JP2010163242A - Image forming device and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus that uses a plurality of paper feed trays to prevent unintended printing on a recording sheet when a desired recording sheet is not set.
An image forming apparatus includes a paper feed unit that stacks a plurality of types of recording papers on a plurality of paper feed trays, a paper information storage function that stores paper information of the stacked recording papers, and an external terminal. A print instruction receiving function for receiving a print instruction and a determination function for comparing the recording paper information and the paper information included in the print instruction to determine whether the designated recording paper is loaded on the paper feed tray (S802, 804) In response to the determination that the paper tray is stacked, the print execution function that selects the paper feed tray and executes printing, and the content of the recording paper information in response to the determination that it is not stacked Accordingly, an operation execution function for performing a predetermined operation is included.
[Selection] Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a sheet feeding unit including a plurality of sheet feeding trays, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a function of switching a sheet feeding tray to be used according to information included in a print instruction.

  Currently, in image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers, a plurality of paper feed trays are provided, recording papers of a desired paper size are set in each of the paper trays, and selection can be made at the time of printing to cope with image forming processing of various paper sizes. It is like that. In the paper feed tray, paper of different quality, such as high-quality paper and recycled paper, can be loaded on each paper feed tray even for the same size recording paper, and in the case of test printing, the paper feed tray is selected to use low-cost recycled paper There are various usages depending on the user.

  However, by stacking recording papers of different sizes and qualities in a plurality of paper feed trays in this way, the printer stops in a print-waiting state when there are no more recording papers loaded in the selected paper feed tray. was there.

  In Patent Document 1, an alternative paper type is stored in advance in the image forming apparatus for each paper type, and if there is no paper feed tray in which a recording paper of the paper type specified by the print instruction is set, the alternative paper type Discloses a technique for printing by switching to a paper feed tray on which recording paper is set.

  In Patent Document 2, the image forming apparatus performs a recording sheet selection process that matches attributes such as the sheet size and the sheet type included in the print instruction, and there is no sheet feeding tray in which the recording sheets satisfying the attribute are set. In this case, a technique is disclosed in which another paper feed tray is selected in accordance with a preset priority order and printing is performed.

JP 2007-126293 A JP 11-48580 A

  In the image forming apparatus, by using the paper feed tray, it is possible to easily change the paper size and paper type of the recording paper. Along with this, it is required to be able to easily set the alternative paper feed tray corresponding to the recording paper set in the paper feed tray.

  In the technologies of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is necessary to set in advance the priority order in selecting the paper type that can be substituted for the image forming apparatus and the paper feed tray, and this requires a preparatory preparation. Was not enough to solve.

  Further, in the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, as a result of selecting an alternative paper feed tray according to a preset setting, printing is performed on recording paper that is not intended by the user, and recording paper is wasted. There is also.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to easily prevent printing on an unintended recording paper when the desired recording paper is not set in an image forming apparatus that sets recording paper using a plurality of paper feed trays. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing wasteful consumption of recording paper.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is configured to stack a plurality of types of recording sheets on a plurality of sheet feeding trays, and to feed a sheet, and a recording stacked on the plurality of sheet feeding trays. Paper information storage means for storing paper paper information and print instruction receiving means for receiving a print instruction transmitted from the external information processing terminal are included. The print instruction may include a plurality of pieces of recording paper information for specifying the recording paper to be used. The image forming apparatus further compares the recording paper information included in the received printing instruction with the paper information stored in the paper information storage unit in response to receiving the printing instruction by the printing instruction receiving unit, In response to the determination means for determining whether or not the recording paper specified by the paper information is stacked on a plurality of paper feed trays, and the determination means determining that the recording paper is stacked, In response to determining that the recording paper is not stacked by the determination execution means and the print execution means for selecting the corresponding paper supply tray from the plurality of paper supply trays and executing printing. Operation executing means for performing a predetermined operation according to the content of the information.

  The paper information storage unit stores paper information of the recording paper loaded on the plurality of paper feed trays. The print instruction receiving unit receives a print instruction transmitted from the external information processing terminal. In response to receiving the print instruction by the print instruction receiving means, the determination means compares the recording paper information included in the received print instruction with the paper information stored in the paper information storage means, and the recording paper information It is determined whether or not the recording paper designated in (2) is stacked on a plurality of paper feed trays. In response to the determination that the recording sheet is stacked by the determination unit, the print execution unit selects the corresponding sheet feed tray from the plurality of sheet feed trays, and executes printing. The operation executing means performs a predetermined operation according to the content of the recording paper information in response to the determination means determining that the recording paper is not stacked.

