US20240300761A1

US20240300761A1 - Image forming apparatus, control method for controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: US20240300761A1
Application number: US18/595,132
Authority: US
Inventors: Hideshi Ichimi
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2023-03-10
Filing date: 2024-03-04
Publication date: 2024-09-12
Also published as: JP2024128789A

Abstract

In a case where the type of a sheet placed in a sheet feeding unit as an automatic selection target is not distinguished using a medium sensor, an image forming apparatus does not feed the sheet from the sheet feeding unit.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

There is an image forming apparatus including on the conveyance path of a sheet a paper type detection sensor (a medium sensor) that measures the feature amounts of the sheet. Such an image forming apparatus measures a fed sheet using a medium sensor, and based on the feature amounts of the measured sheet, identifies the type of the sheet from a paper type database (a medium library) stored in advance. Then, the image forming apparatus performs print control of the sheet using print control parameters corresponding to the identified type of the sheet. As a technique regarding an image forming apparatus including such a medium sensor, there is a technique discussed in the publication of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-173496. In the publication of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-173496, if a sheet feeding tray runs out of paper in the middle of printing, the feature amounts of a sheet fed from another sheet feeding tray different from the sheet feeding tray are detected using a medium sensor. Then, only if the type of a sheet identified based on the detected feature amounts is the same as the type of a sheet before the sheet feeding tray runs out of paper, the printing is continued.
However, in the technique discussed in the publication of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-173496, a sheet is always fed from another sheet feeding unit different from a sheet feeding unit that runs out of paper, and is discharged. In the technique discussed in the publication of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-173496, in a case where a sheet feeding unit does not run out of paper, a sheet is fed from the sheet feeding unit. Thus, in a print job submitted by a user other than a user having placed a sheet in the sheet feeding unit, the sheet may be fed. For example, in the state where a certain user has placed a special sheet in a sheet feeding unit, if the sheet feeding unit is determined as a sheet feeding target in a print job submitted by a user other than the certain user, the special sheet is used in the print job that does not require the special sheet.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to preventing a sheet placed in a sheet feeding unit by a user from being fed in a print job submitted by another user other than the user having placed the sheet in the sheet feeding unit.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sheet feeding units, a printing unit, a detection unit configured to detect information indicating a feature of a sheet fed from a predetermined sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units, and a sheet feeding control unit configured to control feeding of sheets from the sheet feeding units, wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detection unit does not perform the detection on a sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet feeding control unit does not feed the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.
Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a general configuration of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a medium sensor.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a print settings screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a sheet automatic selection settings screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manual-bypass sheet settings screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of print control.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an out-of-sheets screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the sheet automatic selection settings screen.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a flowchart illustrating a second example of the print control.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The exemplary embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments. In the following exemplary embodiments, similar components are described by designating the similar components by the same signs.
In recent years, users create high-grade print products themselves even in a general office. In such a job site, not only a user who causes an image forming apparatus to perform printing using a general sheet (e.g., plain paper), but also a user who causes the image forming apparatus to perform printing using an expensive sheet exists. In a job site where a high-grade print product is always created, a user is often familiar with the settings.
Thus, the user can often set the type of an optimal sheet. On the other hand, in a job site where a user who uses a general sheet and a user who uses an expensive sheet coexist, in a case where printing is performed using the expensive sheet, it is often not easy for the user to set the type of an optimal sheet. In such a case, if the type of a sheet is automatically distinguished using a medium sensor included in an image forming apparatus, the convenience for the user is improved. Accordingly, in the following exemplary embodiments, it is assumed that an image forming apparatus is installed in a job site where a user who uses a general sheet and a user who uses an expensive sheet coexist. However, a job site where the image forming apparatus is installed is not limited to such a job site, and for example, may be a job site where a high-grade print product is always created.
First, a first exemplary embodiment is described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the general configuration of an image forming apparatus 100.

Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100

In FIG. 1 , a central processing unit (CPU) 110 is an example of a control unit that controls the entirety of the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may include one or more pieces of dedicated hardware different from the CPU 110, and the dedicated hardware may execute at least a part of the processing of the CPU 110. For example, the dedicated hardware is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may include a hardware processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU)) other than a CPU instead of or in addition to the CPU 110.
A read-only memory (ROM) 120 stores a control program according to the present exemplary embodiment and the initial values of various setting values. The CPU 110 executes the control program according to the present exemplary embodiment read from the ROM 120, thereby achieving the procedure of image formation described below and the procedures of flowcharts described below. A random-access memory (RAM) 130 stores a variety of pieces of information under control of the CPU 110. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where print control parameters are stored in the RAM 130 with respect to each type of sheet.
It is desirable that the RAM 130 should be a rewritable memory that does not require an operation of storing and holding information. Further, as will be described below, if a user changes the print control parameters corresponding to a certain type of sheet, the CPU 110 adds to (stores in) the RAM 130 the changed print control parameters as the print control parameters corresponding to the certain type of sheet. These print control parameters are print control parameters uniquely set by the user.
An instruction/display unit 140 has the function of displaying various pieces of information and a function as a user interface. The instruction/display unit 140 includes a display (e.g., a touch panel) capable of displaying an operation screen, and buttons. If the user inputs an instruction to start a print operation by operating a button included in the instruction/display unit 140, the instruction/display unit 140 outputs instruction information indicating the content of the instruction to the CPU 110. The form in which the instruction information regarding the instruction to start the print operation is input to the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the form in which the instruction information is input to the image forming apparatus 100 by the user operating the instruction/display unit 140. For example, the instruction information regarding the instruction to start the print operation may be input to the image forming apparatus 100 from an external apparatus (e.g., a personal computer (PC) 101, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone) connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via a network (not illustrated).
A communication unit 150 includes a hardware interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external apparatus such as the PC 101.
A printer engine 160 performs various operations to form an image (i.e., perform printing) on a sheet based on an instruction from the CPU 110. For example, if instruction information regarding an instruction to start a print operation is input to the CPU 110, the CPU 110 controls the driving of a sheet feeding conveyance motor included in the printer engine 160 according to the instruction information. The printer engine 160 also conveys a sheet placed in a sheet feeding unit. The CPU 110 sets print control parameters for the printer engine 160, thereby controlling the formation of an image (printing) by the printer engine 160. The printer engine 160 performs the printing on the sheet based on the print control parameters set by the CPU 110.
An image reading device 170 optically reads information printed on a sheet and converts the information into image data (digital data). The image reading device 170 includes an image scanner. The CPU 110 performs a process to print an image based on the image data obtained by the image reading device 170 on a sheet.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.
In FIG. 2 , the image reading device 170 is installed substantially horizontally above an image forming apparatus main body 201. Between the image reading device 170 and the image forming apparatus main body 201, a discharge space S is formed to which a sheet P subjected to printing is discharged. The sheet P subjected to the printing is stacked in a stacking unit 202 protruding on the bottom surface of the discharge space S. Components illustrated in the image forming apparatus main body 201 in FIG. 2 except for sheets P are included in the printer engine 160 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
A cassette feeding unit 210 feeds a sheet P from a sheet feeding cassette 211. The cassette feeding unit 210 includes a pickup roller 212, a feed roller 213, and a retard roller 214. In FIG. 1 , for convenience of illustration, only a single cassette feeding unit 210 is designated by a sign. The pickup roller 212 sends out the sheet P from the sheet feeding cassette 211. The feed roller 213 and the retard roller 214 are rollers for separating the sheet P sent out from the pickup roller 212 and conveying the sheet P to a sheet conveyance path R1.
A manual-bypass feeding unit 220 feeds a sheet P from a manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221. The manual-bypass feeding unit 220 includes sheet feeding rollers 222 and pull-out rollers 223. Similarly to the cassette feeding unit 210, the manual-bypass feeding unit 220 sends out the sheet P from the manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221, separates the sent-out sheet P, and conveys the sheet P to the sheet conveyance path R1.
On the sheet conveyance path R1 between the cassette feeding unit 210 and the manual-bypass feeding unit 220 and an image forming unit 230, a registration roller pair 260 is provided. The registration roller pair 260 corrects the skew of a sheet P (the oblique traveling of the sheet P relative to the traveling direction of the sheet conveyance path R1).
For example, the image forming unit 230 uses a four-drum full-color method. For example, the image forming unit 230 includes a laser scanner 231 and four process cartridges 232 that form toner images of four colors, namely yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In FIG. 1 , for convenience of illustration, only a process cartridge 232 of a single color (e.g., yellow) is designated by a sign.
Each process cartridge 232 includes a photosensitive drum 232 a, a charging device 232 b as a charging unit, and a development device 232 c as a development unit. The image forming unit 230 also includes a secondary transfer unit 233 provided above the process cartridge 232, and a fixing unit 234. A toner cartridge 235 is a cartridge for supplying toner to the development device 232 c.
The secondary transfer unit 233 includes a driving roller 233 a, a tension roller 233 b, and a transfer belt 233 c. The transfer belt 233 c is stretched around the driving roller 233 a and the tension roller 233 b. Inside the transfer belt 233 c, a primary transfer roller 236 is provided. The primary transfer roller 236 abuts the transfer belt 233 c at a position opposed to the photosensitive drum 232 a. In FIG. 1 , for convenience of illustration, only a single primary transfer roller 236 is designated by a sign.
The transfer belt 233 c rotates in the direction of an arrow by the driving roller 233 a driven by a driving unit (not illustrated). At a position opposed to the driving roller 233 a of the secondary transfer unit 233, a secondary transfer roller 237 is provided. The secondary transfer roller 237 transfers a color image formed on the transfer belt 233 c to a sheet P. The fixing unit 234 is provided above the secondary transfer roller 237. The fixing unit 234 includes a pressure roller 234 a and a heating roller 234 b. The details of an example of the configuration of the fixing unit 234 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3 .
To the upper left of the fixing unit 234, a first discharge roller pair 241 a, a second discharge roller pair 241 b, and a two-sided reverse unit 250 are provided. The two-sided reverse unit 250 includes a reverse roller pair 251 capable of rotating both forward and backward. A sheet P on one side of which an image is formed is sent out to a re-conveyance path R2 by the reverse roller pair 251 and conveyed to the image forming unit 230 again.
In an upper portion of the image forming apparatus 100, the display included in the instruction/display unit 140 is provided.
From a sheet P conveyed from a sheet feeding unit and currently conveyed in the sheet conveyance path R1, a medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of the sheet P. The feature amounts of the sheet P are, for example, the surface property (the feature of the shape of the surface), the thickness, and the size. In this case, the surface property (the feature of the shape of the surface), the thickness, and the size are examples of information indicating the features of the sheet P. The information indicating the features of the sheet P may not be represented by numerical values. For example, the information indicating the features of the sheet P may be information indicating the extent of the thickness, such as thick, thin, or medium. The details of an example of the medium sensor 270 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4 .
While the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment has been described above, the above internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above configuration.

Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 100

Next, a description is given of an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when forming an image on a sheet P. First, if the CPU 110 receives image data of a document to be printed, the CPU 110 performs image processing on the image data. The CPU 110 converts the image data subjected to the image processing into an electric signal and transmits the electric signal to the laser scanner 231 of the image forming unit 230. The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 232 a uniformly charged to potentials having predetermined polarities by the charging devices 232 b are sequentially exposed by laser output from the laser scanner 231. Consequently, electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drums 232 a of the respective process cartridges 232.
Then, the electrostatic latent images are developed with toner of the respective colors, thereby being visualized. Toner images of the respective colors on the respective photosensitive drums 232 a are sequentially transferred in a superimposed manner to the transfer belt 233 c by primary transfer biases applied to the primary transfer rollers 236. Consequently, the toner images are formed on the transfer belt 233 c. In parallel with the operation of forming the toner images, a single sheet P is conveyed to the registration roller pair 260 from the cassette feeding unit 210 or the manual-bypass feeding unit 220. The skew of the sheet P is corrected by the registration roller pair 260. Then, the sheet P is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 233 by the registration roller pair 260. A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 237. Consequently, the toner images formed on the transfer belt 233 c are collectively transferred to the sheet P conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 233. The sheet P to which the toner images are transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 234.
The sheet P conveyed to the fixing unit 234 receives heat and pressure in a roller nip portion formed by the pressure roller 234 a and the heating roller 234 b. Consequently, the toner of the respective colors on the sheet P is melted, the colors are mixed together, and a color image is fixed onto the sheet P. At this time, the force to stick to the heating roller 234 b may be generated in the sheet P by the adhesive force of the melted toner. If the stiffness (the firmness) of the sheet P is weak, the sheet P may be wound up as it is around the rotating heating roller 234 b. Thus, a separation plate (not illustrated) for separating the sheet P is provided downstream of the heating roller 234 b. Then, the sheet P to which the image is fixed is discharged to the discharge space S by the first discharge roller pair 241 a or the second discharge roller pair 241 b provided downstream of the fixing unit 234. The sheet P discharged to the discharge space S is stacked in the stacking unit 202 protruding on the bottom surface of the discharge space S. In a case where images are formed on both sides of the sheet P, after an image is fixed to one side (the front surface) of the sheet P, the sheet P is conveyed to the re-conveyance path R2 by the reverse roller pair 251. The sheet P on the one side (the front surface) of which the image is formed passes through the re-conveyance path R2 and is conveyed to the image forming unit 230. Then, similarly to the above, an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet P.
The medium sensor 270 is provided in the sheet conveyance path R1. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of a sheet P currently conveyed in the sheet conveyance path R1 from each sheet feeding cassette 211 or the manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221 to the image forming unit 230. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is also illustrated where based on the feature amounts of a sheet P detected by the medium sensor 270, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P. As described above, the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts such as the surface property (the feature of the shape of the surface), the thickness, and the size.
The installation position of the medium sensor 270 is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 . For example, to detect the feature amounts of a sheet P fed from the manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221, for example, the medium sensor 270 may detect the feature amounts of the sheet P currently conveyed in the sheet conveyance path R1 between the sheet feeding rollers 222 and the pull-out rollers 223. In this case, the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of the sheet P fed from the manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221, and does not detect the feature amounts of a sheet P fed from each sheet feeding cassette 211. For example, to detect the feature amounts of a sheet P fed from each sheet feeding cassette 211, for example, the medium sensor 270 may detect the feature amounts of the sheet P currently conveyed through the meeting point of the sheet conveyance path R1 from the sheet feeding cassettes 211 to the image forming unit 230. In this case, the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of the sheet P fed from each sheet feeding cassette 211, and does not detect the feature amounts of a sheet P fed from the manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221.
In the present exemplary embodiment, a process in which the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of a sheet and the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet based on the result of the detection is referred to as “distinguishing the type of the sheet using the medium sensor 270”, where necessary.
While the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment has been described above, the above basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above operation.

