JP7115268B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that uses measurement results of a media sensor, and a program that operates on the image forming apparatus.

There are various types of paper used for printing, and many papers of the same size have different paper types, basis weights, etc. Therefore, it is difficult for users to visually judge. In order to improve this situation, the paper is passed through a measuring device (offline media sensor) that identifies the paper type, basis weight, etc., and the paper is measured by the measuring device, and the measurement results (paper type information, etc.) are sent to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or other communication medium from the measurement device to the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, the offline media sensor will simply be referred to as the "media sensor".

After that, the image forming apparatus displays matching paper profile information out of pre-registered paper profile information. As a result, the user can set the correct paper type and basis weight for the paper stored in the paper tray by linking the displayed paper profile information with the paper tray that uses it. use is increasing.

Here, an operation case of the media sensor will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a list of common media sensor operation cases. Case 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a one-to-one relationship between the image forming apparatus 1 and the media sensor MS1, and Case 1A is a case in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to N operate one media sensor MS1. .

Case 2 is a case in which one image forming apparatus 1 operates one MS1, but is operated by switching to the media sensor MS1-N in the middle. The media sensor MS1-N is an upgraded version of the firmware of the media sensor MS1, and the upgraded version improves the measurement accuracy. Case 2A is a case in which one media sensor MS1 is operated in a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to N, but is operated by switching to the media sensor MS1-N with upgraded version (improved performance) in the middle.

Case 3 is a case in which one image forming apparatus 1 operates one MS1, and a media sensor MS2-N is added in the middle. The media sensor MS2-N is an upgraded version of the firmware of the media sensor MS1, and the upgraded version improves the measurement accuracy. Case 3A is a case in which one media sensor MS1 is operated by a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to N, and an upgraded media sensor MS2-N is added and operated.

Also, some image forming apparatuses have a function of a media sensor. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 describes "a paper type designated by a user to directly or automatically identify an image generation unit that generates an image to be printed on a recording material and the type of the recording material." a designation unit having a recess on the outer surface of the image forming apparatus, and a plurality of a paper type identification device for identifying the type of the recording material from a paper bundle composed of the recording materials; and an image generated by the image generation unit in accordance with the type of the recording material identified by the paper type identification device. and a printing unit that prints on the recording material”.

JP 2009-104116 A

When using only one media sensor, if you try to update the paper type information for each paper feed tray of an image forming apparatus that is already in operation using a media sensor with improved measurement accuracy due to the version upgrade, the paper type information for each paper feed tray It is not clear whether the paper type information is the setting information after the media sensor version upgrade or the setting information before the version upgrade.

Also, when using a plurality of media sensors, even if one media sensor fails, the other media sensors can be used to continue work. However, it takes time and effort to move another media sensor to the side of the image forming apparatus and to reconnect it to the image forming apparatus, which may cause failure of the media sensor or abnormal measurement data. If even one media sensor operates abnormally (detects differently from other media sensors), and the user specifies the tray set by the paper type information detected by the abnormally operating media sensor and prints. , abnormal images or jams will occur.

In this way, when the user upgrades the media sensor or determines that the media sensor malfunctions, the image forming apparatus manages only the paper type and basis weight as paper feed tray information. I don't know which media sensor has been upgraded or which media sensor has malfunctioned. Therefore, the paper feed tray information of all the trays in the image forming apparatus must be measured/reset using the upgraded or normally operating media sensor, and the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus is reduced.

Although the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a media sensor, the image forming apparatus and the media sensor have a one-to-one relationship, so the use of other media sensors is not assumed. In addition, Patent Document 1 does not mention any version upgrade or abnormality detection of the media sensor.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to improve operational efficiency of an image forming apparatus using a media sensor.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an image generation unit that generates an image to be printed on a recording material, a communication control unit that communicates with an external device, characteristic information of the recording material, and a tray information storage unit that associates the identification information of the media sensor that measures the characteristics of the recording material with the paper feed tray and stores it as information of the paper feed tray; A print control unit that controls printing on a recording material in accordance with paper feed tray information stored in an information storage unit, and a display control unit that displays the paper feed tray information on a display unit.

According to at least one aspect of the present invention, operational efficiency of an image forming apparatus using a media sensor is improved.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of operation cases of media sensors; 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of an image forming apparatus body to which the present invention is applied; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a controller of the image forming apparatus main body to which the present invention is applied; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a media sensor used by an image forming apparatus to which the invention is applied; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a paper screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a detail setting call screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a detail setting call screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting call screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a manual setting screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen after manual setting according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example procedure of processing (paper feed tray information display processing) by a controller according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing (paper feed tray information automatic setting processing) by a controller according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing (paper feed tray information manual setting processing) by a controller according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example procedure of processing (processing when a jam occurs) by the controller according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing (processing when continuous jams occur (1)) by the controller according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing (processing (2) when consecutive jams occur) by the controller according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a copy setting screen according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of operation setting processing when continuous jams occur by a user according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

Hereinafter, examples of modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[Overview of Image Forming Apparatus]
First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus main body 10, a large-capacity paper feeding unit 40, and a post-processing unit 50 in series. The image forming apparatus main body 10 is an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like.

(Large-capacity paper feed unit)
The large-capacity paper feed unit 40 is provided with a plurality of paper feed trays 41a to 41c according to the size and type of paper S. As shown in FIG. When the paper feed trays 41a to 41c are not distinguished, they are referred to as "paper feed tray 41". In the large-capacity paper feed unit 40 , one of the paper feed trays 41 is selected based on instructions from the image forming apparatus main body 10 . Then, the sheet S is taken out from the selected sheet feeding tray 41 by a sheet feeding section (not shown) and sent to the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus. Paper is shown as a recording material on which an image is formed, but the recording material may be made of a material other than paper, such as resin.

(Main body of image forming apparatus)
The image forming apparatus main body 10 employs an electrophotographic method for forming an image using static electricity, and uses, for example, four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). This is a tandem type color image forming apparatus that superimposes images. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes paper feed trays 20a and 20b, a document reading section 12, an image forming section 30, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 11, and an operation display panel 14. . Hereinafter, the paper feed trays 20a and 20b will be referred to as the paper feed tray 20 when not distinguished from each other.

Further, the image forming apparatus main body 10 is formed with a transport path 22 for transporting the sheet S fed from the large-capacity sheet feeding unit 40 or the sheet feeding tray 20 . A plurality of rollers (transport rollers) for transporting the paper S are provided in the transport path 22 .

The automatic document feeder 11 feeds a document set on a document feeding table one sheet at a reading position of the document reading section 12, that is, on the upper surface of the platen glass 13 (document table) by a plurality of rollers and a conveying drum (not shown). transport one by one. Further, the automatic document feeder 11 discharges the conveyed document to the document discharge tray of the automatic document feeder 11 by the document discharge roller.

The image forming section 30 includes four image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K for forming toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Each image forming unit has a charging section, an exposure section such as a laser light source, a developing section, and a photosensitive member. The image forming section 30 also includes an intermediate transfer belt 32 onto which images formed on the photoreceptors of the image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are transferred, a secondary transfer section 33, and a sheet conveying section of the secondary transfer section 33. A fixing unit 34 is provided on the downstream side in the direction.

