Image forming system, image forming device, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming system, an image forming device, and a recording medium. In the past, a warning was displayed after the user placed paper on a prohibited or inappropriate paper supply tray, so the paper had to be placed again on another paper supply tray, which was time-consuming. An image forming system (1) having an image forming device (4) including an image forming unit (405) for forming an image on a paper (P) comprises: a paper supply tray capable of storing paper; a paper supply unit (304, 403) for supplying paper from the paper supply tray to the image forming unit (405); a medium detection device (2) disposed outside the image forming device (4) for detecting paper information of the paper; and a determination unit for determining whether the paper detected by the medium detection device (2) can be placed on the paper supply tray based on the paper information detected by the medium detection device (2) and information pre-set for the paper supply tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program. Background Art

[0002] In the past, an image forming apparatus was operated according to the following workflow, i.e., paper was placed (stored) on a paper feed tray, and the user set information (paper type and basis weight) of the paper placed on the tray via an operation screen, thereby instructing the start of job execution. It is desirable to simplify the operation of an image forming apparatus or to make the image forming apparatus compatible with various types of paper. Therefore, the following technology is used: the results of measuring the paper information of paper conveyed on a conveying path by an embedded medium detection device provided in a paper conveying path of the image forming apparatus and the results of measuring the paper used in a job are set as paper information to the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an image forming apparatus uses paper attributes set on a paper feed tray and a result of measuring paper placed on the paper feed tray by a built-in medium sensor to notify whether paper is placed incorrectly on the paper feed tray or the paper attributes are set incorrectly if there is any mismatch.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188627 Summary of the invention

[0006] However, depending on the paper type or basic weight of the paper, even if there is a paper feed tray that is prohibited or unsuitable for paper feeding, the user may still place paper on the prohibited or unsuitable paper feed tray. After placing paper on the prohibited or unsuitable paper feed tray, a warning indicating prohibition is displayed on the operation screen. Then, after the warning is displayed, the user needs to place paper on a suitable paper feed tray again and set the paper information again. In this way, when the warning is displayed after placing paper on the paper feed tray, it takes unnecessary time for the user.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to prevent unnecessary labor when placing a recording material in a recording material storage section.

[0008] In order to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, an image forming system reflecting one aspect of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus including an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material.

[0009] The image forming system comprises: a recording material storage section capable of storing recording materials; a recording material supply section for supplying recording materials from the recording material storage section to the image forming section; a recording material information detection device disposed outside the image forming device for detecting recording material information of the recording material; and a determination section for determining whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection device can be placed in the recording material storage section based on the recording material information detected by the recording material information detection device and information pre-set for the recording material storage section.

[0010] The above-mentioned image forming system is one aspect of the present invention, and the image forming apparatus and program reflecting one aspect of the present invention are also configured similarly to the above-mentioned image forming system.

[0011] According to the present invention, before placing recording materials in the recording material storage section, it is determined whether the recording materials can be placed in the recording material storage section, so that if the recording materials cannot be placed in the recording material storage section, for example, the user does not need to spend unnecessary time to place the recording materials again.

[0012] Other problems, structures, and effects than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of each device constituting the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 It is an external perspective view showing a configuration example of the medium detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a paper feed tray usability determination table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display example of a conventional operation screen.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method of controlling a paper feed tray implemented in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention determines whether the paper feed tray is usable.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a display example of the operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention monitors the lever state of the paper feed tray to determine whether the paper feed tray is usable.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing using the tray opening and closing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention determines the placement direction of special paper placed on the paper feed tray.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a display example of a message instructing a user on the placement direction of special paper according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention determines the front and back sides of the paper set on the paper feed tray.

[0027] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a display example of a message indicating the front and back of paper placed on a paper feed tray to a user according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention determines whether the dehumidification function of the paper feed tray can be used.

[0029] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 A flowchart of a detailed example of the process in step S64 is shown below.

[0030] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention determines whether the dehumidification function can be used based on the paper information.

[0031] Fig.19 This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 20This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention determines whether the paper feed tray is usable after printing starts.

[0033] (Explanation of symbols)

[0034] 1: Image forming system; 2: Medium detection device; 3, 3A: Large-capacity paper feeding device; 4: Image forming device; 200: Paper information detection unit; 201: Paper type detection unit; 202: Basic weight detection unit; 203: Water content detection unit; 300: Paper feeding tray; 400: Paper feeding tray; 405: Image forming unit; 407: Operation display unit; 420: Control unit; 441: Acquisition unit; 442: Judgment unit; 443: Notification unit; T1: Paper feeding tray usability determination table; W1: Operation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, a mode for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same function or structure are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions.

[0036] [First embodiment]

[0037] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a configuration example of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0038] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming system 1 .

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal structure of each device constituting the image forming system 1 .

[0040] The image forming system 1 includes a medium detection device 2, a large-capacity paper feeder 3, 3A, an image forming device 4, and a post-processing device 5. In the present embodiment, the image forming system 1 includes two large-capacity paper feeders 3, 3A, but may include only one large-capacity paper feeder 3.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the large-capacity paper feed device 3, 3A is respectively provided with a three-stage paper feed tray 300 (an example of a recording material storage unit). A large amount of paper P (an example of a recording material, also referred to as a "medium") can be stored in each paper feed tray 300. Furthermore, the paper feed tray 300 is connected to the image forming device 4. On the upper portion of the large-capacity paper feed device 3, a medium detection device 2 (an example of a recording material information detection device) for detecting paper information of the paper P is provided. Furthermore, the large-capacity paper feed device 3, 3A is connected to the image forming device 4 in a manner capable of discharging the paper P to the image forming device 4. On the upper portion of the large-capacity paper feed device 3A, a manual paper feed tray 320 is provided. When a user manually feeds several sheets of paper P to the manual paper feed tray 320, the paper P is transported on the transport path in the order of the large-capacity paper feed device 3A, 3, and the image forming device 4.

[0042] The medium detection device 2 is arranged outside the image forming device 4 and connected to the image forming device 4 via a communication cable. In addition, the image forming device 4 includes two-stage paper feed trays 400 (an example of a recording material storage unit). Each paper feed tray 400 can store paper P. The paper feed tray 400 is included in the image forming device 4.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, paper feed tray numbers "1" to "8" are assigned in such a manner that each paper feed tray 300, 400 can be identified. Therefore, in the following description, the paper feed trays 300, 400 are sometimes referred to as paper feed tray 1 and paper feed tray 2 in combination with the paper feed tray numbers. In addition, when the paper feed trays 1 to 8 are not distinguished, they are sometimes simply referred to as "paper feed trays". In addition, the figure shows an example in which all paper feed trays contain paper P, but in the determination process described later, it is determined whether paper P is contained in the paper feed tray.

[0044] <Configuration Example of Large Capacity Paper Feeding Device>

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 2 , an example of the internal structure of the large-capacity paper feed device 3 is described. However, the large-capacity paper feed devices 3 and 3A have the same structure, so Figure 2 In the description, only the large-capacity paper feed device 3 is focused on to explain an example of the internal structure of the large-capacity paper feed device 3.

[0046] The large-capacity paper feeding device 3 includes a front-stage I / F (Interface) 301 , a rear-stage I / F 302 , a paper conveying unit 303 , a paper feeding unit 304 , a dehumidifying unit 305 , an input unit 306 , a sensor 307 , an output unit 308 , and a motor 309 .

[0047] The front I / F 301 and the rear I / F 302 are communication interfaces for enabling the plurality of large-capacity paper feed devices 3 and 3A to communicate with each other. The front I / F 301 of the large-capacity paper feed device 3 is connected to the rear I / F 302 of the large-capacity paper feed device 3A via, for example, a communication cable. In addition, the rear I / F 302 of the large-capacity paper feed device 3 is connected to the front I / F 401 of the image forming device 4 via a communication cable.

[0048] The paper conveying unit 303 conveys the paper P stored in the paper feeding tray 300 one by one to the subsequent device. Figure 1 As shown, paper P supplied from the paper supply tray 300 of the large-capacity paper supply device 3, 3A is conveyed to a subsequent device by the paper conveying unit 303. In this embodiment, an example of using paper P as a recording material is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other various materials such as film and cloth can be used as recording materials.

[0049] The paper supply unit 304 (an example of a recording material supply unit) supplies paper P from the paper supply tray 300 storing paper P to the image forming unit 405 via the paper conveying unit 303. The paper supply unit 304 includes a dehumidifying unit 305. The dehumidifying unit 305 dehumidifies the paper P stored in the paper supply tray 300. As the dehumidifying unit 305, for example, a heater, a fan, etc. are used. The paper supply tray provided with the dehumidifying unit 305 is considered to have a dehumidifying function. However, in the present embodiment, there is also a paper supply unit 304 having a structure in which the dehumidifying unit 305 is not provided.

[0050] Detection information is input to the input unit 306 from various sensors 307 provided in the large-capacity paper feeder 3. The detection information is written into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 and is appropriately referred to by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311 for processing.

