JP2009274391A - Image formation device and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To continuously output transfer paper without stopping a device while effectively using an unused paper tray during job execution. <P>SOLUTION: When a paper tray is judged that a job is being executed or reserved therewith, transfer paper information of the paper tray is inhibited to change, and when a paper tray is judged that a job is not being executed or reserved therewith, the transfer paper information of the paper tray is permitted to change. Thereby, only the transfer paper information of the unused tray can be rewritten certainly without erroneously rewriting transfer paper information of the tray being used or to be used during the job execution. Therefore, a large amount of jobs can be continuously output without stopping the combined machine since the unused tray can be effectively used during the job execution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be applied to a copying machine that executes a plurality of registered jobs in a predetermined order and forms an image on a transfer sheet, or a digital multi-function peripheral having functions of a printer, a scanner, and the like. It relates to a control method.

  In recent years, a POD (Print On Demand) machine that uses a variety of transfer papers to continuously output a large number of jobs (JOB) has been increasingly used. Some POD machines have an output reservation function that can change transfer sheet information on a paper tray when a job is reserved.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having an output reservation function. According to this image forming apparatus, a reservation for transfer paper information (for example, paper size, paper type, basis weight, colored paper, perforated, front and back adjustment, etc.) is made by the output reservation function during job execution and job reservation. Do it every time.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a printer device that notifies when a print job necessary for a print job is not set while the print job is waiting. According to this printer apparatus, the recording sheet type data of the job program sent to the main processor unit is compared with the recording sheet type data stored in the print output unit. After the comparison, if the type data in the job program is different from the type data in the print output unit, a message such as recording paper replacement is displayed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-345732 (page 9, FIG. 3) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-55228 (page 3, FIG. 2)

  However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, during the execution of a job and during a job reservation, transfer paper information on the paper tray could not be changed except for using the output reservation function even for an unused paper tray. Even if the transfer paper information of the paper tray can be reserved by this output reservation function, the transfer paper information of the unused paper tray cannot be directly rewritten.

  In this case, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 rewrites the transfer sheet information of the reserved job to the existing transfer sheet information of the sheet tray when starting the reservation job. Therefore, when the reservation job starts, if the transfer paper information of the reservation job is different from the information of the transfer paper stored in the paper tray, there is a problem that the apparatus stops due to paper type mismatch. This paper type mismatch occurs when the transfer paper information is rewritten or the transfer paper on the tray is replaced. There was a problem that productivity was lowered due to the stoppage of the apparatus. Further, in the printer device of Patent Document 2, there is a problem that the setting data of the recording paper type of the unused tray stored in the print output unit cannot be changed during job execution and job reservation.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus and a control method therefor that enable effective use of unused paper trays during job execution and that can continuously output transfer paper without stopping the apparatus. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is loaded with an image forming unit that forms an image, a plurality of trays that feed transfer paper to the image forming unit, and the transfer paper. An image is formed by the image forming unit for each of the plurality of trays, and a storage unit that stores transfer sheet information for each tray and tray information indicating whether the tray is used for an execution job or a reservation job. A control unit that determines whether a job to be executed is a tray that is executed or reserved based on setting information, and the control unit determines that the job is a tray that is executed or reserved The transfer paper information of the tray is prohibited from being changed, and when it is determined that the job is not executed and reserved, the change of the transfer paper information of the tray is permitted.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, it is possible to reliably rewrite only the transfer sheet information of the unused tray without erroneously rewriting the transfer sheet information of the used tray and the reserved tray during the job execution. Become.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect includes a display operation unit that displays transfer paper information of the tray according to the first aspect, and the control unit determines that the designated tray is a tray in use. The tray of the transfer paper information setting screen displayed on the display operation unit is displayed in an identifiable manner.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, when the control unit determines that the designated tray is an in-use tray, the transfer paper information setting screen displayed on the display operation unit. The tray selecting operation is controlled to be disabled.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the transfer paper information includes at least one of paper size, paper type, basis weight, color, punch hole, main sub-scanning image position, and main sub-scanning magnification. It is characterized by including items.

  An image forming apparatus control method according to claim 5 includes: an image forming unit that forms an image; a plurality of trays that feed transfer paper to the image forming unit; and a transfer for each tray on which the transfer paper is loaded. A storage unit for storing tray information indicating whether or not the tray is used for paper information and an execution job or a reservation job, and when an execution job or a reservation job is received, Storing tray information in the storage unit as a tray to be used in the execution job or reservation job, and one of the plurality of trays for changing the transfer paper information of the tray Is designated based on the tray information, the step of determining whether the designated tray is the in-use tray, and the designated tray is an in-use tray. If it is determined that the transfer paper information of the tray is not changed, and if it is determined that the designated tray is not a tray in use, the change of the transfer paper information of the tray is permitted. It is characterized by having.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when it is determined that the tray is a tray in which the job is executed or reserved, the change of the transfer paper information in the tray is prohibited, and the tray in which the job is not executed or reserved If it is determined that the transfer paper information of the tray is changed, it is permitted.

