Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To notify information on a paper feeding section reserved in reservation printing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: reservation means which reserves one or more paper feeding sections of a plurality of paper feeding sections; storage means which stores printing jobs when receiving the printing jobs; first selection means which selects a printing job to be printed of the stored printing jobs; second selection means which selects a paper feeding section to be used for printing of the selected printing job; and execution means which executes printing processing of the printing job selected by the first selection means using the paper feeding section selected by the second selection means. The second selection means notifies information on a reserved paper feeding section when selecting the paper feeding section when there is the paper feeding section reserved by the reservation means and the printing job selected by the first selection means is the printing job which is not allowed to use the reserved paper feeding section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a control method and program for an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a retention printing system has become known in which, in order to maintain confidentiality, when print data is received, the print data is not printed but is instead retained in a non-volatile memory area of ​​an image forming device, and then the data is printed when the user issues a print instruction on the operation unit of the image forming device.

[0003] In addition, it is desirable to prevent a user other than the user who set the print paper in the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus from using the paper feed tray. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for reserving a paper feed tray in a reservation printing system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-47710 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent reservation printing systems, there are some that allow the user to change the print settings of the print data to be printed on the operation unit of the image forming device before issuing a print command. However, in Patent Document 1, control is not assumed for the case where a paper feed tray is reserved and the user tries to change the print settings of the paper feed tray of the print data to be printed on the operation unit. Therefore, there is a risk that a reserved paper feed tray that cannot be used will be selected when changing the print settings of the paper feed tray of the print data.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to enable notification of information about a reserved paper feed unit when holding printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming device has a reservation means for reserving one or more paper feeding units among a plurality of paper feeding units, a storage means for storing the print job upon receiving the print job, a first selection means for selecting a print job to be printed from the stored print jobs, a second selection means for selecting a paper feeding unit to be used for printing the selected print job from among the plurality of paper feeding units, and an execution means for executing the print processing of the print job selected by the first selection means using the paper feeding unit selected by the second selection means, and when a paper feeding unit has been reserved by the reservation means and the print job selected by the first selection means is a print job that does not allow the use of the reserved paper feeding unit, the second selection means notifies information of the reserved paper feeding unit when selecting the paper feeding unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to notify information about a reserved paper feed unit when performing reservation printing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a paper feed stage reservation process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a paper setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of paper feed stage setting information. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a print data transmission process. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a print setting screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a print data reservation process. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of bibliographic information. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing reservation printing processing. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a job list screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a paper feed stage selection screen. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing reservation printing processing. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a paper feed stage selection screen. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing reservation printing processing. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a paper feed stage selection screen. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing reservation printing processing. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a job list screen. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of bibliographic information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment. The image forming system 100 includes an information processing device 101 and an image forming device 103. The information processing device 101 and the image forming device 103 are connected to each other via a network 102.

[0012] An information processing apparatus 101 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), and can transmit print data to an image forming apparatus 103 via a network 102 to execute printing.

[0013] It is assumed that a printer driver is installed in the information processing device 101 as driver software for transmitting print data to the image forming device 103. The printer driver generates print data described in a PDL based on document data received from, for example, a word processing application in the information processing device 101, and transmits the generated print data to the image forming device 103 via the network 102.

[0014] Here, PDL is an abbreviation of Page Description Language, examples of which include PS, PCL, and LIPS (registered trademark). The information processing device 101 is assumed to include a control unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Rewritable Memory), and a storage unit such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0015] The image forming device 103 is a digital multifunction peripheral that has various job execution functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a fax transmission function, and has a function of forming an image on a sheet, which is a recording medium (printing function). Here, the sheet includes paper such as paper and envelopes, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors (OHP), and cloth. In addition, although the words "paper" and "paper feed" are used in the drawings, etc., they are treated as generally referring to sheets including sheets other than paper, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 103 includes devices such as a printer unit 110, a scanner unit 117, a printer engine 118, a plurality of paper feed cassettes 111, 112, 113, and 114, a manual feed tray 115, and a discharge tray 116. Hereinafter, the paper feed cassettes 111, 112, 113, and 114 and the manual feed tray 115 will be referred to as paper feed stages unless otherwise distinguished.

[0017] The scanner unit 117 as an image reading device optically scans an original and converts it into electronic image information by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD type. The printer unit 110 forms an image on a sheet based on image information input from the scanner unit 117 or an external information processing device 101 by a printer engine 118 as an example of an image forming section.

[0018] Each of the paper feed cassettes 111-114 stores sheets. The manual feed tray 115 supports the sheets placed on the tray. The sheets held in the paper feed cassettes 111-114 and the manual feed tray 115 are fed to the printer engine 118 while being separated one by one by a paper feed unit (not shown). The paper feed cassettes 111-114 and the manual feed tray 115 are each an example of a paper feed stage that holds sheets to be supplied to an image forming section. The sheets on which an image has been formed by the printer engine 118 are discharged to the discharge tray 116, which is a discharge section.

[0019] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 103 has paper feed trays 111 to 115, a scanner unit 117, a printer engine 118, a controller unit 201, and a display / operation unit 207.

[0020] The controller unit 201 controls the display / operation unit 207, the scanner unit 117, and the printer engine 118. When a user uses the copy function, the controller unit 201 controls the scanner unit 117 to acquire image data of an original, and controls the printer engine 118 to print and output the image on a sheet.

[0021] Furthermore, when a user uses the printer function, the controller unit 201 receives print data from the information processing device 101 via the network 102. Then, the controller unit 201 converts the received print data into image data and transmits it to the printer engine 118. The printer engine 118 prints and outputs the image data on a sheet based on the received image data.

[0022] The controller unit 201 includes a CPU 202 , a RAM 203 , a ROM 204 , a HDD 205 , a display / operation unit I / F 206 , a network I / F 208 , a device I / F 209 , and a paper feed stage I / F 210 , which are connected to each other by a system bus 211 .