On the downstream side of the fixing section 34 in the sheet conveying direction, the conveying path 22 extends and is connected to the conveying path of the post-processing unit 50 . A reversing transport path 24 is connected to the transport path 22 . The reverse transport path 24 branches downstream of the fixing section 34 and merges with the transport path 22 upstream of the secondary transfer section 33 . A reversing section 23 for reversing the sheet S is provided in the reversing transport path 24 . The reversing section 23 reverses the sheet S conveyed from the fixing section 34 and conveys it to the conveying path 22 on the upstream side of the secondary transfer section 33 through the reversing conveying path 24 . Further, the reversing section 23 can also return the reversed sheet S to the conveying path 22 on the downstream side of the fixing section 34 and convey it to the post-processing unit 50 as it is.

An operation display panel 14 is installed on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 10 . The operation display panel 14 includes a display section 14a for displaying information and an operation section 14b for instructing the start of a job (image forming process) (see FIG. 3). The display unit 14a is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. The operation unit 14b is composed of a touch panel that allows input by touch operation, and the touch panel is laminated on the LCD panel of the display unit 14a. Note that the operation unit 14b can be composed of a mouse, a keyboard, a tablet, or the like, and can be configured separately from the display unit 14a.

In the image forming mode, the image forming apparatus main body 10 charges the photoreceptors of the image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K, exposes the surfaces of the photoreceptors according to the document image, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptors. to form Then, toner is applied to the electrostatic latent images of the photoreceptor corresponding to each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black by using the developing section to form toner images of each color. Next, the toner images formed on the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black photoreceptors are sequentially primary-transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 32 that is driven to rotate.

Next, the secondary transfer unit 33 (secondary transfer roller) secondarily transfers the toner image of each color that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 32 onto the paper S supplied from the large-capacity paper feed unit 40 . . A color image is formed by secondarily transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 32 to the sheet S. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus main body 10 discharges the sheet S on which the color toner image is formed to the fixing section 34 .

The fixing unit 34 is a device that performs a fixing process on the sheet S supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 10 and on which a color toner image is formed. The fixing section 34 presses and heats the transported paper S to fix the transferred toner image on the paper S. As shown in FIG. The fixing section 34 is composed of, for example, an upper fixing roller and a lower fixing roller, which are fixing members. The upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller are arranged in pressure contact with each other, and a fixing nip portion is formed as a pressure contact portion between the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller.

A heating section is provided inside the fixing upper roller. The radiant heat from the heating portion warms the roller portion on the outer peripheral portion of the upper fixing roller. The sheet S is conveyed to the fixing nip portion so that the surface (surface to be fixed) onto which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer portion 33 faces the upper fixing roller. The sheet S passing through the fixing nip portion is pressurized by the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller and heated by the heat of the roller portion of the upper fixing roller. The sheet S that has undergone fixing processing by the fixing section 34 is discharged to the post-processing unit 50 .

A media sensor MS1 or a media sensor MS2 different from the media sensor MS1 can be connected to the image forming apparatus main body 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

(Post-processing unit)
The post-processing unit 50 includes a post-processing section 51 that performs a predetermined job-based process on the conveyed sheet S, and discharges the post-processed sheet S to a sheet discharge tray 53 . The post-processing unit 51 includes, for example, a stapling unit that binds a plurality of sheets S by stapling, a punching unit that punches holes in the sheets S, a folding processing unit that folds the sheets S, a sorting unit that sorts the sheets S according to a specific rule, or a plurality of is a stacking unit for stacking the sheets S of .

[Control system of main body of image forming apparatus]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus body 10 to which the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes a controller 35 , an operation display panel 14 , a document reading section 12 , an image forming section 30 , a facsimile section 15 , a network I/F 16 , an HDD 17 , a USB I/F 18 and a serial I/F 19 . Each unit in the image forming apparatus main body 10 is connected via a system bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

The controller 35 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 35a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 35b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 35c. The CPU 35a, ROM 35b, and RAM 35c constitute a control section. This controller 35 is used as an example of a computer that controls the operation of each section in the image forming apparatus main body 10 , the large-capacity paper feed unit 40 , and the post-processing unit 50 . The CPU 35a reads from the ROM 35b a program code of software that implements each function according to the present embodiment, executes the program code, and controls each unit and performs various calculations. The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are realized by the cooperation of these hardware and software. Note that, instead of the CPU 35a, another arithmetic processing device such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used as the arithmetic unit.

The ROM 35b is used as an example of a non-volatile memory (recording medium) and stores programs, data, etc. necessary for the operation of the CPU 35a. The RAM 35c is used as an example of a volatile memory, and temporarily stores information (data) required for each process performed by the CPU 35a, variables and parameters generated during arithmetic processing by the CPU 35a, and the like.

The operation display panel 14 includes a display section 14a and an operation section 14b. The display unit 14a is, for example, a liquid crystal display monitor, and displays various information such as the result of processing performed by the CPU 35a. A pointing device such as a touch panel is used for the operation unit 14b, and the user can perform a touch operation to input an instruction.

The document reading unit 12 has a function of reading the surface of the document set on the document feeding table of the image forming apparatus main body 10 under the control of the controller 35 and storing the read data in the HDD 17 or the like.

The image forming section 30 has a function of forming an image on the fed sheet S and discharging the sheet under the control of the controller 35 .

The facsimile unit 15 has a function of transmitting and receiving images to and from designated external devices via the network I/F 16 under the control of the controller 35 .

The network I/F 16 is composed of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, etc., establishes a connection with a communication partner device via a network such as a LAN, and transmits and receives various data.

The HDD 17 is an example of an external storage device, and stores a program for the CPU 35a to control each part, a program such as an OS (Operating System), tables, files, and the like. Other external storage devices such as SSDs (Solid State Drives) may be used instead of HDDs. Note that the program may be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as LAN, Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

The USB I/F 18 is an interface conforming to the USB connection standard, and is configured so that external devices such as the media sensors MS1 and MS2 can be attached and detached. In this embodiment, the media sensor MS1 and the media sensor MS2 different from the media sensor MS1 are connected to the USB I/F 18 by switching. Incidentally, the media sensor MS1 or the media sensor MS2 may be connected to each of the two USB I/Fs 18 .

The serial I/F 19 is an interface that communicates with an external device by serial communication. For example, the image forming apparatus main body 10 performs data communication with the large-capacity paper feeding unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 via the serial I/F 19 .

[Controller configuration]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the controller 35 of the image forming apparatus main body 10. As shown in FIG. The controller 35 includes an image generation section 351 , a communication control section 352 , a tray information storage section 354 , a display control section 355 and a print control section 356 . The CPU 35a of the controller 35 executes the programs stored in the ROM 35b, thereby realizing the functions of the units shown in FIG.

The image generation unit 351 performs rasterization processing and image processing on a job image (vector image) input to the image forming apparatus main body 10, and generates an image ( raster image).

The communication control unit 352 is configured to control communication with external devices such as media sensors MS1 and MS2 and terminal devices. The communication control unit 352 can communicate with the media sensor MS1 or the media sensor MS2 different from the media sensor MS1 via the USB I/F 18 .