[0051] The output unit 308 outputs driving instructions to various motors 309 provided in the large-capacity paper feeding device 3. For example, the motor 309 is driven by the control of the paper conveying unit 303 to take out the paper P from the paper feeding tray 300 or to convey the paper.

[0052] In addition, the large-capacity paper feed device 3 includes a CPU 311, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 312, and a RAM 313. The CPU 311 reads the program code of the software that realizes each function involved in the present embodiment from the ROM 312, and loads it into the RAM 313 for execution. The RAM 313 is temporarily written with variables, parameters, etc. generated during the operation process of the CPU 311, and these variables, parameters, etc. are appropriately read by the CPU 311. In this way, the ROM 312 records the program, data, etc. required for the operation of the CPU 311, and is used as an example of a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium that stores the program executed by the computer that operates the large-capacity paper feed device 3.

[0053] The large-capacity paper feeding device 3 includes a lock unit 321 , a lever state determination unit 322 , a tray opening and closing unit 323 , a humidity detection unit 324 , a placement detection unit 325 , and an opening and closing state determination unit 326 for each paper feeding tray 300 .

[0054] The locking unit 321 locks the paper feed tray 300 so that it cannot be opened. Figure 4 The locking action of the locking portion 321 is performed by following the instruction of the determination portion 442 shown in the figure, but the locking action of the locking portion 321 can also be performed by setting a control lever (not shown) provided for each paper feed tray 300 and used to unlock the locking portion 321 to be closed (OFF).

[0055] The lever state determination unit 322 determines whether the lever is in an open (ON) or closed state (referred to as "lever state") as the content of the user's operation. For example, when the user holds the lever to unlock, the lever state is open, and when the user releases the lever to lock, the lever state is closed.

[0056] The tray opening and closing unit 323 opens and closes the paper feed tray 300 by automatic loading or the like. Alternatively, a tray opening unit may be provided that performs only an operation of opening the paper feed tray 300. Both the tray opening and closing unit 323 and the tray opening unit are used as an example of a storage unit opening unit.

[0057] The humidity detection unit 324 detects the humidity of the paper P, the interior of the large-capacity paper feeding device 3 , or the environment in which the large-capacity paper feeding device 3 is installed.

[0058] The placement detection unit 325 detects whether the paper P is placed on the paper feed tray 300 or whether the paper P placed on the paper feed tray 300 is in the correct orientation.

[0059] The open / closed state determination unit 326 determines the open / closed state of the paper feed tray 300 , indicating whether the paper feed tray 300 is in the open state (opened) or the closed state (closed).

[0060] Information detected by the lock unit 321 , the lever state determination unit 322 , the tray opening and closing unit 323 , the humidity detection unit 324 , the placement detection unit 325 , and the opening and closing state determination unit 326 is output to the CPU 311 and further sent to the control unit 420 of the image forming apparatus 4 .

[0061] <Configuration Example of Agent Detection Device>

[0062] Here, a configuration example of the agent detection device 2 is described.

[0063] Figure 3 It is an external perspective view showing a structural example of the medium detection device 2.

[0064] The medium detection device 2 is as follows Figure 1 As shown, the medium detection device 2 is provided outside the image forming device 4 and is connected to the image forming device 4 via a communication cable. In addition, the medium detection device 2 is arranged outside the paper feeding tray.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown in the upper side of FIG. 1 , the medium detection device 2 is configured so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped. In this way, the medium detection device 2 has a recessed portion into which the user can insert at least a portion of the paper P.

[0066] Moreover, if Figure 3 As shown on the lower side of the medium detection device 2, if the user inserts one side of the paper P into the recess of the medium detection device 2, the medium detection device 2 detects the paper information (an example of the recording material information) for the paper P inserted into the recess. The medium detection device 2 detects the physical property value of the paper P as the paper information. With respect to the paper P whose paper information is detected by the medium detection device 2, after the user causes the medium detection device 2 to detect the paper information, the paper P is placed on one of the paper feed trays 1 to 8.

[0067] If the user allows paper P to enter and exit the medium detection device 2, the medium detection device 2 detects the paper information of the paper P. Then, the medium detection device 2 sends the first information corresponding to the paper information to the image forming device 4. The first information includes, for example, a measurement value obtained by measuring the physical properties of the paper P, such as the basic weight and moisture content of the paper P. In addition, the first information may also include, for example, a detection value obtained by measuring the type of paper P or the shape of the paper P, such as when the paper P is thick paper. In addition, although Figure 7As will be described later, in this embodiment, the second information is also used. The first information is information corresponding to the paper information used in the job that the user causes the image forming device 4 to execute this time. The second information is information corresponding to the paper information used in the job that the user causes the image forming device 4 to execute next time. The first information and the second information can also be regarded as information represented by a signal corresponding to the paper information.

[0068] The medium detection device 2 sends the first information obtained by reading the electrical property value by a sensor (not shown) provided in the medium detection device 2 to the image forming device 4. Then, the image forming device 4 is configured to determine the paper type, basic weight, moisture content and other paper information of the paper P based on the first information received from the medium detection device 2.

[0069] Return to Figure 2 , illustrating an internal structure example of the medium detection device 2.

[0070] The medium detection device 2 includes a paper information detection unit 200 , a main body I / F 204 , a CPU 211 , a ROM 212 , and a RAM 213 .

[0071] The paper information detection unit 200 (an example of a recording material information detection unit) detects paper information of paper P fed when the image forming apparatus 4 executes a job. The paper information detection unit 200 includes a paper type detection unit 201 , a basic weight detection unit 202 , and a moisture content detection unit 203 .

[0072] The paper type detection unit 201 detects the paper type of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray 300 or 400 .

[0073] The basic weight detection unit 202 detects the basic weight of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray 300 or 400 .

[0074] The moisture content detection unit 203 detects the moisture content of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray 300 or 400 .

[0075] The paper type detected by the paper type detection unit 201, the basic weight detected by the basic weight detection unit 202, and the moisture content detected by the moisture content detection unit 203 are all regarded as paper information. The paper information may include at least one of the paper type, basic weight, and moisture content.

[0076] The main body I / F 204 (an example of a first communication unit) is connected to the medium detection I / F 408 of the image forming device 4 via a communication cable, and transmits first information corresponding to the paper information of the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 to the image forming device 4 .

[0077] The CPU 211 reads the program code of the software that realizes each function involved in the present embodiment from the ROM 212, and loads it into the RAM 213 for execution. The variables, parameters, etc. generated during the operation processing of the CPU 211 are temporarily written into the RAM 213, and these variables, parameters, etc. are appropriately read by the CPU 211. In this way, the ROM 212 records the programs, data, etc. required for the operation of the CPU 211, and is used as an example of a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium that stores the programs executed by the computer that operates the medium detection device 2.

[0078] <Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0079] Next, an example of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 4 will be described.

[0080] The image forming apparatus 4 includes a front-stage I / F 401 , a rear-stage I / F 402 , a paper feeding unit 403 , an image processing unit 404 , an image forming unit 405 , an image reading unit 406 , an operation display unit 407 , a medium detection I / F 408 , and a paper conveying unit 430 .

[0081] The front I / F 401 and the rear I / F 402 are communication interfaces for enabling the image forming apparatus 4 to communicate with other apparatuses. The front I / F 401 of the image forming apparatus 4 is connected to the rear I / F 302 of the large-capacity paper feeder 3 via a communication cable. In addition, the rear I / F 402 of the image forming apparatus 4 is connected to the front I / F 501 of the post-processing apparatus 5 via a communication cable.

[0082] The paper feed unit 403 (an example of a recording material feed unit) feeds the paper P from the paper feed tray 400 storing the paper P to the image forming unit 405 via the paper conveying unit 430 .

[0083] The image processing unit 404 performs predetermined image processing such as RIP processing on an image sent from a PC or a server (not shown) or the like to the image forming apparatus 4 .

[0084] The image forming unit 405 forms an image on the paper P conveyed by the paper conveying unit 430 by, for example, an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 405 also performs a process of fixing the image formed on the paper P.

[0085] The image reading unit 406 scans the paper P and scans the image fixed on the paper P. Therefore, the image reading unit 406 is arranged after the image forming unit 405. The image read by the image reading unit 406 is saved in the RAM 423 or stored in an external large-capacity storage device (not shown).

[0086] The operation display unit 407 is provided by the user to give instructions for executing a job to the image forming system 1. The operation display unit 407 is composed of a touch panel display, and the user performs settings for a job, instructions for executing a job, etc. while viewing the operation screen displayed on the operation display unit 407. Information indicated by the operation display unit 407 is input to the CPU 421. In addition, the results of the processing performed by the CPU 421 are displayed on the operation display unit 407.

[0087] The medium detection I / F 408 (an example of the second communication unit) is connected to the main body I / F 204 of the medium detection device 2 via a communication cable, and receives the first information from the medium detection device 2 .

