JP2010173219A - Image forming apparatus and jamming processing control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problem: when jamming occurs in a state where print jobs instructed by a plurality of users are performed, contents printed by one user are viewed by other users. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 2 for performing print jobs instructed by the users includes: a continuous printing control means 101 configured to couple the plurality of print jobs instructed by the plurality of users to each other as a coupled job LJ and continuously supply paper sheets YS to the coupled job LJ so as to perform printing; a jamming detecting means 102 for detecting jamming of the paper sheets YS; a guidance means 103 for giving the users notice of a jamming processing guidance for performing the processing of the jamming detected by the jamming detecting means 102; and a guidance control means 105 for making the contents of the notice given by the guidance means 103 different for each of the users when jamming occurs during the execution of the coupled job LJ. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that executes a print job instructed by a user.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, or a multi-function machine called MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) is used. In the image forming apparatus, for example, an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum is developed to form a toner image, and the toner image is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt, which is further recorded on a recording paper (recording medium) Then, the image is formed by secondary transfer and fixing.

  Conventionally, in such an image forming apparatus, when a plurality of print jobs are instructed by a user, these print jobs are treated as continuous between jobs, and printing is performed continuously. In other words, by handling as continuous between jobs, the next print job is fed and printed without waiting for the completion of the discharge of the last page of the previous print job. Thereby, productivity is improved.

  A plurality of print jobs treated as continuous between jobs are called “concatenated jobs”. In this specification, the term “concatenated job” is used particularly for a print job instructed by a plurality of users.

  When a recording paper jam or a device failure occurs during the execution of a linked job, a plurality of recording papers printed based on instructions from a plurality of users may remain in the image forming apparatus. At that time, jam processing guidance for processing a jam is displayed on the display surface of the operation panel. However, conventionally, no consideration is given to the fact that the recording paper is for a plurality of users.

  On the other hand, as a jam processing method when a jam occurs during the execution of a security job that requires security, the administrator is notified of an abnormal jam, and the administrator performs the jam processing. Has been proposed. In addition, it has been proposed to limit the security mode in which a security job is executed so as not to be a linked job (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, if a jam occurs during the execution of a security job that feeds paper from a lockable paper cassette, a method is proposed in which the administrator is notified and the administrator handles the jam. (Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-212821 A JP 2005-178359 A

  However, in the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if a jam occurs during the execution of a security job, the administrator processes the jam, so the print contents of the user who instructed the print job are viewed by the administrator. It will be. For a user who wants to ensure security, it is desirable to prevent others from seeing the printed contents, so it can be said that it is preferable to perform the processing for jams themselves.

  In addition, in the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a problem in that it is impossible to prevent other users from seeing their own print contents during jam processing when the job is not a security job. That is, a user who performs jam processing has no way of knowing where his / her recording paper is in the image forming apparatus, and therefore, sees all recording paper remaining in the image forming apparatus for jam processing, Problems remain in terms of ensuring security.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to prevent other users from seeing their print contents when a jam occurs during execution of a linked job. And

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that executes a print job instructed by a user, connects a plurality of print jobs instructed by a plurality of users to form a connected job. Continuous printing control means for controlling to perform printing by continuously supplying the recording medium, jam detecting means for detecting jam of the recording medium, and for processing the jam detected by the jam detecting means Guidance means for notifying the user of jam processing guidance; and guidance control means for changing the content of notification by the guidance means for each user when a jam occurs when the linked job is executed. Have.

  By changing the content of the notification by the guidance means for each user, the user performs jam processing only on his / her recording medium.

  Preferably, the guidance means includes guidance display means for displaying the jam processing guidance on a screen, and the guidance control means is configured such that users who are different from each other when a jam occurs when the linked job is being executed. Determining means for determining whether or not a plurality of recording media relating to a plurality of print jobs instructed by the image forming apparatus remain in the image forming apparatus, wherein the guidance control means is a user who is different from each other by the determining means. The guidance display unit displays the jam processing guidance different for each user when it is determined that a plurality of recording media related to a plurality of print jobs instructed by the user remains in the image forming apparatus. And a plurality of print jobs instructed by different users by the discrimination means. When the recording medium is determined not to remain in the image forming apparatus, the jam processing guidance for a single user who has instructed execution of a print job related to the remaining recording medium is displayed. The guidance display means is controlled as described above.

  Preferably, in the case where a jam occurs while the linked job is being executed, the guidance control means is such that a user who first handles a jam is located on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium. If the user has instructed execution of a print job for a recording medium, the guidance display unit is controlled to display the jam processing guidance in order from the recording medium located on the most downstream side, and the jam processing is performed first. If the user who performs the operation is a user who has instructed execution of a print job for the recording medium located on the most upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium, the jam processing guidance is sequentially performed from the recording medium located on the most upstream side. The guidance display means is controlled to display.

  Preferably, the guidance control means includes jam processing status notifying means for controlling the jam processing status of the user who is processing the jam so as to notify the user who performs the jam processing thereafter.

  According to the present invention, when a jam occurs during execution of a linked job, it is possible to prevent other users from seeing their print contents.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of a network system. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an image forming unit that is a part of the image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the functional structure for the jam process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of jam. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a connection process determination. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a jam processing screen when a jam occurs. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of a linked job when a jam occurs. It is a figure which shows the schematic internal structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display panel in a password input. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a jam process in a password input. It is a figure which shows the order of the process of jam, and the timing of notification. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a jam including a confidential document print job.

