JP6341177B2 - Printer driver and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for appropriately feeding a medium (recording paper) set in a paper feed cassette.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-259259 discloses a technique for detecting the type and size of media set in a printer (printing apparatus), determining the most suitable printer for printing from a plurality of printers, and informing the user of the printer. Is described. By applying this technology, a printer in which a desired medium is set can be selected from a personal computer (personal computer) connected to the printer via a network.

JP 2006-178846 A

  By the way, some media, such as glossy paper and OHT (Overhead Transparency), have a low frictional force with the paper feed roller unlike plain paper, and slip easily between the paper feed rollers. If slip occurs with the paper feed roller, paper delay occurs, printing is not performed properly, and toner is wasted. In addition, work efficiency is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent media from slipping during paper feeding during printing and to enable stable printing.

  Glossy paper and media such as OHT are likely to slip between the paper feed rollers because the frictional force with the paper feed rollers is small compared to plain paper, but the paper feed rollers are worn out, When paper dust adheres to the paper feed roller, it occurs remarkably. That is, when a medium is fed from a paper feed cassette having a paper feed roller that is aged over time, the medium tends to slip.

The present invention is an invention made based on the above knowledge, and the printer driver according to one aspect of the present invention is a printer driver corresponding to one or more printing apparatuses,
A management unit for managing status information of the printing apparatus, including information on the type of media set in the paper feeding cassette of the printing apparatus and information on aging of the paper feeding cassette;
A type determination unit that determines whether the medium designated for printing is a predetermined type that is slippery when paper is fed;
When the type determining unit determines that the medium is of the predetermined type, based on the status information of the printing apparatus managed by the management unit, a paper cassette that feeds the medium An aging deterioration determination unit for determining whether the aging deterioration is more advanced than a predetermined degree;
When the aging deterioration determination unit determines that the aging deterioration of the paper feed cassette has progressed beyond the predetermined degree, a processing execution is performed to notify the notification unit of a message that the medium is transferred to another device. As a part, let the computer function.

  According to the present invention, it is determined that the medium designated for printing is a slippery type at the time of paper feeding, and it is determined that the aging deterioration of the paper feeding cassette that feeds the media has advanced beyond a predetermined level. Then, a message for transferring the media to another device is notified. As a result, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to transfer a medium that has little friction with the sheet feeding roller during sheet feeding and that may cause problems in conveyance to another sheet feeding cassette. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the media from slipping and realize stable printing.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system including an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional front view showing a structure of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating a main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which showed roughly the main internal structure of information processing apparatus. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of a status information storage part. (A), (B) is the figure which showed an example of the operation screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a printer driver unit. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes for detecting an alternative sheet cassette. (A), (B) is the figure which showed an example of the operation screen.

  Hereinafter, a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed. The system 3 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses (printing apparatuses) 1 installed in an office or the like and a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2.

  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. The image forming apparatus 1 has a communication function and can communicate with the information processing apparatus 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

  The information processing apparatus 2 is, for example, a personal computer, can communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 via a LAN or the like, can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to print an image, and the like. Functions as a print control device.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional front view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 11 including an operation unit 47, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a document feeding unit 6, and a document reading unit 5.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image forming operation execution instruction and a document reading operation execution instruction from the operator for various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1, and displays operation guidance and the like to the operator. The display unit 473 is provided.

  A case where a document reading operation is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. An original image fed by the original document feeding unit 6 or an image of the original document placed on the original document placing glass 161 is optically read by the original reading unit 5 including the reading mechanism 163, and image data is generated. To do. Image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in a built-in HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a network-connected computer, or the like.

  A case where an image forming operation is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming unit 12 is fed from the paper feeding unit 14 based on image data generated by the document reading operation, image data stored in the built-in HDD, image data received from a computer connected to the network, and the like. A toner image is formed on a sheet P as a recording medium.

  The image forming unit 12 includes an image forming unit 12Bk for black (Bk), an image forming unit 12Y for yellow (Y), an image forming unit 12C for cyan (C), and an image forming unit 12M for magenta (M). The image forming units 12Bk, 12Y, 12C, and 12M are respectively provided with drum-type photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M. The photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M are counterclockwise in FIG. It is designed to rotate around.

