JP6746677B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for which binding processing has been set.

Conventionally, as one of post-processing functions that can be executed by an image forming apparatus, a binding process of aligning and binding a plurality of printed sheets is known.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of binding sheets, there is an image forming apparatus including a binding unit that binds a plurality of sheet bundles using a material such as staples. In addition, there is an image forming apparatus including a binding unit that binds a sheet without using a material such as a staple (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, in consideration of the environment, a binding means is proposed in which a sheet bundle is sandwiched by tooth shapes without using a material such as a staple and a pressure is applied to bind the fibers between the sheets to bind them together. Has been done. Further, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2, there is proposed a binding unit that binds a sheet bundle by forming a tongue-shaped piece and a cut hole in the sheet bundle and inserting the tongue-shaped piece into the cut hole.

Further, conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a function of automatically selecting a holding section used for printing from a plurality of holding sections (for example, a sheet feeding cassette) holding a sheet included in the image forming apparatus based on the sheet size. It is known (for example, Patent Document 3).

JP, 2010-189101, A JP 2012-025499 A JP, 10-240078, A

It is considered that the image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of binding means. For example, an image forming apparatus that includes both a binding unit that binds a sheet bundle using a material and a binding unit that binds a sheet bundle without using a material can be considered.

Here, in the binding unit that binds the sheet bundle without using the material, as compared with the binding unit that binds the sheet bundle using the material, the surface properties and the basis weight of the sheets to be bound are more easily affected, and the sheet that can be bound There is a feature that there are few types.

In the image forming apparatus including the binding unit that performs different types of binding processing, if the holding unit to be used is selected by a common method regardless of the type of binding processing, the following problems occur. In other words, when the number of types of sheets to be selected is increased, a holding unit that holds sheets of a type that cannot be bound by the stitching process that does not use the needle even though the stitching process that does not use the needle is specified. May be selected. In this case, although the user expects the printed material to be bound correctly, there is a possibility that a type of sheet that cannot be bound is fed and the sheet is output without being bound.

On the other hand, if the types of sheets to be selected are only the types of sheets that can be bound by the staple-free binding process, the above problem does not occur. However, when outputting a sheet bundle without binding or when outputting a sheet bundle by performing binding processing using a staple, there is a problem that the number of holding units that can be selected decreases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a sheet is fed by selecting an appropriate sheet holding unit according to a binding process designated from a plurality of sheet holding units that hold sheets. The purpose is to

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassette, and an image is formed by the image forming unit. First stapling means for executing a first stapling process for stapling a plurality of formed sheets with staples, and stylus stapling for a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means. Second binding means for performing a second binding process in which pressure is applied in the vertical direction to bring the sheets into close contact with each other without using them, and a plurality of the plurality of sheets as a paper feed source of the sheet on which the image forming means forms an image A selection means for selecting one of the paper feed cassettes; and a control means for controlling the execution of an image forming job for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected by the selection means, A first paper feed cassette of the plurality of paper feed cassettes stores a first type of paper that is capable of the first binding process but not the second binding process, In a case where a second paper feed cassette of the paper feed cassettes of the second type stores therein a second type of paper capable of both the first binding process and the second binding process, the control means When the execution of the first binding process is designated, an image forming job in which the first sheet feeding cassette is selected as a sheet feeding source, and the second sheet feeding cassette is selected as a sheet feeding source. When the execution of the image forming job is permitted and the execution of the second binding process is designated, the execution of the image forming job in which the second sheet feeding cassette is selected as the sheet feeding source is permitted. The image forming job in which the first paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source is controlled not to be executed.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a first binding unit that performs a first binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which images are formed using staples, A processing unit including a second binding unit that performs a second binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed by applying pressure in the vertical direction and closely adhering to each other without using a staple. In an image forming apparatus capable of connecting to each other, a plurality of paper feed cassettes, an image forming unit that forms an image on a paper fed from the paper feed cassette, and a paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. Selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed cassettes as a paper feed source of the paper, and execution of an image forming job for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected by the selecting means. A first type of paper having a control means and capable of performing the first binding processing but not the second binding processing in a first paper feeding cassette of the plurality of paper feeding cassettes. And a second paper feed cassette of the plurality of paper feed cassettes stores a second type of paper capable of both the first binding process and the second binding process. In the case where the execution of the first binding process is designated, the control unit controls the image forming job in which the first paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source, and the second paper feed job. When the execution of the image forming job in which the paper cassette is selected as the sheet feeding source is permitted and execution of the second binding process is designated, the image forming in which the second sheet feeding cassette is selected as the sheet feeding source While permitting the execution of the job, the image forming job in which the first paper feed cassette is selected as the paper feed source is controlled not to be executed.

According to the present invention, an appropriate sheet holding unit is selected from a plurality of sheet holding units that hold sheets and a sheet is fed according to the binding process specified.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a print processing system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation unit 116. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the MFP 101. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet processing unit 122 viewed from above. It is a figure explaining the binding process by staple non-use 314b. 6 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on panel 201. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on panel 201. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on panel 201. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on panel 201. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on panel 201. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data model of a paper information database. 6 is a diagram showing an operation screen displayed on panel 201. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling print processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling print processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling print processing.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a print processing system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and a PC 102 will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. The MFP 101 and the PC 102 are communicably connected via the network 100.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where one information processing device is provided in the print processing system, the MFP 101 and a plurality of information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. Further, the print processing system according to the present embodiment exemplifies a case including the MFP 101 and the PC 102, but the print processing system is not limited to this. For example, only the MFP 101 may be called a print processing system.

