JP7020105B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus, and a processing method of the image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus also called an MFP (multifunction peripheral / product / printer) is known.

Such an image forming apparatus is typically connected to be communicable with a PC (Personal Computer). The image forming apparatus forms an image on the paper based on the instruction from the PC. Further, an image forming apparatus having a function of detecting a paper type and outputting (image forming) under printing conditions suitable for the paper type (hereinafter, also referred to as "paper type automatic detection function") is also known.

In Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the type (paper type) of the paper set in the printer and the paper set in the print setting processing unit are incompatible with any paper. A data processing device having a configuration that limits the generation of print data and the output of the generated print data by the print data generation processing unit by judging from the information detected multiple times by the processing unit at different timings during processing of the print data is disclosed. Has been done.

Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus that determines that the paper in the opened / closed paper tray has been replaced when the opening / closing of the paper feed tray is detected. The image forming apparatus further requests the user to instruct the user to set the paper attributes of the paper in the opened / closed paper tray, and sets the paper tray in the unusable state. Further, when the image forming apparatus receives a setting instruction from the user in response to the request for the setting instruction, the image forming apparatus enables the setting of the paper attribute of the paper feed device and cancels the unusable state of the paper feed tray.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-62916 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-88513

In the above-mentioned image forming apparatus having the paper type automatic detection function, in the paper type automatic discrimination mode in which the paper type automatic detection function is operated, another user can use another user to print the paper in the tray immediately before image formation (printing). If you change to a paper type, printing will be executed on a paper type that the user did not expect. Therefore, there is a possibility that the output expected by the user cannot be obtained.

Such a situation can occur, for example, in the following situations. First, the user A puts the thick paper in the tray of the image forming apparatus. After that, while the user A returns to his / her seat where the PC is installed to input the print instruction to the PC, another user B changes the paper in the tray from thick paper to plain paper. User A prints on the assumption that the thick paper that he / she put in last time is still inserted without knowing that the paper is changed by User B. In such a case, the paper output is different from the expected one of the user A.

Further, in the data processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, in order to perform the above-mentioned discrimination processing, it is necessary to attach a media sensor for automatically discriminating the type of paper to the paper feed tray. However, the image forming apparatus typically includes a plurality of paper feed trays. Further, as an optional device, a paper feed device including a plurality of paper feed trays may be connected to the image forming device. In such a configuration, in the data device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to attach a media sensor to each of a plurality of paper feed trays.

The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 does not have an automatic paper type detection function, and it is unlikely that printing will be executed with a paper type not expected by the user in the first place.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to prevent printing from being executed on a paper type not expected by the user without providing a media sensor in the paper feed tray. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus, and a processing method of the image forming apparatus.

According to certain aspects of the invention, the image forming apparatus communicates with the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus uses a first paper feed tray for storing a plurality of sheets, a first eject tray for ejecting the sheets, a memory for storing type information indicating the types of the sheets, and the first sheets. A transport path for transporting from the paper feed tray to the first discharge tray, a sensor installed in the middle of the transport path to detect the type of paper, and a control unit for controlling paper transport and image formation on the paper. Be prepared. When the control unit receives a print instruction from the information processing apparatus, the control unit first feeds paper from the first paper feed tray among the plurality of papers, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the first ejection tray without forming an image based on the printing instruction on the paper. The control unit controls to notify the information processing apparatus of the detection result of the sensor for the first sheet.

Preferably, the control unit stores the detection result of the sensor for the first sheet in the memory as type information.

Preferably, the control unit supplies the first paper and then the first paper feed tray on condition that the control unit receives the instruction to start the image formation based on the print instruction from the information processing apparatus as a response to the notification of the detection result. An image is formed based on a print instruction on one or more sheets of paper including the second paper to be printed.

Preferably, the first paper feed tray can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus. When the type information is stored in the memory, the control unit deletes the type information from the memory on condition that the first paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body unit.

Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory. When the type information is stored in the memory, the control unit receives an instruction to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, or receives an instruction to turn on the power after receiving the instruction to turn off. Delete the type information from memory.

Preferably, the information processing apparatus displays a first dialog box for accepting print instructions and a second dialog box for accepting input of start instructions on the display, and the first dialog box is used to input start instructions. Will continue to appear on the display until. The first paper feed tray can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The control unit determines whether or not the first dialog box is displayed on the display of the information processing device based on the signal periodically sent from the information processing device. When the control unit determines that the first dialog box is displayed on the display, the control unit receives the second paper on the condition that the first paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body unit. The second sheet is ejected to the first ejection tray without forming an image based on the print instruction.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises a second paper feed tray. The print instruction includes an instruction to specify either a first paper tray or a second paper tray. When the control unit receives a print instruction to specify the first paper feed tray, the control unit forms an image based on the print instruction on the first paper on the condition that the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the first ejection tray without any problems. When the control unit receives a print instruction for designating the second paper feed tray, the control unit forms an image based on the print instruction on one or more sheets of paper supplied from the second paper feed tray.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus includes a first mode and a second mode as operation modes. When the control unit receives a print instruction, the control unit receives an image based on the print instruction for the first paper, provided that the operation mode is set to the first mode and the type information is not stored in the memory. The first sheet is ejected to the first ejection tray without forming. When the control unit receives a print instruction, when the operation mode is set to the second mode, the control unit receives the print instruction for one or more sheets of paper supplied from the first paper feed tray including the first paper. Image formation is performed based on print instructions.

Preferably, the first mode is a mode in which the user of the image forming apparatus is charged, or a mode in which the number of times the image forming is executed is managed by the external device.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the first paper feed tray. When the control unit receives a print instruction, the control unit receives an image based on the print instruction for the first paper, provided that there is paper in the first paper tray and the type information is not stored in the memory. The first sheet is ejected to the first ejection tray without forming.

Preferably, the first paper feed tray is capable of lifting paper in the first paper feed tray. When the type information is stored in the memory, the control unit changes the amount of paper lift-up after receiving a print instruction and before starting paper feeding from the first paper feed tray. , Delete the type information from memory.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises a second ejection tray. When the control unit receives a print instruction from the information processing device, the control unit ejects the first paper to one of the first ejection tray and the second ejection tray, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. , One or more sheets of paper including the second paper are ejected to the other of the first ejection tray and the second ejection tray.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus transmits a predetermined notification to the information processing apparatus when the first paper and the second paper are ejected to the first paper feed tray.

