Image forming apparatus, control method for the same, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which a registration operation is cancelled because a manual feed sheet setting screen is closed when the number of remaining sheets in a manual feed tray becomes 0 when a chart printing is completed when a sheet is fed from the manual feed tray and a chart is printed on the sheet to register a sheet type.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus detects the characteristics of a sheet fed from a sheet feed unit, prints a chart to detect the parameters of the characteristics of the sheet on the sheet, performs a registration process to register the parameters of the characteristics of the sheet based on the chart together with the characteristics of the sheet, and controls so that the registration process can continue when the sheet feed unit detects that there is no sheet in the registration process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that has a function for registering a paper type customized by a user (hereinafter, user-defined paper) in a database (hereinafter, paper brand DB). The image forming device has a function for a user to select an arbitrary paper type from the paper brand DB and set the selected paper type as the type of paper fed to a paper feed tray.

[0003] The quality of a printed image in an image forming device depends greatly on whether the characteristics of the image forming device (transport characteristics, transfer characteristics, fixing characteristics, etc.) match the characteristics of the paper (paper type, basis weight, etc.). Patent Document 2 describes an image forming device that can associate each characteristic value of the image forming device with each paper type in advance and register them as a paper profile.

[0004] Some recent image forming devices are equipped with a function for scanning paper to detect paper characteristics (e.g., basis weight) and registering them as paper characteristics. In particular, when registering paper to be used for the first time, a chart may be printed on the paper and parameters may be obtained based on the chart in order to set the paper characteristics as parameters in the registration operation. In such a case, some image forming devices are equipped with a function for scanning the paper to be used for printing in parallel with printing the chart and presenting the results, thereby reducing the burden on the user of registering the paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-029120 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-12940 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If the paper feed unit that feeds the paper to be registered is a manual feed tray, the setting screen for that paper is displayed when the paper is placed in the manual feed tray. Then, when the paper on the manual feed tray runs out, the setting screen for the manual feed paper is closed. Therefore, when feeding paper from the manual feed tray and printing a chart on that paper to register the paper type, there is a possibility that the number of sheets of paper remaining in the manual feed tray will be 0 when the chart printing is completed. When such an event occurs, the setting screen for the manual feed paper is closed and the registration process is canceled. This causes a problem in which the user has to open the setting screen for the manual feed paper again and start the registration process over from the beginning.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows the registration process to continue even if the paper feed section runs out of paper during the paper registration process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: A detection unit for detecting characteristics of paper fed from a paper feed unit; a registration means for performing a registration process of printing a chart for detecting parameters of the paper characteristics on the paper and registering the parameters of the paper characteristics based on the chart together with the paper characteristics; The present invention is characterized by further comprising a control means for controlling the registration process so as to continue when it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed section during the registration process. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is an advantage that the registration process can be continued even if the paper feed section runs out of paper during the paper registration process.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the transition of screens displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining the transition of screens displayed on an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process performed when the state of the paper in the manual feed tray has changed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart for describing a display control process of a manual paper feed setting screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for describing a display control process of a paper type registration start screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an adjustment 1 start screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of a print-in-progress adjustment 1 screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11]6 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an adjustment 1 setting screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an adjustment 2 start screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an adjustment 2 printing screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an adjustment 2 setting screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart for describing a display control process of a paper registration operation screen by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a cancellation screen display control process by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of a print-in-progress adjustment 1 screen by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an adjustment 2 printing screen by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of an out-of-paper error screen by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The controller unit 100 controls the image forming apparatus. The CPU 101 executes a program in the ROM 103 and a program loaded in the RAM 102 to centrally control each device connected to the system bus 111. The CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, the HDD 104, the operation unit I / F 105, the device I / F 107, the network I / F 110, and the USB I / F 112 are connected to the system bus 111. The RAM 102 provides a system work memory for the CPU 101 to operate, and also provides an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The RAM 102 also includes areas for loading programs such as an operating system, system software, and application software, as well as areas for recording data. The ROM 103 stores a system boot program, etc. The ROM 103 may also store system programs and application programs, or may also store information necessary for the image forming apparatus, such as fonts. HDD 104 is a hard disk drive that stores an operating system, system software, application software, document data, image data, setting data, etc. Programs loaded in RAM 102 are executed by CPU 101, which processes image data and non-image data stored in RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104. In addition, a small-sized image forming apparatus may be configured without HDD 104, with system software, application software, etc. stored in ROM 103 to eliminate the need for a hard disk. Alternatively, it goes without saying that a storage device other than a hard disk, such as a flash memory such as an SSD (Solid State Disk), may be used instead of HDD 104.

