Image formation device

Abstract

To enable a user to optionally set a paper feeding part as a supply source of recording paper used in adjustment processing which is previously set image formation for adjustment.SOLUTION: An image formation device 10 includes: a plurality of paper feeding parts 71 to 74; an image formation part 12; an operation part 21 to which instruction of specifying the paper feeding part as a supply source of recording paper used in adjustment processing is input among the plurality of paper feeding parts; and a control part 29 for setting whether or not each of the paper feeding parts is set as the supply source of the recording paper used in the adjustment processing, in accordance with the instruction input to the operation part 21. When making the image formation part 12 execute the adjustment processing, the control part 29 feeds the recording paper to the image formation part 12 from the paper feeding part set to the supply source of the recording paper used in the adjustment processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on data to be printed on recording paper supplied by a paper supply unit, or performs adjustment processing, which is image formation for adjustment, and in particular, to a technology for setting a paper supply unit that supplies recording paper for adjustment processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices include electrophotographic systems that deposit toner on recording paper to form an image on the recording paper, and inkjet systems that eject ink onto the recording paper to form an image on the recording paper, etc. In electrophotographic systems, adjustment processes are performed to form a predetermined pattern on the recording paper to adjust image density, etc., while in inkjet systems, adjustment processes are performed to eject ink from the ink head onto the recording paper to maintain the performance of the ink head.

[0003] The recording device described in Patent Document 1 has cassettes each containing a plurality of types of recording media, and determines the recording medium on which to record the test pattern based on the priority of the recording medium size and the priority of the recording medium type, selects the cassette containing this recording medium, supplies the recording medium from the selected cassette, and records the test pattern on this recording medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-37210 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, when the above-mentioned adjustment process is performed, a paper feed unit that contains recording paper of a type and size suitable for the adjustment process is selected from among a plurality of paper feed units (such as paper feed cassettes), and recording paper is supplied from this selected paper feed unit. This paper feed unit selection is performed on the device side, not by the user. For this reason, the user cannot arbitrarily specify the paper feed unit that supplies the recording paper to be adjusted, and the recording paper to be adjusted is supplied from any of the plurality of paper feed units through the selection on the device side.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the recording medium on which the test pattern is recorded is determined based on the priority of the recording medium size and the priority of the recording medium type, and the recording medium is supplied from a cassette that contains this recording medium, which means that the recording medium is supplied from a paper feed cassette that is not intended by the user.

[0007] The present invention has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to enable a user to arbitrarily set the paper feed unit that supplies the recording paper to be used in the adjustment process, which is a preset image formation for adjustment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of paper feeding units that supply recording paper; an image forming unit that performs an adjustment process on the recording paper supplied by each of the paper feeding units, which is image formation based on data to be printed or image formation for a preset adjustment; an operation unit into which a user inputs instructions to designate one of the plurality of paper feeding units as the source of supply of recording paper to be used for the adjustment process; and a control unit that sets for each paper feeding unit whether or not it will be the source of supply of recording paper to be used for the adjustment process in accordance with the instructions input to the operation unit, and when the control unit causes the image forming unit to perform the adjustment process, the control unit causes the recording paper to be supplied to the image forming unit from the paper feeding unit that has been set as the source of supply of recording paper to be used for the adjustment process. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the user can arbitrarily set the paper feed unit that is to be the supply source of the recording paper used in the adjustment process, which is image formation for a preset adjustment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus; [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for causing each paper feed cassette to supply recording paper that is the subject of an adjustment process or to supply recording paper that is the subject of a print job. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an initialization screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a paper feed selection screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 1A is a diagram showing a paper feed setting window for the adjustment process displayed on the display unit of an image forming device, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a message displayed in the paper feed setting window for the adjustment process prompting a change in the type of adjustment process. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing a message displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, indicating that a paper feed cassette has already been selected as a supply source of recording paper for adjustment processing. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing a paper feed setting window for a print job displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing a data table in which attribute information of each paper feed cassette is written. FIG. [Figure 10A] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for selecting one of the paper feed cassettes and feeding recording paper from the selected paper feed cassette. [Figure 10B] 10B is a flowchart showing the process following FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first supply use conversion screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second supply use conversion screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment

[0012] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (multi-function peripheral) having multiple functions such as a copy function and a scanner function. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0013] The image reading unit 11 has an imaging element (for example, a contact image sensor) that optically reads an image of a document, and image data representing the image of the document is generated from an analog output of this imaging element.

[0014] The image forming unit 12 forms an image represented by the image data on a recording paper by electrophotography, and includes a magenta image forming unit 3M, a cyan image forming unit 3C, a yellow image forming unit 3Y, and a black image forming unit 3Bk. In each of the image forming units 3M, 3C, 3Y, and 3Bk, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed to light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4 is developed into a toner image, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 4 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 5. As a result, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. This color toner image is secondarily transferred to the recording paper P transported from the paper feeder 14 through the transport path 8 in the nip area NP between the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 6.

[0015] The paper feed device 14 includes a first paper feed cassette 71, a second paper feed cassette 72, a third paper feed cassette 73, a fourth paper feed cassette 74, and a manual feed tray 9, and the recording paper P is fed and transported from one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 to the transport path 8, or the recording paper P is fed and transported from the manual feed tray 9 to the transport path 8. The recording paper P is sent to the transport path 8, and the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 5 is secondarily transferred onto the recording paper P in a nip area NP between the intermediate transfer belt 5 and a secondary transfer roller 6. The paper feed cassettes are an example of a paper feed section in the claims.

