JP5764582B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus capable of color printing executes printing by selecting either monochrome printing or color printing as a color mode. In addition, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed units executes printing on paper fed from a paper feed unit designated (selected) by a user. However, since the conventional image forming apparatus does not perform paper feed control according to the color mode, when the user designates color printing, printing may be performed on paper that is not suitable for color printing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-1000046

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of feeding paper according to a mode.

  According to the embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of paper feeding units, a setting unit, an image forming unit, and a prohibiting unit. The plurality of paper supply units supply paper. The setting means sets a paper feeding unit dedicated for monochrome printing. The image forming unit prints a color image on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit that is not set for monochrome printing by the setting unit. The prohibiting unit prohibits color printing on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit that is set exclusively for monochrome printing by the setting unit.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control system in the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of setting processing for each sheet cassette in the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of color copy operation in the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a display example of a guidance screen displayed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a display example of a guidance screen displayed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a display example of a guidance screen displayed by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of color printing operation in the digital multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. A digital multifunction peripheral (MFP, Multi-Functional Peripheral) according to the present embodiment functions as an image erasing device and an image forming device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral includes a scanner 1, a printer 2, an operation panel 4, and a system control unit 5.

  The scanner 1 is an apparatus that reads an image of a document and converts it into image data. The scanner 1 is constituted by, for example, a CCD line sensor that converts an image on a reading surface of a document into image data. The scanner 1 may scan a document placed on a platen glass, or may read a document image conveyed by an automatic document feeder (ADF). Further, the scanner 1 has a function of detecting the size of a document (document detection function). The scanner 1 is installed, for example, on the upper part of the main body of the digital multifunction peripheral. The scanner 1 is controlled by the system control unit 5. The scanner 1 outputs image data of a document to the system control unit 5.

The printer 2 forms an image on a sheet as an image forming medium. The printer 2 as an image forming apparatus has a color printing function for printing a color image on paper and a monochrome printing function for printing a monochrome (for example, black) image on paper. For example, the printer 2 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The printer 2 forms a color image using toners of a plurality of colors (for example, three colors of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M)). The printer 2 forms a monochrome image using monochrome (for example, black) toner. The printer 2 only needs to have a color printing function and a monochrome printing function, and is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, the printer 2 may be an ink jet type image forming apparatus or a thermal transfer type image forming apparatus. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the printer 2 includes a paper feed cassette 20 (20A, 20B). 20C). The paper feed cassette 20 is a paper feed unit that supplies paper for printing an image. Further, the printer 2 may have a manual feed tray or the like as a paper feeding unit. For example, each of the paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C is provided in a detachable state at the bottom of the digital multi-function peripheral body. These paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C store paper of a set type (for example, size and paper quality).

  Setting information such as information relating to paper stored in each paper cassette is stored in a nonvolatile memory (for example, NVM 54 described later). The printer 2 selects a paper feed cassette that stores paper used for print processing according to the setting information. The printer 2 prints an image on the paper fed from the selected paper feed cassette. When the printer 2 has a manual feed tray, setting information may be stored in the non-volatile memory for the manual feed tray as well as each paper feed cassette.

  Each of the paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C has pickup rollers 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively. The pick-up rollers 21A, 21B, and 21C take out sheets one by one from each of the paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C. The pickup rollers 21A, 21B, and 21C supply the taken paper to a conveyance path (conveyance unit) 22 including a plurality of conveyance rollers. The number of paper feed cassettes and pickup rollers as the paper feed unit is not limited to three. For example, the number of paper feed cassettes and pickup rollers may be one or two, or four or more. Further, the paper feed unit may be a manual feed tray as well as a cassette.

  The transport unit 22 transports paper within the printer 2. The transport unit 22 transports the paper supplied by the pickup rollers 21 </ b> A, 21 </ b> B, and 21 </ b> C to the registration roller 24. The registration roller 24 conveys the paper to the transfer position at the timing of transferring the image from the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the paper.

  The image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K), the exposure unit 26, the intermediate transfer belt 27, and the transfer unit 28 function as an image forming unit that forms an image. The image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) forms an image to be transferred onto a sheet. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 25Y forms an image with yellow toner. The image forming unit 25M forms an image with magenta toner. The image forming unit 25C forms an image with cyan toner. The image forming unit 25K forms an image with black toner. Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) transfers the images of the respective colors in an overlapping manner on the intermediate transfer belt 27. As a result, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27.

