Image forming system, control method for controlling image forming system, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming system, a control method for controlling the image forming system, and a storage medium. The image forming system includes: a light emitting section disposed at a position visible from outside of the image forming apparatus; a display unit; and a control unit configured to control, based on a detection result of a state of the image forming apparatus by the detection section, light emission of the light emitting section including light emission in a form according to the state, and display of the display section including displaying information including a display section configured to display a state of the image forming apparatus according to the state of the image forming apparatus, and a display section configured to display the state of the image forming apparatus according to the state of the image forming apparatus. The information indicates a process according to a state, and wherein, after the light emission by the light emitting section and the display by the display section are performed and in a case where the process is performed, the control unit ends the light emission by the light emitting section and the display by the display section, and if the process is performed, the control unit ends the light emission by the light emitting section and the display by the display section. The display unit performs light emission by a light-emitting unit different from the light-emitting unit and display by the display unit different from the display by the display unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system, a control method for controlling an image forming system, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-74935 discusses an image forming apparatus in which a rotating beacon light composed of five segments is provided above a stacker section. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-74935 discusses a technique in which, in a case where an abnormality has occurred in an image forming apparatus, the rotating beacon light is used to notify a user of the abnormality that has occurred as primary information, and the content of the abnormality that has occurred is notified to the user as secondary information.

[0003] However, for example, the technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-74935 notifies a user of an abnormality that has occurred in an image forming apparatus using a single rotating beacon light. In this case, for example, the content of the abnormality in the image forming apparatus is conveyed based only on the manner in which the multiple segments of the single rotating beacon light are lit, and it is not easy for the user to quickly understand the content. For example, it is not easy to associate the position in the image forming apparatus in which the abnormality has occurred with the lighting of the rotating beacon light. For example, it is necessary to teach the user the manner in which the rotating beacon light is lit. Therefore, for example, it is desirable to improve the convenience of the image forming apparatus from the above viewpoint. SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present application, an image forming system includes a detection section configured to detect a state of an image forming apparatus, a light emitting section provided at a position visible from outside of the image forming apparatus, a display section, and a control unit configured to control light emission of the light emitting section and display of the display section based on a detection result of the state by the detection section, wherein the light emission of the light emitting section includes light emission in a form according to the state of the image forming apparatus, wherein the display of the display section includes display of information indicating a process according to the state of the image forming apparatus, and wherein, after the light emission of the light emitting section and the display of the display section are performed, and in a case where the process is performed, the control unit ends the light emission of the light emitting section and the display of the display section, and performs further light emission of a light emitting section different from the light emitting section and further display of the display section different from the display of the display section.

[0005] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system.

[0007] Figure 2A is a diagram showing a configuration of a digital front end (DFE).

[0008] Figure 2B-1 and Figure 2B-2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 3A is a diagram showing an external configuration of a feeding section.

[0010] Figure 3B is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming section.

[0011] Figure 3C is a diagram showing an external configuration of a first fixing section, a second fixing section, a cooling section, and a reversing section.

[0012] Figure 3D is a diagram showing an external configuration of a discharging section.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the entire image forming apparatus.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing processing of a print module.

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a management table.

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing internal processing of an image forming apparatus in a case where a notification is received from a print module.

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an error location identifier management table.

[0018] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing processing in a case where a notification is received from an image forming apparatus.

[0019] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing in a case where an internal notification of an update of a list of error location identifiers is received.

[0020] Figure 11 is a diagram showing processing at the start of an error scenario.

[0021] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a diagram showing a first example of a resolution work process screen.

[0022] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing processing in a case where an instruction is received from a DFE.

[0023] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing internal processing of the image forming apparatus in a case where an instruction is received from a central processing unit (CPU).

[0024] Figure 15A and Figure 15B is a diagram showing a lighted state of the light emission notification section and display content of the display device.

[0025] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing processing in a case where a notification is received from the image forming apparatus.

[0026] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing in a case where a notification of an update of a list of error position identifiers is received.

[0027] Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C is a diagram showing a second example of a resolution work process screen.

[0028] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing processing in a case where an operation to resolve the work process screen is received. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] First, a first embodiment will be described.

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming apparatus 101 is a printer using an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 101 can be a printer using a method other than the inkjet method, such as a printer using an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 101 can be a multifunction peripheral type printer including a reading apparatus such as a scanner. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the information processing apparatus 102 is a personal computer (PC). The information processing apparatus 102 can be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 are connected together via the network 100 so that the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 can communicate with each other. However, the communication between the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 is not limited to communication via the network 100. The communication between the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 can be wired communication, or can be wireless communication.

[0032] Figure 1A case where a single information processing apparatus 102 is provided in the image forming system is shown. However, for example, the image forming apparatus 101 and a plurality of information processing apparatuses can be connected together via the network 100 so that the image forming apparatus 101 and the plurality of information processing apparatuses can communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, a case where the image forming system includes the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 is shown.

[0033] However, the image forming system is not limited to the system including the image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102. For example, the image forming system can be composed of only the image forming apparatus 101. In an image forming process performed by the image forming apparatus 101 alone, the information processing apparatus 102 connected to the network 100 can not be included in the image forming system. Examples of the image forming process that can be performed by the image forming apparatus 101 alone include a process of printing a job stored in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0034] First, an example of the information processing apparatus 102 is described. The information processing apparatus 102 executes various programs such as an application that submits a print job. On the information processing apparatus 102, various applications such as a printer driver and workflow software are installed. The various applications implement functions including conversion of print data into a printer language corresponding to the image forming apparatus 101. A user who wishes to perform printing issues a print instruction by using the various applications. The printer driver and the workflow software perform a process of converting data output from the application based on the print instruction into print data that the image forming apparatus 101 can interpret, and transmitting the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 connected to the network 100.

[0035] A method of transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus 101 is not limited. The information processing apparatus 102 can transmit print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via a print application or a printer driver, or the information processing apparatus 102 can transmit print data to the image forming apparatus 101 via a cloud server.

[0036] Next, an example of the image forming apparatus 101 is described. The image forming apparatus 101 has a print function of printing an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 101 has a post-processing function. For example, the post-processing function includes a function of aligning a plurality of sheets on which images are printed, and a function of dividing a discharge destination of a plurality of sheets on which images are formed into a plurality of trays. Examples of the sheet include various sheets such as regular paper, thick paper, and coated paper. The sheet can be a sheet other than paper, such as an overhead projector (OHP) film.

[0037] In the present embodiment, a case where the image forming system further includes a digital front end (DFE) 103 is shown. In the present embodiment, a case where a display device 104 is connected to the DFE 103 so that the display device 104 can communicate with the DFE 103 is shown. For example, the display device 104 includes a computer display such as a liquid crystal display. For example, the communication between the DFE 103 and the display device 104 is performed via a communication cable. The communication between the DFE 103 and the display device 104 can be wireless communication. In the present embodiment, a case where the DFE 103 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via a network 105 so that the DFE 103 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 101 is shown. In the present embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the network 100 via the DFE 103 is shown. That is, in the present embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus 101 acquires information from the information processing apparatus 102 via the DFE 103 is shown. For example, the information from the information processing apparatus 102 includes an instruction to execute a print job. As described above, in the present embodiment, a case where the communication between the DFE 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 is performed via the network 105 is shown. For example, the DFE 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 transmit and receive information such as print data, various commands, and status notifications to and from each other via the network 105. The communication between the image forming apparatus 101 and the DFE 103 is not limited to the communication via the network 105. The communication between the image forming apparatus 101 and the DFE 103 can be wired communication, or can be wireless communication. The image forming system can not include the DFE 103. For example, as described above, the image forming system can consist of only the image forming apparatus 101.

[0038] In the present embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus 101 includes a plurality of print modules is shown. The sheet is conveyed to the plurality of print modules. The plurality of print modules are devices each of which performs some of a series of processes from feeding (supplying) of the sheet conveyed to the print module to discharge of the sheet. In the present embodiment, a case where the plurality of print modules are associated with each other is shown. The image forming apparatus 101 can perform a complex sheet process using the plurality of print modules. Examples of the print module included in the image forming apparatus 101 will be described below. In a case where the sheet is paper, the "feeding" can be understood as "sheet feeding".

[0039] For example, based on the image data, the printer unit 213 forms (prints) an image on the sheet fed from the feeding unit 214 using ink, and fixes the image to the sheet by drying the image. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the printer unit 213 includes the image forming section 201, the first fixing section 205, the second fixing section 206, the cooling section 207, and the reversing section 208. In this case, each of the image forming section 201, the first fixing section 205, the second fixing section 206, the cooling section 207, and the reversing section 208 is an example of a print module.

[0040] For example, the image forming section 201 includes inkjet heads of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). For example, the inkjet heads are linearly arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet. The image forming section 201 discharges droplets onto a sheet that is transported to a portion below the inkjet heads in accordance with image data from the inkjet heads of each color, thereby forming an image on the sheet. In order to improve the landing property and fixing property of the droplets, the image forming section 201 can apply a primer to the sheet before discharging the ink of each color. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which image forming processing is performed for the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors. However, the present application is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, ink of any color, referred to as a special color, can be used in addition to these colors. Ink of colors such as orange, purple, and green can be used as ink of an additional color. In some embodiments, preferably, there is one or more print heads, each print head being configured for a separate color, more preferably, there are at least three print heads and each print head is configured for a separate color. Image forming processing can be performed for these colors.

[0041] The sheet on which the full-color image is formed in this way is transported to the first fixing section 205 and the second fixing section 206. For example, each of the first fixing section 205 and the second fixing section 206 is built-in with a heat source such as a heater. The first fixing section 205 and the second fixing section 206 dry the ink on the sheet on which the image is formed by heating, thereby fixing the image on the sheet. In some embodiments, there can be a single fixing section, that is, the printer unit 213 can include one or more fixing sections. Then, the sheet is transported to the cooling section 207. The cooling section 207 cools the heated sheet.

[0042] The sheet cooled by the cooling section 207 is transported to the reversing section 208. In order to form an image on the back of the sheet, the reversing section 208 reverses the direction of the sheet, and again transports the sheet to the image forming section 201. In a case where an image is formed on only one side of the sheet, the reversing section 208 can not reverse the sheet.

[0043] The feeding unit 214 continuously supplies the sheet that is an image formation target to the printer unit 213.Figure 1 The case where the feeding unit 214 includes three feeding sections 202 to 204 is shown, however, in other embodiments, the feeding unit can include one or more feeding sections. The discharge unit 215 accumulates the final product (sheet) that has been printed. Figure 1 The case where the discharge unit 215 includes three discharge sections 209 to 211 is shown, however, in other embodiments, the discharge unit can include one or more discharge sections. In this case, each of the feeding sections 202 to 204 and the discharge sections 209 to 211 is an example of a print module.

[0044] The notification device 212 notifies the user of the state of the image forming apparatus 101 based on lighting of a lamp (for example, a light emitting diode (LED)). In the present embodiment, the case where the lighting operation of the lamp in the notification device 212 is controlled by the DFE 103 is shown.

[0045] In the following description, the image forming section 201, the feeding sections 202 to 204, the first fixing section 205, the second fixing section 206, the cooling section 207, the reversing section 208, and the discharge sections 209 to 211 are collectively referred to as "print modules 201 to 211" as necessary.

[0046] The print modules 201 to 211 included in the image forming apparatus 101 include the light emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 as examples of the light emitting sections. For example, each of the light emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 includes an LED or some other light emitting notification section that can be used to provide a visible external indication to notify a user. The light emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 notify a user of an occurrence of an event in the print module 201 to 211 in which the light emitting notification section 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 is placed, so that the user can recognize the occurrence of the event. For example, notifying a user of an occurrence of an event in the print module 201 to 211 so that the user can recognize the occurrence of the event is achieved by distinguishing the light emitting form. For example, the light emitting form includes at least one of the presence or absence of lighting, a lighting color, a lighting intensity (a brightness when each light emitting notification section is lit), a lighting time, and a pattern of lighting and extinguishing. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which notification using the light emitting section is different notification from notification that changes a notification content using a shape represented by a combination of a plurality of light emitting sections that are lit and extinguished. For example, the information includes characters, graphics, and symbols. The light emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 can notify a user of a position and a content of an event that has occurred in the print module 201 to 211 in which the light emitting notification section 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 is placed, so that the user can recognize the position and the content of the event. Examples of the user include an owner and a user of the image forming apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 102, and the DFE 103. For example, the user can be a worker who repairs and maintains the image forming apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 102, and the DFE 103. In other embodiments, each print module can include one or more light emitting notification sections. In other embodiments, one or more print modules can include one or more light emitting sections. The light emitting notification section can encode an event in such a way that a user can derive the event from visual information provided by the light emitting notification section, for example, the event can be encoded in at least one of a color and a blink. The encoding can also be based on a number of light emitting notification sections in a single print module.

[0047] As specific examples of notification using the light emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3, three examples are described below.

[0048] First, a first example is described. Assume that a sheet conveyed to the second fixing portion 206 is caught in the second fixing portion 206 (i.e., a so-called jam occurs). In this case, for example, the light-emitting notification portion 206al or 206a2 included in the second fixing portion 206 is lit in red, thereby notifying the user that an event that makes it difficult to continue printing has occurred due to the jam in the second fixing portion 206. In this case, for example, the light-emitting notification portions 206al and 206a2 included in the second fixing portion 206 can be lit in red.

[0049] Next, a second example is described. Assume that during execution of a print job in the feeding portion 202, 203, or 204, processing cannot be continued due to a shortage of sheets.

[0050] In this case, for example, the light-emitting notification portion 202al, 203al, or 204al included in the feeding portion 202, 203, or 204, respectively, is lit in red, thereby notifying the user that there is a shortage of sheets in the feeding portion. In this case, for example, all of the light-emitting notification portions 202al to 204a3 included in the feeding portions 202 to 204, respectively, can be lit in red.

[0051] Next, a third example is described. Assume that during execution of a print job in the discharge portion 209, 210, or 211, the amount of stacking of sheets reaches a predetermined amount, and no more sheets can be stacked. In this case, for example, the light-emitting notification portion 209al, 210al, or 211al included in the discharge portion 209, 210, or 211, respectively, is lit in red, thereby notifying the user that no more sheets can be stacked in the discharge portion. In this case, for example, all of the light-emitting notification portions 209al to 211a2 included in the discharge portions 209 to 211, respectively, can be lit in red.

[0052] For example, the display device 104 or the notification device 212 connected to the DFE 103 can also notify the user of information equivalent to the information notified to the user using the light-emitting notification portions 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3. However, the user needs to determine in which of the many print modules included in the image forming apparatus 101 an event has occurred, and the content of the event that has occurred in that print module. Therefore, the user needs to move to a location where the display device 104 is installed, and confirm the content of the information displayed on the display device 104. By the lighting operation of the lamp in the notification device 212, it is not easy to quickly notify the user in which of the many print modules an event has occurred.

