will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A according to the present embodiment detects a paper out in a job.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1A starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S101). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S101). .

As a result, in the tray, the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job does not match the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S101; Yes). The tray is determined to be out of paper, and the difference between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is detected ( S102).

Next, the system control unit 11 displays a display through the operation information unit 60 in which the control unit 61 clearly indicates the paper attribute that does not match the tray on the display unit 64 and prompts the supply of the corresponding paper to the tray. For example, a pop-up screen is used (S103).
Thereafter, the system control unit 11 determines whether there is a next tray (S104). When there is no next tray (S104; No), the processing for detecting the out of paper is ended.

When there is a next tray (S104; Yes), the difference between the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray Is detected (S102). Hereinafter, the processing of S102 to S104 described above is continued.

By such processing, as in the first embodiment, on the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60, on the pop-up screen, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job for each tray for all trays. The difference between the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray and the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is displayed.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attribute does not match in which tray, and the user can use the designated paper quickly and accurately, and the convenience can be improved.

“Third Embodiment”
Hereinafter, for the tray specified by the user, the difference between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is clearly indicated. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1B will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> B according to the present embodiment detects a paper out in a job.

When the print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1B starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S201). Specifically, it is determined whether the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S201). .

As a result, in the tray, the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job does not match the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S201; Yes). Then, it is determined that the tray is out of paper, and a message indicating that the tray has stopped due to out of paper is displayed (S202).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether there is a tray designated by the user who should clearly indicate the difference between the sheet attributes via the operation information unit 60 (S203).
As a result, when there is a tray designated by the user (S203; Yes), the tray is set as the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job and the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray. A difference from the paper attribute information assigned to the is detected (S204).

Then, the operation information unit 60 displays a paper attribute that does not match the tray specified by the user on the display unit 64 on the display unit 64 and prompts the supply of the corresponding paper to the tray by using, for example, a pop-up screen. (S205).

By such processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 has a pop-up screen with paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job for the tray specified by the user. The difference between the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray and the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is displayed.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match for the tray specified by the user, and the user can use the specified paper quickly and accurately, which can improve convenience. it can.

“Fourth Embodiment”
Hereinafter, for the tray with the most matching paper attribute information, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job is different from the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1C that clearly indicates the location will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 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 detects a paper out in a job.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1C starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S301). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S301). .

As a result, when the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray (S301; Yes). Then, the difference between the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is detected (S302).

Thereafter, the system control unit 11 determines whether there is a next tray (S303). If the next tray is present (S303; Yes), the paper assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray in the next tray. A difference from the attribute information is detected (S302). Hereinafter, the above processing is continued until there is no next tray (S303: No).

When the next tray does not exist (S303; No), the operation information unit 60 causes the control unit 61 to display a sheet that does not match the tray specified by the user for the tray with the most matched sheet attribute information on the display unit 64. For example, a pop-up screen is used to display the attributes and prompt the user to supply the corresponding paper to the tray (S304).

As a result of such processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 has a pop-up screen with a pop-up screen for determining the paper to be used in the job for the tray with the most matching paper attribute information. A difference between the attribute information and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is displayed.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match, and the user can use the designated paper quickly and accurately, and the convenience can be improved.

“Fifth Embodiment”
In the following, only for trays that have the same paper size, the difference between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information for the paper stored in the tray The operation of the image forming apparatus 1D will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> D according to the present embodiment detects a paper out in a job.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1D starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S401). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S401). .

As a result, when the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray (S401; Yes). Then, it is determined whether the paper used in the job matches the paper size of the paper in the tray (S402).
When the paper used in the job matches the paper size of the paper in the tray (S402; Yes), the paper attribute information for determining the paper used in the job and the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray A difference from the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray is detected (S403).
When the paper used in the job does not match the paper size of the paper in the tray (S402; No), the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the next tray exists (S405), and performs the processing. continue.

Then, the operation information section 60 displays a display that prompts the supply of the corresponding sheet to the tray by clearly indicating the detected non-matching sheet attribute for the tray having the matching sheet size on the display section 64, for example. A pop-up screen is used (S404).

Thereafter, the system control unit 11 determines whether there is a next tray (S405). If the next tray exists (S405; Yes), it is determined whether the paper used in the job matches the paper size of the paper in the tray in the next tray (S402). Hereinafter, the above processing is continued until there is no next tray (S405: No).

By such processing, as in the first embodiment, the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60 has a pop-up screen with paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job only for the tray with the matching paper size. And the difference between the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match, and the user can use the designated paper quickly and accurately, and the convenience can be improved.

“Sixth Embodiment”
For the tray that was used immediately before, the difference between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray The operation of the image forming apparatus 1E will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> E according to the present embodiment detects a paper out in a job.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1E starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S501). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S501). .

As a result, in the tray, the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job does not match the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S501; Yes). Then, the difference between the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray used immediately before is detected (S502).

Thereafter, the operation information section 60 uses the display section 64 of the control section 61 to determine the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job for the tray used immediately before, and the sheet information stored in the tray. The difference from the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information is performed, for example, using a pop-up screen (S503).