  The exposure unit 26 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum (image carrier) of each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) with laser light. The exposure unit 26 irradiates the photosensitive drum with a laser beam controlled according to the image data through an optical system such as a polygon mirror. Laser light from the exposure unit 26 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photosensitive drum. The exposure unit 26 controls the laser beam according to a control signal from the system control unit 5. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photosensitive drum is an image developed with toner of each color. For example, the exposure unit 26 controls the power of the laser light according to a control signal from the system control unit 5. Further, the exposure unit 26 also controls the modulation amount of the pulse width for controlling the emission of the laser light according to the control signal from the system control unit 5.

  Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) develops the electrostatic latent image formed on each photosensitive drum with toner of each color. Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) forms a toner image as a visible image on the photosensitive drum. The intermediate transfer belt 27 is an intermediate transfer member. Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) transfers (primary transfer) the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) applies a transfer bias to the toner image at the primary transfer position. Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) controls a transfer bias by a transfer current. The toner image on each photosensitive drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 27 by a transfer bias at each primary transfer position. The system control unit 5 controls the transfer current that each image forming unit uses for the primary transfer process.

  Each of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K has a sensor such as a potential sensor and a density sensor. The potential sensor is a sensor that detects the surface potential of the photosensitive drum. In each of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K, the charging charger charges the surface of the photosensitive drum before being exposed by the exposure unit 26. The system control unit 5 can change the charging condition by the charging charger. The potential sensor detects the surface potential of the photosensitive drum whose surface is charged by the charging charger. The density sensor detects the density of the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. The density sensor may detect a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum.

For example, when forming a monochrome image, the image forming unit 25K transfers (primarily transfers) a toner image (visible image) developed with black (monochrome) toner onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 27 holds a monochrome image formed with black (monochrome) toner.
In the case of forming a color image, each of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K forms a toner image (visible image) developed with toner of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) on the intermediate transfer belt 27. (Transfer first). As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 27 holds a color image in which the toner images of the respective colors are overlapped.

  The transfer unit 28 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 to a sheet at the secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer position is a position where the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transferred to a sheet. The secondary transfer position is a position where the support roller 28a and the secondary transfer roller 28b face each other. The transfer unit 28 applies a transfer bias controlled by a transfer current to the secondary transfer position. The transfer unit 28 transfers the toner image (decolored toner image or normal toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 27 to a sheet by a transfer bias. The system control unit 5 controls a transfer current used for the secondary transfer process. For example, the system control unit 5 may control a transfer current for transferring a decolored toner image and a transfer current for transferring a normal toner image, respectively.

  The fixing device 29 has a function of fixing toner on a sheet. For example, in the embodiment, it is assumed that the fixing device 29 fixes a toner image on a sheet by heat applied to the sheet. However, the fixing device 29 may be any device that fixes an image on a sheet, and is not limited to a device that fixes an image by heat.

  The fixing device 29 has a configuration for applying heat to the sheet in order to perform a fixing process. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 29 includes a heat roller 29b having a built-in heating unit 29a and a pressure roller 29c in contact with the fixing belt heated by the heat roller 29b in a pressurized state. The heating unit 29a may be a heater capable of controlling the temperature. For example, the heating unit 29a may be configured by a heater lamp such as a halogen lamp, or may be an induction heating (IH) type heater. Moreover, you may comprise the heating part 29a with a some heater.

  For example, when performing a fixing process for fixing a toner image on a sheet, the system control unit 5 controls the fixing device 29 to a fixing temperature. The fixing device 29 controlled to the fixing temperature heats the sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 28 at the fixing temperature while applying pressure. As a result, the fixing device 29 fixes the toner image on the paper. The fixing unit 29 conveys the fixed sheet to either the paper discharge unit 30 or the automatic duplex device 31.

  When the paper fixed by the fixing device 29 is discharged, the paper is carried out to the paper discharge unit 30. When an image is also formed on the back surface of the paper fixed by the fixing device 29, the paper is once transported to the paper discharge unit 30 side, then switched back and transported to the ADU 31. In this case, the ADU 31 supplies the paper inverted by the switchback to the front of the registration roller 24 again.