The paper information instruction unit 353 detects whether the user has instructed to manually set the characteristic information of the paper or automatically measure the paper. The paper information instruction unit 353 is configured to output an instruction to the communication control unit 352 to communicate with the media sensor MS1 or MS2 when instructed to measure the paper.

The tray information storage unit 354 is configured to associate the characteristic information of the sheet S and the identification information of the media sensors MS1 and MS2 that measured the characteristic of the sheet S with the sheet feed tray and store the information as sheet feed tray information. there is The tray information storage unit 354 can be configured by the RAM 35c and a processing unit that reads and writes data to and from the RAM 35c. Instead of the RAM 35c, a ROM such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) whose contents are erasable and rewritable, or the HDD 17 may be used to store the paper feed tray information.

The display control unit 355 is configured to perform processing for displaying information about the paper feed trays and the like on the operation display panel 14 . In addition, the display control unit 355 performs processing for analyzing the content of the input operation to the operation display panel 14 .

A print control unit 356 (an example of a print control unit) performs control to print an image generated by the image generation unit 351 on paper in accordance with paper feed tray information stored in the tray information storage unit 354. It is configured.

[Outline of media sensor]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the media sensor MS1 (MS2) used by the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

A general media sensor has a light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the plane of one or more sheets of paper S inserted, and light that passes through the papers S of this irradiated light and leaks from between the papers S. and a paper type identification unit for identifying the type of the inserted paper S from an electric signal obtained from the light intensity of the leaked light.

When the paper S is inserted into the insertion opening formed in the media sensor MS1 (MS2), the media sensor MS1 (MS2) measures the characteristics of the paper S, and forms an image based on the measurement results and the information of the media sensor MS1 (MS2) itself. Send to device 1.

The measurement result includes at least the type of paper S (hereinafter also referred to as “paper type”) and basis weight as information indicating the characteristics of paper S (described as “paper information” in FIG. 5). Further, the identification information of the media sensor includes at least a product identifier such as a product number of the media sensor, or a version of software that operates on the media sensor and is used for paper measurement.

Thus, according to the present invention, the information transmitted from the media sensor to the image forming apparatus main body 10 includes information (product identifier, software version, etc.) that can identify the media sensor itself and the measurement function.

<1. First Embodiment>
Next, screens displayed on the operation display panel 14 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Basic screen]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the central portion of the basic screen 60, there are display areas for the original image and the output image. A paper button 61 is provided on the lower side of the basic screen 60 . For example, when the display control unit 355 detects that the paper button 61 has been pressed on the operation display panel 14, the paper screen displays information (paper information, media sensor information) of each paper feed tray as shown in FIG. 70.

[Example of paper screen]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen 70 according to the first embodiment. The display control unit 355 acquires media sensor information from the tray information storage unit 354 for all paper feed trays and displays the information in a list. The paper screen 70 displays a list of the following items as information of each paper feed tray.

(List of items)
・Tray number ・Paper size ・Paper type ・Basis weight ・Setting source ・Version

The “tray number” (denoted as “tray” in FIG. 7) is a number assigned to each of the paper feed trays provided in the image forming apparatus 1 . For example, the paper feed tray 20a (see FIG. 2) has the tray number "1", the paper feed tray 20b has the tray number "2", the paper feed tray 41a has the tray number "3", the paper feed tray 41b has the tray number "4", and the tray number "5" is assigned to the paper feed tray 41c.

"Setting source" is the media sensor that provided the information that was the basis for the settings of the target paper tray, that is, the "product number (product identifier)" of the media sensor that measured the paper stored in the target paper tray. Indicates “Manual”. If "Manual" is described in the setting source, it means that the user manually set the information. "Version" indicates the version of the software installed in the media sensors "M001" and "M002" described in the setting source. If the setting source is "manual", there is no version information.

Also, icons of a manual setting button 71 and an automatic setting button 72 are displayed on the paper screen 70 . When the manual setting button 71 is pressed, a transition is made to a screen (see FIG. 20 to be described later) for manually setting the information of the paper feed tray specified by the user. Further, when the automatic setting button 72 is pressed, a process of automatically setting the information of the specified paper feed tray is executed. In the paper screen 70 of FIG. 7, each item of the paper feed tray information of the paper feed tray 4 is displayed in a dark color tone (dot display in FIG. 7), and it can be visually recognized that the paper feed tray 4 is selected. Also, the tray number “4” and the paper size “A4” are displayed at the lower left of the paper screen 70 .

[Another example of the paper screen]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the paper screen 70 according to the first embodiment. The display control unit 355 searches the identification information of the media sensor for the old software version in the information list of all the paper feed trays, and highlights the information of the searched paper feed tray.

On the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 8, the paper feed tray information of the tray numbers "2" and "3" set with the software version older than the latest media sensor software version "G01-5" is highlighted. there is Examples of highlighting include blinking display, enclosing display using thick lines or colored lines (see FIG. 8), and display using a color different from the color representing the currently selected paper feed tray.

Thus, the user can be notified that it is better to reset the paper feed tray information using the media sensor installed with the latest software.

According to the above-described first embodiment, the user can check the displayed content to check the identification information (product identifier, software version) of the media sensor associated with each paper feed tray. For this reason, for example, when a jam or an abnormal image occurs during printing of the image forming apparatus main body 10, or when a new or old media sensor is replaced or added, the user can determine which media sensor measures the paper feed tray information. can be discriminated.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is an example in which, when a jam (conveyance error such as a paper jam) occurs during printing, the information of the paper feed tray containing the jammed paper is reset using the same media sensor. be.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the second embodiment. On the paper jam warning screen 80 shown in FIG. 9, (1) a message instructing to clear the paper jam according to the guidance, and (2) the paper in the specified paper feed tray (paper feed tray 4 in FIG. 9) is reloaded. A message instructing resetting is displayed.

A guidance start button 81 and a paper screen button 82 are displayed on the paper jam warning screen 80 . When the guidance start button 81 is pressed, an operation procedure for clearing a paper jam is displayed as needed. When the paper screen button 82 is pressed, the screen changes to the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. The user confirms the information of the jammed paper feed tray and presses the paper screen button 82 to display the paper screen 70 on the operation display panel 14 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen 70 according to the second embodiment. On the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 10, a message instructing to connect the media sensor corresponding to the setting source indicated in the information of the jammed paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus main body 10 is displayed. For example, in FIG. 10, it is displayed that "If tray 4 is to be set automatically, please connect a media sensor with setting source: MS002, Version: G01-5." The user confirms the designated media sensor and presses the automatic setting button 72 .

After pressing the automatic setting button 72, the user measures the paper in the paper feed tray 4 again with the same media sensor. First, the user connects the specified media sensor "MS002, G01-5" to the USB I/F 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 via a communication medium (eg, USB cord). Next, when the user inserts a sheet of paper (A4/plain paper) into the media sensor “MS002, G01-5”, the result of measurement by the media sensor “MS002, G01-5” is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 10 . After the measurement, the user removes the media sensor “MS002, G01-5” from the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting call screen according to the second embodiment. For example, the display control unit 355 detects that a button (not shown) for displaying a detailed setting call screen displaying the measurement result of the paper is pressed, or receives the measurement result from the media sensor, and calls the detailed setting. Display screen 90 .