[Overall Description of Image Forming Apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, a plurality of terminal apparatuses 3, a communication line 4, and the like. The image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 3 can be connected to each other via the communication line 4. As the communication line 4, a LAN, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 is an electrophotographic full-color copying machine incorporating a tandem type print engine. Such an image forming apparatus 2 may be referred to as a multi function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  2, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a paper supply unit 60, a finisher unit FN, a control unit 100, and the like.

  3 and 4, image reading unit 10 reads the image of the document placed on the document glass table by moving the scanner. That is, an original is irradiated with an exposure lamp installed in a scanner, and an image of the reflected light is read by a CCD image sensor corresponding to the three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). As a result, R, G, and B image data corresponding to the document image are obtained.

  The image data obtained by the image reading unit 10 is subjected to various processes in the control unit 100, and further, image data of reproduction colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Is converted to The converted image data is stored for each reproduction color in an image memory provided in the control unit 100. In synchronization with the transport state of the paper YS supplied from the paper supply unit 60, image data is read from the image memory for each scanning line and output as a drive signal for the laser diode 27 that exposes the photosensitive drum.

  Note that paper, a plastic sheet, and other recording media can be used as the paper YS. That is, the paper YS can be restated as a recording paper, a recording material, a transfer material, a recording medium, or a transfer medium.

  The image forming unit 20 forms an image on the paper YS by an electrophotographic method, and includes an imaging unit U, an intermediate transfer unit 40, a fixing unit 50, and the like.

  As the imaging unit U, imaging units UY, UM, UC, UK of four colors Y, M, C, and K are provided, and are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 41 in this order. In each imaging unit U, the photosensitive drum 21, the charging charger 22, the exposure unit 23 that exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to form an electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner of each color. A developing unit 24 for forming an image, a transfer charger 25 for transferring the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 41 (primary transfer), a transfer roller (not shown), and a cleaner 26 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 are provided.

  Further, the exposure unit 23 is provided with a laser diode (not shown) that emits laser light, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser light and performs exposure scanning on the photosensitive drum 21 in the main scanning direction.

  The toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 21 is removed by the cleaner 26 before being exposed to light, and is discharged by an eraser lamp (not shown). The charged photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 22. The uniformly charged photosensitive drum 21 forms an electrostatic latent image by exposure with the laser diode 27.

  Each electrostatic latent image is developed by each color developing unit 24. As a result, Y, M, C, and K toner images are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The toner images (toner images) of the respective colors formed by these imaging units U are superimposed on the same position on the traveling intermediate transfer belt 41, transferred, and combined.

  The intermediate transfer unit 40 is provided with a plurality of rollers 42, 43, and 44 that support the intermediate transfer belt 41 so that it can run. A transfer roller 45 is provided at a position facing the roller 44. The transfer roller 45 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 41, and forms a transfer nip portion by being pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 41. Further, a bias voltage for transfer is applied to the transfer roller 45.

  The sheet YS is fed to the transfer nip portion in synchronization with the travel of the intermediate transfer belt 41, and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transferred onto the sheet YS at the transfer nip portion. Next transfer). The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 41 after the secondary transfer is removed by the cleaner 46.

  The fixing unit 50 is provided with a fixing roller 51, a heating roller 52, a paper conveyance guide 53, and the like. The sheet YS on which the toner image is formed by the secondary transfer is guided by the sheet transport guide 53 and transported on the transport path HR, and is fixed by passing between the fixing roller 51 and the heating roller 52. The fixed sheet YS is transported on the transport path HR and discharged onto the tray 65 of the finisher unit FN.

  The fixing unit 50 is provided with a density sensor (IDC sensor) (not shown) for detecting the density of the image formed on the fixed paper YS. As the density sensor, an optical reflection type sensor is often used. The density sensor detects the density of the patch formed on the paper YS for image stabilization control (IDC). For example, solid adhesion amounts of four colors each of Y, M, C, and K are measured.

  Various sizes of paper YS are stored in the paper supply unit 60, and are sent out to the transport path HR at a predetermined timing by a paper feed transport unit including rollers 61 and the like. An intermediate roller and a registration roller (not shown) are provided in the middle of the conveyance path HR, and the sheet YS is conveyed to the secondary transfer position by these.

  The finisher unit FN is provided with a plurality of trays 65, 65... For discharging paper, and the printed paper YS can be discharged to each tray 65 for each group. In addition, various finishing processes such as binding the printed paper YS with a staple and finishing it can be performed. Various processes such as saddle stitching, punching, and Z-folding can be performed as the finishing process. Such processing is an optional function and is not provided in the standard.

  In FIG. 2, an FN saddle sensor 81, an FN inlet sensor 82, a discharge sensor 83, a fixing sensor 84, and a transfer sensor 85 are detected on the conveyance path HR in order to detect the remaining position of the paper YS when a jam occurs. , And a paper feed sensor 86 are provided.

  The FN unit saddle sensor 81 is provided at a position where the finishing process of the finisher unit FN is performed. Further, the FN unit entrance sensor 82 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the finisher unit FN, that is, in the vicinity of the insertion port that enters the finisher unit FN from the image forming apparatus 2. Further, the discharge sensor 83 is provided at a position corresponding to a discharge tray portion when the finisher unit FN is not connected. In the present embodiment, the discharge sensor 83 is provided in a horizontal transfer unit for transferring from the image forming apparatus 2 to the finisher unit FN. ing.