[0023] The CPU 202 controls the entire image forming apparatus 103. The RAM 203 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 202, and is also a memory for temporarily storing image data and setting data. The RAM 203 also stores programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software. The RAM 203 also stores scan image data read by the scanner unit 117, and stores print data received from the information processing apparatus 101 via the network 102.

[0024] A ROM 204 stores a system boot program, etc. A hard disk drive (HDD) 205 stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, etc.

[0025] The display / operation unit I / F 206 is an interface unit with the display / operation unit 207, and outputs information to be displayed on the display / operation unit 207 to the display / operation unit 207. In addition, the display / operation unit I / F 206 accepts information input from the display / operation unit 207 by the user.

[0026] A display / operation unit 207 displays information to be provided to a user and accepts operations from the user, and includes, for example, an operation panel such as a touch panel display and a hardware keyboard.

[0027] A network I / F 208 is connected to the network 102 and is capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus 101 connected to the same network to exchange print data.

[0028] A device I / F 209 connects the controller unit 201 to a scanner unit 117 and a printer engine 118 that read and print image data, and inputs and outputs image data.

[0029] The paper feed stage I / F 210 controls the paper feed stages 111-115, such as the paper feed cassettes 111-114 and the manual feed tray 115. The paper feed stages 111-115 can detect remaining amount information and open / closed state of sheets set in the paper feed stages, and the controller unit 201 can detect the sheet stacking state via the paper feed stage I / F 210.

[0030] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 103 has a UI control unit 302, a network control unit 303, a reservation control unit 304, a job control unit 305, a printer setting management unit 306, and a print setting analysis unit 307. These functional configuration units are realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 executing a program in the RAM 203 or HDD 205, etc.

[0031] A user interface (UI) control unit 302 receives information input by the user via the display / operation unit 207 and controls the screen.

[0032] The network control unit 303 receives print data from the information processing apparatus 101 via the network I / F 208 .

[0033] The reservation control unit 304 determines whether to temporarily reserve the print data received by the network control unit 303 in the RAM 203 or the HDD 205, and if it is determined to reserve the print data, reserves the received print data in the RAM 203 or the HDD 205. The reservation control unit 304 also receives a print execution instruction for the reserved print data, and instructs the job control unit 305 to print the corresponding print data.

[0034] The job control unit 305 controls the printing execution of the print data received by the network control unit 303 and the print data instructed to be printed by the reservation control unit 304 .

[0035] When a user issues an instruction to change the printer settings via the display / operation unit 207, the printer setting management unit 306 accepts the setting change contents, and changes and manages the printer setting information stored in the RAM 203 or HDD 205.

[0036] The print setting analysis unit 307 analyzes the print data temporarily reserved by the reservation control unit 304 , acquires print setting information, and stores it in the RAM 203 or the HDD 205 .

[0037] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a paper feed tray reservation process executed by the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 204 or HDD 205 into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

[0038] 5 on the display / operation unit 207 and waits for an operation from the user. On the home screen 501, there are arranged a button 502 to be selected when using the copy function, a button 503 to be selected when using the send function, a button 504 to be selected when using the box function, and a button 505 to be selected when using the reservation print function. A setting button 506 is a button for making various settings of the image forming apparatus 103.

[0039] In step S402, when the UI control unit 302 detects that the setting button 506 has been pressed, it displays a screen (not shown) for selecting various setting items. Then, when the UI control unit 302 detects that a button for setting the sheet among the various setting items has been pressed, it performs control to display a paper setting screen 601 for setting the sheet shown in FIG.

[0040] Paper feed stage selection buttons 602-606 are displayed on the paper setting screen 601, and the setting status of each of the paper feed stages 111-115 is displayed on each of the paper feed stage selection buttons 602-606. Also arranged on the paper setting screen 601 are a button 607 for changing the sheet type, buttons 608 and 609 for setting the sheet size to a special size such as an envelope or postcard, and a reservation button 610. Also, each of the buttons 607-610 is operated after selecting one of the paper feed stage selection buttons 602-606, and when an OK button 611 is pressed, the various settings are completed.

[0041] In step S403, the UI control unit 302 detects that the reserve button 610 has been pressed. Then, the printer setting management unit 306 sets the detected paper feed tray to a reserved state. For example, to reserve the paper feed cassette 111, the reserve button 610 is pressed with the paper feed tray selection button 602 corresponding to the paper feed cassette 111 selected. Then, the printer setting management unit 306 acquires the paper feed tray information designated for reservation, and changes the reservation status 706 managed by the paper feed tray setting information 701 as shown in FIG. 7 to reserved.

[0042] The paper feed stage setting information 701 is an example of the paper feed stage setting information. The paper feed stage setting information 701 is stored in the RAM 203 or the HDD 205, and manages information 702, sheet size 703, sheet type 704, remaining number of sheets 705, and reservation status 706 for each paper feed stage as paper feed stage lists 707 to 711.

[0043] When a reservation instruction is made using the paper feed tray selection button 602, the reservation status 706 in the paper feed tray list 707 corresponding to the corresponding paper feed cassette 111 is changed to reserved. This allows the paper feed cassette 111 to feed paper only for print jobs that have been set to use the reserved paper feed tray through processing described below. To cancel the reservation, the reservation button 610 is pressed again, and in this case the reservation status 706 column in the paper feed tray setting information 701 is cleared.

[0044] This is the end of the paper feed tray reservation process of this embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a print data transmission process executed by the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 8 is realized by the CPU in the information processing device 101 executing a printer driver, which is software.

[0046] In step S801, the information processing device 101 generates document data indicating the contents to be printed (text, figures, etc.) by a user operation using a document creation application, etc. When an instruction to start printing is given to the document creation application, the information processing device 101 executes the processes from step S802 onward.