A detailed setting call screen 90 shown in FIG. 11 displays a paper profile (corresponding to the paper feed tray information in FIG. 10) which is the result of measurement by the media sensor “MS002, G01-5”. "Profile No.", "Name", "Paper Size", "Paper Type", "Basis Weight", "Product No.", and "Version" are displayed as paper profile information.

"Profile No." is a number assigned to each paper profile that is a measurement result. "Name" indicates the name of the paper profile. "Product No." indicates the product number (product identifier) of the media sensor.

The contents of the paper profile with the paper profile number “001” obtained by the measurement are the same as the paper feed tray information in FIG. Here, when the user selects the paper profile with the paper profile number “001” and presses the OK button, the tray information storage unit 354 saves the paper profile information with the paper profile number “001” to the target paper feeder. Register (reset) as paper feed tray information for tray 4. At this time, the information of “Product No.” on the detail setting call screen 90 is registered in the “Source of setting” on the paper screen 70 . Printing is then resumed either automatically by the print control unit 356 or manually by the user.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when a jam occurs during printing on paper by the print control unit 356, the display control unit 355 again sets the information of the paper feed tray that stores the jammed paper. display a message with the identification information of the media sensor.

As a result, the user can confirm the displayed content, measure the paper in the target paper feed tray using the same media sensor, and perform an operation to reset the information of the target paper feed tray.

<3. Third Embodiment>
The third embodiment is an example in which, when jams occur continuously during printing, the information of the paper feed tray that accommodated the jammed sheets is reset by another media sensor. For example, a case is assumed in which a jam occurs again after the paper feed tray information is reset according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, when the user presses the paper screen button 82 on the paper jam warning screen 80 of FIG. 9, the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

A message instructing to connect to the image forming apparatus main body 10 a media sensor different from the setting source (MS002) indicated in the information of the paper feed tray in which jams have occurred consecutively on the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. is displayed. For example, in FIG. 12, it is displayed that "If tray 4 is to be set automatically, please connect a media sensor with setting source: MS001, Version: G00-3." The user confirms the designated media sensor and presses the automatic setting button 72 .

As shown in FIG. 12, when there are a plurality of media sensors "MS001" of the same type, the media sensor with the newer software version is designated among them. As a result, the target paper can be measured with the latest software version, and paper information with high measurement accuracy can be obtained.

Then, after the user presses the automatic setting button 72, the paper in the paper feed tray 4 is measured again with another media sensor. First, the user connects the designated media sensor "MS001, G00-3" to the USB I/F 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 via a communication medium, and inserts a sheet ( A4/plain paper) is inserted. After the measurement result by the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 10 and the measurement is completed, the user removes the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” from the image forming apparatus main body 10 .

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting call screen according to the third embodiment. A detailed setting call screen 90 shown in FIG. 13 displays a paper profile that is a result of measurement by the media sensor “MS001, G00-3”. The paper profile information of the paper profile number “001” displays a grammage “65-95 g/m ² ” different from that before the remeasurement.

Here, when the user selects the paper profile with the paper profile number “001” and presses the OK button, the paper profile information with the paper profile number “001” becomes the paper feed tray information of the target paper feed tray 4. is registered (reset) as Printing is then resumed either automatically by the print control unit 356 or manually by the user.

As described above, in the third embodiment, when paper jams occur continuously in the same paper feed tray during printing on paper by the print control unit 356 , the display control unit 355 outputs jam information to the tray information storage unit 354 . Determines whether there is identification information of a media sensor that is different from the media sensor that measured the paper on which the error occurred. Then, if there is the identification information of the corresponding media sensor, the display control unit 355 displays a message instructing to reset the information of the paper feed tray that stores the jammed paper together with the identification information of the different media sensor. indicate.

As a result, the user can confirm the displayed content, measure the paper in the target paper feed tray using another media sensor, and perform an operation to reset the information of the target paper feed tray.

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
In the fourth embodiment, when jams occur continuously during printing, a media sensor different from the media sensor used to set the paper feed tray that stores the jammed paper is set. This is an example in which it is determined that the corresponding media sensor is out of order when there is no paper feed tray. Here, even if the software versions of the media sensors to be compared are different, not the product identifiers, the media sensors to be compared are treated as being different.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the fourth embodiment. A paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 14 is a paper screen before a jam occurs. In this paper screen 70, the information of the paper feed tray 4 is set using the same media sensor "MS001, G00-3" as the paper feed trays 2 and 3. FIG.

Now, let us consider a case where printing is performed using the paper in the paper feed tray 4 and a paper jam occurs (first time). After the paper jam, processing for specifying the media sensor, measuring the paper, and setting the paper feed tray information is performed based on the second embodiment. First, the user connects the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” linked to the paper feed tray 4 to the USB I/F 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 via a communication medium. Next, a sheet of paper (A4/plain paper) is inserted into the media sensor “MS001, G00-3”, and the result of measurement by the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 10 . After the measurement, remove the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” from the image forming apparatus main body 10 . Also, follow the guidance to clear the paper jam.

Then, the image forming apparatus main body 10 feeds the paper from the paper feed tray 4 and performs reprinting. After that, when a paper jam (second time) occurs during reprinting, the display control unit 355 displays a paper jam warning screen 80 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen 80 according to the fourth embodiment. On the paper jam warning screen 80 shown in FIG. 15, (1) a message instructing to clear the paper jam, and (2) a failure of the media sensor linked to the specified paper feed tray (paper feed tray 4 in FIG. 15). Display a message indicating the possibilities. For example, in FIG. 15, "Media sensor may be out of order. Tray 4 cannot be used." is displayed. When the user presses a paper screen button 82 on the paper jam warning screen 80, the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen 70 according to the fourth embodiment. In the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 16, a message indicating that the media sensor linked to the relevant paper feed tray (paper feed tray 4 in FIG. 16) is broken, and the corresponding paper feed tray after the media sensor is repaired. A message will appear prompting you to reset your information.

Therefore, after pressing the automatic setting button 72, the user repairs the media sensor and resets the information of the corresponding paper feed tray. First, the user connects the designated media sensor "MS001, G00-3" to the USB I/F 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 via a communication medium, and inserts a sheet ( A4/plain paper) is inserted. After the measurement result by the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 10 and the measurement is completed, the user removes the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” from the image forming apparatus main body 10 .

In this paper screen 70, the item of the paper size of the paper feed tray 4 is displayed differently from the other paper feed trays. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, by not displaying the image of the tray, it means that the paper is not fed from the paper feed tray 4 . Thereby, the user can recognize the failure of the paper feed tray 4 by the image (picture) together with the message (character).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting call screen according to the fourth embodiment. On the detailed setting call screen 90 shown in FIG. 17, as the information of the paper profile measured by the media sensor "MS001, G00-3" after repair, the basis weight "55-85 g/m ² " different from that before repair is displayed. Is displayed.