[0088] As described later Figure 5 As shown in the paper feed tray usability determination table T1, the paper feed tray 400 (paper feed trays 1 and 2) involved in this embodiment has no dehumidification function. However, the image forming apparatus 4 may also be provided with a dehumidifying unit 440 for dehumidifying the paper P stored in the paper feed tray 400, and a function of enabling the dehumidifying unit 440 to dehumidify the paper P in the paper feed tray 400 is provided. As the dehumidifying unit 440, for example, a heater, a fan, etc. are used. The paper feed tray provided with the dehumidifying unit 440 is regarded as having a dehumidification function.

[0089] In addition, the image forming device 4 includes an input unit 411 , a sensor 412 , an output unit 413 , and a motor 414 .

[0090] Detection information is input to the input unit 411 from various sensors 412 provided in the image forming apparatus 4. The detection information is written into the RAM 423, and is appropriately referred to by the CPU 421 for processing.

[0091] The output unit 413 outputs driving instructions to various motors 414 provided in the image forming apparatus 4. For example, the motor 414 is driven by the control of the image forming unit 405 to convey the paper P or to rotate various drums.

[0092] In addition, the image forming device 4 includes a control unit 420. The control unit 420 is composed of a combination of functions implemented by the CPU 421, the ROM 422, and the RAM 423. The CPU 421 reads the program code of the software that implements the various functions involved in this embodiment from the ROM 422, and loads it into the RAM 423 for execution. The RAM 423 is temporarily written with variables, parameters, etc. generated during the calculation processing of the CPU 421, and these variables, parameters, etc. are appropriately read by the CPU 421. In this way, the ROM 422 records the programs, data, etc. required for the operation of the CPU 421, and is used as an example of a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium that stores the programs executed by the computer that operates the image forming device 4.

[0093] The image forming apparatus 4 includes a lock unit 431 , a lever state determination unit 432 , a tray opening and closing unit 433 , a humidity detection unit 434 , a placement detection unit 435 , and an opening and closing state determination unit 436 for each paper feed tray 400 .

[0094] The locking unit 431 locks the paper feed tray 400 so that it cannot be opened. Figure 4 The locking operation of the locking portion 431 is performed by following an instruction of the determination portion 442 shown in the figure, but the locking operation of the locking portion 431 may also be performed by closing a lever (not shown) provided for each paper feed tray 400 for releasing the lock of the locking portion 431.

[0095] The lever state determination unit 432 determines the lever state of the lever.

[0096] The tray opening and closing unit 433 is a mechanism for opening and closing the paper feed tray 400 for automatic loading or the like. Alternatively, a tray opening unit may be provided that only opens the paper feed tray 400. Both the tray opening and closing unit 433 and the tray opening unit are used as an example of a storage unit opening unit.

[0097] The humidity detection unit 434 detects the humidity of the paper P, the humidity in the image forming apparatus 4 , or the humidity of the environment in which the image forming apparatus 4 is installed.

[0098] The set detection unit 435 detects whether the paper P is set on the paper feed tray 400 or detects whether the paper P set on the paper feed tray 400 is in the correct orientation.

[0099] Open / close state determination unit 436 determines the open / close state of paper feed tray 400 , indicating whether paper feed tray 400 is in the open state (opened) or the closed state (closed).

[0100] Information detected by the lock unit 431 , the lever state determination unit 432 , the tray opening and closing unit 433 , the humidity detection unit 434 , the placement detection unit 435 , and the opening and closing state determination unit 436 is output to the control unit 420 .

[0101] <Configuration Example of Post-Processing Device>

[0102] Next, an internal configuration example of the post-processing device 5 will be described.

[0103] The post-processing apparatus 5 includes a front-stage I / F 501 , a paper conveying unit 502 , a side stitching unit 503 , a saddle stitching unit 504 , an upper tray unit 505 , an intermediate tray unit 506 , and a lower tray unit 507 .

[0104] The front-end I / F 501 is a communication interface for enabling the post-processing device 5 to communicate with the image forming device 4. The front-end I / F 501 is connected to the rear-end I / F 402 of the image forming device 4 via a communication cable.

[0105] The paper conveying unit 502 conveys the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 4. The paper P is conveyed to any one of the upper tray unit 505, the middle tray unit 506, and the lower tray unit 507. In addition, various post-processing is performed on the paper P during conveyance.

[0106] In the side-stitching unit 503 , the sheets of paper P are side-stitched as an example of post-processing.

[0107] In the saddle stitching unit 504 , the sheets of paper P are saddle stitched as an example of post-processing.

[0108] The paper P with printing defects is discharged to the upper tray unit 505 and the middle tray unit 506. The discharge destination of the paper P varies depending on the type of printing defects.

[0109] The paper P with good printing is discharged to the lower tray unit 507 .

[0110] In addition, the post-processing device 5 includes an input unit 511 , a sensor 512 , an output unit 513 , and a motor 514 .

[0111] Detection information is input to the input unit 511 from various sensors 512 provided in the post-processing device 5. The detection information is written into the RAM 523, and is appropriately referred to by the CPU 521 for processing.

[0112] The output unit 513 outputs driving instructions to various motors 514 provided in the post-processing device 5. For example, the motor 514 is driven by controlling the paper conveying unit 502 to convey the paper P or to drive the side stitching unit 503 and the saddle stitching unit 504.

[0113] In addition, the post-processing device 5 includes a CPU 521, a ROM 522, and a RAM 523. The CPU 521 reads the program code of the software that realizes each function involved in the present embodiment from the ROM 522, and loads it into the RAM 523 for execution. The RAM 523 is temporarily written with variables, parameters, etc. generated during the operation processing of the CPU 521, and these variables, parameters, etc. are appropriately read by the CPU 521. In this way, the ROM 522 records the program, data, etc. required for the operation of the CPU 521, and is used as an example of a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium that stores the program executed by the computer that operates the post-processing device 5.

[0114] <Configuration Example of Control Unit>

[0115] Next, a configuration example of the control unit 420 included in the image forming apparatus 4 will be described.

[0116] Figure 4 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control unit 420 .

[0117] The control unit 420 includes an acquisition unit 441 , a determination unit 442 , and a notification unit 443 .

[0118] The acquisition unit 441 acquires paper information from the medium detection device 2 , and outputs the paper information to the determination unit 442 .

[0119] The determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the medium detection device 2 can be placed on the paper feed tray based on the paper information detected by the medium detection device 2 and acquired by the acquisition unit 441 and the information preset for the paper feed tray. At this time, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the medium detection device 2 can be placed on the paper feed tray based on the detected paper information and the unusable condition preset for the paper feed tray. The unusable condition is set for each paper feed tray included in the recording material storage unit.

[0120] Therefore, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 can be placed on the paper feed tray based on the combination of the paper information corresponding to the first information received by the medium detection I / F 408 from the medium detection device 2 and the information of the paper feed tray. Figure 5 The paper feed tray usability determination table T1 shown in the figure determines whether the paper P can be placed on the paper feed tray. In addition, the paper information obtained by the acquisition unit 441 from the medium detection device 2 is the same as the paper information corresponding to the first information received by the medium detection I / F 408. Therefore, the acquisition unit 441 has a function of instructing the medium detection I / F 408 to receive the first information from the medium detection device 2.

[0121] The notification unit 443 notifies the user of the determination result of whether the paper P can be placed on the paper feed tray according to the instruction of the determination unit 442. For example, the determination result is notified to the user by displaying a message on the operation screen of the operation display unit 407, or by playing a voice message through a speaker (not shown) provided in the image forming device 4.

[0122] The notification unit 443 notifies the determination unit 442 of information on the paper feed trays determined as being able to set the paper P. The notification unit 443 can also notify the determination unit 442 of information on the paper feed trays determined as being unable to set the paper P.

[0123] Alternatively, the paper feed tray determined to be unusable may be locked by the lock unit 321 or 431 to indirectly notify the user that the paper feed tray cannot be used. In this case, the notification unit 443 need not notify the user of the determination result.

[0124] Next, a configuration example of the paper feed tray usability determination table will be described.

[0125] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the paper feed tray usability determination table T1.

[0126] The paper feed tray usability determination table T1 is composed of fields for the paper feed tray, the unusable condition, and the dehumidification function. The paper feed tray usability determination table T1 is stored in, for example, the ROM 422 of the image forming device 4, but may also be stored in a large-capacity storage device such as the HDD of the image forming device 4, and the content of the paper feed tray usability determination table T1 is updated according to the type of the large-capacity paper feed device 3, 3A connected to the image forming device 4.

[0127] The paper feed tray field stores a paper feed tray number for identifying the paper feed tray 400 of the image forming apparatus 4 and the paper feed tray 300 of the large-capacity paper feed apparatus 3 or 3A (see Figure 1 ).exist Figure 5 In the table, instead of the paper feed tray number, "Tray 1" or "Tray 2" is written.

[0128] In the unusable condition field, the basic weight and type of paper P that can be placed are set for each paper feed tray. In the paper feed tray 4 , the unusable condition is “none”. Therefore, any type of paper P can be placed in the paper feed tray 4 .

[0129] In the dehumidification function field, whether or not the dehumidification function is enabled in the paper feed trays 1 to 8 is stored.

[0130] Furthermore, the determination unit 442 determines that a paper feed tray on which the paper P cannot be placed is prohibited based on the basis weight of the paper P, the paper type, the necessity of dehumidification, and the like.