First, the PC 102 will be described. The PC 102 can execute various programs such as application programs. A printer driver having a function of converting print contents into print data to be transmitted to the MFP 101 is installed in the PC 102. A user who wants to print can give a print instruction from various applications. The printer driver can convert data output by the application into print data interpretable by the MFP 101 based on the print instruction, and can send the print data to the MFP 101 connected to the network 100.

In the present embodiment, a PC is illustrated as an example of the information processing device, but a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal may be used, for example. The method of transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate. The print data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a printing application or driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a cloud server.

Next, the MFP 101 will be described. The MFP 101 has a reading function of reading an image on a sheet and a printing function of printing an image on the sheet. Further, the MFP 101 has a post-processing function of binding a plurality of sheets on which images are printed and aligning a plurality of sheets.

Although the MFP 101 is described as an example of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment, it may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer having no reading function. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is provided with various constituents described below.

The control unit 110 including the CPU 111 controls the operation of the entire MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. The ROM 112 stores a control program executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot sequence, font information, and the like. The RAM 113 is a main storage memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a work area, a temporary storage area for developing various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD is assumed as the storage 114, but a FLASH DISK represented by SSD may be used instead of the HDD.

In addition, in the MFP 101 of the present embodiment, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages can be made to cooperate to execute each processing shown in the flowcharts described later. Further, a part of the processing may be executed by using a hardware circuit such as ASIC or FPGA.

The operation unit I/F 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user and inputs an instruction from the user. FIG. 2 is an external view showing the operation unit 116. The operation unit 116 includes a panel 201 that displays an operation screen described below and a hard key input unit 202. The panel 201 is, for example, a touch panel display. The hard key input unit 202 has various hard keys such as a setting button 211 and a start button 212. The user touches a key displayed on the panel 201 or presses various hard keys of the hard key input unit 202 to input an instruction. The panel 201 may be a display that does not have a touch panel function. In this case, instead of the key input by the touch operation, a scroll key for selecting a key displayed on the display and a determination key for determining the key may be provided as the hard key input unit. The operation unit 116 receives an instruction from the user via the panel 201 and the input unit 202, and displays an operation screen on the panel 201 as necessary.

The reading unit I/F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads the image on the sheet and converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is transferred to the compression/expansion unit 124 via the reading unit I/F 117. The image data compressed by the compression/expansion unit 124 is stored in the storage 114 or the RAM 113 of the control unit 110. The stored image data is transmitted to an external device via the communication unit I/F 123 or printed on a sheet.

The printing unit I/F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. Image data to be printed (image data to be printed) is transferred from the control unit 110 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I/F 119. The printing unit 120 receives a control command and image data to be printed via the control unit 110, and prints an image based on the image data on a sheet.

The sheet processing unit I/F 121 connects the sheet processing unit 122 and the control unit 110. The sheet processing unit 122 receives the control command via the control unit 110, and performs post-processing on the sheet printed by the printing unit 120 according to the control command. For example, post-processing such as aligning a plurality of sheets and binding a plurality of sheets is executed. Further, post-processing functions and post-processing capabilities of the sheet processing unit are notified to the control unit 110 via the sheet processing unit I/F 121 in advance (for example, when the MFP 101 is started), and are notified to the storage 114 or the RAM 113. To be done. In the present embodiment, the sheet processing unit 122 uses at least a binding process for binding sheets by using a material such as staples (hereinafter, binding process using staples) and a binding process for binding sheets without using materials (hereinafter, binding process). , Binding process without using staples) can be performed.

The control unit 110 is also connected to the network 100 via the communication unit I/F 123. The communication unit I/F 123 transmits image data and information to an external device on the network 100, and receives print data and information from an information processing device on the network 100. Further, the communication unit I/F 123 communicates with an external device via a local interface such as USB. The print data received by the communication unit I/F 123 is stored in the storage 114.

The print data received via the communication unit I/F 123 is analyzed by a software module (PDL analysis unit, not shown) for analyzing the print data stored in the storage 114 or the ROM 112. The PDL analysis unit analyzes print data stored in the storage 114 and expressed in various types of page description languages (PDL). The print data is composed of a code relating to print attributes and a code relating to drawing. The PDL analysis unit temporarily stores the print attribute setting (print attribute information) obtained by analyzing the print data in the RAM 113 or the storage 114. The PDL analysis unit analyzes the drawing code included in the print data and converts it into an intermediate code.

Further, the PDL analysis unit calculates the number of sheets to be output and the like from the result of analyzing the PDL, and stores it in the RAM 113 or the storage 114 as print attribute information. The print attribute information acquired or calculated by the PDL analysis unit is appropriately referred to when performing print processing based on print data or post-processing by the sheet processing unit 122.

Further, the intermediate code generated by the PDL analysis unit is converted into image data by the RIP 125. The RIP 125 performs a rendering process on the intermediate code generated by the PDL analysis unit and generates image data to be printed by the printing unit 120. The image data generated by the RIP 125 is printed by the printing unit 120 based on the print settings.

Next, the printing process and the post-process on the sheet will be described. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the MFP 101. In FIG. 3, the sheet processing unit 122 is arranged inside the housing of the MFP 101. However, the arrangement of the sheet processing unit 122 is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, the sheet processing unit 122 may be connected so as to be adjacent to the MFP 101. Further, for example, as in the present embodiment, the MFP 101 itself may have a device configuration in which the sheet processing unit 122 is provided as standard equipment, or a device configuration in which the sheet processing unit 122 is connected as an option. ..

