JP2011051161A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation displaying controlling part 300 having a plurality of paper feeding trays and displaying a schedule image 60 showing an execution schedule of a job on an LCD 31. The operation displaying controlling part 300 displays that sheets of paper are to be fed into the paper feeding tray in the schedule image 60 when the sheets of paper P are not stored in the paper feeding tray with a paper content coinciding with the paper content designated by the job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that displays a schedule image indicating a job execution schedule has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). According to this image forming apparatus, information indicating the type of paper is displayed along the vertical axis of the display screen, and information indicating the operation time and the number of used sheets is displayed along the horizontal axis, thereby performing a schedule display.

JP 2004-348713 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, if a sheet that matches the sheet specified by the job is not stored in the sheet feed tray, the job cannot be executed. In this case, the user cannot understand which of the plurality of paper feed trays may be replenished with paper, which may hinder recovery to a state in which the job can be executed, and productivity. Will lead to a decline.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of paper feed trays and includes a control unit that displays a schedule image indicating a job execution schedule on a display unit. The control means displays, in the schedule image, that paper is to be replenished in the schedule image when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray whose paper content matches the paper content designated by the job. It is characterized by that.

  In addition, in this image forming apparatus, when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job, a display indicating that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray is displayed in the schedule image. Do. For this reason, the user can quickly understand the paper feed tray to be supplied with paper, and can supply paper to the paper feed tray. As a result, recovery work can be speeded up, and productivity can be improved.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, the control unit associates the sheet feeding tray display field indicating information of each sheet feeding tray with the sheet feeding tray display field and schedules the job execution for each sheet feeding tray. The job execution schedule display field shown can be displayed by including it in the schedule image, and if no paper is stored in the paper content tray that matches the paper content specified by the job, It is preferable to display a replenishment mark for replenishing paper in the tray display field.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job, the replenishment that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray display field of the paper feed tray. Display the mark. For this reason, the replenishment mark is displayed in the paper feed tray display field, and the replenishment mark and the information on the paper feed tray are displayed at close positions. As a result, the paper supply tray to which the user should replenish paper becomes clear and can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may pop-up information on the paper content designated by the job when no paper is stored in a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job. preferable.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job, the information on the paper content designated by the job is displayed in a pop-up manner. For this reason, the user can understand the paper to be replenished by referring to the information on the paper content displayed in a pop-up, and can quickly select the paper to be replenished, thereby further improving productivity. Can do.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit displays the paper content information of the paper feed tray in the paper feed tray display field, and the paper content information specified by the job is different from the paper feed tray display field. It is preferable to display a pop-up.

  According to this image forming apparatus, the paper content information of the paper feed tray is displayed in the paper feed tray display field, and the paper content information designated by the job is displayed in a pop-up at a different location from the paper feed tray display field. Therefore, the paper content information pop-up does not overlap with the paper content information displayed in the paper feed tray display field, and the user pops up the paper content information in the paper feed tray display field. It can be compared with the information on the paper contents. As a result, the user can know not only the replenishment mark but also the paper feed tray to be replenished not only by comparing the information of the paper contents, but even if there is an oversight of the replenishment mark, the user can replenish the paper to be replenished. Understand paper trays. Therefore, productivity can be improved.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit can display a job execution disabled display field for displaying that the job cannot be executed, and a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job. If no paper is stored, the job execution impossible display column displays that the job cannot be executed, and the user designates the display location to indicate that the paper is to be supplied to the paper feed tray. While displaying, it is preferable to display pop-up information of the paper content specified by the job.

  According to this image forming apparatus, it is possible to display the job execution disabled display column that displays that the job cannot be executed, and the paper is stored in the paper supply tray having the paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job. If not, a message indicating that the job cannot be executed is displayed in the job execution disabled display column, and the user designates the display location to display that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray. Pop-up information about the paper contents specified by the job. For this reason, if there is no user designation, pop-up display or the like is not performed. Therefore, the user can select whether to perform pop-up display or the like, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit displays the pop-up display including a setting change display, and the setting change display is designated by a user, whereby a paper feed tray serving as a paper feed destination is provided. It is preferable to display a setting change screen for changing the setting of the sheet content stored in each sheet feeding tray.

  According to this image forming apparatus, the setting change display is included in the pop-up display, and the setting change display is displayed by the user specifying the setting change display. For this reason, the user can change the setting of the paper tray that is the paper feed destination and the content of the paper stored in the paper feed tray by specifying the setting change display. It can be performed.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit overwrites the sheet content information specified by the job on the setting change screen by overwriting the sheet content information stored in the sheet feed tray on the setting change screen. Is preferably displayed.

  According to this image forming apparatus, on the setting change screen, an overwriting display for overwriting the paper content information specified by the job with the paper content information stored in the paper feed tray by the user is displayed. For this reason, the user can appropriately set the paper feed tray desired by the user simply by specifying the overwriting display, and the operability can be improved.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit can display a list image showing a list of job contents, and no paper is stored in a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job. In this case, it is preferable to display that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray in the list image.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job, a display to the effect that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray is displayed on the list screen. For this reason, even when the schedule image is not displayed but the list is being displayed, the user can quickly understand the paper feed tray to which paper should be supplied and can supply paper to the paper feed tray. . As a result, recovery work can be speeded up, and productivity can be improved.