Preferably, the second dialog box can accept input for canceling the image formation based on the print instruction. The control unit receives a cancel instruction indicating an input for canceling the image formation from the information processing apparatus. When the first paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body unit by the time when a predetermined time elapses after receiving the cancel instruction, the control unit receives the first paper feed tray from the first paper feed tray. An image is formed based on a print instruction on one or more sheets of paper to be supplied.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming system includes an information processing device and an image forming device that communicates with the information processing device. The image forming apparatus uses a first paper feed tray for storing a plurality of sheets, a first eject tray for ejecting the sheets, a memory for storing type information indicating the types of the sheets, and the first sheets. A transport path for transporting from the paper feed tray to the first discharge tray, a sensor installed in the middle of the transport path to detect the type of paper, and a control unit for controlling paper transport and image formation on the paper. Be prepared. When the control unit receives a print instruction from the information processing apparatus, the control unit first feeds paper from the first paper feed tray among the plurality of papers, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the first ejection tray without forming an image based on the printing instruction on the paper. The control unit controls to notify the information processing apparatus of the detection result of the sensor for the first sheet. The information processing apparatus displays the first paper type on the display based on the notification.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the processing method is performed in an image forming apparatus that communicates with the information processing apparatus. The processing method includes a step of transporting a plurality of sheets stored in the paper feed tray to the ejection tray, a step of storing type information indicating the type of paper in the memory, and a step of detecting the type of paper during paper transport. When a print instruction is received from the step and the information processing device, the print instruction is given to the paper that is first fed from the paper feed tray among multiple papers, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. A step of ejecting the first paper to be fed to the ejection tray without forming an image based on the above, and a step of notifying the information processing apparatus of the detection result of the paper type for the first paper to be fed. And.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed on a paper type not expected by the user without providing a media sensor on the paper feed tray.

It is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the image formation system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which showed an example of the hardware composition of the main body part. It is a block diagram which showed an example of the hardware composition of a client PC. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a client PC and the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which showed the input tray information. It is a figure showing the dialog box displayed on the display of a client PC. It is a figure showing the sub-dialog box displayed on the display of a client PC when a button is selected. It is a flow chart which showed the flow of the process of an image forming apparatus when a print instruction is received from a client PC. It is a flow chart which showed the flow of processing in a client PC. It is a figure for demonstrating the dialog box based on the paper type automatic determination result. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which a client PC receives a paper type automatic discrimination result from an image forming apparatus.

The network system according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. When the number, quantity, etc. are referred to in the embodiments described below, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, quantity, etc., unless otherwise specified. The same reference number may be assigned to the same part or equivalent part, and duplicate explanations may not be repeated. In the drawings, some parts are not shown according to the actual dimensional ratios, and some parts are shown by changing the ratios so that the structure becomes clear in order to facilitate understanding of the structure.

<A. System configuration>
(A1. Image formation system 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 1000, a client PC (Personal Computer) 2000 which is an example of an information processing apparatus, and a network controller 3000. The client PC 2000 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1000 via the network controller 3000.

The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a main body portion 10, a post-processing apparatus 20, and an operation panel (not shown). The image forming apparatus 1000 may further include a paper feeding device having a plurality of paper feeding trays.

The main body 10 has a scanner unit 12 and paper feed trays 14A and 14B. The main body 10 includes an MFP (multifunction peripheral / product / printer) having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, a data communication function, and a server function. The main body 10 can execute a copy job, a print job, a scan job, a fax job, and a box job.

The aftertreatment device 20 has a plurality of discharge trays 271,272,273. The user can specify which of the plurality of discharge trays 271,272,273 to output to by the client PC 2000. The user can also give a print instruction from the instruction from the client PC 2000. The user can also read the original from the scanner unit 12 and give a printing instruction.

The client PC 2000 stores a printer driver for PC printing and a resident application in the PC that assists the printer driver operation. The resident application in the PC can monitor the Open / Close status of the printer driver. In addition, the resident application in the PC can periodically communicate with the image forming apparatus of the printing destination and acquire the information of the image forming apparatus.

A plurality of client PCs including the client PC 2000 are typically connected to the network controller 3000. The network controller 3000 manages the print instruction received from the client PC 2000 or the like, and sends the print instruction to the image forming apparatus 1000. Further, the network controller 3000 sends the information received from the image forming apparatus 1000 to the client PC designated by the image forming apparatus 1000.

(A2. Internal structure of image forming apparatus 1000)
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1000. With reference to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1000 includes a main body portion 10 and a post-processing apparatus 20 as described above.

The main body 10 includes an image forming unit 11, a scanner unit 12, an automatic document transport unit 13, paper feed trays 14A and 14B, a transport path 15, a media sensor 16, an inversion transport path 17, and a paper feed roller. It is equipped with 113.

The main body 10 further includes a controller 31 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1000. In this example, the main body 10 is a so-called tandem color printer. The main body 10 executes image formation based on the print settings.

The automatic document transfer unit 13 automatically transfers the document placed on the document table to the reading position of the document reading unit. The scanner unit 12 reads the image of the document conveyed by the automatic document transfer unit 13 and generates scanning data.

The paper feed trays 14A and 14B have a lift mechanism 142 and a sensor 143. The paper feed trays 14A and 14B are configured to be retractable from the main body 10. With the paper feed trays 14A and 14B pulled out from the main body 10, paper replenishment, refilling, and the like are performed by the user. Paper P is stored in the paper feed trays 14A and 14B. The paper feed roller 113 feeds the paper P upward along the transport path 15.

The lift mechanism 142 is a mechanism for lifting up the paper P. Specifically, the lift mechanism 142 adjusts the height (lift-up amount) of the paper P based on the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed trays 14A and 14B. By adjusting the height by the lift mechanism 142, the paper feed roller 113 can reliably feed the paper P upward.

The sensor 143 detects the lift-up amount and sends the detection result to the controller 31. Further, the sensor 143 also detects whether the paper remains in the paper feed trays 14A and 14B, and sends the detection result to the controller 31. The lift-up amount may be detected and the presence or absence of paper may be detected by separate sensors.

The transport path 15 is used for single-sided printing and double-sided printing. The reverse transfer path 17 is used for double-sided printing.

The image forming unit 11 forms an image on the paper P supplied by the paper feed trays 14A and 14B based on the reading data generated by the scanner unit 12 or the printing data acquired from the client PC 2000.