  The operation panel 4 is a user interface. The operation panel 4 includes various buttons and a display unit 4a including a touch panel 4b. The system control unit 5 controls the contents displayed on the display unit 4 a of the operation panel 4. Further, the operation panel 4 outputs information input to the touch panel 4b or the button of the display unit 4a to the system control unit 5. The user designates an operation mode on the operation panel 4 or inputs information such as setting information. For example, the user designates a specific paper feed cassette (paper feed unit) as a black (monochrome) dedicated cassette through the operation panel 4. Here, the black (monochrome) dedicated cassette is a cassette (paper feeding unit) that is used only for monochrome (black) printing and is prohibited from being used in color printing.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the digital multifunction peripheral will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a control system in the system control unit 5 and the printer 2 of the digital multifunction peripheral.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the system control unit 5 includes a system CPU (processor) 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a nonvolatile memory (NVM) 54, an HDD 55, a page memory 56, an external interface (I / F) 57, and image processing. Part 58.

  The system CPU 51 comprehensively controls the entire digital multi-function peripheral and each unit. The system CPU 51 is a processor that implements processing by executing a program. The system CPU 51 is connected to each unit in the apparatus via a system bus. The system CPU 51 connects not only each unit in the system control unit 5 but also the scanner 1, the printer 2, the operation panel 4, and the like via the system bus. The system CPU 51 outputs an operation instruction to each unit and acquires various information from each unit through bidirectional communication with the scanner 1, the printer 2, and the operation panel 4. In addition, the system CPU 51 inputs information indicating detection signals, operation states, and the like of various sensors installed in each unit in the apparatus.

  The RAM 52 is composed of a volatile memory. The RAM 52 functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The ROM 53 is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores programs, control data, and the like. The system CPU 51 implements various processes by executing programs stored in the ROM 53 (or the non-volatile memory 54 and the HDD 55) while using the RAM 52. For example, the system CPU 51 functions as a print execution unit and a prohibition unit by executing a program.

  The nonvolatile memory (NVM) 54 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The NVM 54 stores a control program and control data executed by the system CPU 51. The NVM 54 stores various setting information and processing conditions. For example, the NVM 54 stores setting information for each paper feed cassette (paper feed unit). The setting information for the sheet cassette includes, for example, flag information indicating whether the cassette is a black dedicated cassette.

  The hard disk drive (HDD) 55 is a large-capacity storage device. The HDD 55 stores image data and various operation history information. The HDD 55 may store a control program and control data, and may store setting information and processing conditions.

  The page memory 56 is a memory for developing image data to be processed. For example, when performing copy processing, the page memory 56 stores image data scanned by the scanner 1 and processed for scanning. The system CPU 51 performs image processing for printing on the image data stored in the page memory 56 and outputs it to the printer 2. Further, the system CPU 51 may store the image data stored in the page memory 56 in the HDD 55 or send it to an external device via the external interface 57.

  The external interface (I / F) 57 is an interface for communicating with an external device. For example, the external interface 57 receives print data corresponding to a print request from an external device. The external interface 57 may be an interface that performs data notification with an external device. For example, the external interface 57 may be locally connected to the external device, or may be a network interface for communicating via a network. .

  The image processing unit 58 includes a scanner-type image processing unit that performs image processing on image data read by the scanner 1, a compression / decompression unit that compresses or decompresses image data, and image data for printing that the printer 2 prints on paper. Functions of a printer-type image processing unit for generating the image. For example, the scanner-type image processing unit has functions such as shading correction processing, gradation conversion processing, and interline correction processing.

Next, a configuration example of a control system in the printer 2 will be described.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the printer 2, a configuration of the control system, the printer CPU (processor) 61, RAM 62, ROM 63, a nonvolatile memory (NVM) 64, the conveyance control unit 65, exposure light control unit 70, the image forming A control unit 71, a transfer control unit 73, a fixing control unit 75, a reverse control unit 76, and the like are included.

  The printer CPU 61 controls the entire printer 2. The printer CPU 61 is a processor that realizes processing by executing a program. The printer CPU 61 is connected to each unit in the printer 2 via a system bus or the like. In response to the operation instruction from the system CPU 51, the printer CPU 61 outputs an operation instruction to each unit in the printer 2 and notifies the system CPU 51 of various information acquired from each unit.