  The image forming apparatus compares the recording paper information included in the received print instruction with the paper information loaded on the plurality of paper feed trays in the image forming apparatus, and determines the recording paper specified by the recording paper information. The determination unit determines whether or not the sheet is loaded on the sheet feeding tray. When it is determined that the designated recording paper is loaded on the paper feed tray, printing is executed using the corresponding paper feed tray. The received print instruction may include a plurality of recording sheet information. When the determination unit determines that no recording sheet is loaded, a predetermined operation is performed according to the contents of the recording sheet information. When recording paper is not loaded, various operations can be performed in accordance with printing instructions from the user by performing operations according to the contents of the recording paper information. As a result, in an image forming apparatus in which recording paper is set using a plurality of paper feed trays, printing on unintended recording paper can be easily prevented when the desired recording paper is not set. An image forming apparatus that prevents wasteful consumption of paper can be provided.

  Preferably, a priority order may be set for the recording sheet information of the print instruction, and the determination unit responds that the priority order is set for the received recording sheet information of the print instruction. Priority paper determination for comparing whether high recording paper information and paper information stored in the paper information storage means and determining whether or not the recording paper specified by the recording paper information is stacked on a plurality of paper feed trays Including means. The operation executing means is means for executing the priority paper determination means using the recording paper information having the second highest priority in response to the determination that the recording paper is not stacked by the priority paper determination means. including.

  The priority paper determination unit compares the recording paper information having a higher priority with the paper information stored in the paper information storage unit in response to the priority being set for the recording paper information of the received print instruction. Then, it is determined whether or not the recording paper designated by the recording paper information is stacked on a plurality of paper feed trays. In response to the determination that the recording paper is not stacked by the priority paper determination means, the execution means executes the priority paper determination means using the recording paper information having the next highest priority.

  The image forming apparatus compares the paper information stored in the paper information storage unit in order from the recording paper information with the highest priority, and if the paper corresponding to the recording paper information is loaded, selects the paper feed tray. Print. If it is not stacked, the recording paper information with the next highest priority is compared with the paper information. By comparing the sheet information according to the priority order set by the print instruction, it is possible to prevent unintended printing on the recording sheet.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus performs priority in response to determining that all of the plurality of recording paper information included in the print instruction is determined by the executing unit and not being stacked by the priority sheet determining unit. It further includes notification means for notifying that the recording paper corresponding to the highest order recording paper information is stacked on the paper feed tray.

  The image forming apparatus does not perform printing when there is no paper that is designated by the recording paper information as a result of determination using all of the plurality of recording paper information included in the printing instruction. Then, the user is notified that the recording paper corresponding to the recording paper information having the highest priority is to be stacked on the paper feed tray. If no paper corresponding to the conditions of the recording paper information included in the print instruction is set in the image forming apparatus, printing is not performed, so that wasteful consumption of recording paper can be suppressed. Further, by notifying that the recording paper corresponding to the recording paper information having the highest priority is to be stacked on the paper feed tray, printing can be performed using a desired printing paper.

  Preferably, the print instruction may include paper feed tray selection information for directly selecting one of the plurality of paper feed trays. The image forming apparatus includes a printing unit for executing printing using the paper feed tray selected by the paper feed tray selection information in response to receiving the paper feed tray selection information.

  When the print instruction includes paper feed tray selection information for directly selecting one of the paper feed trays, the image forming apparatus selects a paper feed tray according to the information and executes printing. As a result, the paper feed tray can be directly selected regardless of the determination of the recording paper information, and printing can be executed on a recording paper having a desired paper size.