[0053] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 are placed at positions visible to the user from the outside of the image forming apparatus 101 among the print modules 201 to 211. For example, the position visible to the user from the outside of the image forming apparatus 101 is a position on the surface of the print modules 201 to 211. For example, the position visible to the user from the outside of the image forming apparatus 101 can be a position inside the print modules 201 to 211. In this case, holes for communicating the inside and the outside of the print modules 201 to 211 with each other can be formed in the print modules 201 to 211. The user can view the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 from the outside of the image forming apparatus 101 through the holes. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections 201a to 211a, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 are provided in all of the print modules 201 to 211 of the image forming apparatus 101. However, the present application is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, there can be print modules in which the light-emitting notification sections are not provided, as long as the light-emitting notification sections are provided in one or more print modules. For example, the light-emitting notification sections can be provided in two or more print modules among all of the print modules 201 to 211 of the image forming apparatus 101. The two or more print modules can be equal to the number of all of the print modules of the image forming apparatus 101, or can be less than the number of all of the print modules of the image forming apparatus 101. However, it is desirable that the light-emitting notification sections be provided in more print modules. This is because it is possible to increase the number of print modules in which the light-emitting notification sections notify the user that an event has occurred.

[0054] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the user is notified of the occurrence of an event using such light-emitting notification sections. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections included in the print modules in which an event has occurred are selectively lit. Thus, the user can quickly determine the print modules in which an event has occurred without approaching the image forming apparatus 101 (the light-emitting notification sections). The user can recognize the type of event that has occurred on the basis of the color of the light-emitting notification sections that are lit. As described above, using the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3, it is possible to make it easy for the user to grasp the event. Thus, it is possible to improve the operability and convenience of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0055] Figure 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the DFE 103. Figure 2B-1 and Figure 2B-2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. Figure 2A , Figure 2B-1 and Figure 2B-2The blocks shown in FIG. 1 are divided into units as a system. Therefore, some parts do not necessarily correspond to the units of the configuration shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1 An example of the internal configuration of the DFE 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 is described below.

[0056] First, an example of the internal configuration of the DFE 103 is described.

[0057] In Figure 2A In the example shown in FIG. 1, the network interface (I / F) 218 is used to communicate with an external apparatus connected to the network 100. For example, the network I / F 218 receives print job data transmitted from an external apparatus such as the information processing apparatus 102. The network I / F 218 transmits information on the state of the image forming apparatus 101 to the external apparatus. For example, the print job data received through the network I / F 218 is processed by reading various programs stored in a solid state drive (SSD) 221 into a random access memory (RAM) 220 and executing the various programs by a central processing unit (CPU) 217. CPU stands for central processing unit. RAM stands for random access memory. SSD stands for solid state drive.

[0058] A specific example of the processing performed in this way includes a series of processes on a print job. For example, the series of processes on a print job include rasterization of print job data, raster image processor (RIP) processing, image conversion processing, and color conversion processing. The DFE 103 includes an operation section 222. A user issues an instruction through the operation section 222 to perform various settings of the DFE 103, settings of a job, and adjustment of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 217 and these modules are connected to each other via a system bus 223.

[0059] The processing of the CPU 217 can be performed by one or more processors other than the CPU 217, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), in addition to or instead of the CPU 217. The processing of the CPU 217 can be performed by a plurality of hardware sharing processing. At least a part of the processing of the CPU 217 can be performed by using a dedicated hardware. For example, the dedicated hardware is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Also, in an apparatus other than the DFE 103, similarly, as described above, the processor can not be limited to a specific processor (such as a CPU), a plurality of hardware can share processing, and a dedicated hardware can be used.

[0060] The print job data processed by the DFE 103 is transmitted from the network I / F 219 to the image forming apparatus 101 via the network 105.

[0061] Next, an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 is described.

[0062] The network I / F 225 is used for communication with an external device connected to the network 105. For example, the network I / F 225 is connected to the network I / F 219 included in the DFE 103 via the network 105, so that the network I / F 225 and 219 can communicate with each other. In this case, for example, the network I / F 225 receives print job data from the DFE 103. The network I / F 225 is used for transmission and reception of status and commands with the DFE 103.

[0063] The CPU 224 is a unit that manages the operation of the whole of the image forming apparatus 101. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the CPU 224 controls the modules including the print modules 201 to 211 included in the image forming apparatus 101. The modules are connected to the CPU 224 via the system buses 228a and 228b, so that the modules and the CPU 224 can communicate with each other.

[0064] The CPU 224 performs various processes by reading various programs stored in the SSD 230 into the RAM 229 and executing the various programs.

[0065] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the DFE 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 include different CPUs 217 and 224, respectively. However, the present application is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the DFE 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 can be controlled by the same CPU.

[0066] The sheet management section 226 is a database that forms a sheet library included in the image forming apparatus 101. The sheet management section 226 stores parameters of various media (sheets). The adjustment section 227 includes various sensors. The adjustment section 227 performs various calibrations and controls various sensors. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in addition to these modules, the print modules 201 to 211 are connected to the CPU 224 via the system buses 228a and 228b, so that the print modules 201 to 211 and the CPU 224 can communicate with each other.

[0067] As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming apparatus 101 includes the image forming section 201, the feeding sections 202 to 204, the first fixing section 205, the second fixing section 206, the cooling section 207, the reversing section 208, and the discharge sections 209 to 211 as print modules. An example of the internal configuration of the print modules is described below.

[0068] First, an example of the internal configuration of the cooling section 207 is described.

[0069] The microprocessor 207b controls the sub-modules included in the cooling unit 207, and the microprocessor 207b and CPU 224 also communicate control commands and status to each other. The embedded multimedia card (eMMC) 207c stores the program to be executed by the microprocessor 207b. RAM 207d is a memory loaded with the program executed by the microprocessor 207b and stores the execution results obtained by executing the program. The conveying units 207e1 and 207e2 are sheet conveying units. The conveying units 207e1 and 207e2 convey sheets in the upper and lower conveying paths, respectively. The conveying processing of the conveying units 207e1 and 207e2 is controlled by the microprocessor 207b. Channel sensors 207g1 and 207g2, as an example of a detection unit, are sensors respectively disposed at the exit portions of the conveying units 207e1 and 207e2. Channel sensors 207g1 and 207g2 are sensors that detect the presence of sheet material at the outlet portions of conveyor sections 207e1 and 207e2, respectively. Channel sensors 207g1 and 207g2 are primarily used for detection processing, specifically to detect jams that have occurred in the conveyor sections 207e1 and 207e2 within the cooling section 207. Open / close sensors 207g3 and 207g4 are sensors that detect the open / closed states of doors 207h1 and 207h2, respectively, located on the front surface of the cooling section 207. Doors 207h1 and 207h2 are located on the upper and lower sides of the front surface of the cooling section 207, respectively (see...). Figure 3C ).

[0070] The light-emitting notification units 207a1 and 207a2 notify the user of the location and content of an event that has occurred in the cooling unit 207. In this embodiment, it is shown that the light-emitting notification units 207a1 and 207a2 notify the user of the location and content of an event that has occurred in the cooling unit 207 based on the position and color of the illuminated light-emitting notification units 207a1 and 207a2. The following will refer to... Figure 3C This section provides a detailed example of which illumination notification unit illuminates which color when which event occurs. As described above, the location and content of an event can be communicated to the user using methods other than illuminating the location and color of illumination notification units 207a1 and 207a2 (such as illumination time, illumination intensity, or illumination and extinguishing patterns). Similarly, in illumination notification units included in the printing module other than the cooling unit 207, the method of notifying the user of the location and content of an event is not limited, as described above.

[0071] Next, an example of the internal structure of the first fixing section 205 will be described.

[0072] The microprocessor 205b controls the sub-modules included in the first fixing section 205, and the microprocessor 205b and the CPU 224 also notify each other of control commands and states. The eMMC 205c stores programs to be executed by the microprocessor 205b. The RAM 205d is a memory in which programs to be executed by the microprocessor 205b are loaded and in which execution results obtained by executing the programs are stored. The conveyance sections 205el and 205e2 are sheet conveyance units. The conveyance sections 205el and 205e2 convey sheets in the upper conveyance path and the lower conveyance path, respectively. The conveyance processing of the conveyance sections 205el and 205e2 is controlled by the microprocessor 205b. The passage sensors 205gl and 205g2, which are examples of detection sections, are sensors provided at exit portions of the conveyance sections 205el and 205e2, respectively. The passage sensors 205gl and 205g2 are sensors that detect whether or not sheets exist at the exit portions of the conveyance sections 205el and 205e2, respectively. The passage sensors 205gl and 205g2 are mainly used for detection processing for detecting a jam that has occurred in the conveyance sections 205el and 205e2 in the first fixing section 205, respectively. The open / close sensors 205g3 and 205g4 are sensors provided so as to detect open / close states of the doors 205hl and 205h2 placed on a front surface or an upper surface of the first fixing section 205, respectively. In the present embodiment, a case where the doors 205hl and 205h2 are placed on the upper side and the lower side of the front surface of the first fixing section 205, respectively, is described (see FIG. 2). The open / close sensor 205g5 is a sensor provided so as to detect an open / close state of a cover placed on the upper surface of the first fixing section 205. Figure 3C ) The open / close sensor 205g5 is a sensor provided so as to detect an open / close state of a cover placed on the upper surface of the first fixing section 205.

[0073] The light-emitting notification sections 205al and 205a2 notify a user of a position and contents of an event that has occurred in the first fixing section 205. In the present embodiment, a case where the light-emitting notification sections 205al and 205a2 notify a user of a position and contents of an event that has occurred in the first fixing section 205 based on positions and colors of the light-emitting notification sections 205al and 205a2 that are lit up is shown. Details of an example in which which light-emitting notification section is lit up in which color when which event occurs will be described below with reference to Figure 3C

[0074] Next, an example of an internal configuration of the second fixing section 206 will be described.

[0075] ​The microprocessor 206b controls the sub-modules included in the second fixing section 206, and the microprocessor 206b and the CPU 224 also notify each other of control commands and states. The eMMC 206c stores programs to be executed by the microprocessor 206b. The RAM 206d is a memory that loads programs to be executed by the microprocessor 206b and stores execution results obtained by executing the programs. The conveyance sections 206e1 and 206e2 are sheet conveyance units. The conveyance sections 206e1 and 206e2 convey sheets in the upper conveyance path and the lower conveyance path, respectively. The conveyance processing of the conveyance sections 206e1 and 206e2 is controlled by the microprocessor 206b. The passage sensor 206g1, which is an example of a detection section, and the passage sensors 206g21 and 206g22 are sensors provided at the exit portions of the conveyance sections 206e1 and 206e2, respectively. The passage sensor 206g1 and the passage sensors 206g21 and 206g22 are sensors that detect whether or not sheets exist at the exit portions of the conveyance sections 206e1 and 206e2, respectively. The passage sensor 206g1 and the passage sensors 206g21 and 206g22 are mainly used for detection processing for detecting a jam that has occurred in the conveyance sections 206e1 and 206e2 in the second fixing section 206, respectively. The open / close sensors 206g3 and 206g4 are sensors provided to detect the open / close states of the doors 206h1 and 206h2 placed on the front surface or the upper surface of the second fixing section 206, respectively. In the present embodiment, a case where the doors 206h1 and 206h2 are placed on the upper side and the lower side of the front surface of the second fixing section 206, respectively, is described (see FIG. 2). The open / close sensor 206g5 is a sensor provided to detect the open / close state of a cover placed on the upper surface of the second fixing section 206. Figure 3C ) The open / close sensor 206g5 is a sensor provided to detect the open / close state of a cover placed on the upper surface of the second fixing section 206.

[0076] The light emission notification sections 206a1 and 206a2 notify the user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the second fixing section 206. In the present embodiment, a case where the light emission notification sections 206a1 and 206a2 notify the user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the second fixing section 206 based on the position and the color of the light emission notification sections 206a1 and 206a2 that are lit is shown. Examples of how which light emission notification section is lit in which color when which event occurs will be described in detail below. Figure 3C

[0077] Next, an example of the internal configuration of the image forming section 201 will be described.

[0078] ​The microprocessor 201b controls sub-modules included in the image forming section 201, and the microprocessor 201b and the CPU 224 also notify each other of control commands and states. The eMMC 201c stores programs to be executed by the microprocessor 201b. The RAM 201d is a memory in which programs executed by the microprocessor 201b are loaded and in which execution results obtained by executing the programs are stored. The conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2 are sheet conveyance units. The conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2 convey sheets in the upper conveyance path and the lower conveyance path, respectively. Conveyance processing of the conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2 is controlled by the microprocessor 201b. The passage sensors 201g11 and 201g12 and the passage sensor 201g2, which are examples of detection sections, are sensors provided at exit portions of the conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2, respectively. The passage sensors 201g11 and 201g12 and the passage sensor 201g2 are sensors that detect whether or not sheets exist at the exit portions of the conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2, respectively. The passage sensor 201g12 is a sensor that detects whether or not a sheet exists at an entrance portion of the head 201i of the conveyance section 201e1. Details will be described below with reference to Figure 3B The head 201i is described. The passage sensors 201g11 and 201g12 and the passage sensor 201g2 are mainly used for detection processing for detecting a jam that has occurred in the conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2 in the image forming section 201, respectively. In the present embodiment, it is described that the open / close sensors 201g3 and 201g4 are sensors provided to detect open / close states of the doors 201h1 and 201h2 placed on the front surface of the image forming section 201, respectively. The doors 201h1 and 201h2 are placed on the upper side and the lower side of the front surface of the image forming section 201, respectively (see Figure 3B ).

[0079] The light emission notification sections 201a1 to 201a3 notify a user of a position and content of an event that has occurred in the image forming section 201. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light emission notification sections 201a1 to 201a3 notify a user of a position and content of an event that has occurred in the image forming section 201 based on positions and colors of the light emission notification sections 201a1 to 201a3 that are lit. Details will be described below with reference to Figure 3B Examples of which light emission notification section is lit in which color when which event occurs are described in detail.

[0080] Next, examples of internal configurations of the feeding sections 202 to 204 are described. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the feeding sections 202 to 204 have the same internal configuration. Therefore, only an example of the internal configuration of the feeding section 202 is described, and the feeding sections 203 and 204 are not described in detail. At least one of the feeding sections 202 to 204 can have a different internal configuration from the others.

[0081] The microprocessor 202b controls the sub-modules included in the feeding section 202, and the microprocessor 202b and the CPU 224 also notify each other of control commands and states. The eMMC 202c stores programs to be executed by the microprocessor 202b. The RAM 202d is a memory in which programs to be executed by the microprocessor 202b are loaded and in which execution results obtained by executing the programs are stored. The conveyance sections 202e1 and 202e2 are sheet conveyance units. The conveyance sections 202e1 and 202e2 convey sheets in the upper conveyance path and the lower conveyance path, respectively. The conveyance processing of the conveyance sections 202e1 and 202e2 is controlled by the microprocessor 202b. The passage sensors 202g1 and 202g2, which are examples of detection sections, are sensors provided at exit portions of the conveyance sections 202e1 and 202e2, respectively. The passage sensors 202g1 and 202g2 are sensors that detect whether or not sheets exist at the exit portions of the conveyance sections 202e1 and 202e2, respectively. The passage sensors 202g1 and 202g2 are mainly used for detection processing for detecting a jam that has occurred in the conveyance sections 202e1 and 202e2 in the feeding section 202, respectively. The open / close sensors 202g3 and 202g4 are sensors provided so as to detect open / close states of the doors 202h1 and 202h2 placed on the front surface of the feeding section 202, respectively. The doors 202h1 and 202h2 are placed on the upper side and the lower side of the front surface of the feeding section 202, respectively (see FIG. 2). Figure 3A

[0082] The light-emitting notification sections 202a1 to 202a3 notify a user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the feeding section 202. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections 202a1 to 202a3 notify a user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the feeding section 202 based on the position and the color of the light-emitting notification sections 202a1 to 202a3 that are lit. Examples of how each light-emitting notification section is lit in what color when what event occurs will be described in detail below. Figure 3A

[0083] Next, an example of the internal configuration of the reversing section 208 will be described.