[0047] In step S802, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the sheet size of the print data based on the user's operation of the printer driver.

[0048] In step S803, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the sheet type (sheet type) of the print data based on the user's printer driver operation.

[0049] In step S804, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the paper feed tray for the print data based on the user's operation of the printer driver.

[0050] In step S805, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a setting for the print data as to whether or not to use the reserved paper feed tray, based on the user's operation of the printer driver.

[0051] As described above, in steps S802 to S805, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the print setting information of the print data based on the user's operation of the printer driver.

[0052] 9, a print setting screen 901 for setting print conditions is displayed on the display of the information processing device 101, and is ready to accept user operations. A tab 902 indicates that this is a screen for making print settings.

[0053] A setting value for the sheet size is displayed in a paper size setting field 903. A setting value for the sheet type is displayed in a paper type setting field 904. A paper feed stage setting field 905 displays a paper feed stage to be specified as a sheet supply source.

[0054] As the sheet size, in addition to the "original size" which specifies the same size as the document data, standard sizes such as "A4" and user-defined sizes which the user inputs numerically can be selected.

[0055] As the sheet type, in addition to "plain paper 1", it is possible to select setting values ​​such as "plain paper 2" which has a larger basis weight than "plain paper 1" and "coated paper".

[0056] As the paper feed stage, any one of the paper feed cassettes 111 to 114 and the manual feed tray 115 can be selected.

[0057] In addition, for each of the sheet type and the paper feed tray, options such as "automatic selection" that leaves the selection to the image forming apparatus 103 are provided.

[0058] Furthermore, a setting button 906 for setting whether or not to use paper placed in a reserved paper feed tray is displayed on the tab 902. By setting "use reserved paper feed tray" to "yes," printing can be performed using paper placed in the paper feed tray reserved in the paper feed tray reservation process in step S403 of FIG.

[0059] The information processing apparatus 101 performs settings regarding the sheet size, sheet type, sheet feed tray from which sheets are fed, and reserved feed tray usage based on user operations via the print setting screen 901 using the printer driver.

[0060] In step S806, the information processing apparatus 101 sets an owner name for the print data based on the user's printer driver operation. The owner name is information for identifying the user who created the print data, and in this embodiment, the ID of the user currently logged in to the information processing apparatus 101 is set as the owner name.

[0061] In step S807, the information processing apparatus 101 sets a document name for the print data based on the user's printer driver operation. The document name is information for identifying a data file such as a document or drawing to be printed, and is obtained, for example, from an application that generated the document data.

[0062] In step S808, the information processing apparatus 101 generates print data using the printer driver based on the document data and various setting information. The print data includes page data representing the drawing contents of each page and print job setting information (sheet size, sheet type, paper feed tray, owner name, document name, etc.). The print data is an example of a print job.

[0063] In step S809, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102 by the printer driver.

[0064] This completes the print data transmission process of this embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the print data reservation process executed by the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment, and shows a control method of the image forming apparatus 103. The flowchart in Fig. 10 is realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 204 or HDD 205 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

[0066] In step S1001, the network control unit 303 receives print data transmitted from the information processing device 101. The print data is an example of a print job.

[0067] In step S1002, reservation control unit 304 determines whether or not to temporarily reserve the received print data in RAM 203 or HDD 205. The determination of whether or not to temporarily reserve the print data may be made based on setting value information (setting value for whether to reserve the received print data) stored as a printer setting in image forming apparatus 103, or based on setting information in the print data. If it is determined to reserve the data, the process proceeds to step S1004. If it is determined not to reserve the data, the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0068] In step S1003, the reservation control unit 304 instructs the job control unit 305 to print the print data in order to print the received print data without reserving it. Then, the job control unit 305 executes printing of the print data instructed to be printed. After that, the process in FIG. 10 ends.

[0069] In step S1004, the reservation control unit 304 saves the received print data in the RAM 203 or the HDD 205 in the image forming apparatus 103 in order to reserve the received print data.

[0070] In step S1005, the print setting analysis unit 307 analyzes the saved print data and obtains the owner name, document name, print setting information (print settings, number of pages, sheet size, sheet type, paper feed tray, etc.), and information on whether to use a reserved paper feed tray or not.

[0071] In step S 1006 , the print setting analysis unit 307 creates bibliographic information based on the setting information analyzed in step S 1005 , and stores the bibliographic information in the RAM 203 or HDD 205 in the image forming apparatus 103 .

[0072] The bibliographic information is, for example, bibliographic information 1101 shown in Fig. 11. The bibliographic information 1101 includes, for example, a date and time 1102 when the print data was input, an owner name 1103 of the user who input the print data, a document name 1104 which is the name of the print data, and print settings 1105 which is print setting information of the print data. The print settings 1105 include a double-sided setting, a color mode setting, and a number of copies setting. Furthermore, the bibliographic information 1101 includes the number of pages 1106 of the print data, a sheet size 1107, a sheet type 1108, a paper feed tray 1109, and reserved paper feed tray usage 1110 which indicates whether or not a reserved paper feed tray is used. The bibliographic information 1101 is saved as lists 1111 to 1114 for each stored print data.

[0073] This is the end of the print data reservation process of this embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining reservation printing processing executed by the image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 12 is realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 204 or HDD 205 into the RAM 203 and executing it. The reservation printing processing of this embodiment is processing for printing and executing print data reserved by the print data reservation processing shown in Fig. 10 by operating the display / operation unit 207.

[0075] In step S1201, the UI control unit 302 monitors whether the user has operated the display / operation unit 207 to instruct display of the job list screen for reservation printing, and determines whether there has been an instruction to display the job list screen. For example, when the reservation printing button 505 is pressed on the home screen 501 shown in Fig. 5, the UI control unit 302 determines that there has been an instruction to display the job list screen. If there has been no instruction to display the job list screen, the process returns to step S1201. If there has been an instruction to display the job list screen, the process proceeds to step S1202.

