JP6311773B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for detecting removal of an optional device configured to be detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus.

  In general, the image forming apparatus is provided with various optional devices such as a post-processing device. The optional device is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. A user can make an image forming apparatus having a desired function by attaching or removing an optional device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-166057

  However, there is a case where the job in the hold state cannot be executed due to the removal of the optional device. For example, when a job related to stapling processing is in a suspended state, if a post-processing device that executes stapling processing is removed, the job related to stapling processing cannot be executed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a situation in which a job in a hold state becomes unintentionally unexecutable due to removal of an optional device.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention can be executed by a sensor unit that detects removal of an optional device configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. An accepting unit that accepts a job related to the processing, a storage unit that stores the job as an unexecuted job until the job accepted by the accepting unit is executed, and the sensor unit removes the optional device. when detecting, when the job of unexecuted in the storage unit at the time of detection of the removal of the option device determines whether there, the job unexecuted is present in the storage unit, the non A configuration of the image forming apparatus that executes processing included in the job to be executed is specified, and removal is detected by the sensor unit in the specified configuration. If the specified optional device is included, it is determined that there is a job that cannot be executed when the optional device is removed, and the specified device includes the optional device whose removal is detected by the sensor unit. A determination unit that determines that there is no job that cannot be executed when the optional device is removed.

  According to the above-described image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, a situation in which a job in the hold state cannot be executed unintentionally due to the removal of the optional device does not occur.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the job setting screen displayed on the display part of the portable terminal concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning image displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification message image displayed on the display part of the portable terminal concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification message image displayed on the display part of the image forming apparatus concerning a modification.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, for example. And a plurality of optional devices configured to be detachable.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs an image forming operation, the image forming unit 13 forms a toner image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 14 based on an image read by the image reading unit 12. Thereafter, the toner image formed on the paper is thermally fixed by a fixing unit (not shown).

  A display unit 16 and an operation unit 17 are arranged on the front surface of the casing that forms the outline of the image forming apparatus 1. The display unit 16 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic EL (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display. The display unit 16 displays a warning image, a notification message, and the like which will be described later under the control of the display control unit 102 which will be described later. In addition, a touch panel (not shown) is arranged on the front surface of the display unit 16 and detects contact (touch) by the user on the touch panel together with the contact position.

  The operation unit 17 is a hard key including, for example, a menu key for calling a menu, an arrow key for moving the focus of a GUI constituting the menu, a determination key for performing a confirmation operation on the GUI constituting the menu.

  The storage unit 18 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The communication unit 30 is a network interface composed of a communication module such as a LAN board. The communication unit 30 transmits / receives various data to / from the computer 300 or the portable terminal 400 (external terminal) in the local area or on the Internet under the control of the communication control unit 105 described later.

  The post-processing apparatus 200 is one of optional devices configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 10. The post-processing device 200 includes a punch unit 240 that performs punch processing, a stapling unit 250 that performs stapling processing, a book binding unit 260 that performs book binding, and the like, and performs post-processing on the conveyed paper. The post-processed paper is discharged to the main tray 220, the mail tray 231 of the mail box 230, and the like.

  The sensor unit 20 includes a plurality of sensors that detect removal of the optional device from the apparatus main body 10. Here, in addition to the post-processing device 200, the optional device corresponds to a toner container (not shown) that stores toner, a paper feed cassette 141 that stores paper, and the like. The toner container can be removed while the front panel 131 of the image forming apparatus 1 is opened.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 20 detects the removal of the post-processing device 200, the post-processing device detection sensor 21 that detects the removal of the post-processing device 200, the toner container detection sensor 22 that detects the removal of the toner container, and the paper feed cassette 141. A sheet cassette detection sensor 23 is provided.

  The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a control unit 100. The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The control unit 100 includes a control unit 101, a display control unit 102, a reception unit 103, a determination unit 104, and a communication control unit when a control program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 18 is executed by the CPU. It functions as 105. Note that the control unit 101, the display control unit 102, the reception unit 103, the determination unit 104, and the communication control unit 105 of the control unit 100 may be configured by hardware circuits without depending on the operation based on the control program.

