JP7500799B2 - Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

This relates to technology that restricts job execution while anti-condensation processing is in progress.

If a job is executed while condensation is present on the image forming device, printing may fail. Normally, job data is deleted after printing, so if printing fails, the user cannot check the contents of the received data.

Therefore, the image forming device described in Patent Document 1 accepts instructions from a user and performs a condensation removal operation. Also, if a job is received while the condensation removal operation is being performed, the condensation removal operation cannot be completed normally, so the job is not printed during the condensation removal operation.

JP 2012-93718 A

There are cases where a user submits a job even though the image forming device is performing a condensation removal operation. According to the technology of Patent Document 1, a job submitted during a condensation removal operation will not start until the condensation removal operation is completed, resulting in downtime that is not intended by the user.

The image forming device forms an image on a recording medium, and has a display means for displaying a screen, a condensation removal processing means for executing a condensation removal process based on predetermined conditions, and a setting means for setting a first mode in which, when a predetermined instruction related to a function involving image formation is received during execution of the condensation removal process, a screen that can accept a user instruction indicating that the function will not be executed is displayed on the display means, and a second mode in which, without displaying the screen, the function is allowed to be executed in accordance with an instruction to execute the function received during execution of the condensation removal process, and the condensation removal process is a process that removes condensation within the image forming device by rotating a fan for a predetermined period of time .

According to this configuration, even if a predetermined instruction is received regarding a function involving image formation in a state where condensation may occur, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of downtime unintended by the user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an MFP according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing unit according to the first embodiment. Software configuration diagram of MFP according to the first embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an operation unit according to a first embodiment; 1 is a flowchart showing a process for setting a condensation prevention mode in a first embodiment; 1 is a flowchart showing a process for executing anti-condensation measures (when the anti-condensation mode is enabled) in the first embodiment; A flowchart showing the execution process (at startup) of a dew condensation countermeasure in the first embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing a condensation removal process according to a first embodiment; 1 is a flowchart showing an environment determination process according to a first embodiment; 1 is a flowchart showing an increment process for determining an environment according to a first embodiment; 1 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the timing of environment determination according to a first embodiment; 1 is a flowchart showing a process for confirming job execution according to a first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user inquiry screen in the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for a condensation prevention mode in the first embodiment;

Below, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

First Embodiment
The hardware configuration of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 1. The MFP 10 according to this embodiment is an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a FAX function. However, the present invention can also be applied to an SFP (Single Function Printer) having only a printing function.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 provides overall control over each device connected to the system bus 118. When power is supplied to the CPU 101, it executes a boot program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102. When the CPU 101 executes the boot program, the main program stored in the storage is loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The RAM 103 not only functions as a loading location for the main program, but also as a work area for the main program.

The display controller 104 controls drawing on the display unit 105. Meanwhile, the operation controller 106 controls input from an operation unit 107 equipped on the MFP. The operation unit 107 includes a numeric keypad, cursor keys, one-touch keys, etc.

The reading unit 111 reads the document. The reading unit 111 is connected to the reading controller 110, and the CPU 101 communicates with the reading unit 111 via the reading controller 110.

The printing unit 113 forms an image on recording paper using an electrophotographic method. The printing unit 113 will be described later. The printing unit 113 is connected to the print controller 112, and the CPU 101 communicates with the printing unit 113 via the print controller 112.

The USB host controller 114 is responsible for USB protocol control and mediates access to USB devices such as USB memory (not shown).

The MODEM 115 modulates and demodulates the signals required for facsimile communication. The MODEM 115 is also connected to the NCU (Network Control Unit) 116. The signals modulated by the MODEM 115 are sent to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) via the NCU 116.

NIC 117 exchanges data bidirectionally with mail and file servers via the LAN.

The MFP 10 of this embodiment includes an eMMC (embedded multi media card) 109 as storage. The CPU 101 accesses the eMMC 109 via an eMMC host controller 108. The storage is not limited to an eMMC, and may be a HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive), etc.

Next, the hardware configuration of the printing unit 113 in this embodiment will be described using the block diagram in Figure 2.