The image forming unit 11 includes an intermediate transfer belt 101, resist rollers 102 and 103, a yellow image forming unit 104Y, a magenta image forming unit 104M, a cyan image forming unit 104C, and a black image forming unit 104K. It has an image density sensor 105, a primary transfer device 111, a secondary transfer device 115, and a fixing device 120.

The media sensor 16 is installed in the transport path 15. The media sensor 16 is typically installed between the paper feed roller 113 and the secondary transfer device 115. More specifically, the media sensor 16 is installed between the upper paper feed roller 113 and a timing roller (not shown). The media sensor 16 realizes an automatic paper type detection function.

The media sensor 16 detects the attributes (characteristics such as paper type) of the paper P. The media sensor 16 outputs, for example, the attributes of the paper as numerical values.

Based on the detection result of the media sensor 16, the controller 31 can determine whether the paper P is coated paper, plain paper, or high-quality paper. Further, the controller 31 can determine the basis weight of the paper based on the detection result. Further, the controller 31 can also determine whether the paper P (media) is an OHP (Overhead Projector) film, an envelope, or an index paper based on the detection result. For example, the controller 31 can determine whether the type of paper is thin paper, plain paper, or thick paper, depending on the basis weight of the paper P.

As an example, the media sensor 16 has a light emitting unit that irradiates the paper P with light, and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light reflected by the paper P. The media sensor 16 can determine the basis weight of the paper from the voltage value of the reflected light.

The controller 31 has a mechanism for switching the image process when the paper type (paper type) of the paper P is detected. Therefore, no matter what kind of paper is put into the paper feed trays 14A and 14B by the user, the image forming apparatus 1000 can print at a transport speed and a profile suitable for the paper. Thereby, according to the image forming apparatus 1000, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being deteriorated due to unnecessary jam or poor fixing.

The post-processing device 20 further includes a punch processing device 220, a flat binding processing unit 250, a saddle stitching processing unit 260, a discharge tray 271, a discharge tray 272, and a lower discharge tray 273. The punch processing device 220 punches holes in a specified number of sheets of paper (hereinafter, also referred to as "paper bundle"). The flat binding processing unit 250 performs flat binding processing on a bundle of paper. The saddle stitching processing unit 260 performs saddle stitching processing on the bundle of paper.

(A3. Hardware configuration of the main body 10)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the main body 10.

With reference to FIG. 3, the main body 10 includes a controller 31, a fixed storage device 32, a short-range wireless IF (Inter Face) 33, a scanner unit 12, an operation panel 34, and paper feed trays 14A and 14B. , A media sensor 16, an image forming unit 11, a printer controller 35, a network IF 36, and a wireless IF 37. Each unit 11, 12, 14A, 14B, 16, 32 to 37 is connected to the controller 31 via the bus 38.

The controller 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 312 in which a control program is stored, a working S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 313, and various settings related to image formation. It has a battery-backed NV-RAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 314 for storing the memory and a clock IC (Integrated Circuit) 315. Each unit 311 to 315 is connected via a bus 38.

The operation panel 34 has keys for performing various inputs and a display unit. The operation panel 34 typically comprises a touch screen and hardware keys. The touch screen is a device in which a touch panel is superimposed on a display.

The network IF 36 transmits / receives various information to / from an external device such as a client PC 2000 connected via the network 39.

The printer controller 35 generates a copy image from the print data received by the network IF 36. The image forming unit 11 forms a copied image on paper.

The fixed storage device 32 is typically a hard disk device. Various types of data are stored in the fixed storage device 32.

(A4. Hardware configuration of Kleinant PC2000)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the client PC 2000.

With reference to FIG. 4, the client PC 2000 includes, as main components, a CPU 2010 for executing a program, a memory 2020, a keyboard 2030, a pointing device 2040, a communication IF 2050, and a display 2060. As an example, the memory 2020 includes a ROM 2021 that stores data non-volatilely, a RAM 2022 that volatilely stores data generated by executing a program by the CPU 2010, or an HDD that stores data non-volatilely. (Hard Disk Drive) 2023 and a flash memory 2024 for storing data non-volatilely.

The CPU 2010 controls the overall operation of the client PC 2000. The components are connected to each other by a data bus.

The display 2060 is a device for displaying various data. The display content on the display 2060 is controlled by the CPU 2010.

The communication IF 12050 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 1000.

The processing in the client PC 2000 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 2010. Such software may be stored in HDD 2023 in advance. In addition, the software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is temporarily stored in the HDD 2023 after being read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 2050 or the like. The software is read from HDD 2023 by CPU 2010 and stored in RAM 2022 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 2010 executes the program.

Each component constituting the client PC 2000 shown in the figure is a general one. Therefore, it can be said that an essential part of the present invention is RAM 2022, HDD 2023 or flash memory 2024, software stored in a storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. Since the operation of each hardware of the client PC 2000 is well known, the detailed description will not be repeated.

The recording medium is not limited to DVD-RAM, but a fixed program such as DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD, hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk, EEPROM, flash ROM, or other semiconductor memory is supported. It may be a medium to be used. Further, the recording medium is a non-temporary medium in which the program or the like can be read by a computer. Further, the program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also a source program format program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

(A4. Functional configuration)
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the client PC 2000 and a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1000.

With reference to FIG. 5, the client PC 2000 includes a control unit 2100, a storage unit 2200, a display unit 2300, and a communication processing unit 2400.

The control unit 2100 controls the overall operation of the client PC 2000. The control unit 2100 is realized by the CPU 2010 (see FIG. 4) executing a program stored in the memory 2020.

The storage unit 2200 stores various data and programs including image data to be printed. These data and the like are used by the control unit 2100. The storage unit 2200 corresponds to the memory 2020.

The display unit 2300 displays various information based on the command from the control unit 2100. For example, the display unit 2300 displays various user interfaces for controlling the image forming apparatus 1000. The display unit 2300 corresponds to the display 2060.

The communication processing unit 2400 is for communicating with the image forming apparatus 1000. The communication processing unit 2400 corresponds to the communication IF 2050.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 1000 includes a main body portion 10 and a post-processing apparatus 20. The main body 10 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, a communication processing unit 503, a display unit 504, an operation unit 505, an image reading unit 506, a paper feeding unit 507, an image forming unit 508, and paper. It has a seed detection unit 509.