  The RAM 62 is composed of a volatile memory. The RAM 62 functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The ROM 63 is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores programs, control data, and the like. The printer CPU 61 implements various processes by executing programs stored in the ROM 63 (or the non-volatile memory 64) while using the RAM 62.

  The nonvolatile memory (NVM) 64 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, the nonvolatile memory 64 stores a control program and control data executed by the printer CPU 61. Further, the nonvolatile memory 64 may store setting information, processing conditions, and the like.

  The conveyance control unit 65 controls paper conveyance in the printer 2. The conveyance control unit 65 controls driving of the pickup roller 21 and the conveyance unit 22. The conveyance control unit 65 controls driving of a conveyance roller as the conveyance unit 22 in the printer 2 in accordance with an operation instruction from the printer CPU 61. For example, the printer CPU 61 instructs the conveyance control unit 65 to start paper feeding by the pickup roller 21 and the conveyance unit 22 in response to an instruction from the system control unit 5 to start image erasing processing or image formation processing.

  The exposure control unit 70 controls the exposure unit 26. The exposure control unit 70 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K by the exposure unit 26 in response to an operation instruction from the printer CPU 61. For example, the exposure control unit 70 controls the laser light that the exposure unit 26 irradiates each photosensitive drum according to image data instructed to the printer CPU 61.

  The image formation control unit 71 controls driving of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K. The image forming control unit 71 develops the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K with toners of respective colors in accordance with operation instructions from the printer CPU 61. The transfer control unit 73 controls driving of the transfer unit 28, transfer current, and the like. The transfer control unit 73 transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the sheet by the transfer unit 28 in accordance with an operation instruction from the printer CPU 61.

  The fixing control unit 75 controls the driving of the fixing device 29. The fixing controller 75 drives the heat roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c in accordance with an operation instruction from the printer CPU 61. Further, the fixing control unit 75 controls the surface temperature of the heat roller 29b to a desired temperature by controlling the heating unit 29a. The fixing controller 75 controls the surface temperature of the heat roller 29b to a temperature (fixing temperature) designated by the printer CPU 61.

  The inversion control unit 76 controls driving of the ADU 31. The reversal control unit 76 re-feeds the paper that has passed through the fixing device 29 according to an operation instruction from the printer CPU 61 to the front of the image reading position of the scanner 23 by the ADU 31. For example, when an image is formed on the back surface of the fixed paper (when duplex printing is performed), the reversal control unit 76 once transports the paper after the fixing process to the paper discharge unit 30 side, and then switches back to ADU 31. The drive control is performed so as to capture it. The ADU 31 re-feeds the paper that has been switched back by the paper discharge unit 30 to the front of the registration roller 24. As a result, the sheet is re-supplied to the registration roller 24 in an inverted state.

Next, the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
First, settings for each paper feed cassette (paper feed unit) 20 will be described.
The system control unit 5 stores setting information for each sheet cassette 20 in the NVM 54. The setting information of each paper feed cassette includes, for example, the size of paper to be supplied (stored), the paper type, and flag information indicating whether the cassette is a black-only cassette. The paper size may be set by a sensor or the like provided in each paper feed cassette 20. As the paper type, setting contents designated by the user or the administrator are set.

  A paper feed cassette that is used only for monochrome printing and not used for color printing is set as a black-only cassette. The setting information of the paper feed cassette to be used as a black dedicated cassette includes flag information indicating that the cassette is dedicated to black. For example, flag information indicating that the cassette is a dedicated black cassette is set in the setting information of the paper cassette designated by the user or the administrator as the dedicated black cassette. As the black dedicated cassette, for example, a paper feed cassette storing paper that is not suitable for color printing is set. The paper that is not suitable for color printing is, for example, a colored paper, a reuse paper, or a special paper.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of setting processing for each sheet cassette in the digital multi-function peripheral.
A user or an administrator inputs setting information for each sheet cassette 20 through the operation panel 4. The operation panel 4 accepts input of setting information from a user or an administrator in a state where a setting screen for each sheet cassette 20 is displayed. For example, when a user designates a specific paper feed cassette as a black dedicated cassette, the user instructs a setting mode for the paper feed cassette through the operation panel 4. When the setting mode for the paper feed cassette is designated, the processor 51 of the system control unit 5 displays a setting screen for the paper feed cassette on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4 (ACT11).