  An image forming system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an information processing terminal for issuing a print instruction, and an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing terminal via a network. An image forming apparatus stacks a plurality of types of recording sheets on a plurality of sheet feeding trays, and supplies sheet feeding means for feeding the sheets and sheet information of the recording sheets loaded on the plurality of sheet feeding trays. A sheet information storage unit, a print instruction receiving unit for receiving a print instruction transmitted from the information processing terminal, and the print instruction may include a plurality of recording sheet information for specifying a recording sheet to be used. In response to receiving the print instruction, the recording paper information included in the received printing instruction is compared with the paper information stored in the paper information storage unit, and a plurality of recording papers specified by the recording paper information are obtained. In response to the determination means for determining whether or not the recording paper is stacked, and in response to the determination that the recording paper is stacked by the determination means, it corresponds from the plurality of paper supply trays. Select the paper tray, Printing execution means for executing printing, and operation execution means for performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the recording paper information in response to the determination means that the recording paper is not stacked. Including.

  The image forming apparatus compares the recording paper information included in the received print instruction with the paper information loaded on the plurality of paper feed trays in the image forming apparatus, and determines the recording paper specified by the recording paper information. The determination unit determines whether or not the sheet is loaded on the sheet feeding tray. The received print instruction may include a plurality of pieces of recording paper information. When the determination unit determines that no recording paper is loaded, a predetermined operation is performed according to the content of the recording paper information. By performing the operation according to the contents of the recording paper information, various operations can be performed in accordance with a print instruction from the user. As a result, in an image forming apparatus in which recording paper is set using a plurality of paper feed trays, printing on unintended recording paper can be easily prevented when the desired recording paper is not set. An image forming apparatus that prevents wasteful consumption of paper can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing system 20 which concerns on this Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital multifunction machine 30 according to the present embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital multifunction machine 30. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing terminal 32 which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the control unit 120 of the information processing terminal 32 until a print instruction is issued to the digital multifunction peripheral 30. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print instruction screen 100. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by a control unit 50 of the digital multifunction device 30 until a print instruction is received from an information processing terminal 32 and output processing is performed. It is a figure showing the control structure of the program of an output process in the flowchart format. It is a figure showing the program performed following the connector A of FIG. 8 in a flowchart format.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the following embodiments, operations of a digital multi-function peripheral that operates as a printer connected to the same network and an information processing apparatus will be described. The information processing apparatus issues a print request with an application running on the information processing apparatus, and receives apparatus information from the digital multifunction peripheral designated as the printer. After displaying the device information of the digital multifunction device, the information processing device sets functions that can be executed by the digital multifunction device, and transmits the print data together with the print data to the digital multifunction device.

-Constitution-
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system 20 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the image processing system 20 includes a digital multifunction machine 30. The digital multifunction machine 30 is a digital multifunction machine that can operate in an image transmission mode such as a copy mode, a printer mode, and facsimile transmission. The digital multifunction peripheral 30 is connected to a local network 40 and a telephone line network 44. An information processing terminal 32 is connected to the local network 40. An external facsimile machine 38 is connected to the telephone network 44. Further, an external computer 34, an Internet facsimile machine 36 (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile machine 36), and the like are connected to the local network 40 via a gateway (not shown) and the Internet 42.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 30 operates in any of a copy mode, a printer mode, and an image transmission mode capable of executing both facsimile transmission using the telephone network 44 and Internet facsimile transmission for transmitting image data via the Internet. Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the digital multi-function peripheral 30 operates as a printer mode and takes as an example a case where it operates by exchanging with the information processing terminal 32 connected to the local network 40. Hereinafter, the printer mode of the digital multi-function peripheral 30 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 30 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, a digital multifunction device 30 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a control unit 50 for controlling the entire digital multifunction device 30 by executing a predetermined program, and a control unit 50, an image reading unit 52 for reading a document image, an image forming unit 54 for outputting image data to recording paper, and a control unit 50, all connected to the bus 74. Setting information for displaying a message to be issued, an operation panel 60 for receiving input settings from an operator, a paper feeding unit 58 for setting recording paper, and setting information related to the paper feeding unit A storage unit 56; an image storage unit 64 for storing the data read by the image reading unit 52 and the received encoded image data; and the image reading unit 5 An image processing unit 62 for generating image data for transmission facsimile from the image data read in step 2; and encoding and decoding for encoding the read image data and decoding the received encoded data into the original image data. And a conversion unit 66.

  The digital multi-function device 30 is further connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) LAN 72, a network control unit 68 connected to a telephone line network for controlling the line, and connected to the telephone line network for facsimile communication. And a facsimile modem 70 for performing the above.