  The control unit 101 governs overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 101 is connected to the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 13, the paper feeding unit 14, the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, the storage unit 18, the sensor unit 20, the communication unit 30, the post-processing device 200, and the like. Yes. The control unit 101 controls the operation of each of the connected mechanisms and transmits / receives a signal or data to / from each mechanism.

  The display control unit 102 has a function of controlling the display operation by the display unit 16.

  The receiving unit 103 has a function of receiving a job related to processing that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The job is transmitted from an external terminal capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus 1 such as the computer 300 or the portable terminal 400 and received by the communication unit 30. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job setting screen displayed on the display unit 410 of the mobile terminal 400. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of instruction keys d1, d2, and the like for inputting settings relating to a job are provided on the job setting screen D1. The portable terminal 400 generates a job based on the selection operation of the instruction keys d1 and d2 by the user, and transmits the generated job to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The job received by the receiving unit 103 is stored in the storage unit 18 or the like as a pending job until it is executed by the image forming unit 13 or the like. The pending jobs are sequentially executed by the image forming unit 13 and the like under the control of the control unit 101.

  In addition, the reception unit 103 displays a warning image or a notification message displayed on the display unit 16 based on a touch operation on the touch panel provided on the front surface of the display unit 16 or an operation on a hard key provided on the operation unit 17. It has a function of accepting selection of included instruction buttons and the like.

  The communication control unit 105 has a function of controlling the communication unit 30 to exchange data with the computer 300, the portable terminal 400, and the like.

  When the sensor unit 20 detects the removal of an optional device such as the post-processing device 200, the determination unit 104 includes, among the pending jobs (unexecuted jobs) stored in the storage unit 18 or the like, It has a function of determining whether there is a job that cannot be executed by removal. Specifically, the determination unit 104 identifies the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 that executes the process included in the job for each pending job. The determination unit 104 determines that there is a job that cannot be executed due to the removal of the optional device when the removed optional device is included in the configuration of the identified image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, the determination unit 104 determines that there is no job that cannot be executed due to the removal of the optional device when the removed optional device is not included in the configuration of the identified image forming apparatus 1. .

  For example, when the sensor unit 20 detects removal of the post-processing device 200, the determination unit 104 determines that the post-processing device 200 has an image forming job with stapling included in the held job. It is determined that there is a job that cannot be executed by removal. On the other hand, when the held job is only a normal image forming job without post processing such as stapling processing, the determination unit 104 determines that there is no job that cannot be executed by removing the post processing device 200. judge.

  Further, when the sensor unit 20 detects the removal of the paper feed cassette 141 and the image forming job is included in the held job, the determination unit 104 is not executed due to the removal of the paper feed cassette 141. It is determined that there is a job that can be performed. This is because, in a state where the paper feed cassette 141 is removed, the paper feed unit 14 cannot feed the image forming target paper to the image forming unit 13 and cannot form an image on the paper. On the other hand, when the held job is only a job that does not involve image formation such as an image reading job, the determination unit 104 determines that there is no job that cannot be executed by removing the paper feed cassette 141.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Next, warning display performed by the display unit 16 will be described.

  When the determination unit 104 determines that there is a job that cannot be executed due to the removal of the optional device among the pending jobs stored in the storage unit 18 or the like, the display control unit 102 displays the display unit 16 on the display unit 16. A predetermined warning is displayed. Here, the display unit 16 serves as a notification unit that performs a predetermined warning notification, and the display control unit 102 serves as a notification control unit that controls the notification operation of the display unit 16 as a notification unit. Fulfill.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning image displayed on the display unit 16. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the warning image D <b> 2 includes information indicating that a job that has been suspended because the post-processing device 200 has been removed cannot be executed and that the post-processing device 200 should be remounted. It is shown. In the warning image D2, the job number of the job that cannot be executed, the name of the user who input the job, the name of the document to be processed by the job, and the like are shown as information about the job that cannot be executed. ing. By displaying the above information on the display unit 16, it is possible to notify the user who removed the post-processing device 200 that a job that cannot be executed in the state where the post-processing device 200 is removed is being held.