[0084] ​​The microprocessor 208b controls the sub-modules included in the reversing section 208, and the microprocessor 208b and the CPU 224 also notify each other of control commands and states. The eMMC 208c stores programs to be executed by the microprocessor 208b. The RAM 208d is a memory that loads programs to be executed by the microprocessor 208b and stores execution results obtained by executing the programs. The conveying sections 208el and 208e2 are sheet conveying units. The conveying sections 208el and 208e2 convey sheets in the upper conveying path and the lower conveying path, respectively. The conveying processes of the conveying sections 208el and 208e2 are controlled by the microprocessor 208b. The passage sensors 208gl and 208g2, which are examples of detection sections, are sensors provided at exit portions of the conveying sections 208el and 208e2, respectively. The passage sensors 208gl and 208g2 are sensors that detect whether or not sheets exist at the exit portions of the conveying sections 208el and 208e2, respectively. The passage sensors 208gl and 208g2 are mainly used for detection processes for detecting jams that have occurred in the conveying sections 208el and 208e2 in the reversing section 208, respectively. The open / close sensors 208g3 and 208g4 are sensors for detecting open / close states of the doors 208hl and 208h2 placed on the front surface of the reversing section 208, respectively. The doors 208hl and 208h2 are placed on the upper side and the lower side of the front surface of the reversing section 208, respectively (see FIG. 2). The open / close sensors 208g3 and 208g4 detect the open / close states of the doors 208hl and 208h2, respectively, and notify the microprocessor 208b of the open / close states. The open / close sensors 208g3 and 208g4 are mainly used for detection processes for detecting whether or not the doors 208hl and 208h2 are closed, respectively. Figure 3C

[0085] The light-emitting notification sections 208al and 208a2 notify a user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the reversing section 208. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections 208al and 208a2 notify a user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the reversing section 208 based on the positions and the colors in which the light-emitting notification sections 208al and 208a2 are lit. Examples of how the light-emitting notification sections light up in which colors when which events occur will be described in detail below. Figure 3C

[0086] Next, examples of the internal configurations of the discharge sections 209 to 211 will be described. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the discharge sections 209 to 211 have the same internal configurations. Therefore, only an example of the internal configuration of the discharge section 209 will be described, and the discharge sections 210 and 211 will not be described in detail. At least one of the discharge sections 209 to 211 can have a different internal configuration from the others.

[0087] ​​The microprocessor 209b controls the sub-modules included in the discharge section 209, and the microprocessor 209b and the CPU 224 also notify each other of control commands and states. The eMMC 209c stores programs to be executed by the microprocessor 209b. The RAM 209d is a memory that is loaded with programs to be executed by the microprocessor 209b, and stores execution results obtained by executing the programs. The conveyance sections 209el and 209e2 are sheet conveyance units. The conveyance sections 209el and 209e2 convey sheets in the upper conveyance path and the lower conveyance path, respectively. The conveyance processing of the conveyance sections 209el and 209e2 is controlled by the microprocessor 208b. The passage sensors 209gl and 209g2, which are examples of detection sections, are sensors provided at exit portions of the conveyance sections 209el and 209e2, respectively. The passage sensors 209gl and 209g2 are sensors that detect whether or not sheets exist at the exit portions of the conveyance sections 209el and 209e2, respectively. The passage sensors 209gl and 209g2 are mainly used for detection processing for detecting jamming that has occurred in the conveyance sections 209el and 209e2 in the discharge section 209, respectively. The open / close sensors 209g3 and 209g4 are sensors for detecting open / close states of the doors 209hl and 209h2 placed on the front surface of the discharge section 209, respectively. The doors 209hl and 209h2 are placed on the upper side and the lower side of the front surface of the discharge section 209, respectively (see FIG. 2). The open / close sensors 209g3 and 209g4 detect open / close states of the doors 209hl and 209h2, respectively. The open / close sensors 209g3 and 209g4 are mainly used for detection processing for detecting whether or not the doors 209hl and 209h2 are closed, respectively. Figure 3D

[0088] The light emission notification sections 209al and 209a2 notify a user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the discharge section 209. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light emission notification sections 209al and 209a2 notify a user of the position and the content of an event that has occurred in the discharge section 209 based on the position and the color in which the light emission notification sections 209al and 209a2 are lit. Examples of how the light emission notification sections are lit in what color when what event occurs will be described in detail below. Figure 3D

[0089] ​​On the entire surface or the upper surface of each of the conveyance paths included in the print module, a door (cover) is provided, and each of the conveyance paths included in the print module is located inside the print module. Therefore, for example, in a case where a jam of the sheet occurs during execution of the print processing and the user performs a maintenance work such as removal of the sheet stopped on the conveyance path, the user enters the conveyance path by opening the door (cover). After the necessary maintenance work is completed, the user restores the state of the image forming apparatus 101 to the initial state by closing the door (cover). Therefore, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming apparatus 101 detects completion of the work for restoration from the state of the jam of the sheet based on a change in the open / close state of the door (cover), and further performs a subsequent restoration processing inside. In this case, each of the open / close sensors (for example, the open / close sensors 201g3 and 201g4) included in the print module is used to detect the operation of opening and closing the door (cover) involved in the restoration work performed by the user. In the description of the present embodiment, the user who performs the maintenance work is not limited to the owner and the user of the image forming apparatus 101 (for example, a person who issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 101). For example, the user who performs the maintenance work can be a worker of the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0090] Figure 3A FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the feeding section 202. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the feeding sections 202 to 204 have the same external configuration. Therefore, only an example of the external configuration of the feeding section 202 is described, and the feeding sections 203 and 204 are not described in detail. At least one of the feeding sections 202 to 204 can have an external configuration different from the others.

[0091] Figure 3A A case is shown in which the feeding section 202 includes three trays 202k1 to 202k3. The trays 202k1 to 202k3 can store sheets of different types and sizes. The trays 202k1, 202k2, and 202k3 include tray opening instruction sections 202i1, 202i2, and 202i3, and remaining amount display sections 202j1, 202j2, and 202j3, respectively. If the tray opening instruction sections 202i1, 202i2, and 202i3 are operated, the trays 202k1, 202k2, and 202k3 are pulled out of the feeding section 202, respectively. The remaining amount display sections 202j1, 202j2, and 202j3 display the remaining amounts of the sheets stored in the trays 202k1, 202k2, and 202k3, respectively.

[0092] The discharge tray 202l is a tray to which a sheet that can enter a folded state or a multiple feeding state is discharged so that the folded sheet or the multiple feeding sheet is not conveyed to the image forming section 201.

[0093] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the feeding section 202 includes three light-emitting notification sections 202a1 to 202a3. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, on the front surface of the feeding section 202, the light-emitting notification section 202a1 is disposed above the light-emitting notification section 202a2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the lower conveying section 202e2 in the feeding section 202, the lower light-emitting notification section 202a2 of the feeding section 202 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the upper conveying section 202e1 in the feeding section 202, the upper light-emitting notification section 202a1 of the feeding section 202 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification section 202a1 notifies the user of a state other than a sheet jam, as a state of the feeding section 202. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event that the discharge tray 202l enters a full tray state in which the discharge tray 202l is filled with sheets discharged onto the discharge tray 202l, the light-emitting notification section 202a1 is also lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event that the discharge tray 202l enters a state close to a full tray state, the light-emitting notification section 202a1 is lit in yellow.

[0094] For example, if the discharge tray 202l enters a full tray state in which the discharge tray 202l is filled with sheets discharged onto the discharge tray 202l, the light-emitting notification section 202a1 can be lit in a color other than red and yellow.

[0095] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification section 202a3 of the feeding section 202 is lit to notify the user that the amount of sheets stored in the cassettes 202k1 to 202k3 included in the feeding section 202 is small or has run out.

[0096] Figure 3B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0097] As described above, the notification device 212 notifies the user of the state of the image forming device 101 based on the lighting of the lights.

[0098] The image forming section 201 includes a head section 201i. For example, an inkjet head and a control unit of the inkjet head are housed in the head section 201i. For example, an ink tank control section 201j performs processing of replenishing ink and replacing waste ink, and displays the amount of ink remaining.

[0099] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections 201a1 and 202a2 are lit in red in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the upper conveying section 201e1 in the image forming section 201. Normally, a single light-emitting notification section is provided for each of the upper conveying section 201e1 and the lower conveying section 201e2. However, maintenance of the head section 201i requires particularly high technical skills. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming section 201 includes two light-emitting notification sections 201a1 and 201a2 as light-emitting notification sections that are lit in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the upper conveying section 201e1 in the image forming section 201. The light-emitting notification section 201a2 is a light-emitting notification section that notifies a user of a sheet jam in the head section 201i. The light-emitting notification section 201a1 is a light-emitting notification section that notifies a user of a sheet jam downstream (on the outlet side) of the head section 201i. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the light-emitting notification sections 201a1 and 201a2 are provided above the light-emitting notification section 201a3.

[0100] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the lower light-emitting notification section 201a3 is lit in red in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the lower conveying section 201e2 in the image forming section 201.

[0101] Figure 3C is a drawing showing an example of the external configuration of the first fixing section 205, the second fixing section 206, the cooling section 207, and the reversing section 208. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the reversing section 208 includes a discharge tray 208i. In a case in which an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 101, sheets present in a conveying path of the image forming apparatus 101 are discharged to the discharge tray 208i. The first fixing section 205 and the second fixing section 206 heat sheets using a heater to dry the sheets. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which a cover 205i and a cover 206i are respectively provided above the first fixing section 205 and the second fixing section 206 so that a user does not inadvertently touch the heated portions of the first fixing section 205 and the second fixing section 206.

[0102] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, on the front surface of the first fixing section 205, the light-emitting notification section 205a1 is provided above the light-emitting notification section 205a2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the upper light-emitting notification section 205a1 of the first fixing section 205 is lit in red in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the upper conveying section 205e1 in the first fixing section 205. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the lower light-emitting notification section 205a2 of the first fixing section 205 is lit in red in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the lower conveying section 205e2 in the first fixing section 205.

[0103] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, on the front surface of the second fixing portion 206, the light emission notification portion 206al is disposed above the light emission notification portion 206a2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the upper conveying portion 206el in the second fixing portion 206, the upper light emission notification portion 206al of the second fixing portion 206 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the lower conveying portion 206e2 in the second fixing portion 206, the lower light emission notification portion 206a2 of the second fixing portion 206 is lit in red.

[0104] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, on the front surface of the cooling portion 207, the light emission notification portion 207al is disposed above the light emission notification portion 207a2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the upper conveying portion 207el in the cooling portion 207, the upper light emission notification portion 207al of the cooling portion 207 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the lower conveying portion 207e2 in the cooling portion 207, the lower light emission notification portion 207a2 of the cooling portion 207 is lit in red.

[0105] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, on the front surface of the reversing portion 208, the light emission notification portion 208al is disposed above the light emission notification portion 208a2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the upper conveying portion 208el in the reversing portion 208, the upper light emission notification portion 208al of the reversing portion 208 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in the event of a sheet jam in the lower conveying portion 208e2 in the reversing portion 208, the lower light emission notification portion 208a2 of the reversing portion 208 is lit in red.

[0106] Figure 3D is a drawing showing an example of the external configuration of the discharge portion 209. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the discharge portions 209 to 211 have the same external configuration. Therefore, only an example of the external configuration of the discharge portion 209 is described, and the discharge portions 210 and 211 are not described in detail. At least one of the discharge portions 209 to 211 can have an external configuration that is different from the others.

[0107] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the discharge section 209 includes two discharge sections. The stacking section 209i is a section for stacking a large number of sheets. The stacking section 209i is protected by the door 209h2. A small number of sheets are discharged to the sample tray 209j. The sample tray 209j is not protected by a door. In order to improve the performance of stacking sheets in the stacking section 209i, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the stacking section 209i has a jogger mechanism (a mechanism for aligning sheets) (not shown). As shown in FIG. 12, in a case in which the image forming apparatus 101 includes a plurality of discharge sections 209 to 211, each of the plurality of discharge sections 209 to 211 can include a stacking section. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming apparatus 101 has a function (tray association function) capable of regarding a plurality of stacking sections as a single discharge destination. Figure 1

[0108] The ejection instruction section 209k is operated by the user to release the lock of the door 209h2. If the lock of the door 209h2 is released, the user can enter the stacking section 209i inside the discharge section 209. Therefore, the user can take out the sheets stacked inside the discharge section 209. The stacking amount notification section 209l displays the stacking amount (height) of the sheets stacked in the stacking section 209i in a stepped manner according to the stacking amount.

[0109] In the present example embodiment, a case is shown in which, on the front surface of the discharge section 209, the upper light emission notification section 209a1 is disposed above the lower light emission notification section 209a2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the upper conveyance section 209e1 in the discharge section 209, the upper light emission notification section 209a1 of the discharge section 209 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in a case in which the sample tray 209j of the discharge section 209 is full of sheets stacked in the sample tray 209j, the upper light emission notification section 209a1 of the discharge section 209 is lit in red. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in a case in which the sheets stacked in the sample tray 209j of the discharge section 209 are close to full, the upper light emission notification section 209a1 of the discharge section 209 is lit in yellow. For example, if the sample tray 209j of the discharge section 209 is full of sheets stacked in the sample tray 209j, the light emission notification section 209a1 can be lit in a color other than red and yellow.

[0110] ​In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the lower light-emitting notification portion 209a2 of the discharge portion 209 is lit in red in a case in which a sheet jam occurs in the lower conveyance portion 209e2 in the discharge portion 209. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the lower light-emitting notification portion 209a2 of the discharge portion 209 is lit in red in a case in which the stack portion 209i of the discharge portion 209 is full of sheets stacked in the stack portion 209i. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the lower light-emitting notification portion 209a2 of the discharge portion 209 is lit in yellow in a case in which the sheets stacked in the stack portion 209i of the discharge portion 209 are close to a full state. For example, if the stack portion 209i of the discharge portion 209 is full of sheets stacked in the stack portion 209i, the light-emitting notification portion 209a2 can be lit in a color other than red and yellow.

[0111] Figure 4 is a drawing showing an example of the internal configuration of the entire image forming apparatus 101. Referring to Figure 4 , an example is described in which a form example of the sheet conveyance path in each of the print modules included in the image forming apparatus 101, an example of the positional relationship between the passage sensors, and an example of the placement relationship between the light-emitting notification portions are described. As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the configurations of the feed portions 202 to 204 are the same as each other.

[0112] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the configurations of the discharge portions 209 to 211 are the same as each other. Therefore, Figure 4 Only the feed portion 202 and the discharge portion 209 among the feed portions 202 to 204 and the discharge portions 209 to 211 are shown, and the feed portions 203 and 204 and the discharge portions 210 and 211 are not shown. The feed portions 203 and 204 and the discharge portions 210 and 211 are not described in detail here.