[0131] The paper feed tray usability determination table T1 is used in each of the processes described later (for example, Figure 8 Step S12, Fig.10 Step S25, Fig.17In step S72 of the step S73, the determination unit 442 performs a prohibition determination. In addition, the paper feed tray usability determination table T1 is set as a specification only for prohibition determination, but it can also be set as a specification used for determining the suitability or unsuitability of the paper P in addition to prohibition. The suitability or unsuitability of the paper P is used, for example, for the following determination: under the condition that the paper P is not unable to be fed but is easily blocked or the paper P is easily damaged due to the suitability or unsuitability of the paper P due to the grain direction of the paper P, it is considered unsuitable to place the paper P on the paper feed tray.

[0132] Here, refer to Figure 6 , describing the conventional process of placing the paper P.

[0133] (1) If the image forming apparatus 4 is ready, before placing the paper P, Figure 6 “Printable” is displayed in the message display column 101a of the operation screen W101 shown on the upper side.

[0134] (2) Next, the user places the paper P on the paper feed tray 3 (the uppermost paper feed tray of the large-capacity paper feed device 3 ).

[0135] (3) Next, if one sheet of paper P is conveyed without image formation after the paper P is placed, and the paper type and basic weight information of the paper P are detected by the paper physical property detection sensor (built-in sensor) provided in the image forming device 4, the paper type and basic weight information are set for the paper feed tray 3 on which the paper P is placed. For example, it is detected that A4 size plain paper (paper P) with a basic weight of 301-350 g is placed in the paper feed tray 3.

[0136] (4) However, as shown in the paper feed tray usability determination table T1, the basic weight of the paper feed tray 3 is 301 g / m 2 The above paper P cannot be fed. Therefore, after the user places the paper P on the paper feed tray 3, even if the user inputs an instruction to execute the job, the job cannot be executed due to the prohibition. Figure 6 In the message display column 101a shown at the lower side of , "Printing cannot be performed from this tray. Please change the tray or paper setting" is displayed.

[0137] (5) After confirming the message displayed in the message display field 101 a , the user places the paper P on another paper feed tray (eg, the paper feed tray 4 ) again. Thereafter, the user causes the job to be executed.

[0138] Thus, conventionally, if it is determined that the paper P cannot be fed or placed after the user places the paper P on the paper feed tray, it takes time to place the paper P on another paper feed tray. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment, control is performed to prevent the paper P from being placed on a paper feed tray on which it is determined that the paper P cannot be fed or placed.

[0139] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a method for controlling a paper feed tray according to the present embodiment is described.

[0140] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of controlling a paper feed tray performed in the image forming system 1 .

[0141] First, the medium detection device 2 determines whether the paper information of the paper P is detected (S1). If the user does not move the paper P placed on the paper feed tray into or out of the recess of the medium detection device 2, the medium detection device 2 will not detect the paper information of the paper P ("No" in S1), so the process of step S1 is repeated until the paper information is detected.

[0142] If the medium detection device 2 detects the paper information of the paper P (Yes in S1), it sends the first information corresponding to the detected paper information of the paper P to the image forming device 4 (S2). The image forming device 4 receives the first information from the medium detection device 2 (S3). That is, the acquisition unit 441 of the image forming device 4 acquires the paper information corresponding to the first information.

[0143] The determination unit 442 of the image forming device 4 determines whether all the paper feed trays can be used according to the paper feed tray usability determination table T1 (abbreviated as "determination table" in the figure) for the paper information corresponding to the received first information (S4). Figure 8 The processing of step S4 is described in detail in the embodiment. In the present embodiment, the example in which the determination unit 442 determines whether to use (prohibit) each paper feed tray is given, but the suitability or unsuitability of the use of the paper P may be used as a determination condition according to a condition. For example, the determination unit 442 may also be set to determine the suitability or unsuitability of the use of the paper P according to the grain direction of the paper.

[0144] Next, the determination unit 442 instructs the notification unit 443 on usability information (see the following description) of the paper feed tray determined to be usable or unusable. Fig. 9), the notification unit 443 displays the usability information of the paper feed tray on the operation display unit 407 (S5). In addition, in the present embodiment, the user is notified of the usability information of the paper feed tray by displaying a message on the operation display unit 407, but the user may be notified of the usability information of the paper feed tray by issuing a sound message from a speaker.

[0145] In the large-capacity paper feeder 3 without the lock unit 321 and the image forming apparatus 4 without the lock unit 431, the control method implemented by the acquisition unit 441, the determination unit 442 and the notification unit 443 according to this embodiment is realized only by the processing up to step S5.

[0146] The subsequent processing is performed in the large-capacity paper feeding device 3 including the locking portion 321 and the image forming apparatus 4 including the locking portion 431 .

[0147] After step S5, the determination unit 442 activates the locking unit 321 or 431 provided on the paper feed tray determined as the paper feed tray that cannot be loaded with paper P, and locks the unusable paper feed tray (S6). The locking unit 321 or 431 locks the paper feed tray, thereby preventing the unusable paper feed tray from being opened.

[0148] Furthermore, in normal circumstances, the paper feed tray is locked by the lock portion 321 or 431, and when the user holds the lever provided on the paper feed tray and turns the lever on, the lock portion 321 or 431 of the paper feed tray whose lever is turned on is unlocked. However, the determination unit 442 may control the paper feed tray that cannot be used so that the lock is not unlocked even if the lever state determination unit 322 or 432 detects that the lever is turned on.

[0149] Then, after the determination unit 442 operates the locking units 321 and 431 to lock the paper feed tray, when the second information different from the first information is output from the paper information detection unit 200 or a predetermined time has passed, the paper feed tray is unlocked. For example, when the paper P used in the next operation is placed on the paper feed tray, the paper information of the paper P used in the next operation is detected by the medium detection device 2. If the second information corresponding to the paper information of the paper P used in the next operation is different from the first information corresponding to the paper information of the paper P already placed on the paper feed tray, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P used in the next operation can be placed. Therefore, after step S6, the medium detection device 2 determines whether the paper information of the paper P used in the next operation is detected (S7).

[0150] When the medium detection device 2 detects the paper information of the paper P used in the next job ("Yes" in S7), the paper P used in the next job may be placed on the paper feed tray, so the process proceeds to step S9. Then, the paper information of the paper P used in the next job is sent from the medium detection device 2 to the image forming device 4 as the second information.

[0151] On the other hand, when the medium detection device 2 does not detect the paper information of the paper P used in the next job (No in S7), the medium detection device 2 determines whether a predetermined time has passed (S8). If the predetermined time has not passed (No in S8), the process returns to step S7.

[0152] On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S8 ), the possibility that the paper P whose paper information has been detected by the medium detection device 2 has been placed after the processing time point of step S8 is low, so the process proceeds to step S9 .

[0153] After the "No" determination in step S7 or the "Yes" determination in step S8, the determination unit 442 operates the locking units 321 and 431 to unlock the paper feed tray (S9). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1 to repeat the process.

[0154] As mentioned above Figure 7 The process shown in FIG. 1 may also end after the process in step S6. In this case, the unusable paper feed tray remains locked, and there is no need to worry that the user will mistakenly open the unusable paper feed tray. In this case, the unusable paper feed tray may also be skipped. Figure 7 The processing of displaying the usability information of the paper feed tray on the operation display unit 407 shown in step S5. For the user, even if the usability information of the paper feed tray is not displayed on the operation display unit 407, since the unusable paper feed tray is locked, the paper P can be placed on the usable paper feed tray whose lock is released.

[0155] Next, an example of the detailed processing of step S4 will be described.

[0156] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper feed tray can be used.

[0157] First, the determination unit 442 sets initial values ​​for the paper feed tray number N and the number of paper feed trays M determined to be available (S11). Here, the determination unit 442 sets the initial value of the paper feed tray number N to "1" and sets the initial value of the number of paper feed trays M determined to be available by the determination unit 442 to "0". The paper feed tray number N and the number of paper feed trays M determined to be available by the determination unit 442 are both stored in the RAM 423. In addition, the maximum number of paper feed tray numbers is "8" in this embodiment.

[0158] Next, the determination unit 442 refers to the paper feed tray usability determination table T1 and determines whether the paper feed tray number N can be used based on the paper information (S12). For example, as the paper information, if the paper type is plain paper and the basic weight is 301-350g / m 2 In the case of , in the paper feed tray usability determination table T1, the basic weight set in the unusable condition of paper feed tray 1 is specified as 301 g or more, so paper feed tray 1 cannot be used. On the other hand, no unusable condition is specified for paper feed tray 4. Therefore, the determination unit 442 determines that paper feed tray 1 cannot be used, and determines that paper feed tray 4 can be used.

[0159] When the paper feed tray number N can be used (Yes in S12), the determination unit 442 stores information that the paper feed tray number N is determined to be usable in the RAM 423. In addition, the determination unit 442 increments the number of paper feed trays M determined to be usable by "1" (S13). In addition, the determination unit 442 may store the paper feed tray number N determined to be usable in the RAM 423.