The cassettes 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d hold sheets. In FIG. 3, the MFP 101 has four cassettes, but the number of cassettes is not limited to four. For example, a manual feed tray (not shown) or another paper feed deck that can be optionally connected to the image forming apparatus may be provided. Hereinafter, the cassette, the manual feed tray, the paper feed deck, etc. will be referred to as a “holding unit”.

When the holding unit used for printing is designated by the user, the CPU 111 feeds the sheet held in the holding unit designated by the user to perform printing. Further, when the user does not specify the holding unit to be used for printing, the CPU 111 automatically determines from which of the plurality of holding units the sheet is fed based on the output size (sheet size) of the printed matter. You can also choose. Hereinafter, automatically selecting from which of the plurality of holding units the sheet is fed will be referred to as APS (Auto Paper Select). In this case, the sheet held in the selected holder can be fed and printed.

The feeding roller 303 feeds the sheet held by each holding unit to the printing unit 120. The printing unit 120 prints an image on the first surface of the fed sheet. The printing unit 120 may employ an inkjet method of ejecting ink onto a sheet to print an image. In addition, an electrophotographic system is used in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoconductor, then developed with toner, the toner image is transferred to a sheet, and the transferred toner image is fixed to print an image. Good.

In the case of single-sided printing, the printed sheet is guided by the conveyance rollers 305 and 306, conveyed to the sheet processing unit 122, and discharged to the intermediate tray 320. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet having the first surface printed by the printing unit 120 is guided to the conveyance roller 308 and conveyed to the reverse path 310. When the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the transport roller 309, the transport roller 309 starts to rotate in the reverse direction, and the sheet is transported to the printing unit 120 via the duplex-passage transport path 312. The printing unit 120 prints an image on the second surface of the sheet. The double-sided printed sheet is guided to the conveyance rollers 305 and 306, and is discharged to the intermediate tray 320.

The intermediate tray 320 is provided with an inclination by arranging the downstream side (left side in the drawing) of the sheet conveying direction above the vertical direction and the upstream side (right side of the drawing) below the vertical direction, and a plurality of sheets is provided. Can be held. Further, the intermediate tray 320 has a bundle discharge roller pair 318 composed of a pair of upper and lower bundle discharge rollers 318a and 318b arranged on the downstream side, and a retracting paddle 315 arranged above the intermediate portion. There is. The upper bundle discharge roller 318a is supported by the guide 317.

The guide 317 is configured to be vertically movable by a motor (not shown). Therefore, the upper bundle discharge roller 318a provided on the guide 317 can be brought into contact with and separated from the lower bundle discharge roller 318b as the guide 317 moves up and down. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the distance between the rollers of the bundle discharge rollers 318 according to the thickness of the sheet bundle held on the intermediate tray.

The CPU 111 moves the guide 317 upward so that the lower bundle discharge roller 318 b is separated from the upper bundle discharge roller 318 a, and the sheet P discharged by the transport roller 306 is placed on the intermediate tray 320. accept.

In addition, alignment members 321 are provided on the front side and the back side of the intermediate tray 320 in the width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction. The alignment members 321 are moved in the width direction by a front alignment motor (not shown) and a rear alignment motor (not shown), respectively. Here, “front” refers to a portion on the front of the paper when the MFP 101 is viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 3, and “back” refers to a back portion of the paper. The pull-in paddle 315 rotates about the rotation axis in a direction in which the sheet is pressed toward the stopper 316 (counterclockwise in FIG. 3, for example).

The sheet P guided to the conveyance roller 306 and discharged to the intermediate tray 320 is stacked on the stacking surface of the intermediate tray 320 or on the intermediate tray 320 by the action of the inclination of the intermediate tray 320 and the pressing of the sheet of the pull-in paddle 315. Down the seat. The sheet discharged onto the intermediate tray 320 is subjected to an aligning process by the aligning member 321 during sliding down, and stops when the trailing edge of the sheet (the upstream edge in the discharge direction) hits the stopper 316.

The sheet bundle aligned on the intermediate tray 320 is subjected to a binding process by using the staple 314a or the staple non-use 314b as necessary. 314a and 314b can bind the rear end portion of the sheet bundle held on the intermediate tray 320 in the transport direction. In the present embodiment, the rear end of the sheet bundle in the conveying direction is bound, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the leading end of the sheet bundle held on the intermediate tray 320 in the conveying direction is bound. You can

The sheet bundle subjected to post-processing such as binding processing by the sheet processing unit 122 is discharged to the discharging unit 307. Specifically, the guide 317 is moved so as to bring the bundle discharge roller 318a into contact with the uppermost sheet on the intermediate tray 320, and the bundle discharge roller pair 318 is rotationally driven in the contact state. The sheet bundle that has undergone post-processing is discharged onto the discharge unit 307.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet processing unit 122 as seen from above, and is a diagram for explaining the position where the binding process of 314a or 314b is executed. Reference numeral 403 indicates a plurality of sheets. The sheet processing unit 122 can bind a plurality of sheets according to the information regarding the binding process received from the control unit 110. The needle use 314a is configured to be slidable in a direction indicated by an arrow 410 in the drawing by a motor (not shown). The CPU 111 drives a motor (not shown) to move the stylus 314a in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction to bind the corners of the trailing end portion of the sheet bundle in the feeding direction or to bind the two trailing end portions. Therefore, by moving 314a and vertically inverting the image to be printed (rotated by 180 degrees), it is possible to bind at two locations on the sides orthogonal to each other when viewed in the transport direction. Similarly, any one of the four corners (upper left, upper right, lower right, lower left) of the sheet can be bound.