[0113] The feed portion 202 is first described. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the conveyance portions 202el and 202e2 are placed at Figure 4 indicated positions. At the exit portions of the conveyance portions 202el and 202e2, the passage sensors 202gl and 202g2 are placed, respectively. The passage sensors 202gl and 202g2 respectively detect a sheet conveyed in the conveyance path passing through the detection areas of the passage sensors 202gl and 202g2. The passage sensors 202gl and 202g2 according to the present embodiment are used to detect the occurrence of a sheet jam.

[0114] For example, a sheet jam is detected by the following method.

[0115] Based on the instruction from the CPU 224, the microprocessor included in each print module such as the feeding section 202 controls the conveyance section included in the print module including the microprocessor. Thus, the sheet is conveyed. If the sheet is conveyed to the print module in this way, the sheet moves in the print module and is then conveyed to the outside of the print module by the conveyance section included in the print module that is controlled.

[0116] At this time, based on the relationship between the conveyance speed of the sheet and the shape and length of the conveyance path inside the print module, the time required from when the sheet is conveyed into the inside of the print module to when the sheet is conveyed to the outside of the print module is calculated. For example, the calculation of this time is performed by the CPU 224. This time is a time that is assumed to exist when the sheet is in the print module. In the following description, this time will be referred to as the "in-device assumed time" as necessary. If the sheet is detected by the passage sensor at the time when the in-device assumed time in the print module has elapsed, the CPU 224 can determine that the conveyance processing in the print module has been performed as assumed. On the other hand, if the sheet is not detected by the passage sensor even though the in-device assumed time in the print module has elapsed, the CPU 224 can determine that the sheet has not been conveyed properly in the print module. That is, the CPU 224 can determine that the conveyance processing in the print module has stalled due to a sheet jam occurring in the print module. Thus, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the passage sensor is placed at the exit portion (downstream) of the conveyance path of each print module. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, based on the detection result of the passage sensor of each print module, the CPU 224 determines whether the sheet has been conveyed to the outside of the print module at the time when the in-device assumed time with respect to the sheet in the print module has elapsed.

[0117] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, based on the detection result of the passage sensor 202g2, the CPU 224 determines whether a sheet jam has occurred in the lower conveyance section 202e2.

[0118] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if a sheet jam has occurred in the lower conveyance section 202e2, the CPU 224 causes the lower light notification section 202a2 to be lit in red. This will notify the user that a sheet jam has occurred in the lower conveyance section 202e2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, based on the detection result of the passage sensor 202g1, the CPU 224 determines whether a sheet jam has occurred in the upper conveyance section 202e1.

[0119] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if a sheet jam has occurred in the upper conveyance section 202e1, the CPU 224 causes the upper light notification section 202a1 to be lit in red. This will notify the user that a sheet jam has occurred in the upper conveyance section 202e1.

[0120] The image forming unit 201 will be described next. In this embodiment, the transport units 201e1 and 201e2 are shown placed... Figure 4 The situation is as shown in the diagram. Channel sensors 201g11 and 201g2 are placed at the exit portions of conveyor sections 201e1 and 201e2, respectively. Channel sensor 201g12 is placed at the entrance portion of head 201i. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: based on the detection result of channel sensor 201g11, CPU 224 determines whether sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 201e1. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: if sheet jamming occurs at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 201e1, CPU 224 illuminates upper light-emitting notification section 201a1 in red. This notifies the user that sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 201e1. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: based on the detection result of channel sensor 201g12, CPU 224 determines whether sheet jamming has occurred at the entrance portion of head 201i of upper conveyor section 201e1. In this embodiment, it is shown that the CPU 224 illuminates the upper light-emitting notification unit 201a2 in red. This notifies the user that sheet jamming has occurred at the entrance portion of the head 201i of the upper conveying unit 201e1.

[0121] In this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: based on the detection result of the channel sensor 201g2, the CPU 224 determines whether sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyor section 201e2. In this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: if sheet jamming occurs at the exit portion of the lower conveyor section 201e2, the CPU 224 illuminates the lower light-emitting notification section 201a3 in red. This notifies the user that sheet jamming has occurred in the lower conveyor section 201e2. Since examples of methods for detecting sheet jamming have been described above, the methods for detecting sheet jamming will not be described in detail here.

[0122] Next, the first fixing unit 205 will be described. In this embodiment, it is shown that the transport units 205e1 and 205e2 are placed... Figure 4 The situation is illustrated in the diagram. Channel sensors 205g1 and 205g2 are placed at the exit portions of conveyor sections 205e1 and 205e2, respectively. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: based on the detection result of channel sensor 205g1, CPU 224 determines whether sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 205e1. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: if sheet jamming occurs at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 205e1, CPU 224 illuminates upper light-emitting notification section 205a1 in red. This notifies the user that sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 205e1.

[0123] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, based on the detection result of the passage sensor 205g2, the CPU 224 determines whether a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 205e2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 205e2, the lower light-emitting notification unit 205a2 is illuminated in red by the CPU 224. This notifies the user that a sheet jam has occurred in the lower conveyance unit 205e2. Since the method of detecting a sheet jam is as described above, the method of detecting a sheet jam is not described in detail here.

[0124] Next, the second fixing unit 206 is described. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the conveyance units 206e1 and 206e2 are placed at Figure 4 At the exit portions of the conveyance units 206e1 and 206e2, the passage sensor 206g1 and the passage sensors 206g21 and 206g22 are placed, respectively. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, based on the detection result of the passage sensor 206g1, the CPU 224 determines whether a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 206e1. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 206e1, the upper light-emitting notification unit 206a1 is illuminated in red by the CPU 224. This notifies the user that a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 206e1.

[0125] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, based on the detection result of the passage sensors 206g21 and 206g22, the CPU 224 determines whether a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 206e2. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if a sheet jam has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 206e2, the lower light-emitting notification unit 206a2 is illuminated in red by the CPU 224. This notifies the user that a sheet jam has occurred in the lower conveyance unit 206e2. Since the method of detecting a sheet jam is as described above, the method of detecting a sheet jam is not described in detail here.

[0126] Next, the cooling unit 207 is described. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the conveyance units 207e1 and 207e2 are placed at Figure 4The case where the position is shown. At the exit portion of the conveyance units 207el and 207e2, the passage sensors 207gl and 207g2 are placed, respectively. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 determines whether or not a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 207el based on the detection result of the passage sensor 207gl. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 illuminates the upper light notification unit 207al in red if a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 207el. This will notify the user that a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 207el.

[0127] In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 determines whether or not a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 207e2 based on the detection result of the passage sensor 207g2. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 illuminates the lower light notification unit 207a2 in red if a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 207e2. This will notify the user that a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 207e2. Since the example of the method of detecting a jam of the sheet is described above, the method of detecting a jam of the sheet will not be described in detail here.

[0128] Next, the reversing unit 208 is described. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the conveyance units 208el and 208e2 are placed at Figure 4 The case where the position is shown. At the exit portion of the conveyance units 208el and 208e2, the passage sensors 208gl and 208g2 are placed, respectively. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 determines whether or not a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 208el based on the detection result of the passage sensor 208gl. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 illuminates the upper light notification unit 208al in red if a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 208el. This will notify the user that a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the upper conveyance unit 208el.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 determines whether or not a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 208e2 based on the detection result of the passage sensor 208g2. In the present embodiment, the case is shown where the CPU 224 illuminates the lower light notification unit 208a2 in red if a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 208e2. This will notify the user that a jam of the sheet has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyance unit 208e2. Since the example of the method of detecting a jam of the sheet is described above, the method of detecting a jam of the sheet will not be described in detail here.

[0130] Next, the discharge section 209 will be described. In this embodiment, the conveying sections 209e1 and 209e2 are shown placed... Figure 4 The situation is illustrated in the diagram. Channel sensors 209g1 and 209g2 are placed at the exit portions of conveyor sections 209e1 and 209e2, respectively. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: based on the detection result of channel sensor 209g1, CPU 224 determines whether sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 209e1. In this embodiment, the following situation is shown: if sheet jamming occurs at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 209e1, CPU 224 illuminates upper light-emitting notification section 209a1 in red. This notifies the user that sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of upper conveyor section 209e1.

[0131] In this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: based on the detection result of the channel sensor 209g2, the CPU 224 determines whether sheet jamming has occurred at the exit portion of the lower conveyor section 209e2. In this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: if sheet jamming occurs at the exit portion of the lower conveyor section 209e2, the CPU 224 illuminates the lower light-emitting notification section 209a2 in red. This notifies the user that sheet jamming has occurred in the lower conveyor section 209e2. Since an example of a method for detecting sheet jamming has been described above, the method for detecting sheet jamming will not be described in detail here.

[0132] Upper doors 201h1, 202h1, 205h1, 206h1, 207h1, 208h1, and 209h1 respectively include door solenoid valves 201n1, 202n1, 205n1, 206n1, 207n1, 208n1, and 209n1. Lower doors 201h2, 202h2, 205h2, 206h2, 207h2, 208h2, and 209h2 respectively include door solenoid valves 201n2, 202n2, 205n2, 206n2, 207n2, 208n2, and 209n2. Each door solenoid valve includes an electromagnetic coil. When current flows through the electromagnetic coil, the door solenoid coil generates an electromagnetic force. The iron core is attracted by the electromagnetic force, thereby locking the door. When the door solenoid valve carries current, the iron core is continuously attracted to the locked side of the door, thus locking the door. If the current is stopped from being applied to the electromagnetic coil, the attractive force acting on the door disappears, and thus the lock on the door is released.

[0133] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of each microprocessor in printing modules 201 to 211 when the printing module receives signals from sensors included in the printing module.

[0134] For example, if each microprocessor receives a signal from any sensor in the printing module that includes the microprocessor, then it begins... Figure 5the processes of the flowcharts.

[0135] As described above, each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes a door (e.g., door 201h1) for entering a region in the upper conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201e1). Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an open / close sensor (e.g., open / close sensor 201g3) that detects opening and closing of the upper door (e.g., door 201h1), and an upper door solenoid valve (e.g., door solenoid valve 201n1) that locks the upper door. Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an upper light-emitting notification section (e.g., light-emitting notification sections 201a1 and 201a2) that notifies a user of an error (abnormal state) such as a sheet jam occurring in the upper conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201e1). Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an upper passage sensor (e.g., passage sensors 201g11 and 201g12) that detects a sheet jam in the upper conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201e1).

[0136] Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes a door (e.g., door 201h2) for entering a region in the lower conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201e2). Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an open / close sensor (e.g., open / close sensor 201g4) that detects opening and closing of the lower door (e.g., door 201h2), and a lower door solenoid valve (e.g., door solenoid valve 201n2) that locks the lower door. Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes a lower light-emitting notification section (e.g., light-emitting notification section 201a3) that notifies a user of an error (abnormal state) such as a sheet jam occurring in the lower conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201e2). Each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes a lower passage sensor (e.g., passage sensor 201g2) that detects a sheet jam in the lower conveying section (e.g., conveying section 202e1).

[0137] In the present embodiment, a case in which unique identifiers are assigned to the submodules (doors, sensors, and light-emitting notification sections) included in the print modules 201 to 211 is shown. In the present embodiment, a case in which the identifiers stored in the management table 600 are used to specify the submodules (sensors, doors, or light-emitting notification sections) with respect to which notifications and instructions are issued is shown. Figure 6 A case in which the management table 600 shown is used to manage the respective print modules is shown. The management table 600 stores the identifiers of the submodules included in the print modules 201 to 211. The management table 600 is stored in a storage medium so that the respective microprocessors (e.g., microprocessor 201b) of the print modules 201 to 211, the CPU 224, and the CPU 217 of the DFE 103 can access the management table 600. In the present embodiment, a case in which the identifiers stored in the management table 600 are used to specify the submodules (sensors, doors, or light-emitting notification sections) with respect to which notifications and instructions are issued is shown.

[0138] In the present embodiment, a case in which the management table 600 shown is used to manage the respective print modules is shown. The management table 600 stores the identifiers of the submodules included in the print modules 201 to 211. The management table 600 is stored in a storage medium so that the respective microprocessors (e.g., microprocessor 201b) of the print modules 201 to 211, the CPU 224, and the CPU 217 of the DFE 103 can access the management table 600. In the present embodiment, a case in which the identifiers stored in the management table 600 are used to specify the submodules (sensors, doors, or light-emitting notification sections) with respect to which notifications and instructions are issued is shown. Figure 6In the present embodiment, the column 601 stores information for identifying the print modules 201 to 211. In Figure 6 In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding of the information managed in the management table 600, the column 601 indicates the names of the print modules. However, the information stored in the column 601 is not limited to the names of the print modules. For example, the column 601 can store identifiers assigned to the print modules 201 to 211. Similarly, the column 602 can also store the assigned identifiers, instead of the names.

[0139] The column 602 stores information for identifying the conveyance sections (e.g., the conveyance sections 201el and 201e2) included in each of the print modules 201 to 211. As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an upper conveyance section (e.g., the conveyance section 201el) and a lower conveyance section (e.g., the conveyance section 201e2).

[0140] The column 603 stores information for identifying the light emission notification sections (e.g., the light emission notification sections 201al, 201a2, and 201a3). Figure 6 A case is shown in which the column 603 stores identifiers of the light emission notification sections. Similarly, the columns 604 to 607 also store identifiers of the sub-modules.

[0141] As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an upper light emission notification section (e.g., the light emission notification sections 201al, 201a2, and 202al) and a lower light emission notification section (e.g., the light emission notification sections 201a3 and 202a2). In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming section 201 includes two light emission notification sections 201al and 201a2 as the upper light emission notification sections.

[0142] The column 604 stores information for identifying the passage sensors (e.g., the passage sensors 201gl l, 201gl2, 201g2, 202gl, and 201g2). As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an upper passage sensor (e.g., the passage sensors 201gl l, 201gl2, and 202gl) and a lower passage sensor (e.g., the passage sensor 201g2). In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the image forming section 201 includes two passage sensors 201gl l and 201gl2 as the upper passage sensors.

[0143] Column 605 stores information for identifying doors (e.g., doors 201hl and 201h2). As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which each of the print modules 201 to 211 includes an upper door (e.g., door 201hl) and a lower door (e.g., door 201h2). If the upper door (e.g., door 201hl) is opened, the user can enter the upper conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201el) (work on the upper conveying section). If the lower door (e.g., door 201h2) is opened, the user can enter the lower conveying section (e.g., conveying section 201e2) (work on the lower conveying section).

[0144] Column 606 stores information for identifying opening / closing sensors (e.g., opening / closing sensors 201g3 and 201g4). As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in each of the print modules 201 to 211, the upper door (e.g., door 201hl) is equipped with an upper opening / closing sensor (e.g., opening / closing sensor 201g3). In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, in each of the print modules 201 to 211, the lower door (e.g., door 201h2) is equipped with a lower opening / closing sensor (e.g., opening / closing sensor 201g4).

[0145] Column 607 stores information for identifying door electromagnetic valves (e.g., door electromagnetic valves 201nl and 201n2). As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the upper door (e.g., door 201hl) is equipped with an upper door electromagnetic valve (e.g., door electromagnetic valve 201nl). In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the lower door (e.g., door 201h2) is equipped with a lower door electromagnetic valve (e.g., door electromagnetic valve 201n2).