When the user selects the paper profile with the paper profile number "001" and presses the OK button, the paper profile information with the paper profile number "001" is used as the paper feed tray information of the target paper feed tray 4. It is registered (reset). Printing is then resumed either automatically by the print control unit 356 or manually by the user.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when paper jams occur continuously in the same paper feed tray during printing on paper by the print control unit 356 , the display control unit 355 outputs jam information to the tray information storage unit 354 . It is determined whether or not there is identification information of a media sensor that is different from the media sensor that measured the paper in the paper feed tray where the error occurred. Then, when there is no identification information of the corresponding media sensor, the display control unit 355 displays the identification information and failure information of the media sensor linked to the paper feed tray containing the jammed paper.

As a result, the user can confirm the displayed content and recognize the failed media sensor. Then, after repairing the failed media sensor, the user can measure the amount of paper in the target paper feed tray using the repaired media sensor, and perform an operation to reset the information of the target paper feed tray.

<5. Fifth Embodiment>
The fifth embodiment is an example in which the user is required to manually input paper feed tray information when jams occur continuously during printing.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the fifth embodiment. As in the case of the third and fourth embodiments, when a paper jam (second time) occurs during reprinting, the display control unit 355 displays a paper jam warning screen 80 as shown in FIG.

On the paper jam warning screen 80 shown in FIG. 18, (1) a message instructing to clear the paper jam and (2) the information of the specified paper feed tray (paper feed tray 4 in FIG. 18) are manually reset. display a message instructing you to do so. When the user presses a paper screen button 82 on the paper jam warning screen 80, the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen 70 according to the fifth embodiment. On the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 19, a message is displayed instructing to reset the information of the relevant paper feed tray (paper feed tray 4 in FIG. 19) by manual setting. When the user presses the manual setting button 71, a manual setting screen 100 for the paper feed tray 4 as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. The information of each paper feed tray displayed on the paper screen 70 is the same as the information of each paper feed tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a manual setting screen 100 according to the fifth embodiment. The manual setting screen 100 has a paper type setting area on the left side of the screen, a paper size setting area on the upper right side of the screen, and a basis weight setting area on the lower right side of the screen. In the paper type setting area, commercially available paper types are displayed as icons, and the paper type (“plain paper” in FIG. 20) can be set by pressing the icon.

In the paper size setting area, for example, by moving a pointer (not shown) to the paper size display position, a desired paper size can be selected from a pull-down menu ("A4" in FIG. 20). can. The grammage setting area is configured so that the user can input a numerical value ("65-95" g/cm ² in FIG. 20) using the operation unit 14b.

When the user presses the detailed setting call button, a detailed setting call screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. As a result, the user can make settings while checking the detailed setting contents. In the case of manual setting, the display of "Product No." and "Version" is blank. When the user presses the close button on the manual setting screen 100, the paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the paper screen 70 after manual setting according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the contents manually set in FIG. This paper screen 70 displays, for example, a message indicating that the setting of tray 4 has been changed. Set (register) the paper size to "A4", the paper type to "plain paper", the basis weight to "65-95g/ ^cm2 ", the setting source to "manual", and the version to "blank". be done. When the user presses the close button on the paper screen 70 , the setting contents of the paper feed tray 4 are confirmed and saved in the tray information saving unit 354 .

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when paper jams occur continuously in the same paper feed tray during printing on paper by the print control unit 356 , the display control unit 355 outputs jam information to the tray information storage unit 354 . It is determined whether or not there is identification information of a media sensor that is different from the media sensor that measured the paper on which the error occurred. Then, when there is no identification information for the corresponding media sensor, the display control unit 355 displays a message instructing manual input of the paper feed tray information.

As a result, the user can confirm the displayed content and recognize the failed media sensor. The user can then confirm that there are no normal media sensors and manually reset the information for the target paper tray.

<6. Sixth Embodiment>
The sixth embodiment is an example of switching to another paper feed tray associated with a media sensor having a different product identifier and software version when jams occur continuously during printing, and printing.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a paper screen according to the sixth embodiment. A paper screen 70 shown in FIG. 22 is a paper screen before a jam occurs. In this paper screen 70, the information of the paper feed tray 4 is set using the same media sensor "MS001, G00-3" as the paper feed tray 2. FIG. The setting source of the information of the paper feed tray 3 is the media sensor of "MS002, G00-3".

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam warning screen according to the sixth embodiment. A paper jam warning screen 80 shown in FIG. 23 is a screen displayed after the second paper jam. First, after the first paper jam occurs during printing using the paper feed tray 4, the user uses the media sensor “MS001, G00-3” linked to the paper feed tray 4 to load paper (A4 /plain paper) and notifies the image forming apparatus main body 10 of the measurement result. Also, follow the guidance to clear the paper jam. Then, the image forming apparatus main body 10 feeds the paper from the paper feed tray 4 and performs reprinting. After that, when a paper jam (second time) occurs during reprinting, the display control unit 355 displays a paper jam warning screen 80 as shown in FIG.

The paper jam warning screen 80 displays (1) a message instructing to clear the paper jam and (2) a message indicating that the paper feed tray is changed and printing is restarted. For example, in FIG. 23, there is displayed a message "Instead of tray 4, paper is fed from tray 3 and printing resumes." Further, in the present embodiment, the paper screen button 82 is not displayed because the paper feed tray information is not reset.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when paper jams occur continuously in the same paper feed tray during printing on paper by the print control unit 356 , the print control unit 356 stores information in the tray information storage unit 354 . It is determined whether or not there is a paper feed tray having the same paper characteristic information as the jammed paper feed tray, but different identification information of the media sensor. Then, when there is a corresponding paper feed tray, the print control unit 356 switches the paper feed tray to be used, resumes printing, and displays that the paper feed tray has been switched.

As a result, when jams occur consecutively, the paper feed tray related to the occurrence of the jam is automatically switched to another paper feed tray, and printing is resumed. This saves the user the trouble of changing the paper tray setting for the job. Also, the user can recognize that the paper feed tray has been switched.

<7. Seventh Embodiment>
Next, the operations of the image forming apparatus main body 10 according to the above-described first to sixth embodiments are collectively shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 24 to 29 as a seventh embodiment. A series of processes shown in FIGS. 24 to 29 are executed by the CPU 35a of the controller 35 executing a program stored in the ROM 35b.

[Paper tray information display processing]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example procedure of processing (paper feed tray information display processing) by the controller 35 according to the seventh embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 described later mainly corresponds to the first embodiment.

First, the display control unit 355 of the controller 35 displays a basic screen on the display unit 14a and clears a jam flag recorded in the RAM 35c or a register (not shown) (S1).

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the paper button 61 on the basic screen 60 (see FIG. 6) has been pressed (S2). If the paper button 61 is not pressed (No in S2), the process proceeds to step S9.

Next, it is determined whether or not an image to be printed has been generated by the image generation unit 351 (S9). If an image to be printed has been generated (Yes in S9), the process proceeds to step S26 in FIG. C). If an image to be printed is not generated (No in S9), the process returns to the determination process in step S2.