  An image reading unit 52, an image forming unit 54, a setting information storage unit 56, a paper feeding unit 58, an operation panel 60, an image processing unit 62, an image storage unit 64, an encoding / decoding unit 66, The network control unit 68, the facsimile modem 70, and the LAN interface 72 are connected via a bus 74, and overall control is performed by the control unit 50 executing a predetermined program.

  The document image read by the image reading unit 52 is stored in the image storage unit 64 as image data. When the image forming unit 54 outputs image data to the recording paper, the image data is read from the image storage unit 64 and output to the recording paper.

  The paper feed unit 58 includes a plurality of paper feed trays. Recording paper information such as the type of recording paper loaded on a plurality of paper feed trays is input to the digital multifunction peripheral 30 by the user using the operation panel 60. The input recording sheet information is stored in the setting information storage unit 56.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the digital multifunction device 30. Referring to FIG. 3, the operation panel 60 is provided at the upper part of the digital multifunction device 30, and the paper feed unit 58 is provided at the lower part of the digital multifunction device 30. The paper feed unit 58 includes a paper feed tray 80, a paper feed tray 82, a paper feed tray 84, and a paper feed tray 86. Information regarding the recording paper set in the paper feed trays 80, 82, 84 and 86 is set by the user using the operation panel 60 and stored in the setting information storage unit 56. Information relating to the recording paper includes paper size and paper type (for example, high-quality paper, recycled paper, thick paper, colored paper, OHP sheet, etc., hereinafter referred to as “paper type”).

  In the example of the present embodiment, A4 size light blue paper is used for the paper feed tray 80, A4 size light green paper is used for the paper feed tray 82, and A4 size plain paper is used for the paper feed tray 84. Assume that plain paper of B4 size is set in the paper feed tray 86.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing terminal 32 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, information processing terminal 32 is configured by a CPU, and is connected to control unit 120 for performing overall control of information processing terminal 32 by executing a predetermined program, and to control unit 120. A bus 132, both connected to the bus 132, an operation unit 126 for receiving an input operation from an operator, a display unit 122 for displaying a processing result of the information processing terminal 32 by the control unit 120, and a control A storage unit 128 for storing various programs executed by the unit 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 124 that operates as a temporary memory of the control unit 120, and a LAN interface 130 for connecting to the local network 40 are included.

  The storage unit 128 includes a printer driver 134 that generates print image data and transmits data to the digital multi-function peripheral 30 when a print instruction is received.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by the control unit 120 of the information processing terminal 32 until a print instruction is issued to the digital multifunction peripheral 30. This program is executed when a printing program is started in an application executed on the information processing terminal 32 and the digital multifunction peripheral 30 is selected as an output destination.

  Referring to FIG. 5, this program is executed subsequent to step S <b> 402 for issuing a tray information transmission request of paper feed unit 58 to digital multifunction device 30, and the tray transmitted from digital multifunction device 30. Step S404 which receives information, and Step S406 which is executed following Step S404 and displays a print instruction screen reflecting the tray information received in Step S404 are included.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a print instruction screen 100 displayed when step S406 is executed in the program shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, a print instruction screen 100 includes a paper size setting button 102 for setting the paper size of print data, and a tray selection button 104 for selecting a paper feed tray of the paper feed unit 58 for printing. The paper type selection button 106 for selecting the designated paper type, the paper type selection button 108 for selecting the second paper type, and the print settings entered on the print instruction screen 100 are confirmed, together with the print data. An OK button 110 for issuing a print instruction to the digital multifunction device 30 and a cancel button 112 for discarding the set information and canceling printing are included.

  The paper size setting button 102 selects a desired size from the sizes displayed by pulling down. With the tray selection button 104, automatic selection of a paper feed tray in the automatic paper feed mode or direct designation of one of the paper feed trays 80, 82, 84, and 86 is possible.

  The paper type selection buttons 106 and 108 select one from a paper type list displayed by pulling down. Hereinafter, the paper type selected by the paper type selection button 106 is referred to as “specified paper type”, and the paper type selected by the paper type selection button 108 is referred to as “second paper type”. The setting of the designated paper type has a higher priority than the setting of the second paper type. Although details will be described later, when the recording paper corresponding to the setting of the designated paper type is not set, the second paper type is set. The setting of is referred.

