Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an image forming apparatus in which a user's waiting time is shorter than ever and convenience is high in an image forming apparatus capable of switching between a normal mode and a silent mode. The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section having two image forming modes of a normal mode and a silent mode; a mode setting section that accepts a setting of whether to execute various jobs related to image formation in the normal mode or the silent mode; a job reservation registration accepting section; and a control section that, in a case where the job reservation registration accepting section accepts a reservation of a job in the normal mode, determines whether the job last accepted by the job reservation registration accepting section is a job in the silent mode, causes the image forming section to suspend an in-progress job in a case where it is a job in the silent mode, and accepts registration of the job in the normal mode as a final job after changing all jobs accepted by the job reservation registration accepting section to jobs in the normal mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more specifically, to an image forming apparatus with a silent function. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known image forming apparatuses capable of switching between two image forming modes: a normal mode and a silent mode. In the normal mode, image forming was performed at a predetermined normal motor speed, while in the silent mode, image forming was performed at a motor speed slower than the normal motor speed for the purpose of quiet operation.

[0003] Previously, as an image forming apparatus with such a silent mode, there were known image forming apparatuses as described below.

[0004] An image forming apparatus is known in which the operation mode of multiple functions is set and changed by function unit. When all the operation modes of multiple functions are set to normal mode, only the operation mode of a specific function among the multiple functions is changed to silent mode, thereby reducing the user's operation and improving the user's convenience (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-215458). Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, for example, if a copy job is set to normal mode and a printer job is set to silent mode, even if the user wants to perform a copy job while the printer job is being executed, the copy job cannot start before the printer job in silent mode has finished.

[0006] In this situation, because the printer in silent mode operates at a slower motor speed than usual, there is a problem of longer waiting time for the user until the copy job begins.

[0007] This disclosure was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the user's waiting time is shorter than before and the user convenience is greater, in which the image forming apparatus is capable of switching between normal mode and silent mode.

[0008] This disclosure provides an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it includes: an image forming unit having two image forming modes, a normal mode and a silent mode, wherein the normal mode forms an image at a predetermined speed, and the silent mode forms an image at a slower speed than the normal mode; a mode setting unit that accepts settings for whether to execute various image forming-related operations in the normal mode or the silent mode; a job reservation registration unit that accepts job reservation registrations; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the mode setting unit, and the job reservation registration unit. If the job reservation registration unit accepts a job reservation in the normal mode, the control unit determines whether the last job accepted by the job reservation registration unit is a job in the silent mode. If it is a job in the silent mode, the control unit suspends the ongoing operation of the image forming unit. After changing all jobs accepted by the job reservation registration unit to jobs in the normal mode, the control unit registers the job in the normal mode as the final job.

[0009] In this disclosure, "image forming apparatus" refers to an apparatus that forms and outputs an image using an electrophotographic method, such as a printer that forms an image from toner, a copier or multifunction printer that has a copying function, or an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) that includes functions other than copying.

[0010] According to this disclosure, in an image forming apparatus capable of switching between normal mode and silent mode, when a job in normal mode is scheduled during the execution of a job in silent mode, after pausing the job in progress, all scheduled jobs are switched to normal mode to register / start the job. Therefore, an image forming apparatus with shorter user waiting time and greater user convenience can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a digital multifunction printer.

[0013] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of job registration processing in silent mode of a digital multifunction printer, as well as in normal mode.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An example of the system settings screen displayed on the display unit of a digital multifunction printer.

[0015] Figure 5 Is Figure 1 An example of the normal mode switching settings displayed on the display unit of a digital multifunction printer during silent mode.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the job registration process in normal mode during the execution of a job in silent mode of a digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 This is an example of a normal mode switching setting displayed on the display unit of a digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, which is executed in silent mode.

[0019] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of job registration processing in normal mode during the execution of a job in silent mode of a digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Further explanation of the preferred methods of this disclosure.