  With this configuration, the transfer paper information of the used tray and the reserved tray is not rewritten accidentally during the job execution, and the transfer paper of the unused tray is replaced with another type of transfer paper, and only the transfer paper information is surely rewritten. be able to. As a result, the transfer paper on the unused tray can be replaced during job execution, and the tray can be used effectively, so that a large number of jobs can be output continuously without stopping the apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral 100 as an embodiment according to the present invention. A digital multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and is an apparatus that forms an image based on predetermined program information. The digital multi-function peripheral 100 has functions of a copier, a printer, and a scanner that execute a plurality of registered jobs in a predetermined order to form an image on transfer paper. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 functions as, for example, a POD (print on demand) machine that outputs a large number of jobs continuously using various types of transfer paper.

  In this example, the digital multifunction peripheral 100 constitutes a direct transfer type multifunction peripheral for obtaining a monochrome image, and has an apparatus main body A. Of course, the post-processing apparatus 90 may be connected to the apparatus main body A for use. The apparatus main body A includes paper trays T1 and T2, a scanner unit 11, an image control unit 15, a writing processing unit 60, an image forming unit 70, and the like.

  An automatic document feeder (ADF) 40 is attached to the upper part of the apparatus main body A and operates to automatically feed an arbitrary document 20. For example, the ADF 40 includes a document placement portion 41, a roller 42 a, a roller 42 b, a roller 43, a conveyance roller 44, and a paper discharge tray 46. One or a plurality of documents 20 are placed on the document placing portion 41. Rollers 42a and 42b are provided on the downstream side of the document placing portion 41. When the automatic paper feeding mode is selected, the document 20 fed out from the document placing portion 41 is rotated in a U-shape by the roller 43 on the downstream side. So that it is conveyed. When the automatic paper feed mode is set, the recording surface of the document 20 is placed upward by the document placement unit 41.

  On the other hand, a scanner unit 11 is provided in the main unit. A reduced image sensor is used for the scanner unit 11. In the scanner unit 11, for example, when the document 20 is reversed in a U shape by the roller 43, the surface of the document 20 is read and image data of the document (hereinafter referred to as document image data Din) is output.

  The scanner unit 11 includes a first platen glass 51, a second platen glass (ADF glass) 52, a light source 53, mirrors 54, 55, and 56, an imaging optical unit 57, a CCD imaging device 58, and an optical drive unit (not shown). is doing. The document 20 read by the scanner unit 11 is transported by the transport roller 44 and discharged to the discharge tray 46.

  The scanner unit 11 is provided with a CCD image pickup device 58 that constitutes a reduction type image sensor. An image control unit 15 is connected to an output stage of the CCD image pickup device 58, and the document after image processing by the image control unit 15 is performed. Image data Din is output to the image forming unit 70. In the image forming unit 70, for example, an image is formed on the transfer paper 30 fed out and supplied from any one of the paper trays T1 to T8. These paper trays T1 to T8 constitute an example of a plurality of trays.

  The image forming unit 70 includes a photosensitive drum 71 having an organic photosensitive layer, a charging unit 72, a developing unit 73, a transfer unit 74, a separating unit 75, a cleaning unit 76, a transport mechanism unit 77, and a fixing unit 78.

  A charging unit 72 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 71, and the photosensitive drum 71 is uniformly charged in advance based on a predetermined charging potential. For example, a writing processing unit 60 is provided at an upper right side of the photosensitive drum 71, and the photosensitive drum 71 is exposed by being irradiated with laser light having a predetermined intensity based on the document image data Din after image processing. An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon.

  On the right side of the photosensitive drum 71, a developing unit 73 containing a developer composed of toner and carrier is disposed, and the electrostatic latent image exposed by the writing processing unit 60 is developed with toner. Below the developing unit 73, a registration roller 62, paper trays T1 and T2, and the like are provided. A manual feed tray 63 and a large-capacity paper tray 30T are attached to the right side of the apparatus main body A. The large capacity paper tray 30T is composed of six paper trays, a paper tray T3 to a paper tray T8.

  The transfer paper 30 set on the paper trays T1 and T2, the large capacity paper tray 30T, the manual feed tray 63, and the like is fed out of the tray by a predetermined paper feed roller by paper feed control, and passes through the transport roller 61, the registration roller 62, and the like. It is conveyed under the photosensitive drum 71.

  The paper trays T1 to T8 are provided with a tray raising motor, a tray upper limit sensor, and the like (not shown). Based on information from the tray raising motor, the tray upper limit sensor, and the like, the remaining amount of the transfer paper 30 can be detected.

  A transfer unit 74 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 71, and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 through charging, exposure, and development is transferred to the transfer paper 30 whose conveyance timing is controlled by the registration roller 62. Transcribed. A separation unit 75 is provided adjacent to the transfer unit 74, and the transfer paper 30 onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 71. A transport mechanism 77 is provided on the downstream side of the separation unit 75, and a fixing unit 78 is provided at the end thereof. The fixing unit 78 fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer paper 30. A cleaning unit 76 is provided between the conveyance mechanism unit 77 and the above-described charging unit 72 so as to face the photoconductive drum 71, and the toner remaining on the photoconductive drum 71 is cleaned.

  When duplex copying is selected in this example, an image is formed on the front surface of the paper, and an image is also formed on the back surface of the transfer paper 30 discharged from the fixing unit 78. The transfer paper 30 discharged from the fixing unit 78 is branched from the sheet discharge path by the branching unit 91, and the front and back are reversed by the lower reversing roller 92 and the reversing unit 93 constituting the paper feeding unit 23. The transfer paper 30 passes through the reverse conveyance path 94 and merges with the normal paper feed path before the conveyance roller 61.