When power is supplied, the CPU 200 executes a control program stored in the ROM 201. The RAM 202 functions as a work area for the control program. The CPU 200 also receives various commands issued by the main program of the MFP 10 via the serial I/F 203. Then, in accordance with the various received commands, the CPU 200 controls the electrophotographic unit 205 and the paper transport unit 206 via the I/O 204 connected to the system bus 208. The CPU 200 also acquires the temperature measurement results from the temperature sensor 207 via the I/O 204. The fan 209 rotates when an instruction to perform a condensation removal process is received, to promote the removal of condensation. A heater or the like may be used instead of a fan for the condensation removal process.

Next, the software configuration of the MFP 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The parts indicated by solid lines in FIG. 3 are software modules that are realized when the CPU 101 executes the main program loaded into the RAM 103 by the boot program described above.

The main program is managed and controlled by an OS (Operating System) 301, which manages and controls the execution of each module described below. The OS unit 301 is combined with a Device Driver unit 308. The Device Driver unit 308 mediates communication with hardware devices such as the print controller 112 and the MODEM 115.

The UI (User Interface) unit 302 provides various information to the user via the display unit 105 and the operation unit 107, and accepts various instructions from the user. The display unit 105 has a touch panel and can be configured to accept operation instructions from the user.

The Job Controller unit 303 accepts jobs such as copying, printing, and faxing, and controls the execution of the accepted jobs.

The storage unit 306 is a software module that physically stores and manages data such as images and user settings sent or received by facsimile in the eMMC 109.

For example, in the MFP 10 of this embodiment, when the Job Controller unit 303 accepts a fax job, the Scan unit 307 receives the job request and controls the reading unit 111 to scan the document. The scanned facsimile image data is then stored in the Storage unit 306. The facsimile image data stored in the Storage unit 306 is read by the Fax unit 304 and sent by facsimile to the other party via the MODEM 115 and NCU 116. Alternatively, image data received by facsimile from the other party via the MODEM 115 and NCU 116 is captured by the Fax unit 304 and stored in the Storage unit 306.

The print unit 305 sends various predetermined commands to the print unit 113 via the print controller 112, and receives the status of the print unit 113 to control the operation of the print unit 113. For example, when printing an image received by facsimile, after sending a print command to the print unit 113, the print unit 305 reads out an image file stored in the storage unit 306 and transfers the image data contained in the image file to the print unit 113.

The MFP 10 of this embodiment includes a VM (Virtual Machine)/FW (Framework) unit 309. The extended application unit 310 is composed of any program written in a script language.

Next, an example of the configuration of the operation unit 107 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The start key 401 is a key that accepts an instruction to start printing processing. The clear/stop key 402 functions as a clear key when the device is on standby and as a stop key when a job is being executed. The numeric keypad 403 is a key that the user uses to input numbers. Area 404 is an area that displays a screen that enables the user to make various settings for the MFP 10 in order to perform functions such as copying and faxing.

Next, the process for preventing condensation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 12.

(Anti-condensation mode setting process)
First, the process of setting the condensation prevention mode will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The process of Fig. 5 is realized by the CPU 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executing the program. Alternatively, a part of the process may be realized by hardware such as a circuit.

The user can operate the operation unit 107 to set the condensation prevention mode to be enabled. Here, the condensation prevention mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 executes an environment determination process to determine whether the environment is likely to cause condensation, and a condensation removal process to remove the condensation. The condensation removal process is a process to remove the condensation, for example, by rotating the fan 209 or turning on the heater. Alternatively, a process may be performed in which a predetermined time sufficient for the condensation to disappear is waited without using the fan 209 or the heater.

Details of the environment determination process will be described later with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Details of the condensation removal process will be described later with reference to Figure 8.

In this embodiment, the user can set whether to enable or disable the condensation prevention mode. Furthermore, when the condensation prevention mode is enabled, the user can set whether to restrict the execution of the print process while the condensation removal process is being performed. Only an administrator user who has been authenticated based on a user ID and password may be able to make these settings.

While the condensation removal process is in progress, there is a possibility that the condensation may not be sufficiently removed, and therefore print quality may decrease. Users who wish to maintain print quality can enable a print restriction mode (print restriction setting) that restricts jobs from being executed until the condensation removal process is complete, even if print jobs are accepted while the condensation removal process is in progress. Furthermore, if the user wishes to be able to print while the condensation removal process is in progress, even if print quality decreases, the user can disable the print restriction while the condensation removal process is in progress.