  The paper types displayed in the paper type list of the paper type selection buttons 106 and 108 change depending on the tray information received in step S404 in FIG. In the displayed paper type list, items “not specified” and “automatic selection” that do not specify the paper type are included. When “not specified” is selected by the paper type selection button 106, “not specified” is also selected in conjunction with the paper type selection button 108. "Automatic selection" is an item displayed only on the paper type selection button 108, and can be selected only when any paper type other than "Not specified" is selected with the paper type selection button 106. When automatic selection is set, when a recording paper of a specified paper type is not set, one of the paper feed trays in which the recording paper of the corresponding size is set is automatically selected.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, this program is further executed following step S406, and is executed following step S408 in which print settings are input from the user on the print instruction screen 100 and step S408, and the OK button 110 is pressed. It is determined whether or not the button has been pressed, and is executed when it is determined in step S410 that the control flow is branched according to the determination result and the OK button 110 is pressed (YES) in step S410, and input in step S408. The print setting and the print data are transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 30 as a print instruction, and this step is finished. In step S412, it is executed if it is determined in step S410 that the OK button 110 has not been pressed (NO). Determines whether or not the cancel button 112 is pressed, and branches the control flow according to the determination result Comprising the step S414 that is executed if it is determined that the cancel button 112 is pressed in step S414 (YES), transmits a cancellation instruction to the digital MFP 30, and a step S416 to end the program. If it is determined in step S414 that the cancel button 112 has not been pressed (NO), the control returns to step S408.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing, in a flowchart form, a control structure of a program executed by the control unit 50 of the digital multifunction machine 30 until receiving a print instruction from the information processing terminal 32 and performing output processing. This program is activated when a tray information transmission request is received from the information processing terminal 32.

  Referring to FIG. 7, this program is executed subsequent to step S 602 for receiving a tray information transmission request from information processing terminal 32 and step S 602, and information processing is performed on the recording sheet information on the sheet feeding tray of sheet feeding unit 58. Step S604 that is transmitted to the terminal 32, Step S606 that is executed following Step S604, determines whether or not a print instruction is received from the information processing terminal 32, and branches the control flow according to the determination result. This is executed when it is determined in S606 that a print instruction has not been received (NO), and it is determined whether or not a cancel instruction has been received from the information processing terminal 32, and a print instruction has been received in Step S606 ( Step S61 is executed when the received print instruction is analyzed and divided into print settings and print data. Step S612 is executed subsequent to Step S610, and the received print data is developed into a printable state by the image forming unit 54. Step S614 is executed following Step S612 and executes output of the developed print data. including. If it is determined in step S608 that a cancel instruction has not been received (NO), the control returns to step S606. After executing step S614 or if it is determined in step S608 that a cancel instruction has been received (YES), this program ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control structure of the output processing program executed in step S614 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the program determines whether or not a paper feed tray is directly designated in the print settings included in the print instruction, and branches the control flow according to the determination result; This is executed when it is determined in step S702 that the paper feed tray is not directly designated (NO), and it is determined whether or not a paper feed tray of the designated paper size is set, and control is performed according to the judgment result. This step is executed when it is determined in step S704 and step S704 that the paper feed tray of the designated paper size is set (YES), and it is determined whether or not the paper type is set. The control flow is executed when it is determined in step S706 to branch the control flow according to the determination result and in step S706 that the paper type is not set (NO). Step S708 for selecting one of the paper feed trays having a suitable size, and Step S710 executed following step S708, performing printing using the recording paper in the selected paper feed tray, and ending this program. Including.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S702 that the paper feed tray is directly designated (YES), and the designated paper feed tray is selected, and control proceeds to step S710. This is executed when it is determined in step S704 that the paper feed tray of the designated paper size is not set (NO), and the operation panel 60 is set to set the recording paper of the designated size in one of the paper feed trays. Steps S714 and S714 for displaying a message are executed, and it is determined whether or not the recording paper having the contents displayed in Step S714 has been set in the paper feed tray, and the flow of control is performed according to the determination result. Branching step S716. If it is determined in step S716 that the recording paper is not set in the paper feed tray (NO), the control returns to step S716 and waits for the recording paper to be set. If it is determined in step S716 that the recording paper has been set in the paper feed tray (YES), the control returns to step S704.