  According to the present invention, productivity can be improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. It is the schematic which shows the loading part shown in FIG. 1, (a) has shown the 1st state, (b) has shown the 2nd state. It is a figure which shows an example of a schedule image. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating sheet content settings for each sheet feed tray and input jobs. FIG. 5A illustrates sheet content settings for each sheet feed tray, and FIG. 5B illustrates input jobs. . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a setting of sheet contents of each sheet feeding tray illustrated in FIG. 5 and a schedule image corresponding to a job. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a display when the non-executable bar is designated. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a display when the non-executable bar is designated. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of a display when the non-executable bar is designated. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a display when the non-executable bar is designated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a schedule image when paper is supplied. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the schedule image at the time of supplying a paper. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting change screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a list image. 6 is a flowchart showing a schedule image display process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a digital multi-function peripheral including a main body 1a and a post-processing device 50. The main body 1a reads an image from a document d, and reads the read image on a sheet P. To form. Further, the main body 1a receives job information of a job including page data including image data and setting information such as image forming conditions of each image data from an external device or the like, and prints an image on a sheet P based on the received job information. It is formed on top. The main body unit 1 a includes an image reading unit 20, an operation display unit 30, and a printing unit 40.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder 21 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a reading unit 22, and reads images of a plurality of documents d based on setting information received by the operation display unit 30. Is. The document d placed on the document tray T1 of the automatic document feeder 21 is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading location, and an image on one or both sides of the document d is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 22a via an optical system. It is done. The image here is a concept including not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  Image data (analog image signal) of an image read by the image reading unit 20 is output to a reading processing unit 140 of the image control unit 100 described later, and A / D conversion is performed in the reading processing unit 140 to perform various image processing. And then output to the print unit 40.

  The operation display unit 30 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 31 that functions as a display unit, a touch panel 32 provided so as to cover the LCD 31, and an operation key group 33, and the user is provided via the touch panel 32 or the operation key group 33. And an operation signal based on the instruction is output to the control unit 110 described later. The operation display unit 30 displays various images, processing results, and the like on the LCD 31 in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 110.

  The print unit 40 performs electrophotographic image forming processing based on input image data, and includes a stacking unit 41, a paper transport unit 42, an image forming unit 43, and a carry-out unit 44. The

  The stacking unit 41 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 411a to 411c, a paper feed unit 41a, a manual feed tray T2, and the like. Each of the paper feed trays 411a to 411c stores a predetermined type of paper P, and transports the paper P one by one from the top to the paper transport unit 42 by the paper feed unit 41a. . In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, an example in which three sheet feeding trays 411a to 411c are provided will be described. However, the number of sheet feeding trays is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

  The manual feed tray T2 can stack various types of paper P according to the user's needs, and transports the stacked paper P one by one from the top to the paper transport unit 42 by a paper feed roller. Is.

  The paper transport unit 42 transports the paper P transported from the paper feed trays 411a to 411c or the manual feed tray T2 to the transfer device 43a via a plurality of intermediate rollers, registration rollers 42a, and the like. Further, the paper transport unit 42 has a function of transporting the single-sided image-formed paper P to the double-sided transport path by the transport path switching plate and transporting it again to the transfer device 43a through the intermediate roller, the registration roller 42a, and the like. Yes.

  The image forming unit 43 includes an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device 43a, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser output unit that outputs laser light based on image data, and a polygon mirror that scans the laser light in the main scanning direction. The image forming apparatus includes a cleaning unit and a fixing device 43b, and forms an image on the paper P based on job information. Specifically, in the image formation, the exposure device irradiates the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by attaching toner charged by the developing device to the surface of the photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device is transferred to the paper P by the transfer device 43a. Further, after the toner image is transferred to the paper P, residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum is removed by the cleaning unit.

  The fixing device 43b heat-fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P conveyed by the paper conveyance unit 42. The fixed paper P is nipped by the paper discharge roller of the carry-out unit 44 and conveyed to the post-processing device 50 from the carry-out port.

  The post-processing device 50 includes various post-processing units such as a sorting unit, a folding unit, a punch unit, and a stapling unit, and performs sorting processing, folding processing, punching processing, and set binding positions of the image-formed paper P. A stapling process for binding a bundle of sheets P is performed. Further, the post-processing device 50 includes a paper discharge tray T3 on which the paper P on which an image is formed from the main body 1a and the paper P on which various post-processing are performed are discharged and stacked.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer controller 1b in addition to the main body 1a and the post-processing device 50 shown in FIG. The printer controller 1b is used when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer, receives data from the PC 2, and transmits the data to the main body 1a as image data or a job.

  Such a printer controller 1 b includes a controller control unit 11, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control unit 12, an image memory 13, and a LANIF (Local Area Network Interface) 14.

  The controller control unit 11 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the printer controller 1b, and transmits data input from the PC 2 via the LANIF 14 to the main unit 1a as a job.

  The DRAM control unit 12 controls storage of data received by the LANIF 14 in the image memory 13 and reading of data from the image memory 13. The DRAM control unit 12 is connected to the DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control unit 160 of the image control unit 100 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and prints data to be printed in accordance with instructions from the controller control unit 11. It reads out from the image memory 13 and outputs image data to the DRAM controller 160.