  The toner containers 17Bk, 17Y, 17C, and 17M store toners for black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, respectively, and the intermediate transfer belt 125 is located away from the photoreceptors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M. A toner container mounting portion (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is detachably mounted on the upper side of the image.

  The transfer unit 120 includes an intermediate transfer belt 125, a driving roller 125a, a driven roller 125b, and a primary transfer roller 126 on which a toner image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  The intermediate transfer belt 125 is stretched between the driving roller 125a and the driven roller 125b, and is driven by the driving roller 125a in contact with the peripheral surfaces of the photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M. Travel endlessly in synchronization with 121Y, 121C, 121M.

  Next, a case where color printing is performed will be described. The periphery of the photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M is uniformly charged (charging process), and the surface of the charged photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M is irradiated with laser light based on image data. Thus, a latent image is formed (exposure process), the latent image is visualized with toner (development process), and the toner image formed by the visualization is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 by the primary transfer roller 126. It is designed to be transcribed.

  The toner images of the respective colors (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 125 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 with the transfer timing adjusted to form a color toner image.

  The secondary transfer roller 210 passes a color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 from the paper supply unit 14 through the conveyance path 190 at a nip N between the intermediate transfer belt 125 and the driving roller 125a. This is transferred onto the conveyed paper P. The color printing has been described so far. In the case of monochrome printing, the photoreceptors 121Y, 121C, and 121M for yellow, cyan, and magenta are not used, and the photoreceptor 121Bk for black is used. Only will be used.

  The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image on the paper P by thermocompression bonding, and the paper P on which the color image has been formed is discharged to the discharge tray 151.

  The paper feed unit 14 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 141. The paper feed cassette 141 includes a pickup roller (paper feed roller) 145 for picking up the accommodated (set) paper P, and picks up the paper P having a size specified by an instruction from the operator. Then, the corresponding pickup roller 145 is driven to rotate, and the designated paper P is conveyed toward the nip portion N.

  The paper feed unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette 141 and transports the paper P set in the paper feed cassette 141 to the transport path 190 (FIG. 2). The paper feed cassette 141 includes a paper P sensor 142 and a counter 143.

  Further, the paper feed cassette 141 is provided with a paper P sensor 142 and a counter 143 for counting the number of fed paper. The paper P sensor 142 is a reflective optical sensor, and includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the paper P. The paper P sensor 142 is based on the amount of received light detected by the light receiving unit. The presence or absence of is detected. The counter 143 counts the number of sheets P fed from the sheet feeding cassette 141, that is, the total number of sheets fed from the start of initial use of the sheet feeding cassette 141. Note that the type of paper P set in the paper feed cassette 141 is input in advance for each paper feed cassette 141 by the operation of the operation unit 47 by the user, and is stored in, for example, the control unit 100. Information on the presence / absence of paper P in each of the paper feeding cassettes 141, a count value indicating the number of papers to be fed, and information on the type of paper P stored therein are in response to a request from the management unit 212 of the information processing apparatus 2. The control unit 100 transmits the information to the information processing apparatus 2 via the network interface unit 91.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The same components as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, an image memory 32, an HDD 92, a fixing unit 13, a sheet feeding unit 14, an operation unit 47, a facsimile communication unit 71, The network interface unit 91 is included.

  The document feeding unit 6 feeds a document to be read to the document reading unit 5.

  The document reading unit 5 includes a reading mechanism 163 (FIG. 2) having a light irradiation unit, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like under the control of the control unit 100 constituting the control unit 10. Irradiates a document using a light irradiator and receives the reflected light by a CCD sensor, thereby reading an image from the document.

  The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image of an image to be printed on a sheet.

  The image memory 32 is an area for temporarily storing image data of a document obtained by reading by the document reading unit 5 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 12. .

  The HDD 92 is a large-capacity storage device that stores document images and the like read by the document reading unit 5.

  The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image on the paper to the paper by thermocompression bonding.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image forming operation execution instruction and a document reading operation execution instruction from the operator regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance to the operator. The display unit 473 is a touch panel, and the operator can operate the image forming apparatus 1 by touching buttons and keys displayed on the screen.