  Referring to FIG. 9, this program is executed when it is determined in step S706 of FIG. 8 that the paper type is set (YES), and the designated paper type set by paper type selection button 106 is set. When it is determined whether there is a paper feed tray on which the recording paper is set and step S802 for branching the control flow according to the determination result and step S802 determines that there is no paper feed tray (NO) Step S804 for determining whether or not the second paper type is set by the paper type selection button 108 and branching the control flow according to the determination result, and the second paper type is determined in Step S804. This is executed when it is determined (YES) that it is set, and it is determined whether or not automatic selection is set for the second paper type, and the flow of control is determined according to the determination result. There is a paper feed tray in which the recording paper corresponding to the setting of the second paper type is set, which is executed when it is determined in step S806 that the automatic selection is not set (NO) in step S806. This is executed when it is determined in step S810 that branches the control flow according to the determination result and in step S806 that automatic selection is set (YES), and is specified in the print settings. Step S808 that determines whether or not there is a paper feed tray on which recording paper of the paper size is set, and branches the control flow according to the determination result.

  If it is determined in step S804 that the second paper type is not set (NO), “not specified” is selected by the paper type selection button 108.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S802 that there is a paper feed tray on which recording paper of the designated paper type is set (YES), step S832 for selecting the corresponding paper feed tray, and step S832. And step S818, which is executed subsequently to perform print processing using the recording paper in the selected paper feed tray and terminate the program. This program is further executed when it is determined in step S808 that there is a paper feed tray in which recording paper of the paper size specified in the print settings is set (YES). This is executed when it is determined that there is a paper feed tray in which the recording paper corresponding to the setting of the second paper type is set (YES) in step S820 in which control is advanced to step S818 and in step S810. In step S830, the corresponding paper feed tray is selected and control proceeds to step S818. In step S808, it is determined that there is no paper feed tray in which recording paper of the paper size specified in the print settings is set (NO). In step S810, it is determined that there is no paper feed tray on which recording paper corresponding to the setting of the second paper type is set (NO). This is executed after the steps S824 and S824 for displaying a message on the operation panel 60 so as to set the recording paper of the designated paper type in one of the paper feed trays, and displayed in step S824. Step S826 for determining whether or not a paper feed tray suitable for the contents is set, and branching the control flow according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S826 that the paper feed tray is not set (NO), the control returns to step S826 and waits for the paper feed tray to be set. The program further includes step S828 that is executed when it is determined in step S826 that the paper feed tray has been set (YES), selects the paper feed tray that has been set, and advances control to step S818.

  This program is further executed in step S804 when it is determined that the second paper type is not designated (NO) by the paper type selection button 108, that is, when “not designated” is selected. A message is displayed on the operation panel 60 so as to set the recording paper of the designated paper type in one of the paper trays. This is executed following step S812 and step S812, and a recording paper suitable for the content displayed in step S812 is obtained. A step S814 of determining whether or not the set paper feed tray has been set and branching the control flow according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S814 that the paper feed tray is not set (NO), the control returns to step S814 and waits for the paper feed tray to be set. The program further includes step S816 that is executed when it is determined in step S814 that the paper feed tray has been set (YES), selects the paper feed tray that has been set, and advances control to step S818.

―Operation―
The digital multifunction machine 30 and the information processing terminal 32 according to the present embodiment operate as follows.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 30, when a user sets a recording sheet in a sheet feeding tray, the user inputs recording sheet information such as a sheet size and a sheet type of the set recording sheet using the operation panel 60. The recording paper information for each paper feed tray is stored in the setting information storage unit 56.

  The information processing terminal 32 is connected to the same local network as the digital multifunction machine 30. When a printing program is started in an application executed on the information processing terminal 32 and the digital multifunction peripheral 30 is designated as an output destination, a request for transmitting recording paper information on the paper feed tray is issued to the digital multifunction peripheral 30 (step) S402). When the information processing terminal 32 receives the recording paper information transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 30 (step S404), the information processing terminal 32 displays the print instruction screen 100 reflecting the contents of the recording paper information, and inputs the print settings from the user. Received (steps S406 and 408). The print settings include setting information such as a paper size, a paper feed tray to be used, and a paper type. When the OK button 110 is pressed, the information processing terminal 32 issues a print instruction including the print settings and print data. It transmits to the digital multi-function peripheral 30 (step S412).