The control unit 501 is communicably connected to each unit 502 to 509 and the post-processing device 20. The control unit 501 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1000. The control unit 501 corresponds to the controller 31. Specifically, the control unit 501 is realized by the CPU 311 (see FIG. 3) executing a program stored in the memory (312 to 314, 32).

The storage unit 502 as a memory stores various data and programs. The storage unit 502 stores the paper feed tray information D1 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. These data and the like are used by the control unit 501.

The communication processing unit 503 is for communicating with the client PC 2000. The communication processing unit 503 corresponds to the network IF36. The display unit 504 displays a user interface for operation. The operation unit 505 receives an operation input from the user. The display unit 504 typically corresponds to a display constituting the operation panel 34. The operation unit 505 is composed of a touch panel and hardware keys constituting the operation panel 34.

The image reading unit 506 reads the original. The image reading unit 506 corresponds to the scanner unit 12. The paper feed unit 507 supplies the paper P. The paper feed unit 507 corresponds to the paper feed trays 14A and 14B. The image forming unit 508 forms an image on the paper P. The image forming unit 508 corresponds to the image forming unit 11. The paper type detection unit 509 detects the paper type of the paper P. The detected result is sent to the control unit 501. The paper type detection unit 509 corresponds to the media sensor 16.

The control unit 501 realizes an automatic paper type detection function by cooperating with the media sensor 16.

The automatic paper type detection function is used when printing on the first sheet of paper (image formation) when the contents of the paper in the paper feed trays 14A and 14B are undefined (that is, when the type of paper is not set). It is a process to be performed at the time). The image forming apparatus 1000 prints on the second and subsequent sheets with the paper type determined on the first sheet.

When the automatic paper type detection function is enabled (in the case of the automatic paper type determination mode), when the paper feed tray 14A is opened and closed, the control unit 501 information on the paper contained in the paper feed tray 14A (hereinafter, "paper"). Also referred to as "type information") is erased from the storage unit 502. Similarly, when the paper type automatic detection function is enabled, the control unit 501 erases the paper information (paper type information) contained in the paper feed tray 14B from the storage unit 502 when the paper feed tray 14B is opened and closed. do. Further, when the automatic paper type detection function is enabled, the control unit 501 determines the information (paper) of the paper contained in the paper feed trays 14A and 14B when the main power of the image forming apparatus 1000 is turned on from off. Type information) is erased from the storage unit 502. This is because it is unknown what kind of paper was packed in the paper feed trays 14A and 14B by the user.

(A5. Data)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the paper feed tray information D1.

With reference to FIG. 6, the paper tray information D1 is associated with identification information for identifying each of the plurality of paper trays, and is stored with information on the size of the paper stored in the paper tray. Information on the orientation of the paper, paper type information, and the basis weight of the paper are stored. In the example of FIG. 6, the data content when the paper feeding device is connected to the image forming device 1000 as an optional device is shown.

For example, in the tray # 1 corresponding to the paper feed tray 14A, it is stored that the size of the stored paper is A3 size and the paper is stored in the horizontal direction. Further, in tray # 1, it is stored that the paper type is unknown and therefore not stored (that is, the paper type is undetermined), and the basis weight is also unknown.

Further, since the paper fed from the tray # 1 passes through the installation location of the media sensor 16, it is stored in the item related to the basis weight that the paper type can be automatically detected using the media sensor 16.

On the other hand, in the tray # 2 corresponding to the paper feed tray 14B, it is stored that the size of the stored paper is B5 size and the paper is stored in the vertical direction. Further, in tray # 2, it is memorized that the paper type is plain paper (that is, the paper type is confirmed), and it is memorized that the basis weight is 50 g / m ² to 100 g / m ² . There is.

Hereinafter, the processing executed by the image forming system 1 will be described with a focus on the case where the automatic paper type detection function of the image forming apparatus 1000 is enabled.

<B. User interface of client PC2000>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a dialog box displayed on the display 2060 of the client PC 2000.

With reference to FIG. 7, the user makes a predetermined input to the client PC 2000 when printing is executed by the image forming apparatus 1000. As a result, the client PC 2000 displays the property screen 2610 of the printer driver as a dialog box on the display 2060.

The user can set the paper feed tray by using the pull-down menu 2611 on the property screen 2610. In the example of FIG. 7, it is unknown what kind of paper is packed in the paper feed tray, but the client PC 2000 may be configured to display what kind of paper is packed.

When the user selects the "Paper setting by paper tray" button 2612, the client PC 2000 changes the screen and displays a sub-dialog on the display.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sub-dialog box displayed on the display 2060 of the client PC 2000 when the button 2612 is selected.

With reference to FIG. 8, the client PC 2000 displays a sub-dialog box 2620 for setting paper for each paper tray on the display 2060. The sub-dialog box 2620 includes a display area 2621 for the state (device state) of the image forming apparatus 1000 and a display area 2622 for setting the printer driver.

The client PC 2000 displays an apparatus status column based on the paper feed tray information D1 (see FIG. 6). As shown in the display area 2621, for tray # 1 corresponding to the paper feed tray 14A, the paper type and basis weight are "unknown" because the automatic paper type determination has not yet been executed after the paper is loaded. It is in a state. Further, since the paper type can be automatically discriminated by feeding from the tray # 1, the client PC 2000 displays "automatic discriminating possible" in the item of basis weight in the display area 2621.

Further, in the display area 2622, the client PC 2000 displays the character string representing the currently selected paper feed tray in a manner different from the character string representing the currently selected paper feed tray. For example, the client PC 2000 marks a character string representing the currently selected paper feed tray with a predetermined color.

<C. Control structure>
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1000 when a printing instruction is received from the client PC 2000.

In step S1, the image forming apparatus 1000 receives a print job from the client PC 2000. The image forming apparatus 1000 identifies the paper feed tray to be used from the print job. Specifically, since the PJL (Printer Job Language) embedded at the beginning of the print job contains information for designating the paper feed tray, the image forming apparatus 1000 uses the paper feed based on this information. Identify the tray.

In step S2, the image forming apparatus 1000 determines whether or not the paper type of the tray to be fed is determined based on the paper feed tray information D1 (FIG. 6). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1000 confirms whether or not the paper type of the tray to be fed is set by the user or has been automatically determined. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1000 confirms whether or not the paper in the paper feed tray specified by the PLF data is in an indefinite state (undetermined state, unknown state).