  The image memory 13 is composed of a DRAM, and temporarily stores image data. The LANIF 14 is a communication interface for connecting to a LAN network such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and receives data from the PC 2. Data received by the LANIF 14 is output to the DRAM control unit 12.

  The main body 1a includes an image control unit 100 in addition to the image reading unit 20, the operation display unit 30, and the print unit 40 shown in FIG. The image control unit 100 includes a control unit 110, a nonvolatile memory 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a reading processing unit 140, a compression IC (Integrated Circuit) 150, a DRAM control unit 160, an image memory 170, a decompression IC 180, And a write processing unit 190.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Process Unit) and the like, and centrally controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The nonvolatile memory 120 stores system programs and various application programs. The RAM 130 functions as a work area for storing various data. Due to such a configuration, the control unit 110 reads out a program specified from the system program and various application programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 120, expands the program in the RAM 130, and the program expanded in the RAM 130. The various processes are executed in cooperation with each other, and each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is centrally controlled.

  The reading processing unit 140 generates digital image data after performing various processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the CCD 22a. The compression IC 150 performs compression processing on the input digital image data and outputs it to the DRAM control unit 160.

  The DRAM control unit 160 controls image data compression processing by the compression IC 150 and decompression processing of the compressed image data by the decompression IC 180 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 170. Is. The image memory 170 stores image data. The decompression IC 180 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data that has been subjected to compression processing by the compression IC 150.

  The image memory 170 is composed of a compression memory 171 and a page memory 172. The compression memory 171 stores the compressed image data compressed by the compression IC 150. The page memory 172 stores image data that has been decompressed by the decompression IC 180.

  Because of this configuration, when the DRAM control unit 160 is instructed to store the image signal read by the image reading unit 20, the compression IC 150 executes compression processing of the image data input from the reading processing unit 140. Let Then, the DRAM control unit 160 stores the compressed image data compressed by the compression IC 150 in the compression memory 171. Further, when the DRAM control unit 160 is instructed to print out the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 171, the DRAM control unit 160 reads the compressed image data from the compression memory 171, performs expansion processing by the expansion IC 180, and stores it in the page memory 172. Let After the storage, when instructed to print out the image data stored in the page memory 172, the DRAM control unit 160 reads the image data from the page memory 172 and outputs it to the writing processing unit 190.

  The write processing unit 190 generates print data for image formation based on the image data input from the DRAM control unit 160 and outputs the print data to the print unit 40.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an image reading control unit 200 in addition to the automatic document feeder 21 and the like (not shown in FIG. 2) shown in FIG. 1 and the CCD 22a. The image reading control unit 200 controls the automatic document feeding unit 21 and the reading unit 22 to expose and scan the document surface. By this exposure scanning, the reflected light is input to the CCD 22a, photoelectrically converted by the CCD 22a, and output to the reading processing unit 140 as analog image data.

  The operation display unit 30 includes an operation display control unit 300 in addition to the LCD 31, the touch panel 32, and the operation key group 33 (not shown in FIG. 2) illustrated in FIG. The operation display control unit 300 displays various images on the LCD 31 in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 110. Therefore, the operation display control unit 300 and the control unit 110 function as a control unit that controls display contents. The operation display control unit 300 outputs an operation signal input from the touch panel 32 or the operation key group 33 to the control unit 110.

  The print unit 40 includes a print control unit 400 in addition to the image forming unit 43 shown in FIG. The print control unit 400 controls each unit of the print unit 40 such as the image forming unit 43 according to an instruction from the control unit 110, and causes the paper P to form an image based on the print data input from the writing processing unit 190. Is. The print control unit 400 transmits a post-processing signal to the post-processing device 50 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110.

  The post-processing device 50 includes a post-processing unit 51 and a post-processing control unit 500 (not shown in FIG. 1). The post-processing unit 51 is composed of the sort unit described above. The post-processing control unit 500 controls the post-processing unit 51. In accordance with a post-processing signal input from the print control unit 400, the post-processing control unit 500 controls each unit to perform predetermined post-processing on the paper P. The paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray T3.

  Here, the stacking unit 41 will be further described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacking unit 41 illustrated in FIG. 1, in which (a) illustrates a first state and (b) illustrates a second state. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the stacking unit 41 is roughly provided with a mounting unit 41b, a lift-up unit 41c, a paper position detection sensor 41d, and a paper presence / absence detection sensor 41e. Yes.

  The placement unit 41b is a part on which the sheets P are stacked. The lift-up unit 41c functions as a lift-up unit that lifts up the uppermost sheet P1 of the sheets P placed on the placement unit 41b to a predetermined position. The lift-up unit 41 c lifts and lowers the placement unit 41 b by driving a motor M driven by the print control unit 400. Specifically, the lift-up unit 41c lifts down to the lowest position shown in FIG. 3A when the paper feed trays 411a to 411c are pulled out from the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, and the paper feed trays 411a to 411c. Is pushed up to the position shown in FIG. 3B when it is pushed into the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The sheet position detection sensor 41d detects that the loading unit 41b is lifted up by the lift-up unit 41c and the uppermost sheet P1 of the sheets P loaded on the loading unit 41b comes into contact. When the uppermost sheet P1 comes into contact with the uppermost sheet P1, the sheet position detection sensor 41d transmits a signal to that effect to the print control unit 400, and the print control unit 400 stops the motor M. The paper presence / absence detection sensor 41e detects whether a paper is placed on the placement portion 41b.