[0016] Thereafter, the recording paper P is heated and pressed in the fixing device 15 so that the toner image on the recording paper P is fixed by thermocompression, and the recording paper P is then discharged onto a paper discharge tray 17 via paper discharge rollers 16 .

[0017] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading section 11, an image forming section 12, an operation section 21, a display section 22, a touch panel 24, a storage section 26, each of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74, and a control unit 28. These components are capable of transmitting and receiving data or signals to and from each other via a bus.

[0018] The operation unit 21 includes physical keys such as a numeric keypad, a decision key, a start key, etc. The display unit 22 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED: Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display, or the like.

[0019] A touch panel 24 is disposed on the screen of the display section 22. The touch panel 24 is a so-called resistive film type or capacitive type touch panel, which detects a contact (touch) made by a user's finger or the like on the touch panel 24 together with the contact position, and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the contact position to a control section 29 of the control unit 28, which will be described later.

[0020] The storage unit 26 is a large-capacity storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD), and stores various application programs and various data.

[0021] The control unit 28 is composed of a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC, or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 28 functions as a control unit 29 by the processor executing a control program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 26.

[0022] The control unit 29 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 28 is connected to the image reading unit 11, the image forming unit 12, the operation unit 21, the display unit 22, the touch panel 24, the storage unit 26, and each of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74. The control unit 29 controls the operation of these components and transmits and receives signals or data between these components.

[0023] The control unit 29 serves as a processing unit that executes various processes required for image formation by the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 29 also accepts operation instructions input by the user based on a detection signal output from the touch panel 24 or an operation of a physical key of the operation unit 21. For example, the control unit 29 accepts a touch operation on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like displayed on the screen of the display unit 22 through the touch panel 24. Furthermore, the control unit 29 has a function of controlling the display operation of the display unit 22.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 29 controls the driving sources (motors, etc.) that operate the respective paper feed cassettes 71-74, and causes the recording paper P to be transported and supplied to the transport path 8 by any of the paper feed cassettes 71-74.

[0025] In the image forming device 10 configured as above, the control unit 29 performs a print job in which the image of the original is read by the image reading unit 11, recording paper is supplied from one of the paper feeding cassettes 71-74 of the paper feeding device 14, image data showing the image of the original (an example of data to be printed) is input to the image forming unit 12, and the image forming unit 12 forms the image of the original on the supplied recording paper.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 29 counts the number of recording sheets on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 12, and whenever this counted number reaches a preset threshold value, causes one of the paper feed cassettes 71-74 of the paper feed device 14 to supply recording sheets, and performs preset image formation for adjustment by causing the image forming unit 12 to form a pattern of each color, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, on the recording sheets using preset image data indicating the pattern of each color. This preset image formation for adjustment is referred to as adjustment processing.

[0027] After forming the image for adjustment, for example, a maintenance person of the image forming apparatus 10 visually checks the patterns of each color formed on the recording paper and operates the operation unit 21 to input the adjustment amount of the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 12. Based on the input adjustment amount of the density of each color component, the control unit 29 sets the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper when the image is formed by the image forming unit 12. Alternatively, the user causes the image reading unit 11 to read the patterns of each color formed on the recording paper. The control unit 29 determines the density of the patterns of each color read by the image reading unit 11, and based on the determined density of each color component, sets the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper when the image is formed by the image forming unit 12.

[0028] Here, the image forming device 10 is provided with four paper feed cassettes, namely, a first paper feed cassette 71, a second paper feed cassette 72, a third paper feed cassette 73, and a fourth paper feed cassette 74, and therefore the recording paper used for image formation based on the data to be printed and the recording paper used for adjustment processing are supplied from separate paper feed cassettes.

[0029] The adjustment process is of multiple types. The adjustment processes include, for example, type I and type II. Type I of the adjustment process is an adjustment process in which the size and layout of the patterns of each color, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, formed on the recording paper are adapted to the standard paper size "A4". Type II of the adjustment process is an adjustment process in which the size and layout of the patterns of each color, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, formed on the recording paper are adapted to the standard paper size "A3". For this reason, the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" for the adjustment process type I is supplied from the paper feed cassette set as the supply source for the adjustment process type I, and the recording paper of the standard paper size "A3" for the adjustment process type II is supplied from the paper feed cassette set as the supply source for the adjustment process type II. The control unit 29 does not allow the paper feed cassette set as the supply source for the adjustment process to supply recording paper for image formation based on the data to be printed.

[0030] Image data showing patterns of each color that are compatible with the standard paper size "A4" for adjustment process type I, and image data showing patterns of each color that are compatible with the standard paper size "A3" for adjustment process type II are each pre-stored in memory unit 26, and are read out from memory unit 26 by control unit 29 and used in the adjustment process.

[0031] Next, the process of setting each paper feed cassette 71 to 74 to supply recording paper to be used for the adjustment process or to supply recording paper to be used for image formation based on the data to be printed will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0032] It is assumed that the user stores recording paper of the respective standard paper sizes in each of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74. Here, it is assumed that the first paper feed cassette 71 stores recording paper of the standard paper size "A4", the second paper feed cassette 72 stores recording paper of the standard paper size "A3", the third paper feed cassette 73 stores recording paper of the standard paper size "A4", and the fourth paper feed cassette 74 stores recording paper of the standard paper size "A3".

[0033] In the image forming apparatus 10, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in standby, the control unit 29 displays an initial screen G1, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, on the display unit 22. On this initial screen G1, a plurality of function keys 31a to 31h, each associated with a different function, are displayed. When the user touches the function key 31h indicating the paper feed setting mode, the control unit 29 receives an instruction associated with the function key 31h via the touch panel 24, and in accordance with the instruction, causes the display unit 22 to display a paper feed selection screen G2, for example, as shown in Fig. 5 (S101).