The “undefined state” means a state in which the paper type information of the paper feed tray to be used is not stored in the paper feed tray information D1. Specifically, the "undefined state" is a state in which the paper in the tray has been replaced, but the user has not entered information on the paper type in the tray and the paper type has not been determined, or after the power has been turned off. It is turned on, but the user has not entered the paper type information of the tray and the paper type has not been determined.

When the paper type is fixed (YES in step S2), the image forming apparatus 1000 prints (image forming) using the paper transport speed and the profile associated with each set in step S3. I do. The image forming apparatus 1000 advances the processing to step S4 after step S3.

When the paper type is not determined (NO in step S2), the image forming apparatus 1000 sets the paper transport speed to the lowest settable speed in step S5. The reason for reducing the transport speed is that the media sensor 16 cannot detect (automatically determine the paper type).

In step S6, the image forming apparatus 1000 notifies the client PC 2000 that the paper type determination is to be fed. That is, the image forming apparatus 1000 notifies the client PC 2000 that the paper is conveyed only for determining the paper type.

Specifically, for example, for a certain period of time after the end of the print job, the printer driver of the client PC 2000 makes an inquiry to the image forming apparatus 1000 for status confirmation by MIB (Management information base), and in response to the inquiry, " Make a reply as to whether or not "automatic paper type determination has been performed". This reply becomes the above notification to the client PC 2000. The client PC 2000 may use HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or XML (Extensible Markup Language) instead of MIB.

In step S7, the image forming apparatus 1000 feeds a sheet of paper from the paper feed tray and uses the media sensor 16 to determine the paper type. In step S8, the image forming apparatus 1000 ejects the paper to the ejection tray without printing on the fed paper. In step S9, the image forming apparatus 1000 notifies the client PC 2000 of the paper type determination result.

In step S10, the image forming apparatus 1000 prints using the set properties based on the print start instruction from the client PC 2000.

In step S4, the image forming apparatus 1000 determines whether or not the printing of the data of all the pages included in the print job is completed. When the image forming apparatus 1000 determines that the printing of the data of all pages is completed (YES in step S4), the image forming apparatus 1000 ends a series of processes. When the image forming apparatus 1000 determines that the printing of the data of all pages is not completed (NO in step S4), the process proceeds to step S3.

Even if the paper type has not been determined in step S2, the image forming apparatus 1000 has already determined the paper type for printing (output) of the second and subsequent pages by the processing flow. There is. Therefore, in step S3 for the second and subsequent pages, the image forming apparatus 1000 can print using the transport speed and the profile associated with the determined paper type. By doing so, the image forming apparatus 1000 can minimize the deterioration of performance.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing in the client PC 2000.
With reference to FIG. 10, in step S21, the client PC 2000 acquires the paper feed tray information D1 from the image forming apparatus 1000.

In step S22, the client PC 2000 confirms whether or not the paper type information for the paper feed tray specified by the user is undefined. That is, the client PC 2000 confirms whether or not the paper in the paper feed tray is in an indefinite state (undetermined state). Specifically, the printer driver of the client PC 2000 and the resident application in the PC that assists the operation of the printer driver confirm whether or not the paper type is undefined after the job is input. The confirmation can be realized by the method described based on step S6 of FIG.

When it is determined that the paper type information about the paper feed tray is undefined (YES in step S22), the client PC 2000 determines whether or not the paper type automatic determination result is received from the image forming apparatus 1000 in step S23. to decide. Specifically, the client PC 2000 periodically inquires of the image forming apparatus 1000 whether or not the automatic determination has been performed. Specifically, the client PC 2000 defines a MIB code indicating whether or not automatic discrimination can be performed, and sends the MIB code. The image forming apparatus 1000 automatically prints the paper type by the job sent from the IP address of the client PC based on the IP address of the client PC (or the ID that can uniquely determine the client PC) that sends the MIB code. It is confirmed whether the determination has been made, and the confirmation result is returned to the client PC.

When it is determined that the paper type information about the paper feed tray is not undefined (NO in step S22), the client PC 2000 ends a series of processes. When the client PC 2000 receives the paper type automatic discrimination result from the image forming apparatus 1000 (YES in step S23), the client PC 2000 displays a dialog box based on the paper type automatic discrimination result on the display in step S25.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a dialog box based on the paper type automatic determination result. With reference to FIG. 11, the client PC 2000 displays a dialog box 2630 based on the paper type automatic determination result in a state of being superimposed on the property screen 2610 of the printer driver. The dialog box 2630 includes a software button 2631 for instructing the start of printing and a software button 2632 for canceling printing.

Again, with reference to FIG. 10, the client PC 2000 determines in step S25 whether or not it has accepted the user input to select the software button in the dialog box 2630. When the client PC 2000 determines that the input for selecting the software button 2631 has been accepted, the client PC 2000 instructs the image forming apparatus 1000 to start printing in step S26. When the client PC 2000 determines that the input for selecting the software button 2632 has been accepted, the client PC 2000 instructs the image forming apparatus 1000 to discard the print job in step S27. When the client PC 2000 makes an inquiry with a specific MIB code, the image forming apparatus 1000 prints a job waiting for a print determination based on the paper type automatic determination result (step S26) and deletes the job (step S27).

When the software button 2631 or the software button 2632 is selected, the property screen 2610 and the dialog box 2630 are hidden.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the client PC 2000 receives the paper type automatic discrimination result from the image forming apparatus 1000. With reference to FIG. 12, the in-PC resident application of the client PC 2000 periodically makes an inquiry to the image forming apparatus 1000 by MIB, and confirms the response content from the image forming apparatus 1000 to confirm the inside of the image forming apparatus 1000. Judge the change of state.

In the above, the process of first sending the print job to the image forming apparatus 1000 is used, but the process is not limited to this. The printer driver of the client PC 2000 causes the image forming apparatus 1000 to confirm the status of the paper feed tray to be used for printing, automatically determines the paper type if it is undecided, and sends the print job for the first time at the time of printing. , The image forming system 1 may be configured.

<D. Summary>
(1) With reference to FIG. 2, in the image forming apparatus 1000, the paper feed tray 14A for storing a plurality of papers, the discharge tray 271 for ejecting the papers, and the type information indicating the type of the papers (FIG. 6). A memory for storing (a part of the paper feed tray information D1) (corresponding to the storage unit 502 in FIG. 5), a transport path 15 for transporting paper from the paper feed tray 14A to the discharge tray 271, and a transport path 15 in the middle of the transport path 15. A media sensor 16 that detects the type of paper and a controller 31 (control unit) that controls paper transport and image formation on the paper are provided.