  The facsimile communication unit 71 includes an encoding / decoding unit, a modulation / demodulation unit, an NCU (Network Control Unit), and the like (not shown), and performs facsimile communication using a public telephone line network.

  The network interface unit 91 is configured to include a communication module such as a LAN board, and is connected to the external device 20 such as a personal computer on the local area or the Internet via a LAN connected to the network interface unit 91. Data is transmitted and received.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100 that controls overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The control unit 10 functions as the control unit 100 by an operation according to a control program installed in the HDD 92. However, the control unit 100 can be configured by a hardware circuit regardless of the operation of the control unit 10 according to the control program. The same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified.

  The control unit 100 includes a document conveying unit 6, an image reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, an image memory 32, an HDD 92, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, an operation unit 47, a facsimile communication unit 71, and a network interface unit 91. Connected to perform drive control of these units. For example, the control unit 100 includes the type information of the paper P detected by the paper P sensor 142 of the paper feeding cassette 141 constituting the paper feeding unit 14 and the number of fed papers counted by the counter 143 (image forming apparatus). The state information of 1) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 via the network interface unit 91.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, an HDD 24, and a communication unit 25.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like. The control unit 21 includes a control unit 200 and a printer driver unit 201.

  The operation unit 22 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and inputs commands and characters to the control unit 21 and operates a pointer on the screen. The display unit 23 displays responses from the control unit 21 and data results. The HDD 24 stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the information processing apparatus 2, particularly the printer driver 261.

  The control unit 21 functions as the control unit 200 by an operation according to the control program stored in the HDD 24. Further, the control unit 21 functions as the printer driver unit 201 by an operation according to the printer driver 261 stored in the HDD 24. However, the control unit 200 and the printer driver unit 201 can each be configured by a hardware circuit regardless of the control program by the control unit 21 and the operation according to the printer driver 261.

  The control unit 200 governs overall operation control of the information processing apparatus 2, and is connected to the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, the HDD 24, and the communication unit 25, and controls these units.

  The printer driver unit 201 includes a management unit 212, a paper selection receiving unit 213, a type determination unit 214, an aging deterioration determination unit 215, a treatment execution unit 216, and a status information storage unit 217. The control unit 200 includes a management unit 212, a paper selection receiving unit 213, a type determination unit 214, an aging deterioration determination unit 215, a treatment execution unit 216, and a state information storage unit 217.

  The status information storage unit 217 stores status information of each image forming apparatus 1 connected to the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 25. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the status information storage unit 217. The name of each device, each equipped paper cassette 141, and each of the image forming devices 1 are associated with each image forming device 1. Information on the paper feed cassette 141 (the type of paper P set, the presence / absence of paper P, the number of paper feeds) is stored.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 1 with the name “printer A” is equipped with three sheet cassettes 141, “plain paper” is set in the first sheet cassette 141, and the number of sheets fed is “75,981”. “Plain sheet”, “plain paper” is set in the second-stage paper cassette 141, and “64,329 sheets” are supplied, and “glossy paper” is stored in the third-stage paper cassette 141. Is set, indicating that the number of fed sheets is “69,548 sheets”.

  The image forming apparatus 1 with the name “Printer B” is equipped with three paper feed cassettes 141, “plain paper” is set in the first paper feed cassette 141, and the number of paper feeds is “35,228”. “Plain sheet”, “plain paper” is set in the second-stage paper cassette 141, and “37,665 sheets” are supplied, and paper P is set in the third-sheet cassette 141. It is shown that the number of fed sheets is “28,113 sheets”.

  The management unit 212 manages state information transmitted from each image forming apparatus 1. When the status information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1, the management unit 212 updates the information stored in the status information storage unit 217.

  The paper selection receiving unit 213 receives a paper P selection made by the user operating the operation unit 22. For example, when a user requests printing of an image via the operation unit 22, the paper selection receiving unit 213 displays a printer selection screen D 1 as illustrated in FIG. 6A on the display unit (an example of a notification unit) 23. Display and accept selection of the image forming apparatus 1 performed via the operation unit 22.