[0034] The paper feed selection screen G2 shown in Figure 5 displays, for each of the first paper feed cassette 71, the second paper feed cassette 72, the third paper feed cassette 73, and the fourth paper feed cassette 74, a button B1 for accepting an instruction to designate the paper feed cassette as the source of recording paper to be used for the adjustment process, and a button B2 for accepting an instruction to designate the paper feed cassette as the paper feed cassette that supplies recording paper to be used for image formation based on the data to be printed.

[0035] For example, when the user touches button B1 of the third paper feed cassette 73 on the paper feed selection screen G2, the control unit 29 receives an instruction through the touch panel 24 corresponding to button B1 of the third paper feed cassette 73 to set the third paper feed cassette 73 as the supply source of recording paper to be used in the adjustment process (S102 "Adjustment"), and sets the third paper feed cassette 73 as the above-mentioned supply source (S103). At this time, the control unit 29 displays a paper feed setting window W1 for the adjustment process, as shown in FIG. 6(A) (S104).

[0036] The paper feed setting window W1 for the adjustment process displays a button B11 for accepting an instruction to select adjustment function type I or type II, a button B12 for accepting an instruction to select the standard paper size of the recording paper stored in the third paper feed cassette 73, a button B13 for accepting an instruction to select the type of recording paper, and an OK key K11.

[0037] When the user touches button B11, a pull-down display instruction is received by touch panel 24, and control unit 29 displays a pull-down menu showing the types of adjustment processing in accordance with this instruction. When the user touches either the area showing adjustment processing type I or the area showing adjustment processing type II in the pull-down menu, control unit 29 receives an instruction via touch panel 24 to specify the type of adjustment processing displayed in the area touched.

[0038] Furthermore, when the user touches button B12, a pull-down display instruction for multiple standard paper sizes is received by touch panel 24, and control unit 29 causes a pull-down display showing multiple standard paper sizes in accordance with this instruction. When the user touches an area showing one of the standard paper sizes in the area where the pull-down display is performed, control unit 29 receives an instruction via touch panel 24 to specify the standard paper size displayed in the area touched.

[0039] Furthermore, when the user touches button B13, an instruction to display a pull-down menu of multiple recording paper types is received on touch panel 24, and control unit 29 causes a pull-down menu showing multiple recording paper types to be displayed in accordance with this instruction. When the user touches an area showing one of the recording paper types in the area where the pull-down menu is displayed, control unit 29 receives an instruction via touch panel 24 to specify the recording paper type displayed in the area touched.

[0040] After displaying the paper feed setting window W1 for the adjustment process, the control unit 29 determines whether adjustment process type I or II has been selected based on the instructions received as described above (S105). Furthermore, the control unit 29 determines which of the standard paper sizes has been selected based on the instructions received as described above (S106). Furthermore, the control unit 29 determines which type of recording paper has been selected based on the instructions received as described above (S107).

[0041] At this time, the control unit 29 determines whether the standard paper size of the recording paper determined in S106, for example "A4", matches the standard paper size of the recording paper suitable for use in the adjustment process type I or type II determined in S105 (S108). The control unit 29 stores the standard paper sizes of the recording paper suitable for use in the adjustment process types I and II for each type.

[0042] Here, if the control unit 29 determines that they do not match (S108 "No"), the adjustment process of the type determined in S105 cannot be executed, and therefore displays a paper feed setting window W1 including a message E1 prompting the user to change the type of adjustment process on the display unit 22 (S109), as shown in Fig. 6 (B) for example. For example, if the adjustment process determined in S105 is type II, the standard paper size of the recording paper used in the adjustment process type II is "A3", and the standard paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper feed cassette determined in S106, in this example the third paper feed cassette 73, is "A4", it is determined that the standard paper size of the recording paper "A4" determined in S106 does not match the standard paper size of the recording paper "A3" determined in S105, and the message E1 is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0043] It is assumed that the user sees the message E1 displayed in the paper feed setting window W1, and touches the button B11 again to input an instruction to change the adjustment process type II to type I. When the control unit 29 receives the input instruction via the touch panel 24, it sets the type of adjustment process indicated by the instruction, here type I, for the third paper feed cassette 73. As a result, the suitable standard paper size "A4" used in the adjustment process type I and the standard paper size "A4" set for the third paper feed cassette 73 match.

[0044] When the control unit 29 determines that the standard paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper feed cassette matches the standard paper size of the recording paper used in the adjustment process type I or type II (S108 "Yes"), it determines whether or not it has received a storage instruction to store the standard paper size, adjustment process type, and recording paper type selected at this time as attribute information of the third paper feed cassette 73 (S110). Then, when the user touches the OK key K11 and the control unit 29 receives the storage instruction associated with the OK key K11 through the touch panel 24 (S110 "Yes"), it writes and stores the fact that it has been set as a supply source in S103, the type of adjustment process determined in S105, the standard paper size of the recording paper determined in S106, and the type of recording paper determined in S107 in a data table DT as shown in FIG. 9 as attribute information of the third paper feed cassette 73 (S111). In the data table DT, "adjustment processing" is indicated in the "supply purpose" column, which indicates that the paper feed cassette indicated as "adjustment processing" is the supply source.