[0160] On the other hand, when the paper feed tray number N cannot be used (No in S12 ), the determination unit 442 stores information that the paper feed tray number N is determined to be unusable in the RAM 423 ( S14 ).

[0161] After steps S13 and S14, the determination unit 442 determines whether there is a next paper feed tray (S15). In this determination, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper feed tray number N is less than the maximum number of paper feed trays (8 in the embodiment). If there is no next paper feed tray (No in S15), the determination unit 442 returns the process to Figure 7 Step S5.

[0162] If there is a next paper feed tray (YES in S15 ), the determination unit 442 increments the paper feed tray number N by “1” ( S16 ), and returns to step S12 to continue the process.

[0163] <Example of display of operation screen>

[0164] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , a display example of the operation screen involved in the first embodiment is described.

[0165] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation screen W1 involved in the first embodiment. In the operation screen W1, in addition to various items that can be set by the user, a message display column 1a and a paper feed tray display column 1b are provided. In addition, in this embodiment, before the paper P is placed on the paper feed tray, a message is displayed in the message display column 1a, so the information of the paper P is not displayed in the paper feed tray display column 1b.

[0166] Here, the process of placing the paper P according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0167] (1) If the image forming apparatus 4 is ready, before placing the paper P, Fig. 9 The message display bar 1a of the operation screen W1 shown on the upper side of the image display screen W1 shows "printable" (not shown). Therefore, the user uses the medium detection device 2 to detect the paper type and basic weight of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray. The paper type and basic weight of the paper P detected by the medium detection device 2 are sent to the image forming device 4.

[0168] (2-1) Next, the notification unit 443 displays the paper feed tray that can use the paper P determined by the determination unit 442 based on the paper type and basic weight of the paper P received from the medium detection device 2 on the operation screen W1 before the user places the paper P. In this case, Fig. 9 In the message display column 1 a of the operation screen W1 shown on the upper side of FIG. 1 , it is displayed that “This paper can be used only in the tray 4 and the tray 7 .”.

[0169] (2-2) However, the notification unit 443 may also display on the operation screen W1 the paper feed tray that cannot be used for the paper P determined by the determination unit 442 based on the paper type and basic weight of the paper P received from the medium detection device 2 before the user places the paper P. In this case, Fig. 9 In the message display column 1 a of the operation screen W1 shown at the lower side of , “This paper cannot be used in tray 1 , tray 2 , tray 3 , tray 5 , tray 6 , or tray 8 .” is displayed.

[0170] Furthermore, the messages described in the processes (2-1) and (2-2) may be implemented so that either or both of them are displayed in the message display field 1a.

[0171] (3) Next, the user places the paper P on an available paper feed tray (eg, paper feed tray 4 ) in accordance with the message displayed on the message display field 1 a .

[0172] In this way, before placing the paper P on the paper feed tray, a message notifying the usable paper feed tray or the unusable paper feed tray is displayed in the message display column 1a. Therefore, it is not necessary to spend the following effort as in the past: after the user temporarily places the paper P on the paper feed tray, when it is determined that the paper feed tray is unusable, the paper P is placed on another paper feed tray. In addition, the user can easily find the usable paper feed tray according to the message displayed in the message display column 1a, and the time until the paper P is placed can be shortened.

[0173] Here, the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment can perform various controls. Each control method will be described below.

[0174] <Control lever status monitoring process>

[0175] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit 442 monitors the lever state of the paper feed tray to determine whether the paper feed tray can be used. Fig.10 Steps S21 to S23 are Figure 7 Since the processing in steps S1 to S3 is the same as that in the previous step, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0176] In this process, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 can be placed on the paper feed tray based on a combination of paper information corresponding to the first information input from the medium detection device 2 and information output of the paper feed tray indicating that the lever is held.

[0177] For example, after step S23, the determination unit 442 monitors the lever states of all the paper feed trays (S24). The determination unit 442 receives the determination result from the lever state determination units 322 and 432 provided in all the paper feed trays, and monitors the lever states. When the lever states of all the paper feed trays are still closed ("closed" in S24), since the lever states have not changed, the determination unit 442 continues to monitor the lever states in step S24.

[0178] When the lever of a paper feed tray is open (“open” in S24), the user has grasped the lever of the paper feed tray. Therefore, the determination unit 442 refers to the paper feed tray usability determination table T1 and determines whether the paper feed tray with the open lever is usable based on the paper information (S25).

[0179] When determining that the paper feed tray with the lever in the open state can be used (YES in S25 ), the determination unit 442 stores information that the paper P can be set on the paper feed tray with the lever in the open state in the RAM 423 ( S26 ).

[0180] On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper feed tray whose lever is in the open state cannot be used (No in S25), the determination unit 442 stores information that the paper P cannot be placed on the paper feed tray whose lever is in the open state in the RAM 423 (S27). Then, the determination unit 442 operates the locking unit 321 of the paper feed tray determined to be unusable to lock the paper feed tray (S28). The user cannot open the locked paper feed tray.

[0181] Then, after step S26 or S27, the determination unit 442 Fig. 9 The usability information of the paper feed tray that has been determined to be usable is displayed on the operation display unit 407 (S29), and this process ends.

[0182] Thus, if the user holds the lever and can use the paper feed tray whose lever state is open, the user can pull out the paper feed tray and place the paper P on the paper feed tray. On the other hand, if the paper feed tray whose lever the user holds cannot be used, the paper feed tray is locked, so the user cannot pull out the paper feed tray. Therefore, there is no worry that the user places the paper P on the wrong paper feed tray.

[0183] <Handling using the tray opening and closing section>

[0184] Fig.11 It is a flowchart showing an example of processing using the tray opening and closing units 323 and 433 .

[0185] in, Fig.11 Steps S31 to S34 are Figure 7 Since the processing is the same as steps S1 to S4, the description is omitted.

[0186] After step S34, the determination unit 442 determines whether the number M of available paper feed trays is greater than or equal to 1 (S35). If the number M of available paper feed trays is greater than or equal to 1 ("Yes" in S35), the available paper feed tray is opened (S36). Multiple processes of step S36 are envisioned. For example, there is the following method: the determination unit 442 outputs an instruction to unlock the paper feed tray to the locking unit 321, 431, the locking unit 321, 431 unlocks the paper feed tray, and the user manually opens the paper feed tray. The paper feed tray unlocked by the locking unit 321, 431 may be one or more.

[0187] In addition, the determination unit 442 can also operate the tray opening and closing unit 323, 433 provided on the paper feed tray determined as being able to place the paper P, so as to automatically open the paper feed tray. At this time, the determination unit 442 operates the tray opening and closing unit 323, 433 corresponding to the paper feed tray determined as being able to place the paper P, and outputs an instruction to open the paper feed tray. The tray opening and closing unit 323, 433 to which the instruction from the determination unit 442 is input opens the paper feed tray. The instruction output by the determination unit 442 is for one paper feed tray, but the instruction output by the determination unit 442 may be for a plurality of paper feed trays.

[0188] Then, after it is determined in step S35 that the number M of available paper feed trays is less than 1 (No in S35), or after the available paper feed trays are opened in step S36, the determination unit 442 Fig. 9 The usability information of the paper feed tray that has been determined to be usable is displayed on the operation display unit 407 (S37), and this process ends.

[0189] In this way, if there is a paper feed tray that can be used for the paper P, the paper feed tray is opened. Therefore, the user can place the paper P on the opened paper feed tray.

[0190] <Processing for Determining the Direction of Special Paper Placed on the Paper Feed Tray>

[0191] Fig.12 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit 442 determines the placement direction of special paper placed on the paper feed tray. Fig.12 Steps S41 to S43 are Figure 7 The same processing is performed in steps S1 to S3, so the description is omitted. Fig.12 Steps S44 to S46 and S49 are Fig.10 The same processing as steps S24 to S27 is omitted. In addition, the special paper described below refers to paper P with special shapes such as label paper or cover paper, coated paper with different paper qualities on the front and back, etc. Special paper also includes paper P with asymmetric shapes relative to the conveying direction.

[0192] The paper information includes information indicating that the paper P is special paper. When the paper information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating that the paper P is special paper, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 can be placed on the paper feed tray based on the combination with the information of the paper feed tray output indicating the lever state in which the lever is held. Then, the determination unit 442 causes the operation display unit 407 to notify information indicating the placement direction of the paper P to the paper feed tray determined to be able to place the paper P.

[0193] For example, after step S46, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P determined to be able to be placed on the paper feed tray is special paper (S47). In addition, the determination process of step S47 is performed based on the paper information corresponding to the first information received from the medium detection device 2. Then, if the paper P is not special paper ("No" in S47), the determination unit 442 ends the present process.

[0194] On the other hand, if the paper P is special paper ("Yes" in S47), the determination unit 442 displays the placement direction of the paper P on the paper feed tray on the operation display unit 407 (S48), and ends the present process. In step S48, for example, for a paper P that is asymmetric in front and back, the placement direction facing the paper feed tray is displayed on the operation display unit 407.