  When the user reattaches the optional device to the apparatus main body 10 in response to the above warning display from the display unit 16, the sensor unit 20 detects the reattachment of the optional device, and then the image forming apparatus 1 can execute the job. Return to the correct state. As a result, the held jobs are sequentially executed by the image forming unit 13 and the like under the control of the control unit 101. In this way, the user can avoid the situation where the job in the hold state cannot be executed by receiving the warning display and reattaching the optional device to the apparatus main body 10. In other words, according to the image forming apparatus 1, a situation in which a job in the hold state cannot be executed unintentionally due to the removal of the optional device does not occur.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the sensor unit 20 detects the removal of the optional device (step S10).

  When the sensor unit 20 detects the removal of the optional device (YES in step S10), the determination unit 104 accesses the storage unit 18 to determine whether there is a job in a pending state (step S11).

  If there is no job on hold (NO in step S11), determination unit 104 ends the process. On the other hand, when there is a job in the hold state (YES in step S11), the determination unit 104 determines whether or not there is a job that cannot be executed by removing the optional device among the jobs in the hold state. Determination is made (step S12).

  If there is no job that cannot be executed (NO in step S12), the determination unit 104 ends the process. On the other hand, when there is a job that cannot be executed (YES in step S12), the display control unit 102 causes the display unit 16 to perform a predetermined warning display (step S13). The notification operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to performing the above warning display. For example, instead of the warning display process in step S13, the control unit 101 (notification control unit) may generate a predetermined warning sound from a sound source (notification unit) (not shown).

  After the warning is displayed by the display unit 16, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the optional device is remounted (step S14). When the sensor unit 20 detects the re-installation of the optional device between the time when the display unit 16 displays the warning and the predetermined time elapses, the control unit 101 re-installs the optional device. Judge that. In addition, the control unit 101 remounts the optional device when the sensor unit 20 does not detect remounting of the optional device between the time when the display unit 16 displays the warning and the predetermined time elapses. Judge that it is not.

  Note that when the receiving unit 103 receives the selection of the instruction button d3 (see FIG. 4) for receiving from the user an instruction indicating that the optional device provided in the warning image D2 has been remounted, the control unit 101 It may be determined that the optional device has been remounted. In addition, when the receiving unit 103 receives the selection of the instruction button d4 (see FIG. 4) for receiving an instruction indicating that the optional device provided in the warning image D2 is not remounted from the user, the control unit 101 receives It may be determined that the optional device is not remounted.

  When the optional device is remounted (YES in step S14), control unit 101 ends the process. On the other hand, when the optional device is not remounted (NO in step S14), the communication control unit 105 transmits information indicating that the job cannot be executed to the communication unit 30 and the computer 300 or portable terminal that has transmitted the job. It is transmitted to an external terminal such as 400 (step S15). As a result, the job input person is notified that the job input becomes impossible.

  Further, in the process of step S15, the communication control unit 105, in addition to the information indicating that the job cannot be executed, an instruction request for requesting an instruction indicating whether to cancel the job, and An instruction request for requesting an instruction indicating whether or not to transfer the job to another image forming apparatus is transmitted to an external terminal such as the computer 300 or the portable terminal 400.

  The external terminal such as the computer 300 or the portable terminal 400 receives the information and the instruction request, and displays a predetermined notification message image. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification message image displayed on the mobile terminal 400. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the notification message image D3 indicates that the input job cannot be executed because the post-processing device 200 is removed, and the job is canceled or the job is sent to another image forming device. Information indicating that it should be selected whether or not to transfer is displayed.