[0021] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the mode setting unit also accepts a setting regarding whether to enable the deactivation of the silent mode in a normal mode job reservation registration. When the job reservation registration acceptance unit accepts a job reservation for the normal mode, the control unit determines whether the last job accepted by the job reservation registration acceptance unit is a job in the silent mode. If the last job accepted by the job reservation registration acceptance unit is a job in the silent mode, the control unit determines whether the setting to deactivate the silent mode is valid. If valid, the image forming unit can suspend the job being executed. After changing all jobs accepted by the job reservation registration acceptance unit to normal mode jobs, the normal mode jobs are accepted and registered as the final jobs.

[0022] In this way, in an image forming apparatus that can switch between normal mode and silent mode, when a normal mode job is scheduled during the execution of a job in silent mode, based on whether the silent mode action should be deactivated in the normal mode registration, by pausing the job being executed, switching all scheduled jobs to normal mode and deciding whether to register / start the job, an image forming apparatus with a shorter waiting time for the user than before can be achieved.

[0023] In the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, the mode setting unit also accepts the setting of whether to enable the normal mode operation insertion in the normal mode job reservation registration. If the setting of the silent mode operation release is not valid, the control unit determines whether the setting of the normal mode operation insertion is valid. If the setting of the normal mode operation insertion is valid, the control unit causes the image forming unit to suspend the operation being performed, and accepts the registration of the job reservation registration unit to insert the normal mode job as the next job to be performed.

[0024] In this way, in an image forming apparatus that can switch between normal mode and silent mode, when a normal mode job is scheduled during the execution of a job in silent mode, the silent mode job can be restarted after the job in progress is paused by inserting the scheduled job and completing the scheduled job. This results in an image forming apparatus with shorter waiting time and greater user convenience than ever before.

[0025] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, a post-processing unit may also be included, which further processes the paper on which the image has been formed. When the operation insertion setting of the normal mode is enabled, the control unit determines whether there is post-processing for the normal mode job being performed. If there is post-processing, after the post-processing unit performs the post-processing for the normal mode job being performed, the image forming unit suspends the job being performed, and the job reservation registration receiving unit registers the normal mode job as the next job to be performed.

[0026] In this way, in an image forming apparatus that can switch between normal mode and silent mode, when a normal mode operation is scheduled during the execution of a silent mode operation, by pausing the operation after feeding paper until the next post-processing step, it is possible to avoid the situation where paper is interrupted midway and staples cannot be used in post-processing. This results in an image forming apparatus that is more convenient for users than before.

[0027] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, if the control unit has no post-processing for the normally operating job, it may suspend the normally operating job and the job reservation registration receiving unit may insert the normally operating job as the next job to be performed.

[0028] In this way, in an image forming apparatus that can switch between normal mode and silent mode, when a normal mode job is scheduled during the execution of a job in silent mode, by feeding paper according to whether post-processing of the job is required until the next post-processing, it is decided whether to start the job and pause processing. This enables an image forming apparatus with shorter waiting time and greater user convenience than before.

[0029] The present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0030] [Implementation Method 1]

[0031] <Composition of Digital Multifunction Printer 1>

[0032] The following is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The general configuration of a digital multifunction printer 1, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the structure of a digital multifunction printer 1.

[0035] The digital multifunction printer 1 has copying, scanning, and faxing functions. It is a device that digitally processes and outputs image data read from the original document.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the digital multifunction printer 1 includes a control unit 10, an image forming unit 11, a document reading unit 12, a transport unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a storage unit 15, a communication unit 16, an operation panel 17, a mode setting unit 18, and a job reservation registration and acceptance unit 19.

[0037] The following describes the constituent elements of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0038] The control unit 10 controls the digital multifunction printer 1 as a whole, and consists of a CPU, RAM, ROM, various interface circuits, etc.

[0039] In order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction printer 1, the control unit 10 performs detection of various sensors, monitoring and control of all loads such as motors, clutches, and operation panel 17.

[0040] The image forming unit 11 is the part that prints out the image data generated by the image processing unit 14 onto the recording paper.

[0041] The image forming unit 11 has one or more motors that drive the image forming unit 11, and can switch between two image forming modes, a normal mode and a silent mode, depending on the type of operation. In the normal mode, image forming is performed at a predetermined normal motor speed, while in the silent mode, image forming is performed at a motor speed slower than the normal motor speed in order to be silent.

[0042] The original document reading unit 12 has one or more motors that drive the original document reading unit 12. It is a part that detects and reads the original document placed on the original document stage or the original document transported from the paper tray and generates image data.