When the controller 31 receives a print instruction from the client PC 2000, the first paper to be fed from the paper feed tray 14A among the plurality of papers (hereinafter, "paper"), provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. For (also referred to as "Q1"), the paper Q1 is ejected to the ejection tray 271 without forming an image based on the print instruction. The controller 31 controls to notify the client PC 2000 of the detection result of the media sensor 16 for the paper Q1.

According to the above configuration, the paper (paper Q1) first fed from the paper feed tray 14A is not image-formed based on the print instruction, and the paper Q1 is discharged to the discharge tray 271. Further, the detection result of the media sensor 16 for the paper Q1 is notified to the client PC 2000. Therefore, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed on a paper type not expected by the user without providing a media sensor on the paper feed tray 14A.

Such a configuration is effective, for example, in the following aspects. For example, it is assumed that the user A puts the paper (for example, thick paper) to be printed into the paper feed tray 14A of the image forming apparatus 1000, and then returns to his / her own seat to input a print instruction from the client PC 2000. In this state, the image forming apparatus 1000 has not yet finished detecting the paper that the user A has put in the paper feed tray 14A. After that, it is assumed that another user B removes the paper (thick paper) inserted by the user A from the paper feed tray 14A and inserts another paper (for example, plain paper) before the user A gives a printing instruction.

If the above control by the controller 31 is not performed, the user A assumes that the paper (thick paper) that he / she put in the tray will be printed at the time of printing, and the paper that the user B has replaced at the time of output. Notice that it is printed on (plain paper). However, by performing the above control by the controller 31, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a situation.

(2) The controller 31 stores the detection result of the media sensor 16 for the paper Q1 in the memory as type information (see FIG. 6). According to the above configuration, it is possible to print with the property based on the detection result on the next and subsequent pages.

(3) The controller 31 receives an instruction to start image formation based on a print instruction (an instruction generated based on the pressing of the software button 2631 in FIG. 11) from the client PC 2000 as a response to the notification of the detection result. , The image is formed based on the print instruction on one or more sheets of paper including the paper supplied from the paper feed tray 14A next to the paper Q1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “paper Q2”). According to such a configuration, the user can make the image forming apparatus 1000 execute printing after confirming the detection result.

(4) The paper feed tray 14A can be pulled out from the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1000. When the type information is stored in the memory, the controller 31 deletes the type information from the memory on condition that the paper tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10.

According to such a configuration, when the paper feed tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10, the type information is deleted from the memory. When the paper tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10, there is a possibility that the paper type has been changed by another user. Therefore, by deleting the type information from the memory in such a case, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed on the changed paper.

(5) The memory is a non-volatile memory. When the type information is stored in the memory, the controller 31 deletes the type information from the memory on condition that the instruction to turn on the power is received after receiving the instruction to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 1000.

According to such a configuration, when the instruction to turn on the power is received after receiving the instruction to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 1000, the type information is deleted from the memory. If the power is turned off, the paper type may have been changed by another user. Therefore, by deleting the type information from the memory in such a case, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed on the changed paper.

The image forming apparatus 1000 may delete the type information from the memory by receiving an instruction to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 1000 as a trigger.

<E. Modification example>
(1) First Modification Example The client PC2000 displays a property screen 2610 (see FIGS. 7 and 11) for accepting print instructions and a dialog box 2630 (see FIG. 7) for accepting input of a print start instruction on the display 2060. The property screen 2610 is displayed continuously on the display 2060 until the start instruction is input, as shown in FIG. Further, as described above, the paper feed tray 14A can be pulled out from the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1000.

In such a configuration, the controller 31 determines whether the property screen 2610 is displayed on the display 2060 of the client PC 2000 based on the signal periodically sent from the client PC 2000 (see FIG. 12). The controller 31 prints on the above-mentioned paper Q2 on condition that the paper feed tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10 when it is determined that the property screen 2610 is displayed on the display 2060 at least. Paper Q2 is ejected to the ejection tray 271 without forming an image based on the instruction.

If the paper feed tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10 while the property screen 2610 is displayed, there is a possibility that the paper type has been changed by another user. Therefore, when the user inputs an instruction to start printing while the property screen 2610 and the dialog box 2630 are displayed as shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 1000 issues a print instruction to the paper Q2. Paper Q2 is ejected to the ejection tray 271 without forming an image based on the image. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed with a paper type not expected by the user even for the paper Q2 succeeding the paper Q1.

Specifically, it is as follows. In the resident application in the PC, if YES in step S11 of FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 1000 of the printing destination is periodically inquired by MIB until the dialog box (property screen 2610) of the printer driver is closed. For example, a resident application makes an inquiry once every 10 seconds.

The image forming apparatus 1000 recognizes that the dialog box (property screen 2610) of the printer driver remains open while this communication continues. The image forming apparatus 1000 keeps storing the number of inquiries in the past 1 minute. Further, when the paper tray that can automatically detect the paper type is opened by the image forming apparatus 1000, the number of inquiries in the past 1 minute is confirmed, and the paper tray is provided on condition that the confirmation result is 5 times or more. Paper is fed for paper type determination at the timing when is closed. In this case, printing is not performed.

(2) Second Modification Example As described above, the image forming apparatus 1000 further includes a paper feed tray 14B. The print instruction includes an instruction to specify one of the paper feed tray 14A and the paper feed tray 14B.

In such a configuration, when the controller 31 receives a print instruction for designating the paper feed tray 14A, the image based on the print instruction for the paper Q1 is provided on condition that the type information is not stored in the memory. Paper Q1 is discharged to the discharge tray 271 without forming. When the controller 31 receives a print instruction for designating the paper feed tray 14B, the controller 31 forms an image based on the print instruction on one or more sheets of paper supplied from the paper feed tray 14B. For example, when the controller 31 receives a print instruction for designating the paper feed tray 14B, the controller 31 is supplied from the paper feed tray 14B including the paper Q1 with condition settings according to the detection result of the type of the paper Q1 by the media sensor 16. An image is formed based on a print instruction on one or more sheets of paper.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed on a paper type not expected by the user with respect to paper feeding from only the paper feed tray 14A.