[0045] 5, when the user touches button B2 of the first paper feed cassette 71 on the paper feed selection screen G2 while the paper feed selection screen G2 is displayed, the control unit 29 receives, via the touch panel 24, an instruction corresponding to the first paper feed cassette 71 button B2, to set the first paper feed cassette 71 as the printing paper feed cassette, i.e., the printing paper feed cassette (S102 "Print"). The printing paper feed cassette is an example of a printing paper feed unit in the claims.

[0046] At this time, the control unit 29 refers to the data table DT shown in Fig. 9 to determine whether or not the first paper feed cassette 71 selected in S112 has already been set as the supply source to be used in the adjustment process (S113). When the control unit 29 determines that the first paper feed cassette 71 has already been set as the supply source to be used in the adjustment process (S113 "Yes"), as shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 29 displays a message E2 indicating that the first paper feed cassette 71 has already been set as the supply source to be used in the adjustment process as a window W21 together with an OK key K21 and an NG key K22 on the display unit 22 (S114). The message E2 is an example of a warning message in the claims.

[0047] When the user sees the message E2 and wishes to maintain the setting of the first paper feed cassette 71 as the supply source, the user touches the OK key K21. This touch operation causes the control unit 29 to accept an instruction to confirm the setting corresponding to the OK key K21 via the touch panel 24. In accordance with the instruction to confirm, the control unit 29 maintains the setting of the first paper feed cassette 71 as the supply source ("OK" in S115). After this, the process returns to S101.

[0048] Furthermore, when the user wishes to cancel the setting of the first paper feed cassette 71 as the supply source and set the first paper feed cassette 71 as a printing paper feed cassette for supplying recording paper when printing based on the data to be printed, the user touches the NG key K22. This touch operation causes the control unit 29 to receive a change instruction corresponding to the NG key K22 to set the first paper feed cassette 71 as a printing paper feed cassette via the touch panel 24 ("NG" in S115). In accordance with the change instruction, the control unit 29 cancels the setting of the first paper feed cassette 71 as the supply source and sets the first paper feed cassette 71 as a printing paper feed cassette (S112).

[0049] In addition, even if the control unit 29 determines that the first paper feed cassette 71 is not set as the supply source to be used in the adjustment process (S113 ``No''), it sets the first paper feed cassette 71 as the paper feed cassette for printing (S112) in accordance with the instruction received in S102.

[0050] When the control unit 29 has set the paper feed cassette as the printing paper feed cassette in this way (S112), it displays a paper feed setting window W2 for the print job, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8 (S116).

[0051] The paper feed setting window W2 for the print job shown in Figure 8 displays the paper feed cassette set in S112, in this example a button B21 for accepting an instruction to select the standard paper size of the recording paper contained in the first paper feed cassette 71, a button B22 for accepting an instruction to select the type of recording paper, and an OK key K23.

[0052] Furthermore, when the user touches button B21, a pull-down display instruction for multiple standard paper sizes is received on touch panel 24, and control unit 29 causes a pull-down display showing multiple standard paper sizes in accordance with this instruction. When the user touches an area showing one of the standard paper sizes in the area where the pull-down display is performed, control unit 29 receives an instruction via touch panel 24 to specify the standard paper size displayed in the area touched.

[0053] Furthermore, when the user touches button B22, an instruction to display a pull-down menu of multiple recording paper types is received on touch panel 24, and control unit 29 causes a pull-down menu showing multiple recording paper types to be displayed in accordance with this instruction. When the user touches an area showing one of the recording paper types in the area where the pull-down menu is displayed, control unit 29 receives an instruction via touch panel 24 to specify the recording paper type displayed in the area touched.

[0054] After displaying the paper feed setting window W2 for the adjustment process, the control unit 29 determines which of the standard paper sizes has been selected (S117) based on the instructions received as described above, and determines which type of recording paper has been selected (S118).

[0055] Then, when the user touches the OK key K23 and the control unit 29 receives a storage instruction associated with the OK key K23 through the touch panel 24 (S119 "Yes"), the fact that the first paper feed cassette 71 was set as the printing paper feed cassette in S112, the standard paper size of the recording paper determined in S117, and the type of recording paper determined in S118 are written and stored in the data table DT shown in Fig. 9 as attribute information of the first paper feed cassette 71 (S120). In the data table DT, "Print job" is displayed in the "Supply purpose" column, which indicates that the paper feed cassette indicated as "Print job" is set as the printing paper feed cassette.

[0056] The process of S102 "Adjustment" and S103 to S111, or the process of S102 "Print" and S112 to S120 is also performed on all paper feed cassettes such as the second paper feed cassette 72 and the fourth paper feed cassette 74, and the paper feed cassette is set as the paper feed source or as a paper feed cassette for printing. When a paper feed cassette is set as the paper feed source, the control unit 29 writes and stores in the data table DT the fact that the paper feed cassette has been set as the paper feed source, the type of adjustment process, the standard paper size of the recording paper, and the type of recording paper, in the same manner as described above. Furthermore, when a paper feed cassette is set as a paper feed cassette for printing, the control unit 29 writes in the data table DT the fact that the paper feed cassette has been set as a paper feed cassette for printing, the standard paper size of the recording paper, and the type of recording paper.

[0057] 9, the data table DT stores, for the first paper feed cassette 71, that it is a paper feed cassette for printing, that the standard paper size of the recording paper is "A4", and that the type of the recording paper is "plain paper". For the second paper feed cassette 72, the data stores, for the second paper feed cassette 72, that it is a paper feed cassette for printing, that the standard paper size of the recording paper is "A3", and that the type of the recording paper is "recycled paper". For the third paper feed cassette 73, the data stores, for the supply source for adjustment processing, type I of adjustment processing, that the standard paper size of the recording paper is "A4", and that the type of the recording paper is "plain paper". For the fourth paper feed cassette 74, the data stores, for the supply source for adjustment processing, type II of adjustment processing, that the standard paper size of the recording paper is "A3", and that the type of the recording paper is "plain paper".