Further, the staple use 314a performs a binding process by driving a staple (not shown) as a material for binding the sheet bundle. A cartridge (not shown) loaded with staples is stored in the staple usage 314a. The user can refill the needle by replacing the cartridge.

On the other hand, the needle-free 314b is fixed at a position on the back side when viewed from the front of the MFP 101. Therefore, when the sheet bundle is bound by the staple-free 314b, the following processing is performed. The CPU 111 slides the alignment member 321 in the “back” direction in which the needle-free 314b is arranged. The CPU 111 also controls the printed sheet bundle to be discharged to the back side of the intermediate tray. The staple-free 314b binds the rear end portion of the sheet bundle aligned by the alignment member 321 at one position on the inner side. In the present embodiment, when binding a sheet bundle with the staple-free 314b, corner binding for four corners (upper right, upper left, lower left, lower right) of the printed matter is performed by combining the rotation of the image to be printed and the printing order. You can

In the present embodiment, the case where the needle-free 314b is fixed at the position on the back side is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the needle non-use 314b may be moved like the needle use 314a to bind two points on each side and each corner.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the binding process by the needle-free 314b. In the staple-free 314b of the present embodiment, pressure is applied from above and below a plurality of sheets to bring the sheet bundle 403 into close contact with each other for binding. Therefore, the binding process can be performed without using the material. FIG. 5A shows the vicinity of the position where the staple-free 314b executes the binding process on the sheet bundle 403. The upper die 501 presses a plurality of sheets from above. A plurality of convex blades 502 are arranged on the upper mold 501, and each blade 502 applies pressure to the sheet. The lower die 505 presses a plurality of sheets from below. A plurality of recesses 504 corresponding to the plurality of blades 502 are arranged in the lower die 505, and each recess 504 receives the blade 502.

FIG. 5B shows a state in which the upper mold 501 and the lower mold 505 press a plurality of sheets from above and below. The upper mold 501 and the lower mold 505 press the plurality of sheets, so that the fibers between the sheets can be entangled and bound. Further, the plurality of blades 502 and the plurality of recesses 504 pressurize a plurality of portions of the sheet, so that the sheet is hard to peel off.

Next, the setting related to APS in this embodiment will be described. By pressing the setting button 211 of the operation unit 116, the user can change the settings related to the functions of the MFP 101 and the operation of the MFP 101 when various events occur. 6A, 6B, and 7 are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen displayed by the CPU 111 on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116.

FIG. 6A shows a setting screen regarding the sheet feeding operation. The user can select each item shown in FIG. 6A to set the sheet feeding operation of the MFP 101. A setting key 601 is a key for setting a holding unit that is a target of automatic selection in APS and Auto Cassette Change (ACC: Auto Cassette Change). The APS is a function of automatically selecting a holding unit to be used based on the output size (sheet size) of a printed matter when performing print processing. Further, the ACC is a function of automatically selecting another holding unit holding a sheet of the same size and continuing printing when the sheet runs out during printing.

The user can touch the setting key 601 to set the holding unit to be the target of automatic selection. When the setting key 601 is touched, the CPU 111 displays a pop-up screen for setting the holding unit that is the target of automatic selection. FIG. 6B illustrates a pop-up screen displayed on the panel 201.

The user can set a holding unit that is a target of automatic selection for each function provided in the MFP 101 such as a copy process, a print process based on print data, or a FAX reception process through the screen of FIG. 6B. A copy key 602 is a key for setting a holding unit that is a target of automatic selection in copy processing. In the present embodiment, the case of copy processing will be described below as an example. An OK key 617 is a key used when closing the pop-up screen after finishing the setting related to automatic selection.

When the copy key 602 is selected, the CPU 111 transits to a screen for setting the holding unit to be the target of automatic selection in the copy process. FIG. 7 shows a setting screen for setting a holding unit that is the target of automatic selection in the copy process, and the third holding unit (cassette 301c) and the fourth holding unit (cassette 301d) are The case where it is a target of automatic selection is illustrated. The user can set, via the screen of FIG. 7, for each holding unit included in the MFP 101, whether or not to be a target of automatic selection. Since the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment has the four holding units as described with reference to FIG. 3, it is possible to switch whether or not each of the four holding units is a target of automatic selection.

The ON button 701 is a key used when the target holding unit is the target of automatic selection, and the OFF button 702 is the key used when the target holding unit is not the target of automatic selection. These ON button 701 and OFF button 702 are exclusive settings, and either one of them is in a selected state. Further, the CPU 111 accepts the setting so that one or more holding units are targets of automatic selection. Specifically, for example, the CPU 111 prevents the OK key 717 from being pressed when all holding units are set not to be automatically selected (when all holding units are turned off). Control.

In the present embodiment, when executing APS and ACC, the holding unit is set as a target of automatic selection through the screens of FIGS. 6 and 7, and the holding unit is set as a target of APS. The holding unit that holds the types of sheets is the target of automatic selection. Examples of the types of sheets that are the target of APS include thin papers, plain papers, thick papers having a relatively low basis weight, recycled papers, or user-defined sheets that are widely used for printing. This is different from the intention of the user even if the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection is automatically selected and printed when the holding unit holding a sheet of a type such as tab paper or label paper is printed. This is because it is likely to be output.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data model of the sheet information database in this embodiment. The sheet information database stores, for each type of sheet that can be used in the MFP 101, information about the sheet such as the basis weight and surface property of the sheet so that the sheet can be referenced. In addition, information regarding whether or not to apply various settings in the copy process or the print process is stored for each type of sheet so that it can be referred to.