In this embodiment, when the condensation prevention mode is active and the condensation removal process is being performed, fax data received is stored in memory such as the RAM 103 and is restricted from being printed until the condensation removal process is completed. Unlike print jobs, fax data is difficult to resubmit if printing fails. This is because, in order to resubmit the fax data, the sender of the fax must be asked to send the data again. Therefore, while the condensation removal process is being performed, which may cause a decrease in print quality, the output of fax data is restricted, and the fax data stored in memory is printed after the condensation removal process is completed.

First, the user operates the operation unit to display a setting screen for the condensation prevention mode. In this setting screen, the user can set whether to enable or disable the condensation prevention mode. Furthermore, when the user enables the condensation prevention mode, the user can also set whether to enable the above-mentioned print restriction mode. For example, if the user selects whether to enable or disable the condensation prevention mode, and then selects whether to enable or disable the print restriction mode, and then presses the setting confirmation button, the selected contents are enabled.

An example of the settings screen is shown in FIG. 14. Button 1401 is a button for enabling the condensation prevention mode. Button 1402 is a button for disabling the condensation prevention mode. Button 1403 is a button for setting the device to only hold received fax data in memory while the condensation removal process is being performed, and not to restrict the execution of print jobs. Button 1404 is a button for setting the device to receive received fax data in memory and to also put print job execution on hold while the condensation removal process is being performed. Button 1405 is a button for confirming the settings made on the settings screen.

The details of the setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The CPU 101 accepts the setting contents via the operation controller 106 (S501). For example, the setting contents are accepted when the above-mentioned setting confirmation button is pressed.

The CPU 101 determines whether the condensation prevention mode has been enabled by the settings (S502). If the condensation prevention mode has not been enabled, the setting is performed according to the operation content and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the condensation prevention mode is enabled, the CPU 101 determines whether the print restriction mode is enabled (S503). As described above, the print restriction mode is a mode that restricts the execution of printing while the condensation removal process is being performed.

If the print restriction mode is enabled (Yes in S503), the fact that the condensation prevention mode is enabled and that the print restriction mode is enabled is stored in eMMC 109 (S504). In this embodiment, when the condensation prevention mode is enabled, the memory retention function for fax data is also automatically enabled. Therefore, in step S504, the fact that the condensation prevention mode is enabled, the memory retention function for fax data is enabled, and the print restriction function is enabled are stored in eMMC 109.

On the other hand, if the print restriction mode is not enabled (No in S503), the fact that the condensation prevention mode is enabled is stored in eMMC 109, but the fact that the print restriction mode is not enabled is stored (S505). As in step S504, when the condensation prevention mode is enabled, the memory retention function for FAX data is also automatically enabled. Therefore, in step S505, the fact that the condensation prevention mode is enabled and the memory retention function for FAX data are enabled are stored in eMMC 109.

When the processing of step S504 or step S505 is completed, the process of setting the condensation prevention mode ends.

(Anti-condensation measures execution process)
Next, the process of executing the condensation countermeasure will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart explaining the condensation countermeasure process performed when the setting for enabling the condensation countermeasure mode is confirmed. Fig. 7 is a flowchart explaining the condensation countermeasure process performed when the MFP 10 is turned OFF after it is decided to enable the condensation countermeasure mode, and then the MFP is turned ON.

The CPU 200 executes the processes shown in Figures 6 and 7 by loading the program read from the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

First, the process in FIG. 6 will be described. The CPU 200 determines whether the dew condensation prevention mode has been enabled (S601). The CPU 200 repeats the process of step S601 until the dew condensation prevention mode is enabled.

When the dew condensation prevention mode is enabled (Yes in S601), the CPU 200 performs control to start the dew condensation removal process (S602). The CPU 200 outputs a dew condensation notification to a program for performing the dew condensation removal process. Details of the dew condensation removal process will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

When the condensation removal process is complete, the CPU 200 determines whether it is time to make an environment judgment (S603). The environment judgment timing is the timing to perform a judgment process to determine whether the temperature environment inside or outside the MFP 10 is in a state where condensation can occur. For example, the MFP 10 performs an environment judgment at a predetermined time interval. For example, it measures the temperature every 10 minutes and determines whether the situation is such that condensation can occur.