  Upon receiving the recording paper information transmission request from the information processing terminal 32, the digital multifunction peripheral 30 transmits the recording paper information stored in the setting information storage unit 56 to the information processing terminal 32 (steps S602 and 604). Wait for instructions to be sent from the terminal. When a print instruction is received from the information processing terminal 32, print settings included in the print instruction are analyzed, and print data output processing is performed (steps S610, 612, and 614).

  In the output process performed in the digital multi-function peripheral 30, a paper feed tray to be used is selected based on the received print settings. If the corresponding recording paper is not set in the paper feed tray, a message is displayed to prompt the user to change the recording paper in the paper feed tray.

  When the paper feed tray to be used is directly designated in the print settings (YES in step S702), the designated paper feed tray is selected and printing processing is performed using the set recording paper (step S712, 710). If the paper feed tray is not directly designated as in the automatic paper feed mode, it is determined whether there is a paper feed tray on which a recording paper suitable for the paper size is set (step S704). If there is no paper feed tray (NO in step S704), a message is displayed to set a paper feed tray on which recording paper matching the paper size is set, and waiting for the paper feed tray to be set (steps S714 and 716). ). If there is a paper feed tray (YES in step S704), it is determined whether the paper type is set (step S706). If the paper type is not set (NO in step S706), one of the paper feed trays on which the recording paper matching the paper size is set is selected (step S708), and the printing process is performed.

  If the paper type is set (YES in step S706), it is determined whether there is a paper feed tray in which the recording paper set with the designated paper type is set (step S802). If there is a corresponding paper feed tray (YES in step S802), the paper feed tray is selected and printing processing is performed on the recording paper (steps S832, 818). If it is determined that there is no paper feed tray in which the recording paper set with the specified paper type is set (NO in step S802), it is determined whether the second paper type is set (step S804). ). If the second paper type is not set (NO in step S804), a message is sent to the operation unit to set the paper feed tray on which the recording paper set with the designated paper type is set in the digital multifunction peripheral 30. When the paper feed tray that is displayed is set (step S812) and is displayed, the tray is selected (steps S814 and 816), and the printing process is performed.

  If automatic selection is selected as the second paper type setting (YES in step S806), it is determined whether the recording paper of the designated paper size is set in another paper feed tray. If YES (YES in step S808), one of the corresponding paper feed trays is selected (step S820), and the printing process is performed. If automatic selection is not set as the second paper type setting (NO in step S806), it is determined whether there is a paper feed tray in which recording paper of the second specified paper type is set (step S806). S810) If there is a corresponding paper feed tray (YES in step S810), that tray is selected (step S830), and the printing process is performed. If the second designated paper type is not set (NO in step S810), or if automatic selection is set and the recording paper of the designated paper size is not set in another paper feed tray Then, a message is displayed so as to set the recording paper of the designated paper type in one of the paper feed trays (step S824). Thereafter, it waits for the designated type of recording paper to be set in the paper feed tray (step S826). When the displayed paper feed tray is set, the paper feed tray is selected (step S828), and the printing process is executed.

  As described above, the digital multi-function peripheral 30 receives and analyzes the print instruction including the print data and print settings transmitted from the information processing terminal 32, and the recording paper suitable for the print settings is set. A paper feed tray is selected and printing processing is performed.

  At this time, the paper type information can be set in the print setting, and a printing process is performed by selecting a paper feed tray on which recording paper suitable for the paper type is set. A plurality of paper type information can be set at the same time, and the priority order thereof can be set in the print settings. By selecting the paper feed tray according to the setting, when the recording paper of the set paper type is not set in the paper feed tray, the paper feed tray of the corresponding recording paper is selected in the following priority order. It is also possible to set only one paper type information setting. When there is no paper feed tray in which recording paper of the set paper type is set, the recording paper of the specified paper type is set. A message is displayed on the screen, and printing is not started until the specified paper type is set. These operations are performed based on the received print setting information, and it is not necessary to register the priority order of the paper types in advance. As a result, in an image forming apparatus in which recording paper is set using a plurality of paper feed trays, printing on unintended recording paper can be easily prevented when the desired recording paper is not set. An image forming apparatus that prevents wasteful consumption of paper can be provided.