[0016] The operation unit I / F (interface) 105 is connected to the operation unit 106. The operation unit 106 is a device for operating the image forming apparatus, having a display unit such as a touch panel that notifies the state of the image forming apparatus and receives operations from a user, and having operation buttons for giving instructions to the image forming apparatus. The device I / F 107 connects the controller unit 100 to the scanner 108 and printer 109, which are image input / output devices, and inputs and outputs image data. Image data input from the scanner 108 via the device I / F 107 is stored in the RAM 102 or HDD 104. The stored image data is subjected to image processing and the like by an application program stored in the RAM 102 as necessary. Similarly, when image data is output, the image data is output to the printer 109 via the device I / F 107. The network I / F 110 is connected to the LAN 200 (FIG. 2) and inputs and outputs document data and image data of external devices on the network, or information for controlling the image forming apparatus. The USB I / F 112 can connect to a USB device such as an external memory, and the CPU 101 can read and print data stored in the external memory. Also, image data obtained by scanning with the scanner 108 can be stored in the connected external memory. The paper feed unit 120 is a device that stores paper to be fed to the printer 109, and includes a manual feed tray 121 and a paper feed cassette 122. Both the manual feed tray 121 and the paper feed cassette 122 include a sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of paper stored therein. The sensor 130 is provided in the transport path of the paper fed from the paper feed unit 120, and detects the type of paper (paper grade) by optically scanning the paper fed from the paper feed unit.

[0017] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1 as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved with a configuration not shown in Fig. 1. For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus having a FAX function, an I / F for a modem device (not shown) may be provided in the controller unit 100, and a modem may be used to connect to a public line to enable FAX transmission.

[0018] All of the processes executed by the image forming apparatus described below are executed under the control of the CPU 101 which executes the above-mentioned program.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a network system according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Connected to the LAN 200 are a PC 210, a PC 220, and image forming apparatuses 201, 202, and 203. Although the image forming apparatus 201 and the PC 210 will be described below as an example, the same applies to the image forming apparatuses 202, 203, and the PC 220.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 201 corresponds to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 1, and transmits and receives various data including print job data to and from the PC 210 via the LAN 200. The image forming apparatus 201 also has a function of printing the received print job data with the printer 109 (print function) and a function of saving the data in the HDD 104 (box function). The image forming apparatus 201 also has a function of printing document data and image data obtained by scanning an original with the scanner 108 with the printer 109 (copy function), a function of saving the data in the HDD 104 (box function), and a function of sending the data to the PC 210 (send function). The image forming apparatus 201 also has a function of displaying a document held in a saving area of ​​the PC 210 on the operation unit 106 and printing the document with the printer 109 (network box function).

[0022] 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining functions of the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. These functions are executed by the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 201.

[0023] 1, and is used when operating the image forming apparatus 201 from the outside. The detection function 311 is a function for detecting the state of paper in the manual feed tray 121. The registration function 312 is a function for registering a new paper type, and registers a paper type created by an instruction from the operation unit 106 or a paper type created by the media sensor function 314 in the image forming apparatus 201. The media sensor function 314 is a function for creating a new paper type by the sensor 130 detecting paper fed from the paper feed unit 120. The judgment function 313 judges whether or not registration by the registration function 312 can be continued.

[0024] 4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of screens displayed on the operation unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. Thereafter, these screens are operated via the operation unit 106.

[0025] The home screen 401 is a home screen of the image forming apparatus 201. The manual feed paper setting screen 411 is displayed by an event 430 in which the detection function 311 detects that paper has been placed on the manual feed tray 121. In addition, in the manual feed paper setting screen 411, an existing paper type can be set as the paper for the manual feed tray 121, and a new paper type can be created by the registration function 312, registered in the image forming apparatus 201, and set as the paper for the manual feed tray 121. The paper type registration start screen 412 is displayed when the manual feed paper setting screen 411 instructs registration of a new paper type (event 440), and is a screen that is a starting point for creating a new paper type. When creating a new paper type, the characteristics of the paper are set as parameters (hereinafter, adjustment parameters). Specific examples of adjustment parameters are basis weight, color, etc., and indicate the characteristics of the paper. Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which two adjustment parameters are set, the number of adjustment parameters is not limited to this. 4 shows an example of a screen flow in which a printout (chart) is printed on paper fed from manual feed tray 121 and the adjustment parameters are set using the chart, but the method is not limited to a setting method using a printed chart. The adjustment parameters can also be applied to a case in which the user sets the parameters via operation unit 106 without using a chart.