[0076] In step S1202, upon receiving an instruction to display the job list screen in step S1201, the reservation control unit 304 displays job information of the stored print data on the display / operation unit 207 as a job list screen.

[0077] The job list screen displayed here is, for example, a job list screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13. The job list screen 1300 in Fig. 13 displays a list of job information for print data stored in the bibliographic information 1101 shown in Fig. 11. For example, a job name 1310 which is the document name of the print data, a date and time 1311 when the print data was input, number of sheets information 1312 which is information on the number of pages of the print data and the number of copies to be printed, print settings 1313 for the print data, and a user name 1314 who input the print data are displayed. These are displayed as lists 1315-1318 for each print data.

[0078] Additionally, buttons capable of executing processes on the print data displayed in the list are arranged on the job list screen 1300. For example, there are arranged a select all button 1320 for selecting all the print data displayed in the list at once, a print setting button 1321 for changing the settings of the selected print data, and a start print button 1322 for starting printing of the selected print data.

[0079] The print waiting button 1301 is a button for displaying the print data that has not been printed even once among the stored print data. The printed button 1302 is a button for displaying the print data that has been printed at least once among the stored print data.

[0080] An update button 1303 is a button for updating the job list screen 1300 for print data, and is a button for reflecting changes in the bibliographic information 1101 in the job list screen 1300 when, for example, additional print data is received.

[0081] In step S1203, the UI control unit 302 accepts a selection of print data to be operated from the user. For example, when an area of ​​each of the lists 1315 to 1318 in the job list screen 1300 is pressed, the UI control unit 302 selects the print data of the pressed list. At this time, the UI control unit 302 may express the selected state by inverting the color of the area of ​​the list of the selected print data.

[0082] In step S1204, the UI control unit 302 accepts an operation for the print data selected in step S1203. When the UI control unit 302 detects that the print setting button 1321 has been pressed, it controls to display a screen (not shown) for selecting various print setting items. Then, when the UI control unit 302 detects that a button for setting a paper feed tray among the various setting items has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1205. If the print setting button 1321 has not been pressed and the print start button 1322 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1210 to start printing.

[0083] In step S1205, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether or not there is a reserved paper feed tray. A reserved paper feed tray is a paper feed tray that is instructed to be reserved in the paper feed tray reservation process described in step S403 of Fig. 4, and is a paper feed tray whose reservation status 706 in Fig. 7 is "reserved." If there is a reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1206. If there is no reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0084] In step S1206, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether the print data selected in step S1203 uses a reserved paper feed tray. Whether or not to use a reserved paper feed tray is determined based on the information in the reserved paper feed tray usage 1110 in the bibliographic information 1101 described in Fig. 11. If the selected print data is set not to use a reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1208. If the reserved paper feed tray is set to be used, the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0085] In step S1207, the reservation control unit 304 controls to display a paper feed stage selection screen that allows the paper feed stage setting of the selected print data to be changed. For example, when print data in the job list 1316 in Fig. 13 (list 1112 in the bibliographic information 1101 in Fig. 11) is selected, the reservation control unit 304 controls to display a paper feed stage selection screen 1401 shown in Fig. 14(a).

[0086] 14A shows paper feed stage buttons 1402 to 1407 that allow the user to select a paper feed stage, a cancel button 1408 that cancels the change to the paper feed stage setting, and an OK button 1409 that confirms the change to the paper feed stage setting. Since the print data in the job list 1316 is set to use a reserved paper feed stage (list 1112 in the bibliographic information 1101), there are no restrictions on the paper feed stage that can be used, and each of the paper feed stage buttons 1402 to 1407 can be selected.

[0087] Also, since paper feed cassette 1 is set for the print data in the job list 1316 (list 1112 in the bibliographic information 1101), the paper feed cassette button 1403 is in a selected state (blackened).The process then proceeds to step S1209.

[0088] In step S1208, the reservation control unit 304 controls the display of a paper feed tray selection screen that allows the paper feed tray settings of the selected print data to be changed, with the reserved paper feed tray grayed out. For example, when print data in the job list 1315 in Fig. 13 (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101 in Fig. 11) is selected, the reservation control unit 304 controls the display of a paper feed tray selection screen 1421 shown in Fig. 14(b).

[0089] In FIG. 14B, paper feed tray buttons 1422 to 1427 for selecting a paper feed tray, a cancel button 1428 for canceling the change of the paper feed tray setting, and an OK button 1429 for confirming the change of the paper feed tray setting are displayed. The print data in the job list 1315 is set not to use a reserved paper feed tray (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101). When the reservation status 706 of the paper feed cassette 111 (paper feed tray list 707) is reserved as in the example of FIG. 7, cassette 1 cannot be used. Cassette 1 corresponds to the paper feed cassette 111. Therefore, the paper feed tray button 1423, which is cassette 1, is displayed as grayed out since it cannot be selected. This grayed out display allows the user to recognize that the grayed out paper feed tray cannot be used (is reserved). Furthermore, since the print data in the job list 1315 (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101) has the paper feed tray 1109 set to automatic, the paper feed tray button 1422 is selected (blackened).The process then proceeds to step S1209.

[0090] In step S1209, when the user changes the paper feed tray to be used on the paper feed tray selection screen 1401 or 1421 and presses the OK button 1409 or 1429, the reservation control unit 304 accepts the change in the paper feed tray setting. Then, the reservation control unit 304 reflects the accepted paper feed tray setting in the print data. Then, when the reservation control unit 304 detects that the print start button 1322 in FIG. 13 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1210.

[0091] In step S1210, when the reservation control unit 304 detects that the print start button 1322 in Fig. 13 has been pressed, it instructs the job control unit 305 to print the print data. Then, the job control unit 305 executes print processing of the print data instructed to be printed.