  On the printer selection screen D1, selection buttons B1 to B3 on which names (for example, printers A to C) of the image forming apparatuses 1 connected via the communication unit 25 are displayed. When any one of the selection buttons B1 to B3 is selected by a touch operation on the screen by the user, the sheet selection receiving unit 213 uses the touch panel function provided in the display unit 23 to select the selected image forming apparatus 1. The display unit 23 displays a paper selection screen D2 on which the type of the paper P set in the paper feeding cassette 141 is displayed.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the paper selection screen D2. On the paper selection screen D2, selection buttons B4 to B6 on which the types of the respective papers P set in the respective paper feed cassettes 141 provided in the selected image forming apparatus 1 are displayed. When one of these selection buttons B4 to B6 is selected by the user, the paper selection receiving unit 213 receives the selected paper P as the paper P designated for printing.

  The type determination unit 214 determines whether or not the paper P designated for printing is a slippery type during paper feeding. The type determination unit 214 stores in advance a paper type that is slippery when paper is fed. The type determination unit 214 stores, for example, glossy paper and OHT sheet as types of paper P that are slippery when paper is fed.

  The aged deterioration determination unit 215 supplies the paper P designated for printing based on the state information of the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, the total number of sheets supplied throughout the lifetime) stored in the state information storage unit 217. It is determined whether or not the aging of the paper cassette 141 has progressed beyond a predetermined degree (predetermined number of sheets fed).

  When the aging deterioration determination unit 215 determines that the aging deterioration of the paper feed cassette 141 has progressed beyond a predetermined degree, the treatment execution unit 216 executes processing according to the determination result. For example, the treatment execution unit 216 satisfies the condition for transferring the paper P from the paper cassette that has been deteriorated with age based on the status information of each image forming apparatus 1 managed by the management unit 212. The alternative paper feed cassette is detected. Further, the treatment execution unit 216 causes the display unit 23 to display a message indicating that the paper P is to be transferred to the detected alternative paper feed cassette.

  Next, processing by the printer driver unit 201 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing by the printer driver unit 201.

  When the user makes a print request to the information processing apparatus 2 and the paper P used for the printing is designated, the type determination unit 214 of the printer driver unit 201 causes the paper P designated for printing to be fed. It is determined whether or not it is a slippery type (for example, glossy paper, OHT sheet) (S1), and the type determination unit 214 determines that the print-designated paper P is a slippery type during paper feeding. If this is the case (YES in S 1), the aged deterioration determination unit 215 is based on the status information of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the status information storage unit 217, and the paper feed cassette 141 in which the paper P designated for printing is set. It is determined whether or not the aging of the battery has progressed beyond a predetermined degree (S2).

  For example, the aged deterioration determination unit 215 determines that the number of sheets fed by the paper feed cassette 141 on which the print-designated paper P is set is a threshold (for example, the maximum possible value indicating a paper feed life predetermined for the paper feed cassette 141) It is determined whether or not the number of sheets fed exceeds 2/3). For example, when the maximum possible number of sheets fed in the sheet feeding cassette 141 is 90,000, the threshold is set to 60,000.

  The aged deterioration determination unit 215 has exceeded the threshold value for the number of sheets fed by the paper feed cassette 141 on which the print-designated paper P is set, and the aged deterioration of the paper feed cassette 141 has progressed beyond a predetermined degree. If it is determined that the sheet P is present (YES in S2), the treatment execution unit 216 detects an alternative sheet cassette that transfers the sheet P from the sheet cassette 141 (S3).

  For example, when the selection button B6 (the third stage paper feed cassette 141 of “printer A”) is selected on the paper selection screen D2 shown in FIG. 6B, the example shown in FIG. Since the number of fed sheets in the third stage sheet cassette 141 of “Printer A” is 69,548 sheets, which exceeds the above threshold value of 60,000 sheets, the alternative execution sheet cassette is detected by the treatment execution unit 216. .

  On the other hand, the type determination unit 214 determines that the print-designated paper P is not a slippery type (NO in S1), or the aged deterioration determination unit 215 supplies paper on which the print-designated paper P is set. When it is determined that the number of sheets fed by the cassette 141 does not exceed the threshold value and the deterioration over time has not progressed (NO in S2), the treatment execution unit 216 is designated by the user without using an alternative sheet feeding cassette. A normal printing process necessary for normal printing performed using the paper feed cassette containing the paper P is executed (S4).