Next, in the case of a Yes determination in step S2, the display control unit 355 acquires paper feed tray information from the tray information storage unit 354 and displays a list on the paper screen 70 (S3). Here, the display control unit 355 performs a process of blinking the paper feed tray information of which the software version of the media sensor is old, which is displayed in the list on the paper screen 70 (S4).

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not a paper feed tray has been selected on the paper screen 70 (S5). If no paper feed tray has been selected (No in S5), the display control unit 355 determines whether the close button on the paper screen 70 has been pressed (S6). If the close button has not been pressed (No in S6), the display control unit 355 returns to the process of step S4. return.

On the other hand, if the paper feed tray is selected on the paper screen 70 (Yes in S5), the display control unit 355 determines whether the automatic setting button 72 has been pressed on the paper screen 70 (S7). When the automatic setting button 72 is pressed (Yes in S7), the display control unit 355 proceeds to the process of step S10 in FIG. 25 (connector A).

If the automatic setting button 72 has not been pressed (No in S7), the display control unit 355 determines whether the manual setting button 71 has been pressed on the paper screen 70 (S8). Then, when the manual setting button 71 is pressed (Yes in S8), the display control unit 355 proceeds to the process of step S21 in FIG. 26 (connector B). If the manual setting button 71 has not been pressed (No in S8), the display control unit 355 proceeds to determination processing in step S6.

[Automatic setting of paper tray information]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing (automatic setting processing of paper feed tray information) by the controller 35 according to the seventh embodiment.

First, if the determination is Yes in step S7 (see FIG. 24), the paper information instruction unit 353 notifies the communication control unit 352 to recognize the connection with the media sensor (S10). At this time, the user performs an operation of connecting the media sensor specified on the operation display panel 14 to the image forming apparatus main body 10 .

Next, the communication control unit 352 determines whether or not connection with the media sensor has been recognized (S11). When the connection with the media sensor is recognized (Yes in S11), the communication control unit 352 proceeds to the determination processing in step S14.

If the connection with the media sensor is not recognized (No in S11), the display control unit 355 determines whether the close button on the paper screen 70 has been pressed (S12). When the close button is pressed (Yes in S12), the paper information instruction unit 353 notifies the communication control unit 352 not to recognize the media sensor connection (S13), and the process proceeds to the determination process of step S2 in FIG. Proceed (connector A1). If the close button has not been pressed (No in S12), the process returns to step S11.

In the case of a Yes determination in step S11, the communication control unit 352 determines whether or not the result of paper measurement by the media sensor (paper characteristic information) and the identification information of the media sensor have been received (S14). If the measurement result of the sheet and the identification information of the media sensor have not been received (No in S14), the communication control unit 352 returns to the determination processing in step S11.

When the paper measurement result and the identification information of the media sensor have been received (Yes in S14), the communication control unit 352 sends the paper measurement result and the identification information (measurement result) of the media sensor to the tray information storage unit 354. (S15).

Next, the tray information storage unit 354 searches for paper profile information that matches the identification information of the media sensor, and displays the searched paper profile information on the detailed setting call screen 90 (see FIG. 11) (S16).

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the OK button on the detail setting call screen 90 has been pressed (S17). If the OK button has not been pressed (No in S17), the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the cancel button on the detail setting call screen 90 has been pressed (S19). Here, if the stop button has not been pressed (No in S19), the display control unit 355 returns to the determination process in step S17. Also, when the stop button is pressed (Yes in S19), the display control unit 355 proceeds to the process of step S20.

Next, when the OK button on the detail setting call screen 90 is pressed (Yes in S17), the tray information storage unit 354 stores the number of the selected paper feed tray, the result of paper measurement, and the identification of the media sensor. Save the information (S18). After the process of step S18, the display control unit 355 closes the detailed setting call screen 90 (S20), and proceeds to the process of step S3 in FIG. 24 (connector A2).

[Paper tray information manual setting process]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example procedure of processing (manual setting processing of paper feed tray information) by the controller 35 according to the seventh embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 26 mainly corresponds to the fifth embodiment.

First, in the case of a Yes determination in step S8 (see FIG. 24), the paper information instruction unit 353 instructs the display control unit 355 to set the target paper feed tray (described as "target tray" in the drawing). A change screen (manual setting screen 100 in FIG. 20) is displayed (S21).

Next, the paper information instruction unit 353 determines whether or not the setting information, that is, the paper type, paper size, and grammage are confirmed on the setting change screen of the target paper feed tray (S22). If the paper type, paper size, and basis weight have not been determined (No in S22), the paper information instruction unit 353 repeats the determination process in step S22.

If the paper type, paper size, and basis weight have been determined (Yes in S22), the paper information instruction unit 353 determines whether the close button has been pressed on the setting change screen for the target paper feed tray ( S23). If the close button has not been pressed (No in S23), the paper information instruction unit 353 returns to the determination process in step S22.

On the other hand, if the close button is pressed (Yes in S23), the tray information storage unit 354 stores the tray number, paper type, paper size, and basis weight information of the selected paper feed tray (S24). . Then, the paper information instruction unit 353 closes the setting change screen of the target paper feed tray (S25), and proceeds to the process of step S3 in FIG. 24 (connector A2).

[Processing when a jam occurs]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of processing (processing when a jam occurs) by the controller 35 according to the seventh embodiment. The processing of steps S32 to S38 mainly corresponds to the second embodiment.

First, in the case of Yes determination in step S9 (see FIG. 24), the print control unit 356 acquires the setting information of the paper feed tray of the tray information storage unit 354 (S26).

Next, the image generator 351 generates a print image based on the job (S27). Next, the image generator 351 issues a print request to the print controller 356 (S28). Then, the print control unit 356 executes printing (S29).

Next, the print control unit 356 determines whether or not a jam has occurred during printing (S30). If no jam has occurred (No in S30), the print control unit 356 determines whether printing of all pages has been completed (S31). Then, if printing of all pages has not been completed (No in S31), the process proceeds to step S27, and the image generation unit 351 generates a print image of the next page. If all pages have been printed (Yes in S31), the process returns to step S1 in FIG. 24 (connector C1), the display control unit 355 displays the basic screen 60, and clears the jam flag. do.

On the other hand, if a jam has occurred during printing (Yes in S30), the print control unit 356 determines whether a jam flag indicating that a jam has occurred is set (S32). If the jam flag is set (Yes in S32), the process proceeds to the determination process in step S39 of FIG. 28 (connector C2).

If the jam flag is not set (No in S32), the display control unit 355 sets the jam flag (S33). Next, the display control unit 355 displays a paper jam warning screen 80 (denoted as "JAM screen" in FIG. 27) to warn of occurrence of a jam (S34). For example, a message such as "Please detect the paper in the paper feed tray x again with the media sensor from the 'paper screen' and redo the settings" is displayed.

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the jam is cleared (S35), and if the jam is not cleared (No in S35), this determination process is performed until the jam is cleared.

Next, when the jam is cleared (Yes in S35), the display control unit 355 determines whether the paper screen button 82 has been pressed on the paper jam warning screen 80 (S36). If the paper screen button 82 has not been pressed (No in S36), this determination process is performed until the paper screen button 82 is pressed.