Note that FIG. 11 illustrates a part of the sheet information database. Although FIG. 11 shows five types of sheets, it is assumed that other sheets not shown are also managed. Similarly, information regarding whether or not other settings (not shown) can be set is appropriately managed.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are plain paper 1, thin paper 1, and thick paper 1 as an example of the types of sheets to be subjected to APS in the copy processing. In addition, it is assumed that there are thick paper 2 and label paper as an example of the types of sheets that are not subjected to APS in the copy processing. It should be noted that these sheet information databases are appropriately referred to in the flowcharts described later.

By the way, the MFP 101 of the present embodiment limits the types of sheets that can perform the binding process according to the type so that a binding failure does not occur when the binding process is performed. As described above, in the staple-free binding process using the staple-free 314b, sheets are pressed and bound together. Therefore, as compared with the binding process using the staple by using the staple 314a, the surface property and the basis weight of the sheet are more likely to be affected. Therefore, in the binding process that does not use the staple, the types of sheets that can perform the binding process are more limited than in the binding process that uses the staple. For example, in the binding process that does not use needles as shown in item 1113 of FIG. 11, in view of the binding strength of the sheet bundle, the binding process is not performed on thick paper.

However, when the holding unit is automatically selected by the APS, the holding unit that holds the type of sheet that cannot be bound by the staple-free binding process (for example, the thick paper 1 in FIG. 11) may be automatically selected. In this case, although the user expects the printed material to be bound correctly, there is a possibility that a type of sheet that cannot be bound is fed and the sheet is output without being bound.

On the other hand, if the sheets to be automatically selected by the APS are only the types that can be bound by the binding process that does not use staples (for example, plain paper 1 and thin paper 1), the above problem does not occur. However, when outputting a sheet bundle without binding or when outputting a sheet bundle by performing a binding process using a staple, there is a problem that the number of types of sheets targeted by APS decreases.

In view of these problems, in the present embodiment, when automatically selecting a holding unit to be used for printing from a plurality of holding units, it will be described that control is performed to select the holding unit according to the specified binding process. ..

When the user starts using the MFP 101, a home screen (not shown) for selecting a process to be executed is displayed. The user can select a function provided in the MFP 101 such as a copy function or a transmission function through the operation unit 116.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116 by the CPU 111. When the user selects the copy function via the home screen (not shown), the CPU 111 displays the copy job setting screen shown in FIG. 8 on the panel 201.

There are many setting items for the copy job settings. Therefore, it is difficult to make all the settings on the same screen. Therefore, each setting item is changed to an individual setting screen to set a plurality of functions.

The finishing key 801 is a key used when setting finishing processing for copy processing. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an example of a setting screen regarding finishing processing. When the finishing key 801 is touched, the CPU 111 displays a screen for setting finishing processing. FIG. 9A shows an example of a screen for setting finishing processing, and shows a state in which the stapleless binding key 904 is selected. The keys 901, 903, and 904 are exclusive settings, and any one key can be selected. Further, if none of the keys is selected, the output is set without performing the finishing process.

The finishing process refers to the overall processing of printed matter to be output. Although the processing process related to the binding process is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited to this, and may include settings for other processing processes (for example, group sort, shift sort, etc.).

The corner binding key 901 is a key used when performing binding processing on any of the four corners (upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right) of a printed material using a staple. Further, the double binding key 903 is a key used when performing binding processing on two positions on one side of a printed material using a staple. The stapleless binding key 904 is a key used when performing binding processing on any of the four corners (upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right) of the printed matter without using the staple.

The next key 905 is a key used for making detailed settings for the selected finishing process. When the next key 905 is touched, the CPU 111 transits to a detailed setting screen for finishing processing. Further, the setting cancel key 916 is a key used when discarding the setting regarding the finishing process made through the screens of FIGS. 9A and 9B. When the setting cancel key 916 is touched, the CPU 111 discards the setting related to the finishing process and transitions to the copy function setting screen (FIG. 8).

When the next key 905 is touched while the corner binding key 901 or the stapleless binding key 904 is selected, the CPU 111 selects any one of the four corners as shown in FIG. 9B. Set the binding position via the screen.

FIG. 9B shows an example of the detailed setting screen of the finishing process displayed when the next key 905 is touched in the state where the corner binding key 901 or the stapleless binding key 904 is selected. The state where the corner is selected is illustrated. The user specifies the binding position via the screen of FIG. 9(b). The keys corresponding to the upper left, upper right, lower right, and lower left are exclusive settings, and any one key can be selected.

An OK key 917 is a key used when the setting of the finishing process selected through the screens of FIGS. 9A and 9B is applied. When the OK key 917 is touched, the CPU 111 applies the setting relating to the finishing process made through the screens of FIGS. 9A and 9B as the copy setting, and the copy setting screen (FIG. 8). Return to.

It should be noted that although the present embodiment exemplifies a case where the finishing process is set separately for the screen shown in FIG. 9A and the screen shown in FIG. 9B, the present invention is not limited to this and the binding process is not limited thereto. It suffices if the type and binding position can be specified. For example, the type of binding process and the binding position may be specified within one screen, or a binding position selection window may be displayed in a pop-up manner.