[0092] In the printing process, page data representing the drawing contents of each page is converted into image data, and the image is printed on a sheet based on the print setting information and output. For example, in the case of the print data of the job list 1316 in Fig. 13 (list 1112 in the bibliographic information 1101 in Fig. 11), the cassette 1 of the paper feed stage 1109 is specified, so a sheet is fed from the paper feed cassette 111, and the image is printed and output.

[0093] If cassette 1 is specified in the print setting information set in the print data at the time of printing, cassette 1 is reserved, and reserved paper feed tray use 1110 of the print data is set to not be used, an error occurs because sheets cannot be fed from cassette 1. In this case, an error screen is displayed. Note that the error screen that is displayed may be a paper feed tray selection screen 1421 as shown in FIG. 14(b).

[0094] This is the end of the reservation printing process of this embodiment.

[0095] As described above, the paper feed stages 111-115 are one example of the paper feed units 111-115. In step S403 in Fig. 4, the printer setting management unit 306 functions as a reservation unit and reserves one or more of the multiple paper feed units 111-115. In step S1004 in Fig. 10, the reservation control unit 304 functions as a storage unit and, upon receiving a print job (print data), stores the print job.

[0096] 12, the reservation control unit 304 controls to display information about the stored print jobs. For example, the reservation control unit 304 controls to display information about the unprinted print jobs among the stored print jobs by using a print waiting button 1301.

[0097] 12, the UI control unit 302 functions as a selection unit and selects a print job to be printed from among the stored print jobs. For example, the UI control unit 302 selects a print job to be printed from among the unprinted print jobs displayed in step S1202.

[0098] In step S1205, if a paper feed unit has been reserved in step S403, the process proceeds to step S1206.

[0099] In step S1206, if the print job selected in step S1203 is a print job that does not allow the use of the reserved paper feed unit, i.e., if the reserved paper feed stage usage 1110 is set to not use the reserved paper feed stage, the process proceeds to step S1208.

[0100] In step S1208, the reservation control unit 304 notifies information of the reserved paper feed unit when selecting a paper feed unit on the paper feed stage selection screen 1421 in Fig. 14(b). Specifically, the reservation control unit 304 controls to display the paper feed stage selection screen 1421 for selecting one of the multiple paper feed units 111 to 115, and notifies information of the reserved paper feed unit on the paper feed stage selection screen 1421.

[0101] The paper feed stage selection screen 1421 has a plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 1422 to 1427. Of the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons 1422 to 1427, a reserved paper feed unit selection button 1423 is displayed in gray out.

[0102] The print job has information on the designated paper feed unit 1109 in Fig. 11. Of the multiple paper feed unit selection buttons 1422 to 1427, selection button 1422 for the designated paper feed unit 1109 of the selected print job is displayed in a selected state (blackened).

[0103] In step S1209, the reservation control unit 304 functions as a selection unit and selects, from the plurality of paper feed units 111 to 115, a paper feed unit to be used for printing the print job selected in step S1203.

[0104] In step S1210, the job control unit 305 functions as an execution unit, and executes the print process of the print job selected in step S1203 using the paper feed unit selected in step S1209.

[0105] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user changes the print settings of a paper feed tray for reserved print data, the paper feed tray button 1423 of the reserved paper feed tray is displayed in gray on the paper feed tray selection screen 1421. This allows the user to notice the reserved paper feed tray and select an appropriate paper feed tray.

[0106] Second embodiment In the first embodiment, a method for notifying the user by graying out the paper feed stage button 1423 of the reserved paper feed stage on the paper feed stage selection screen 1421 has been described. With this method, a user who does not know that a paper feed stage can be reserved may not be able to understand why it is grayed out. Therefore, in the second embodiment, another method for displaying the paper feed stage selection screen will be described. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0107] Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining reservation printing processing executed by the image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 15 is realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 204 or HDD 205 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Steps with the same step numbers as those explained in Fig. 12 are similar processes, so explanations will be omitted.

[0108] Fig. 15 differs from Fig. 12 in that step S1501 is added instead of step S1208. If it is set in step S1206 that the reserved paper feed tray is not to be used, the process proceeds to step S1501.

[0109] In step S1501, the reservation control unit 304 performs control so that reserved paper feed tray information is added to and displayed on a paper feed tray selection screen where the paper feed tray setting of the selected print data can be changed. For example, when print data in the job list 1315 in Fig. 13 (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101 in Fig. 11) is selected, the reservation control unit 304 performs control so that a paper feed tray selection screen 1601 shown in Fig. 16 is displayed.

[0110] In FIG. 16, feed tray buttons 1422 to 1427 for selecting a feed tray, a cancel button 1428 for canceling the change of the feed tray setting, and an OK button 1429 for confirming the change of the feed tray setting are displayed. The print data in the job list 1315 is set not to use the reserved feed tray (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101). When the reservation status 706 of the feed cassette 111 (feed tray list 707) is reserved as in the example of FIG. 7, the cassette 1 cannot be used. Therefore, the feed tray button 1423 for the cassette 1 is grayed out because it cannot be selected, and a reservation icon 1602 indicating that the reserved feed tray is displayed. Furthermore, a feed tray message 1603 also displays a message informing the user that there is a reserved feed tray. The display of the reservation icon 1602 and the feed tray message 1603 allows the user to visually recognize that there is a reserved feed tray.

[0111] When the paper feed tray button 1423 displaying the reserved icon 1602 is pressed, the reservation control unit 304 may control to display a message screen (not shown) indicating that the paper feed tray is the reserved paper feed tray, and then change the setting to use the reserved paper feed tray. Then, the process proceeds to step S1209.

[0112] This is the end of the reservation printing process of this embodiment.

[0113] 16 has a plurality of feed unit selection buttons 1422 to 1427. Among the plurality of feed unit selection buttons 1422 to 1427, the reserved feed unit selection button 1423 displays a reservation icon 1602 indicating that the reserved feed unit is selected. In addition, the reservation control unit 304 controls the feed stage selection screen 1601 to display information 1603 about the reserved feed unit.