[0058] The information in the data table DT indicating that it is a paper feed cassette for printing, that it is the above-mentioned supply source for adjustment processing, the type of adjustment processing, the standard paper size of the recording paper, and the type of recording paper are examples of attribute information in the claims.

[0059] In this manner, after the attribute information of each of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 is written into the data table DT, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 ends.

[0060] Note that, here, the standard paper size of the recording paper stored in each paper feed cassette 71-74 is input in the paper feed setting window W1 or W2, but sensors for detecting the standard paper size of each recording paper stored in each paper feed cassette 71-74 may be provided, and the control unit 219 may set the standard paper size of each recording paper detected by these sensors as attribute information of the paper feed cassette.

[0061] Next, a process for selecting one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 and feeding recording paper from the selected paper feed cassette will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0062] For example, it is assumed that the user places an original on the image reading unit 11, and operates the operation unit 21 to input an instruction to specify the standard paper size "A4" for the recording paper, and an instruction to execute a copy operation.

[0063] The control unit 29 accepts a print job based on the copy operation execution instruction input to the operation unit 21. When the control unit 29 accepts a print job (S201 "Yes"), the control unit 29 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the image of the document, and also refers to the data table DT to select a paper feed cassette that is set as a paper feed cassette for printing and to which the standard paper size "A4" is set. In this example, the control unit 29 selects the first paper feed cassette 71 as the paper feed cassette. The control unit 29 causes the selected first paper feed cassette 71 to supply recording paper of the standard paper size "A4", and causes the image forming unit 12 to form the image of the document on the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" as data to be printed (S202).

[0064] At this time, when multiple originals are set in the image reading unit 11, the control unit 29 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the images of each original in sequence, causes the first paper feed cassette 71 to sequentially supply each recording paper of the standard paper size "A4", and causes the image forming unit 12 to form the image of each original on each recording paper of the standard paper size "A4".

[0065] During execution of a print job (S203 "No"), the control unit 29 counts up the cumulative number of sheets of recording paper on which an image of the original has been formed (including the total number of sheets on which an image has been formed based on other jobs that have already been completed) n (S204) each time image formation on the recording paper is completed, and determines whether the cumulative number n has reached a preset threshold value N (S205). If the cumulative number n has not reached the threshold value N (S205 "No"), the control unit 29 determines whether or not recording paper is stored in the first paper feed cassette 71 based on the detection output of a recording paper presence / absence detection sensor (not shown) of the first paper feed cassette 71 (S206). When the control unit 29 determines that recording paper is present (S206 "Yes"), it repeats S203 to S206, and when the print job is completed (S203 "Yes"), the process returns to S201. This causes the control unit to wait for the next print job.

[0066] Furthermore, when the control unit 29 determines that the recording paper stored in the first paper feed cassette 71 has run out (S206 "No") before the cumulative number n reaches the threshold value N (S205 "No"), it interrupts the print job (S207). The control unit 29 refers to the data table DT, detects the paper feed cassette in which the standard paper size "A4" is set, here the third paper feed cassette 73 set as the above-mentioned supply source, and displays a first supply use diversion screen G3 (an example is shown in FIG. 11) for receiving an instruction to select permission or prohibition for continuing the print job by supplying recording paper from the third paper feed cassette 73 (S208). On the first supply use diversion screen G3, a message E3 for prompting the selection of permission or prohibition for diversion of the paper feed cassette set as the above-mentioned supply source as a paper feed cassette for printing, a permission key K31 for receiving the selection of permission, and a prohibition key K32 for receiving the selection of prohibition are displayed.

[0067] The user looks at the message E3, judges whether to permit or prohibit the diversion of the third paper feed cassette 73 to supply recording paper for the print job, and touches the permission key K31 or prohibition key K32.

[0068] When the control unit 29 receives a permission instruction associated with the permission key K31 via the touch panel 24 (S209 ``Permission''), it resumes the print job, causes the third paper feed cassette 73 set as the supply source to supply recording paper of the standard paper size ``A4'', and causes the image forming unit 12 to form an image of the original on the recording paper of the standard paper size ``A4'' (S210), and repeats the processing from S203.

[0069] In addition, when the control unit 29 receives a prohibition instruction corresponding to the prohibition key K32 through the touch panel 24 (S209 ``Prohibited''), it causes the display unit 22 to display a message urging the user to replenish the first paper feed cassette 71 with recording paper of the standard paper size ``A4'' (S211).

[0070] It is assumed that the user, upon seeing the message displayed in S211, replenishes recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" in the first paper feed cassette 71. The control unit 29 determines that there is recording paper in the first paper feed cassette 71 based on the detection output of the recording paper presence / absence detection sensor, resumes the print job, causes the first paper feed cassette 71 to supply recording paper of the standard paper size "A4", causes the image forming unit 12 to form an image of the original on the recording paper (S212), and repeats the process from S203.

[0071] In this way, recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" is supplied by the first paper feed cassette 71 and the cumulative number of recording paper sheets n is counted up, and when the first paper feed cassette 71 becomes empty, recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" is supplied by the third paper feed cassette 73, which is set as the above-mentioned supply source, instead of the first paper feed cassette 71, or recording paper is replenished into the first paper feed cassette 71, the supply of recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" by the first paper feed cassette 71 is resumed, and the cumulative number of recording paper sheets n continues to be counted up.