Next, when the paper screen button 82 is pressed (Yes in S36), the display control unit 355 acquires information on the jammed paper feed tray from the tray information storage unit 354 (S37). Then, the display control unit 355 displays the paper screen 70 (S38). For example, a message such as "When automatically setting the paper feed tray x, please connect a media sensor with setting source: MSxxx, Version: Gxx-x" is displayed. After the process of step S38, the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. 24 (connector A2).

[Processing when a continuous jam occurs (1)]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of processing (processing (1) when consecutive jams occur) by the controller 35 according to the seventh embodiment. The processing of steps S39 to S44 mainly corresponds to the third embodiment. Also, the processing of steps S45 to S50 mainly corresponds to the fourth embodiment.

First, in the case of a Yes determination in step S32 (see FIG. 27), the display control unit 355 sets the operation setting for continuous jam on the copy setting screen 110 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the setting is to perform the setting (S39). If the setting is such that the separate media sensor is not used (No in S39), the display control unit 355 proceeds to determination processing in step S45.

On the other hand, if the setting is to use another media sensor (Yes in S39), the display control unit 355 displays a paper jam warning screen 80 (denoted as "JAM screen" in FIG. 28) to warn of the occurrence of a jam. (S40). For example, a message such as "Please detect the paper in the paper feed tray x again with the media sensor from the 'paper screen' and redo the settings" is displayed.

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the jam is cleared (S41), and if the jam is not cleared (No in S41), this determination process is performed until the jam is cleared.

Next, when the jam is cleared (Yes in S41), the display control unit 355 determines whether the paper screen button 82 has been pressed on the paper jam warning screen 80 (S42). If the paper screen button 82 has not been pressed (No in S42), this determination process is performed until the paper screen button 82 is pressed.

Next, when the paper screen button 82 is pressed (Yes in S42), the display control unit 355 determines from the tray information storage unit 354 that a media sensor other than the media sensor linked to the jammed paper feed tray is set. The paper feed tray information is acquired (S43). Next, the display control unit 355 displays the paper screen 70 (S44). For example, a message such as "When automatically setting the paper feed tray x, please connect a media sensor with setting source: MSxxx, Version: Gxx-x" is displayed. After the process of step S44, the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. 24 (connector A2).

In addition, if the setting is to not use the different media sensor in step S39 (No in S39), the display control unit 355 stores the operation setting for continuous jam on the copy setting screen 110 in the tray information storage unit 354 for the different media. Determine if there is sensor identification information. Then, the display control unit 355 determines that the media sensor that measured the paper in the jammed paper feed tray is out of order when the tray information storage unit 354 does not have the identification information of the other media sensor. (S45).

If the tray information storage unit 354 does not have the identification information of another media sensor, it is determined that the media sensor that measured the paper in the jammed paper feed tray is not malfunctioning (S45 No), the process proceeds to the determination process of step S51 in FIG. 29 (connector C3).

Next, if the tray information storage unit 354 does not have identification information for another media sensor, it is determined that the media sensor that measured the paper in the jammed paper feed tray is broken ( Yes in S45), the display control unit 355 displays a warning of jam occurrence on the paper jam warning screen 80 (S46). For example, a message such as "The media sensor may be broken. Tray x cannot be used" is displayed.

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the jam is cleared (S47), and if the jam is not cleared (No in S47), this determination process is performed until the jam is cleared.

Next, when the jam is cleared (Yes in S47), the display control unit 355 determines whether the paper screen button 82 has been pressed on the paper jam warning screen 80 (S48). If the paper screen button 82 has not been pressed (No in S48), this determination process is performed until the paper screen button 82 is pressed.

Next, when the paper screen button 82 is pressed (Yes in S48), the display control unit 355 acquires information on the jammed paper feed tray from the tray information storage unit 354 (S49). Next, the display control unit 355 displays the paper screen 70 (S50). For example, a message such as "The media sensor of paper feed tray x is out of order. Please reconfigure paper feed tray x after repairing the media sensor" is displayed. After the process of step S50, the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. 24 (connector A2).

[Processing when a continuous jam occurs (2)]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of processing (processing (2) when continuous jams occur) by the controller 35 according to the seventh embodiment. The processing of steps S51 to S56 mainly corresponds to the fifth embodiment. Also, the processing of steps S57 and S58 mainly corresponds to the second embodiment.

First, in the case of a Yes determination in step S45 (see FIG. 28), the display control unit 355 sets the operation setting for continuous jam on the copy setting screen 110 to manually set the paper feed tray information. (S51). If the setting is not to manually set the information of the paper feed tray (No in S51), the display control unit 355 proceeds to determination processing in step S57.

On the other hand, if the setting is to manually set the paper feed tray information (Yes in S51), the display control unit 355 displays a jam warning screen on the paper jam warning screen 80 (S52). For example, a message such as "Please set paper feed tray x manually" is displayed.

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the jam is cleared (S53), and if the jam is not cleared (No in S53), this determination process is performed until the jam is cleared.

Next, when the jam is cleared (Yes in S53), the display control unit 355 determines whether the paper screen button 82 has been pressed on the paper jam warning screen 80 (S54). If the paper screen button 82 has not been pressed (No in S54), this determination process is performed until the paper screen button 82 is pressed.

Next, when the paper screen button 82 is pressed (Yes in S54), the display control unit 355 acquires information on the jammed paper feed tray from the tray information storage unit 354 (S55). Next, the display control unit 355 displays the paper screen 70 (S56). For example, a message such as "Please reset paper feed tray x manually" is displayed. After the process of step S56, the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. 24 (connector A2).

Further, if the setting is not to manually set the information of the paper feed tray in step S51 (No in S51), the display control unit 355 displays the paper feed tray having the same paper information as the jammed paper feed tray. (S57). Specifically, the display control unit 355 determines that, among the information on the paper feed trays stored in the tray information storage unit 354, the jammed paper feed tray and the paper characteristic information are the same, and the identification information of the media sensor. determines whether there are different paper trays. Then, if there is no other paper feed tray having the same paper information as the jammed paper feed tray (No in S57), the display control unit 355 proceeds to the process of step S52.

On the other hand, if there is another paper feed tray having the same paper information as the jammed paper feed tray (Yes in S57), the display control unit 355 displays a jam warning screen on the paper jam warning screen 80. (S58). For example, a message such as "Printing will resume after paper is fed from paper feed tray y instead of paper feed tray x" is displayed.

Next, the display control unit 355 determines whether or not the jam is cleared (S59), and if the jam is not cleared (No in S59), this determination process is performed until the jam is cleared. Then, when the jam is cleared (Yes in S59), the display control unit 355 proceeds to the process of step S26 in FIG. 27 (connector C).

According to the first to seventh embodiments described above, when a media sensor state change (version upgrade or abnormality detection) occurs, it is possible to identify which media sensor is causing the change, and to It is possible to know which paper feed tray of the forming apparatus 1 needs to be reconfigured. This eliminates the need to redo measurements and settings using media sensors that have been upgraded or operate normally for all the paper feed trays of the image forming apparatus 1, unlike the conventional art. Therefore, the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus using the media sensor is improved.