If it is not the time to make an environment determination (No in S603), the CPU 200 repeats the process of S603 until it is the time to make an environment determination. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the time to make an environment determination (Yes in S603), the CPU 200 performs environment determination processing. The environment determination processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

Then, the CPU 200 determines whether the environment is determined to be one in which condensation will occur as a result of the environment determination process (S605). If it is not determined to be one in which condensation will occur (No in S605), the process returns to step S603. On the other hand, if it is determined to be one in which condensation will occur (Yes in S605), the CPU 200 notifies the program that performs the condensation removal process of condensation (S606). The CPU 200 then returns to the process of S601.

Next, the process when the MFP 10 is started with the condensation prevention mode enabled will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the example of FIG. 6, the condensation removal process was started immediately when the condensation prevention mode was enabled, but in the example of FIG. 7, when the MFP 10 is started, the CPU 101 first performs an environment determination process, and starts the condensation removal process after determining that it is time for condensation to occur.

The CPU 200 executes the process shown in FIG. 7 by loading the program read from the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

When the power switch of the MFP 10 is operated from a power-off state and an instruction is given to turn the power ON, the CPU 101 starts the startup process of the MFP 10. When the CPU 200 detects that the startup process has been performed (S701), the CPU 200 proceeds to execute the process of step S702.

Next, the CPU 200 determines whether the condensation prevention mode is enabled (S702). The CPU 200 can determine whether the condensation prevention mode is enabled by, for example, checking the settings of the condensation prevention mode set in the eMMC. If the condensation prevention mode is not enabled, the condensation prevention execution process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the condensation prevention mode is enabled, the CPU 200 determines whether it is time to make an environment determination (S703). If it is not time to make an environment determination (No in S703), the CPU 200 repeats the process of step S703. On the other hand, if it is time to make an environment determination, the CPU 200 executes the environment determination process (S704). Details of the environment determination process will be described using FIG. 9.

Then, the CPU 200 determines whether or not the environment is determined to be one in which condensation may occur as a result of the environment determination process (S705). If it is determined that the environment is not one in which condensation may occur (No in S705), the CPU 200 returns to the process of S703. On the other hand, if it is determined that the environment is one in which condensation may occur (Yes in S705), the CPU 200 executes a condensation removal process (S706). When the condensation removal process is completed, the CPU 200 returns to the process of step S702.

(Condensation removal treatment)
Next, the condensation removal process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The CPU 200 executes the process of Fig. 8 by loading a program read from the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing the program.

When the condensation removal process program executed by the CPU 200 receives a condensation notification from the CPU 101 (S801), it controls memory reception of FAX according to the settings stored in S504 or S505 in FIG. 5. In addition, if the print restriction mode is enabled, it restricts printing (S802).

Then, the CPU 200 rotates the fan 209. Instead of rotating the fan 209, a heater (not shown) may be turned on. Alternatively, both the fan 209 and the heater may be operated.

Next, the CPU 200 determines whether a predetermined time S1 has elapsed since the fan 209 started to rotate (S804). The CPU 200 repeats the process of S804 until the predetermined time S1 has elapsed. When the predetermined time S1 has elapsed (Yes in S804), the CPU 200 stops the rotation of the fan (S805). The CPU 200 then releases the fax restriction and print restriction implemented in S802 (S806). When the restrictions are released, the print process and printing of fax data that have been put on hold are executed. In other words, these print processes are executed after the condensation removal process is completed. The CPU 200 then outputs a condensation recovery notification to the program that performs the environment determination, and ends the process (S807).

(Environment Determination Processing)
Next, the environment determination process will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The CPU 200 executes the process of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 by loading a program read from the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. The environment determination process is started when the CPU 101 determines that it is time to perform environment determination. The timing determination process will be described later with reference to Fig. 11.

First, the CPU 200 acquires the measurement result t(i) of the environmental temperature from the temperature sensor 207 (S901). In this embodiment, the environmental temperature is the temperature inside the housing of the MFP 10. The CPU 200 acquires the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 207 as t(i).