Description of Fixing Unit 234

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the fixing unit 234. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the fixing unit 234 is an assembly. As described above, the fixing unit 234 includes the pressure roller 234 a and the heating roller 234 b. The fixing unit 234 further includes a heater holder 234 c, a fixing heater 234 d, a fixing film 234 e, and a temperature detection sensor 234 f.
The heater holder 234 c holds (fixes) the fixing heater 234 d. The fixing heater 234 d is fixed to a lower portion of the heater holder 234 c. For example, the longitudinal direction of the fixing heater 234 d (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper of FIG. 3 ) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heater holder 234 c (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper of FIG. 3 ). The fixing film 234 e is an elastic layer and is provided on the surface of the heating roller 234 b. Arrows R illustrated in FIG. 3 indicate the rotation directions of the pressure roller 234 a and the heating roller 234 b. An arrow T illustrated in FIG. 3 indicates the moving direction of a sheet P on which toner 301 is placed.
Both end portions (end portions in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper of FIG. 3 ) of a metal core of the pressure roller 234 a are rotatably borne in both end portions (end portions in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper of FIG. 3 ) of the fixing unit 234. The heater holder 234 c is installed in the orientation in which the fixing heater 234 d side of the heater holder 234 c is in contact with the pressure roller 234 a. The heater holder 234 c is also in the state where the heater holder 234 c is pressed with a predetermined pressing force by a biasing mechanism (not illustrated). Consequently, the surface of the fixing heater 234 d is in pressure contact with the pressure roller 234 a against the elasticity of the pressure roller 234 a across the fixing film 234 e, thereby forming a roller nip portion 302 having a predetermined width.
The pressure roller 234 a is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed in a counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow R by a driving mechanism (not illustrated). The fixing heater 234 d includes a ceramic substrate and a resistance heating element provided on the ceramic substrate. The temperature detection sensor 234 f abuts the fixing heater 234 d. Based on the temperature of the fixing heater 234 d detected by the temperature detection sensor 234 f, the CPU 110 controls power to be supplied to the fixing heater 234 d so that the temperature of the fixing heater 234 d is a predetermined target temperature. The target temperature of the fixing heater 234 d is determined based on the type of the sheet P and the ambient temperature. According to the type of the sheet P set by the instruction/display unit 140 or the type of the sheet P detected by the medium sensor 270, the CPU 110 determines the target temperature of the fixing heater 234 d. For example, the target temperature of the fixing heater 234 d is set to a low temperature in the case of thin paper relative to plain paper and is set to a high temperature in the case of thick paper relative to plain paper.
While the configuration of the fixing unit 234 according to the present exemplary embodiment has been described above, the above configuration of the fixing unit 234 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above configuration.

Description of Medium Sensor 270

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the medium sensor 270. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4 , the medium sensor 270 includes a light-emitting element 270 a and a light-receiving element 270 b. For example, the light-emitting element 270 a is a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, the light-receiving element 270 b is a photodiode.
The light-emitting element 270 a and the light-receiving element 270 b are installed so that the light-receiving element 270 b can detect light emitted from the light-emitting element 270 a and reflected from a sheet P. The light-receiving element 270 b detects the amount of light reflected from the sheet P. In the medium sensor 270, a guide portion 270 c is provided that guides the sheet P to a conveyance path in the medium sensor 270.
The CPU 110 receives an input signal of the light-receiving element 270 b as the output value of the medium sensor 270. The output value of the medium sensor 270 is a different value depending on the feature amounts (e.g., the surface property and the grammage) of the sheet P. The CPU 110 can identify the feature amounts of the sheet P based on the output value of the medium sensor 270 and distinguish the type of the sheet P based on the identified feature amounts. For example, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P using a paper type database that stores the type of a sheet P and the feature amounts of the sheet P in association with each other. In this case, the CPU 110 identifies the feature amounts of the sheet P based on the output value of the medium sensor 270 and reads the type of the sheet P associated with the identified feature amounts from the paper type database, thereby distinguishing the type of the sheet P.
Then, the CPU 110 optimally controls the image forming speed and the target temperature of the fixing unit 234 (the fixing heater 234 d) according to the distinguished type of the sheet P. In this case, the image forming speed and the target temperature of the fixing unit 234 (the fixing heater 234 d) are print control parameters. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270, whereby the user does not need to make settings in consideration of the type of a sheet P. Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a mode of distinguishing the type of a sheet P using the medium sensor 270 and automatically setting print control parameters according to the type of the sheet P (hereinafter, a “medium automatic setting mode”). On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment also has a mode where the user manually sets the type of a sheet P used in printing (hereinafter, a “medium manual setting mode”).
The user can set either of the medium automatic setting mode and the medium manual setting mode with respect to each of the sheet feeding cassettes 211 and the manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221 in advance by operating the instruction/display unit 140. For example, a default mode is the medium automatic setting mode. For example, a setting value indicating which of the medium automatic setting mode and the medium manual setting mode the setting mode is is stored in the RAM 130.
While the configuration of the medium sensor 270 according to the present exemplary embodiment has been described above, the above configuration of the medium sensor 270 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the medium sensor 270 is obtained by combining an ultrasonic sensor such as a piezoelectric element in addition to the light-emitting element 270 a and the light-receiving element 270 b. Alternatively, the medium sensor 270 may have another component other than these components. As discussed in the publication of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-173496, the light transmittance of particular light emitted to the sheet P may be calculated, and the type of the sheet P may be distinguished based on the calculated light transmittance. The medium sensor 270 may have a configuration for making this distinction.

Description of Print Settings Screen 501

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print settings screen 501. For example, the print settings screen 501 is displayed on a computer display (not illustrated) connected to the PC 101 when the PC 101 creates a print job and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 100. The user gives an instruction to open the print settings screen 501 in various applications by operating the PC 101. Based on the instruction, a processor (e.g., a CPU) (not illustrated) included in the PC 101 displays the print settings screen 501 on the computer display (not illustrated) using a printer driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus 100. The printer driver is installed on the PC 101. The user can give a print instruction by performing an input operation on the print settings screen 501.
The print settings screen 501 displays a “range of pages” text box 502. The “range of pages” text box 502 is a text box for specifying the range of pages to be printed. The user makes print settings for the pages in the range specified in the “range of pages” text box 502 on the print settings screen 501. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the print settings include the specifying of the number of copies to be printed, the specifying of a sheet feeding unit, the specifying of one-sided or two-sided, the specifying of a sheet size, the specifying of the direction of printing, and the specifying of a sheet type.
A “number of copies” text box 503 is a text box for specifying the number of copies to be printed with the pages in the range specified in the “range of pages” text box 502. A “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504 is a menu for selecting from which of a plurality of sheet feeding units a sheet P is fed. In the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504, the user can specify that the image forming apparatus 100 automatically selects a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target from the plurality of sheet feeding units in addition to explicitly specifying a particular sheet feeding unit. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where “automatic” is selected in the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where, if “automatic” is selected in the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504, the image forming apparatus 100 automatically switches a sheet feeding unit that feeds a sheet to a sheet feeding unit that matches the size of the sheet P specified in a “sheet size” pull-down menu 506. Alternatively, in the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504, the user may be allowed to choose to specify nothing as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the image forming apparatus 100 includes four sheet feeding cassettes 211 and a single manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221 as sheet feeding units.
A “one-sided/two-sided” pull-down menu 505 is a menu for selecting one-sided printing or two-sided printing. The “sheet size” pull-down menu 506 is a menu for selecting the size of the sheet P when printing is performed. A “direction of printing” pull-down menu 507 is a menu for selecting vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape).
A “sheet type” pull-down menu 508 is a menu for selecting the type of the sheet P such as plain paper or thick paper. In the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508, the user can choose to specify nothing as the type of the sheet P in addition to explicitly specifying a particular type as the type of the sheet P. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where “automatic” is selected in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the selection of “automatic” in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508 indicates the choice to specify nothing as the type of the sheet P. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508, the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 cannot be specified. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the distinction of the type of a sheet P using the medium sensor 270 cannot be specified in a print job.
An “OK” button 509 is a button that is pressed to execute a printing process when the print settings on the print settings screen 501 are completed. If the “OK” button 509 is pressed, the processor included in the PC 101 creates a print job based on the print settings on the print settings screen 501 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 100. A “cancel” button 510 is a button that is pressed to cancel the print settings on the print settings screen 501 or the execution of the printing process.