[0146] Reference is made to the following example of the management table 600. A case is shown in which a door unlock instruction indicating release of the lock of a door is issued. In this case, the CPU 224 refers to the management table 600 and determines the print module as the destination of the door unlock instruction on the basis of the identifier of the door specified by the door unlock instruction. The CPU 224 searches column 605 for data matching the identifier of the door specified by the door unlock instruction and refers to column 601 corresponding to the found data, thereby determining the print module as the destination of the door unlock instruction. As described above, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the notifications and instructions exchanged between the print modules 201 to 211, the CPU 224, and the DFE 103 include the identifiers managed in the management table 600. The print modules 201 to 211, the CPU 224, and the DFE 103 that have received the notifications and instructions refer to the management table 600, thereby being able to identify the objects (sensors, doors, print modules, and door electromagnetic valves) of the notifications and instructions.

[0147] In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the notification and the instruction are assigned an identifier unique to the content of the notification and the instruction. In this case, for example, when the notification and the instruction are transmitted, the notification and the instruction can include an identifier corresponding to the type of the notification and the instruction. The print modules 201 to 211, the CPU 224, and the DFE 103 that have received the notification and the instruction determine the type of the notification and the instruction on the basis of the identifier corresponding to the type of the notification and the instruction.

[0148] Figure 5 The processing in the flowchart in FIG. 10 is processing equivalent among the print modules 201 to 211. Therefore, as the processing in the flowchart in FIG. 10, the processing of the image forming section 201 is shown. Figure 5

[0149] In step S501, the microprocessor 201b determines whether a sheet is jammed on the basis of the result of detection of the sheet by the upper passage sensor 201gl l or 201gl2 or the lower passage sensor 201g2. For example, if the passage sensor 201gl l, 201gl2, or 201g2 continues to detect a sheet for a predetermined time or more, the microprocessor 201b determines that a sheet is jammed. As a result of this determination, if a sheet is jammed (YES in step S501), the processing of step S502 is performed. On the other hand, if a sheet is not jammed (NO in step S501), the processing of step S505 is performed.

[0150] In step S502, the microprocessor 201b determines whether an identifier of the passage sensor 201gl l, 201gl2, or 201g2 that has detected a sheet jam has been stored in the RAM 201d as a passage sensor that has detected a sheet jam. As a result of this determination, if the identifier of the passage sensor that has detected a sheet jam has been stored (YES in step S502), the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends. On the other hand, if the identifier of the passage sensor that has detected a sheet jam has not been stored (NO in step S502), the processing of step S503 is performed. Figure 5

[0151] In step S503, the microprocessor 201b stores the identifier of the passage sensor that has detected a sheet jam in the RAM 201d as a passage sensor that has detected a sheet jam.

[0152] Next, in step S504, the microprocessor 201b transmits a sheet jam notification to the CPU 224. The microprocessor 201b includes the identifier of the passage sensor stored in step S504 in the sheet jam notification. If the processing of step S504 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends. Figure 5 ​​​

[0153] As described above, if it is determined in step S501 that the sheet is not jammed ("No" in step S501), then the process in step S505 is performed. In step S505, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the upper open / close sensor 201g3 or the lower open / close sensor 201g4 has detected the opening of the door 201h1 or 201h2. As a result of this determination, if the opening of the door 201h1 or 201h2 is detected ("Yes" in step S505), then the process in step S506 is performed.

[0154] In step S506, the microprocessor 201b sends a door open notification to the CPU 224. The microprocessor 201b includes the identifier of the open / closed sensor that has detected the door opening in the door open notification. If the processing in step S506 is complete, then... Figure 5 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0155] As a result of the determination in step S505, if no opening of door 201h1 or 201h2 is detected ("No" in step S505), then the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the upper open / close sensor 201g3 or the lower open / close sensor 201g4 has detected the closing of door 201h1 or 201h2. As a result of this determination, if no closing of door 201h1 or 201h2 is detected ("No" in step S507), then... Figure 5 The processing of the flowchart in the flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the closure of door 201h1 or 201h2 is detected (yes in step S507), the processing of step S508 is performed.

[0156] In step S508, the microprocessor 201b sends a door closing notification to the CPU 224. The microprocessor 201b includes the identifier of the door opening / closing sensor that has detected the door closing in the door closing notification.

[0157] Next, in step S509, the microprocessor 201b activates a channel sensor located at an access point through the door, where an open / close sensor that has detected the door being closed is installed. For example, if the upper open / close sensor 201g3 detects the door 201h1 being closed, the microprocessor 201b activates the upper channel sensors 201g11 and 201g12. If the lower open / close sensor 201g4 detects the door 201h2 being closed, the microprocessor 201b activates the lower channel sensor 201g2.

[0158] Next, in step S510, the microprocessor 201b determines whether there is a lane sensor in which sheet jamming has not been detected, among the lane sensors stored in the RAM 201d as the lane sensors in which sheet jamming has been detected. As a result of this determination, if there is no lane sensor in which sheet jamming has not been detected (NO in step S510), the process of the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends. On the other hand, if there is a lane sensor in which sheet jamming has not been detected (YES in step S510), the process of step S511 is performed. Figure 5

[0159] In step S511, the microprocessor 201b transmits a jam clear notification to the CPU 224. The microprocessor 201b includes the identifier of the lane sensor in which sheet jamming has not been detected in the jam clear notification. The microprocessor 201b deletes the identifier of the lane sensor in which sheet jamming has not been detected, which is stored in the RAM 201d as the lane sensor in which sheet jamming has been detected. If the process of step S511 is completed, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends. Figure 5

[0160] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of the process of the CPU 224 in a case where the CPU 224 receives a notification from the print modules 201 to 211. For example, if the CPU 224 receives a notification from any one of the print modules 201 to 211, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 13 is started. Figure 7

[0161] In step S701, the CPU 224 determines whether the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is a sheet jamming notification. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is not a sheet jamming notification (NO in step S701), the process of step S712 is performed. On the other hand, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is a sheet jamming notification (YES in step S701), the process of step S702 is performed.

[0162] In step S702, the CPU 224 determines whether a print process is being performed. The print process is a series of processes related to printing from the start of feeding of a sheet to the completion of discharge of a sheet. As a result of this determination, if the print process is not being performed (NO in step S702), the processes of steps S703 to S707 are skipped, and the process of step S708 is performed. On the other hand, if the print process is being performed (YES in step S702), the process of step S703 is performed.

[0163] ​​​In step S703, the CPU 224 transmits a print error notification to the DFE 103 via the network I / F 225. The CPU 224 includes the identifier of the image printed on the jammed sheet or the identifier of the image to be printed on the jammed sheet in the print error notification.

[0164] Next, in step S704, the CPU 224 determines a new conveyance route as the conveyance route of the sheet that cannot be discharged to the stack portion 209i to which the sheet originally was to be discharged. The CPU 224 transmits a conveyance route change instruction to the print modules 201 to 211. For example, the CPU 224 determines the discharge tray 202i or 208i or the sample tray 209j closest to the current position of the sheet as the object as the new discharge destination, and determines the route from the current position to the new discharge destination as the new conveyance route.

[0165] The CPU 224 includes the unique identifier defined for the conveyance route and the identifier of the sheet in the conveyance route change instruction.

[0166] Next, in step S705, the CPU 224 determines whether the new conveyance route is jammed by the jammed sheet. As a result of this determination, if the new conveyance route is jammed (YES in step S705), the processing of step S706 is performed. On the other hand, if the new conveyance route is not jammed (NO in step S705), the processing of step S707 is performed.

[0167] In step S706, the CPU 224 transmits a conveyance stop instruction to the print modules 201 to 211. The CPU 224 includes the identifier of the sheet to be stopped from being conveyed as information for identifying the sheet in the conveyance stop instruction. If the processing of step S706 is completed, the processing of step S708 is performed.

[0168] If it is determined in step S705 that the new conveyance route is not jammed (NO in step S705), the processing of step S707 is performed. In step S707, the CPU 224 transmits a conveyance route change instruction to the print modules 201 to 211. The CPU 224 includes the unique identifier defined for the conveyance route and the identifier of the sheet to be changed in the conveyance route in the conveyance route change instruction. If the processing of step S707 is completed, the processing of step S708 is performed.

[0169] In step S708, the CPU 224 identifies the error position identifier that has occurred on the basis of the notification received from any of the print modules 201 to 211, and stores the error position identifier in the RAM 229. In the present embodiment, it is shown that the error position identifier is identified on the basis of the notification received from the print module 201. The error position identifier is identified on the basis of the notification received from the print module 201 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Figure 8The case where the occurrence condition of the error position identifier defined in the error position identifier management table 800 is shown.

[0170] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the error position identifier management table 800. For example, the error position identifier management table 800 is stored in the SSD 230 so that the CPU 224 can access the error position identifier management table 800. For example, the CPU 224 reads the error position identifier management table 800 into the RAM 229.

[0171] The column 801 stores the error position identifier.

[0172] The column 802 stores the condition under which the error position identifier stored in the column 801 enters the occurrence state. When the condition stored in the column 802 is satisfied, the error position identifier occurs. When the condition is no longer satisfied, the error position identifier disappears.

[0173] The following describes an example of referring to the error position identifier management table 800. A case where the CPU 224 receives a sheet jam notification including the identifier R7001 of the upper channel sensor 205g1 from the first fixing portion 205 is shown. In this case, in step S708, the CPU 224 refers to the error position identifier management table 800, thereby recognizing the occurrence of the error position identifier E1001 and storing the error position identifier E1001.

[0174] The description returns to Figure 7 If the processing of step S708 is completed, the processing of step S709 is performed. In step S709, the CPU 224 notifies the DFE 103 of the occurrence or disappearance of the error position identifier. The CPU 224 includes the error position identifier that has occurred or disappeared in the notification. If there is an error position identifier that has occurred, the CPU 224 stores the error position identifier that has occurred as an occurrence error position identifier in the RAM 229. If there is an error position identifier that has disappeared, the CPU 224 deletes the error position identifier that has disappeared from the occurrence error position identifiers stored in the RAM 229.

[0175] Next, in step S710, the CPU 224 determines whether there is an error position identifier stored as an occurrence error position identifier. As a result of this determination, if there is an error position identifier stored as an occurrence error position identifier (YES in step S710), the processing of step S711 is performed. Figure 7 The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 7 ends. On the other hand, if there is no error position identifier stored as an occurrence error position identifier (NO in step S710), the processing of step S711 is performed.

[0176] In step S711, the CPU 224 transmits a print error solution notification to the DFE 103 via the network I / F 225. If the processing of step S711 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 7 ends. Figure 7

[0177] As described above, if it is determined in step S701 that the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is not the sheet jam notification (NO in step S701), the processing of step S712 is performed.

[0178] In step S712, the CPU 224 determines whether the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is a door open notification. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is the door open notification (YES in step S712), the processing of step S708 is performed. On the other hand, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is not the door open notification (NO in step S712), the processing of step S713 is performed.

[0179] In step S713, the CPU 224 determines whether the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is the sheet jam clear notification. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is the sheet jam clear notification (YES in step S713), the processing of step S714 is skipped, and the processing of step S715 is performed. On the other hand, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is not the sheet jam clear notification (NO in step S713), the processing of step S714 is performed.

[0180] In step S714, the CPU 224 determines whether the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is the door close notification. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is not the door close notification (NO in step S714), the processing of step S710 is performed. On the other hand, if the notification received from any one of the print modules 201 to 211 is the door close notification (YES in step S714), the processing of step S715 is performed.

[0181] ​In step S715, the CPU 224 identifies the error position identifier that has disappeared based on the notification received from any of the print modules 201 to 211, and stores the error position identifier in the RAM 229. In the present embodiment, a case where the CPU 224 identifies the error position identifier that has disappeared with reference to the error position identifier management table 800 is shown. For example, it is assumed that in step S708, the CPU 224 identifies the occurrence of the error position identifier E1001 with reference to the error position identifier management table 800, and stores the error position identifier E1001. It is assumed that then in step S701, the CPU 224 receives the sheet jam clearance notification including the identifier R7001 of the upper passage sensor 205g1 from the first fixing section 205. In this case, in step S715, the CPU 224 identifies the error position identifier E1001 that has disappeared with reference to the error position identifier management table 800, and stores the error position identifier E1001. If the processing of step S715 is completed, the processing of step S709 is performed.

[0182] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the processing of the DFE 103 in a case where the DFE 103 receives the notification from the image forming apparatus 101 (the CPU 224). For example, if the CPU 217 of the DFE 103 detects that the notification from the image forming apparatus 101 is received, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 9 is started.

[0183] In step S901, the CPU 217 determines whether the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the print error notification. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is not the print error notification (NO in step S901), the processing of step S904 is performed. On the other hand, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the print error notification (YES in step S901), the processing of step S902 is performed.

[0184] In step S902, the CPU 217 suspends the printing of the job being executed. The CPU 217 stores the identifier of the image notified to the CPU 217 by the print error notification as the resumption position at the time of the start of printing in the RAM 220.

[0185] Next, in step S903, the CPU 217 transmits the door unlock instruction instructing the release of the lock of all the doors (for example, the doors 201hl and 201h2) to the CPU 224 of the image forming apparatus 101 via the network I / F 218. If the processing of step S903 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 9 is ended.

[0186] As described above, if it is determined in step S901 that the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is not the print error notification (NO in step S901), the processing of step S904 is performed. In step S904, the CPU 217 determines whether the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the print error resolution notification. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the print error resolution notification (YES in step S904), the processing of step S908 is performed. On the other hand, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is not the print error resolution notification (NO in step S904), the processing of step S905 is performed.

[0187] In step S905, the CPU 217 determines whether the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the disappearance notification of the error location identifier. As a result of this determination, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the disappearance notification of the error location identifier (YES in step S905), the processing of step S906 is performed. In step S906, the CPU 217 deletes the error location identifier for which the disappearance notification is received from the list of error location identifiers, and issues an internal notification of update of the list of error location identifiers. If the processing of step S906 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends. Figure 9 As a result of the determination in step S905, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is not the disappearance notification of the error location identifier (NO in step S905), the processing of step S907 is performed. In step S907, the CPU 217 adds the error location identifier for which the appearance notification is received to the list of error location identifiers, and issues an internal notification of update of the list of error location identifiers. If the processing of step S907 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends.

[0188] Figure 9 As a result of the determination in step S905, if the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is not the disappearance notification of the error location identifier (NO in step S905), the processing of step S907 is performed. In step S907, the CPU 217 adds the error location identifier for which the appearance notification is received to the list of error location identifiers, and issues an internal notification of update of the list of error location identifiers. If the processing of step S907 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends.

[0189] As described above, if it is determined in step S904 that the notification received from the image forming apparatus 101 is the print error resolution notification (YES in step S904), the processing of step S908 is performed. In step S908, the CPU 217 transmits, to the CPU 224 of the image forming apparatus 101 via the network I / F 218, a door lock instruction instructing locking of all doors (for example, the doors 201hl and 201h2).

[0190] Next, in step S909, the CPU 217 resumes execution of the print job in the suspended state.

[0191] ​CPU 217 resumes the execution of the print job from the recovery position stored in step S902. If the processing in step S909 is complete, then Figure 9 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0192] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of DFE 103 when DFE 103 receives an internal notification of an update to the list of error location identifiers. For example, if CPU 217 of DFE 103 detects an internal notification of an update to the list of error location identifiers, then Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in the document begins.

[0193] In step S1001, CPU 217 compares the list of current error location identifiers with the list of previously executed errors. Figure 10 The flowchart below lists the error location identifiers during processing. In the following description, previous executions will be referenced where necessary. Figure 10 The list of error location identifiers during the processing of the flowchart in the process is called the "list of previous error location identifiers".