[0072] In S205, when the control unit 29 determines that the cumulative number n has reached the threshold N (S205 "Yes"), it interrupts the print job (S213). The timing when the cumulative number n has reached the threshold N is set as the execution timing of the adjustment process. The control unit 29 determines whether the adjustment process type I or type II is to be executed (S214). Whether the adjustment process type I or type II is to be executed is set in advance based on the usage status of the image forming device 10 (such as the frequency of use of each standard paper size) and is written and stored by the control unit 29. For example, when the execution of the adjustment process type II is set in advance, the control unit 29 determines to execute the adjustment process type II (S214). As described above, the adjustment process type II is an adjustment process in which the size and layout of the pattern of each color formed on the recording paper for adjustment is adapted to the recording paper of the standard paper size "A3".

[0073] The control unit 29 causes the display unit 22 to display a second supply use diversion screen G4 (an example is shown in FIG. 12) for receiving an instruction to select whether or not to divert the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" supplied from the first paper supply cassette 71, which is the printing paper supply cassette in the print job interrupted in S213, to an adjustment process (here, type II adjustment process) (S215). The second supply use diversion screen G4 displays a message E4 prompting a selection of whether or not to apply the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" used for printing based on the data to be printed at this point to the adjustment process, that is, to use the recording paper used for printing at this point, which is of a size different from the size of the recording paper to be used for the type II adjustment process, for the type II adjustment process, an OK key K41 for accepting the selection of OK, and a NO key K42 for accepting the selection of NO.

[0074] For example, when the user sees the message E4 and wishes to apply the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" supplied in the print job to the adjustment process, the user touches the OK key 41. When the control unit 29 receives the permission instruction associated with the OK key 41 via the touch panel 24 (S216 "OK"), the control unit 29 reads out the image of the pattern of each color that is suitable for the standard paper size "A3" of the adjustment process type II from the storage unit 26, and performs image processing on the image of the pattern of each color to make it suitable for the standard paper size "A4" supplied by the first paper feed cassette 71 (S217). For example, the control unit 29 reduces the pattern of each color that is suitable for the standard paper size "A3" and converts the size of the pattern of each color into the pattern of each color that is suitable for the standard paper size "A4".

[0075] Thereafter, the control unit 29 causes the first paper feed cassette 71 to supply recording paper of the standard paper size "A4", and using the images of the patterns of each color described above adapted to the standard paper size "A4", causes the image forming unit 12 to form the patterns of each color after the adaptation process on the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" (S218), and performs adjustment processing.

[0076] The recording paper of the standard size "A4" on which the above-mentioned color patterns are formed is used to adjust the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 12.

[0077] After the above adjustment process, the control unit 29 resumes the interrupted print job (S220), after which the process returns to S203.

[0078] Also, when the user sees the message E4 and does not want to apply the recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" supplied in the print job to the adjustment process of type II, the user touches the No key 42. When the control unit 29 receives a refusal instruction associated with the No key 42 through the touch panel 24 (S216 "No"), the control unit 29 refers to the data table DT and selects a paper feed cassette that is a paper feed cassette for printing or a paper feed cassette set as the above-mentioned supply source and that is associated with the standard paper size "A3" that is a size suitable for the adjustment process type II, in this example, the fourth paper feed cassette 74. The control unit 29 causes the selected fourth paper feed cassette 74 to supply recording paper of the standard paper size "A3", reads out the patterns of each color that are suitable for the standard paper size "A3" of the adjustment process type II from the storage unit 26, and causes the image forming unit 12 to form the patterns of each color on the recording paper of the standard paper size "A3" (S221). After this, the process proceeds to S220.

[0079] The recording paper of the standard size "A3" on which the patterns of each color are formed is used to adjust the density of each color component of the image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 12 as described above.

[0080] In the above, in S216, the control unit 29 performs the processes of S217 and S218 when it receives a permission instruction corresponding to the OK key 41 via the touch panel 24. However, instead of providing a process for allowing the user to select permission or refusal as in S216, the control unit 29 may pre-store permission to apply to the adjustment process recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" supplied in the print job (recording paper supplied from the printing paper feed cassette), and perform the processes from S217 onwards immediately after S214.

[0081] In addition, as described above, the reason why the recording paper from the printing paper feed cassette that has been used up until then is used when the time to perform the adjustment process arrives is to save time because, if, when the time to perform the adjustment process arrives, the recording paper supply is switched to the source paper feed cassette that corresponds to the adjustment process, it takes time to switch the paper feed cassette, and after the adjustment process is completed, it takes time to switch back from the source paper feed cassette to the recording paper supply from the printing paper feed cassette that has been used.

[0082] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74 can be used as paper feed cassettes set as paper feed cassettes that supply recording paper used in image formation based on data to be printed, or as paper feed cassettes set as the above-mentioned supply source for adjustment processing, depending on the user's designation. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the user can arbitrarily set the paper feed cassette that is the supply source of recording paper used in the adjustment processing, which is image formation for adjustment that is preset. <Second embodiment>

[0083] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 13, parts that perform the same functions as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0084] An image forming apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment which forms an image by an electrophotographic method in that the image forming apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment forms an image by an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment includes an image reading unit 11 and an image forming unit 12A. The image reading unit 11 has an imaging element which optically reads an image of a document, and image data showing the image of the document is generated from the analog output of the imaging element.

[0085] The image forming unit 12A forms an image represented by the image data on recording paper by an inkjet method, and has line heads (an example of an ink head) 55 that eject ink droplets of four colors (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). Each line head 55 ejects ink droplets of the corresponding color onto the recording paper P that has been transported from the paper feeder 14 to the transport unit 54 through the transport path 53, forming a color image on the recording paper P.