  The transfer paper 30 that has been reversely conveyed here is conveyed again to the transfer section 74 through the registration roller 62, and the toner image is transferred onto the back surface of the transfer paper 30. The transfer paper 30 onto which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to fixing processing by the fixing unit 78, is sandwiched between paper discharge rollers 95, and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 96 or the like outside the apparatus. The transfer paper 30 on which image formation has been completed by the above-described processing is not limited to the paper discharge tray 96, and the post-processing device 90 may perform stapling processing, binding processing, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. A digital multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 2 is an apparatus that forms an image based on predetermined program information. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 includes a scanner unit 11, an image control unit 15, a print and scanner controller 21, an operation unit 48, an image forming unit 70, and an ADF control unit 81.

  In FIG. 2, the scanner unit 11 is connected to the image control unit 15. The document image data Din after image processing by the image control unit 15 is output to the image forming unit 70. The print and scanner controller 21 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 12, a DRAM control IC 13, an image memory 16, and a controller control unit 17. The print and scanner controller 21 is connected to the image control unit 15 through the PCI bus 19.

  The LAN interface 12 is connected to an external computer via a LAN cable when the digital multifunction peripheral 100 is used as a printer or when a program is rewritten.

  A DRAM control IC 13 is connected to the LAN interface 12, and an image memory 16 and a controller control unit 17 are connected to the DRAM control IC 13. In the image memory 16, in the print mode, print data taken from an external computer or the like is stored under the control of the controller control unit 17 and the DRAM control IC 13.

  The image control unit 15 reads print data from the image memory 16 and performs image processing. The image control unit 15 functions as an example of a display operation unit, and the scanner unit 11, the print and scanner controller 21, the image forming unit 70, and the operation unit 48 are connected to an ADF control unit 81.

  The scanner unit 11 includes a scanner control unit 59 in addition to the CCD imaging device 58 described with reference to FIG. The scanner control unit 59 controls input / output of the CCD image pickup device 58. For example, when the automatic paper feeding mode is selected, the scanner control unit 59 controls the conveyance of the document 20 fed out from the document placement unit 41 illustrated in FIG. . The CCD image pickup device 58 reads the image information on the surface of the document by reading the surface of the document 20 when the document 20 is reversed in a U shape by the roller 43. The analog image acquisition signal obtained from the CCD imaging device 58 is converted from analog to digital into digital document image data Din.

  In FIG. 2, the image control unit 15 includes a reading processing unit 31, a compression IC 32, an image memory (DRAM) 33, a nonvolatile memory 34, a DRAM control IC 35, a decompression IC 38, and a writing processing unit 60. The above document image data Din is output to the reading processing unit 31. The read processing unit 31 is connected to the scanner unit 11 and the PCI bus 19. The reading processing unit 31 reads and processes the document image data Din transferred from the scanner unit 11. The reading processing unit 31 is connected to a compression IC 32 and compresses and encodes the document image data Din. The original image data Din after compression encoding is compressed image data.

  An image memory 33 is connected to the compression IC 32 through a DRAM control IC 35. The image memory 33 is composed of a DRAM and includes a compression memory 36 and a page memory 37. The compressed memory 36 stores compressed image data under the memory control of the DRAM control IC 35. The DRAM control IC 35 is connected to a decompression IC 38, and decompresses and decodes the compressed image data at the time of image formation. The image data after decompression decoding is document image data Din. The original image data Din after decompression / decoding is stored in the page memory 37. The DRAM control IC 35 detects the job end.

  A write processing unit 60 is connected to the PCI bus 19 described above, and a laser drive signal Sout is generated based on the document image data Din read from the page memory 37. The laser drive signal Sout is output to the image forming unit 70. Note that the writing processing unit 60 may be connected to the decompression IC 38 so that the document image data Din after decompression decoding is directly supplied to the writing processing unit 60 without using the page memory 37.

  An operation unit 48 is connected to the image control unit 15 shown in FIG. The operation unit 48 is operated when setting image forming conditions such as the number of copies and image density, and selecting one of the paper trays T1 to T8. The operation unit 48 reserves an image forming job such as copying.

  The operation unit 48 is provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 18 in addition to an operation panel (not shown), and operates to display image forming conditions such as the size of the transfer paper 30, the number of copies, and image density. Further, the LCD 18 displays whether or not the transfer paper information D1 (d1 to d8) shown in FIG. 3 can be set for the paper trays T1 to T8.

  The operation unit 48 is combined with a touch panel (touch screen) on the LCD 18 to form a GUI (Graphic User Interface) type operation panel. For example, the operation unit 48 is an apparatus that combines the LCD 18 and a matrix switch (not shown) and the like, and is an input device that operates the digital multifunction peripheral 100 by pressing a display on the screen. The operation unit 48 includes an operation unit control unit 14 in addition to the LCD 18. The operation unit control unit 14 controls the display of the LCD 18 and controls the input of touch detection signals generated on the touch panel. An input signal from the touch panel is supplied to the image control CPU 85 of the image signal control unit 15A. The operation data D3 input by the above-described operation unit 48 is registered in the system memory 83.

  The image forming unit 70 shown in FIG. 2 includes a laser diode (LD) 64 and a printer control unit 65, and operates to form an image based on the content set by the operation unit 48 described above.