Description of Sheet Automatic Selection Settings Screen 601

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet automatic selection settings screen 601. The sheet automatic selection settings screen 601 is a screen for setting a sheet feeding unit that can be automatically selected as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target by the image forming apparatus 100 among the plurality of sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the sheet automatic selection settings screen 601 is displayed on the instruction/display unit 140 based on a selection operation of the user on a menu screen.
The sheet automatic selection settings screen 601 displays sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e. The number of the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e is the same as the number of sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the image forming apparatus 100 includes five sheet feeding units, namely four sheet feeding cassettes 211 and a single manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221, as sheet feeding units. Thus, FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the number of the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e is five. In FIG. 6 , the sheet automatic selection button 602 a displayed next to “manual-bypass” is an on/off button for setting the manual-bypass tray 221. The sheet automatic selection buttons 602 b to 602 e displayed next to “1” to “4” are on/off buttons for setting the four sheet feeding cassettes 211. “A4” and “A3” displayed between “1” to “4” and the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 b to 602 e indicate the sizes of sheets P placed in the sheet feeding cassettes 211. For example, based on the output value of a sensor that detects the position of a member for positioning a sheet P in each sheet feeding cassette 211, the CPU 110 identifies the size of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding cassette 211 and displays the size of the sheet P on the sheet automatic selection settings screen 601. Also in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 12 , the size of a sheet P placed in each sheet feeding cassette 211 is identified and displayed by the CPU 110 in this manner.
If the automatic selection of a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target is specified in a print job, and when the print job starts, the CPU 110 performs a sheet feeding unit automatic selection process based on information regarding the size of a sheet P specified in the print job. The sheet feeding unit automatic selection process is the process of searching for an optimal sheet feeding unit from among sheet feeding units corresponding to sheet automatic selection buttons set to on among the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e and determining a found optimal sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. If a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target runs out of sheets P in the middle of a print job, the CPU 110 performs a sheet feeding unit automatic change process based on information regarding the size of a sheet P specified in the print job. The sheet feeding unit automatic change process is the process of searching for an optimal sheet feeding unit from among sheet feeding units corresponding to sheet automatic selection buttons set to on except for the current sheet feeding target among the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e and changing the sheet feeding unit as the sheet feeding target to a found optimal sheet feeding unit.
If a “cancel” button 603 is pressed on the sheet automatic selection settings screen 601, the CPU 110 cancels changes in the settings on the sheet automatic selection settings screen 601 and returns the screen displayed on the instruction/display unit 140 to the previous screen (e.g., the menu screen). If, on the other hand, an “OK” button 604 is pressed, the CPU 110 reflects the settings on the sheet automatic selection settings screen 601 on a printing operation.

Description of Manual-Bypass Sheet Settings Screen 701

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701. The manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701 is a screen for making settings regarding a sheet P placed in the manual-bypass tray 221. If a sheet P is placed in the manual-bypass tray 221, the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701 is displayed on the instruction/display unit 140. A sensor (not illustrated) detects that the sheet P is placed in the manual-bypass tray 221. For example, in the manual-bypass tray 221, a projection portion (not illustrated) is provided that retreats in a case where a sheet P is placed in the manual-bypass tray 221. For example, the sensor detects that the projection portion retreats, thereby detecting that a sheet P is placed in the manual-bypass tray 221. Based on the output value of the sensor, the CPU 110 displays the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701 on the instruction/display unit 140.
If a sheet size automatic detection button 702 is pressed, for example, then based on the output value of a sensor that detects the position of a member for positioning a sheet P in the manual-bypass tray 221 in the width direction, the CPU 110 identifies the size of the sheet P placed in the manual-bypass tray 221. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where “A4” is displayed as the thus identified size of the sheet P between “sheet size” and the sheet size automatic detection button 702 on the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701.
A sheet size specifying button 703 is a button for the user to select and set the size of the sheet P. If the sheet size specifying button 703 is pressed, the CPU 110 displays a sheet size selection screen (not illustrated) on the instruction/display unit 140. The user selects and sets the size of the sheet P by performing an input operation on the sheet size selection screen. In this case, the size of the sheet P set by the user is displayed between “sheet size” and the sheet size automatic detection button 702 on the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701. Also in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the size of a sheet P placed in the manual-bypass tray 221 is identified and displayed by the CPU 110 in this manner.
If a sheet type automatic detection button 704 is pressed, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 when the sheet is fed, and reflects information regarding the distinguished type of the sheet P on a printing operation. The information regarding the type of the sheet P distinguished using the medium sensor 270 is displayed between “sheet type” and the sheet type automatic detection button 704 on the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where “not detected” is displayed because the current state is the state before the sheet is fed after the sheet type automatic detection button 704 is pressed.
A sheet type specifying button 705 is a button for the user to select and set the type of the sheet P. If the sheet type specifying button 705 is pressed, the CPU 110 displays a sheet type selection screen (not illustrated) on the instruction/display unit 140. The user selects and sets the type of the sheet P by performing an input operation on the sheet type selection screen. In this case, the type of the sheet P set by the user is displayed between “sheet type” and the sheet type automatic detection button 704 on the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701.
Also in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the type of a sheet P placed in the manual-bypass tray 221 is identified and displayed by the CPU 110 as described above.
If an “OK” button 706 is pressed on the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701, the CPU 110 reflects the settings on the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701 on a printing operation in a case where the sheet is fed from the manual-bypass tray 221.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701 for making settings regarding a sheet P placed in the manual-bypass tray 221 as a sheet settings screen. Also for each sheet feeding cassette 211, settings regarding a sheet P are made using a sheet settings screen similar to that illustrated in FIG. 7 .
As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of sheets P fed from all the sheet feeding units (the sheet feeding cassettes 211 and the manual-bypass tray 221) included in the image forming apparatus 100. The medium sensor 270, however, may detect the feature amounts of sheets P fed from some of the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100.
For example, regarding sheets P placed in the sheet feeding cassettes 211, the types of the sheets P may or may not be able to be distinguished using the medium sensor 270. In the second case, the medium sensor 270 may detect the feature amounts of a sheet P currently conveyed in the sheet conveyance path R1 between the sheet feeding rollers 222 and the pull-out rollers 223. In the second case, the sheet type automatic detection button 704 may not be displayed or the pressing of the sheet type automatic detection button 704 may be disabled on the sheet settings screen for each sheet feeding cassette 211. Alternatively, the sheet settings screen for each sheet feeding cassette 211 may not exist.
As described above, as long as the medium sensor 270 detects the feature amounts of a sheet fed from a predetermined sheet feeding unit included in the image forming apparatus 100, the predetermined sheet feeding unit may be all or some of the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the predetermined sheet feeding unit may be only the manual-bypass tray 221.