[0194] Next, in step S1002, the CPU 217 determines whether there exists an error location identifier in the current error location identifier list that has disappeared from the previous error location identifier list. As a result of this determination, if there is an error location identifier in the current error location identifier list that has disappeared from the previous error location identifier list ("Yes" in step S1002), then the process of step S1009 is performed. On the other hand, if there is no error location identifier in the current error location identifier list that has disappeared from the previous error location identifier list ("No" in step S1002), then the process of step S1003 is performed. When the process of step S1003 is performed, the error location identifier that is not in the previous error location identifier list is added to the current error location identifier list.

[0195] In step S1003, the CPU 217 determines whether there is a currently lit light-up notification unit among the light-up notification units 201a1 to 211a1, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3. The technique for determining whether there is a currently lit light-up notification unit is not limited.

[0196] For example, it is possible to determine whether there is a light-emitting notification section that is being lit by storing the content of the lighting instruction transmitted in step S1005. The CPU 217 can transmit an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via the network I / F 218 to transmit the light-emitting states of the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3. In this case, the CPU 217 can acquire the light-emitting states of the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 from the image forming apparatus 101, thereby determining whether there is a light-emitting notification section that is being lit.

[0197] As a result of this determination, if there is a light-emitting notification section that is currently lit among the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 (YES in step S1003), the processing of step S1007 is performed. On the other hand, if there is no light-emitting notification section that is currently lit among the light-emitting notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 (NO in step S1003), the processing of step S1004 is performed.

[0198] In step S1004, the CPU 217 determines whether the error position identifier added to the list of error position identifiers of the current error position identifier list is a start condition of any of the error scenarios. The error position identifier added to the list of error position identifiers of the current error position identifier list is identified based on the results of the processing of step S1001 and step S1002. As a result of this determination, if the error position identifier added to the list of error position identifiers of the current error position identifier list is not a start condition of any of the error scenarios (NO in step S1004), the processing of the flowchart of Figure 10 ends.

[0199] On the other hand, if the error position identifier added to the list of error position identifiers of the current error position identifier list is a start condition of any of the error scenarios (YES in step S1004), the processing of step S1005 is performed. In step S1005, the CPU 217 starts the applicable error scenario in accordance with the determination in step S1004 or step S1009. The CPU 217 transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via the network I / F 218, thereby lighting the light-emitting notification section specified in the start-time processing of the error scenario in the color specified in the start-time processing of the error scenario.

[0200] Referring to Figure 11 , an example of the start-time processing of the error scenario is described.Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an error scenario definition 1100. Error scenario definition 1100 is defined for each error. For example, error scenario definition 1100 is stored as a file on SSD 221. The CPU 217 of DFE 103 analyzes error scenario definition 1100 to determine the start and end of the error scenario and updates the display on display device 104.

[0201] Figure 11 The error scenario start definition section 1101 is shown to include the error scenario start condition section 1110 and the error scenario start processing section 1111.

[0202] In the error scenario start condition section 1110, the start conditions of the error scenario are specified (described). Figure 11 This illustrates a case where the occurrence of error location identifier E1001 is specified as the starting condition for an error scenario. In this case, the scenario begins by adding error location identifier E1001 to the list of error location identifiers. Figure 10 In the process of processing the flowchart, in step S1004, the CPU 217 determines "yes". That is, in step S1004, the CPU 217 determines that adding the error location identifier to the list of error location identifiers is the starting condition for any error scenario.

[0203] The error scenario start handling section 1111 specifies (describes) the handling to be performed when the error scenario begins. Figure 11 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the light-emitting notification unit 205a1, identified as L13, is designated to be illuminated in red. In this case, in step S1005, the CPU 217 sends a command to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via network I / F 218 to illuminate the light-emitting notification unit 205a1 in red.

[0204] Description Return to Figure 10 If step S1005 is completed, then step S1006 is performed. In step S1006, the CPU 217 displays the error resolution process on the display device 104. If step S1006 is completed, then... Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in the diagram is complete. Steps S1005 and S1006 can be executed approximately simultaneously. Step S1005 can be performed after step S1006.

[0205] As described above, if it is determined in step S1003 that there is a currently lit light emission notification section among the light emission notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 (YES in step S1003), the processing of step S1007 is performed. In step S1007, the CPU 217 determines whether or not a condition for advancing the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed to the next step is satisfied. Specifically, the CPU 217 determines whether or not addition of an error location identifier added to the list of current error location identifiers to the list of error location identifiers is a condition for advancing the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed. The CPU 217 determines whether or not disappearance of an error location identifier in the list of current error location identifiers from the list of previous error location identifiers is a condition for advancing the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed.

[0206] As a result of this determination, if the condition for advancing the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed to the next step is not satisfied (NO in step S1007), the processing of the flowchart in Figure 10 is ended. On the other hand, if the condition for advancing the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed to the next step is satisfied (YES in step S1007), the processing of step S1008 is performed. In step S1008, the CPU 217 advances the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed to the next step, and updates the display of the error resolution process on the display device 104.

[0207] Referring to Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B , an example of an error resolution process and an example of the display of the error resolution process are described.

[0208] In Figure 11 , in the error scenario resolution work process designation section 1103, a resolution work process to be displayed on the display device 104 during execution of the error scenario is designated (described). Figure 11 A case is shown in which the error scenario resolution work process designation section 1103 includes resolution work process step designation sections 1130 to 1133. The number of resolution work process step designation sections need only be one or more.

[0209] In the resolution work process step designation sections 1130 to 1133, a work step for resolving an error is designated. Figure 11The case where the resolution work process step designation section 1130 to 1133 includes the step instruction designation section 1141, 1142, 1145, and 1147 and the step start condition designation section 1143, 1146, and 1148 is shown. As shown in the resolution work process step designation section 1131, the resolution work process step designation section 1131 can include a step display image designation section 1144. In the step display image designation section 1144, an image to be displayed with the error resolution process is designated.

[0210] The resolution work process step designation section 1130 of Step 1 does not include a step start condition designation section. Therefore, the work step designated in the resolution work process step designation section 1130 starts at the same time as the start of the error scenario. The resolution work process step designation section 1131 of Step 2 includes a step start condition designation section 1143. Figure 11 The case where, in the step start condition designation section 1143, the occurrence of the error location identifier E1002 is designated as the start condition of the error scenario is shown. It is assumed that, during the execution of Step 1, the process of the flowchart in Figure 10 In this case, in Step S1007, the CPU 217 determines that the condition to advance the error resolution process being executed in relation to the error scenario to the next step is satisfied.

[0211] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are diagrams showing examples of the resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210. The resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210 are examples of displays of the error resolution process. In the present embodiment, the case where the resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210 are displayed on the display device 104 is shown.

[0212] Figure 12A is a diagram showing an example of the resolution work process screen 1200 displayed when the error resolution process occurs (in Step 1). Figure 12B is a diagram showing an example of the resolution work process screen 1210 displayed when the error resolution process enters the next work step (in Step 2).

[0213] In Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210, the work instruction display section 1201 is a region for displaying the error resolution process designated in the error scenario resolution work process designation section 1103 of the error scenario definition 1100. The work instruction display section 1201 includes the step display sections 1202 to 1205. The step display sections 1202 to 1205 respectively display the contents of the error resolution process designated in the step instruction designation sections 1141, 1142, 1145, and 1147.

[0214] Figure 12A The case is shown in which the error resolution process specified in the step instruction designation part 1141 of the resolution work process step designation part 1130 of Step 1 is highlighted in the step display part 1202. Figure 12B The case is shown in which the error resolution process specified in the step instruction designation part 1142 of the resolution work process step designation part 1131 of Step 2 is highlighted in the step display part 1203. As described above, in the present embodiment, the case is shown in which the display of the error resolution process is changed according to the progress state of the error resolution process.

[0215] For example, in Step S1006, the CPU 224 displays the resolution work process screen 1200 shown in Figure 12A For example, if the condition specified in the step start condition designation part 1143 of the resolution work process step designation part 1131 of Step 2 is satisfied, in Step S1008, the CPU 224 displays the resolution work process screen 1210 shown in Figure 12B For example, in Step S1006, the CPU 224 displays the resolution work process screen 1200 shown in Figure 12B For example, in Step S1006, the CPU 224 displays the resolution work process screen 1200 shown in

[0216] The description returns to Figure 10 As described above, as a result of the determination in Step S1002, if there is an error location identifier that has disappeared from the list of previous error location identifiers in the list of current error location identifiers (YES in Step S1002), the processing of Step S1009 is performed. In Step S1009, the CPU 217 determines whether the disappearance of the error location identifier that has disappeared from the list of previous error location identifiers is an end condition of the error scenario being executed. Based on the results of the processing of Step S1001 and Step S1002, the error location identifier that has disappeared from the list of error location identifiers is identified. As a result of this determination, if the disappearance of the error location identifier that has disappeared from the list of previous error location identifiers is not an end condition of the error scenario being executed (NO in Step S1009), the processing of Step S1007 is performed.

[0217] On the other hand, if the disappearance of the error location identifier that has disappeared from the list of previous error location identifiers is an end condition of the error scenario being executed (YES in step S1009), the processing of step S1010 is performed. In step S1010, the CPU 217 ends the error scenario being executed, and transmits an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via the network I / F 218 to turn off the light emission notification section specified in the processing at the end of the error scenario.

[0218] Next, in step S1011, the CPU 217 erases the display of the error resolution procedure on the display device 104. The processing of step S1010 and the processing of step S1011 can be performed substantially simultaneously. After the processing of step S1011, the processing of step S1010 can be performed.

[0219] Next, in step S1012, the CPU 217 determines whether there is an error location identifier that is specified as a start condition of an error scenario in the list of error location identifiers. As a result of this determination, if there is no error location identifier that is specified as a start condition of an error scenario in the list of error location identifiers (NO in step S1012), the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends. On the other hand, if there is an error location identifier that is specified as a start condition of an error scenario in the list of error location identifiers (YES in step S1012), the processing of step S1005 is performed. Figure 10

[0220] For example, in step S1012, the CPU 217 determines whether an error location identifier is specified as a start condition of an error scenario in the order starting from the error location identifier at the beginning of the list of error location identifiers (i.e., the error location identifier added first). If an error location identifier that is specified as a start condition of an error scenario is not found (NO in step S1012), the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends. On the other hand, if an error location identifier specified as a start condition of an error scenario is found (YES in step S1012), the processing of step S1005 is performed. Figure 10

[0221] Referring to Figure 11 , an example of the end of error scenario processing is described.

[0222] Figure 11 An example is shown in which the error scenario end definition section 1102 includes an error scenario end condition section 1120 and an error scenario end of processing section 1121.

[0223] In the error scenario end condition section 1120, the end condition of the error scenario is specified (described).​​Figure 11 The case where disappearance of the error position identifier E1001 is specified as an end condition of the error scenario is shown. In this case, if the process of the flowchart in FIG. 10 is started by the disappearance of the error position identifier E1001 from the list of error position identifiers Figure 10 In this case, in step S1009, the determination of the CPU 217 is "Yes". That is, the CPU 217 determines that the disappearance of the error position identifier that has disappeared from the list of previous error position identifiers is an end condition of the error scenario being executed.

[0224] In the error scenario end processing section 1121, processing to be executed at the end of the error scenario is specified (described). Figure 11 The case where the extinction of the light emission notification section 205a1 for which the specified identifier is L13 is shown. In this case, in step S1011, the CPU 217 transmits an instruction to extinguish the light emission notification section 205a1 for which the specified identifier is L13 to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via the network I / F 218.

[0225] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the process of the image forming apparatus 101 in a case where the image forming apparatus 101 receives an instruction from the DFE 103. For example, if the CPU 224 of the image forming apparatus 101 detects that an instruction is received from the DFE 103, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 13 is started. Figure 13

[0226] In step S1301, the CPU 224 determines whether the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a door lock instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a door lock instruction (Yes in step S1301), the process of step S1308 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is not a door lock instruction (No in step S1301), the process of step S1302 is performed.

[0227] In step S1302, the CPU 224 determines whether the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a door unlock instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is not a door unlock instruction (No in step S1302), the process of step S1304 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a door unlock instruction (Yes in step S1302), the process of step S1303 is performed.

[0228] In step S1303, the CPU 224 transmits a door unlock instruction to the print module including the door specified by the door unlock instruction. If the process of step S1303 is completed, the process of step S1304 is performed.​Figure 13 the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends.

[0229] In step S1304, the CPU 224 determines whether the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a light notification section lighting instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a light notification section lighting instruction (YES in step S1304), the processing of step S1305 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is not a light notification section lighting instruction (NO in step S1304), the processing of step S1306 is performed.

[0230] In step S1305, the CPU 224 transmits the light notification section lighting instruction to the print module including the light notification section specified by the light notification section lighting instruction. If the processing of step S1305 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends. Figure 13

[0231] In step S1306, the CPU 224 determines whether the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a light notification section extinguishing instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is not a light notification section extinguishing instruction (NO in step S1306), the processing of step S1307 is performed. Figure 13 the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a light notification section extinguishing instruction (YES in step S1306), the processing of step S1307 is performed.

[0232] In step S1307, the CPU 224 transmits the light notification section extinguishing instruction to the print module including the light notification section specified by the light notification section extinguishing instruction. If the processing of step S1307 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends. Figure 13

[0233] As described above, if it is determined in step S1301 that the instruction received from the DFE 103 is a door locking instruction (YES in step S1301), the processing of step S1308 is performed. In step S1308, the CPU 224 transmits the door locking instruction to the print module including the door specified by the door locking instruction. If the processing of step S1308 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends. Figure 13

[0234] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the processing of each of the print modules 201 to 211 in a case where an instruction is received from the CPU 224. For example, if any of the print modules 201 to 211 receives an instruction from the CPU 224, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 13 is performed. Figure 14 ​​​The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 13 starts. Figure 14 The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 13 is equivalent among the print modules 201 to 211. Therefore, as Figure 14 The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 13 is equivalent among the print modules 201 to 211. Therefore, as

[0235] In step S1401, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a door locking instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a door locking instruction (YES in step S1401), the processing of step S1402 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not a door locking instruction (NO in step S1401), the processing of step S1403 is performed.

[0236] In step S1402, the microprocessor 201b starts applying a current to the door electromagnetic valve corresponding to the door specified by the door locking instruction received from the CPU 224. For example, if the door specified by the door locking instruction is the upper door 201h1 with the identifier D1, the CPU 224 starts applying a current to the upper door electromagnetic valve 201n1 with the identifier K1 (see Figure 6 ). For example, if the door specified by the door locking instruction is the lower door 201h2 with the identifier D2, the CPU 224 starts applying a current to the lower door electromagnetic valve 201n2 with the identifier K2 (see Figure 6 ). As described above, if a current flows through the electromagnetic coil included in the door electromagnetic valve, an electromagnetic force is generated, and the core is attracted by the electromagnetic force, thereby locking the door. If the processing of step S1402 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 13 ends. Figure 14

[0237] As described above, if it is determined in step S1401 that the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not a door locking instruction (NO in step S1401), the processing of step S1403 is performed. In step S1403, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a door unlocking instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a door unlocking instruction (YES in step S1403), the processing of step S1404 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not a door unlocking instruction (NO in step S1403), the processing of step S1405 is performed.