  The fixing sensor 84 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing unit 50 or the like. The transfer sensor 85 is provided on the upstream side of the secondary transfer position. In addition, the paper feed sensor 86 is provided in the vicinity of a portion sent out to the transport path HR of the paper supply unit 60.

  As these sensors 81 to 84, for example, an optical sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, a micro switch, or the like is used.

  In FIG. 4, the control unit 100 includes a storage unit including a CPU, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage device, and the like, a control circuit, a communication unit including various interfaces, and the like. The control unit 100 performs image processing on the image data read by the image reading unit 10 or image data output from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, and controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 2 is provided with a charging grid high voltage power source 71, a developing bias high voltage power source 72, and a secondary transfer high voltage power source 73. In addition to the density sensor 54, the FN part saddle sensor 81, the FN part inlet sensor 82, the discharge sensor 83, the fixing sensor 84, the transfer sensor 85, and the paper feed sensor 86 described above, a temperature / humidity sensor 55 and a PH temperature are also provided. A sensor 56 and the like are provided.

The control unit 100 receives an input signal from the operation unit 11 by the user and outputs various signals to the operation unit 11. The operation unit 11 is provided with a switching unit including a push button for switching operations of the image forming apparatus 2 and a display panel 13 including a touch panel for displaying images and messages. The display panel 13 displays a jam processing guidance for processing a jam when a jam occurs. The jam handling guidance will be described in detail later.
[Jam treatment]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration for jam processing in the control unit 100 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 is provided with a continuous printing control unit 101, a jam detection unit 102, a guidance unit 103, a guidance control unit 105, and the like for jam processing.

  The continuous printing control unit 101 controls a plurality of print jobs instructed by a plurality of users to be connected to each other as a “connected job”, and the paper YS is continuously supplied to the connected job to perform printing. To do. For example, when the user A and the user B simultaneously use the different terminal devices 3 to instruct printing, the supply of the paper YS related to the print job of the user A and the paper YS related to the print job of the user B is continuously performed. Done. That is, in the “concatenated job”, the paper YS of the last page of the print job of the user A and the paper YS of the first page of the print job of the user B are continuously supplied without any interval. In other words, in the linked job, regarding the supply of the paper YS, a plurality of print jobs are handled as if they were one print job.

  The jam detection unit 102 detects that a jam such as a paper jam has occurred during printing. In addition, when a jam occurs, the FN part saddle sensor 81, the FN part inlet sensor 82, the discharge sensor 83, and the fixing sensor 84 indicate in which position in the conveyance path HR of the image forming apparatus 2 the sheet YS remains. , Based on detection signals from the transfer sensor 85, the paper feed sensor 86, and the like.

  Based on the content detected by the jam detection unit 102, the guidance unit 103 notifies the user who has instructed execution of the print job of jam processing guidance for processing the jam. The jam processing guidance is, for example, a message, an image, a code, or the like indicating that a jam has occurred and a processing method for processing the jam that has occurred.

  The guidance unit 103 causes the guidance display unit 104 to display the jam processing guidance on the screen of the display panel 13.

  The guidance control unit 105 controls the contents of the notification by the guidance unit 103 to be different for each user who has instructed the execution of the print job when a jam occurs while the linked job is being executed.

  The guidance control unit 105 is provided with a determination unit 106.

  The determination unit 106 determines whether or not a plurality of sheets YS related to a plurality of print jobs instructed by different users remain in the image forming apparatus 2 when a jam occurs when a linked job is executed. Determine whether or not.

  That is, the determination unit 106 determines which user YS the paper YS remaining in the image forming apparatus 2 is the paper YS related to the print job instructed by. The determination unit 106 will be described in detail later.

  When it is determined that the paper YS relating to the print job instructed by different users remains in the image forming apparatus 2, the guidance control unit 105 displays guidance for different jam processing for each user. The display unit 104 is controlled.

  Further, when it is determined that the paper YS related to the print job instructed by different users does not remain in the image forming apparatus 2, that is, the plurality of residual paper YS is related to the paper YS related to the print job of a single user. If it is determined, the guidance display unit 104 is controlled to display jam processing guidance for the user who has instructed execution of the print job.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when a jam occurs when a linked job is performed by the user A and the user B, the paper YS related to the print job instructed by the user A is output from the discharge sensor 83 and the fixing. Detected by sensor 84.

  Further, the paper YS relating to the print job instructed by the user B is detected by the transfer sensor 85 and the paper feed sensor 86.

  That is, it is detected that the jam of the user A occurs in the horizontal conveyance unit and the fixing unit, and the jam of the user B occurs in the secondary transfer position and the paper supply unit 60.

  Therefore, when the user A performs jam processing, the guidance control unit 105 displays a screen indicating that a jam has occurred in the horizontal conveyance unit and the fixing unit. Further, when the user B performs jam processing, a screen indicating that a jam has occurred in the second transfer portion and the paper supply unit 60 is displayed.

  Thus, by making different notification contents of the jam processing guidance for each user, it is possible to prevent other users from seeing their print contents.

  Further, in the guidance control unit 105, when a jam occurs during the execution of the connection job, the user who first performs the jam processing print job for the paper YS located on the most downstream side in the transport direction of the paper YS. The guidance display unit 104 is controlled so that the jam processing guidance is displayed in order from the paper YS located on the most downstream side.

  In addition, when the user who first performs jam processing (jam processing) is a user who has instructed execution of a print job for the paper YS located on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the paper YS, the paper located on the most upstream side The guidance display unit 104 is controlled to display the jam processing guidance in order from YS.

  The guidance control unit 105 is provided with a jam processing status notification unit 107.