[0195] If the determination unit 442 determines that the paper feed tray cannot be used in step S45 (No in S45), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper feed tray cannot be placed on the paper feed tray determined to be unusable (S49). Therefore, the determination unit 442 displays information on the unusable paper feed tray on the operation display unit 407 (S50) regarding the paper P that cannot be placed on the paper feed tray, and ends the present process.

[0196] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a display example of a message instructing the user on the placement direction of special paper.

[0197] In the operation screen W1, it is indicated Fig.12 The placement direction of the paper P determined as special paper in step S47. For example, as an example of special paper, when the paper P is determined as label paper, Fig.13 The message display field 1 a of the operation screen W1 shown in the figure displays “Please place the label paper on the tray 3 with the edge aligned to the right.” Therefore, the user can place the label paper P on the paper feed tray 3 in the correct placement direction.

[0198] Furthermore, when the paper information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating special paper and the open / close state determination unit 326 determines that the paper feed tray is in the open state, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 can be placed on the paper feed tray based on the combination with the information of the paper feed tray output indicating the lever state in which the lever is held. Then, the determination unit 442 may cause the notification unit 443 to notify the information indicating the placement direction of the paper P on the paper feed tray. In this case, the notification unit 443 outputs the information indicating the placement direction of the paper P on the paper feed tray to the operation display unit 407.

[0199] <Processing for Determining the Front and Back of Paper Set on the Paper Feed Tray>

[0200] Fig.14 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit 442 determines the front and back sides of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray. Fig.14 Steps S51 to S53 are Figure 7 The same processing is performed in steps S1 to S3, so the description is omitted. Fig.14 Steps S54 to S56 and S59 are Fig.10 Since the processing is the same as steps S24 to S27, the description is omitted.

[0201] The paper information includes information on the front and back sides of the paper P. When the paper information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating special paper and the front and back sides of the paper P, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 can be placed on the paper feed tray, based on a combination with information outputting the paper feed tray indicating the lever state in which the lever is held. Then, the determination unit 442 causes the operation display unit 407 to notify information indicating the placement direction of the front or back side of the paper P to be placed on the paper feed tray determined to be able to place the paper P.

[0202] After step S56, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P determined to be able to be placed on the paper feed tray is a paper type with different front and back sides (S57). For example, a paper P with coated paper on the front side and plain paper on the back side is determined to be a paper type with different front and back sides. If the paper P is not a paper type with different front and back sides ("No" in S57), the determination unit 442 ends the present process.

[0203] On the other hand, if the paper P is of a type with different front and back sides (Yes in S57 ), the determination unit 442 displays a message on the operation display unit 407 notifying the direction in which the paper P should be placed on the paper feed tray ( S58 ), and ends this process.

[0204] If the determination unit 442 determines that the paper feed tray cannot be used in step S55 (No in S55), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper feed tray cannot be placed on the paper feed tray determined to be unusable (S59). Therefore, the determination unit 442 displays information on the unusable paper feed tray on the operation display unit 407 (S60) regarding the paper P determined to be unusable on the paper feed tray, and ends the present process.

[0205] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing a display example of a message indicating the front and back of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray to the user.

[0206] About Fig.14 In step S57, it is determined that the paper P has different types of paper on the front and back, and the placement direction is indicated. Fig.15The message display column 1a of the operation screen W1 shows "Please place the paper P in the tray 3 according to the state of the front and back of the paper inserted into the medium detection device." Therefore, the user can place the paper P of different types of paper in the correct placement direction on the paper feed tray 3 without changing the front and back.

[0207] Furthermore, when the user places paper P on the paper feed trays 1 and 2 provided in the image forming device 4, the message display column 1a displays "Please place the paper P placed in the medium detection device in tray 1 after the front and back sides are reversed". The reason is as follows: the paper feed trays 1 and 2 provided in the image forming device 4 are different from the paper feed trays 3 to 8 provided in the large-capacity paper feed device 3, and the front and back sides of the paper P are reversed during transportation after the paper P is supplied. As for the method of setting the paper type of the front and back sides of the paper P when the paper types of the front and back sides are different, and the method of reflecting the same to the image formation control, the details of the processing are omitted because there are known technologies.

[0208] Furthermore, when the paper information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating special paper and the front and back sides of the paper P, and the open / close state determination unit 326 determines that the paper feed tray is in the open state, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P detected by the paper information detection unit 200 can be placed on the paper feed tray, based on a combination of information outputting the paper feed tray indicating that the lever is held. Furthermore, the determination unit 442 may cause the operation display unit 407 to notify information indicating the placement direction of the paper P on the paper feed tray.

[0209] <Determining whether the dehumidification function of the paper feed tray can be used>

[0210] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the determination unit 442 to determine whether the dehumidification function of the paper feed tray can be used. Fig.16 Steps S61 to S63 are Figure 7 Since the processing in steps S1 to S3 is the same as that in the previous step, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0211] After step S63, the determination unit 442 determines whether all the paper feed trays are available and whether the dehumidification function is required (S64). Figure 7 The processing of step S4 is the same as that of step S4. Fig.17 The process of determining whether the dehumidification function is required in step S64 is described in detail.

[0212] Next, the determination unit 442 Fig. 9As shown, the usability information of the paper feed tray to be determined whether it can be used is displayed on the operation display unit 407 (S65), and the locking units 321 and 431 are operated to lock the unusable paper feed tray (S66).

[0213] Next, the determination unit 442 determines whether or not paper P is set on the paper feed tray ( S67 ). If paper P is not set ( “No” in S67 ), the determination unit 442 repeats the process of step S67 until paper P is set.

[0214] On the other hand, if the paper P is placed (Yes in S67), the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper feed tray on which the paper P is placed needs to be dehumidified (S68). Fig.17 In the process, it is determined whether dehumidification is required based on whether the dehumidification flag is set. If the dehumidification flag is not set and dehumidification is not required ("No" in S68), the determination unit 442 ends the present process.

[0215] On the other hand, if the dehumidification flag is set and dehumidification is required ("Yes" in S68), the determination unit 442 causes the dehumidification unit 305 of the paper feed tray on which the paper P is placed to start the dehumidification function (S69), and the present process ends. Here, in step S69, when the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P needs to be dehumidified based on the paper information corresponding to the first information input from the medium detection device 2, the notification unit 443 notifies the information of the paper feed tray on which the dehumidification unit 305 is provided. The notification unit 443 outputs the information of the paper feed tray on which the dehumidification unit 305 is provided to the operation display unit 407.

[0216] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 A flowchart of a detailed example of the process in step S64 is shown below.

[0217] in, Fig.17 Steps S71 and S72 are Figure 8 Since steps S11 and S12 are the same processes, the description is omitted.

[0218] After step S72, the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper P needs to be dehumidified (S73). If the paper P needs to be dehumidified (Yes in S73), the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper feed tray N has a dehumidification function (S74).

[0219] When the paper feed tray N has a dehumidification function ("Yes" in S74), the determination unit 442 sets the dehumidification flag (S75). The dehumidification flag is a flag of an area reserved in the RAM 423, and is set to "0" as an initial value. For example, when the dehumidification flag is set, the area is set to "1". If the dehumidification flag is not set, the area remains set to "0".

[0220] When the paper P does not need to be dehumidified (No in S73) or after the dehumidification flag is set in step S75, the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P can be placed on the paper feed tray N (S76). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S72 that the paper feed tray N cannot be used (No in S72) or when it is determined in step S74 that the paper feed tray N does not have a dehumidification function (No in S74), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P cannot be placed on the paper feed tray N (S77). Then, the determination unit 442 stores the information that the paper feed tray number N is determined to be unusable in the RAM 423.

[0221] After steps S76 and S77, the determination unit 442 determines whether there is a next paper feed tray (S78). If there is no next paper feed tray (No in S78), the determination unit 442 returns the process to Fig.16 Step S65.

[0222] If there is a next paper feed tray (YES in S78 ), the determination unit 442 increments the paper feed tray number N by “1” ( S79 ), and returns to step S72 to continue the process.

[0223] Thus, if the humidity of the paper P, the humidity in the image forming system 1, or the humidity in the installation environment is high, an instruction is given to place the paper P on the paper feed tray where the dehumidification function can be activated. Then, the determination unit 442 activates the dehumidification function before feeding the paper, so that the paper P is dehumidified. Therefore, image formation on the paper P is performed well.

[0224] <Determination of whether the dehumidification function can be used based on paper information>

[0225] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit 442 determines whether the dehumidification function can be used based on the paper information. Fig.18 It shows that the determination unit 442 Fig.17 The details of the process of determining whether the paper P can be dehumidified in step S73 are described below.

[0226] In this process, it is assumed that the first information includes information on the moisture content of the paper P. Therefore, when the determination unit 442 determines that the moisture content of the paper P is equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the first information, the notification unit 443 notifies the information of the paper feed tray provided with the dehumidifier 305. The notification unit 443 outputs the information of the paper feed tray provided with the dehumidifier 305 to the operation display unit 407.