  Here, the process of S3 for detecting an alternative paper feed cassette will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for detecting an alternative paper feed cassette.

  An example of a condition for the treatment execution unit 216 to detect another paper feed cassette as an alternative paper feed cassette is shown below.

  Condition 1: The image forming apparatus 1 is in a printable state. For example, if a jam has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1, it is not in a printable state. This information is acquired in advance by the information processing apparatus 2 from each image forming apparatus 1 as apparatus state information, and is managed by the management unit 212.

  Condition 2: The image forming apparatus 1 having a paper feed cassette can print on the paper P designated by the user. For example, if the printable paper P of the image forming apparatus 1 is only plain paper, the paper cassette provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is a case where the paper P designated for printing is glossy paper or an OHT sheet. It is not detected as an alternative paper feed cassette. This information is acquired in advance by the information processing apparatus 2 from each image forming apparatus 1 as apparatus state information, and is managed by the management unit 212.

  Condition 3: The paper P is not set in the paper feed cassette (is in an empty state).

  Condition 4: Aging deterioration of the paper feed cassette is not more than the predetermined degree.

  First, the treatment execution unit 216, when the aging deterioration of the paper feed cassette 141 in which the paper P designated for printing by the user is set is more advanced than a predetermined degree (YES in S2), the state information storage unit Based on the state information of the image forming apparatus 1 stored in 217, it is first determined whether or not there is an image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the above condition 1 (image forming apparatus 1 in a printable state) (see FIG. S21).

  If it is determined that there is an image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the condition 1 (YES in S21), the treatment execution unit 216 picks up one image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the condition 1, and the picked-up image forming apparatus 1 2 is satisfied (whether printing of the designated paper P is possible) or not (S22).

  If the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the picked-up image forming apparatus 1 satisfies the condition 2 (YES in S22), the paper supply satisfying the condition 3 is supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 satisfying these conditions 1 and 2. It is determined whether or not there is a cassette 141 (paper feed cassette 141 in which no paper P is set) (S23).

  If the treatment execution unit 216 determines that there is a paper feed cassette 141 that satisfies the above condition 3 (YES in S23), the treatment execution unit 216 determines whether the paper feed cassette 141 that satisfies the condition 3 satisfies the above condition 4 or not. It is determined whether or not (aging deterioration has not progressed) (S24). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the number of sheets fed by the corresponding sheet cassette 141 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 60,000 sheets).

  If the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the sheet cassette 141 that satisfies the condition 3 satisfies the condition 4 (YES in S24), the treatment execution unit 216 detects the sheet cassette 141 as an alternative sheet cassette (S25). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S5 in FIG. It should be noted that the alternative sheet feeding cassette is detected by the treatment execution unit 216 in units of sheet feeding cassettes. For this reason, even if the image forming apparatus 1 is the same, if the other sheet feeding cassette satisfies the above conditions 1 to 4, the other sheet feeding cassette is detected as an alternative sheet feeding cassette by the treatment execution unit 216. Is done.

  For example, if no jam has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1 with the name “Printer B” and printing is possible, and glossy paper can be printed, the third-stage paper feed cassette of “Printer B” In the example shown in FIG. 5, the sheet P is not set, the number of sheets fed is 28,113, and does not exceed the threshold of 60,000. Therefore, all of the above conditions 1 to 4 are satisfied. become.

  On the other hand, when the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the picked-up condition 1 does not satisfy the condition 2 (NO in S22), the image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the conditions 1 and 2 is in the condition 3 is determined not to exist (NO in S23), and if it is determined that the condition 4 is not satisfied even if there is a sheet cassette 141 satisfying the condition 3 (NO in S24). In either case, the process returns to S21. If the treatment execution unit 216 further determines whether there is another image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the above condition 1, and determines that there is another image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the above condition 1 (S21). YES), the processing of S22 to S24 is repeated, and when the treatment execution unit 216 determines that there is no other image forming apparatus 1 that satisfies the above condition 1 (NO in S21), the process proceeds to S5 in FIG.

  Returning to the description of the processing by the printer driver unit 201 with reference to FIG. If the alternative execution cassette 216 has detected an alternative paper feed cassette after S3 (YES in S5), for example, the transfer of the paper P to the alternative paper feed cassette as shown in FIG. A message screen D3 showing a message for prompting is displayed on the display unit 23 (S6).