[0114] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user changes the print settings of a paper feed tray for reserved print data, the paper feed tray button 1423 of the reserved paper feed tray on the paper feed tray selection screen 1601 is grayed out, and a reservation icon 1602 and a paper feed tray message 1603 are displayed. Therefore, even a user who does not know that paper feed trays can be reserved can become aware of the reserved paper feed tray. This makes it possible to select an appropriate paper feed tray.

[0115] (Third embodiment) In the second embodiment, a method for displaying a reservation icon 1602 and a paper feed stage message 1603 for a reserved paper feed stage on a paper feed stage selection screen 1601 has been described. In the third embodiment, a method for notifying a user of paper feed stage information by another method will be described. Since the basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0116] Fig. 17 is a flowchart for explaining reservation printing processing executed by the image forming apparatus 103 according to the third embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 17 is realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 204 or HDD 205 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Steps with the same step numbers as those explained in Fig. 12 are similar processes, so explanations will be omitted.

[0117] Fig. 17 is different from Fig. 12 in that steps S1701 to S1705 are added instead of steps S1205 to S1208. In step S1204, when the UI control unit 302 detects that a button for setting the paper feed tray among various setting items has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1701.

[0118] In step S1701, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display a paper feed stage selection screen that allows the paper feed stage setting of the selected print data to be changed. For example, when print data in the job list 1315 (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101) is selected, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display a paper feed stage selection screen 1801 shown in FIG. 18(a).

[0119] 18(a) displays paper feed stage buttons 1802 to 1807 for selecting a paper feed stage, a cancel button 1808 for canceling the change to the paper feed stage setting, and an OK button 1809 for confirming the change to the paper feed stage setting. In addition, the print data in the job list 1315 (list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101) has the paper feed stage 1109 set to automatic, so the paper feed stage button 1802 is selected (blackened).

[0120] In step S1702, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether or not an instruction to change the paper feed tray has been given on the paper feed tray selection screen 1801. For example, if the paper feed tray button 1803 or the paper feed tray button 1804 is pressed, the reservation control unit 304 determines that an instruction to change the paper feed tray has been given. If an instruction to change the paper feed tray has been given, the process proceeds to step S1703. If there has been no instruction to change the paper feed tray, the OK button 1809 or the cancel button 1808 is pressed, or the print start button 1322 in FIG. 13 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1210.

[0121] In step S1703, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether the paper feed tray corresponding to the paper feed tray button pressed in step S1702 is a reserved paper feed tray. For example, a reserved paper feed tray is a paper feed tray reserved in the paper feed tray reservation process described in step S403 of Fig. 4, and if the paper feed tray button 1803 is pressed, it is determined to be a reserved paper feed tray, and the process proceeds to step S1704. If the paper feed tray button 1804 is pressed, it is determined to not be a reserved paper feed tray, and after the OK button 1809 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1209.

[0122] In step S1704, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether the print data selected in step S1203 uses a reserved paper feed tray. Whether or not to use a reserved paper feed tray is determined based on the information of reserved paper feed tray usage 1110 in the bibliographic information 1101 described in Fig. 11. If the selected print data is set not to use a reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1705. If the reserved paper feed tray is set to be used, the process proceeds to step S1209 after the OK button 1809 is pressed.

[0123] In step S1705, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display a warning message because the paper feed tray whose setting is to be changed is a reserved paper feed tray and the selected print data is set not to use the reserved paper feed tray. The warning message is a warning message that notifies the user that the selected paper feed tray is reserved and cannot be changed. For example, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display a warning message screen 1811 shown in FIG. 18(b).

[0124] The warning message screen 1811 displays a message 1812 indicating that the selected paper feed tray is reserved and cannot be used, and an OK button 1813. When the OK button 1813 is pressed, the reservation control unit 304 determines that the user has confirmed the warning message, returns the process to step S1701, and displays the paper feed tray selection screen 1801.

[0125] Although an example has been shown in which the warning message screen 1811 is displayed when the paper feed stage button 1803 is pressed, the warning message screen 1811 may also be displayed when the paper feed stage button 1803 is pressed and then the OK button 1809 is pressed.

[0126] This is the end of the reservation printing process of this embodiment.

[0127] As described above, in step S1701, the reservation control unit 304 controls to display a paper feed stage selection screen 1801 for selecting one of the multiple paper feed units 111 to 115. In step S1705, if the paper feed unit selected on the paper feed stage selection screen 1801 is a reserved paper feed unit, control is performed to display a message 1812 to that effect on a warning message screen 1811.

[0128] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user changes the print settings of a paper feed tray for reserved print data, the warning message screen 1811 is displayed at the timing of selecting a reserved paper feed tray. This allows the user to become aware of the reserved paper feed tray. The user can then select a different paper feed tray to select an appropriate paper feed tray.

[0129] (Fourth embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, a method for displaying reserved paper feed tray information on the paper feed tray selection screen is described. In the fourth embodiment, a method for notifying a user of paper feed tray reservation information in the case where a paper feed tray reservation status has changed when printing again after changing a paper feed tray setting is described. Since the basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment are described.

[0130] Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining reservation printing processing executed by the image forming apparatus 103 according to the fourth embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 19 is realized by the CPU 202 of the image forming apparatus 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 204 or HDD 205 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Steps with the same step numbers as those explained in Fig. 12 are similar processes, so explanations will be omitted.

[0131] Figure 19 differs from Figure 12 in that steps S1901 to S1907 are added instead of steps S1203 to S1208. After step S1202, the process proceeds to step S1901.

[0132] In step S1901, the UI control unit 302 determines whether or not the user has operated the display / operation unit 207 to detect pressing of the Printed button 1302 on the reservation printing job list screen (for example, the job list screen 1300 in FIG. 13). If pressing of the Printed button 1302 is not detected, the process returns to step S1901. If pressing of the Printed button 1302 is detected, the process proceeds to step S1902.