  The jam processing status notifying unit 107 controls to notify the user who performs the jam processing the jam processing status of the user who is processing the jam.

  For example, in FIG. 5, when the user A first performs jam processing, the user A starts jam processing, and the position of the jam to be processed by the user A is then processed. The user B to be executed is notified to the terminal device 3. Then, the user A starts the jam processing, and notifies the user B's terminal device 3 of the processing status each time the jam is processed.

  For example, when the user A completes the jam handling of the horizontal conveyance unit, the user A notifies the user B terminal device 3 to that effect. That is, since the user B can know the position and processing status of the jam of the user A, the user B can know when his / her turn for the jam processing is around. Also, when user B first performs jam processing, the same processing described above for user A is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the jam processing and to recover from the jam in a short time.

  Next, the jam processing guidance according to the situation when a jam occurs will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of jam processing, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining the connection processing, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a jam processing screen when a jam occurs, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of a linked job in a case where the job is performed.

  When the image forming apparatus 2 is turned on, initialization is performed and various mode settings are performed. In FIG. 6, when image formation is started, a connection process determination is first performed (# 11). In the connection process determination, the continuous print control unit 101 determines whether a plurality of print jobs are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the connection process determination, it is determined whether there is a print job to be executed prior to the print job (# 23). If there is a print job to be executed first (Yes in # 23), these print jobs are connected (# 24). Then, the connection flag is set to True (# 25).

  If there is no print job to be executed first (No in # 23), there is no print job to be connected, so no connection is performed (# 26), and the connection flag is set to False (# 27).

  Returning to FIG. 6, if a jam does not occur (No in # 12), a printing process is performed, and after the printing process is completed, a printing end process is performed (# 13).

  If a jam has occurred (Yes in # 12), it is determined whether the connection flag is True, that is, whether the print job is a connection job (# 14). If it is not a linked job (No in # 14), a jam handling guidance C for the user who has instructed execution of the print job is displayed (# 15).

  Note that the jam processing guidance C is a jam screen indicating, for example, in which position on the transport path HR of the image forming apparatus 2 the jammed paper YS remains as shown in FIG.

  Further, when the button “guidance C” displayed on the jam screen is pressed, a screen for explaining how to cancel the jam of the paper YS in which the jam has occurred is displayed. At this time, the order of the screens for explaining the jam release method is such that the FN portion located on the most downstream side is displayed first, and every time the jam is released, the horizontal conveyance portion, the fixing portion, the transfer portion, and the paper feed The screens are switched and displayed in the order of the copies.

  In the job list C displayed on the jam screen, various other information such as the print job name, user name, and user account (user ID) of the print job designated by the user are displayed.

  When the jam processing is completed, reissue of the print job in which the jam has occurred is started. When reissue is started, the process returns to step # 11 and the same processing is performed.

  Next, when the print job is a linked job (Yes in # 14), it is determined whether the print job is a print job by a single user or a different user (# 16).

  Here, the determination method of the determination unit 106 in step # 16 will be described.

  In FIG. 9, when a jam occurs in the execution of the linked job LJ, the print job is instructed by a single user, or the print job is instructed by different users. Is shown. Note that the rising portion of each user's print job is a position where the paper YS starts to be fed. Image forming processing has been started before the start of paper feeding, and actual printing on the paper YS is started when the paper YS reaches the transfer position.

  The falling part of each print job of each user indicates the completion position of the paper YS discharge.

  FIG. 9A shows an example in which user A instructs execution of two print jobs. That is, this is a case where a plurality of print jobs instructed by a single user becomes the linked job LJ1.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, if a jam occurs while the linked job LJ1 designated by the user A is being executed, the print job A2 is discharged after the feeding of the print job A1 is started. It is determined that all of the period T1 until the paper is completed is a print job instructed by a single user.

  Next, FIG. 9B is an example in which user A and user B each instruct execution of one print job. That is, this is a case where a print job instructed by a plurality of users becomes a linked job LJ2.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, first, in the linked job LJ2 instructed by the user A and the user B, first, the feeding of the print job A1 of the user A is started. In a period T1 until the user B starts feeding, only the paper YS related to the print job instructed by the user A exists in the image forming apparatus 2. That is, when a jam occurs during this period T1, the jam processing is performed only by the user A, and the jam processing guidance for the user A is notified. Therefore, in this period T1, it is determined that the print job is instructed by a single user.

  Next, in a period T <b> 2 from the start of paper feeding by the user B to the completion of paper ejection by the user A, the paper YS relating to the print job instructed by the user A and the user B is stored in the image forming apparatus 2. Will exist. Therefore, when a jam occurs during this period T2, it is determined that the print jobs are instructed by different users.

  Then, in the period T1 from the completion of the discharge of the user A to the completion of the discharge of the user B, the state in which only the paper YS relating to the print job instructed by the user B exists in the image forming apparatus 2 It becomes. Therefore, in this period T1, it is determined that the print job is instructed by a single user.

  FIG. 9C is an example in which user A instructs execution of two print jobs, and user B instructs execution of three print jobs.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, when a jam occurs in the period T1 as in the case of FIG. 9B, it is determined that the print job is instructed by a single user, and the jam occurs in the period T2. Is generated, it is determined that the print jobs are instructed by different users.

  As described above, when a jam occurs while executing the linked job LJ2 instructed by a plurality of users, the user is different from the case where it is determined that the print job is instructed by a single user. There are two patterns of states when the print job is determined to be instructed. The discriminating unit 106 discriminates between the two patterns described above.