[0043] The conveying unit 13 has one or more motors that drive the conveying unit 13 and is the part that conveys recording paper stored in the paper feed cassette or manual paper feed tray to the image forming unit 11 and discharges it from the paper discharge tray.

[0044] In addition, in automatic reading mode, the transport unit 13 transports the originals placed on the originals placement tray toward the originals placement stage of the originals reading unit 12 in sequence.

[0045] The image processing unit 14 is the part that converts the image of the original document read by the original document reading unit 12 into appropriate electrical signals to generate image data.

[0046] The storage unit 15 is a component and storage medium that stores information, control programs, etc., required to implement various functions of the digital multifunction printer 1. For example, it may use semiconductor components such as RAM and ROM, hard disks, flash memory, SSDs, etc.

[0047] Alternatively, the program and data can be stored in different devices, with the data storage area consisting of a hard disk drive and the program storage area consisting of a flash memory.

[0048] The communications unit 16 is a part that communicates with computers or portable information terminals, external information processing devices or fax devices via networks, etc., and sends and receives various information such as emails and faxes with these external communications devices.

[0049] The operation panel 17 is used to display various information and to handle user commands via touch panel functionality.

[0050] The operation panel 17 is composed of a display panel and a touch panel of the electrostatic capacitive type, and includes a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172. The display panel is composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and the touch panel is stacked on the display panel and detects the position touched by a finger.

[0051] The display unit 171, for example, is composed of a CRT monitor, a liquid crystal display, an EL monitor, etc., and is a display device such as a monitor or linear display used to display electronic data such as the processing status of the operating system and application software.

[0052] The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction printer 1 via the display unit 171.

[0053] The operation unit 172 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction printer 1 and is the part that receives instructions from the user.

[0054] The mode setting unit 18 is responsible for setting whether various operations should be performed in normal mode or silent mode.

[0055] The Job Reservation Registration and Acceptance Department 19 is the department that accepts job reservation registrations.

[0056] <Work registration processing in silent mode and normal mode of operation of digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure>

[0057] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of job registration processing in silent mode of a digital multifunction printer 1, and in normal mode.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In step S1, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 determines whether a normal mode operation has been scheduled (step S1).

[0059] If no scheduled job is made (if the determination in step S1 is "No"), in step S2, the control unit 10 registers the scheduled job as the final job and ends the process.

[0060] On the other hand, if a normal mode job has been scheduled (if the determination in step S1 is "yes"), in step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether the final job is a silent mode job (step S3).

[0061] If the final job is not a job in silent mode (if the determination in step S3 is "no"), in step S2, after the control unit 10 registers the scheduled job as the final job (step S2), the processing ends.

[0062] On the other hand, if the final operation is a silent mode operation (if the determination in step S3 is "yes"), in step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether the normal mode switching setting performed in silent mode is set to have a silent mode deactivation setting (step S4).

[0063] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An example of the system setting screen displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, users can mute the device by selecting the "Mute Settings" option in the system settings.

[0065] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The display unit 171 of the digital multifunction printer 1 shows an example of the normal mode switching setting in silent mode.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the user can select "None" or "Register via normal mode, deactivate silent mode" as the normal mode switching setting when executing in silent mode.

[0067] exist Figure 3 In step S4, if the normal mode switching setting executed in silent mode is not set to "register through normal mode, and the action of silent mode is deactivated" (if the determination in step S4 is "no"), in step S2, after the control unit 10 registers the scheduled job as the final job (step S2), the processing ends.

[0068] On the other hand, if the normal mode switching setting during silent mode is set to "the silent mode action is deactivated by normal mode registration" (if the determination in step S4 is "yes"), then in step S5, the control unit 10 starts the operation suspension process (step S5).

[0069] Next, in step S6, the control unit 10 changes all scheduled jobs to normal mode (step S6).

[0070] Next, in step S7, after registering the normal mode job as the final job (step S7), the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0071] In this way, if a copy job in normal mode is scheduled during the execution of a printer job in silent mode, after pausing the ongoing job, all scheduled jobs will be switched to normal mode and the copy job will be registered before the job begins.