  When the portable terminal 400 receives selection of the instruction button d5 for receiving an instruction indicating that the job provided in the notification message image D3 is to be canceled from the user, the portable terminal 400 indicates that the received job is to be canceled ( Cancel instruction) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. Further, when the portable terminal 400 receives selection of the instruction button d6 for receiving an instruction from the user indicating that the job provided in the notification message image D3 is transferred to another image forming apparatus, the received job Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (job transfer instruction) indicating that the image is transferred to another image forming apparatus.

  After the process of step S15, when a job cancel instruction or transfer instruction is transmitted from an external terminal such as the computer 300 or the portable terminal 400, the communication control unit 105 sends the transmitted cancel instruction or transfer instruction to the communication unit 30. To receive. When the accepting unit 103 accepts the cancel instruction received by the communication unit 30 (“cancel instruction” in step S16), the accepting unit 103 deletes the unexecutable job stored in the storage unit 18 Thus, the job is canceled (step S18).

  On the other hand, when the receiving unit 103 receives the transfer instruction received by the communication unit 30 (“transfer instruction” in step S16), the communication control unit 105 cannot execute the communication unit 30 in the image forming apparatus 1. The job is transferred to another image forming apparatus indicated by the transfer instruction (step S17).

  As in steps S17 and S18 described above, by accepting a cancel instruction or transfer instruction from a job input person, a job that cannot be executed because the optional device is not reattached remains in a suspended state. Can be prevented.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modified example, when the sensor unit 20 detects the re-installation of the optional device after the warning is displayed on the display unit 16, when the job execution is completed after that, Information indicating that the execution has been completed and the optional device can be removed may be displayed on the display unit 16.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification message displayed on the display unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modification. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the notification message image D4 indicates information indicating that the post-processing device 200 can be removed because the job using the post-processing device 200 has been completed. In this way, when the user receives the display of the warning image D2 shown in FIG. 4 and reattaches the post-processing device 200, the user is notified when the post-processing device 200 can be removed without affecting the job. Can be notified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the post-processing device 200, the toner container, and the paper feed cassette 141 have been described as examples of optional devices. However, the optional device may be any device configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 10 and is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a fax unit that performs fax communication corresponds to an optional device. When the fax unit is removed from the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not a job with fax communication is included in a held job. It is determined whether there is a job that cannot be executed by removing the unit.

  The control program described in the above embodiment may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or semiconductor memory.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Apparatus main body 16 Display part 18 Memory | storage part 20 Sensor part 21 Post-processing apparatus detection sensor 22 Toner container detection sensor 23 Paper feed cassette detection sensor 30 Communication part 100 Control unit 101 Control part 102 Display control part 103 Reception part 104 Determination unit 105 Communication control unit 141 Paper feed cassette 200 Post-processing device 300 Computer 400 Portable terminal

Claims (4)

A sensor unit for detecting the removal of the optional device configured to be detachable from the main unit of the image forming apparatus;
A reception unit that receives a job related to processing that can be executed by the image forming apparatus;
A storage unit that stores the job as an unexecuted job until the job received by the reception unit is executed;
When the sensor unit detects the removal of the optional device, determines whether the job unexecuted in the storage unit at the time of detection of the removal of the optional device is present, the unexecuted in said storage unit When the job exists, the configuration of the image forming apparatus that executes the process included in the unexecuted job is specified, and an optional device whose removal is detected by the sensor unit is included in the specified configuration. In the case where it is included, it is determined that there is a job that cannot be executed by removing the optional device, and the optional device whose removal is detected by the sensor unit is not included in the specified configuration. An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines that there is no job that cannot be executed by removing the optional device; A notification unit;
A notification control unit that controls a notification operation by the notification unit, and when the determination unit determines that there is a job that cannot be executed by detaching the optional device, a warning notification that is set in advance in the notification unit Additionally and a notification control unit to perform,
The predetermined warning notification includes at least the fact that the held job cannot be executed because the optional device has been removed, and that the optional device should be remounted. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The notification unit has a display unit,
The said notification control part makes a predetermined warning display be performed on the said display part, when the said determination part determines with the job which becomes unexecutable by removal of the said option apparatus existing. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating a user who has input the job in the warning display.