By such processing, as in the first embodiment, the pop-up screen is displayed on the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60, and the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job for the tray used immediately before. And the difference between the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match, and the user can use the designated paper quickly and accurately, and the convenience can be improved.

“Seventh Embodiment”
In the following, for the tray where the user has replaced the paper, the difference between the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job and the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray Will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> F according to the present embodiment detects a paper out in a job.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1F starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S601). Specifically, it is determined whether the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S601). .

As a result, in the tray, the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job does not match the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S601; Yes). Then, it is determined that the tray is out of paper, and a message indicating that the tray has stopped due to running out of paper is displayed (S602).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether there is a tray in which the user has replaced the sheet (S603).
As a result, if there is a tray in which the user has replaced the sheet (S603; Yes), the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job for the tray and the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray A difference from the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray is detected (S604).

The operation information unit 60 then displays a display that prompts the supply of the corresponding paper to the tray, for example, a pop-up screen by the control unit 61 clearly indicating the non-matching paper attribute of the tray in which the user has replaced the paper on the display unit 64 (S605).

Through such processing, as in the first embodiment, the display attribute 64 of the operation information unit 60 has a pop-up screen on which a paper attribute for determining a paper to be used in a job for a tray in which the user has replaced the paper. The difference between the information and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is displayed.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match for the tray specified by the user, and the user can use the specified paper quickly and accurately, which can improve convenience. it can.

“Eighth Embodiment”
Hereinafter, for the tray in which the user has changed or tried to change the paper attribute information assigned to the tray, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the job, and the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1G that clearly shows a different part from the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> G according to the present embodiment detects a paper out in a job.

When a print job is input, the image forming apparatus 1G starts processing the print job and detects whether the job is out of paper (S701). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job matches the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S701). .

As a result, in the tray, the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job does not match the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray (S701; Yes). Then, it is determined that the tray is out of paper, and a message indicating that the tray has stopped due to running out of paper is displayed (S702).

Next, the system control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has changed the paper attribute information assigned to the tray or there is a tray to be changed (S703).
As a result, when the user has changed or attempted to change the paper attribute information assigned to the tray (S703; Yes), the paper attribute for determining the paper to be used in the job for the tray. The difference between the information and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is detected (S704).

Then, the operation information unit 60 indicates the paper attribute that the control unit 61 has changed the paper attribute information assigned to the tray on the display unit 64 by the user or the tray that the tray to be changed does not match, and the corresponding paper. A display for prompting the user to replenish the tray is performed on a pop-up screen, for example (S705).

As a result of such processing, as in the first embodiment, the pop-up screen is displayed on the display unit 64 of the operation information unit 60, and the user has changed or attempted to change the paper attribute information assigned to the tray. The difference between the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the job and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray is displayed.

As a result, it is clearly shown which paper attributes do not match for the tray specified by the user, and the user can use the specified paper quickly and accurately, which can improve convenience. it can.

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, 1E, 1F, and 1G 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, 1F, 1G ... 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 (9)

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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for a specific tray, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job and the tray accommodated Different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information, with the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of pieces of paper attribute information for each existing tray, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, and storage in the tray The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the printed paper is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of pieces of paper attribute information for the tray designated by the user, and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, and the tray The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for the tray with the most matching paper attribute information, and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job And the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information only for the trays having the same paper size , and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job, The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for the tray used immediately before the stop , and among them, the paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job and The paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray is displayed separately from other attribute information for different attribute information .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. When the tray is stopped with a message indicating that there is a plurality of pieces of paper attribute information for the tray in which the user replaced the paper after the stop, and among them, the paper attribute for determining the paper to be used in the print job Information and paper attribute information assigned to the tray as paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and different attribute information is displayed separately from other attribute information .
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 attributes of paper stored in the tray;
A tray associated with printing of the print job based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management means, and detecting means for detecting information on the tray,
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. If the tray has been stopped and the user has changed or attempted to change the paper attribute information assigned to the tray after the stop, there are multiple pieces of paper attribute information. Other attribute information for different attribute information is different between the sheet attribute information for determining the sheet to be used in the print job and the sheet attribute information assigned to the tray as the sheet attribute information of the sheet stored in the tray. Distinguish and display,
An image forming apparatus. On the computer,
A receiving function for receiving print jobs;
An image forming function for recording an image on paper;
A paper attribute management function for managing the attributes of the paper stored in the tray;
A detection function for detecting a tray related to printing of the print job and information on the tray based on the attribute of the paper managed by the paper attribute management unit;
The paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job does not match the paper attribute information assigned to the tray as the paper attribute information of the paper stored in the tray, and there is no corresponding paper in the tray. Is displayed and there is a plurality of paper attribute information for a specific tray, and among them, paper attribute information for determining the paper to be used in the print job and the tray accommodated A function of displaying different attribute information in distinction from other attribute information with paper attribute information assigned to the tray as paper attribute information of paper ;
Program to realize.

Images