[0072] Therefore, the digital multifunction printer 1 can switch to normal mode earlier than when the job in progress is completed, resulting in shorter waiting time and greater user convenience compared to the past.

[0073] <Work registration processing in silent mode and normal mode of operation of digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure>

[0074] Next, based on Figures 6 to 9 This describes the job registration processing in the silent mode of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, as well as the normal mode job registration processing.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0076] The general configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, except that it also includes a post-processing unit 20, is similar to that of Embodiment 1 ( Figure 2 Similarly, the post-processing unit 20 performs post-processing such as binding on the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 11.

[0077] In Implementation 1, subsequent scheduled jobs are only registered as final jobs, but in Implementation 2, it is envisioned that subsequent scheduled jobs can also be inserted and registered.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the normal mode job registration process during the execution of a job in silent mode of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0079] exist Figure 7 In step S11, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 determines whether a normal mode operation has been scheduled (step S11).

[0080] If no scheduled job is made (if the determination in step S11 is "No"), in step S12, the control unit 10 registers the scheduled job as the final job and ends the process.

[0081] On the other hand, if a normal mode job has been scheduled (if the determination in step S11 is "yes"), in step S13, the control unit 10 determines whether the final job is a silent mode job (step S13).

[0082] If the final job is not a job in silent mode (if the determination in step S13 is "no"), in step S12, after the control unit 10 registers the scheduled job as the final job (step S12), the process ends.

[0083] On the other hand, if the final operation is a silent mode operation (if the determination in step S13 is "yes"), in step S14, the control unit 10 determines whether the normal mode switching setting performed in silent mode is set to a silent mode deactivation setting (step S14).

[0084] Figure 8This is an example of a normal mode switching setting performed in silent mode, displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0085] like Figure 8 As shown, as a normal mode switching setting during execution in silent mode, the user can select "None", "Deactivate silent mode action by registering in normal mode", or "Insert silent mode action by registering in normal mode".

[0086] exist Figure 7 In step S14, if the normal mode switching setting executed in silent mode is not set to have a silent mode action deactivated (if the determination in step S14 is "no"), in step S15, the control unit 10 determines whether the normal mode switching setting executed in silent mode is set to have a normal mode action inserted (step S15).

[0087] If the normal mode switching setting during execution in silent mode is not set to allow for the insertion of a normal mode action (if the determination in step S15 is "No"), the control unit 10 will end the process after registering the scheduled job as the final job in step S12 (step S12).

[0088] On the other hand, if the normal mode switching setting for execution in silent mode is set to have a normal mode action inserted (if the determination in step S15 is "yes"), in step S16, the control unit 10 determines whether there is post-processing for the execution job (step S16).

[0089] If there is no post-processing for the ongoing task (if the determination in step S16 is "no"), in step S17, the control unit 10 starts the task suspension process (step S17).

[0090] Next, in step S19, the control unit 10 inserts the scheduled normal mode job into the registration as the next job to be performed (step S19) and ends the process.

[0091] On the other hand, if there is post-processing for the ongoing job (if the determination in step S16 is "yes"), in step S18, the control unit 10 feeds paper to the ongoing job until the next post-processing, and then starts the job suspension process (step S18).

[0092] For example, in the case of post-processing work such as stapled printing of printed paper, the work is paused when a bundle of paper has been printed and stapled and the post-processing is completed.

[0093] In this way, by pausing the process after feeding paper until the next post-processing, it is possible to avoid situations where paper is inserted halfway through the process and cannot be stapled.

[0094] Then, in step S19, after the control unit 10 inserts the normal mode job as the next job to be performed, it starts the job (step S19) and ends the process.

[0095] On the other hand, in step S14, if the normal mode switching setting executed in silent mode is set to have a silent mode deactivation setting (if the determination in step S14 is "yes"), in step S20, the control unit 10 starts the operation suspension process (step S20).

[0096] Next, in step S21, the control unit 10 changes all scheduled operations to normal mode (step S21).

[0097] Next, in step S22, after registering the normal mode job as the final job (step S22), the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0098] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of job registration processing in normal mode during the execution of a job in silent mode of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0099] exist Figure 9 In the example, the copy job is set to normal mode, and the printer job is set to silent mode. Additionally, it is assumed that the printer job has post-processing.