Description of Flow of Print Control

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, a description is given of an example of print control (sheet feeding control) performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the print control according to the present exemplary embodiment. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the PC 101 creates a print job based on the print settings on the print settings screen 501 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 100. The flowchart in FIG. 8 starts if the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print job. For example, steps in the flowchart in FIG. 8 are achieved by the CPU 110 reading the control program from the ROM 120, loading the control program into the RAM 130, and executing the control program.
In step S801, the CPU 110 analyzes information regarding the print job received from the PC 101. Specifically, the CPU 110 analyzes information set in the items on the print settings screen 501.
Next, in step S802, based on the result of the analysis in step S801, the CPU 110 determines whether a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job. In step S802, that a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job means that any of the sheet feeding units is explicitly specified in the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504 on the print settings screen 501. Thus, for example, if “automatic” is selected in the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504 on the print settings screen 501, it is determined in step S802 that a sheet feeding unit is not specified in the print job.
As a result of the determination in step S802, if a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job (Yes in step S802), the processing proceeds to step S815. In step S815, the CPU 110 performs print control in a case where a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job. In the following description, this print control is referred to as “when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control”, where necessary. For example, in a case where a sheet P prepared by the user is fed from the manual-bypass tray 221 and subjected to printing, the manual-bypass tray 221 is specified as a sheet feeding unit in the print job (the “sheet feeding unit” pull-down menu 504). An example of the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control will be separately described with reference to FIG. 10 .
If, on the other hand, a sheet feeding unit is not specified in the print job (No in step S802), the processing proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the CPU 110 selects one of sheet feeding units that have not yet been selected among the plurality of sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the image forming apparatus 100 includes four sheet feeding cassettes 211 and a single manual-bypass sheet feeding tray 221 as sheet feeding units. In step S803, these sheet feeding units are selected one by one.
Next, in step S804, the CPU 110 determines whether the size of a sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is the size of a sheet P specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if the size of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is not the size of the sheet P specified in the print job (No in step S804), the processing proceeds to step S810.
If, on the other hand, the size of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is the size of the sheet P specified in the print job (Yes in step S804), the processing proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU 110 determines whether the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is an automatic selection target. If the sheet automatic selection button corresponding to the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 among the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e in FIG. 6 is set to on, the CPU 110 determines that the sheet feeding unit is an automatic selection target.
As a result of the determination in step S805, if the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is not an automatic selection target (No in step S805), the processing proceeds to step S810. If, on the other hand, the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is an automatic selection target (Yes in step S805), the processing proceeds to step S806.
In step S806, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job. In the present exemplary embodiment, that the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job means that any type is explicitly specified as the type of the sheet P in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508 on the print settings screen 501. Thus, for example, if “automatic” is selected in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508 on the print settings screen 501, it is determined in step S806 that the type of the sheet P is not specified in the print job.
As a result of the determination in step S806, if the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job (Yes in step S806), the processing proceeds to step S807. In step S807, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 are the same as each other. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the CPU 110 identifies the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit based on the settings on the sheet settings screen (the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701).
As a result of the determination in step S807, if the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 are the same as each other (Yes in step S807), the processing proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. Then, the processing proceeds to step S811.
If, on the other hand, the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 are different from each other (No in step S807), the processing proceeds to step S810.
As a result of the determination in step S806, if the type of the sheet P is not specified in the print job (No in step S806), the processing proceeds to step S809. In this case, the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 does not matter. There is a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target runs out of sheets P in the middle of the execution of the print job, another sheet feeding unit is selected in step S803, and the selected sheet feeding unit is determined as an automatic selection target (Yes in step S805). There is also a case where another user different from the user having given an instruction to execute the print job places a sheet P prepared by the another user in the sheet feeding unit. If the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit is fed in these cases, the sheet P placed by the another user is fed (used) in the print job. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, in step S809, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is distinguished using the medium sensor 270.
As a result of the determination in step S809, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is not distinguished (No in step S809), the processing proceeds to step S810. In step S810, the CPU 110 determines whether all the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100 are selected in step S803. As a result of this determination, if all the sheet feeding units are not selected in step S803 (No in step S810), the processing returns to step S803. Then, in step S803, another sheet feeding unit is selected, and the processes of step S804 and the subsequent steps are further performed on the selected sheet feeding unit. If, on the other hand, all the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100 are selected in step S803 (Yes in step S810), the processing proceeds to step S811.
As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, if it is determined in step S809 that the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is not distinguished (No in step S809), the sheet feeding unit is not determined as a sheet feeding target. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where, if it is determined in step S809 that the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is not distinguished, the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 satisfies the condition under which the sheet is not fed.
As a result of step S809, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is distinguished (Yes in step S809), the processing proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. Then, the processing proceeds to step S811.
In step S811, the CPU 110 determines whether there is a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing. If a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target is determined in step S808, the CPU 110 determines that there is a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing. On the other hand, in the processes of steps S803 to S810, even if all the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100 are selected in step S803, but if a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target is not determined in step S808, the CPU 110 determines that there is not a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing.
As a result of the determination in step S811, if there is not a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing (No in step S811), the processing proceeds to step S812. In step S812, the CPU 110 displays an out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A on the instruction/display unit 140. A case is illustrated where the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A displays, as information 902 regarding a sheet required for printing, the size and the type of the sheet. A case is also illustrated where the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A displays sheet feeding unit selection buttons 903 a to 903 e for selecting the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. The number of the sheet feeding unit selection buttons 903 a to 903 e is the same as the number of sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. A case is also illustrated where the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A displays, in the sheet feeding unit selection buttons 903 a to 903 e, the names of the sheet feeding units and the sizes and the types of sheets P placed in the sheet feeding units as information regarding the sheet feeding units to be selected by pressing the buttons 903 a to 903 e.
The user selects a sheet feeding unit by referring to the out-of-sheets screen 901 and installs a required sheet P in the selected sheet feeding unit. Then, the user selects (presses) the sheet feeding unit selection button corresponding to the sheet feeding unit in which the sheet P is installed among the sheet feeding unit selection buttons 903 a to 903 e, and then presses an “OK” button 905.
If any one of the sheet feeding unit selection buttons 903 a to 903 e and the “OK” button 905 are pressed, the CPU 110 determines that the execution of the print job transmitted from the PC 101 is to be continued (No in step S814). In this case, the processing returns to step S803. If, on the other hand, a “stop” button 904 is pressed on the out-of-sheets screen 901, the CPU 110 determines that the execution of the print job is to be stopped (Yes in step S814), and the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 ends.
As a result of the determination in step S811, if there is a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing (Yes in step S811), the processing proceeds to step S813. In step S813, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the sheet P using the sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing according to the determination in step S811 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. After the printing is executed, if the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is completed, the CPU 110 determines that the execution of the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S814), and the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 ends.
If, on the other hand, the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is not completed (No in step S814), the processing returns to step S803.