[0133] In step S1902, the reservation control unit 304 controls the display / operation unit 207 to display job information of the printed print data as a job list screen. The job list screen displayed here is, for example, the job list screen 2000 shown in Fig. 20(a). The displayed print data has bibliographic information 2101 as shown in Fig. 21, and is stored as printed in the print status 2102.

[0134] First, the bibliographic information 2101 in Fig. 21 will be described. In Fig. 21, the same numbers as those described in Fig. 11 are the same, so the description will be omitted. In the bibliographic information 2101 shown in Fig. 21, a print status 2102 indicating whether or not printing has been completed is stored for each of the print data lists 2103 to 2106.

[0135] Bibliographic information 2101 shown in Fig. 21 is after the print data in list 1111 in bibliographic information 1101 shown in Fig. 11 has been printed with the paper feed tray setting changed to cassette 2 using any of the methods of the first to third embodiments. The print data in question is list 2103 in bibliographic information 2101, with print status 2102 stored as "printed" and the setting of paper feed tray 1109 stored as cassette 2 with the setting changed.

[0136] Next, Fig. 20(a) will be described. In Fig. 20(a), the same numbers as those described in Fig. 13 are the same, so the description will be omitted. A job list screen 2000 in Fig. 20(a) displays print data (list 2103) 2001 whose print status 2102 is "printed" from the list of bibliographic information 2101 shown in Fig. 21. In addition, since the printed job list screen 2000 is displayed, the "printed" button 1302 is in a selected state (highlighted).

[0137] In step S1903, when the print data 2001 is selected on the job list screen 2000 and a print start instruction is issued upon detecting that the print start button 1322 has been pressed, the reservation control unit 304 advances the process to step S1904.

[0138] In step S1904, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether the paper feed tray set in the print data selected in step S1903 is a reserved paper feed tray. If it is a reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1905. If it is not a reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1210.

[0139] For example, when print data 2001 is selected on the job list screen 2000, the setting of the paper feed tray 1109 in the list 2103 in the bibliographic information 2101 is cassette 2, and therefore it is determined whether or not cassette 2 is reserved. At this time, it is assumed that the print data in the list 1111 in the bibliographic information 1101 is changed to cassette 2 and printed using any of the methods of the first to third embodiments. Thereafter, it is assumed that cassette 2 is further set to reserved by the paper feed tray reservation process in step S403 in FIG. 4 before the print data in the list 2103 in the bibliographic information 2101 is printed from the job list screen 2000 that has already been printed. In this case, although printing was initially possible with cassette 2, when reprinting after printing, printing cannot be performed with the reserved cassette 2.

[0140] In step S1905, the reservation control unit 304 determines whether the print data selected in step S1903 uses the reserved paper feed tray. Whether or not to use the reserved paper feed tray is determined based on the information of the reserved paper feed tray use 1110 in the bibliographic information 2101 described in FIG. 21. If the selected print data is set not to use the reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1906. If the selected print data is set to use the reserved paper feed tray, the process proceeds to step S1210. For example, in the case of the print data in the list 2103 in the bibliographic information 2101, the reserved paper feed tray use 1110 is set to no, so it is determined that the reserved paper feed tray will not be used.

[0141] In step S1906, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display a warning message because the paper feed tray set in the print data to be printed is a reserved paper feed tray and the print data is set not to use the reserved paper feed tray. The warning message is a warning message notifying that the set paper feed tray is reserved.

[0142] For example, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display a warning message screen 2011 shown in Fig. 20(b). The warning message screen 2011 displays a message 2012 notifying the user that the paper feed tray set in the print data is reserved and cannot be used, and an OK button 2013. When the OK button 2013 is pressed, the reservation control unit 304 determines that the user has confirmed the warning message 2012, and proceeds to step S1907.

[0143] In step S1907, the reservation control unit 304 displays a paper feed stage selection screen for changing the paper feed stage setting. The paper feed stage selection screen displayed here may be any one of the paper feed stage selection screens 1421, 1601, and 1801 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0144] In step S1209, the reservation control unit 304 accepts a change to the paper feed stage setting on the paper feed stage selection screen, as described above, and reflects the accepted paper feed stage setting in the print data.

[0145] In step S1210, when the reservation control unit 304 detects that the print start button 1322 in Fig. 13 has been pressed, it instructs the job control unit 305 to print the print data. The job control unit 305 executes print processing of the print data instructed to be printed.

[0146] This is the end of the reservation printing process of this embodiment.

[0147] As described above, in step S1902, the reservation control unit 304 controls the display of information on the printed print jobs among the print jobs stored in step S1004 of FIG. 10 using the printed button 1302.

[0148] In step S1903, the reservation control unit 304 selects a print job to be printed from the displayed printed print jobs.

[0149] The print job has information on the designated paper feed unit 1109 in Fig. 21. In step S1904, if the designated paper feed unit 1109 of the print job selected in step S1903 is a reserved paper feed unit, the process proceeds to step S1905.

[0150] In step S1906, the reservation control unit 304 performs control to display that the paper feed unit 1109 designated for the print job selected in step S1903 is a reserved paper feed unit.

[0151] After that, in step S1907, the reservation control unit 304 controls so as to display a sheet feed stage selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of sheet feed units 111 to 115.

[0152] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the user reprints the reserved print data, if the reservation status 706 of the set paper feed tray has been changed, the warning message screen 2011 is displayed, so that the user can notice the reserved paper feed tray. Therefore, even if the initially set paper feed tray is not reserved and printable, if the reserved paper feed tray has been changed at the time of reprinting, the reserved paper feed tray can be noticed before printing is executed, and a different paper feed tray can be selected.