  Further, the print control unit 400 estimates the number of sheets P stored in the sheet feed trays 411a to 411c based on the lift-up amount by the lift-up unit 41c and the signal from the sheet presence / absence detection sensor 41e.

  More specifically, the print control unit 400 estimates that the number of sheets is zero when no sheet P is stored by a signal from the sheet presence / absence detection sensor 41e. When it can be determined that at least one sheet P is stored based on a signal from the sheet presence / absence detection sensor 41e, the maximum number and the minimum number of sheets P stored based on the lift-up amount of the lift-up unit 41c Is estimated. At this time, the print control unit 400 calculates a lift-up amount from the rotation amount of the motor M, and obtains a level from the lift-up amount. For example, there are four levels from “1” to “4”. For example, if the level is “4”, the maximum number is estimated to be 550 and the minimum number is estimated to be 388. If it is assumed that the number of sheets is estimated to be 0 based on a signal from the sheet presence / absence detection sensor 41e, the print control unit 400 has five levels from “0” to “4”. Therefore, the number of stored sheets is estimated.

  Further, the print control unit 400 transmits information on the estimated number of sheets to the operation display control unit 300 via the control unit 110, and the operation display control unit 300 stores the estimated sheet number information 61e described later according to the estimated number of sheets. The display content will be controlled.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment displays a schedule image indicating a job execution schedule on the LCD 31. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schedule image 60. In the following description, the number of paper feed trays is nine.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the schedule image 60 includes a paper feed tray information display field 61 indicating information on each paper feed tray, an index display field 62, a job execution schedule display field 63, and a job execution impossibility display field 64. Is displayed.

  The paper feed tray information display field 61 is a display field for displaying information about each paper feed tray, and is displayed along the vertical axis of the schedule image 60. The paper tray information includes tray number information 61a of the paper tray, size information 61b of the paper P stored in the paper tray, paper quality information 61c of the paper P stored in the paper tray, and storage in the paper tray. It is composed of basis weight information 61d of the paper P to be printed and estimated paper number information 61e of the paper P stored in the paper feed tray. The estimated sheet number information 61e is displayed according to the level obtained by the print control unit 400. Further, the paper feed tray information display column 61 is displayed along the vertical axis of the schedule image 60, but is not limited thereto, and may be displayed along the horizontal axis.

  The index display column 62 is a display column for displaying a job execution index, that is, information serving as a guide for job execution, and is displayed along the horizontal axis of the schedule image 60. Here, the job execution index is, for example, information on the number of sheets. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the index display field 62 displays a separator for every 250 sheets, such as 0 sheets, 250 sheets, 500 sheets, 750 sheets, and the like. Note that the job execution index is not limited to the number of sheets, and may be other information such as job execution time information. The index display field 62 is displayed along the horizontal axis of the schedule image 60. However, when the paper feed tray information display field 61 is displayed along the horizontal axis of the schedule image 60, the index display field 62 is displayed on the vertical axis. It may be displayed along.

  The job execution schedule display field 63 is a display field indicating a job execution schedule, and is displayed in association with the paper feed tray information display field 61 and the index display field 62. The job execution schedule display field 63 has 12 tray display fields 63a to 63i along the horizontal axis in order to indicate the job execution schedule of each paper feed tray.

  The job execution impossibility display column 64 is a display column that displays that the job cannot be executed, and is a display column that is displayed when there is no paper feed tray that matches the paper P designated by the job. It is. The job execution impossibility display column 64 is displayed along the vertical axis of the schedule image 60.

Next, the display state of the job execution schedule by the schedule image 60 will be described. A tray designation job is input from PC 2 to form an image on 200 sheets of high-quality paper of size SRA3 and basis weight of 64 to 74 g / m ² , and tray 1 is designated, and then quality of size SRA3 and basis weight of 75 to 80 g / m ² An example will be described in which an auto job for forming an image on 600 sheets of paper is input, and then an auto job for forming an image on 400 high-quality sheets of size SRA3 and basis weight 221 to 256 g / m ² is input from the PC 2 as an example. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the minimum number of sheets P in each sheet feed tray is 388, and the maximum number is estimated to be 550 sheets. Note that the tray designation job is a job for designating a paper feed tray as a paper feed destination. An auto job is a job that causes the apparatus itself to select a paper feed tray as a paper feed destination.

In this case, the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the paper P in the tray 1 is used because the first job designates the tray 1. The first job designates SRA3 and high-quality paper having a basis weight of 64 to 74 g / m ² , and this paper content matches the paper content of the paper P stored in the tray 1. For this reason, the operation display control unit 300 displays the print bar 63m extending from 0 sheets in the tray display field 63a of the tray 1.

  The first job is an instruction to form 200 images. Therefore, the operation display control unit 300 displays a print bar 63m extending from 0 to 200 sheets on the tray display field 63a of the tray 1.

  As described above, when the job can be executed in the schedule image 60, the control unit 110 displays the execution schedule in association with the paper feed tray in which the job is executed in the job execution schedule display field 63.

Next, the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the tray 4 to the tray 9 in which the high-quality paper having the SRA 3 and the basis weight of 75 to 80 g / m ² is stored can be used for the second job. To do. Then, the control unit 110 first selects that the paper P stored in the tray 4 is used for 600 jobs. For this reason, the operation display control unit 300 displays a print bar 63m extending from the number of sheets 200 in the tray display field 63d of the tray 4.