[0238] ​In step S1404, the microprocessor 201b stops applying electric current to the door electromagnetic valve corresponding to the door specified by the door unlock instruction received from the CPU 224. As described above, if the application of electric current to the electromagnetic coil included in the door electromagnetic valve is stopped, the electromagnetic force generated by the door electromagnetic valve is stopped. Therefore, the iron core returns to the initial position. Thus, the locking of the door by the door electromagnetic valve is released. If the processing of step S1404 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends. Figure 14

[0239] As described above, if it is determined in step S1403 that the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not a door unlock instruction (NO in step S1403), the processing of step S1405 is performed. In step S1405, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a light notification portion lighting instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a light notification portion lighting instruction (YES in step S1405), the processing of step S1406 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not a light notification portion lighting instruction (NO in step S1405), the processing of step S1407 is performed.

[0240] In step S1406, the microprocessor 201b lights the light notification portion specified by the light notification portion lighting instruction in the color specified by the light notification portion lighting instruction. For example, if L1 is specified as the identifier of the light notification portion and red is specified as the lighting color of the light notification portion by the light notification portion lighting instruction, the microprocessor 201b lights the light notification portion 201al in red. For example, if L23 is specified as the identifier of the light notification portion and red is specified as the lighting color of the light notification portion by the light notification portion lighting instruction, the microprocessor 201b lights the light notification portion 201a2 in red. For example, if L2 is specified as the identifier of the light notification portion and red is specified as the lighting color of the light notification portion by the light notification portion lighting instruction, the microprocessor 201b lights the light notification portion 201a3 in red. If the processing of step S1406 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends. Figure 14

[0241] ​​As described above, if it is determined in step S1405 that the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not the emission notification section lighting instruction (NO in step S1405), the processing of step S1407 is performed. In step S1407, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the instruction received from the CPU 224 is the emission notification section extinguishing instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is the emission notification section extinguishing instruction (YES in step S1407), the processing of step S1408 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not the emission notification section extinguishing instruction (NO in step S1407), the processing of step S1409 is performed.

[0242] In step S1408, the microprocessor 201b extinguishes the emission notification section specified by the emission notification section extinguishing instruction. If the processing of step S1408 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends. Figure 14

[0243] As described above, if it is determined in step S1407 that the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not the emission notification section extinguishing instruction (NO in step S1407), the processing of step S1409 is performed. In step S1409, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the instruction received from the CPU 224 is the conveyance route change instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is the conveyance route change instruction (YES in step S1409), the processing of step S1410 is performed. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not the conveyance route change instruction (NO in step S1409), the processing of step S1411 is performed.

[0244] In step S1410, the microprocessor 201b sets the conveyance route of the sheet indicated by the conveyance route change instruction to the new conveyance route, and instructs the conveyance section between the conveyance sections 201el and 201e2 corresponding to the new conveyance route to convey the sheet. If the processing of step S1410 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 14 ends. Figure 14

[0245] As described above, if it is determined in step S1409 that the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not the conveyance route change instruction (NO in step S1409), the processing of step S1411 is performed. In step S1411, the microprocessor 201b determines whether the instruction received from the CPU 224 is the conveyance stop instruction. As a result of this determination, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is not the conveyance stop instruction (NO in step S1411), the processing of step S1412 is performed. Figure 14 ​​The processing of the flowchart in the flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the instruction received from the CPU 224 is a delivery stop instruction ("Yes" in step S1411), then the processing of step S1412 is performed.

[0246] In step S1412, the microprocessor 201b, following the instruction of the transport stop command, instructs the transport section between transport sections 201e1 and 201e2, which is currently transporting sheet material, to stop transporting the sheet. In this case, the channel sensor 201g11 or 201g2 detects jamming of the stopped sheet material. If the sheet material to be printed has not yet entered the image forming section 201, the microprocessor 201b cancels the wait for receiving the sheet material (preventing the sheet material from being transported into the image forming section 201). If the sheet material has already been transported to the first fixing section 205, which is a downstream printing module, the microprocessor 201b does not perform any processing, and the processing in step S1412 ends. If the processing in step S1412 is completed, then... Figure 14 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0247] Figure 15A and Figure 15B This is a diagram showing examples of the illumination states of the light-emitting notification units 201a1 to 211a1, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3, and examples of the display content of the display device 104. (Refer to...) Figure 15A and Figure 15B This describes the execution that occurs when an update is performed via an error location identifier. Figure 10 Examples of the illumination state of the illumination notification unit and the display content of the display device 104 after the processing of the flowchart are shown. The following situation is shown: three error location identifiers E3001, E2001, and E1001 appear sequentially, and after the user performs an error resolution process, the error location identifiers E3001, E2001, and E1001 disappear. The following situation is shown: Figure 15A As shown in the error scenario summary 1500, the error scenario definition 1100 defines the start condition, start processing, end condition, and end processing for three error scenarios with identifiers 10, 11, and 12. In this embodiment, the case where the occurrence conditions of the error location identifier are defined in the error location identifier management table 800 is shown.

[0248] Figure 15B The correspondence table 1510 shown illustrates an example of the correspondence between the illumination states of the light-emitting notification units 201a1 to 211a1, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 and the display content of the display device 104. Column 1511 stores the updated contents of the list of error location identifiers. The table also shows the correspondence between the illumination states of the light-emitting notification units 201a1 to 211a1, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 and the display content of the display device 104. Figure 10corresponding to the update content indicated in column 1511. Column 1512 stores an identifier of the light emission notification section that is lit immediately after the processing is performed, and a color of the light emission notification section that is lit. Column 1513 stores an identifier of an error scenario corresponding to the error resolution procedure displayed on the display device 104. A case is shown in which, in the correspondence table 1510, the lit state of the light emission notification sections 201al to 211al, 201a2 to 211a2, and 201a3 to 204a3 and the display content of the display device 104 are sequentially changed from the top row. If the processing of the flowchart in Figure 10 is performed once, information corresponding to a single row of the correspondence table 1510 (information stored in each of columns 1511 to 1513) is obtained. Hereinafter, the information corresponding to a single row of the correspondence table 1510 is referred to as "states 1521 to 1527".

[0249] In the first state 1521, there is no update of the error location identifier, no light emission notification section being lit, and no display on the display device 104. In this case, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 10 is not performed.

[0250] The next state 1522 is a state after the error location identifier E3001 appears. In this case, in the processing of the flowchart in Figure 10 , it is determined as "No" in step S1002, and the processing of step S1003 is performed. At the end of the first state 1521, there is no light emission notification section being lit. Therefore, at the time when the processing of step S1003 is performed, there is also no light emission notification section being lit. Therefore, it is determined as "No" in step S1003, and the processing of step S1004 is performed. According to the error scenario summary 1500 shown in Figure 15A , the appearance of the error location identifier E3001 is a start condition of the error scenario 10. Therefore, it is determined as "Yes" in step S1004, and the processing of step S1005 is performed. According to the error scenario summary 1500 shown in Figure 15A , the start-time processing of the error scenario 10 is to light the light emission notification section 204a2 with the identifier L8 in red. Therefore, in step S1005, the CPU 217 transmits an instruction to light the light emission notification section 204a2 with the identifier L8 in red to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via the network I / F 218. In step S1006, the CPU 217 displays the error resolution procedure related to the error scenario 10 on the display device 104. Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in

[0251] In the state 1523, the error location identifier E3001 is updated, the light emission notification section 204a2 with the identifier L8 is lit, and the display on the display device 104 is changed. In this case, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 15BIn states 1523 and 1524, respectively, following the occurrence of error location identifiers E2001 and E1001, the condition is determined to be "yes" in step S1003, and the process proceeds to step S1007. According to... Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the occurrence of each of the error location identifiers E2001 and E1001 is not a start condition for the next step of the currently executed error scenario. Therefore, it is determined to be "No" in step S1007, and Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0252] exist Figure 15B In state 1525, after the error location identifier E3001 disappears, it is determined to be "yes" in step S1002, and the process in step S1009 is performed. According to... Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the disappearance of error location identifier E3001 is the termination condition for error scenario 10. Therefore, it is determined to be "yes" in step S1009, and the processing in step S1010 is performed. Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the end processing of error scenario 10 is the extinguishing of the light-emitting notification unit 204a2 with identifier L8. Therefore, in step S1010, the CPU 217 sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) to extinguish the light-emitting notification unit 204a2 with identifier L8 via network I / F 218.

[0253] In step S1011, the CPU 217 erases the display of the error resolution process related to error scenario 10. At this time, error location identifiers E2001 and E1001 exist in the list of error location identifiers. Therefore, firstly, the CPU 217 determines whether error location identifier E2001 is a start condition of the error scenario. Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the occurrence of error location identifier E2001 is the starting condition for error scenario 11. Therefore, it is determined to be "yes" in step S1012, and the processing in step S1005 is performed. Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the initial processing of error scenario 11 involves lighting up the illumination notification unit 208a1, identified as L9, in red. Therefore, in step S1005, the CPU 217 sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via network I / F 218 to light up the illumination notification unit 208a1, identified as L9, in red. In step S1006, the CPU 217 displays the error resolution process related to error scenario 11 on the display device 104. Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0254] Furthermore, in state 1526 after the error location identifier E2001 disappears, the process is similar to that in state 1525 after the error location identifier E3001 disappears. Figure 10 The flowchart processing in the process. In this case, in step S1010, CPU 217 sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via network I / F 218 to extinguish the light emission notification unit 208a1 with identifier L9. In step S1011, CPU 217 erases the display of the error resolution process related to error scene 11. At this time, error location identifier E1001 exists in the list of error location identifiers. Therefore, CPU 217 determines whether error location identifier E1001 is the start condition of the error scene. According to Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the occurrence of error location identifier E1001 is the starting condition for error scenario 12. Therefore, it is determined to be "yes" in step S1012, and the processing in step S1005 is performed. Figure 15A The error scenario summary 1500 shown indicates that the initial processing of error scenario 12 involves lighting up the illumination notification unit 205a1, identified as L13, in red. Therefore, in step S1005, the CPU 217 sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via network I / F 218 to light up the illumination notification unit 205a1, identified as L13, in red. In step S1006, the CPU 217 displays the error resolution process related to error scenario 12 on the display device 104. Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0255] Furthermore, in state 1527 after the error location identifier E1001 disappears, the process is similar to that in states 1525 and 1526 after the error location identifiers E3001 and E2001 disappear, respectively. Figure 10 The flowchart processing in the process. In this case, in step S1010, CPU 217 sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via network I / F 218 to extinguish the light emission notification unit 205a1 with identifier L13. In step S1011, CPU 217 erases the display of the error resolution process related to error scenario 12. At this time, there is no error location identifier in the list of error location identifiers. Therefore, in step S1012, it is determined to be "No", and Figure 10 The processing of the flowchart in the document has ended.

[0256] As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the detection result of the passage sensor (for example, passage sensors 201g11, 201g12, and 201g2), the image forming system causes the light emission notification section (for example, light emission notification sections 201a1 to 201a3) to emit light and displays the resolution work process screen 1200 on the display device 104.

[0257] For example, if a sheet jam occurs at the exit portion of the conveyance section 201e1, the image forming apparatus 101 causes the light emission notification section 201a1 to emit light in a predetermined light emission form (for example, red). For example, if a sheet jam occurs at the entrance portion of the head 201i of the conveyance section 201e1, the image forming apparatus 101 causes the light emission notification section 201a2 to emit light in a predetermined light emission form (for example, red). If a sheet jam occurs in the conveyance section 201e2, the image forming apparatus 101 causes the light emission notification section 201a3 to emit light in a predetermined light emission form (for example, red). When the image forming apparatus 101 causes the light emission notification section (for example, light emission notification sections 201a1 to 201a3) to emit light as described above, the image forming apparatus 101 displays the resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210 indicating the error resolution process on the display device 104. In this case, it is desirable that the time when the light emission notification section 201a3 emits light and at least a part of the time when the resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210 are displayed on the display device 104 overlap each other. For example, the timing to start emitting light of the light emission notification section 201a3 and the timing to start displaying the resolution work process screens 1200 and 1210 on the display device 104 can be substantially the same (in some embodiments, the same).

[0258] Therefore, for example, if an error such as a sheet jam occurs in the conveyance section (for example, conveyance sections 201e1 and 201e2), the user can quickly grasp the occurrence of the error by causing the light emission notification section (for example, light emission notification sections 201a1 to 201a3) corresponding to the conveyance section to emit light. The user who is at a location away from the image forming apparatus 101 can grasp the position where the error such as a sheet jam has occurred. Along with the emission of light of the light emission notification section, information related to the work for resolving the error that has occurred in the conveyance section (such as the error resolution process in the conveyance section corresponding to the light emission notification section) is displayed, so the user can be provided with information necessary to perform the work for resolving the error. Therefore, for example, the user can efficiently perform the process depending on the state of the image forming apparatus 101. Therefore, the convenience of the image forming apparatus 101 can be improved.

[0259] In the present embodiment, a case where the abnormality of the state of the image forming apparatus 101 is a paper jam in the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 101 is shown. The paper jam can occur in the print modules 201 to 211. Therefore, in the manner shown in the present embodiment, it is desirable that the user quickly grasp the position where the paper jam has occurred. However, the abnormality of the state of the image forming apparatus 101 is not limited to the paper jam in the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, the abnormality of the state of the image forming apparatus 101 can be an abnormality in the amount of droplets ejected from the inkjet head, or can be an abnormality in the amount of heat of the first and second fixing portions 205 and 206. In the present embodiment, a case where, as the information indicating the processing performed due to the abnormality of the state of the image forming apparatus 101, information including a work process to be performed by the user of the image forming apparatus 101 is displayed is shown. However, the processing performed due to the abnormality of the state of the image forming apparatus 101 is not limited to the work to be performed by the user of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, the processing performed due to the abnormality of the state of the image forming apparatus 101 can include a request for repair to the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 101. The state of the image forming apparatus 101 is not limited to the abnormal state. For example, the state of the image forming apparatus 101 can be a state where the image forming apparatus 101 is normal but a component needs to be replaced (for example, a state where the amount of ink remaining is small).

[0260] Next, a second embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, a case where, along with the lighting of the light emission notification portion (for example, the light emission notification portions 201al to 201a3), the user is notified of an error resolution work for resolving an error that has occurred in the conveyance portion (for example, the conveyance portions 201el and 201e2) corresponding to the light emission notification portion is shown. However, before the error resolution work is performed, the user does not necessarily confirm the display on the display device 104. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 includes some portions that reach a high temperature when printing is performed. In a case where the error resolution work to be performed by the user includes a work in these high temperature portions, it is desirable that the user is certainly caused to confirm the display on the display device 104, and then the user is caused to perform the error resolution work. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an example of a technology that realizes this processing is described. As described above, the present embodiment and the first embodiment mainly differ from each other in the configuration and processing of causing the user to confirm the display on the display device 104, and then causing the user to perform the error resolution work. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the parts similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 5, and are not described in detail again. Figures 1 to 1 The same reference numerals as in FIG. 5 denote the parts in FIG. 6, and are not described in detail again.

[0261] Figure 16is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the DFE 103 in a case where the DFE 103 receives the notification from the image forming apparatus 101 (the CPU 224). For example, if the CPU 217 of the DFE 103 detects that the notification is received from the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 217 determines the type of the notification based on the identifier included in the notification. Then, the CPU 217 performs processing corresponding to the determined type of the notification. For example, if the type of the notification is the type of the notification indicating that the error solution work is required, the CPU 217 performs the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 17. If the type of the notification is the type of the notification indicating that the error solution work is not required, the CPU 217 performs the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 18. Figure 16 The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 17 starts. In this embodiment, a case where the type of the notification is determined based on an identifier corresponding to the type of the notification included in the notification is also shown similarly to the first embodiment.