  In the message screen D3, for example, a message “Paper P (glossy paper) designated for printing may cause paper slippage. Please transfer paper P to the third paper feed cassette of printer B.” M1 is displayed, and a selection button B7 for instructing printing without changing the paper P is displayed.

  Subsequently, the treatment execution unit 216 determines whether or not an instruction to perform the normal printing without using the alternative paper feed cassette is received (S7). When the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the selection button B7 formed on the message screen D3 is selected and the touch panel function has received an instruction to perform the normal printing without using the alternative paper feed cassette (S7). YES), a normal printing process necessary for the normal printing without using the alternative paper feed cassette is executed (S4).

  On the other hand, if the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the instruction to perform the normal printing without using the alternative paper feed cassette is not accepted (NO in S7), the management unit 212 forms each image at this point. The status information is requested from the apparatus 1, and the status information received from each image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the status information storage unit 217.

  Based on the latest status information about each image forming apparatus 1 stored in the status information storage unit 217, the treatment execution unit 216 has transferred the paper P (printing is designated for the alternative paper cassette) It is determined whether or not the paper P is set (S8).

  If the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the transfer of the paper P has been performed (YES in S8), the treatment execution unit 216 executes a print process necessary for executing printing using the paper P set in the alternative paper feed cassette. (S9). For example, the treatment execution unit 216 sends a print job including print data to be used for printing instructed by the user to the image forming apparatus 1 including the detected alternative paper feed cassette, and the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print job. Printing is performed using the paper P stored in the alternative paper feed cassette. If the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the paper P has not been transferred (NO in S8), the process returns to S7.

  In S5, if the treatment execution unit 216 determines that there is no alternative paper feed cassette (NO in S5), the treatment execution unit 216 takes care about printing as shown in FIG. 9B, for example. A message screen D4 showing a prompt message is displayed on the display unit 23 (S10).

  In the message screen D4, for example, a message M2 is displayed, such as “Paper P (glossy paper) designated for printing may cause paper slippage, but there is no paper cassette for transferring the paper P”. A selection button B8 for instructing printing in the state as it is and a selection button B9 for instructing to stop printing are formed.

  The treatment execution unit 216 determines whether or not the selection button B8 formed on the message screen D4 has been selected via the touch panel function (S11), and the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the selection button B8 has been selected. If this is the case (YES in S11), the treatment execution unit 216 executes a normal printing process necessary for the normal printing without using the alternative paper feed cassette (S4).

  On the other hand, if the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the selection button B8 is not selected (NO in S11), it determines whether or not the selection button B9 formed on the message screen D4 has been selected (S12). If it is determined that the selection button B9 is selected (YES in S12), the process is terminated. If the treatment execution unit 216 determines that the selection button B9 is not selected (NO in S12), the process returns to S11.

  According to the above-described embodiment, it is determined that the paper P designated for printing is a slippery type at the time of paper feeding, and the aging deterioration of the paper feeding cassette 141 that feeds the paper P advances more than a predetermined degree. If it is determined, the user is warned of printing. For example, a message indicating that the paper P is to be transferred to another paper feed cassette 141 is notified. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 where printing is performed, it is possible to prevent slippage of the paper P conveyed during printing and to realize stable printing.

  In the above embodiment, when the treatment execution unit 216 detects one alternative paper cassette, the process of searching for the alternative paper cassette is terminated, and the detected alternative paper cassette is introduced to the user. However, if the treatment execution unit 216 determines that there are two or more alternative paper feed cassettes, the treatment execution unit 216 detects each of the two or more alternative paper feed cassettes and includes each of the paper feed cassettes 141. The image forming apparatus 1 may be notified to the user by display on the display unit 23.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the third-stage paper feed cassette 141 of “printer B” is detected as an alternative paper feed cassette is exemplified. However, the second-stage paper feed of “printer C” is exemplified. The cassette 141 is also a candidate for an alternative paper feed cassette, and the one with a small deterioration over time is the second paper feed cassette 141 of “Printer C” with a small number of paper feeds. In order to select a paper cassette that is close to the paper feed cassette on which the paper P designated for printing is set in this way, the management unit 212 selects each position from each image forming apparatus 1 (printer A to C). Information indicating the relationship is acquired in advance and registered in the state information storage unit 217.