  Here, there is a possibility that only 388 sheets of paper P are stored in the tray 4. Therefore, the operation display control unit 300 displays the print bar 63m extending from 200 sheets to 588 sheets in the tray display field 63d of the tray 4. Further, the operation display control unit 300 displays the auxiliary bar 63n extending from 588 sheets which is the rear end position of the print bar 63m. The auxiliary bar 63n is displayed with a length of 162 sheets obtained by subtracting the minimum number of 388 sheets from the maximum number of 550 sheets stored in the tray 4. That is, the auxiliary bar 63n extends from 588 to 750. With this auxiliary bar 63n, the image forming apparatus 1 indicates that there is a possibility that the paper P remains in the paper feed tray.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second job instructs the formation of 600 images. For this reason, the auxiliary bar 63n is displayed with a length of 162 sheets. However, if the maximum number of sheets P stored in the tray 4 is less than the maximum number of sheets P stored in the tray 4, for example, when the second job is an instruction to form 450 sheets of images, the auxiliary bar 63n displays the job end 450. The length corresponds to 62 sheets obtained by subtracting the minimum number of 388 sheets from the number of sheets.

  Further, since only 388 to 550 sheets of paper P are stored in the tray 4, the paper P is insufficient for the second job. Therefore, the control unit 110 selects to use the paper P stored in the tray 5 after all the paper P in the tray 4 is used up by the ATS (Auto Tray Switch) function. Therefore, the operation display control unit 300 corresponds to the position of 588 sheets which is the rear end position of the print bar 63m displayed in the tray display field 63a of the tray 1, and the number of sheets 588 in the tray display field 63e of the tray 5. A print bar 63m extending from the sheet is displayed. The print bar 63m extends to 200 + 600 = 800 sheets at the end of the job. The ATS function is a function for searching for another paper feed tray according to a job when the paper P stored in the paper feed tray runs out, and automatically switching the paper feed destination to the found paper feed tray. It is.

Next, the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that none of the paper feed trays can be used for the third job. That is, since there is no paper feed tray that stores the high-quality paper of the size SRA3 and the basis weight 221 to 256 g / m ² indicated by the third job, the control unit 110 cannot use any of the paper feed trays. to decide. For this reason, the operation display control unit 300 displays the execution disabled bar 63o in the job execution disabled display column 64. The non-executable bar 63o extends from 800 sheets at the end of the second job to 1200 sheets obtained by adding 400 sheets of the image forming number of the third job to 800 sheets.

  The above is the basic display state of the schedule image 60. Further, in order to improve productivity, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes the following display in addition to the display state shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the setting of the paper content of each paper feed tray and the input job. (A) shows the setting of the paper content of each paper feed tray, and (b) is the input job. Is shown. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the tray 1 has a profile No. relating to color management. Is “not specified”, the paper size is “A4S”, the paper type is “plain paper”, the paper name is “plain paper”, and the basis weight is “64 to 74 g / m ² ”. The paper color is “white” and the punched hole of the paper is set to “none”. Further, it is assumed that the remaining amount of paper P in the tray 1 is detected as x1. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 5A, information is set for each item for tray 2 to tray 9.

Assume that the job shown in FIG. 5B is input in a state where the paper contents of each paper feed tray are set as described above. That is, the first job is an auto job that does not specify a tray, and the profile No. “Not specified”, paper size “A3”, paper type “plain paper”, paper name “plain paper”, basis weight “64 to 74 g / m ² ”, paper color “white”, and paper punch hole “none” ”. The second job is an auto job that does not specify a tray. “Not specified”, paper size “A3”, paper type “quality paper”, paper name “quality paper”, basis weight “Don't Care”, paper color “white”, and paper punch hole “none” Suppose there is. Further, it is assumed that the first job instructs to form 1000 images and the second job instructs to form 200 images.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the setting of the sheet content of each sheet feeding tray illustrated in FIG. 5 and a schedule image 60 according to the job. First, the tray 9 corresponds to the sheet content of the first job. However, there is no paper P in the tray 9, and the job cannot be executed. For this reason, the operation display control unit 300 displays an unexecutable bar 63o for the job 1 in the job unexecutable display column 64 as shown in FIG.

  Further, trays 6 and 8 correspond to the paper contents of the second job. In the second job, since the basis weight is not specified by “Do n’t Care”, the sheet content matches the tray 6 and the tray 8. However, the tray 6 and the tray 8 do not contain the paper P, and the job cannot be executed. Therefore, the operation display control unit 300 displays an unexecutable bar 63o for the job 2 in the job unexecutable display column 64 as shown in FIG.

  Then, it is assumed that the user designates the non-executable bar 63o for the first job. Thereby, the operation display control part 300 performs the display shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first display example when the non-executable bar 63o is designated. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation display control unit 300 performs an instruction display 65 for supplying the paper P to the tray 9. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment prompts the user to replenish the paper P, thereby speeding up the recovery operation. That is, simply displaying the non-executable bar 63o makes it unclear which paper tray should be recovered, but by displaying the instruction display 65, the user can select the paper tray to be recovered. Clarify and expedite recovery.