  Further, when setting a plurality of paper type information, the digital multi-function peripheral 30 can be set to automatically select a paper type when there is no highest priority paper type. In this case, the digital multi-function peripheral 30 performs an operation of selecting one of the paper feed trays from the paper feed trays on which recording papers having the same paper size are set. At this time, if there is no paper feed tray in which recording paper of the same paper size is set, a message is displayed, and printing is not started until the recording paper is set in the paper feed tray. As a result, the digital multi-function peripheral 30 can automatically print on the recording paper of the selected paper type even when there is no set paper type, and is effective when it is desired to check the print contents regardless of the paper type. is there. At this time, since the printing is not started when the paper sizes are different, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of the recording paper, for example, printing a small-size original on a large recording paper.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting up to the second paper type has been described. However, two or more paper types may be set. By setting many types of recording paper to be used, it is possible to print using the set recording paper even if the number of types of recording paper set in the paper feed tray increases. It can be prevented from being printed.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

30 Digital MFP 32 Information Processing Terminal 40 Local Network 50, 120 Control Unit 56 Setting Information Storage Unit 58 Paper Feed Unit 60 Operation Panel 80, 82, 84, 86 Paper Feed Tray 100 Print Instruction Screen 102 Paper Size Setting Button 104 Tray Selection Button 106, 108 Paper type selection button 110 OK button 112 Cancel button

Claims (5)

Paper feeding means for stacking and feeding a plurality of types of recording paper on a plurality of paper feeding trays,
Paper information storage means for storing paper information of the recording paper loaded in the plurality of paper feed trays;
A print instruction receiving means for receiving a print instruction transmitted from the external information processing terminal;
The print instruction may include a plurality of pieces of recording paper information for specifying recording paper to be used,
In response to receiving the print instruction by the print instruction receiving means, the recording paper information included in the received print instruction is compared with the paper information stored in the paper information storage means, and the recording Determination means for determining whether or not the recording paper designated by the paper information is stacked on the plurality of paper feed trays;
In response to determining that the recording paper is stacked by the determination unit, a print execution unit for selecting a corresponding paper feed tray from the plurality of paper feed trays and executing printing;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an operation executing unit for performing a predetermined operation according to the content of the recording sheet information in response to the determination unit determining that the recording sheet is not stacked. A priority order may be set for the recording paper information of the print instruction,
The determination means responds to the fact that priority is set for the recording paper information of the received print instruction, and the paper information stored in the paper information storage means and the recording paper information having a high priority. And priority paper determination means for determining whether or not the recording paper designated by the recording paper information is stacked on the plurality of paper feed trays,
The operation executing unit executes the priority sheet determination unit using the recording sheet information having the second highest priority in response to the determination that the recording sheet is not stacked by the priority sheet determination unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for   In response to determining that all of a plurality of recording paper information included in the print instruction is determined by the executing means and not being stacked by the priority paper determining means, the highest priority is given. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify the recording sheet corresponding to the recording sheet information to be stacked on the sheet feeding tray. The print instruction may include paper feed tray selection information for directly selecting one of the plurality of paper feed trays,
4. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing unit configured to execute printing using the paper feed tray selected by the paper feed tray selection information in response to receiving the paper feed tray selection information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. An information processing terminal for issuing a print instruction;
In an image forming system comprising the information processing terminal and an image forming apparatus connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Paper feeding means for stacking and feeding a plurality of types of recording paper on a plurality of paper feeding trays,
Paper information storage means for storing paper information of the recording paper loaded in the plurality of paper feed trays;
A print instruction receiving means for receiving a print instruction transmitted from the information processing terminal;
The print instruction may include a plurality of pieces of recording paper information for specifying recording paper to be used,
In response to receiving the print instruction by the print instruction receiving means, the recording paper information included in the received print instruction is compared with the paper information stored in the paper information storage means, and the recording Determination means for determining whether or not the recording paper designated by the paper information is stacked on the plurality of paper feed trays;
In response to determining that the recording paper is stacked by the determination unit, a print execution unit for selecting a corresponding paper feed tray from the plurality of paper feed trays and executing printing;
An image forming system comprising: an operation executing unit for performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the content of the recording sheet information in response to the determination unit determining that the recording sheet is not stacked.

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