  Note that the print job has been described on the assumption that one sheet of paper YS is executed for one print job, but the case where a plurality of sheets of paper YS are printed by one print job is also described above. It is possible to execute the same processing as described above.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the linked job is a print job instructed by a single user (single user in step # 16), a jam processing guidance C for the user who instructed the execution of the print job is displayed. (Step # 15). When the jam processing is completed, reissuance is started for the print job in which the jam has occurred. When reissuance is started, the process returns to step # 11 and the same processing is performed.

  Next, when the linked job is a print job instructed by different users (different users in step # 16), it is determined which print job is the user instructed to execute the jam processing user. (# 17).

  Here, a method for determining the user who has instructed execution of a print job will be described.

  If a jam occurs during execution of a linked job, a jam screen as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the display panel 13. Therefore, the user who wants to process the jam selects the job list of the print job instructed by himself / herself displayed on the jam screen.

  For example, in FIG. 8B, when the user A selects the job list A of the print job instructed by the user A, the jam handling guidance A of the user A as shown in FIG. And the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user A has occurred is displayed in the fixing unit (# 18).

  When the user B selects the job list B of the print job instructed by the user B, the jam handling guidance B of the user B as shown in FIG. 8D, that is, the jam of the user B is transferred to the transfer unit and the sheet feeding unit. The position of the generated paper YS is displayed (# 19). That is, the job list of the print job instructed by the user is displayed, and the user who instructed the execution of the print job is determined by having the user who performs the jam processing select the job list.

  Further, on the jam screen as shown in FIG. 8C, when the user A selects the guidance A, a screen for explaining a method for canceling the jam of the paper YS in which the jam of the user A occurs is displayed. At this time, as the order in which the screen explaining the method for releasing the jam is displayed, the guidance display screen is displayed to the horizontal conveyance unit and the fixing unit every time the jam is released in order from the FN unit located on the most downstream side. Switched and displayed. In addition, on the jam screen as shown in FIG. 8D, when the user B presses the “guidance B” button, a screen for explaining how to clear the jam of the paper YS in which the jam of the user B occurs is displayed. It will be. At this time, the screen for explaining the method for releasing the jam is displayed in such a manner that the paper feeding unit located on the most upstream side is displayed first, and the transfer unit, the fixing unit, and the horizontal conveyance unit are displayed each time the jam is released. The guidance display screen changes in the order of.

  In FIG. 8B, the user can select his / her guidance first without selecting the job list of the print job instructed by the user. In this case, a screen explaining a method for canceling the jam is displayed without confirming the position where the jam has occurred. When the jam processing is completed, a jam screen for the user who performs the jam processing is displayed.

  In step # 18, when the user A selects the job list A, the jam processing is started. At this time, the jam processing status notification unit 107 notifies the terminal device 3 of the user B of the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user A has occurred. Thereby, it is recognized that the user A has started the jam processing. Furthermore, whenever the jam of user A is canceled, the processing status of the jam of user A is notified to the terminal device 3 of user B. For example, when the release of the jam of the FN unit is completed by the user A, the fact is notified to the terminal device 3 of the user B. Next, when the release of the jam of the horizontal transport unit is completed, the user B is notified of the fact ( # 20).

  Also, in step # 19 in which the user who previously processed the jam is the user B, the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user A has occurred and the jam processing status are notified to the terminal device 3 of the user A (# 21).

  Then, when the jam processing of the user who executed the jam processing first is completed, a screen for selecting the remaining jam processing guidance is displayed for the user who executes the jam processing later (# 22).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a jam occurs, the content of the jam processing guidance is changed according to the connection state of the print job. Also, even when a confidential document print job is being executed, the jam processing guidance is displayed differently for each user, thereby preventing jamming by other users.

A confidential document print job will be described below as a more secure embodiment.
[Other Embodiments]
Next, another embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  10 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display by a display panel in password input, and FIG. 12 is a jam processing in password input. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the order of jam processing and the timing of notification of the jam processing status.

  As shown in FIG. 10, for jam processing, the control unit 100 includes a continuous printing control unit 101, a jam detection unit 102, a guidance unit 103, a guidance control unit 105, an identification assigning unit 108, an identification notification unit 109, An authentication display unit 110, a user authentication control unit 111, and a confidential document detection unit 112 are provided. 10, parts having the same functions as those of the image forming apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 5 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is simplified or omitted.

  The identification adding unit 108 generates identification information (for example, a password) uniquely given to each print job included in the linked job when a jam occurs during the linked job. Then, the generated identification information is assigned to each print job included in the linked job that has been executed. For example, ID information such as a user account may be given to the print job as identification information.

  The identification notifying unit 109 notifies the user who has instructed the execution of the print job included in the linked job that has been executed of the identification information by the identification adding unit 108 when a jam occurs during the execution of the linked job. In other words, when a jam occurs, the identification information given to the print job is notified to the terminal device 3 of the user who has instructed execution of the print job.

  The authentication display unit 110 displays an authentication screen for authenticating a user who has instructed execution of a print job included in the linked job when a jam occurs while the linked job is being executed. This authentication screen is a screen for the user to input identification information notified by the identification notification unit 109. For example, an authentication screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed as the displayed authentication screen. At this time, the user who handles the jam operates the operation button unit 14 and inputs a password, which is identification information notified by the identification notification unit 109.