  Further, it is assumed that the user designates the non-executable bar 63o for the second job. Thereby, the operation display control part 300 performs the display shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second display example when the non-executable bar 63o is designated. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation display control unit 300 displays an instruction display 65 for supplying the paper P to the tray 6 or the tray 8. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment prompts the user to replenish the paper P, thereby speeding up the recovery operation.

  Note that the display for prompting the user to replenish the paper P is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and may be the following display.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third display example when the non-executable bar 63o is designated. When the user designates the non-executable bar 63o for the first job, the operation display control unit 300 feeds the paper tray information display column 61 of the tray 9 that matches the paper content of the first job. A supply mark 66 is displayed in the tray number information 61a of the paper tray. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment prompts the user to replenish the paper P, thereby speeding up the recovery operation.

  In addition, when the non-executable bar 63o for the first job is designated, the operation display control unit 300 performs a pop-up display 67 for the information on the sheet content designated by the job. Therefore, the user can understand the paper P to be replenished by referring to the paper content information included in the pop-up display 67, and can quickly perform selection of the paper P to be replenished.

  The pop-up display 67 is displayed at a different location from the paper feed tray information display field 61. Therefore, the user can compare the paper content information in the paper feed tray display field 61 with the paper content information included in the pop-up display 67, and the user can remove the paper P even if the supply mark 66 is overlooked. Understand the paper feed tray to be replenished.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth display example when the non-executable bar 63o is designated. When the user designates the non-executable bar 63o for the second job, the operation display control unit 300 displays the paper tray information display field 61 of the tray 6 and the tray 8 that match the sheet content of the second job. Of these, the supply mark 66 is added to the tray number information 61a of the paper feed tray. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment prompts the user to replenish the paper P, thereby speeding up the recovery operation. The pop-up display 67 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Here, the schedule image 60 when the paper P is replenished will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the schedule image 60 when the paper P is replenished. When the paper P is sufficiently supplied to the tray 9, the non-executable bar 63o corresponding to the job 1 is deleted as shown in FIG. 11, and the print bar 63m is displayed in the tray display column 63i of the tray 9.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the schedule image 60 when the paper P is supplied. Further, when the paper P is sufficiently supplied to the tray 6, the non-executable bar 63o corresponding to the job 2 is deleted as shown in FIG. 12, and the print bar 63m is displayed in the tray display field 63f of the tray 6. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the paper P is supplied to the tray 6, but the paper may be supplied to the tray 8.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pop-up display 67 includes a setting change display 67a. When the display 67a is designated by the user, the operation display control unit 300 displays a setting change screen for changing the paper feed tray to which the paper P is fed and the setting of the paper content of each paper feed tray. Will be.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting change screen. When the setting change display 67a is designated by the user, the operation display control unit 300 displays a setting change screen 80 as shown in FIG. The setting change screen 80 is a screen that allows the paper feed tray that is the paper feed destination of the paper P and the setting of the paper content of each paper feed tray to be changed. By performing an input operation while the setting change screen 80 is displayed, the user can change the paper feed tray to which the paper P is fed and the setting of the paper content of each paper feed tray.

  Hereinafter, the setting change screen 80 will be described in detail. On the setting change screen 80, a tray change display field 81, a paper setting display field 82, and an operation button 83 are displayed. The tray change display field 81 is a display field for the user to select a paper feed tray to be changed. The user can change the paper feed tray that is the paper feed destination of the paper P by selecting one of the paper feed trays displayed in the tray change display field 81.

The paper setting display field 82 is a display field for displaying the current paper content setting of the paper feed tray as “current setting” and displaying the paper content designated by the job as “reserved setting”. Also, in the paper setting display field 82, different portions of the “current setting” and the “reserved setting” are colored. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 13, among the “current settings”, a color display is performed for the paper type “quality paper”, the paper name “quality paper”, and the basis weight “81 to 105 g / m ² ”. Colored display is performed for the paper type “plain paper”, the paper name “plain paper”, and the basis weight “64 to 74 g / m ² ” in the “set”.

  The operation button 83 is a display part that receives a user operation, and includes an overwrite display 83a and a close display 83b. The overwriting display 83a is an operation part for overwriting “reserved setting” to “current setting” as specified by the user. The close display 83b is an operation part for hiding the setting change screen 80 itself. By specifying the overwrite display 83a, the user can easily overwrite the sheet content information indicated by the job to the sheet content of the sheet feed tray, and can appropriately set the sheet feed tray setting.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list image. In addition, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel 32 or the operation key group 33, the operation display control unit 300 can display the list image 90 on the LCD 31. As shown in FIG. 14, the list image 90 shows the contents of the job in a list and displays various information in a matrix.

  More specifically, the list image 90 displays jobs in columns and various information in rows. That is, in the list image 90, job 1 and job 2 are displayed in order from the upper side of the image, and “mode”, “status”, “number of sheets”, “number of copies”, “remaining number of sheets”, “time (minutes)”, “user name” in order from the left side of the image. Information on “file name” and “paper supply tray” is displayed.

  Here, “mode”, “status”, “number of copies”, “number of copies”, “remaining number of copies”, “time (minutes)”, “user name”, and “file name” are information regarding a normal job. However, in the present embodiment, “paper supply tray” is displayed in the list image 90. In the “paper supply tray” column, the tray number to which paper P is to be supplied is displayed when no paper is stored in the paper supply tray having the paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 14, “9” is displayed in the “paper supply tray” column of job 1, and a display to supply paper to the tray 9 is performed. Similarly, “6, 8” is displayed in the “paper supply tray” column of job 2, and a display to supply paper to tray 6 and tray 8 is displayed.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the display processing of the schedule image 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, description will be made assuming that an auto job is input.