Next, the CPU 200 determines whether the condensation removal process described with reference to FIG. 8 is being executed (S902). If the condensation removal process is being executed (Yes in S902), the CPU 200 proceeds to step S906. On the other hand, if the condensation removal process is not being executed (No in S902), the CPU 200 proceeds to step S903.

In step S903, the CPU 200 determines whether the previously measured environmental temperature t(i-1) is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature T1. If the environmental temperature t(i-1) is equal to or lower than T1 (Yes in S903), the CPU 200 proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, if the environmental temperature t(i-1) is higher than T1, the CPU 200 proceeds to the process of step S906.

In step S904, the CPU 200 determines whether the difference between the environmental temperature t(i) and the environmental temperature t(i-1) measured a predetermined time S1 before is greater than a predetermined reference value D. If the difference is greater than the reference value D (Yes in S904), then in step S905 it is determined that the environment is one in which condensation may occur. On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or less than the reference value D, the CPU 200 executes the process of step S906.

When t(i-1) is equal to or less than T1 (S903 Yes) and t(i)-t(i-1) is greater than the reference value D (S904 Yes), this means that the surrounding temperature has risen at a relatively low temperature. Since it is estimated that humidity also rises with temperature, it can be determined that there is a possibility of condensation. When it is determined that the environment is one in which condensation may occur, the condensation removal process is started as described in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

In step S906, the CPU 200 stores the environmental temperature t(i) obtained in step S901 in the RAM 202.

Next, the increment process of the environmental temperature t(i) will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The CPU 200 performs timing determination process (S1001), which will be described with reference to FIG. 11. If it is determined that it is not time to make an environmental determination, the CPU 200 repeats the process of step S1001.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is time to make an environmental judgment (Yes in S1001), the i in the environmental temperature t(i) is incremented (S1002).

When the processing of step S1002 is completed, the CPU 200 proceeds to step S1003 and executes the environment determination processing described with reference to FIG. 9.

The above is merely one example of a method for detecting the possibility of condensation occurring, and other methods may be used. For example, the humidity inside the MFP 10 device may be measured, and the occurrence of condensation may be determined based on the detected humidity. The temperature and humidity outside the device may also be used for the determination, not limited to the temperature and humidity inside the device.

(Timing Judgment Process)
Next, a timing determination process for determining whether or not it is time to execute the environment determination process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The CPU 200 executes the process of Fig. 11 by loading a program read from the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

The CPU 200 determines whether a predetermined time S2 has elapsed since the previous environment determination process was performed (S1101). If the process of step S1101 is performed for the first time since the MFP 10 was started, the CPU 200 determines whether a predetermined time S2 has elapsed since the MFP 10 was started.

If it is determined that the predetermined time S2 has elapsed, the CPU 200 determines that it is time to determine the environment (S1104).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time S2 has not elapsed, the CPU 200 determines whether the MFP 10 has returned from the power saving state (S1102). If the MFP 10 has returned from the power saving state, the CPU 200 proceeds to step S1104 and determines that it is time to determine the environment. If a return event from the power saving state has not occurred, the CPU 200 determines whether a print job has been submitted (S1103). If there is no print job submission event, the CPU 200 returns to step S1101. On the other hand, if a print job has been submitted, it determines that it is time to determine the environment.

According to the above process, the CPU 200 determines that it is time to make an environment determination when a predetermined time S2 has elapsed since startup or the previous environment determination process, when the MFP 10 returns from a power saving state, or when a print job is received.

The determination method shown in FIG. 11 is merely an example, and it may be determined that it is time to make an environmental determination if a factor other than those described above occurs.

As described above, the condensation prevention process can be realized by the processes described using Figures 5 to 11. Although the processes in Figures 5 and 11 have been described as being performed by either CPU 101 or CPU 200, the execution entity is not limited to the above examples. The processes described as being performed by CPU 200 may be executed by CPU 101. Alternatively, the processes described as being performed by CPU 101 may be executed by CPU 200. Part of the process of one flowchart may be executed by CPU 101, and the other part of the process may be executed by CPU 200.

(Job execution confirmation process)
Next, the job execution confirmation process will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The process in Fig. 12 is realized by the CPU 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executing it. Alternatively, a part of the process may be realized by hardware such as a circuit.