  For example, the display unit 4a displays a selection screen for a paper cassette to be set and a setting content input screen for the selected paper cassette as the setting screen for the paper cassette. In a state where the setting screen for the paper feed cassette is displayed, the user inputs the setting content for the selected paper feed cassette. The processor 51 acquires setting information input by the user from the operation panel 4 (ACT 12). Setting information input by the user is temporarily stored in the RAM 52 or the like.

  For example, when a specific paper feed cassette is designated as a black dedicated cassette (ACT 13, YES), the processor 51 of the system control unit 5 selects the designated paper feed cassette according to the information input on the operation panel 4. (ACT14). The user instructs the end of the setting process for the paper feed cassette by inputting a setting content confirmation button or the like. When the end of the setting information setting process for the sheet cassette is instructed (ACT 15, YES), the processor 51 stores the setting information designated by the user for each sheet cassette in the NVM 54 (ACT 16). The setting process for the cassette ends.

Next, the color copy operation in the digital multi-function peripheral will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of color copy operation in the digital multi-function peripheral.
When performing color copy, the user designates copy settings including designation of a paper feed cassette for feeding paper on which an image is printed on the operation panel 4 and instructs the start of color copy. The user may designate one cassette as the setting of the paper feeding cassette, or may designate automatic paper feeding.

  When the operation panel 4 instructs the start of color copying, the processor 51 of the system control unit 5 feeds paper for printing an original image based on the setting contents when the start of color copying is instructed. Check the paper cassette settings. For example, the processor 51 determines whether one paper feed cassette is designated or automatic paper feed is designated (ACT 21).

  When the user designates one paper feed cassette (ACT21, NO), the processor 51 checks whether or not the designated paper feed cassette is set as a black dedicated cassette (ACT22). When the paper cassette is not set as the black dedicated cassette (ACT 22, NO), the processor 51 performs color printing of the color image read from the original by the scanner 1 on the paper fed from the paper cassette specified by the user. Copying is performed (ACT 23).

  If the designated paper cassette is set as a black-only cassette (ACT 22, YES), the processor 51 stops color copying (ACT 24), and a message that the designated cassette is a black-only cassette. Is displayed on the display unit 4a (ACT25). In the state where the color copy is stopped and the setting change guide is displayed, the processor 51 accepts the change of the setting contents.

  For example, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing display examples when the paper feed cassette designated by color copy is a black dedicated cassette. In the display examples shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the display unit 4a displays a message indicating that the designated paper feed cassette is a black dedicated cassette. Further, in the display example shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 4 a displays a guidance “Please change the settings” in order to prompt the user to change the color copy setting contents. In the display example shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 4 a displays a guidance “Please change the paper feed cassette” in order to prompt the user to change the paper feed cassette. In the display example shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 4 a displays a guidance “Please change to monochrome copy” to prompt the change of the color mode (change to monochrome copy). In the state where the guidance display as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 is displayed, the operation panel 4 allows the user to change the setting (change the paper feed cassette to a cassette other than the black dedicated cassette, or to monochrome copy). Change).

  When an instruction to change the paper cassette is given (ACT 26, YES), the processor 51 returns to the ACT 21 and executes the above-described processing again. Further, when an instruction is given to change the color mode to monochrome copy (ACT 27, YES), the processor 51 designates a monochrome image (or an image obtained by converting color to monochrome) that the scanner 1 reads from the document. A monochrome copy for monochrome printing is performed on the paper fed from the paper cassette (ACT 28). If cancellation is instructed by the operation panel 4 (ACT 29, YES), the processor 51 stops color copying.

  In addition, when automatic paper feeding in which the image forming apparatus selects a paper feeding cassette is designated (ACT21, YES), the processor 51 can supply paper that can be color-printed from among available paper feeding units (cassettes). It is determined whether or not a paper feed unit (cassette) exists (ACT 30). For example, a black cassette is a cassette that stores paper that cannot be printed in color. The processor 51 checks whether there is a paper feed cassette other than the cassette set as the black dedicated cassette. When there is a paper feed cassette (a cassette other than the black-only cassette) that can supply paper capable of color printing (ACT30, YES), the processor 51 determines whether there is a paper feed cassette that stores paper that matches the document. (ACT31).