  The user authentication control unit 111 authenticates whether or not the user input on the authentication screen is the user who instructed execution of the print job, and when the authentication is performed, jam processing guidance for the user The guidance display unit 104 is controlled to display. In other words, when a jam occurs during execution of a linked job, printing included in the linked job is performed based on the identification information given to the print job included in the linked job and the identification information input by the user from the authentication screen. It is determined whether or not the user has instructed execution of the job.

  In this authentication, the input password is compared with the password assigned to the print job, and if they match, the user is authenticated as the user who instructed execution of the print job. Then, a jam handling guidance for the authenticated user is displayed. If the authentication does not match, it is determined that the user is not the user who has instructed execution of the print job. A user who is determined not to be the user who has instructed execution of the print job cannot perform jam processing. In this case, the authentication screen is displayed again.

  Next, a case where a jam occurs when a confidential document print job that is a confidential document print job is being executed will be described.

  The confidential document detection unit 112 detects whether or not a confidential document print job is being executed when a jam occurs.

  The authentication display unit 110 displays an authentication screen when at least one confidential document print job is detected by the confidential document detection unit 112.

  The user authentication control unit 111 controls the guidance display unit 104 to display the jam processing guidance for the user when the user is authenticated as the user who instructed the execution of the confidential document print job. If the authenticated user is not the user who has instructed execution of the confidential document print job, the guidance display unit 104 is controlled not to display the jam processing guidance.

  Next, a jam processing flow according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The contents other than the processes of steps # 31 to # 36 in FIG. 12 are the same as the contents of the processes of steps # 11 to # 16 and steps # 18 to # 21 shown in FIG. The description will be simplified with reference numerals.

  In FIG. 12, when image formation is started, a connection process determination is first performed (# 11). In the connection process determination, it is determined whether or not print jobs are connected.

  Next, when a jam does not occur (No in # 12), the printing end process of the image forming apparatus 2 is performed after the printing process is completed (# 13).

  When a jam occurs (Yes in # 12), a password is set by the identification assigning unit 108 for each remaining print job (# 31). Each set password is notified to the terminal device 3 of the user who has instructed execution of the print job by the identification notification unit 109.

  In this embodiment, the identification assigning unit 108 stores the password in the storage unit of the control unit 100 in association with the print job when setting the password. The stored password is deleted when a certain time, for example, about 20 minutes elapses. However, it is possible to use various other methods such as storing the password until the print job is completed and deleting the password after the execution of the print job is completed.

  Next, it is determined whether the print job is a linked job (# 14). If it is not a linked job (No in # 14), a jam handling guidance C for the user who has instructed execution of the print job is displayed (# 15).

  Next, when the print job is a linked job (Yes in # 14), it is determined whether the print job is a print job instructed by a single user or a print job instructed by a different user. (# 16).

  If the linked job is a print job instructed by a single user (single user in step # 16), the jam processing guidance C for the user who has instructed execution of the print job is displayed (step # 15). When the jam processing is completed, reissuance of the print job in which the jam has occurred is started. When reissue is started, the process returns to step # 11 and the same processing is performed.

  Next, when the linked job is a print job instructed by different users (different users in step # 16), an authentication screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed by the authentication display unit 110 (# 32). A user handling a jam operates the operation button unit 14 and inputs the password notified by the identification notification unit 109. If the input password does not match the password stored in the storage unit or the like (No in # 34), the process returns to step # 32 to display the authentication screen again. If the input password matches the password stored in the storage unit or the like (Yes in # 34), it is determined which user is the authenticated user.

  That is, since it is known whether the matched password is the password notified to the user A or the password notified to the user B, the user can be determined from the input password (# 35). ).

  If the authenticated user is user A (user A in # 35), a jam processing guidance A screen as shown in FIG. 8C is displayed to user A (# 18).

  When the user A selects the job list A, the jam processing is started. At this time, the jam processing status notification unit 107 notifies the terminal device 3 of the user B of the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user A has occurred. Furthermore, whenever the jam of user A is canceled, the processing status of the jam of user A is notified to the terminal device 3 of user B (# 20).

  If the authenticated user is user B (user B in # 35), a jam processing guidance B screen as shown in FIG. 8D is displayed for user B (# 19).

  When the user B selects the job list B, the jam processing is started. At this time, the jam processing status notification unit 107 notifies the terminal device 3 of the user A of the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user B has occurred. Further, whenever the jam of user B is released, the processing status of the jam of user B is notified to the terminal device 3 of user A (# 21).

  When the jam processing of the user who executed the jam processing first is completed, an authentication screen for executing the remaining jam processing guidance is displayed for the user who executes the jam processing later. Then, if the user who handles the jam is authenticated later, the screen of the jam handling guidance for the remaining users is displayed (# 36).

  As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to further increase security for a user who has instructed execution of a print job by setting a password for the print job when a jam occurs.

  Next, another embodiment will be described in which the timing of notification of the jam processing status is changed for a user who performs jam processing later.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the jam processing order and the jam processing status notification timing.

  In FIG. 13, a user who has previously instructed execution of a print job will be described as user A, and a user who has instructed execution of a print job later will be described as user B.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when a jam occurs, the timing for notifying other users is changed depending on which sensor detects the leading edge position of the first page of paper YS of a print job executed later.

  For example, if the discharge sensor detects the leading edge of the paper YS, the No. 3, a case where the user A performs the jam processing first will be described.

  Here, when the user A inputs the password “1111” notified by the identification notification unit 109, the jam screen of the user A is displayed. Next, the guidance screen of the FN unit is displayed by selecting the guidance. When the user A completes the release of the jam of the FN unit, the guidance screen of the horizontal conveyance unit is displayed for the user A. At this time, the user B is notified that the jam processing status of the user A, that is, the completion of the jam processing is imminent. As a result, the user B is informed that the turn of jam processing is approaching.