(3) Third Modification Example The image forming apparatus 1000 includes a first mode and a second mode as operation modes. In such a configuration, when the controller 31 receives a print instruction, the controller 31 prints on the paper Q1 on condition that the operation mode is set to the first mode and the type information is not stored in the memory. Paper Q1 is ejected to the ejection tray 271 without forming an image based on the instruction. Further, when the controller 31 receives the print instruction, when the operation mode is set to the second mode, the controller 31 gives a print instruction to one or more sheets of paper supplied from the paper feed tray 14A including the paper Q1. Image formation is performed based on. For example, when the controller 31 receives a print instruction and the operation mode is set to the second mode, the controller 31 is supplied with the paper Q1 by setting conditions according to the detection result of the type of the paper Q1 by the media sensor 16. An image is formed based on a print instruction on one or more sheets of paper supplied from the paper tray 14A.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to switch whether or not to execute paper feeding for paper type determination without image formation, depending on the set operation mode.

As an example of the first mode, there is a mode in which the user of the image forming apparatus 1000 is charged. Further, as another example of the first mode, there is a mode in which the number of times of image formation is managed by an external device (for example, an external server (not shown)).

(4) Fourth Modification Example The image forming apparatus 1000 further includes a sensor 143 (see FIG. 2) for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray 14A. In such a configuration, when the controller 31 receives a print instruction, the controller 31 issues a print instruction to the paper Q1 on the condition that the paper is in the paper tray 14A and the type information is not stored in the memory. Paper Q1 is ejected to the ejection tray 271 without forming an image based on the image. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent issuing a paper feed command even though there is no paper.

(5) Fifth Modification Example As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed tray 14A can lift up the paper P in the paper feed tray 14A. In such a configuration, when the type information is stored in the memory, the controller 31 lifts up the paper P after receiving the print instruction and before the start of paper feeding from the paper feed tray 14A. When the amount changes, the type information is deleted from the memory.

If the lift-up amount changes, the paper type may have been changed by another user. Therefore, by deleting the type information from the memory in such a case, it is possible to prevent printing from being executed on the changed paper. The image forming apparatus 1000 may perform such a deletion process in combination with the above-mentioned deletion process (that is, the deletion process associated with pulling out the paper feed tray, the deletion process associated with turning on the power).

(6) Sixth Modification Example The image forming apparatus 1000 further includes a discharge tray 272 as a second discharge tray (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In such a configuration, when the controller 31 receives a print instruction from the client PC 2000, the controller 31 ejects the paper Q1 to one of the ejection tray 271 and the ejection tray 272 on the condition that the type information is not stored in the memory. One or more sheets of paper including the subsequent paper Q2 of the paper Q1 are ejected to the other of the ejection tray 271 and the ejection tray 272.

According to such a configuration, the paper Q1 (paper for determining the paper type) on which the image is not printed is discharged to a discharge tray different from the subsequent paper on which the image is formed. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish between the paper Q1 and the paper on which the image is formed.

(7) Seventh Modification Example When the image forming apparatus 1000 ejects the paper Q1 and the paper Q2 (specifically, one or more sheets on which an image is formed based on a printing instruction) into the paper feed tray 14A, the image forming apparatus 1000 is used in advance. Notify the client PC 2000 of the specified notification.

According to such a configuration, by displaying the notification from the image forming apparatus 1000 on the client PC 2000, the user can indicate that the processing has been performed in a mode different from the usual one on the paper on which the image is formed. You can know it before you go get it.

For example, it is preferable that the client PC 2000 displays "blank paper output" or the like by using a dialog box as an example based on the above notification.

(8) Eighth Modification Example As shown in FIG. 11, the dialog box 2630 can accept an input for canceling image formation based on a print instruction. In such a configuration, the controller 31 receives a cancel instruction representing an input for canceling the image formation from the client PC 2000. When the paper feed tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10 by the time when a predetermined time elapses after receiving the cancel instruction, the controller 31 supplies one sheet from the paper feed tray 14A including the paper Q1. Images are formed on the above sheets based on printing instructions. For example, when the paper feed tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10 by the time when a predetermined time elapses after receiving the cancel instruction, the controller 31 detects the type of paper Q1 by the media sensor 16. Image formation based on the print instruction is performed on one or more sheets of paper supplied from the paper feed tray 14A including the paper Q1 under the corresponding condition settings.

If the paper feed tray 14A is pulled out from the main body 10 by the time when a predetermined time elapses after receiving the cancellation instruction, it is assumed that the paper is replaced with an appropriate paper. Therefore, in such a case, it is more efficient to perform image formation promptly without feeding paper for paper type determination without image formation.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently form (print) an image.

Specifically, it is as follows. When the software button 2632 (see FIG. 11) indicating cancellation was selected, the resident application in the PC that assists the driver operation performed the cancellation of the print job, the canceled date and time, and the automatic paper type detection. Record the input tray as a file.

The printer driver confirms the contents of the file, if any, before sending the print job to the image forming apparatus 1000. If the tray is the same as the target to which the print job is sent (the target specified by the IP address) and the print job is sent within "30 minutes from Cancel_Date", do not automatically detect the paper type in PJL. Is added. The image forming apparatus 1000 that has received this PJL prints in a designated mode without automatically detecting the paper type.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 image formation system, 10 main body, 11 image formation unit, 12 scanner unit, 13 automatic document transfer unit, 14A, 14B paper feed tray, 15 transfer path, 16 media sensor, 17 inversion transfer path, 20 post-processing device, 31 Controller, 34 operation panel, 35 printer controller, 38 bus, 101 intermediate transfer belt, 102, 103 resist roller, 104C, 104K, 104M, 104Y, 508 image forming unit, 105 image density sensor, 111 primary transfer device, 115 2 Next transfer device, 113 paper feed roller, 120 fixing device, 142 lift mechanism, 143 sensor, 220 punch processing device, 250 flat binding processing unit, 260 middle binding processing unit, 271,272,273 discharge tray, 1000 image forming device, 2000 Client PC, 2060 Display, 2610 Property Screen, 2620 Sub Dialog Box, 2611 Pulldown Menu, 2612 Button, 2621, 2622 Display Area, 2630 Dialog Box, 2631, 2632 Software Button, D1 Paper Tray Information, P Paper, 3000 Network controller.