[0227] For example, first, the determination unit 442 determines whether the moisture content of the paper P is greater than a predetermined value (for example, whether the moisture content is greater than 10%) (S81) based on the paper information corresponding to the first information received from the medium detection device 2. If the moisture content of the paper P is greater than the predetermined value ("Yes" in S81), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P needs to be dehumidified (S85).

[0228] On the other hand, if the moisture content of the paper P is less than the predetermined value (No in S81), the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper type of the paper P is a paper type that requires dehumidification (e.g., coated paper) based on the paper information (S82). If the paper type of the paper P is a paper type that requires dehumidification (Yes in S82), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P requires dehumidification (S85).

[0229] On the other hand, if the paper type of the paper P is not a paper type that requires dehumidification (No in S82), the determination unit 442 determines whether the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 324 of the large-capacity paper feeder 3 or the humidity detection unit 434 of the image forming apparatus 4 is a high humidity environment of a predetermined value or more (for example, a humidity of 50% or more) (S83). Here, the humidity detection unit 324 detects the humidity in the large-capacity paper feeder 3 or the humidity of the environment in which the large-capacity paper feeder 3 is installed. Similarly, the humidity detection unit 434 detects the humidity in the image forming apparatus 4 or the humidity of the environment in which the image forming apparatus 4 is installed.

[0230] If the humidity in the device is above the predetermined value (Yes in S83), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P needs to be dehumidified (S85). Therefore, the determination unit 442 causes the notification unit 443 to notify the information of the paper feed tray 300 provided with the dehumidifying unit 305. The notification unit 443 outputs the information of the paper feed tray 300 provided with the dehumidifying unit 305 to the operation display unit 407. In addition, if the dehumidifying unit 440 is provided in the image forming device 4, the determination unit 442 causes the notification unit 443 to notify the information of the paper feed tray 400 provided with the dehumidifying unit 440. The notification unit 443 outputs the information of the paper feed tray 400 provided with the dehumidifying unit 440 to the operation display unit 407.

[0231] On the other hand, if the humidity in the device is lower than the predetermined value (No in S83), the determination unit 442 determines that the paper P does not need dehumidification (S84). After step S84 or S85, the determination unit 442 returns to step S86 based on the determination result that dehumidification is required or not. Fig.17 In step S73, it is determined whether the paper P needs to be dehumidified.

[0232] Furthermore, when the placement detection unit 325 detects that the paper P is placed, the determination unit 442 may operate the dehumidifier 305 of the paper feed tray provided with the placement detection unit 325 to dehumidify the paper P, regardless of whether the dehumidification function is required. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 4 is provided with the dehumidifier 440, the determination unit 442 may operate the dehumidifier 440 of the paper feed tray provided with the placement detection unit 435 to dehumidify the paper P, when the placement detection unit 435 detects that the paper P is placed.

[0233] [Second embodiment]

[0234] Next, an image forming apparatus 4A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus 4A according to this embodiment is configured to include a paper information detection unit 200. The paper information detection unit 200 detects paper information of paper P inserted from a manual paper feed tray 320 provided on the upper portion of the large-capacity paper feed device 3A.

[0235] Fig.19 This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 4A according to the second embodiment.

[0236] In the image forming apparatus 4A, as a transport path ( Figure 1 The paper information detection unit 200 includes a paper type detection unit 201, a basic weight detection unit 202, and a water content detection unit 203.

[0237] In the present embodiment, in order to make the paper information detection unit 200 detect the paper information of the paper P, for example, the user changes the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 4A from the normal job printing mode to the paper information detection mode via the operation display unit 407. In the paper information detection mode, before the paper P is actually placed on the paper feed tray 400, one to several sheets of paper P manually fed by the user from the manual paper feed tray 320 are conveyed into the image forming apparatus 4. Then, the paper information detection unit 200 detects the paper information of the conveyed paper P.

[0238] Information including at least one of the paper type of the paper P detected by the paper type detection unit 201 of the paper information detection unit 200, the basic weight of the paper P detected by the basic weight detection unit 202, and the moisture content of the paper P detected by the moisture content detection unit 203 is output to the control unit 420 as first information corresponding to the paper information. The determination unit 442 of the control unit 420 performs a predetermined determination based on the paper information corresponding to the first information input from the paper information detection unit 200, and the notification unit 443 outputs various information to the operation display unit 407 according to the instruction of the determination unit 442. In addition, in this embodiment, the determination unit 442 exchanges various information with the dehumidifying unit 440, the locking unit 431, the lever state determination unit 432, the tray opening and closing unit 433, the humidity detection unit 434, the placement detection unit 435, and the opening and closing state determination unit 436, and performs operation instructions, which is the same as the determination unit 442 of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0239] <Processing for Determining Whether the Paper Feed Tray Can Be Used After Printing Starts>

[0240] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the determination unit 442 determines whether the paper feed tray can be used after printing starts.

[0241] First, the user changes the operation mode from the normal job printing mode to the paper information detection mode via the operation display unit 407 (S91). Next, the determination unit 442 determines whether the user inputs an instruction to start the paper information detection mode via the operation display unit 407 (S92). If the user presses the start button via the operation display unit 407 after placing a few sheets of paper P on the manual paper feed tray 320, the paper information detection mode starts. Therefore, if the instruction to start the paper information detection mode is not input ("No" in S92), the determination unit 442 repeats the determination of step S92.

[0242] On the other hand, if the instruction to start the paper information detection mode is input ("Yes" in S92), the paper information detection unit 200 provided in the image forming device 4 detects the paper information of the paper P conveyed from the manual paper feed tray 320 (S93). The paper information detection unit 200 is provided inside the image forming device 4, so it detects the paper information of the paper P conveyed by the paper conveying unit 430 of the image forming device 4, and outputs the first information to the determination unit 442.

[0243] Next, the determination unit 442 determines whether all the paper feed trays are available for use according to the paper feed tray availability determination table T1 for the paper information corresponding to the first information input from the paper information detection unit 200 (S94). Figure 7 Step S4, Figure 8The processing of each step is the same.

[0244] After step S94, the determination unit 442 sends the usability information (see Fig. 9 ) is displayed on the operation display unit 407 (S95), and the processing ends.

[0245] In the image forming system 1, the paper information detection unit 200 is provided inside the image forming apparatus 4. For example, by changing to the paper information detection mode by the user setting, the paper information detection unit 200 detects the paper information of the paper P to be placed on the paper feed tray before actually placing the paper on the paper feed tray. Then, the usability information of the paper feed tray that can be placed with the paper P is displayed on the operation display unit 407. Therefore, the user can place the paper P on the paper feed tray that is determined to be usable based on the displayed usability information of the paper feed tray.

[0246] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the image forming apparatus 4 that forms an image on the paper P by electrophotography is cited as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet recording apparatus or the like.

[0247] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is apparent that various other application examples and modified examples can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0248] For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are ways of describing the structure of the device and system in detail and specifically in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to ways of having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of the embodiment described here can be replaced with the structure of other embodiments, and the structure of other embodiments can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced with part of the structure of each embodiment.

[0249] In addition, regarding control lines and information lines, only those considered necessary for explanation are shown, and not all control lines and information lines may be shown in terms of products. It can also be considered that almost all structures are actually connected to each other.

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising an image forming device, the image forming device comprising an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material, wherein: The image forming system comprises: a recording material storage section capable of storing the recording material; a recording material supplying section that supplies the recording material from the recording material containing section to the image forming section; a recording material information detection device, arranged outside the image forming device, for detecting recording material information of the recording material; as well as a determination section for determining whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection device can be placed in the recording material storage section based on the recording material information detected by the recording material information detection device and information preset for the recording material storage section, The recording material storage section is provided with a locking section which locks the recording material storage section so as not to be opened. The determination section operates the locking section provided in the recording material storage section, which determines that the recording material cannot be placed in the recording material storage section, to lock the recording material storage section.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The determination section determines whether the detected recording material can be placed in the recording material storage section based on the detected recording material information and a pre-set unusable condition for the recording material storage section.

3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein: The disabling condition is set for each paper feed tray included in the recording material storage section.

4. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material information detection device comprises: a recording material information detection section that detects recording material information of the recording material; and a first communication unit that transmits first information corresponding to the recording material information to the image forming device; The image forming device comprises: the image forming unit; and a second communication unit that receives the first information from the recording material information detection device; The determination section determines whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection section can be set in the recording material storage section based on a combination of the recording material information corresponding to the first information received by the second communication section and information of the recording material storage section.

5. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify the determination result of whether the image forming apparatus can be placed according to an instruction of the determination unit.

6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein: The notification section notifies the recording material storage section of information on the recording material storage section determined by the determination section as a recording material that can be placed therein.

7. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein: The notification section notifies the recording material storage section of information on the recording material storage section determined by the determination section that the recording material cannot be set in the recording material storage section.

8. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the determination result of whether the image can be placed according to the instruction of the determination unit. After the lock portion is actuated to lock the recording material storage portion, the determination portion releases the lock of the recording material storage portion when second information different from the first information is output from the recording material information detection portion or a predetermined time has elapsed.