[0086] The transport unit 54 includes a drive roller 68, a driven roller 69, a tension roller 65, and a transport belt 66. The transport belt 66 is an endless belt that is stretched across the drive roller 68, the driven roller 69, and the tension roller 65. The drive roller 68 is a roller that is driven to rotate clockwise by a motor (not shown), and as the drive roller 68 is driven to rotate, the transport belt 66 is moved in a clockwise orbit, and the driven roller 69 and the tension roller 65 are driven to rotate clockwise.

[0087] The tension roller 65 is a roller for maintaining an appropriate tension of the conveyor belt 66. The adsorption roller 67 is in contact with the conveyor belt 66 and electrostatically adsorbs the recording paper P fed from the paper feeder 14 to the conveyor belt 66 by charging the conveyor belt 66.

[0088] The recording paper P on which the image of the original has been formed by the image forming unit 12A passes through a relay transport path 680 and is discharged onto a discharge tray 63 via a driven roller 69.

[0089] The paper feed device 14 includes a first paper feed cassette 71, a second paper feed cassette 72, a third paper feed cassette 73, and a fourth paper feed cassette 74, and the recording paper P is transported and supplied to the transport path 53 from any one of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74.

[0090] Next, the configuration relating to control of image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment is generally the same as that of image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2. However, image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment uses inkjet type image forming section 12A instead of electrophotographic type image forming section 12, and control section 29 controls inkjet type image forming section 12A to form an image of the document on recording paper P by image forming section 12A in the above-mentioned procedure.

[0091] In addition, the control unit 29 counts the number of recording sheets on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 12A, and performs an adjustment process in which ink is discharged onto the recording sheet by each line head 55 of the image forming unit 12A every time the counted number reaches a preset threshold value. This discharge of ink is performed to prevent the nozzles of each line head 55 from clogging.

[0092] Here, in the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, four paper feed cassettes, a first paper feed cassette 71, a second paper feed cassette 72, a third paper feed cassette 73, and a fourth paper feed cassette 74, are provided, so that the recording paper used for image formation based on the data to be printed and the recording paper supplied for adjustment processing are supplied from separate paper feed cassettes.

[0093] The image forming apparatus 10A also has two types of adjustment processes: type I and type II. Type I of adjustment process in the image forming apparatus 10A is an adjustment process that adjusts the ink discharge by each line head 55 of the image forming unit 12A to the standard paper size "A4." Type II of adjustment process is an adjustment process that adjusts the ink discharge by each line head 55 to the standard paper size "A3."

[0094] The ink ejection patterns by each line head 55 that are compatible with the standard paper size "A4" of adjustment process type I, and the ink ejection patterns by each line head 55 that are compatible with the standard paper size "A3" of adjustment process type II are pre-stored in memory unit 26, read out from memory unit 26 by control unit 29, and used in the adjustment process.

[0095] Thus, the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment differs from the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment in that it uses an inkjet type image forming unit 12A instead of an electrophotographic type image forming unit 12, but it supplies recording paper for the adjustment process from any of the paper feed cassettes 71 to 74, and there are two types of adjustment process: type I is an adjustment process adapted to the standard paper size "A4", and type II is an adjustment process adapted to the standard paper size "A3".

[0096] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10A, the control unit 29 writes attribute information of each of the paper feed cassettes 71-74 into the data table DT to create the data table DT, in the same manner as in the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. Then, in the same manner as in the process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 9, when printing based on data to be printed or performing adjustment processing, recording paper is supplied from one of the paper feed cassettes 71-74.

[0097] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, similarly to the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the paper feed cassettes 71-74 can be used as paper feed cassettes set as paper feed cassettes that supply recording paper used in image formation based on print target data, or as paper feed cassettes set as the above-mentioned supply source for adjustment processing, according to user designation. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10A of the second embodiment also allows the user to arbitrarily set the paper feed unit that is the supply source of recording paper used in the adjustment processing, which is image formation for adjustment that is preset.

[0098] In the above-described embodiments, when recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" supplied by the first paper feed cassette 71 for image formation based on data to be printed is diverted for adjustment processing, images of patterns of each color that fit the standard paper size "A3" of adjustment processing type II are read from the storage unit 26, and image processing is performed on the images of the patterns of each color that fit the standard paper size "A3" to fit the standard paper size "A4" supplied by the first paper feed cassette 71, and the patterns of each color converted to fit the standard paper size "A4" are generated. However, adjustment process type II may be changed to type I (the standard paper size suitable for type I is "A4") to match the standard paper size "A4" recording paper supplied by the first paper feed cassette 71, and patterns of each color that are compatible with the standard paper size "A4" of this changed adjustment process type I may be read from memory unit 26, and the patterns of each color that are compatible with this standard paper size "A4" may be formed on recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" by image forming unit 12 or 12A.

[0099] In addition, when the control unit 29 determines that the cumulative number of sheets n has reached a preset threshold value N (S205) during a job in which, for example, multiple recording sheets of standard paper size "A4" are supplied to the image forming unit 12 or 12A by the first paper feed cassette 71 and an image based on the data to be printed is formed on the multiple recording sheets by the image forming unit 12 or 12A, and performs an adjustment process of type II, it may interrupt the print job, rewrite the attribute information for the first paper feed cassette 71 from the attribute information indicating the previous standard paper size "A4" to attribute information indicating the standard paper size "A3" of the recording sheets used in adjustment process type II, and write and set it in the data table DT in association with the first paper feed cassette 71. In this way, after this rewriting, when the user sets recording paper of the standard paper size "A3" in the first paper feed cassette 71, recording paper of the standard paper size "A3" that is eligible for the type II adjustment process can be supplied from the first paper feed cassette 71 by the image forming unit 12 or 12A, and the type II adjustment process can be performed on the recording paper of the standard paper size "A3" by the image forming unit 12 or 12A. This allows the user to execute the type II adjustment process simply by setting recording paper of the standard paper size "A3" in the first paper feed cassette 71, without having to rewrite the attribute information associated with the first paper feed cassette 71 by himself.