The job confirmation process is a process that, when a print job is submitted while the print restriction mode is enabled and the condensation removal process is being performed, asks the user whether or not to execute the print job. If a print job is submitted while the print restriction mode is enabled and the condensation removal process is being performed, printing will be performed after the condensation removal process is complete. Therefore, the user may not be able to obtain the printed matter immediately. In such a case, the user can obtain the printed matter more quickly by submitting the print job to another printing device that is not performing the condensation removal process and having that print job executed.

In the confirmation process shown in FIG. 12, when a print job is submitted while the print restriction mode is active and the condensation removal process is being performed, a user inquiry screen is displayed on the display unit 105 to inquire of the user as to whether or not to execute the job on the MFP 10. If the user instructs to cancel the job, the accepted job is canceled. Details are described below with reference to FIG. 12.

First, the CPU 101 determines whether an instruction to execute a print job has been received (S1201). If an instruction to execute a print job has not been received, the CPU 101 repeats the process of step S1201.

If it is determined that an instruction to execute a print job has been received (S1201 Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether the condensation removal process is being executed (S1202). If the condensation removal process is not being executed, the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S1201.

If it is determined in step S1202 that the condensation removal process is being performed, the CPU 101 determines whether the print restriction mode has been enabled (S1203).

If the print restriction mode is not enabled (NO in S1203), the CPU 101 proceeds to step S1208 and causes the printing unit 113 to execute the print job. In this case, the inquiry screen described below is not displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print restriction mode is enabled (YES in S1203), the CPU 101 causes the display unit 105 to display the inquiry screen shown in FIG. 13 (S1204).

This inquiry is a notification screen to inform the user that the submitted job may take some time to execute because the condensation removal process is in progress. This inquiry screen is also a selection screen to allow the user to select whether to execute or cancel the submitted job. If the user presses the "Yes" button 1301, the job execution can be stopped. In other words, the submitted job is canceled. On the other hand, if the user presses the "No" button 1302, the job execution continues. In this case, the job is executed after the print removal process is completed. For example, after the fan 209 has finished rotating for a predetermined time S1, the printout corresponding to the print job is output by the printing unit 113.

The content of the inquiry screen is not limited to the example in FIG. 13. Instead of "Yes" and "No", it may be displayed as "Cancel job" or "Execute job". The inquiry screen 1300 may display how much time is left until the condensation removal process is completed. The time required until the print removal process is completed can be calculated by subtracting the time that has elapsed since the fan started rotating from the specified time S1. The time calculated in this way is displayed on the inquiry screen. It may be displayed as the time until the printer is ready to print, rather than as the time required until the condensation removal process is completed.

In this way, when a print job is received while the condensation removal process is being performed, the CPU 101 performs display control to display a selection screen on the display unit to select whether to execute or cancel the print process according to the print job.

In step S1205, CPU 101 determines whether to continue execution of the submitted job. This determination is made based on the input result on the inquiry screen. For example, if the user inputs an instruction to continue execution of the job on the inquiry screen, it is determined that job execution should be continued, and the process proceeds to step S1206. On the other hand, if the user inputs an instruction to stop execution of the job on the inquiry screen, it is determined that job execution should be stopped, and the process proceeds to step S1209.

In step S1209, the CPU 101 cancels the job and ends processing.

In step S1206, CPU 101 keeps the submitted job stored in RAM 103. CPU 101 then proceeds to step S1207 to determine whether the condensation removal process is complete. For example, CPU 101 can determine that the condensation removal process is complete when a condensation recovery notification is output in step S807 of FIG. 8. When the condensation removal process is complete, CPU 101 controls print unit 113 to execute the pending job.

The above process makes it possible to notify the user that the submitted job may take a long time to execute because the condensation removal process is being performed. In addition, if the job may take a long time to execute, the user can be prompted to choose whether to execute or cancel the submitted job.

If it is selected to execute the printing process, the MFP 10 performs print control to execute the printing process after the condensation removal process is completed. If it is selected to cancel the execution of the printing process, the MFP 10 performs print control to cancel the print job.