  For example, when the scanner 1 has a function of detecting the size of an original (automatic original size detection function), the processor 51 determines whether there is a paper feed cassette that stores (sets) paper that matches the original size and orientation. Determine whether. When the user specifies the document size and orientation, the processor 51 determines whether there is a paper feed cassette that stores (sets) paper that matches the document size specified by the user.

  When there is a paper feed cassette capable of color printing and set with paper matching the original (ACT31, YES), the processor 51 is capable of color printing and stores paper that matches the original. A paper feed cassette (paper feed unit) to be used for color copying is selected (ACT32). When a paper feed cassette is selected, the processor 51 performs color copying, in which a color image read from the original by the scanner 1 is color-printed on paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected for automatic paper feed (ACT 23).

  Further, when there is no paper feed cassette (a cassette other than the black dedicated cassette) that can supply paper capable of color printing (ACT30, NO), the processor 51 stops color copying (ACT24) and supplies the color printable paper. A setting change guide including a message indicating that there is no paper cassette (a paper cassette other than a usable black-only cassette) is displayed on the display unit 4a (ACT25). In this case, the processor 51 accepts the change of the setting contents regarding the copy operation in a state where the color copy is stopped and the setting change guide is displayed.

  If there is no paper cassette that sets paper that matches the original (ACT31, NO), the processor 51 stops color copying (ACT24), and there is no paper cassette that sets paper that matches the original. A setting change guide including a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 4a (ACT25). Also in this case, the processor 51 accepts the change of the setting contents regarding the copy operation in a state where the color copy is stopped and the setting change guide is displayed.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment stops color copying when the paper feed cassette (paper feed unit) designated by the user is a black (monochrome) dedicated cassette that prohibits color printing. (Prohibit) and display a setting change guide. In this state, the image forming apparatus accepts a change in setting contents for a copy operation such as a change in paper feed cassette or a color mode.

  In addition, when color copying is instructed in the automatic paper feeding mode, the digital multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus has a paper feeding cassette capable of color printing (a cassette other than a usable black (monochrome) cassette). Check whether or not. If there is no paper cassette capable of color printing (a cassette other than a usable black (monochrome) cassette), the image forming apparatus stops (prohibits) color copying and displays a setting change guide.

  According to the operation as described above, the digital multi-function peripheral as the image forming apparatus sets a paper cassette that stores paper that is not suitable for color printing as a black dedicated cassette, so that paper that is not suitable for color printing is set. Can be used to prevent color copying.

Next, a color print operation in the digital multi-function peripheral will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of color print operation in response to a print request received from an external device in the digital multi-function peripheral.
When a color print request from an external device is received by the external interface 57 (41), the processor 51 of the system control unit 5 receives image data received from the external device based on the color print setting content included in the color print request. Check the setting of the paper cassette that feeds the paper to be printed. For example, the processor 51 determines whether one paper feed cassette is designated or automatic paper feed is designated (ACT42).

  When one paper feed cassette is designated in the print request from the external device (ACT42, NO), the processor 51 checks whether or not the designated paper feed cassette is set as a black dedicated cassette (ACT43). ). When the paper cassette is not set as the black dedicated cassette (ACT 43, NO), the processor 51 performs color printing of the color image data received from the external device on the paper fed from the designated paper cassette ( ACT44).

  If the designated paper feed cassette is set as the black dedicated cassette (ACT 43, YES), the processor 51 does not execute color printing (ACT 45), and the designated cassette is the black dedicated cassette. Is notified to the external device which is the request source of the color print (ACT 46). In this case, the processor 51 may wait for a change in the setting contents related to the printing operation from the external device (change in the paper cassette, change in color mode, etc.).

  The processor 51 changes the color mode to the monochrome mode and converts the color image data received from the external device into a monochrome image when the paper feed cassette specified in the print request from the external device is a black-only cassette. Then, monochrome printing may be executed, or color printing may be executed by changing the paper feeding cassette to another color printing capable paper feeding cassette.