[0153] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0154] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0155] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A reservation means for reserving one or more of the plurality of paper feed units; a storage means for storing a print job when the print job is received; a first selection means for selecting a print job to be printed from among the stored print jobs; a second selection unit for selecting a paper feed unit to be used for printing the selected print job from among the plurality of paper feed units; an execution unit that executes a print process of the print job selected by the first selection unit using the paper feed unit selected by the second selection unit, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when a paper feed unit is reserved by the reservation means and the print job selected by the first selection means is a print job that does not allow the use of the reserved paper feed unit, the second selection means notifies information about the reserved paper feed unit when selecting the paper feed unit. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the second selection means controls to display a selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed units, and notifies information of the reserved paper feed unit on the selection screen. (Configuration 3) the selection screen has a selection button for the plurality of paper feed units, 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein a selection button for a reserved paper feed unit among the selection buttons for the plurality of paper feed units is displayed in a grayed-out state. (Configuration 4) the selection screen has a selection button for the plurality of paper feed units, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein an icon indicating that a paper feed unit is reserved is displayed on the selection button of a reserved paper feed unit among the selection buttons of the plurality of paper feed units. (Configuration 5) the selection screen has a selection button for the plurality of paper feed units, 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the second selection means controls so that information about a reserved paper feed unit is displayed on the selection screen. (Configuration 6) The print job includes information of a specified paper feed unit, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, characterized in that among the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons, a selection button for a designated paper feed unit for the selected print job is displayed in a selected state. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus described in configuration 1, characterized in that the second selection means controls to display a selection screen for selecting one of the multiple paper feed units, and if the paper feed unit selected on the selection screen is a reserved paper feed unit, controls to display that fact. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the first selection means controls to display information about unprinted print jobs among the stored print jobs, and selects a print job to be printed from the displayed unprinted print jobs. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the first selection means controls to display information of the printed print jobs among the stored print jobs, and selects a print job to be printed from the displayed printed print jobs. (Configuration 10) The print job includes information of a specified paper feed unit, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, wherein the second selection means is controlled to display a message to the effect that the designated paper feed unit for the print job selected by the first selection means is a reserved paper feed unit. (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 10, wherein the second selection means, after controlling to display the information, controls to display a selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed units. (Configuration 12) An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, an information processing device that transmits the print job to the image forming device; An image forming system comprising: (Method 1) a reserving step of reserving one or more paper feed units among the plurality of paper feed units; a storing step of storing the print job when the print job is received; a first selection step of selecting a print job to be printed from among the stored print jobs; a second selection step of selecting a paper feed unit to be used for printing the selected print job from among the plurality of paper feed units; an execution step of executing a print process of the print job selected in the first selection step by using the paper feed unit selected in the second selection step; A control method for an image forming device, characterized in that in the second selection step, if there is a paper feed unit reserved in the reservation step and the print job selected in the first selection step is a print job that does not allow the use of the reserved paper feed unit, information about the reserved paper feed unit is notified when selecting the paper feed unit. (Program 1) 12. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 302 UI control unit, 303 network control unit, 304 reservation control unit, 305 job control unit, 306 printer setting management unit, 307 print setting analysis unit

Claims

1. a reservation means for reserving one or more of the plurality of paper feed units; a storage means for storing a print job when the print job is received; a first selection means for selecting a print job to be printed from among the stored print jobs; a second selection unit for selecting a paper feed unit to be used for printing the selected print job from among the plurality of paper feed units; an execution unit that executes a print process of the print job selected by the first selection unit using the paper feed unit selected by the second selection unit, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when a paper feed unit is reserved by the reservation means and the print job selected by the first selection means is a print job that does not allow the use of the reserved paper feed unit, the second selection means notifies information about the reserved paper feed unit when selecting the paper feed unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second selection means controls to display a selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed units, and notifies information of the reserved paper feed unit on the selection screen.

3. the selection screen has a selection button for the plurality of paper feed units, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a selection button for a reserved paper feed unit among the selection buttons for the plurality of paper feed units is displayed in a grayed-out state.

4. the selection screen has a selection button for the plurality of paper feed units, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an icon indicating that a paper feed unit is reserved is displayed on a selection button of a reserved paper feed unit among the selection buttons of the plurality of paper feed units.

5. the selection screen has a selection button for the plurality of paper feed units, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second selection means controls so that information about a reserved paper feed unit is displayed on the selection screen.

6. The print job includes information of a specified paper feed unit, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection button for the designated paper feed unit for the selected print job among the plurality of paper feed unit selection buttons is displayed in a selected state.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second selection means controls to display a selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed units, and if the paper feed unit selected on the selection screen is a reserved paper feed unit, controls to display that fact.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first selection means controls to display information about unprinted print jobs among the stored print jobs, and selects a print job to be printed from the displayed unprinted print jobs.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first selection means controls to display information of the print jobs that have been printed among the stored print jobs, and selects a print job to be printed from the displayed print jobs that have been printed.

10. The print job includes information of a specified paper feed unit, 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second selection means controls to display a message to the effect that the designated paper feed unit of the print job selected by the first selection means is a reserved paper feed unit.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second selection unit controls to display a selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed units after controlling to display the notification.

12. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, an information processing device that transmits the print job to the image forming device; An image forming system comprising:

13. a reserving step of reserving one or more paper feed units among the plurality of paper feed units; a storing step of storing the print job when the print job is received; a first selection step of selecting one of the stored print jobs to be printed; a second selection step of selecting a paper feed unit to be used for printing the selected print job from among the plurality of paper feed units; an execution step of executing a print process of the print job selected in the first selection step by using the paper feed unit selected in the second selection step; A control method for an image forming device, characterized in that in the second selection step, if there is a paper feed unit reserved in the reservation step and the print job selected in the first selection step is a print job that does not allow the use of the reserved paper feed unit, information about the reserved paper feed unit is notified when selecting the paper feed unit.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images