  The same applies to the case where the user B first performs jam processing. 3, when the user B inputs the password “1110” notified by the identification notification unit 109, the jam screen of the user B is displayed. Next, by selecting the guidance B, a guidance screen of the paper feeding unit is displayed. When the user B completes releasing the jam of the paper feed unit, the next transfer unit guidance screen is displayed to the user B. At this time, the user A is notified that the jam processing status of the user B, that is, the completion of the jam processing is imminent.

  It should be noted that the time required for jam processing is reduced by notifying the user A who performs jam processing later of the jam processing status when the guidance of the fixing unit is displayed. The However, in this embodiment, since the exterior cover for releasing the sheet YS of the fixing unit and the transfer unit is common, the sheet YS of the fixing unit can be removed immediately after the sheet YS of the transfer unit is removed. . Therefore, by advancing the notification timing of the jam processing status to the user B, the time related to the jam processing is reduced. In this way, the notification timing can be changed depending on the structure of the image forming apparatus 2 and the like.

  As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a jam processing with higher security is performed by not notifying the user who performs the jam processing after that the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user who performed the jam processing first occurred. Will be.

  Next, a flow of jam processing when a jam occurs when a confidential document print job is included in a print job instructed by the user and is being executed will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a jam including a confidential document print job. The contents other than the processing of step # 41 to step # 44 in FIG. 14 are the same as steps # 11 to # 16, step # 18, step # 20, and steps # 31 to # 34 shown in FIG. Since this is the same as the contents of the process, the same reference numerals are attached and the description is simplified or omitted. In this embodiment, a user who gives an instruction to execute a confidential print job with confidential information, which is a confidential document, is user A.

  It is determined whether the print job is a linked job (# 14). Next, when the print job is a linked job (Yes in # 14), it is determined whether the print job is a print job instructed by a single user or a print job instructed by a different user. (# 16). If the linked job is a print job instructed by a single user (single user in step # 16), a jam processing guidance C by the user instructed to execute the print job is displayed (step # 15). When the jam processing is completed, reissue of the print job in which the jam has occurred is started. When reissue is started, the process returns to step # 11 and the same processing is performed.

  Next, if the linked job is a print job instructed by different users (different users in step # 16), whether or not there is at least one confidential document print job with confidential information by the confidential document detection unit 112. Is determined (# 41). As the confidential information, various information such as a password different from the password generated in step # 31 or ID information such as a user account is added when the print job is executed.

  If there is no confidential document print job with confidential information (No in # 41), the same processing as the processing after Step # 17 shown in FIG. 6 is executed. Or you may perform the process similar to the content after the process of step # 32 shown in FIG. 12 (# 42).

  If there is a confidential document print job with confidential information (Yes in # 41), an authentication screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed by the authentication display unit 110 (# 32). The user handling the jam operates the operation button unit 14 to input the password notified by the identification notification unit 109 (# 33). If the input password does not match the password stored in the storage unit or the like (No in # 34), the process returns to step # 32 to display the authentication screen again. If the entered password matches the password stored in the storage unit (Yes in # 34), whether or not the authenticated user is the user who has instructed execution of the confidential print job with confidential information. Determine. That is, since it is known whether or not the matched password is the user who instructed execution of the print job detected by the confidential document detection unit 112, it is determined whether or not the matched password is the user who executed the confidential document. (# 43).

  If the matched password is not a confidential print job (No in # 43), the process returns to step # 32 to display the authentication screen again. At this time, for example, the user A may be notified to the terminal device 3 of the user A that the user B has started the jam processing. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the time concerning the processing of jam. If the matched password is a confidential print job (Yes in # 43), the guidance process A of the user A instructing execution of the confidential print job is displayed (# 18).

  User A then releases the jam of the confidential print job. At this time, the jam processing status notification unit 107 notifies the terminal device 3 of the user B of the position of the paper YS where the jam of the user A has occurred. That is, it can be seen that the user A has started the jam processing. Furthermore, whenever the jam of user A is canceled, the processing status of the jam of user A is notified to the terminal device 3 of user B. Alternatively, a notification that the completion of the jam processing of the user A is imminent may be sent to the terminal device 3 of the user B as the jam processing status (# 20).

  Then, when the jam processing of the user who executed the jam processing first is completed, an authentication screen for executing the remaining jam processing guidance is displayed for the user who executes the jam processing later. When a user who processes a jam is authenticated later, a jam processing guidance screen for the remaining users is displayed. Alternatively, a screen for selecting the remaining jam processing guidance is displayed for a user who performs jam processing later.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent jamming of a confidential print job that is a confidential document from being performed by another user.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where one or two users perform printing using the terminal device 3 has been described. However, a plurality of other users execute print jobs using the terminal device 3. This is also applicable to the case. Further, as the jam processing method, the display content of the jam processing guidance is changed for each user. In addition, it is possible to provide a lock mechanism on the cover of the image forming apparatus 2 that is opened to release the jam. is there.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the user instructs a print job from the terminal device 3 has been described. However, from the print job generated by direct operation of the image forming apparatus 2 for copying and the like from the terminal device 3 The present invention can also be applied to a connection job with an instructed print job. In this case, when a jam occurs during the execution of the linked job, the user ID, which is a user account, is input as a password for the user who is directly operating the image forming apparatus 2, so that the jam processing guidance is obtained. It can be set to be displayed.