  In addition, when automatic paper feeding in which the digital multifunction peripheral selects a paper feeding cassette is specified (ACT42, YES), the processor 51 selects a paper that can be color-printed from among available paper feeding cassettes (paper feeding units). It is determined whether there is a sheet cassette that can be supplied (ACT 47). For example, the processor 51 checks whether or not there is a cassette other than the cassette set as the black dedicated cassette.

  If there is a paper feed cassette (a cassette other than a usable black-only cassette) that can supply paper that can be printed in color (ACT 47, YES), the processor 51 has a cassette that contains paper that matches the image to be printed. It is determined whether or not to perform (ACT 48). For example, the processor 51 determines whether or not there is a paper feed cassette that stores (sets) paper that matches the image size to be printed.

  When there is a paper feed cassette capable of color printing and set with paper matching the image to be printed (ACT 48, YES), the processor 51 feeds paper capable of color printing and set with paper matching the image to be printed. The cassette is selected as a paper feed cassette (paper feed unit) used for color printing (ACT 49). When a paper feed cassette is selected, the processor 51 performs color printing of a print image received from the external device on paper fed from the paper feed cassette selected for automatic paper feed (ACT 44).

  Further, when there is no cassette capable of supplying paper capable of color printing (a cassette other than a usable black dedicated cassette) (ACT 47, NO), the processor 51 performs color printing without executing color printing (ACT 45). The external device is notified that there is no paper feed cassette capable of supplying possible paper (ACT 46). If there is no paper cassette that sets paper that matches the image to be printed (ACT 48, NO), the processor 51 sets paper that matches the image to be printed without executing color printing (ACT 45). The external device is notified that there is no paper feed cassette (ACT 46).

  As described above, the digital multi-function peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is black (monochrome) in which the paper feed cassette (paper feed unit) designated in the color print request from the external device prohibits color printing. ) If the cassette is a dedicated cassette, color printing is not executed and the designated paper feed cassette is notified that color printing is not possible. When an automatic paper feed mode is instructed in a color print request from an external device, the digital multi-function peripheral as a digital multi-function peripheral is a paper cassette capable of color printing (a cassette other than a usable black (monochrome) cassette. ) Exists. When there is no paper cassette capable of color printing (a cassette other than a black (monochrome) cassette that can be used), the digital multifunction peripheral does not perform color printing, but can perform the requested color printing. Notify that there is no cassette.

  According to the operation as described above, the digital multi-function peripheral performs color printing on paper that is not suitable for color printing by setting a paper feed cassette containing paper that is not suitable for color printing as a dedicated cassette for black. Can be prevented.

  Note that a part of the processing shown in FIG. 8 may be executed by an external device that requests color printing from the digital multi-function peripheral. The external device is, for example, a computer in which a printer driver program for the digital multi-function peripheral is installed. The external device, as a function realized by the printer driver program, makes a color print request for color print settings that take into account the settings for the black dedicated cassette in the digital multifunction peripheral (print settings that specify a paper cassette other than the black dedicated cassette). May be performed.

  For example, the external device receives the setting information of each paper feed cassette including the setting of the black dedicated cassette from the digital multi-function peripheral periodically or when starting the printer driver program. The external device that executes the printer driver program executes the processing of ACTs 42-43 and 46-48 shown in FIG. 8 based on the setting information of each paper feed cassette in the digital multi-function peripheral, thereby setting the print settings for color printing. Confirm. According to such processing, the external apparatus can make a color print request based on print settings in which a cassette other than the dedicated black cassette is designated as the paper feed cassette.

  In addition, if the configuration information for each paper cassette including the settings for the black cassette is received from the digital multifunction peripheral, the external device that executes the printer driver program can perform color printing on the print instruction screen for the digital multifunction peripheral. If specified, the paper feed cassette set as the black dedicated cassette may not be specified. For example, the external device displays in a print instruction screen displayed on the display unit by a program of the printer driver in a state in which the paper feed cassette set as the black dedicated cassette cannot be designated (selected) when the color print is designated (for example, , Displayed in gray out).