In this way, if a user submits a job and it takes a long time to execute, the user can cancel the job. In other words, it is possible to prevent the user from having to wait a long time until the job is executed. In other words, even if a job is submitted in a state where condensation may occur, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unintended downtime by the user.

Other Embodiments
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

101 CPU
113 Printing unit 200 CPU
209 Fans 1300 Inquiry screen

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A display means for displaying a screen;
A dew condensation removal processing means for executing a dew condensation removal process based on a predetermined condition;
a setting means for setting a first mode in which, when a predetermined instruction related to a function involving image formation is received during execution of the condensation removal process, a screen capable of receiving a user instruction indicating that the function should not be executed is displayed on the display means, and a second mode in which, without displaying the screen, execution of the function is permitted in accordance with an instruction to execute the function received during execution of the condensation removal process,
The image forming apparatus , wherein the condensation removal process is a process for removing condensation inside the image forming apparatus by rotating a fan for a predetermined period of time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for canceling a job submitted in accordance with a specific instruction in accordance with another specific instruction received via the screen. The image forming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the second mode is set, image formation is performed while the condensation removal process is being performed. The image forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the first mode, the screen displayed on the display means based on receipt of the specified instruction is a screen that displays a message indicating that the condensation removal process is being performed. The image forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the first mode, the screen displayed on the display means based on receipt of the specified instruction is a screen capable of receiving an instruction to perform image formation based on the specified instruction following completion of the condensation removal process. The image forming device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when an instruction to execute the condensation removal process is given on the screen, the status of the job generated based on the specified instruction is set to a pending status. The method further includes a determination means for determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied at a predetermined interval,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condensation removal processing unit starts the condensation removal process based on a result of the determination made by the determination unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a measuring unit for measuring a temperature inside the image forming apparatus,
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition related to a temperature measured by the measuring means. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A display means for displaying a screen;
A dew condensation removal processing means for executing a dew condensation removal process based on a predetermined condition;
a setting means for setting a first mode in which, when a predetermined instruction related to a function involving image formation is received during execution of the condensation removal process, a screen capable of receiving a user instruction indicating that the function should not be executed is displayed on the display means, and a second mode in which, without displaying the screen, execution of the function is permitted in accordance with an instruction to execute the function received during execution of the condensation removal process,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the first mode is set, the image forming apparatus does not perform image formation on at least the recording medium during the condensation removal process, and, when the second mode is set, performs image formation based on a predetermined type of job. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a display unit that displays a screen and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, the method comprising the steps of:
a first setting step of setting a first mode in which, when a predetermined instruction related to a function involving image formation is received during execution of a condensation removal process, a screen capable of receiving a user instruction indicating that the function will not be executed is displayed on the display means;
a second setting step of setting a second mode in which image formation according to the predetermined instruction received during execution of the condensation removal process is permitted without displaying the screen ,
The control method for an image forming apparatus , wherein the condensation removal process is a process for removing condensation inside the image forming apparatus by rotating a fan for a predetermined time. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 10 . An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A display means for displaying a screen;
A dew condensation removal processing means for executing a dew condensation removal process based on a predetermined condition;
a display control means for controlling the display means to display a screen capable of accepting a user instruction indicating that a function involving image formation is not to be executed in accordance with an instruction for executing the function involving image formation that is accepted during the condensation removal process when a first mode is set;
and a control means for executing the function involving image formation without displaying the screen in accordance with an instruction to execute the function involving image formation received during the condensation removal process when a second mode is set. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the control unit cancels the input job in accordance with another predetermined instruction received via the screen. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein, when the second mode is set, a process for forming an image on a recording medium is started in accordance with the execution instruction. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the predetermined condition is a condition related to at least a temperature inside the image forming apparatus. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the condensation removal process is a process of rotating a fan in the image forming apparatus continuously for a predetermined period of time. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a display unit that displays a screen and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, the method comprising the steps of:
a display control step of displaying on the display means a screen capable of accepting a user instruction indicating that a function involving image formation is not to be executed, in accordance with an instruction to execute the function involving image formation that is accepted during the condensation removal process, when a first mode is set;
The control method is characterized by having a control step of, when a second mode is set, executing the function involving image formation without displaying the screen in accordance with an instruction to execute the function involving image formation received during the condensation removal process.

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