Description of Flow of When-Sheet-Feeding-Unit-is-Specified Print Control

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10 , a description is given of an example of the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control according to the present exemplary embodiment. As described above, the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control is executed if the determination is Yes in step S802 (i.e., if a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job).
In step S1001, the CPU 110 determines whether a sheet P of the size specified in the print job is placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if a sheet P of the size specified in the print job is not placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job (No in step S1001), the processing proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, the CPU 110 displays the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A on the instruction/display unit 140. The out-of-sheets screen 901 displayed in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1001 to step S1007 is similar to the out-of-sheets screen 901 displayed in step S812. Thus, the out-of-sheets screen 901 displayed in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1001 to step S1007 is not described in detail.
Then, in step S1008, the CPU 110 determines whether to end the print job. If any of the sheet feeding unit selection buttons 903 a to 903 e and the “OK” button 905 are pressed on the out-of-sheets screen 901, the CPU 110 determines that the print job is to be continued (No in step S1008). In this case, the processing returns to step S1001. If, on the other hand, the “stop” button 904 is pressed on the out-of-sheets screen 901, the CPU 110 determines that the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S1008), and the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends.
As a result of the determination in step S1001, if a sheet P of the size specified in the print job is placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job (Yes in step S1001), the processing proceeds to step S1002. In step S1002, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job (Yes in step S1002), the processing proceeds to step S1005.
In step S1005, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are the same as each other. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the CPU 110 identifies the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit based on the settings on the sheet settings screen (the manual-bypass sheet settings screen 701).
As a result of the determination in step S1005, if the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are not the same as each other (No in step S1005), the processing proceeds to step S1007. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the out-of-sheets screen 901 displayed in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1005 to step S1007. In this case, the out-of-sheets screen 901 indicates that there are sheet feeding units in which sheets P of the same size as the size specified in the print job are placed, but there is not a sheet feeding unit in which a sheet P of the same type as the type specified in the print job is placed. Then, in step S1008, based on the content of an input operation on the out-of-sheets screen 901, the CPU 110 determines whether to end the print job.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1005, if the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are the same as each other (Yes in step S1005), the processing proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the sheet P using the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. After the printing is executed, if the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is completed, the CPU 110 determines that the execution of the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S1008), and the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends. If, on the other hand, the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is not completed (No in step S1008), the processing returns to step S1001.
As a result of the determination in step S1002, if the type of the sheet P is not specified in the print job (No in step S1002), the processing proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished using the medium sensor 270.
As a result of the determination in step S1003, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is not distinguished (No in step S1003), the processing proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job using the medium sensor 270. Then, in step S1006, based on the print control parameters corresponding to the type of the sheet P distinguished in step S1004, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the currently fed sheet P. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1008.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1003, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished (Yes in step S1003), the processing proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the sheet P using the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1008.

Summary

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 is installed in a job site where a user who uses a general sheet and a user who uses an expensive sheet coexist. In such a job site, a user who wishes that the type of an expensive sheet P is automatically distinguished using the medium sensor 270 places the sheet P that is not detected by the medium sensor 270 in a sheet feeding unit (e.g., the manual-bypass tray 221), and then makes settings on the print settings screen 501. In the state where the expensive sheet P is thus placed, there is a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target runs out of paper in a print job of a user printing an office document using plain paper, and the sheet feeding unit as the sheet feeding target is automatically changed to the sheet feeding unit in which the expensive sheet P is placed. If the expensive sheet P is fed from the sheet feeding unit in such a case, the expensive sheet P is used in the print job of the user who does not need the expensive sheet P. Thus, the convenience for both the user who needs the expensive sheet P and the user who does not need the expensive sheet P decreases.
Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, if the type of a sheet P placed in a sheet feeding unit as an automatic selection target is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270, the image forming apparatus 100 does not feed the sheet P from the sheet feeding unit. Thus, in a print job of a user other than a user having placed a sheet in a sheet feeding unit, it is possible to prevent the sheet from being fed. For example, in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target and the type of a sheet P are not specified in a print job and are determined by the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to prevent a sheet P of which the type needs to be distinguished using the medium sensor 270 from being erroneously fed and subjected to printing. In a case where printing is performed using the medium sensor 270, and if a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target and the type of a sheet P are specified under particular conditions in a print job, it is possible to distinguish the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 and then perform printing. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus 100 that matches the actual situation of a job site where a user who needs an expensive sheet P and a user who does not need the expensive sheet P coexist.
Next, a second exemplary embodiment is described. In the first exemplary embodiment, a case has been illustrated where the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 cannot be specified in a print job. Specifically, in the first exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 is specified by pressing the sheet type automatic detection button 704 illustrated in FIG. 7 . In the first exemplary embodiment, however, the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 cannot be specified in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508. In contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 can be specified in a print job. As described above, the present exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment are different from each other mainly in a configuration and processing due to the fact that the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 can be specified in a print job. Thus, in the description of the present exemplary embodiment, portions similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment are designated by the same signs as the signs in FIGS. 1 to 10 , and are not described in detail.

Description of Print Settings Screen 501

In the present exemplary embodiment, in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508, the user can specify the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 in addition to explicitly specifying a particular type as the type of the sheet P. As described in the first exemplary embodiment, the user can also specify nothing as the type of the sheet P. In a case where the user specifies the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270, the user selects information indicating the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 (e.g., “automatic selection”) in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 distinguishes the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270.

Description of Flow of When-Sheet-Feeding-Unit-is-Specified Print Control

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 11 , a description is given of an example of when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control according to the present exemplary embodiment. Similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the when-sheet-feeding-unit-is-specified print control is executed if the determination is Yes in step S802 (i.e., if a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job).
In the present exemplary embodiment, the flowchart in FIG. 10 described in the first exemplary embodiment is replaced with the flowchart in FIG. 11 .
In the present exemplary embodiment, even if the type of a sheet P specified in a print job and the type of a sheet P placed in a sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are the same as each other and the type of the sheet P is not distinguished, the type of the sheet P is distinguished using the medium sensor 270. The present exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in the processes of steps S1104 to S1106 corresponding to this.
Step S1101 is similar to step S1001 in FIG. 10 . That is, in step S1101, the CPU 110 determines whether a sheet P of the size specified in the print job is placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if a sheet P of the size specified in the print job is not placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job (No in step S1101), the processing proceeds to step S1108. Step S1108 is similar to step S1007 in FIG. 10 . That is, in step S1108, the CPU 110 displays the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A on the instruction/display unit 140.
Then, in step S1109, the CPU 110 determines whether to end the print job. The determination in step S1109 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1101 to step S1109 is similar to the determination in step S1008 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1001 to step S1008 in FIG. 10 . Thus, the determination in step S1109 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1101 to step S1109 is not described in detail. As a result of the determination in step S1109, if the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S1109), the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 11 ends. If, on the other hand, the print job is not to be ended (No in step S1109), the processing returns to step S1101.
As a result of the determination in step S1101, if a sheet P of the size specified in the print job is placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job (Yes in step S1101), the processing proceeds to step S1102. Step S1102 is similar to step S1002 in FIG. 10 . That is, in step S1102, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 can be specified in the print job. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where in step S1102, the specifying of the type of the sheet P in the print job also includes the specifying of the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 in the print job. Thus, if the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 is specified in the print job in step S1102, the CPU 110 determines that the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job. As a result of the determination in step S1002, if the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job (Yes in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1105.
Step S1105 itself is similar to step S1005 in FIG. 10 . The present exemplary embodiment, however, is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that if the determination is Yes in step S1105, the processing proceeds to step S1106. In step S1105, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are the same as each other. As a result of this determination, if the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are not the same as each other (No in step S1105), the processing proceeds to step S1108. That is, in step S1108, the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9B is displayed on the instruction/display unit 140. Then, in step S1109, the CPU 110 determines whether to end the print job. The determination in step S1109 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1101 to step S1109 is similar to the determination in step S1008 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1001 to step S1008 in FIG. 10 . Thus, the determination in step S1109 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1101 to step S1109 is not described in detail.
As a result of the determination in step S1109, if the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S1109), the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 11 ends. If, on the other hand, the print job is not to be ended (No in step S1109), the processing returns to step S1101.
As a result of the determination in step S1105, if the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are the same as each other (Yes in step S1105), the processing proceeds to step S1106. In step S1106, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished using the medium sensor 270.
As a result of the determination in step S1106, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is not distinguished (No in step S1106), the processing proceeds to step S1104. Step S1104 itself is similar to step S1004 in FIG. 10 . The present exemplary embodiment, however, is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that the processing proceeds from step S1106 to step S1104. In step S1104, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job using the medium sensor 270. Then, in step S1107, based on the print control parameters corresponding to the type of the sheet P distinguished in step S1104, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the currently fed sheet P.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1106, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished (Yes in step S1106), the processing proceeds to step S1107. The CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the sheet P using the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. After the printing is executed, if the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is completed, the CPU 110 determines that the execution of the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S1109), and the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 11 ends. If, on the other hand, the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is not completed (No in step S1109), the processing returns to step S1101.
In the first exemplary embodiment, a case is illustrated where the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 cannot be specified in a print job. Thus, if it is determined in step S1002 in FIG. 10 that the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job (Yes in step S1002), the type of the sheet P is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270. In contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment, if it is determined in step S1102 in FIG. 11 that the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job (Yes in step S1102), the type of the sheet P may be distinguished using the medium sensor 270. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, if the type of the sheet P distinguished using the medium sensor 270 and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job are the same as each other (Yes in step S1105), the processing proceeds to step S1106. Then, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270 (No in step S1106), then in step S1104, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270. If, on the other hand, the type of the sheet P is distinguished using the medium sensor 270 (Yes in step S1106), then in step S1107, based on the print control parameters corresponding to the type of the sheet P, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the currently fed sheet P.
As a result of the determination in step S1102, if the type of the sheet P is not specified in the print job (No in step S1102), the processing proceeds to step S1103. Step S1103 is similar to step S1003 in FIG. 10 . That is, in step S1103, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished using the medium sensor 270.
As a result of the determination in step S1103, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is not distinguished (No in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job using the medium sensor 270. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1107. The process of step S1107 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1104 to step S1107 is similar to the process of step S1006 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1004 to step S1006 in FIG. 10 . Thus, the process of step S1107 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1104 to step S1107 is not described in detail.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1103, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished (Yes in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1107. The process of step S1107 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1103 to step S1107 is similar to the process of step S1006 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1003 to step S1006 in FIG. 10 . Thus, the process of step S1107 in a case where the processing proceeds from step S1103 to step S1107 is not described in detail.