Claims (12)

An image forming device that communicates with an information processing device.
A first paper tray for storing multiple sheets, and
The discharge tray from which the paper is discharged and
A memory that stores type information indicating the type of paper, and
A transport path for transporting the paper from the first paper feed tray to the discharge tray, and
A sensor installed in the middle of the transport path to detect the type of paper,
A control unit that controls the transfer of the paper and the formation of an image on the paper is provided.
The control unit
When a print instruction is received from the information processing apparatus, the first paper is first fed from the first paper feed tray among the plurality of papers, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the ejection tray without forming an image based on the printing instruction.
Control is performed to notify the information processing apparatus of the detection result of the sensor for the first sheet.
As a response to the notification of the detection result, the paper is supplied from the first paper feed tray next to the first paper, provided that the information processing apparatus has received the image formation start instruction based on the print instruction. An image is formed on one or more sheets of paper including the second paper based on the printing instruction.
The information processing apparatus displays a first dialog box for receiving the print instruction and a second dialog box for receiving the input of the start instruction on the display, and the first dialog box contains the input of the start instruction. It will continue to appear on the display until it is done.
The first paper feed tray can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The control unit
Based on the signal periodically sent from the information processing apparatus, it is determined whether or not the first dialog box is displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus.
With respect to the second paper, provided that the first paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body when it is determined that the first dialog box is displayed on the display. Is an image forming apparatus that ejects the second paper to the ejection tray without performing image forming based on the printing instruction . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the detection result of the sensor for the first sheet in the memory as the type information. The first paper feed tray can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The control unit deletes the type information from the memory on the condition that the first paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body when the type information is stored in the memory. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2 . The memory is a non-volatile memory and is
When the type information is stored in the memory, the control unit receives an instruction to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, or receives an instruction to turn on the power after receiving the instruction to turn off. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the type information is deleted from the memory on condition of the above. With a second paper tray
The print instruction includes an instruction to specify either the first paper tray or the second paper tray.
The control unit
When the print instruction for designating the first paper feed tray is received, an image is formed on the first paper based on the print instruction, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the ejection tray without performing the above.
A claim that, when the print instruction for designating the second paper feed tray is received, an image is formed based on the print instruction on one or more sheets of paper supplied from the second paper feed tray. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4 . It has a first mode and a second mode as operation modes.
The control unit
When the print instruction is received, the print instruction is given to the first paper, provided that the operation mode is set to the first mode and the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the ejection tray without forming an image based on the image.
When the print instruction is received, when the operation mode is set to the second mode, for one or more sheets of paper supplied from the first paper feed tray including the first paper. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which forms an image based on the printing instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the first mode is a mode in which a user of the image forming apparatus is charged, or a mode in which the number of times the image forming is executed is managed by an external device. Further, a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the first paper feed tray is provided.
When the control unit receives the print instruction, the control unit receives the print instruction with respect to the first paper, provided that the paper is in the first paper tray and the type information is not stored in the memory. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the first paper is ejected into the ejection tray without forming an image based on the printing instruction. The first paper feed tray can lift up the paper in the first paper feed tray.
When the type information is stored in the memory, the control unit lifts the paper after receiving the printing instruction and before starting paper feeding from the first paper tray. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the type information is deleted from the memory when the amount of up is changed. The second dialog box can accept input for canceling image formation based on the print instruction.
The control unit
A cancel instruction indicating an input for canceling the image formation is received from the information processing apparatus.
If the first paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body portion by the time when a predetermined time elapses after receiving the cancel instruction, the first paper feed tray containing the first paper is included. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , which forms an image based on the printing instruction on one or more sheets of paper supplied from. Information processing equipment and
An image forming system including an image forming device that communicates with the information processing device.
The image forming apparatus is
A paper tray for storing multiple sheets and
The discharge tray from which the paper is discharged and
A memory that stores type information indicating the type of paper, and
A transport path for transporting the paper from the paper feed tray to the discharge tray, and
A sensor installed in the middle of the transport path to detect the type of paper,
A control unit that controls the transfer of the paper and the formation of an image on the paper is provided.
The control unit
When a print instruction is received from the information processing apparatus, the first paper to be fed first from the paper feed tray among the plurality of papers, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. The first paper is ejected to the ejection tray without forming an image based on the printing instruction.
Control is performed to notify the information processing apparatus of the detection result of the sensor for the first sheet.
As a response to the notification of the detection result, the second paper is supplied from the paper feed tray next to the first paper, provided that the information processing apparatus has received the instruction to start image formation based on the print instruction. An image is formed on one or more sheets of paper including the paper based on the printing instruction.
The information processing apparatus displays a first dialog box for receiving the print instruction and a second dialog box for receiving the input of the start instruction on the display, and the first dialog box contains the input of the start instruction. It will continue to appear on the display until it is done.
The paper feed tray can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The control unit
Based on the signal periodically sent from the information processing apparatus, it is determined whether or not the first dialog box is displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus.
When it is determined that the first dialog box is displayed on the display, the printing is performed on the second paper, provided that the paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body. An image forming system that ejects the second sheet of paper into the ejection tray without performing image forming based on instructions . It is a processing method of an image forming device that communicates with an information processing device.
The step of transporting multiple sheets of paper stored in the input tray to the output tray,
A step of storing the type information indicating the type of the paper in the memory, and
A step of detecting the type of the paper during transportation of the paper, and a step of detecting the type of the paper.
When a print instruction is received from the information processing apparatus, the first paper to be fed from the paper feed tray first among the plurality of papers, provided that the type information is not stored in the memory. On the other hand, the step of ejecting the first paper to the ejection tray without forming an image based on the printing instruction, and the step of ejecting the first paper to the ejection tray.
A step of notifying the information processing apparatus of the detection result of the type of the paper for the first paper to be fed , and
As a response to the notification of the detection result, the second paper is supplied from the paper feed tray next to the first paper, provided that the information processing apparatus has received the instruction to start image formation based on the print instruction. An image forming step based on the printing instruction is provided for one or more sheets of paper including the paper.
The information processing apparatus displays a first dialog box for receiving the print instruction and a second dialog box for receiving the input of the start instruction on the display, and the first dialog box contains the input of the start instruction. It will continue to appear on the display until it is done.
The paper feed tray can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The processing method is
A step of determining whether or not the first dialog box is displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus based on a signal periodically sent from the information processing apparatus.
When it is determined that the first dialog box is displayed on the display, the printing is performed on the second paper, provided that the paper feed tray is pulled out from the main body. A processing method further comprising a step of ejecting the second sheet of paper into the ejection tray without forming an image based on an instruction .

Images