[0026] When the operation unit 106 instructs to start registration on the paper type registration start screen 412 (event 441), an adjustment 1 start screen 421 is displayed. The adjustment 1 start screen 421 is a setting start screen for the first adjustment parameter to be set (adjustment 1 in FIG. 4). When the operation unit 106 instructs to start printing on the adjustment 1 start screen 421 (event 442), the image forming apparatus 201 starts printing the above-mentioned chart and displays an adjustment 1 printing screen 422. Then, when the printing of the chart is completed (event 443), an adjustment 1 setting screen 423 is displayed. In the adjustment 1 setting screen 423, adjustment parameters are set for a new paper type based on the printed chart. Note that in a setting that does not use a chart, the adjustment 1 start screen 421 and the adjustment 1 printing screen 422 are not displayed, and a screen transition may be made such that the adjustment 1 setting screen 423 is displayed from the event 441. In other words, the first embodiment is not affected by differences in screen transition due to differences in setting methods.

[0027] When the setting is completed on the adjustment 1 setting screen 423 (event 444), the adjustment 2 start screen 424, which is the setting start screen for the second adjustment parameter, is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, the second adjustment parameter is configured to use a chart as in the case of the first adjustment parameter. Event 445, event 446, adjustment 2 printing screen 425, and adjustment 2 setting screen 426 are similar to the case of the first adjustment parameter, so their explanation will be omitted. When the setting is completed on the adjustment 2 setting screen 426 (event 447), a paper registration operation screen 427 for registering a new paper type in the image forming apparatus 201 is displayed. When the registration is thus completed (event 450), if there is paper in the manual feed tray 121, the manual feed paper setting screen 411 is displayed again. On the other hand, if there is no need for the manual feed tray 121, the home screen 401 is displayed. When the setting completion (event 431) is instructed on the manual feed paper setting screen 411, the home screen 401 is displayed.

[0028] Here, the period during which the manual feed paper setting screen 411 and the paper type registration start screen 412 are displayed is referred to as phase 410. Also, the period during which the adjustment 1 start screen 421 and the paper registration operation screen 427 are displayed is referred to as phase 420. In phase 410, if no paper is detected in the manual feed tray 121 (event 460), the display returns to the home screen 401. On the other hand, in phase 420, even if no paper is detected in the manual feed tray 121 (event 460), the display does not change and the current screen is displayed.

[0029] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the state of paper in manual feed tray 121 has changed in image forming apparatus 201 according to embodiment 1. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by CPU 101 executing the program loaded in RAM 102 described above.

[0030] This process is started by an interrupt to CPU 101. First, in S610, CPU 101 determines whether or not there is paper in manual feed tray 121. If it determines that there is paper in manual feed tray 121, the process proceeds to S611, and if it determines that there is no paper, the process proceeds to S620. If CPU 101 determines in S611 that manual feed paper setting screen 411 is already displayed on operation unit 106 or that manual feed paper setting screen 411 exists below the display layer, the process ends. On the other hand, if it determines that manual feed paper setting screen 411 is not being displayed or does not exist below the display layer, the process proceeds to S612, where manual feed paper setting screen 411 is displayed on operation unit 106 (event 430), and the process ends.

[0031] At S620, CPU 101 determines whether the continuation flag is on, and if it is on, ends this process, and if it is off, proceeds to S621. At S621, CPU 101 notifies the end of displaying manual paper feed setting screen 411. This notification is event 460 in phase 410, and corresponds to the case where the end notification is received at S710 in FIG. 7, which will be described later. The continuation flag is provided in RAM 102, and is set to on when paper type registration screen 412 for registering a new paper type is displayed and registration processing is started, and is set to off when registration is completed on paper registration operation screen 427. In other words, the continuation flag is set to on while registration processing is being executed.

[0032] According to this process, manual feed paper setting screen 411 is displayed when there is paper in manual feed tray 121, or when the state of manual feed tray 121 changes from no paper to paper being present. Also, even if there is no paper in manual feed tray 121, if the screen for registering the paper type is displayed, that screen will not be closed.

[0033] 7 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the manual feed paper setting screen 411 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0034] In S710, CPU 101 is in a state of waiting for an external event. If the completion of the settings is instructed here (event 431) or an end is notified, the process proceeds to S711. In S711, CPU 101 notifies the end to all screens that have been displayed starting from manual paper feed setting screen 411. After that, the process proceeds to S712, where CPU 101 performs a process of ending this manual paper feed setting screen 411, and ends this process.