Summary

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in the “sheet type” pull-down menu 508, the user specifies the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270. The PC 101 creates a print job in which the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 is specified. Thus, not only on the image forming apparatus 100 side but also on the PC 101 side, the user can specify the distinction of the type of the sheet P using the medium sensor 270 in a print job and give an instruction to perform printing. Thus, it is possible to further improve the convenience for the user.
Next, a third exemplary embodiment is described. In the first and second exemplary embodiments, in a case where neither the type of a sheet P nor a sheet feeding unit is specified, the processing proceeds to step S809. Then, in step S809, it is determined whether the type of a sheet P placed in a sheet feeding unit is distinguished using the medium sensor 270. As a result of this determination, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270 (No in step S809), the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit is prevented from being fed. In the present exemplary embodiment, even in such a case, if the user gives an instruction, the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit is allowed to be fed. The present exemplary embodiment is different from the first and second exemplary embodiments mainly in a part of the processing in a case where neither the type of a sheet P nor a sheet feeding unit is specified and the type of a sheet P placed in a sheet feeding unit is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270. Thus, in the description of the present exemplary embodiment, portions similar to those of the first and second exemplary embodiments are designated by the same signs as the signs in FIGS. 1 to 11 , and are not described in detail.

Description of Sheet Automatic Selection Settings Screen 1201

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet automatic selection settings screen 1201 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The sheet automatic selection settings screen 1201 illustrated in FIG. 12 is obtained by adding “when sheet is not detected” on/off buttons 1202 a to 1202 e to the sheet automatic selection settings screen 601 illustrated in FIG. 6 . The number of the “when sheet is not detected” buttons 1202 a to 1202 e is the same as the number of sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, in a case where neither the type of a sheet P nor a sheet feeding unit is specified and the type of a sheet P placed in a sheet feeding unit is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270, the sheet feeding unit is not determined as a sheet feeding target. In contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment, even in such a case, a sheet feeding unit corresponding to a “when sheet is not detected” on/off button set to on among the “when sheet is not detected” on/off buttons 1202 a to 1202 e can be determined as a sheet feeding target. On the other hand, a sheet feeding unit corresponding to a “when sheet is not detected” on/off button set to off among the “when sheet is not detected” on/off buttons 1202 a to 1202 e is not determined as a sheet feeding target. Thus, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12 , the user turns on a “when sheet is not detected” on/off button corresponding to a sheet feeding unit that the user permits as a sheet feeding target among the “when sheet is not detected” on/off buttons 1202 a to 1202 e.

Description of Flow of Print Control

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 , a description is given of an example of print control (sheet feeding control) performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 13A and 13B are a flowchart illustrating an example of the print control according to the present exemplary embodiment.
Steps S1301 to S1309 and S1318 are similar to steps S801 to S809 and S815 in FIG. 8 . That is, in step S1301, the CPU 110 analyzes information regarding the print job received from the PC 101. In step S1302, based on the result of the analysis, the CPU 110 determines whether a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if a sheet feeding unit is specified in the print job (Yes in step S1302), the processing proceeds to step S1318. In step S1318, the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 is performed.
If, on the other hand, a sheet feeding unit is not specified in the print job (No in step S1302), then in step S1303, the CPU 110 selects one of sheet feeding units that have not yet been selected among the plurality of sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100. Next, in step S1304, the CPU 110 determines whether the size of a sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is the size of a sheet P specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if the size of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is not the size of the sheet P specified in the print job (No in step S1304), the processing proceeds to step S1311.
If, on the other hand, the size of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is the size of the sheet P specified in the print job (Yes in step S1304), the processing proceeds to step S1305. In step S1305, the CPU 110 determines whether the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is an automatic selection target. If the sheet automatic selection button corresponding to the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 among the sheet automatic selection buttons 602 a to 602 e in FIG. 12 is set to on, the CPU 110 determines that the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is an automatic selection target.
As a result of the determination in step S1305, if the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is not an automatic selection target (No in step S1305), the processing proceeds to step S1311. If, on the other hand, the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is an automatic selection target (Yes in step S1305), then in step S1306, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job. As a result of this determination, if the type of the sheet P is specified in the print job (Yes in step S1306), the processing proceeds to step S1307. In step S1307, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 are the same as each other.
As a result of this determination, if the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 are the same as each other (Yes in step S1307), the processing proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target.
Then, the processing proceeds to step S1312.
If, on the other hand, the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 are different from each other (No in step S1307), the processing proceeds to step S1311.
As a result of the determination in step S1306, if the type of the sheet P is not specified in the print job (No in step S1306), the processing proceeds to step S1309. In step S1309, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is distinguished using the medium sensor 270.
Also in the present exemplary embodiment, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the type of the sheet P is distinguished using the medium sensor 270 in a case where the sheet type automatic detection button 704 illustrated in FIG. 7 is pressed.
As a result of the determination in step S1309, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is distinguished (Yes in step S1309), the processing proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1312.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1309, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is not distinguished (No in step S1309), the processing proceeds to step S1310. In step S1310, the CPU 110 determines whether the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target. If the “when sheet is not detected” on/off button corresponding to the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 among the “when sheet is not detected” on/off buttons 1202 a to 1202 e in FIG. 12 is set to on, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit as a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target.
As a result of the determination in step S1310, if the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target (Yes in step S1310), the processing proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1312.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1310, if the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is not a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target (No in step S1310), the processing proceeds to step S1311. In step S1311, the CPU 110 determines whether all the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100 are selected in step S1303. As a result of this determination, if all the sheet feeding units are not selected in step S1303 (No in step S1311), the processing returns to step S1303. Then, in step S1303, another sheet feeding unit is selected, and the processes of step S1304 and the subsequent steps are further performed on the selected sheet feeding unit. If, on the other hand, all the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100 are selected in step S1303 (Yes in step S1311), the processing proceeds to step S1312.
As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, if it is determined in step S809 that the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S803 is not distinguished (No in step S809), the sheet feeding unit is not determined as a sheet feeding target. On the other hand, in the present exemplary embodiment, even in such a case (No in step S1309), if the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 is a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target (Yes in step S1310), the sheet feeding unit is determined as a sheet feeding target.
Step S1312 is similar to step S811 in FIG. 8 . That is, in step S1312, the CPU 110 determines whether there is a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing. If a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target is determined in step S1308, the CPU 110 determines that there is a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing. On the other hand, in the processes of steps S1303 to S1311, even if all the sheet feeding units included in the image forming apparatus 100 are selected in step S1303, but if a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target is not determined in step S1308, the CPU 110 determines that there is not a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing.
As a result of the determination in step S1312, if there is not a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing (No in step S1312), the processing proceeds to step S1313. Step S1313 is similar to step S812 in FIG. 8 . That is, in step S1313, the CPU 110 displays the out-of-sheets screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A on the instruction/display unit 140. Then, in step S1317, similarly to step S814 in FIG. 8 , based on an operation on the out-of-sheets screen 901, the CPU 110 determines whether to end the execution of the print job. As a result of this determination, if the execution of the print job is not to be ended (No in step S1317), the processing returns to step S1303. If, on the other hand, the execution of the print job is to be ended (stopped) (Yes in step S1317), the processing of the flowchart in FIGS. 13A and 13B ends.
As a result of the determination in step S1312, if there is a sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing (Yes in step S1312), the processing proceeds to step S1314. In step S1314, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing according to the determination in step S1312 is distinguished using the medium sensor 270.
As a result of the determination in step S1314, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing according to the determination in step S1312 is not distinguished (No in step S1314), the processing proceeds to step S1315. If, on the other hand, the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing according to the determination in step S1312 is distinguished (Yes in step S1314), the processing proceeds to step S1316. In step S1315, the CPU 110 distinguishes the type of the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing according to the determination in step S1312 using the medium sensor 270. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1316.
In step S1316, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the sheet P using the sheet feeding unit capable of performing printing according to the determination in step S1312 as a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target. If the type of the sheet P is distinguished in step S1315 (Yes in step S1315), then based on the print control parameters corresponding to the distinguished type of the sheet P, the CPU 110 gives an instruction to execute printing on the currently fed sheet P.
After the printing is executed, if the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is completed, the CPU 110 determines that the execution of the print job is to be ended (Yes in step S1317), and the processing of the flowchart in FIGS. 13A and 13B ends. If, on the other hand, the printing of all the pages that are to be printed based on the print job is not completed (No in step S1317), the processing returns to step S1303.