  As shown in FIG. 15, first, when job information is input via the printer controller 1b, the control unit 110 refers to the job information and calculates the number of sheets necessary for job execution (S1). Specifically, the control unit 110 determines the number of sheets necessary for job execution based on the number information of the number of sheets P per number of copies included in the job information, the number information, information on whether to form an image on both sides or one side, and the like. Is calculated.

  Next, the print controller 400 estimates the number of sheets of paper P stored for each paper feed tray (S2). At this time, the print controller 400 estimates the minimum number and the maximum number as described with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 determines whether there is a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job (S3). When it is determined that there is no paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job (S3: NO), the operation display control unit 300 displays an execution disabled bar indicating that the job cannot be executed in the job execution disabled display column 64. 63o is displayed (S4). Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 15 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job (S3: YES), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the paper P is stored in the matching paper feed tray. Judgment is made (S5). When it is determined that the paper P is not stored in the matching paper feed tray (S5: NO), the operation display control unit 300 displays an unexecutable bar 63o indicating that the job cannot be performed in the job unexecutable display column 64. At the same time, the supply mark 66 is displayed in the tray number information 61a of the paper feed tray (S6). Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 15 ends.

  When it is determined that the paper P is stored in the matching paper feed tray (S5: YES), the control unit 110 selects one of the paper feed trays in which the paper P is stored (S7). Then, the control unit 110 subtracts the number of sheets necessary for job execution from the minimum number estimated in step S2, and determines whether or not the reduced value is negative (S8).

  When it is determined that the reduced value is not negative (S8: NO), the operation display control unit 300 displays the print bar 63m in the tray display fields 63a to 63i of the paper feed tray selected in step S7 (S9). Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 15 ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reduced value is negative (S8: YES), the operation display control unit 300 displays the print bar 63m in the tray display fields 63a to 63i of the paper feed tray selected in step S7. The auxiliary bar 63n is displayed for the portion exceeding the minimum number (S10). Further, the control unit 110 refers to the sheet content information included in the job information, and determines whether there is another sheet feeding tray that matches the sheet content (S11).

  If it is determined that there is no other paper feed tray that matches the paper content (S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S4. Then, the operation display control unit 300 displays an unexecutable bar 63o indicating the unexecutable job in the job unexecutable display column 64 in association with the rear end position of the print bar 63m displayed in step S10 (S4). . Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 15 ends.

  When it is determined that there is another paper feed tray that matches the paper content (S11: YES), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the paper P is stored in the other paper feed tray that matches (S12). . If it is determined that the paper P is stored in another matching paper feed tray (S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S7, and the paper feed tray is selected again.

  If it is determined that the paper P is not stored in the matching paper feed tray (S12: NO), the operation display control unit 300 executes the job in association with the rear end position of the print bar 63m displayed in step S10. An unexecutable bar 63o indicating that the job cannot be performed is displayed in the unusable display column 64, and a replenishment mark 66 is displayed in the tray number information 61a of the paper feed tray (S6). Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 15 ends.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the paper P is not stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job, An indication to replenish the paper P in the paper feed tray is displayed. For this reason, the user can quickly understand the paper feed tray to which the paper P is to be replenished, and can replenish the paper to the paper feed tray. As a result, recovery work can be speeded up, and productivity can be improved.

  If no paper is stored in a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job, a replenishment mark 66 for replenishing paper P is displayed in the paper feed tray display field 61 of the paper feed tray. To do. For this reason, the replenishment mark 66 is displayed in the paper feed tray display field 61, and the replenishment mark 66 and the information on the paper feed tray are displayed at positions close to each other. This makes it clear for the user the paper feed tray to which the paper P should be replenished, and makes it easy to understand.

  If the paper P is not stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job, the information on the paper content designated by the job is displayed in a pop-up manner. For this reason, the user can understand the paper P to be replenished by referring to the information on the paper content displayed in a pop-up, and can quickly perform the selection of the paper P to be replenished, thereby further improving the productivity. Can be made.

  In addition, the paper content information of the paper feed tray is displayed in the paper feed tray display field 61, and the paper content information specified by the job is displayed in a pop-up at a different location from the paper feed tray display field 61. For this reason, the paper content information displayed in the pop-up does not overlap the paper content information displayed in the paper feed tray display field 61, and the user can display the paper content information in the paper feed tray display field 61 and the pop-up display. It can be compared with the information of the sheet content to be printed. Thus, the user can know not only the replenishment mark 66 but also the paper feed tray to be replenished by comparing the information of the paper contents, and the user can replenish the paper P even if the replenishment mark 66 is overlooked. Understand the paper feed tray to be used. Therefore, productivity can be improved.