  The laser diode (LD) 64 generates laser light based on the laser drive signal Sout. The laser beam is scanned on the photosensitive drum 71 by the scanning mechanism of the writing processing unit 60 shown in FIG. By this scanning, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 71. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the image forming unit 70, and the toner image is transferred to a desired transfer paper 30. The printer control unit 65 outputs the document image data or print data after image processing to the image forming unit 70 and controls image formation.

  The image signal control unit 15A includes a nonvolatile memory 34, a system memory (RAM) 83, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 84, and an image control CPU 85, which are examples of a storage unit. An image control CPU 85 is connected to the DRAM control IC 35 described above. The image control CPU 85 controls the entire digital multi-function peripheral 100 based on the program stored in the HDD 84.

  The image control CPU 85 is an example of a control unit, and acquires information regarding the transfer paper 30 loaded in the paper trays T1 to T8. For example, the image control CPU 85 acquires size information of the transfer paper 30 stored in the paper trays T1 to T8 from a paper size detection sensor (not shown). When the image control CPU 85 receives an execution job or a reservation job, the image control CPU 85 stores the tray information d10 to d80 (see FIG. 3) in the nonvolatile memory 34 with the paper tray used in the execution job or the reservation job as a busy tray. . When any of the paper trays T1 to T8 is designated for changing the transfer paper information D1 (d1 to d8) of the paper tray shown in FIG. 3, the image control CPU 85 selects these trays. Based on the information d10 to d80, it is determined whether or not the designated paper tray is a busy tray. If the image control CPU 85 determines that the designated paper tray is a used tray, the image control CPU 85 prohibits the change of the transfer paper information D1 (d1 to d8) of the paper tray in use shown in FIG. When it is determined that the paper tray is not in use, the change of the transfer paper information D1 (d1 to d8) of the paper tray is permitted.

  Thereby, it is possible to reliably rewrite only the transfer paper information D1 of the unused tray without rewriting the transfer paper information D1 of the tray to be used erroneously during the job execution. Therefore, since unused trays can be effectively used during job execution, a large number of jobs can be output continuously without stopping the digital multifunction peripheral 100.

  The nonvolatile memory 34, the HDD 84, and the like are memories that can rewrite data and are not erased even when the power is turned off. In the nonvolatile memory 34, transfer sheet information D1 (d1 to d8) in the sheet trays T1 to T8 is stored for each tray. This transfer paper information D1 includes paper size, paper type, basis weight, color, punch hole, main sub-scanning image position, main sub-scanning magnification, and the like. The image control CPU 85 acquires the transfer sheet information D1 (d1 to d8) for each tray stored in the nonvolatile memory 34, and outputs it to the operation unit control unit 14. Based on the transfer sheet information D1 (d1 to d8), the operation unit control unit 14 controls the LCD 18 to display, for example, a machine state screen P1 shown in FIG. The machine status screen P1 displayed on the LCD 18 is divided into a part that permits setting change by a touch panel operation and a part that prohibits setting change.

  When the user performs a touch panel operation on the machine status screen P1 (see FIG. 6), the operation unit control unit 14 outputs operation data D3 of the touch panel operation to the image control CPU 85. The image control CPU 85 refers to the transfer sheet information D1 based on the operation data D3, and determines whether the operation data D3 is data indicating setting change prohibition or data indicating setting change permission.

  When the operation data D3 is data indicating that setting change is prohibited, the image control CPU 85 controls the operation unit controller 14 so as to invalidate the touch panel operation indicated by the operation data D3. For example, the image control CPU 85 ignores the operation data D3 indicating that setting change is prohibited and does not shift to the next screen menu, or causes the operation unit control unit 14 to display a pop-up window indicating that setting change is prohibited. Control. In order to notify the user that setting change is prohibited, the image control CPU 85 may perform control so as to generate a warning sound from a speaker (not shown). As a result, the user can clearly recognize that the change by the touch panel operation is prohibited.

  On the other hand, when the operation data D3 is data indicating permission to change the setting, the image control CPU 85 uses the operation data D3 to transfer each piece of transfer paper information in the paper trays T1 to T8 stored in the nonvolatile memory 34. D1 (d1 to d8) is changed. The ADF control unit 81 controls the operation of the ADF 40.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration example of transfer paper information D1 (d1 to d8) and tray information d10 to d80 for each tray. The transfer paper information D1 shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 34. The transfer paper information D1 is composed of transfer paper information d1 to d8 in a total of eight paper trays from the transfer paper information d1 of the paper tray T1 to the transfer paper information d8 of the paper tray T8. These transfer paper information d1 to d8 all have the same data structure. For example, the transfer paper information d1 is composed of the following data items.

  In this example, the transfer paper information d1 includes “paper type”, “basis weight”, “color”, “perforated”, “main scanning image adjustment (front surface)”, “main scanning image adjustment (back surface)”, “ “Sub-scanning image adjustment (front surface)”, “Sub-scanning image adjustment (back surface)”, “Main scanning magnification (front surface)”, “Main scanning magnification (back surface)”, “Sub-scanning magnification (front surface)”, “Sub-scanning magnification” (Back side) ”,“ transfer current adjustment value ”,“ fixing pressure contact force setting ”,“ wide paper main scanning size ”,“ wide paper sub-scanning size ”, and“ wide paper image position ”.