<8. Eighth Embodiment>
The eighth embodiment is an example in which the user sets the operation settings of the image forming apparatus main body 10 in advance in the image forming apparatus main body 10 when jams occur continuously during printing.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a copy setting screen according to the eighth embodiment. An operation setting button 111 for continuous jams is displayed on the copy setting screen 110 shown in FIG. For example, the display control unit 355 switches the display of the operation setting 112 each time the operation setting button 111 for continuous jam is pressed. The user presses the continuous jam operation setting button 111 on the operation unit 14b to switch the display to select the operation setting 112, and finally presses the OK button to set the operation setting 112. FIG.

In this embodiment, the following operation settings (displays) are prepared as candidates for operation settings for continuous jams.
・Set by another media sensor (equivalent to the third embodiment)
・Failure when there is no other media sensor (equivalent to the fourth embodiment)
・Manual setting (equivalent to the fifth embodiment)
・Setting with a different paper tray (equivalent to the sixth embodiment)

The controller 35 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 displays a warning on the paper jam warning screen 80 in accordance with the operation setting 112 of the copy setting screen 110 when jams occur continuously due to the paper stored in the same paper feed tray during operation. indicate.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of operation setting processing when continuous jams occur by a user according to the eighth embodiment.

First, the user activates the image forming apparatus main body 10 in administrator mode (S61). Next, the user presses a setting menu button (not shown) (S62). Next, the user presses a user setting button (not shown) (S63). Further, the user presses a copy setting button (not shown) (S64). The display control unit 355 displays the copy setting screen 110 on the operation display panel 14 in response to a series of user operations.

Next, the user presses the continuous jam operation setting button 111 to display the set operation setting 112 (S65). Finally, the user presses the OK button to set operation settings for continuous jams (S66).

As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the display control unit 355 controls the image forming apparatus main body 10 when a paper jam occurs continuously in the same paper feed tray while the printing control unit 356 is printing on paper. Displays a screen for selecting the operation of Using this screen, the user can select desired operation settings by presetting operation settings for continuous jams.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various other application examples and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims. be.

For example, the above-described embodiments are detailed and specific descriptions of the configuration of the image forming apparatus in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the components described. Also, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the components of another embodiment. It is also possible to add components of other example embodiments to the configuration of one example embodiment. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another component.

Further, each of the configurations, functions, processing units, etc. described above may be realized by hardware, for example, by designing a part or all of them using an integrated circuit.

In addition, in this specification, processing steps describing time-series processing refer to processing performed in time-series according to the described order, as well as processing performed in parallel or individually, even if processing is not necessarily performed in time-series. It also includes processing (eg, parallel processing or processing by objects) that is executed in parallel.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Image forming apparatus 10... Image forming apparatus main body 14... Operation display panel 14a... Display part 14b... Operation part 18... USB I/F 30... Image forming part 35... Controller 35a... CPU, 35b... ROM 351... Image generation unit 352... Communication control unit 353... Paper information instruction unit 354... Tray information storage unit 355... Display control unit 356... Print control unit 70... Paper screen 80... Paper Jam warning screen 90 Detailed setting calling screen 100 Manual setting screen 110 Copy setting screen MS1, MS2 Media sensor

Claims (19)

an image generation unit that generates an image to be printed on a recording material;
a communication control unit that communicates with an external device;
a tray information storage unit that associates characteristic information of a recording material and identification information of a media sensor that measures the characteristic of the recording material with a paper feed tray and stores the information as the information of the paper feed tray;
a print control unit that performs control to print the image generated by the image generation unit on the recording material according to the information of the paper feed tray stored in the tray information storage unit;
a display control unit that displays information about the paper feed tray on a display unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication control section can communicate with a media sensor different from the media sensor. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the media sensor includes at least a product identifier of the media sensor or a version of software that operates on the media sensor and is used for measuring the recording material. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit acquires the identification information of the media sensor from the tray information storage unit for all the paper feed trays and displays a list of the identification information. Device. The identification information of the media sensor includes the version of the software that operates on the media sensor and is used to measure the recording material. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information of a paper feed tray having an older software version is highlighted among identification information of the sensor. When a jam occurs during printing on the recording material by the print control unit, the display control unit issues a message instructing to reset the information of the paper feed tray that stores the jammed recording material. is displayed together with the identification information of the media sensor. A media sensor that measures the jammed recording material in the tray information storage unit when a jam occurs continuously on the recording material in the same paper feed tray during printing on the recording material by the print control unit If there is identification information of a different media sensor, the display control unit displays a message instructing resetting of the information of the paper feed tray that houses the recording material in which the jam has occurred, based on the identification information of the different media sensor. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information is displayed together with the information. When a jam occurs continuously on the recording material in the same paper feed tray during printing on the recording material by the print control unit, the recording material in the paper feed tray in which the jam occurred is measured in the tray information storage unit. If there is no identification information of a media sensor that is different from the media sensor, the display control unit displays identification information and failure information of the media sensor linked to the paper feed tray that stores the jammed recording material. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which displays. A media sensor that measures the jammed recording material in the tray information storage unit when a jam occurs continuously on the recording material in the same paper feed tray during printing on the recording material by the print control unit 6. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein if there is no identification information for different media sensors, the display control unit displays a message instructing manual input of information on the paper feed tray. Device. If a jam occurs continuously on the recording material in the same paper feed tray while printing on the recording material by the print control unit, the paper feed tray information stored in the tray information storage unit may If there is a paper feed tray that has the same characteristic information of the recording material as the paper feed tray in which the error occurred and a paper feed tray that has different identification information of the media sensor, the print control unit switches the paper feed tray to be used and restarts the printing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The display control unit displays a screen for presetting an operation of the image forming apparatus when a jam occurs continuously on recording materials in the same paper feed tray during printing on the recording materials by the print control unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, which displays. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material fed from a paper feed tray;
a control unit that controls printing of an image on the recording material according to the characteristics of the recording material measured by the media sensor;
The control unit stores identification information of the media sensor that measures the characteristics of the recording material in association with at least one of the recording material and the paper feed tray measured by the media sensor.
Image forming device. The identification information includes at least one of a product identifier of the media sensor and a version of software that operates on the media sensor and is used to measure the recording material.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. The control unit associates the identification information with at least one of the recording material and the paper feed tray measured by the media sensor and displays the identification information on the display unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. The control unit stores the identification information in association with the characteristics of the recording material measured by the media sensor.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. The media sensor is connectable, and the controller is communicable with the media sensor.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. The controller is communicable with a plurality of different media sensors
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. a procedure for acquiring characteristic information of a recording material on which an image is formed and identification information of a media sensor that measures the characteristic of the recording material;
a step of linking the characteristic information of the recording material and the identification information of the media sensor that measured the characteristic of the recording material with a paper feed tray and storing it as information of the paper feed tray;
The procedure for displaying the information of the paper feed tray on the display unit is
A program that makes a computer run. A procedure for acquiring identification information of a media sensor that measures characteristics of a recording material fed from a paper feed tray and on which an image is formed;
a step of storing the identification information in association with at least one of the recording material and the paper feed tray whose characteristics are measured by the media sensor,
A program that makes a computer run.

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