[0035] On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in S710 that the event is the registration of a new paper type 440, the process proceeds to S720, where the paper type registration start screen 412 is displayed on the operation unit 106, and the process returns to S710. If the CPU 101 receives another event in S710, the process proceeds to S730, where the CPU 101 executes processing according to the received event, and the process returns to S710.

[0036] By this process, when the event 440 for registering a new paper type is received while the manual paper setting screen 411 is displayed, the paper type registration start screen 412 can be displayed on the operation unit 106.

[0037] 8 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the paper type registration start screen 412 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0038] In S801, when the paper type registration screen 412 is displayed, the CPU 101 turns on the continuation flag of the RAM 102. Next, the process proceeds to S810, where the CPU 101 waits for an external event. In S810, when the CPU 101 receives the registration start event 441, the process proceeds to S820, where the adjustment 1 start screen 421 is displayed on the operation unit 106, and the process proceeds to S811. On the other hand, when a cancellation is instructed in S810, the process proceeds to S830, where the CPU 101 displays a cancellation screen (described later), and the process returns to S810. Also, when another event is received in S810, the process proceeds to S840, where the CPU 101 executes processing according to that event, and the process returns to S810. Also, when an end is instructed in S810, the process proceeds to S811, where the CPU 101 ends the paper type registration start screen 412, and ends this process.

[0039] By this process, when a registration start event is received while the paper type registration start screen 412 is being displayed, the adjustment 1 start screen 421 can be displayed on the operation unit 106 (transition to phase 420).

[0040] 9 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 1 start screen 421 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0041] In S910, the CPU 101 waits for an external event. If the CPU 101 receives a print start event 442, the process proceeds to S920, where the CPU 101 starts printing the chart. Then, the process proceeds to S921, where the CPU 101 displays the adjustment 1 printing screen 422, which indicates that the chart is being printed, on the operation unit 106, and the process proceeds to S911. If a cancel command is issued in S910, the process proceeds to S930, where the CPU 101 displays a cancel screen, and the process returns to S910. If another event is received in S910, the process proceeds to S940, where the CPU 101 executes processing according to the received event, and the process returns to S910. If an end command is issued in S910, the process proceeds to S911, where the CPU 101 closes the adjustment 1 start screen 421, and ends this process.

[0042] By this process, when a print start event is received while the start screen 421 of adjustment 1 is displayed, printing of the chart used in adjustment 1 can be started.

[0043] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 1 printing screen 422 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0044] In S1010, the CPU 101 waits for an external event. If the CPU 101 receives a printing completion event 443, the process proceeds to S1020, where the CPU 101 displays the adjustment 1 setting screen 423 on the operation unit 106, and then proceeds to S1011. If a cancellation command is issued in S1010, the process proceeds to S1030, where the CPU 101 displays a cancellation screen, and then returns to S1010. If another event is received in S1010, the process proceeds to S1040, where the CPU 101 executes processing according to that event, and then returns to S1010. If an end command is issued in S1010, the process proceeds to S1011, where the CPU 101 closes the adjustment 1 printing screen 422, and then ends this process.

[0045] With this process, when printing is completed while the adjustment 1 printing screen 422 is displayed, the adjustment 1 setting screen can be displayed on the operation unit, and the screen can be changed to one for setting the adjustment 1 parameters.

[0046] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 1 setting screen 423 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0047] At S1110, CPU 101 waits for an external event. If CPU 101 receives event 444 indicating completion of adjustment 1 setting, the process proceeds to S1120, where CPU 101 displays adjustment 2 start screen 424 on operation unit 106, and then proceeds to S1111. If a cancellation command is issued at S1110, the process proceeds to S1130, where CPU 101 displays a cancellation screen, and then returns to S1110. If another event is received at S1110, the process proceeds to S1140, where CPU 101 executes processing according to that event, and then returns to S1010. If an end command is issued at S1110, the process proceeds to S1111, where CPU 101 ends the display of adjustment 1 setting screen 423, and then ends this process.

[0048] By this process, when the setting is completed while the adjustment 1 setting screen 423 is displayed, the adjustment 2 start screen 424 for starting the process for setting the next second adjustment parameter can be displayed on the operation unit.