  Here, along with the data structure of the transfer sheet information d1, a “tray information” item d10 is attached at the end thereof. For example, “0” or “1” is set as identification information indicating permission or prohibition of changing the setting of each data item of the transfer sheet information d1. For example, when the paper tray T1 is used at the start of the job, the identification information of the “tray information” item d10 of the paper tray T1 is set to “1”. Thereby, for example, setting change of the transfer paper information d1 of the paper tray T1 can be prohibited. The identification information of the “tray information” item d10 is an example of tray information.

  For example, when the user presses the “tray 1” button B3 on the machine state screen P1 (see FIG. 6), the operation unit control unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 2 outputs the operation data D3 of the touch panel operation to the image control CPU 85. To do. The image control CPU 85 refers to the “tray information” item d10 from the operation data D3. When the tray 1 is in use and the data “1” indicating the setting change prohibition is set in the “tray information” item d10, the image control CPU 85 causes the operation unit control unit 14 to invalidate the touch panel operation. To control. For example, the image control CPU 85 performs control so that the operation data D3 indicating the setting change prohibition is ignored and the screen does not move to the next screen menu.

  When the user presses the “tray 3” button B5 on the machine status screen P1 (see FIG. 6), the operation unit control unit 14 shown in FIG. 2 outputs the operation data D3 of the touch panel operation to the image control CPU 85. To do. The image control CPU 85 refers to the “tray information” item d30 from the operation data D3. When the tray 3 is unused and the data “0” indicating the setting change permission is set in the “tray information” item d30, the image control CPU 85 sets the “paper type” and “basis weight” of the transfer paper information d3. ”And other data item settings can be changed.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration example of the tray information change list d100. The change list d100 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of tray information, and the data configuration is different from the tray information d10 to d80 illustrated in FIG. That is, FIG. 3 includes data items of “tray information” configured together with the transfer sheet information d1 to d8. On the other hand, the change list d100 shown in FIG. 4 includes only “tray information” items d10 ′ to d80 ′, and is separated from data items such as “paper type” and “basis weight”.

  This is because, in software programming, the transfer paper information d1 to d8 shown in FIG. 3 is suitably used as a global variable (global variable) that is declared in the outermost block in the program and can be referenced from all blocks. The On the other hand, the change list d100 shown in FIG. 4 is preferably used as a local variable (local variable) that is a variable that is valid only within the declared block. In the present embodiment, control may be performed so that setting changes are prohibited or permitted using “tray information” d10 to d80 configured together with the transfer sheet information d1 to d8 shown in FIG. Control may be performed to prohibit or permit setting changes using the change list d100 shown in FIG.

  The change list d100 shown in FIG. 4 includes, for example, “0” or “1” in the “tray information” item d10 ′ as identification information indicating permission or prohibition of change of setting of transfer paper information related to the paper tray T1. Is set. For example, when the paper tray T1 is used at the start of the job, the identification information of the “tray information” item d10 ′ in the change list d100 is set to “1”. As a result, it is possible to prohibit changing the setting of the transfer paper information in the paper tray T1.

  If the paper tray T1 is not used at the start of the job and there is no job reservation for the paper tray T1, the identification information of the “tray information” item d10 ′ in the change list d100 is set to “0”. As a result, it is possible to permit the setting change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray T1.

  The change list d100 is developed in the system memory 83 by the image control CPU 85 when the job is started. Further, information such as “paper type” and “basis weight” for each tray corresponding to each array of the change list d100 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 34.

  Next, the screen displayed on the LCD 18 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the machine state screen P1. The machine state screen P1 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed when the “machine state” button B1 on the display screen of the LCD 18 is pressed. Note that the machine status screen P1 and the like are displayed using, for example, an LCD 18 having a size of 15 inches or 17 inches.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a “paper tray” item Q1, a “job” item Q2, and the like are displayed on the machine state screen P1 at substantially the center position. The “paper tray” item Q1 includes a “tray” item, a “size” item, a “name” item, a “basis weight” item, and a “remaining amount” item.

  This “tray” item displays tray number “1” to tray number “8”. The paper tray T1 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the tray number “1”, and the paper tray T2 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the tray number “2”. Similarly, the paper trays T3 to T8 shown in FIG. 1 correspond to the tray numbers “3” to “8”, respectively.

  In the “size” item, information indicating the paper size such as “Custom” or “12 × 18” is displayed. In the “Name” item, the name of the paper such as “Normal” is displayed. In the “basis weight” item, the weight of one sheet per square meter is displayed. In the “remaining amount” item, the remaining amount of paper is displayed by the character symbol of the arrow. As described above, the “paper tray” item Q1 includes display items.

  For example, in the display area t1 of the “paper tray” item Q1, the tray number “1” is displayed in the “tray” item, and the paper size “Custom” is displayed in the “size” item. In the display area t1, the paper name “Normal” is displayed in the “Name” item, the basis weight “50-61 g” is displayed in the “Basis weight” item, and the “Remaining” item is displayed. Is displayed with a downward arrow symbol indicating the remaining amount.

  Furthermore, the display area t1 has a color coding part q1 in which a part of the area is color-coded so as to be identifiable. This color classification part q1 is set to a highly saturated color such as orange. In this case, the background color of the “paper tray” item Q1 is set to a low-saturation color such as black or gray. By color-coding in this way, the paper tray for which setting change is permitted for the user and the paper tray for which setting change is prohibited are clearly shown. The other display areas t2 to t8 are configured in the same manner as the display area t1. In this example, the display areas t1, t2, and t5 are set to orange.