[0262] The processing of steps S1601, S1602, and S1604 to S1609 is similar to the processing of steps S901, S902, and S904 to S909, respectively, of the flowchart in FIG. 9. Figure 9

[0263] In the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 17, after the processing of step S1602, the processing of step S1603 (instead of step S903) is performed. In step S1603, the CPU 217 transmits, via the network I / F 218, a door unlocking instruction instructing to release the lock of the door for entering a place other than a pre-work confirmation request place. The pre-work confirmation request place is a place where it is required to make the user confirm the display on the display device 104 before the error solution work. The transmission destination of the door unlocking instruction is the image forming apparatus 101 (the CPU 224). For example, the places where it is required to make the user confirm the display on the display device 104 before the error solution work are the fixing units including the first fixing part 205 and the second fixing part 206 that are at high temperature during printing, or the head part 201i that has a great influence on the print quality. In this embodiment, a case where these three places are the pre-work confirmation request places is shown. Figure 16

[0264] In this case, the doors for entering the pre-work confirmation request places are the doors 201h1, 205h1, and 206h1. On the other hand, the door for entering a place other than the pre-work confirmation request places is a door other than the doors 201h1, 205h1, and 206h1 (for example, the door 201h2). As described in the first embodiment, the door 201h1 is the upper door of the image forming part 201. The door 205h1 is the upper door of the first fixing part 205. The door 206h1 is the upper door of the second fixing part 206. Thus, in step S1603, the CPU 217 transmits the door unlocking instruction on the door other than the three doors 201h1, 205h1, and 206h1. If the processing of step S1603 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 17 ends. Figure 16

[0265] Figure 17 ​​​is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the process of the DFE 103 in a case where the DFE 103 receives a notification of an update of the list of error position identifiers. For example, if the CPU 217 of the DFE 103 detects an internal notification of an update of the list of error position identifiers, the process of the flowchart in Figure 17 begins.

[0266] The processes of Steps S1701 to S1705 and Steps S1708 to S1714 are similar to the processes of Steps S1001 to S1005 and Steps S1006 to S1012, respectively, in Figure 10 . However, there is a case where the information displayed in Step S1708 is different from the information displayed in Step S1006.

[0267] In the process of the flowchart in Figure 17 , after the process of Step S1705, Step S1706 and Step S1707 are sequentially performed, and after the process of Step S1706 or Step S1707 is performed, the process of Step S1708 is performed.

[0268] In Step S1706, the CPU 217 determines whether or not the conveyance section corresponding to the light emission notification section for which the light-on instruction is issued in Step S1705 is located at the pre-work confirmation request site. As described above, the pre-work confirmation request site is a site at which it is necessary for the user to confirm the display on the display device 104 before the error resolution work. As described above, examples of the door for entering the pre-work confirmation request site are the door 201h1, the door 205h1, and the door 206h1.

[0269] As a result of the determination in Step S1706, if the conveyance section corresponding to the light emission notification section for which the light-on instruction is issued is not located at the pre-work confirmation request site (NO in Step S1706), the process of Step S1707 is skipped, and the process of Step S1708 is performed. In Step S1708, the CPU 217 displays the error resolution procedure on the display device 104. For example, the resolution work procedure screen including the error resolution procedure displayed in the process of Step S1708 in this case is similar to the resolution work procedure screens 1200 and 1210 displayed in the process of Step S1006 in Figure 10 . On the other hand, if the conveyance section corresponding to the light emission notification section for which the light-on instruction is issued is located at the pre-work confirmation request site (YES in Step S1706), the process of Step S1707 is performed.

[0270] In step S1707, the CPU 217 adds a door unlocking operation as the first step of the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed. The door unlocking operation is an operation to release the lock of a door. The door that is the object of the unlocking operation in step 1 of the error scenario-related error resolution process being added is identified based on the result of the determination in step S1706. After the processing of step S1707 is performed, the processing of step S1708 is performed. In step S1708, the CPU 217 displays the error resolution process on the display device 104. Referring to Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C , examples are described in which the resolution work process screen including the error resolution process is displayed in the processing of step S1708 in this case. Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C are diagrams showing examples of the resolution work process screens 1800, 1810, and 1820.

[0271] Figure 18A is a diagram showing an example of the resolution work process screen 1800 displayed when the error resolution process is occurring. In the error resolution process displayed on the resolution work process screen 1800 shown in Figure 18A , the door unlocking operation as the first step of the error resolution process is added to the error resolution process displayed on the resolution work process screen 1200 shown in Figure 12A .

[0272] Figure 18B is a diagram showing an example of the password input screen 1810 concerning the door unlocking operation. Figure 18C is a diagram showing an example of the resolution work process screen 1820 displayed after the door unlocking operation is completed.

[0273] In Figure 18A and Figure 18C , the work instruction display section 1801 is a region for displaying the error resolution process. The work instruction display section 1801 includes the step display sections 1802 to 1806.

[0274] The step display section 1802 displays information indicating that the door unlocking operation is performed as the first work step of the error resolution process. The lock release button 1807 is displayed immediately below the step display section 1802. The lock release button 1807 is a button that the user presses to perform the door unlocking operation. It is shown that, on the resolution work process screen 1800 shown in Figure 18A , the content of the error resolution process indicating the door unlocking operation and the lock release button 1807 are highlighted.

[0275] The contents displayed by the step display sections 1803 to 1806 are the same as those described inFigure 12A and Figure 12B The steps shown in the step display sections 1202 to 1205 are the same as the contents displayed in the step display sections 1202 to 1205, respectively. Specifically, the step display sections 1803 to 1806 display the contents of the error resolution procedure specified in the step instruction designation sections 1141, 1142, 1145, and 1147, respectively. However, since the step display section 1802 is added, the step numbers of the step display sections 1803 to 1806, which display the contents of the working steps after the door unlocking operation, are shifted one by one backward with respect to the step numbers of the step display sections 1202 to 1205 shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B .

[0276] If the lock release button 1807 is pressed, the CPU 217 displays the password input screen 1810 shown in Figure 18B on the display device 104. The user inputs the registered password correctly in advance by operating the password input operation section 1811 displayed on the password input screen 1810. Thereby, the door unlocking operation is completed.

[0277] Then, the CPU 217 displays the resolution working procedure screen 1820 shown in Figure 18C on the display device 104. It is shown that, on the resolution working procedure screen 1820 shown in Figure 18C , the error resolution procedure specified in the step instruction designation section 1141 of the resolution working procedure step designation section 1130 of Step 1 described in the first embodiment is highlighted in the step display section 1803.

[0278] In the present embodiment, it is shown that, if the display shown in Figures 18A to 18C is performed in Step S1708, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 17 ends.

[0279] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the processing of the DFE 103 in a case where the DFE 103 receives the user's operation on the resolution working procedure screen 1800 displayed on the display device 104 in Step S1708. For example, if the CPU 217 of the DFE 103 receives the user's operation on the resolution working procedure screen 1800, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 19 is started.

[0280] In step S1901, the CPU 217 determines whether or not a door unlocking operation is received. The door unlocking operation is a work added to the error scenario in step S1707 as the first step of the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which the pressing of the lock release button 1807 is included in the door unlocking operation, and the correct input of the password pre-registered by operating the password input operation section 1811. In this case, if the lock release button 1807 is pressed, the CPU 217 displays the password input screen 1810 shown in Figure 18B on the display device 104. Then, the CPU 217 determines whether or not the password input to the password input screen 1810 matches the pre-registered password. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if the password input to the password input screen 1810 matches the pre-registered password, the CPU 217 determines that the door unlocking operation is received. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which, if the password input to the password input screen 1810 does not match the pre-registered password, the CPU 217 determines that the door unlocking operation is not received.

[0281] As a result of the determination in step S1901, if the door unlocking operation is not received (NO in step S1901), the processing of the flowchart in Figure 19 ends. On the other hand, if the door unlocking operation is received (YES in step S1901), the processing of step S1902 is performed. In step S1902, the CPU 217 transmits a door unlocking instruction on the door as the object of the unlocking operation to the image forming apparatus 101 (CPU 224) via the network I / F 218.

[0282] Next, in step S1903, the CPU 217 advances the error scenario-related error resolution process being executed to the next step, and updates the display of the error resolution process on the display device 104. For example, the CPU 217 displays the resolution work process screen 1820 shown in Figure 18C on the display device 104. If the processing of step S1903 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in Figure 19 ends.

[0283] As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming system restricts the progress of the error resolution work until the user operates the display of the error resolution process on the display device 104. After the operation, the image forming system releases the restriction. Therefore, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from performing the error resolution work without confirming the content of the error resolution work.

[0284] For example, in step S1705, the image forming apparatus 101 illuminates the light emission notification section (for example, the light emission notification sections 201al to 201a3), thereby notifying the user that an error such as a sheet jam has occurred in the conveyance section (for example, the conveyance sections 201el and 201e2). At about the same time as this notification, in step S1708, the image forming apparatus 101 displays the resolution work procedure screen 1800 to which the door unlocking operation is added on the display device 104. According to the notification using the light emission notification section, the user is aware of the error in the conveyance section, but the door for entering the conveyance section is locked. Therefore, the user cannot start the error resolution work.

[0285] Before starting the error resolution work, the user is bound to confirm the display on the display device 104 and perform the door unlocking operation. As described above, in the present embodiment, when an error occurs, the light emission notification section is illuminated, thereby quickly notifying the user that an error has occurred. Further, after the user confirms the display on the display device 104, the lock of the door is released, thereby allowing the user to confirm the information on the work in advance. Therefore, for example, the user's attention can be drawn to the work before the user performs the work on the conveyance section including a high temperature portion.

[0286] In the present embodiment, a case where the door unlocking operation includes pressing the lock release button 1807 and the operation of inputting a password is shown. However, the door unlocking operation is not limited to these operations. For example, the input of the password can not be included in the door unlocking operation. For example, if any operation is performed on the resolution work procedure screen 1800, it can be considered that the user confirms the display content of the resolution work procedure screen 1800. Therefore, for example, the door unlocking operation can be any operation on the resolution work procedure screen 1800.

[0287] Other Embodiments

[0288] Embodiments of the present application can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., one or more programs) a computer-executable instruction (e.g., one or more programs) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments, and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing on the computer-readable storage medium (e.g., the one or more programs) the computer-executable instruction (e.g., the one or more programs) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. The computer can comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), micro processing units (MPUs)) and can include a computer or a plurality of computers or a plurality of processors or a plurality of computers and a plurality of processors, which read out and execute the computer-executable instruction. The computer-executable instruction can be provided from a network or the storage medium. TM

[0289] Embodiments of the present application can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., one or more programs) a computer-executable instruction (e.g., one or more programs) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments, and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing on the computer-readable storage medium (e.g., the one or more programs) the computer-executable instruction (e.g., the one or more programs) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. The computer can comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), micro processing units (MPUs)) and can include a computer or a plurality of computers or a plurality of processors or a plurality of computers and a plurality of processors, which read out and execute the computer-executable instruction. The computer-executable instruction can be provided from a network or the storage medium.

[0290] While the present application has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the widest scope under the doctrine of equivalents, in which:• various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented alone or in combination with each other. • various features or elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as features of elements of a single embodiment. • various modifications of one embodiment can be combined with one or more other modifications of the same embodiment or with one or more modifications of another embodiment.

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising: The detection unit is configured to detect the state of the image forming apparatus; The light-emitting part is disposed in a position visible from the outside of the image forming apparatus; Display section; as well as The control unit is configured to control the light emission of the light-emitting unit and the display of the display unit based on the result of the state detection by the detection unit. The light emission of the light-emitting part includes light emission in a manner that varies according to the state of the image forming apparatus. The display of the display unit includes displaying information indicating processing based on the state of the image forming apparatus, and After the light-emitting part emits light and the display part displays, and while performing the aforementioned processing, the control unit terminates the light-emitting part emits light and the display part displays, and further emits light from a light-emitting part different from the light-emitting part, and further displays a display part different from the display part displays.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the detection result of the detection unit on the state of the image forming apparatus, the control unit controls the light emission of the light-emitting unit associated with the detection unit and the display of the display unit.

3. The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising: The setting unit is used to set the light-emitting unit corresponding to the detection unit.

4. The image forming system according to claim 2, in, The image forming system includes multiple detection units and multiple light-emitting units, and Each of the light-emitting parts is associated with at least one of the detection parts.

5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The time during which the light-emitting part emits light overlaps with at least a portion of the time during which the display part displays light.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, If the detection unit detects an abnormality in the state of the image forming apparatus, the control unit controls the light emission of the light-emitting unit and the display of the display unit.

7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising: A determination unit is used to determine whether the state of the image forming apparatus detected by the detection unit is abnormal.

8. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The states of the image forming apparatus include a state in which the sheet cannot be conveyed in the transport path of the sheet for which an image is to be formed based on a printing job.

9. The image forming system according to claim 1, in, The image forming apparatus includes multiple modules, each of which is configured to perform some of the processes in a series of processes from the supply of the sheet to the discharge of the sheet being conveyed. The detection unit detects the status of one or more of the plurality of modules.

10. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the detection sequence of the detection unit, the control unit determines the order in which the light-emitting unit emits light and the display unit displays the image.

11. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit changes the display of the display unit according to the progress of the processing.

12. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: The second control unit is configured to change the state of the image forming apparatus to a restriction processing state before the user operates the display of the display unit, and to cancel the restriction processing state after the operation is performed.

13. The image forming system according to claim 12, in, The display unit includes displaying information indicating processing according to the state, and displaying information for issuing instructions to lift restrictions on processing. Specifically, after performing a predetermined operation on the information used to issue an instruction to lift the restriction on the processing, the second control unit lifts the restriction on the processing.

14. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The light-emitting part is a light-emitting diode.

15. A control method for controlling an image forming system, the control method comprising: Detect the state of the image forming apparatus; as well as Based on the detection of the state of the image forming apparatus, the emission of light from the light-emitting unit and the display of light from the display unit are controlled. The light-emitting unit is disposed in a position visible from the outside of the image forming apparatus. The light emission of the light-emitting part includes light emission in a manner that varies according to the state of the image forming apparatus. The display of the display unit includes displaying information indicating processing based on the state of the image forming apparatus, and Specifically, after the light-emitting part emits light and the display part displays, and while performing the aforementioned process, the light-emitting part emits light and the display part displays, and a light-emitting part different from the light-emitting part emits light, and a display part different from the display part displays.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for controlling an image forming system, the control method comprising: Detect the state of the image forming apparatus; as well as Based on the detection of the state of the image forming apparatus, the emission of light from the light-emitting unit and the display of light from the display unit are controlled. The light-emitting unit is disposed in a position visible from the outside of the image forming apparatus. The light emission of the light-emitting part includes light emission in a manner that varies according to the state of the image forming apparatus. The display of the display unit includes displaying information indicating processing based on the state of the image forming apparatus, and Specifically, after the light-emitting part emits light and the display part displays, and while performing the aforementioned process, the light-emitting part emits light and the display part displays, and a light-emitting part different from the light-emitting part emits light, and a display part different from the display part displays.

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