Summary

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, based on an operation on the “when sheet is not detected” on/off buttons 1202 a to 1202 e, the image forming apparatus 100 receives the specifying of information regarding a sheet feeding unit as a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target as described above. Even if neither the type of a sheet P nor a sheet feeding unit is specified and the type of a sheet P is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270, the image forming apparatus 100 determines a sheet feeding unit as a when-sheet-is-not-detected automatic selection target as described above as a sheet feeding target. Thus, even if a sheet feeding unit is not explicitly specified in a print job, the image forming apparatus 100 can distinguish the type of a sheet P using the medium sensor 270 based on settings on the image forming apparatus 100 side and perform printing according to the distinguished type.
The present exemplary embodiment may also be applied to the second exemplary embodiment. In this case, in step S1318, the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 11 is performed. The type of the sheet P is distinguished using the medium sensor 270 also in a case where the distinction is specified in the print job. In this case, if it is determined in step S1307 that the type of the sheet P specified in the print job and the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 are the same as each other (Yes in step S1307), the CPU 110 makes the determination described in step S1106 in FIG. 11 . That is, the CPU 110 determines whether the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished using the medium sensor 270. As a result of this determination, if the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is not distinguished using the medium sensor 270 (No in step S1106), the processing proceeds to step S1308. In this case, in step S1308, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit selected in step S1303 as a sheet feeding target with the condition that the distinction is required. In this case, it is determined in step S1314 that the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit is distinguished (Yes in step S1314), and the processing proceeds to step S1316. If, on the other hand, the type of the sheet P placed in the sheet feeding unit specified in the print job is distinguished using the medium sensor 270 (Yes in step S1106), then in step S1308, the CPU 110 determines the sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target without the above condition.

OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure can also be achieved by the process of supplying a program for achieving one or more functions of the above exemplary embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors of a computer of the system or the apparatus to read and execute the program. Alternatively, the present disclosure can also be achieved by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) for achieving the one or more functions.
All the above exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure merely illustrate specific examples for carrying out the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on these exemplary embodiments. That is, the present disclosure can be carried out in various ways without departing from the technical idea or the main feature of the present disclosure.
The disclosure of the present exemplary embodiments includes the following configurations and method, for example.

Configuration 1

An image forming apparatus comprising:

- a plurality of sheet feeding units;
- a printing unit;
- a detection unit configured to detect information indicating a feature of a sheet fed from a predetermined sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units; and
- a sheet feeding control unit configured to control feeding of sheets from the sheet feeding units,
- wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detection unit does not perform the detection on a sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet feeding control unit does not feed the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 2

The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein further in a case where a type of a sheet used in printing is not specified, the sheet feeding control unit does not feed a sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 3

The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detection unit performs the detection on the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 4

The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein in a case where the predetermined sheet feeding unit is specified as the sheet feeding unit as the sheet feeding target, the sheet feeding control unit feeds a sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 5

The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein further in a case where a type of a sheet used in printing is not specified, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 6

The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein further in a case where distinction of a type of a sheet is specified using a result of the detection performed by the detection unit, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 7

The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and even in a case where the detection unit does not perform the detection on the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, but in a case where the feeding of the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit is permitted, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Configuration 8

The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7, further comprising a reception unit configured to receive the permission to feed the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Method 1

A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding units and a printing unit, the control method comprising:

- detecting information indicating a feature of a sheet fed from a predetermined sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units; and
- controlling feeding of sheets from the sheet feeding units,
- wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detecting is not performed on a sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet is not fed from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

Storage Medium

A storage medium storing a program for causing an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding units and a printing unit to execute a control method for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control method comprising:

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-037994, filed Mar. 10, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

a plurality of sheet feeding units;

a printing unit;

a detection unit configured to detect information indicating a feature of a sheet fed from a predetermined sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units; and

a sheet feeding control unit configured to control feeding of sheets from the sheet feeding units,

wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detection unit does not perform the detection on a sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet feeding control unit does not feed the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein further in a case where a type of a sheet used in printing is not specified, the sheet feeding control unit does not feed a sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detection unit performs the detection on the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the predetermined sheet feeding unit is specified as the sheet feeding unit as the sheet feeding target, the sheet feeding control unit feeds a sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein further in a case where a type of a sheet used in printing is not specified, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein further in a case where distinction of a type of a sheet is specified using a result of the detection performed by the detection unit, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and even in a case where the detection unit does not perform the detection on the sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, but in a case where the feeding of the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit is permitted, the sheet feeding control unit feeds the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a reception unit configured to receive a permission to feed the sheet from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

9. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding units and a printing unit, the control method comprising:

detecting information indicating a feature of a sheet fed from a predetermined sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units; and

controlling feeding of sheets from the sheet feeding units,

wherein in a case where a sheet feeding unit as a sheet feeding target can be selected from the plurality of sheet feeding units, and in a case where the detecting is not performed on a sheet placed in the predetermined sheet feeding unit, the sheet is not fed from the predetermined sheet feeding unit.

10. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a program for causing an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding units and a printing unit to execute a control method for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control method comprising:

controlling feeding of sheets from the sheet feeding units,