9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with an operation determination section for determining an operation performed on the recording material storage section. The determination section determines whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection section can be set in the recording material storage section based on a combination of the recording material information corresponding to the first information and information of the recording material storage section operated by the operation determination section.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein: A lever for releasing the lock of the recording material storage section is provided in the recording material storage section, and the operation determination section determines a lever state of the lever as the content of the operation. The determination section determines whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection section can be placed in the recording material storage section based on a combination of the recording material information corresponding to the first information and information of the recording material storage section output indicating a state of the lever in which the lever is gripped.

11. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein: The recording material information includes information indicating that the recording material is special paper, When the recording material information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating that it is the special paper, the determination unit determines whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection unit can be placed in the recording material storage unit based on a combination of information of the recording material storage unit outputting the state of the control lever indicating that the control lever is held, so that information indicating the placement direction of the recording material into the recording material storage unit determined to be able to place the recording material is notified from the notification unit.

12. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein: The recording material information includes information indicating that the recording material is special paper and information indicating the front and back sides of the recording material. When the recording material information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating that it is the special paper and information indicating the surface and the back of the recording material, the determination unit determines whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection unit can be placed in the recording material storage unit based on a combination of information output from the recording material storage unit indicating the state of the control lever being held, and causes the notification unit to notify information indicating the placement direction of the surface or the back of the recording material into the recording material storage unit determined as being able to place the recording material.

13. The image forming system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with an open / closed state determination section for determining an open / closed state of the recording material storage section. The determination section causes the notification section to notify information indicating a placement direction of the recording material in the recording material storage section when the open / close state determination section determines that the recording material storage section is in the open state.

14. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material storage section includes a storage section opening section for opening the recording material storage section. The determination section operates the storage section opening section provided in the recording material storage section determined to be able to accommodate the recording material, thereby opening the recording material storage section.

15. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with a dehumidifying section for dehumidifying the recording material. The determination unit causes the notification unit to notify the information of the recording material storage unit provided with the dehumidifying unit, when determining based on the recording material information that the recording material needs to be dehumidified.

16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein: The first information corresponding to the recording material information includes information related to the water content of the recording material. When the determination unit determines that the water content of the recording material is equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the first information, the determination unit causes the notification unit to notify the information of the recording material storage unit provided with the dehumidifying unit.

17. The image forming system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with a placement detection section, the placement detection section detecting that the recording material is placed in the recording material storage section, The determination section operates the dehumidifying section of the recording material storage section provided with the placement detection section that detects that the recording material is placed, thereby dehumidifying the recording material.

18. The image forming system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The image forming system includes a humidity detection unit for detecting humidity. The determination section causes the notification section to notify information of the recording material storage section provided with the dehumidifying section when the humidity detected by the humidity detection section is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

19. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material information detecting means detects a physical property value of the recording material as the recording material information.

20. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material information detection device includes a recessed portion into which a user can insert at least a part of the recording material, and detects the recording material information for the recording material inserted into the recessed portion.

21. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material information detection device is further arranged outside the recording material storage section.

22. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material storage section is included in the image forming apparatus.

23. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material storage section is connected to the image forming device.

24. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The recording material is paper.

25. An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; a recording material supplying section that supplies the recording material from a recording material storing section storing the recording material to the image forming section; An acquisition unit is disposed outside the image forming device and acquires the recording material information from a recording material information detection device that detects the recording material information of the recording material; as well as a determination unit that determines whether the detected recording material can be placed in the recording material storage unit based on the acquired recording material information and information preset for the recording material storage unit, The recording material storage section is provided with a locking section which locks the recording material storage section so as not to be opened. The determination section operates the locking section provided in the recording material storage section, which determines that the recording material cannot be placed in the recording material storage section, to lock the recording material storage section.

26. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program, the program being executed by a computer of an image forming device having an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material, wherein: The program is used to cause a computer of an image forming apparatus to execute: an acquisition step of acquiring the recording material information from a recording material information detection device disposed outside the image forming device and detecting the recording material information of the recording material; and a determination step of determining whether the detected recording material can be placed in the recording material storage section based on the acquired recording material information and information preset for the recording material storage section storing the recording material, The recording material storage section is provided with a locking section which locks the recording material storage section so as not to be opened. In the determination step, when it is determined that the recording material cannot be placed in the recording material storage section, the locking section provided in the recording material storage section is actuated to lock the recording material storage section.

27. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 26, wherein: In the determination step, it is determined whether the detected recording material can be placed in the recording material storage section based on the detected recording material information and a pre-set unusable condition for the recording material storage section.

28. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 27, wherein: The disabling condition is set for each paper feed tray included in the recording material storage section.

29. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material information detection device comprises: a recording material information detection section that detects recording material information of the recording material; and a first communication unit that transmits first information corresponding to the recording material information to the image forming device; The image forming device comprises: the image forming unit; and a second communication unit that receives the first information from the recording material information detection device; In the determination step, it is determined whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection unit can be placed in the recording material storage unit based on a combination of the recording material information corresponding to the first information received by the second communication unit and the information of the recording material storage unit.

30. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The program further causes the computer to execute a notification step of notifying the result of the placement determination according to the instruction in the determination step.

31. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 30, wherein: In the notifying step, information about the recording material storage section determined in the determining step as the recording material storage section in which the recording material can be placed is notified.

32. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 30, wherein: In the notifying step, information about the recording material storage section is notified, indicating that the recording material cannot be set in the recording material storage section as determined in the determining step.

33. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 29, wherein: The program further causes the computer to execute a notification step of notifying the result of the placement determination according to the instruction in the determination step, In the determination step, after the locking portion is operated to lock the recording material storage portion, the recording material storage portion is unlocked when second information different from the first information is output from the recording material information detection portion or a predetermined time has elapsed.

34. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 33, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with an operation determination section for determining an operation performed on the recording material storage section. In the determination step, it is determined whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection section can be placed in the recording material storage section based on a combination of the recording material information corresponding to the first information and information of the recording material storage section on which the operation is determined by the operation determination section.

35. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 34, wherein: A lever for releasing the lock of the recording material storage section is provided in the recording material storage section, and the operation determination section determines a lever state of the lever as the content of the operation. In the determination step, it is determined whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection unit can be placed in the recording material storage unit based on a combination of the recording material information corresponding to the first information and information of the recording material storage unit output indicating the state of the control lever being held.

36. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 35, wherein: The recording material information includes information indicating that the recording material is special paper, In the determination step, when the recording material information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating that it is the special paper, it is determined whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection section can be placed in the recording material storage section based on a combination of information of the recording material storage section that outputs the control lever state indicating that the control lever is held, and in the notification step, information indicating the placement direction of the recording material into the recording material storage section determined to be able to place the recording material is notified.

37. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 35, wherein: The recording material information includes information indicating that the recording material is special paper and information indicating the front and back sides of the recording material. In the determination step, when the recording material information corresponding to the first information includes information indicating that it is the special paper and information indicating the surface and the back of the recording material, it is determined whether the recording material detected by the recording material information detection section can be placed in the recording material storage section based on a combination with the information of the recording material storage section that outputs the state of the control lever indicating that the control lever is held, and in the notification step, information indicating the placement direction of the surface or the back of the recording material into the recording material storage section determined to be able to place the recording material is notified.

38. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 36 or 37, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with an open / closed state determination section for determining an open / closed state of the recording material storage section. In the determination step, when the open / close state determination section determines that the recording material storage section is in the open state, the notification step notifies information indicating a placement direction of the recording material in the recording material storage section.

39. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material storage section includes a storage section opening section for opening the recording material storage section. In the determination step, the recording material storage section is opened by operating the storage section opening section provided in the recording material storage section determined to be able to accommodate the recording material.

40. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 30, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with a dehumidifying section for dehumidifying the recording material. In the determination step, when it is determined based on the recording material information that the recording material needs to be dehumidified, in the notification step, information of the recording material storage section in which the dehumidifying section is provided is notified.

41. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 40, wherein: The first information corresponding to the recording material information includes information related to the water content of the recording material. In the determination step, when it is determined based on the first information that the water content of the recording material is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification step notifies information of the recording material storage section in which the dehumidifying section is provided.

42. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 40 or 41, wherein: The recording material storage section is provided with a placement detection section, the placement detection section detecting that the recording material is placed in the recording material storage section, In the determination step, the dehumidifying section of the recording material storage section provided with the placement detection section that detects that the recording material is placed is operated to dehumidify the recording material.

43. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to claim 40 or 41, wherein: The image forming apparatus further includes a humidity detection unit for detecting humidity. In the determination step, when the humidity detected by the humidity detection section is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the notification step notifies information of the recording material storage section provided with the dehumidifying section.

44. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material information detecting means detects a physical property value of the recording material as the recording material information.

45. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material information detection device includes a recessed portion into which a user can insert at least a part of the recording material, and detects the recording material information for the recording material inserted into the recessed portion.

46. ​​The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material information detection device is further arranged outside the recording material storage section.

47. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material storage section is included in the image forming apparatus.

48. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material storage section is connected to the image forming device.

49. The computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The recording material is paper.

Images