Returning to the description of FIG. 8, the paper selection key 802 is a key used when selecting the holding unit used for printing. When the paper selection key 802 is touched, the CPU 111 displays a screen for selecting a holding unit used for printing. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen displayed by the CPU 111 on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116.

FIG. 10A shows a screen for selecting a holding unit to be used for printing, and is displayed when binding processing using staples is specified as finishing setting or when binding processing is not specified as finishing setting. It is an example of a screen to be.

The user can specify the holding unit used for printing via the screen of FIG. An area 1010 shows a holding unit displayed so that the user can select it, and the user can specify the holding unit to be used for printing by touching each line. For example, in the binding process using the staple, the same binding process can be performed on the plain paper 1, the thin paper 1, the thick paper 1, and the thick paper 2 as illustrated in items 1111 and 1112 of FIG. 11, and thus all the holding units can be selected. Become.

On the other hand, FIG. 10B shows a screen for selecting a sheet to be used for printing, and shows an example of a screen displayed when a binding process that does not use staples is designated as the finishing setting. A region 1010 shows a holding unit displayed so that it can be selected by the user, and a region 1011 shows a holding unit displayed so that it cannot be selected by the user. The user can specify a holding unit to be used for printing by touching a selectably displayed line. For example, in the binding process that does not use the staple, as shown in item 1113 of FIG. 11, the binding process can be performed on the plain paper 1 and the thin paper 1, but the binding process can be performed on the thick paper 1 and the thick paper 2. I can't. Therefore, when the binding process that does not use the staple is designated, the CPU 111 displays such that the holding unit that holds the sheet that cannot perform the binding process that does not use the staple cannot be selected.

Specifically, when the CPU 111 displays the screens of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit, and based on the acquired sheet type, the sheet information database (FIG. See 11). Further, the CPU 111 compares various settings made via the copy setting screen with the sheet information database to determine whether to display the holding unit in a selectable or non-selectable manner.

The automatic key 1002 is a key to be selected when the holding unit is automatically selected by the APS. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the setting for automatically selecting the holding unit by APS is made as the default setting for copying. That is, when the holding unit is not designated by the user, the holding unit is automatically selected based on the setting made in advance through the screens of FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7.

An OK key 1017 is a key used when applying the setting of the holding unit (sheet) used for printing performed through the screen. When the OK key 1017 is touched, the CPU 111 applies the setting regarding the holding unit made through FIG. 11 as the copy setting, and returns to the copy setting screen (FIG. 8).

Next, the control of the copy processing of this embodiment will be described. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing control of copy processing. Each operation (step) in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program. The CPU 111 executes the control corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14 when the user selects the copy function via the home screen (not shown).

In step S1301, the CPU 111 accepts a copy job setting via the panel 201. In the setting of the copy job, the setting regarding the binding process described above and the designation of the holding unit used for printing regarding the sheet used for printing are accepted. In addition, various settings such as the setting of the number of print copies and the setting of the magnification are accepted according to the user's instruction.

In step S1302, the CPU 111 determines whether the start button 212 has been pressed. If the start button 212 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1303. If the start button 212 is not pressed, the process returns to step S1301 to accept the copy job setting via the panel 201.

In step S1303, the CPU 111 determines the holding unit used for printing. Details will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S1401, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the setting for automatically determining the holding unit is set. If the APS is set to automatically select the holding unit as the setting of the copy job, the process advances to step S1403. On the other hand, if the holding unit used for printing is specified as the setting of the copy job, the process advances to step S1402. In step S1402, the CPU 111 selects the holding unit designated as the copy setting, and proceeds to step S1414.

In step S1403, the CPU 111 determines the optimum sheet size for copying the printed matter based on the copy job setting and the size of the original set in the reading unit 118. In step S1404, the CPU 111 determines whether staple processing that does not use staples is specified as a copy job setting. If the staple-free binding process is designated, the process proceeds to step S1405, and if the staple-free binding process is not designated, the process proceeds to step S1407.

In step S1405, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection. In addition, taking the automatic selection target shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the thick paper 1 held by the third holding unit and the thick paper 2 held by the fourth holding unit are acquired.

Next, the CPU 111 refers to the sheet information database based on the acquired sheet type, and determines whether or not the sheet can be bound without using staples. If the sheet held in the holding unit is a type of sheet that can be bound without using a staple, the holding unit holding the sheet is a search target for APS processing described later. Taking the automatic selection target shown in FIG. 7 as an example, since the thick paper 1 and the thick paper 2 are the types of sheets that cannot be bound in the binding process that does not use staples, there is no holding unit that is the search target of the APS process. Becomes

On the other hand, in step S1407, the CPU 111 determines whether binding processing using staples is designated as the setting of the copy job. If the binding process using the staple is designated, the process proceeds to step S1408, and if the binding process using the staple is not designated, the process proceeds to step S1409. In step S1408, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection. Next, the CPU 111 determines, based on the acquired sheet type, whether or not the sheet can be bound using the staple. If the sheet held in the holding unit is a type of sheet that can be bound using staples, the holding unit holding the sheet is a search target for APS processing described later. Taking the automatic selection target shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the thick paper 1 and the thick paper 2 are sheets of a type that can be bound in the binding process using staples, and thus the third holding unit to be searched in the APS process is the third holding unit. And a fourth holding part.

On the other hand, in step S1409, the CPU 111 sets all holding units set as targets for automatic selection as search targets for APS processing. Taking the automatic selection target shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the third holding unit and the fourth holding unit are search targets for the APS process.