  When the user operates the operation unit 22 to designate the image forming apparatus 1 including a paper cassette desired by the user, the treatment execution unit 216 performs printing including print data used for the printing instructed by the user. The job is sent to the designated image forming apparatus 1, and the image forming apparatus 1 is caused to perform printing using the paper P stored in the alternative paper feed cassette.

  Further, in this case, the treatment execution unit 216, for example, of the detected two or more alternative paper feed cassettes, for example, an alternative paper feed cassette having a smaller aged deterioration or a paper P for which printing is designated is set. An alternative paper feed cassette that is closest to the image forming apparatus 1 including the paper cassette is determined, and the image forming apparatus 1 including the determined alternative paper feed cassette is notified to the user by display on the display unit 23. You may do it.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a multifunction apparatus is used as an embodiment of a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) corresponding to the printer driver according to the present invention. However, this is merely an example, and other electronic devices are used. For example, another printing apparatus such as a printer may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the structure and process which were shown by the said embodiment using FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 9 are only one Embodiment of this invention, and are not the meaning which limits this invention to the said structure and process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 21 Control unit 141 Paper cassette 142 Paper P sensor 143 Counter 200 Control part 201 Printer driver part 212 Management part 213 Paper selection reception part 214 Type determination part 215 Aging deterioration determination part 216 Treatment execution part 217 Status information storage unit 261 Printer driver

Claims (8)

A printer driver corresponding to one or more printing devices,
A management unit for managing status information of the printing apparatus, including information on the type of media set in the paper feeding cassette of the printing apparatus and information on aging of the paper feeding cassette;
A type determination unit that determines whether the medium designated for printing is a predetermined type that is slippery when paper is fed;
When the type determining unit determines that the medium is of the predetermined type, based on the status information of the printing apparatus managed by the management unit, a paper cassette that feeds the medium An aging deterioration determination unit for determining whether the aging deterioration is more advanced than a predetermined degree;
When the aging deterioration determination unit determines that the aging deterioration of the paper feed cassette has progressed beyond the predetermined degree, a processing execution is performed to notify the notification unit of a message that the medium is transferred to another device. A printer driver that allows a computer to function as a part. The treatment execution unit detects an alternative paper feed cassette that satisfies a condition for transferring the media from the paper feed cassette based on the status information of the printing apparatus managed by the management unit, and the message as the message Informing the notification unit that the medium is to be transferred to the detected alternative paper feed cassette,
2. The transfer condition includes at least a condition that the alternative paper feed cassette is capable of feeding the medium and that the deterioration of the alternative paper feed cassette is less than a predetermined level. The printer driver described in 1.   The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the transfer condition further includes a condition that a printing apparatus including the alternative paper feed cassette is in a printable state.   The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the transfer condition further includes a condition that no medium is set in the alternative paper feed cassette.   5. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the plurality of alternative paper cassettes satisfying the transfer condition are detected, the treatment execution unit preferentially introduces the one having the minimum deterioration over time as an alternative paper cassette. The printer driver described in the above.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the plurality of alternative paper cassettes satisfying the transfer condition are detected, the treatment execution unit preferentially introduces the one near the paper cassette to the user as an alternative paper cassette. Item 5. The printer driver according to any one of Items 4.   The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the index of aging is a history of the number of fed sheets of media. A management unit for managing status information of the printing apparatus, including information on the type of media set in a paper feeding cassette of the printing apparatus, and information on aging of the paper feeding cassette;
A type determination unit that determines whether the medium designated for printing is a predetermined type that is slippery when paper is fed;
When the type determining unit determines that the medium is of the predetermined type, based on the status information of the printing apparatus managed by the management unit, a paper cassette that feeds the medium An aging deterioration determination unit for determining whether the aging deterioration is more advanced than a predetermined degree;
A notification unit;
When the aging deterioration determination unit determines that the aging deterioration of the paper feed cassette has progressed beyond the predetermined level, a measure for notifying the notification unit of a message to transfer the media to another device An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution unit.

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