[0100] After executing the type II adjustment process in this manner, the control unit 29 rewrites the attribute information for the first paper feed cassette 71 in the data table DT to the original attribute information indicating the standard paper size "A4" for the recording paper. After this rewriting, if the user stores recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" in the first paper feed cassette 71 again, image formation based on the data to be printed can be performed using recording paper of the standard paper size "A4" as before, without the user having to rewrite the attribute information back to the original.

[0101] Moreover, the configurations and processes of the above-described embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these configurations and processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10 Image forming device 10A Image forming device 11 Image reading unit 12 Image forming section 12A Image forming section 14 Paper feeder 21 Control section 22 Display section 24 Touch Panel 26 Memory section 28 Control Unit 29 Control Unit 71 First paper feed cassette 72 Second paper feed cassette 73 Third paper feed cassette 74 4th paper feed cassette

Claims

1. A plurality of paper feed units for supplying recording paper; an image forming unit that performs an adjustment process, which is image formation based on print data or image formation for adjustment that is set in advance, on the recording paper supplied by each of the paper feeding units; an operation unit into which an instruction to specify one of the plurality of paper feed units as a supply source of recording paper to be used in the adjustment process is input by a user; a control unit that sets, for each of the paper feed units, whether or not the paper feed units are to be a supply source of recording paper used in the adjustment process in accordance with an instruction input to the operation unit, When the control unit causes the image forming unit to execute the adjustment process, the control unit causes the image forming unit to supply the recording paper from the paper feed unit set as a supply source of the recording paper used in the adjustment process.

2. a designation instruction is input to the operation unit by a user to designate, from among the plurality of paper feed units, a printing paper feed unit that supplies recording paper to be used for image formation based on the print target data; The control unit is setting, for each of the paper feed units, whether or not the paper feed unit is to be used as the printing paper feed unit according to the designation instruction inputted to the operation unit; setting attribute information indicating a paper size for each of the plurality of paper feed units; Furthermore, the control unit When the image forming unit is caused to execute image formation based on the print target data, the printing paper feed unit is caused to supply the recording paper to the image forming unit, the attribute information indicating a paper size to be applied to the image formation based on the print target data being set, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image forming unit is to execute the adjustment process, the recording paper is supplied to the image forming unit by the paper feed unit designated as the supply source, and the adjustment process is executed with contents that conform to the paper size indicated by the attribute information.

3. The control unit is In the case where the image forming unit is to perform the adjustment process while the image forming unit is performing image formation based on the print target data by supplying recording paper from the printing paper supply unit, the image forming unit continues to supply recording paper from the printing paper supply unit, 3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein when the paper size indicated by the attribute information set in the printing paper feed unit is different from a paper size suitable for the adjustment process, the adjustment process is executed with content that is compatible with the paper size indicated by the attribute information.

4. The control unit is In the case where the image forming unit is caused to perform the adjustment process adapted to a predetermined paper size while the recording paper is being supplied from the printing paper supply unit to the image forming unit and the image forming unit is performing image formation based on the print target data, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attribute information set in the printing paper feed unit that supplied recording paper for image formation based on the data to be printed is changed to the attribute information indicating the predetermined paper size.

5. The image forming apparatus of claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the attribute information set in the printing paper feed unit, which has been supplying recording paper for image formation based on the data to be printed, to the attribute information indicating the predetermined paper size, and then causes the printing paper feed unit to supply recording paper to the image forming unit, and causes the image forming unit to perform the adjustment process to adapt to the predetermined paper size.

6. Attribute information indicating a paper size for each of the plurality of paper feed units is input to the operation unit, The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the attribute information inputted to the operation unit is set for each of the paper feed units.

7. Further comprising a display unit, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the control unit determines that the adjustment process cannot be performed in accordance with the paper size indicated by the attribute information, the control unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the adjustment process cannot be performed.

8. Further comprising a display unit, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit causes a warning message to be displayed on the display unit when the paper feed unit set as the supply source is changed to the printing paper feed unit based on an instruction input to the operation unit.

9. The control unit, in response to instructions input to the operation unit, sets whether to permit or prohibit image formation operation by the image forming unit based on the data to be printed by supplying recording paper from the paper feed unit that is the supply source, and controls the permission or prohibition of image formation operation in response to the set content.

10. The control unit causes the image forming unit to execute a plurality of types of the adjustment processes, an instruction to designate the paper feed unit as the supply source for each of the plurality of types of adjustment processes is input to the operation unit; Furthermore, the control unit According to an instruction input to the operation unit, the sheet feed unit is set as the supply source for each of the plurality of types of adjustment processes; 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when one of the plurality of types of adjustment processes is to be executed, the recording paper is supplied to the image forming unit from the paper feed unit set as the supply source for the type of adjustment process to be executed.

11. the image forming unit forms an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment process is a process of forming a preset pattern on a recording sheet by the image forming unit.

12. the image forming unit forms an image on a recording sheet by an inkjet method; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment process is a process of causing the image forming unit to spit ink onto the recording paper.

Images