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of operation when a monochrome-only cassette is set has been described. However, the image forming apparatus may set a color-only cassette. For example, according to a mode in which a color-dedicated cassette is set, the image forming apparatus can perform control so that monochrome printing is not performed on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding cassette on which an expensive sheet for color printing is set. It becomes possible.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
The invention described in the scope of the claims at the beginning of the present application is added below.
[1]
A plurality of paper supply units for supplying paper;
A setting means for setting a paper feeding unit dedicated to monochrome printing;
An image forming unit that prints a color image on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit that is not set for monochrome printing by the setting unit;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting color printing on paper fed from a paper feeding unit set exclusively for monochrome printing by the setting means;
An image forming apparatus.
[2]
Furthermore, a designation means for designating a paper feed unit used for color printing;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the paper feeding unit designated for color printing designated by the designation means is set to monochrome only by the setting means;
The image forming unit prints a color image on a sheet fed from the designated sheet feeding unit when the identifying unit determines that the designated sheet feeding unit is not set to monochrome only,
The prohibiting unit prohibits the color printing when the determining unit determines that the designated paper feeding unit is set to monochrome only;
The image forming apparatus according to [1].
[3]
Further, when the automatic paper feeding mode for automatically selecting a paper feeding unit to be used for the color printing is present, there is a paper feeding unit that is not set for the monochrome only and can supply paper that matches the printing target. A judging means for judging whether or not to do;
Selecting means for selecting a paper feeding unit to be used for color printing from paper feeding units that are determined to be capable of supplying paper that is not dedicated to monochrome and can be printed by the judgment means;
The image forming unit prints a color image on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit selected by the selection unit;
The prohibiting unit prohibits the color printing when the determining unit determines that there is no sheet feeding unit that is not set for monochrome only and can supply a sheet that matches a printing target.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] or [2].
[4]
Furthermore, when the color printing is prohibited by the prohibiting unit, the information processing unit has a notifying unit for notifying the user that the paper feeding unit used for the color printing is changed to a paper feeding unit other than the monochrome only.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5]
In addition, when the color printing is prohibited by the prohibiting means, there is an informing means for informing a guide to change the color printing to monochrome printing.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4].

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Scanner, 2 ... Printer, 4 ... Operation panel, 4a ... Display part, 5 ... System control part, 25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K ... Image formation part (image formation means), 51 ... System CPU, 54 ... Nonvolatile Memory (NVM), 57 ... external interface, 61 ... printer CPU.

Claims (3)

A plurality of paper supply units for supplying paper;
A setting means for setting a paper feeding unit dedicated to monochrome printing;
An image forming unit that prints a color image on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit that is not set exclusively for monochrome printing by the setting unit;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting color printing on paper fed from the paper feeding unit set exclusively for monochrome printing by the setting means;
A designation means for designating a paper feed unit used for color printing;
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not a paper feeding unit used for color printing designated by the designation unit is set for the monochrome printing only by the setting unit;
Guidance urging the user to change the paper feeding unit used for color printing to a paper feeding unit other than the monochrome printing when the judging unit judges that the designated paper feeding unit is set exclusively for the monochrome printing And notifying means for notifying the user that the color printing is changed to the monochrome printing,
The prohibiting unit prohibits color printing when the determining unit determines that the designated paper feeding unit is set for monochrome printing only,
When the change of the paper feed unit is instructed, the determination unit determines again whether the paper feed unit used for the specified color printing is set for the monochrome printing by the setting unit,
The image forming unit is configured to detect color when the determining unit determines that the designated paper feeding unit is set for monochrome printing only, and when it is instructed to change color printing to monochrome printing. Converting a color image used for printing into a monochrome image and printing the monochrome image on a sheet fed from the designated sheet feeding unit;
Image forming apparatus. The image forming unit prints a color image on a sheet fed from the designated sheet feeding unit when the identifying unit determines that the designated sheet feeding unit is not set for monochrome printing only. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Further, when the automatic paper feeding mode for automatically selecting a paper feeding unit to be used for the color printing is present, there is a paper feeding unit that is not set only for the monochrome printing and can supply paper matching the color printing. A judging means for judging whether or not to do;
Selecting means for selecting a paper feeding unit to be used for color printing from a paper feeding unit that is determined to be capable of supplying paper that is not dedicated to the monochrome printing and that matches color printing by the judging means;
The image forming unit prints a color image on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit selected by the selection unit;
The prohibiting unit prohibits the color printing when the determining unit determines that there is no paper feed unit that is not set for monochrome printing only and can supply a sheet that matches a printing target.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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