  When the image control CPU 85 shown in FIG. 2 determines that the job is a paper tray on which the job is executed or reserved, the color control unit q1 on the machine status screen P1 of the paper tray displayed on the LCD 18 can be identified. Control display in orange.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the tray setting screen P2. The tray setting screen P2 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed by pressing the “tray setting” button B2 on the display screen shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a “tray setting” item Q3 is displayed at the substantially center position on the tray setting screen P2. The “tray setting” item Q3 is provided with “tray 1” button B3 to “tray 8” button B10 on the left side thereof. In the “tray setting” item Q3, a “paper size” item, a “paper name” item, a “paper type” item, a “basis weight” item, and the like are displayed on the right side.

  In this example, the “tray 1” button B3, the “tray 2” button B4, and the “tray 5” button B7 are set to a highly saturated color such as orange indicating that setting change is prohibited. That is, these buttons B3, B4, and B7 are prohibited from touch panel operation and are set to be unresponsive to button presses.

  When the image control CPU 85 shown in FIG. 2 determines that the job is a paper tray on which the job is executed or reserved, the selected portion (for example, the button B3) of the tray setting screen P2 of the paper tray displayed on the LCD 18 is displayed. Control to disable selection.

  The “tray 3” button B5, the “tray 4” button B6, and the “tray 6” button B8 to the “tray 8” button B10 are set to a low-saturation color such as black or gray indicating permission of setting change. These buttons B5, B6, and B8 to B10 are set such that touch panel operation is permitted and reacts to pressing of the buttons. For example, when the “tray 3” button B5 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the color of the button B5 is changed, and the transfer sheet information of “tray 3” is displayed on the right side of the screen.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the size setting screen P3. The size setting screen P3 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed by pressing the “change setting” button B11 on the display screen shown in FIG. The size setting screen P3 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen for changing the paper size of the selected “tray 3”. The screens after the size setting screen P3 are the same as the conventional screens, and there is no setting for prohibiting or permitting the above-described setting change. That is, in the tray setting screen P2 shown in FIG. 6, the setting change of the paper trays T1 to T8 related to job start and job reservation is prohibited or permitted, so that the setting change is prohibited or permitted in the subsequent stage. There is no setting.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a “size setting” item Q4 is displayed in the approximate center position on the size setting screen P3. In the “size setting” item Q4, a “standard size” button B12, an “undefined size” button B13, a “wide paper” button B14, an “index paper” button B15, and a “postcard” button B16 are provided on the left side. Is provided. In the “size setting” item Q4, a “standard size setting” item and the like are displayed on the right side thereof.

  For example, the “standard size” button B12 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed to change the color of the button B12, and a description of the standard size setting is displayed on the right side of the screen.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the individual setting screen P4. The individual setting screen P4 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed by pressing the “change setting” button B21 on the display screen shown in FIG. The individual setting screen P4 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a screen for changing the paper type, basis weight, and the like of the selected “tray 3”. The screens after the individual setting screen P4 are the same as the conventional screen, and there is no setting for prohibiting or permitting the above-described setting change. That is, in the tray setting screen P2 shown in FIG. 6, the setting change of the paper trays T1 to T8 related to job start and job reservation is prohibited or permitted, so that the setting change is prohibited or permitted in the subsequent stage. There is no setting.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the individual setting screen P4 displays an “individual setting change” item Q5 at a substantially central position. This “individual setting change” item Q5 is provided with a “paper type” button B17, a “basis weight” button B18, and the like on the left side thereof. In addition, in the “individual setting change” item Q5, a “paper type setting” item is displayed on the right side thereof.

  For example, when the “paper type” button B17 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed to change the color of the button B17, the “coated paper” button B19 and the “plain paper” button B20 for setting the paper type are displayed on the right side of the screen. Is displayed. In this example, the “plain paper” button B20 is pressed and the color of the button B20 is changed and set.

  Next, an operation example of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (part 1) of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. In this example, a tray information change list d100 (see FIG. 4) indicating prohibition or permission of setting changes in the paper trays T1 to T8 is created.

  In step ST1 shown in FIG. 9, the image control CPU 85 shown in FIG. 2 determines whether a job for the selected tray is started (executed). For example, the image control CPU 85 selects the paper tray T1 and receives an execution job from the printer control unit 65 to acquire information on the paper tray in use. Then, the acquired information on the paper tray in use and the information on the selected paper tray T1 are compared to determine whether or not this paper tray T1 is in use. If it is determined that the paper tray T1 is in use, the process proceeds to step ST2.

  In step ST2, the image control CPU 85 prohibits changing the setting of the selected tray. For example, the image control CPU 85 refers to the change list d100 (see FIG. 4) expanded in the system memory 83. Then, the image control CPU 85 sets “1” in the “tray information” item d10 ′ of the change list d100. As a result, setting change of the transfer paper information in the paper tray T1 is prohibited.

  If it is determined in step ST1 that the paper tray T1 is not used, the process proceeds to step ST3.

  In step ST3, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not a job for the selected tray is reserved. For example, the image control CPU 85 receives a reservation job from the printer control unit 65 and acquires information on a paper tray being reserved. Then, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not the selected paper tray T1 is reserved.