Next, in step S1411, the CPU 111 executes the APS process based on the optimum size for the holding unit to be searched. In the APS processing, the CPU 111 can print the holding unit that is the selection target when the sheet having the same size as the optimum size calculated in step S1403 and the sheet to be automatically selected is held. It is a candidate for the holding unit to be used. When there are a plurality of candidate holding units, priority is given based on the time required for feeding, the amount of sheets held in the cassette, and the like. Note that the APS process described here is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a holding unit having a size close to the optimum size may be listed as a candidate for use in printing.

In step S1412, the CPU 111 determines whether a holding unit candidate used for printing in step S1411 has been found. If a holding unit candidate is found, the process proceeds to step S1413, and if a holding unit candidate is not found, the process proceeds to step S1415. In step S1413, the CPU 111 selects the holding unit with the highest priority as the holding unit used for printing, and proceeds to step S1414. In step S1414, the CPU 111 sets in the copy job that the process related to printing can be executed, and the process returns to step S1304.

On the other hand, in step S1415, CPU 111 sets in the copy job that the process related to printing cannot be executed, and the process returns to step S1304.

Returning to the description of FIG. 13, in step S1304, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the copy job can be executed. The CPU 111 proceeds to step S<b>1307 if the copy job is set to be capable of executing processing related to printing. On the other hand, if it is set in the copy job that the process related to printing cannot be executed, the process advances to step S1305.

In step S1305, CPU 111 causes panel 201 to display a predetermined message. FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen displayed on the panel 201. The information 1201 is information for notifying the user that the binding process cannot be performed. The stop key 1216 is a key used when closing a predetermined message.

Returning to the description of FIG. 13, in step S1306, when the CPU 111 determines that the cancel key 1216 is touched, the CPU 111 cancels the job, avoids execution of the print process, and ends the process. The process may return to step S1301 when the stop key 1216 is pressed. In this case, it is also possible to change the display such as "Ready to copy" in FIG. 9A to the display such as "Need to change setting".

On the other hand, in step S1307, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 and the printing unit 120 to execute the copy process based on the setting of the copy job. Note that the CPU 111 appropriately rotates the image read by the reading unit 118 according to the binding position and prints the image if the binding process is designated for the copy job.

In step S1308, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the binding process is specified in the copy job settings. If any binding is specified, the process proceeds to step S1309. If no binding is specified, the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge unit 307 and the process ends. In step S1309, the CPU 111 controls the sheet processing unit 122 to perform the binding process according to the binding designation. Next, the CPU 111 discharges the bound sheet bundle to the discharge unit 307, and ends the processing.

In the present embodiment, the determination in step S1303 is made after the determination in step S1302, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing of step S1303 may be performed at the timing when it is detected that the document is set in the reading unit 118 or every time when the setting change of the copy job is received in step S1301.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a holding unit is automatically selected, the holding unit that holds the sheets that can be bound by the binding process specified in the job is the holding unit that is the search target of the APS. You can Therefore, when the holding unit is automatically selected and the printing process is performed, it is possible to prevent a sheet that cannot be bound from being fed from the holding unit.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the holding unit that holds the sheets that can be bound by the binding process specified in the job is controlled to be the holding unit that is the search target of the APS. In the second embodiment, after performing APS on the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection, control is performed so that the holding unit holding the sheet that cannot be bound by the binding process specified in the job is not selected. This will be explained.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of a device as a prerequisite is the same as that in the first embodiment. Detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted. In the second embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is executed instead of the flowchart of FIG. 14 described in the first embodiment. Each operation (step) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program.

The CPU 111 executes the flowchart of FIG. 13 when the user selects the copy function via the home screen (not shown).

In step S1301, the CPU 111 accepts a copy job setting via the panel 201. In step S1302, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S1303 when the start button is pressed, and returns to step S1301 when the start button is not pressed. In step S1303, the CPU 111 determines the holding unit used for printing. Details will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Since steps S1501 to S1503 are the same as steps S1401 to S1403 in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

In step S1504, the CPU 111 executes APS processing based on the optimum size for the holding unit set as the target of automatic selection. The selection of the holding unit candidate used for printing in the APS process is the same as in step S1411 in the first embodiment.

Next, in step S1505, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a candidate for a holding unit used for printing. If there is a candidate holding unit, the process proceeds to step S1506, and if there is no candidate holding unit, the process proceeds to step S1515. In step S1515, the CPU 111 sets in the copy job that the process related to printing cannot be executed, and the process returns to step S1304.

On the other hand, in step S1506, the CPU 111 determines whether staple processing that does not use staples is specified as the setting of the copy job. If the staple-free binding process is specified, the process advances to step S1507. If the staple-free binding process is not specified, the process advances to step S1511. In step S1507, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit with a high priority from among the holding units that are candidates. Next, the CPU 111 refers to the sheet information database based on the acquired sheet type, and determines whether or not the sheet can be bound without using staples. If the sheet held in the holding unit is a type of sheet that can be bound without using staples, the process advances to step S1516. On the other hand, if the sheet held in the holding unit is not a type of sheet that can be bound without using staples, the holding unit is removed from the holding unit candidates, and the process returns to step S1505.

In step S1516, the CPU 111 selects the holding unit as a holding unit used for printing, and proceeds to step S1517. In step S1517, the CPU 111 sets in the copy job that the process related to printing can be executed, and the process returns to step S1304.