[0100] In addition, it is set to Action Mode 1 (with mute mode deactivation setting) and Action Mode 2 (with normal mode action insertion).

[0101] Figure 9 (A) refers to a situation where a user registers a copy job in normal mode while the printer job is being executed in silent mode. Figure 9 (B)

[0102] Here, when the normal mode switching setting is set to operation mode 1 while the operation is in silent mode, the control unit 10 immediately pauses the printer job and then switches to normal mode. Figure 9 (C)).

[0103] Next, the control unit 10 registers the normal mode copy job as the final job and initiates the operation of the registered copy job after the printer job is completed. Figure 9 (D)).

[0104] On the other hand, when the normal mode switching setting during operation in silent mode is set to operation mode 2, the control unit 10 waits for the completion of the post-processing of the printer job. Figure 9 (E)).

[0105] Next, after the post-processing of the print job is completed, the control unit 10 pauses the print job, inserts the registered copy job after the job to be registered for the next job, and then starts the copy job. Figure 9 (F)).

[0106] Then, after the copy job is completed, the control unit 10 starts the printer job again. Figure 9 (G)).

[0107] In this way, when a normal mode copy job is scheduled during the execution of a printer job in silent mode, the executing job is paused, a new copy job is inserted, and the printer job in silent mode is restarted after the copy job is completed.

[0108] Therefore, by suspending the usual printing jobs that are not prioritized and instead prioritizing copying jobs, the digital multifunction printer 1 can achieve shorter waiting times and greater user convenience than ever before.

[0109] The preferred embodiments disclosed herein also include methods obtained by combining any of the above-mentioned methods.

[0110] In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications may be made to this disclosure. These modifications should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications with the same meaning as the claims and within the scope thereof.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The image forming unit has two image forming modes, a normal mode and a silent mode, which can be switched between. The normal mode forms an image at a predetermined speed, and the silent mode forms an image at a slower speed than the normal mode. The mode setting unit handles settings for whether to perform various image-forming operations in the normal mode or the silent mode. The job reservation registration department accepts reservations for the aforementioned jobs. as well as The control unit controls the image forming unit, the mode setting unit, and the job reservation registration and acceptance unit. When the job reservation registration and acceptance department accepts a job reservation in the normal mode, the control unit determines whether the last job accepted by the job reservation registration and acceptance department is a job in the silent mode. If it is a job in the silent mode, the image forming unit suspends the job being executed. After changing all jobs accepted by the job reservation registration and acceptance department to jobs in the normal mode, the normal mode job is accepted and registered as the final job.

2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mode setting department also handles whether to deactivate the silent mode in the normal mode operation reservation registration. When the job reservation registration and acceptance department accepts a job reservation in the normal mode, the control unit determines whether the last job accepted by the job reservation registration and acceptance department is a job in the silent mode. If the last job accepted by the job reservation registration and acceptance department is a job in the silent mode, the control unit determines whether the setting to release the silent mode action is valid. If it is valid, the control unit suspends the job being executed by the image forming unit. After changing all jobs accepted by the job reservation registration and acceptance department to jobs in the normal mode, the control unit accepts and registers the job in the normal mode as the final job.

3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The mode setting department also handles the setting of whether to insert the normal mode action into the normal mode job reservation registration. If the setting to release the silent mode is not valid, the control unit determines whether the setting to insert the normal mode is valid. If the setting to insert the normal mode is valid, the control unit suspends the operation being performed by the image forming unit and accepts the registration of the operation reservation registration unit to insert the normal mode operation as the next operation to be performed.

4. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a post-processing unit, which further processes the paper after image formation. When the normal mode action insertion setting is enabled, the control unit determines whether there is post-processing for the normal mode job being executed. If there is post-processing, after the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the normal mode job being executed, the image forming unit suspends the job being executed, and the job reservation registration acceptance unit registers the normal mode job as the next job to be executed.

5. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, If the control unit has no post-processing for the normal mode job in progress, it causes the image forming unit to pause the job in progress, and the job reservation registration unit inserts the normal mode job into the registration of the next job to be performed.

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