  When the selected paper tray T1 is reserved, the process proceeds to step ST2 described above, and the image control CPU 85 sets “1” in the “tray information” item d10 ′ of the change list d100. As a result, setting change of the transfer paper information in the paper tray T1 is prohibited. If the selected paper tray T1 is not reserved, the process proceeds to step ST4.

  In step ST4, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not the reserved job has been deleted. For example, when the operation data D3 for deleting the reserved job is input from the operation unit control unit 14, the image control CPU 85 proceeds to step ST5.

  In step ST5, the image control CPU 85 determines whether another job uses the paper tray reserved in the deleted job. For example, in step ST3 described above, the image control CPU 85 refers to the information on the reserved paper tray acquired from the printer control unit 65, and determines whether another job uses the paper tray reserved in the deletion job. Determine whether. If it is determined that another job does not use the paper tray reserved for the deletion job, the process proceeds to step ST6.

  In step ST6, the image control CPU 85 permits the setting change of the selected tray. For example, the image control CPU 85 refers to the change list d100 (see FIG. 4) expanded in the system memory 83. Then, the image control CPU 85 sets “0” in the “tray information” item d10 ′ of the change list d100. Thereby, setting change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray T1 is permitted.

  If the image control CPU 85 determines in step ST5 that another job uses the paper tray reserved for the deletion job, the image control CPU 85 does not change the “tray information” item d10 ′ in the change list d100. Continue setting “1”.

  If the operation data D3 for deleting the reserved job is not input from the operation unit control unit 14 in step ST4 described above, the image control CPU 85 proceeds to step ST7.

  In step ST7, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not the job is finished. For example, the image control CPU 85 proceeds to step ST8 when the information indicating the end of the job is input from the printer control unit 65, and ends the process when the information indicating the end of the job is not input.

  In step ST8, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not another job uses the paper tray used in the completed job. For example, the image control CPU 85 refers to the information on the reserved paper tray acquired from the printer control unit 65 in step ST3 described above, and determines whether another job uses the paper tray reserved for the end job. Determine whether or not. When it is determined that another job does not use the paper tray used in the end job, the process proceeds to step ST6 described above. In step ST6, the image control CPU 85 sets “0” in the “tray information” item d10 ′ of the change list d100, for example. Thereby, setting change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray T1 is permitted. If the image control CPU 85 determines in step ST8 that another job uses the paper tray used in the end job, the process ends.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the paper tray T1 has been described as an example, but the same processing as that of the paper tray T1 is performed for the paper trays T2 to T8. Then, “0” or “1” is set in the “tray information” items d20 ′ to d80 ′ of the change list d100.

  In step ST3 shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the selected paper tray T1 is not reserved, the image control CPU 85 may perform control so as to allow the setting change of the paper tray T1.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (part 2) of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. In this example, the screen display of the LCD 18 is controlled based on the change list d100 (see FIG. 4) created in FIG. The change list d100 is expanded in the system memory 83 by the image control CPU 85.

  In step ST20 shown in FIG. 10, the image control CPU 85 sets (sets) the initial value “1” to the counter for counting the paper trays to be determined, and proceeds to step ST21.

  In step ST <b> 21, the image control CPU 85 determines whether the determination target paper tray is a paper tray to be used. For example, the image control CPU 85 refers to the “tray information” item d 10 ′ of the change list d 100 expanded in the system memory 83. Then, the image control CPU 85 proceeds to step ST22 when the setting value of the “tray information” item d10 ′ is “1”, and proceeds to step ST23 when the setting value is “0”.

  In step ST <b> 22, the image control CPU 85 disables the touch panel operation of the LCD 18 related to the change prohibition and color-codes a predetermined portion of the LCD 18 in order to prohibit the setting change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray to be determined. To control.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the image control CPU 85 sets the “tray 1” button B3 on the tray setting screen P2 displayed on the LCD 18 to a high-saturation color such as orange indicating that setting change is prohibited. .

  When the “tray 1” button B3 is pressed by the user, the image control CPU 85 refers to the “tray information” item d10 ′ in the change list d100 based on the operation data D3 input from the operation unit control unit. When the data “1” indicating the setting change prohibition is set in the “tray information” item d10 ′, the image control CPU 85 controls the operation unit control unit 14 to invalidate the touch panel operation. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST23.

  In step ST23, the image control CPU 85 counts up a counter that counts the paper tray to be determined, and proceeds to step ST24.

  In step ST24, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not the count value of the counter exceeds the total number of connected paper trays. When the count value of the counter is less than the total number of paper trays (= 8), the process returns to step ST21. Further, when the count value of the counter exceeds the total number of paper trays (= 8), the processing is ended.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (part 3) of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. In this example, using the tray information change list d100 created in FIG. 9, the transfer paper information setting change in the paper trays T1 to T8 is prohibited or permitted. The change list d100 is expanded in the system memory 83 by the image control CPU 85. Note that the tray information d10 to d80 shown in FIG. 3 may be used to prohibit or permit the transfer paper information setting change in the paper trays T1 to T8.

  In step ST30 shown in FIG. 11, the image control CPU 85 determines whether or not a button for changing the setting of the transfer paper information of the paper tray has been pressed. For example, when the “tray 1” button B3 on the tray setting screen P2 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the image control CPU 85 inputs operation data D3 indicating that the paper tray T1 has been selected from the operation unit control unit 14. To do. Then, the image control CPU 85 determines that the button for changing the transfer paper information setting of the paper tray has been pressed, and proceeds to step ST31. If the button for changing the transfer paper information setting of the paper tray is not pressed, the determination is repeated again in step ST30.