On the other hand, in step S1511, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the binding process using the staple is specified as the setting of the copy job. If the binding process using the staple is designated, the process proceeds to step S1512. On the other hand, if the binding process using the staple is not specified, the process advances to step S1516 to select the holding unit as a holding unit used for printing.

In step S1512, the CPU 111 acquires the type of sheet held in the holding unit having a high priority from among the holding units that are candidates. Next, the CPU 111 refers to the sheet information database on the basis of the acquired sheet type, and determines whether or not the sheet can be bound using staples. If the sheet held in the holding unit is a type of sheet that can be bound using staples, the process advances to step S1516, and if the sheet held in the holding unit is not a type of sheet that can be bound using staples. The holding unit is removed from the holding unit candidates, and the process returns to step S1505.

Note that the processes after step S1304 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, in the second embodiment, after the holding unit is automatically selected, it is possible to control so that the holding unit that holds the sheets that can be bound by the binding process specified in the job is not selected. Therefore, when the holding unit is automatically selected and the printing process is performed, it is possible to prevent a sheet that cannot be bound from being fed from the holding unit.

<Other embodiments>
In the first and second embodiments, the automatic selection control of the holding unit in the copy processing included in the MFP 101 is illustrated, but the present invention can be applied to the automatic selection control of the holding unit in other functions. For example, print processing for receiving print data from an information processing device such as the PC 102 and performing print processing, print control for printing a saved file stored in the storage 114, reception for performing print processing by receiving FAX or mail. It can also be applied to processing and the like.

When applied to the print processing, the CPU 111 may execute the determination control of the holding unit after step S1303 of FIG. 13 based on the print attribute information (print setting) obtained by analyzing the print data. It should be noted that the PC 102 may transmit print data in which the sheet type is designated via the printer driver, or may transmit print data in which the sheet type is not designated. Therefore, in step S1411 and step S1504, when the sheet type is designated as the print setting, the CPU 111 searches the holding portion holding the sheet designated as the print setting as a candidate for the holding portion. Control. On the other hand, when the sheet type is not designated as the print setting, control is performed so as to search for a holding unit candidate based on the sheet type that is pre-stored in the MFP 101 and is the target of APS in the print processing.

Further, when applied to the reception process, the determination control of the holding unit after step S1303 may be executed based on the print settings during the reception process.

The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 MFP
111 CPU
120 Printing Section 122 Sheet Processing Section 314a Needle Used 314b Needle Not Used

Claims (20)

Multiple paper cassettes,
Image forming means for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette;
A first binding unit that performs a first binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit using staples;
A second binding unit that performs a second binding process of binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming unit by applying pressure in the vertical direction to bring them into close contact with each other without using staples;
Selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed cassettes as a paper feed source of the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming means;
A control unit for controlling execution of an image forming job for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassette selected by the selecting unit,
A first paper feed cassette of the plurality of paper feed cassettes stores a first type of paper that is capable of the first binding process but not the second binding process,
In a case where a second paper feed cassette of the plurality of paper feed cassettes stores a second type of paper capable of both the first binding process and the second binding process,
The control means is
When execution of the first binding process is designated, an image forming job in which the first paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source, and the second paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source. Allow execution of image forming jobs,
When execution of the second binding process is designated, execution of the image forming job in which the second paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source is permitted, while execution of the first paper feed cassette is performed. An image forming apparatus characterized by controlling so that an image forming job selected as a source is not executed. 2. The selection unit automatically selects, as a paper feed source, a cassette that stores paper of the same size as the output size of the printed matter specified in the image forming job. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a paper feed cassette designated by a user via an operation screen displayed on a display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second type of paper has a smaller basis weight than the first type of paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second type of paper is thin paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second type of paper is plain paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of paper is thick paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of paper is a label paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming job is a copy job. When the execution of the second binding process is designated and the first paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source, the control unit displays a predetermined message on the display unit before starting image formation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image is displayed on the screen. A first binding unit that performs a first binding process for binding a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed using a staple, and a plurality of sheets on which an image is formed without using a staple And an image forming apparatus capable of connecting a processing unit including a second binding unit that performs a second binding process of binding the sheets by applying pressure to each other in the vertical direction to closely contact each other.
Multiple paper cassettes,
Image forming means for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feed cassette;
Selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed cassettes as a paper feed source of the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming means;
A control unit for controlling execution of an image forming job for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassette selected by the selecting unit,
A first paper feed cassette of the plurality of paper feed cassettes stores a first type of paper that is capable of the first binding process but not the second binding process,
In a case where a second paper feed cassette of the plurality of paper feed cassettes stores a second type of paper capable of both the first binding process and the second binding process,
The control means is
When execution of the first binding process is designated, an image forming job in which the first paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source, and the second paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source. Allow execution of image forming jobs,
When execution of the second binding process is designated, execution of the image forming job in which the second paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source is permitted, while execution of the first paper feed cassette is performed. An image forming apparatus characterized by controlling so that an image forming job selected as a source is not executed. The selection unit automatically selects, as a paper feed source, a cassette that stores paper of the same size as the output size of the printed matter specified in the image forming job. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the selection unit selects a paper feed cassette designated by a user via an operation screen displayed on the display unit. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second type of paper has a smaller basis weight than the first type of paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second type of paper is thin paper. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second type of paper is plain paper. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first type of paper is thick paper. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first type of paper is a label paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming job is a copy job. When the execution of the second binding process is designated and the first paper feed cassette is selected as a paper feed source, the control unit displays a predetermined message on the display unit before starting image formation. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image is displayed on the screen.

Images