  In addition, when the job execution disabled display column 64 that displays that the job cannot be executed can be displayed, and the paper P is not stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job. The job execution disabled display field 64 displays that the job cannot be executed, and the user designates the display location to display that the paper P is replenished and the job is displayed. Pop-up information about the specified paper content. For this reason, if there is no designation | designated of a user, pop-up display etc. will not be performed. Therefore, the user can select whether to perform pop-up display or the like, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, the setting change display 67a is included in the pop-up display for display, and the setting change display 67a is displayed by the user specifying the setting change display 67a. For this reason, the user can change the setting of the paper feed tray to which the paper P is fed and the content of the paper stored in the paper feed tray by specifying the setting change display 67a. Paper can be fed.

  In addition, on the setting change screen 80, an overwriting display 83a is displayed in which the paper content information specified by the job is overwritten with the paper content information stored in the paper feed tray. For this reason, the user can appropriately set the paper feed tray desired by the user simply by designating the overwrite display 83a, and the operability can be improved.

  If the paper P is not stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job, a display indicating that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray is displayed on the list screen 90. For this reason, even when the schedule image 60 is not displayed, even when the list is displayed, the user can quickly understand the paper feed tray to which the paper P is to be supplied, and the paper P is supplied to the paper feed tray. be able to. As a result, recovery work can be speeded up, and productivity can be improved.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the case where the job is an auto job that does not specify a paper feed tray has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the replenishment mark 66 is displayed even if the job is a tray specified job. You may display that the paper P is replenished to a paper feed tray.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is a digital multifunction peripheral. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to this, and may be another image forming apparatus such as a printer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the schedule image 60 is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 4 or the like, and is not particularly limited to the display form as long as it indicates a job execution schedule.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1a Main part 1b Printer controller 2 PC
11 Controller Control Unit 12 DRAM Control Unit 13 Image Memory 14 LANIF
20 Image Reading Unit 21 Automatic Document Feeding Unit 22 Reading Unit 22a CCD
30 Operation display section 31 LCD
32 Touch Panel 33 Operation Key Group 40 Printing Unit 41 Stacking Units 411a to 411c Multiple Paper Feeding Tray 41a Paper Feeding Unit 41b Loading Unit 41c Lift-up Unit 41d Paper Position Detection Sensor 41e Paper Presence Detection Sensor 42 Paper Transporting Unit 42a Registration Roller 43 Image forming unit 43a Transfer device 43b Fixing device 44 Unloading unit 50 Post-processing device 60 Schedule image 61 Paper feed tray information display field 61a Tray number information 61b Size information 61c Paper quality information 61d Basis weight information 61e Estimated paper number information 62 Index display field 63 Job execution schedule display field 63a to 63i Tray display field 63m Print bar 63n Auxiliary bar 63o Unexecutable bar 64 Job unexecutable display field 65 Instruction display 66 Supply mark 67 Pop-up display 67a Setting change display 70 Input Surface 71 Setting change image display portion 71a Paper type setting button 71b Paper name setting button 71c Basis weight setting button 71d Color paper button 71e Punch hole setting button 71f Front / back adjustment setting button 71g Speed setting button 71h Thickness setting button 72 Detailed image display portion 72a Plain paper setting button 72b Fine paper setting button 72c Color paper setting button 72d Coated paper GL setting button 72e Coated paper ML setting button 72f Coated paper GO setting button 72g Coated paper ML setting button 80 Setting change screen 81 Tray change display Field 82 Paper setting display field 83 Operation button 83a Overwrite display 83b Close display 100 Image control unit 110 Control unit 120 Non-volatile memory 130 RAM
140 Reading processing unit 150 Compression IC
160 DRAM controller 170 Image memory 171 Compression memory 172 Page memory 180 Decompression IC
190 Writing processing unit 200 Image reading control unit 300 Operation display control unit 400 Print control unit 500 Post-processing control unit d Document M Motor P Sheet P1 Topmost sheet T1 Document tray T2 Manual feed tray T3 Paper discharge tray

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus having a control unit that has a plurality of paper feed trays and displays a schedule image indicating a job execution schedule on a display unit,
The control means displays, in the schedule image, that paper is supplied to the paper feed tray when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job. An image forming apparatus. The control means includes a paper feed tray display field indicating information on each paper feed tray, and a job execution schedule display field indicating a job execution schedule for each paper feed tray in association with each paper feed tray display field. If no paper is stored in the paper feed tray that can be displayed in the schedule image and matches the paper content specified by the job, the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray display field of the paper feed tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a replenishment mark is displayed. The control means pops up information on the paper content designated by the job when no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job. The image forming apparatus described. The control means displays the paper content information of the paper feed tray in the paper feed tray display field and pops up the paper content information specified by the job at a location different from the paper feed tray display field. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The control unit can display a job execution disabling display field for indicating that the job cannot be executed, and no paper is stored in a paper feed tray having a paper content that matches the paper content specified by the job. In this case, a message indicating that the job cannot be executed is displayed in the job execution disable display column, and the user designates the display location to display that the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein information on a specified sheet content is displayed in a pop-up manner. The control means displays the pop-up display including a setting change display, and the setting change display is specified by the user, and is stored in a paper feed tray as a paper feed destination and each paper feed tray. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a setting change screen for changing the setting of the content of the sheet to be displayed is displayed. The control means displays on the setting change screen an overwriting display for overwriting the paper content information specified by the job with the paper content information stored in the paper feed tray when specified by the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. The control means can display a list image showing the contents of the job as a list, and if no paper is stored in the paper feed tray having the paper content that matches the paper content designated by the job, the control means The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a display for supplying paper to a paper feed tray is performed.

Images