  In step ST31, the image control CPU 85 refers to the change list d100 expanded in the system memory 83. Then, for example, the image control CPU 85 acquires the set value of the “tray information” item d10 ′ of the change list d100, and proceeds to step ST32.

  In step ST <b> 32, the image control CPU 85 determines based on the change list d <b> 100 whether to permit the setting change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray. For example, the image control CPU 85 reads the data set in the “tray information” item d10 ′ of the change list d100. When the data set in the “tray information” item d10 ′ is data “1” indicating that the tray is being used and the change is prohibited, the image control CPU 85 prohibits the change in the setting of the transfer paper information. It judges and transfers to step ST33.

  In step ST33, the image control CPU 85 controls the operation unit control unit 14 so as to invalidate the touch panel operation. For example, the image control CPU 85 finishes the process by ignoring the operation data D3 indicating that setting change is prohibited and not shifting to the next screen menu.

  If the data set in the “tray information” item d10 ′ is data “0” indicating that the tray is not used and the change is permitted in step ST32, the image control CPU 85 sets the transfer paper information. It determines with permitting a setting change, and transfers to step ST34.

  In step ST <b> 34, the image control CPU 85 controls the LCD 18 to display a setting change screen for the transfer paper information of the paper tray. For example, the image control CPU 85 controls the LCD 18 to display the size setting screen P3 shown in FIG. 7 when the “setting change” button B11 is pressed after the “tray 3” button B5 shown in FIG. .

  As described above, according to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and the control method thereof according to the present invention, when it is determined that the job is a paper tray that is executed or reserved, the change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray is prohibited. However, if it is determined that the job is a paper tray that has not been executed or reserved, the change of the transfer paper information of the paper tray is permitted.

  With this configuration, it is possible to reliably rewrite only the transfer sheet information of the unused tray without erroneously rewriting the transfer sheet information of the used tray and the reserved tray during job execution. As a result, since unused trays can be used effectively during job execution, a large number of jobs can be output continuously without stopping the multifunction peripheral 100.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral 100 as an embodiment according to the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structural example of the transfer paper information D1 (d1-d8). It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structural example of the change list | wrist d100 of tray information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the machine state screen P1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of tray setting screen P2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the size setting screen P3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the individual setting screen P4. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (part 1) of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (part 2) of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (part 3) of the digital multi-function peripheral 100.

Explanation of symbols

11 Scanner section
12 LAN interface 13 DRAM control IC
14 Operation unit control unit 15 Control unit 15A Image signal control unit 16 Image memory 17 Controller control unit 18 LCD
21 Print Controller 23 Paper Feeding Unit 30T Large Capacity Paper Tray 33 Image Memory 34 Nonvolatile Memory (Storage Unit)
35 DRAM control IC
48 Operation unit (display operation unit)
60 Write Processing Unit 70 Image Forming Unit 81 ADF Control Unit 83 System Memory 84 Program Memory 85 Image Control CPU (Control Unit)
90 Post-processing device 100 Digital MFP (image forming device)
T1-T8 paper tray

Claims (5)

An image forming unit for forming an image;
A plurality of trays for feeding transfer paper to the image forming unit;
A storage unit for storing transfer sheet information for each tray on which the transfer sheet is loaded and tray information indicating whether the transfer sheet is a tray used in an execution job or a reservation job;
When an execution job or a reservation job is received, tray information used as the tray for use in the execution job or reservation job is stored in the storage unit, and the plurality of transfer paper information for changing the tray are changed. When any one of the trays is designated, the control unit determines whether or not the designated tray is the tray in use based on the tray information.
When the control unit determines that the designated tray is a tray in use, the control unit prohibits the change of the transfer paper information of the tray, and when the control unit determines that the designated tray is not a tray in use, An image forming apparatus, wherein the transfer paper information on the tray is allowed to be changed. A display operation unit for displaying the transfer paper information of the tray;
The control unit, when determining that the designated tray is an in-use tray, displays the tray of the transfer paper information setting screen displayed on the display operation unit in an identifiable manner. The image forming apparatus according to 1.   The control unit, when determining that the designated tray is an in-use tray, controls the tray selection operation on the transfer paper information setting screen displayed on the display operation unit to be disabled. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the transfer paper information includes at least one item of paper size, paper type, basis weight, color, punch hole, main sub-scanning image position, and main sub-scanning magnification. Forming equipment. An image forming unit for forming an image;
A plurality of trays for feeding transfer paper to the image forming unit;
A storage unit for storing transfer sheet information for each tray on which the transfer sheet is loaded and tray information indicating whether the transfer sheet is a tray used in an execution job or a reservation job;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising:
When an execution job or a reservation job is received, storing tray information in the storage unit as a tray used in the execution job or reservation job;
If any of the plurality of trays is designated for changing the transfer paper information of the tray, whether or not the designated tray is the in-use tray based on the tray information Determining
If it is determined that the designated tray is an in-use tray, prohibiting the change of the transfer paper information of the tray; and
If it is determined that the designated tray is not in use, the step of permitting the change of the transfer paper information of the tray;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

Images