  Alternatively, it is set so that the user who directly operates the image forming apparatus 2 displays the password of the print job on the display panel 13 when a jam occurs. An authentication screen for displaying the password of the print job when a jam occurs is displayed, and a password such as a user ID of a user who directly operates the image forming apparatus 2 is input. It is also possible to set the password of a print job in which a jam has occurred to be displayed.

  In addition, the operation unit 11, the display panel 13, the FN unit saddle sensor 81, the FN unit inlet sensor 82, the discharge sensor 83, the fixing sensor 84, the transfer sensor 85, the paper feed sensor 86, the control unit 100, the finisher unit FN, and the image forming apparatus. The configuration, structure, circuit, shape, size, number, processing content, processing order, etc. of the whole or each part of 2 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

2 Image forming apparatus 11 Operation unit 13 Display panel 14 Operation button unit 20 Image forming unit 40 Intermediate transfer unit 45 Transfer roller (transfer member)
50 Fixing unit 60 Paper supply unit 81 FN unit saddle sensor (jam detection means)
82 FN section inlet sensor (jam detection means)
83 Discharge sensor (jam detection means)
84 Fixing sensor (jam detection means)
85 Transfer sensor (Jam detection means)
86 Paper feed sensor (Jam detection means)
100 Control Unit 101 Continuous Print Control Unit (Continuous Print Control Unit)
102 Jam detection unit (jam detection means)
103 Guidance section (guidance means)
104 Guidance display section (guidance display means)
105 Guidance control unit (guidance control means)
106 Discrimination unit (discrimination means)
107 Jam processing status notification unit (jam processing status notification means)
108 Identification giving unit (identification giving means)
109 Identification notification unit (identification notification means)
110 Authentication display section (authentication display means)
111 User authentication control unit (user authentication control means)
112 Confidential Document Detection Unit (Confidential Document Detection Means)
FN Finisher HR Conveyance path YS Paper (transfer material, recording medium)

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus that executes a print job instructed by a user,
A continuous print control means for connecting a plurality of print jobs instructed by a plurality of users to each other to form a connected job, and continuously supplying a recording medium to the connected job to perform printing;
Jam detecting means for detecting a jam of the recording medium;
Guidance means for notifying the user of jam processing guidance for processing the jam detected by the jam detection means;
Guidance control means for making the content of notification by the guidance means different for each user when a jam occurs when the linked job is executed;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The guidance means includes
Guidance display means for displaying the jam handling guidance on a screen;
The guidance control means includes
When a jam occurs when the linked job is being executed, it is determined whether or not a plurality of recording media related to a plurality of print jobs instructed by different users remain in the image forming apparatus. Discrimination means,
The guidance control unit is different for each user when it is determined that a plurality of recording media related to a plurality of print jobs instructed by different users by the determination unit remain in the image forming apparatus. The guidance display unit is controlled to display the jam processing guidance, and a plurality of recording media related to a plurality of print jobs instructed by different users by the determination unit do not remain in the image forming apparatus. Controlling the guidance display means to display the jam processing guidance for a single user who has instructed execution of a print job relating to the remaining recording medium, if determined.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. In the case where a jam occurs during execution of the connection job, the guidance control unit is configured to print a print job for a recording medium located at the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium by a user who first handles the jam. The guidance display unit is controlled to display the jam processing guidance in order from the recording medium located on the most downstream side, and the user who first performs the jam processing When the user has instructed execution of a print job for a recording medium located on the most upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium, the jam processing guidance is displayed in order from the recording medium located on the most upstream side. Controlling the guidance display means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The guidance control means includes a jam processing status notification means for controlling the jam processing status of the user who is processing the jam so as to notify the user who performs the jam processing thereafter.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The guidance control means controls the guidance display means so as not to display the jam processing guidance for the user who subsequently performs jam processing for the user who performs jam processing.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. An authentication display means for displaying an authentication screen for authenticating a user who has instructed execution of a print job included in the linked job when a jam occurs when the linked job is being executed;
It is authenticated whether or not the user input on the authentication screen is the user who instructed execution of the print job, and when the authentication is performed, the jam processing guidance for the user is displayed. And a user authentication control means for controlling the guidance display means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. An identification adding unit that adds identification information to each print job included in the linked job when a jam occurs when the linked job is executed;
Identification notification means for notifying a user who has instructed execution of a print job to which the identification information is given, to the identification information;
The user authentication control means performs authentication based on the identification information given to the print job and the identification information input by a user.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. Having a confidential document detection means for detecting whether or not a confidential document print job, which is a confidential document print job, is executed when a jam occurs;
The authentication display means displays the authentication screen when at least one confidential document print job is detected by the confidential document detection means,
The user authentication control means displays the jam processing guidance for the user when the user input on the authentication screen authenticates that the user has instructed execution of the confidential document print job. Control the display means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. When at least one confidential document print job is detected by the confidential document detection unit, the user authentication control unit determines whether the authenticated user is a user who has not instructed execution of the confidential document print job. Controlling the authentication display means so as not to display
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. A jam processing control method in an image forming apparatus for performing printing by connecting a plurality of print jobs instructed by a plurality of users to form a connection job and continuously supplying a recording medium to the connection job. ,
Detecting a jam of the recording medium;
Notifying the user by displaying on the display means a jam handling guidance for handling the jam when a jam is detected;
When the jam is a jam in the linked job, the content of the jam handling guidance varies for each user;
And a jam processing control method.

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