[0049] 12 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 2 start screen 424 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0050] In S1210, CPU 101 waits for an external event. If print start event 445 is received here, the process proceeds to S1220, where CPU 101 starts printing the chart. Then, the process proceeds to S1221, where CPU 101 displays on operation unit 106 an adjustment 2 printing screen 425 indicating that the chart is being printed, and the process proceeds to S1211. Note that S1230, S1240, and S1211, which are processes when a cancellation command is issued in S1210, when another event is received, and when an end command is issued, are the same as S930, S940, and S911 in FIG. 9, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] By this process, when a print start event is received while the start screen 424 of adjustment 2 is displayed, printing of the chart used in adjustment 2 can be started.

[0052] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 2 printing screen 425 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0053] In S1310, CPU 101 waits for an external event. If print completion event 446 is received here, the process proceeds to S1320, where CPU 101 displays adjustment 2 setting screen 426 on operation unit 106, and proceeds to S1311. Note that S1330, S1340, and S1311, which are processes performed when a cancellation command is issued in S1310, when another event is received, and when an end command is issued, are the same as S1030, S1040, and S1011 in FIG. 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] By this process, when printing is completed while the adjustment 2 printing screen 422 is displayed, the adjustment 2 setting screen for setting the second adjustment parameters can be displayed on the operation unit.

[0055] 14 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 2 setting screen 426 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0056] At S1410, CPU 101 waits for an external event. If event 447, which is an instruction to end settings, is received, the process proceeds to S1420, where CPU 101 displays paper registration operation screen 427 on operation unit 106 and proceeds to S1411. Note that S1430, S1440, and S1411, which are processes performed when a cancellation instruction is given at S1410, when another event is received, and when an end instruction is given, are the same as S1130, S1140, and S1111 in FIG. 11, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] By this process, when the settings are completed while the adjustment 2 setting screen 426 is displayed, a paper registration operation screen for registering them can be displayed on the operation unit.

[0058] 15 is a flowchart for explaining display control processing of the paper registration operation screen 427 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the embodiment 1. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0059] First, in S1510, CPU 101 waits for an external event. If CPU 101 receives event 450 indicating completion of registration, the process proceeds to S1520, where CPU 101 determines whether or not paper is present in manual feed tray 121. If CPU 101 determines that paper is present in manual feed tray 121, the process proceeds to S1511, and if CPU 101 determines that paper is absent, the process proceeds to S1521. In S1521, CPU 101 notifies manual feed paper setting screen 411 of the end, and proceeds to S1511. In S1511, CPU 101 turns off the continuation flag described above, and proceeds to S1512. In S1512, CPU 101 closes paper registration operation screen 427, and ends this process. If a cancel command is issued in S1510, the process proceeds to S1530, where a cancel screen is displayed, and the process returns to S1510. If CPU 101 receives another event in S1510, the process proceeds to S1540, where CPU 101 executes a process corresponding to the event, and returns to S1510.

[0060] With this process, when paper registration is completed while the paper registration operation screen is displayed, if there is paper in the manual feed tray, the screen can transition to the manual feed paper setting screen, whereas if there is no paper in the manual feed tray, the manual feed paper setting screen can be closed and the screen can transition to the home screen.

[0061] 16 is a flowchart for explaining the display control process of the cancel screen by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program. This process is a display process of the cancel screen that is displayed when a cancellation is instructed on the above-mentioned multiple screens, that is, the paper type registration start screen 412 to the paper registration operation screen 427.

[0062] First, in S1610, the CPU 101 waits for an external event. If "Cancel" is instructed on the screen displayed at that time, the process proceeds to S1611, where the CPU 101 turns off the continuation flag in the RAM 102. Next, the process proceeds to S1620, where the CPU 101 determines whether or not a chart is being printed, and if the chart is not being printed, the process proceeds to S1612. On the other hand, if the chart is being printed, the process proceeds to S1621, where the CPU 101 cancels the printing of the chart and proceeds to S1612. In S1612, the CPU 101 notifies the manual paper setting screen 411 of the end and proceeds to S1613. If "Do not cancel" is instructed on the screen displayed at that time while waiting for an event in S1610, the process proceeds to S1613. If another event is received in S1610, the process proceeds to S1640, where the CPU 101 executes processing according to the received event, and returns to S1610. In S1613, the screen currently being displayed is closed, and this process ends.

[0063] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when paper is placed on the manual feed tray, the screen transitions to a manual feed paper registration screen, where the type of the manually fed paper can be registered as the paper type. Also, the screen can transition to a screen for printing a chart for setting parameters corresponding to the type of manually fed paper.

[0064] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 17 to Fig. 19. Note that the hardware configuration and system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the transition of screens displayed on the operation unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, these screens are operated via the operation unit 310. Hereinafter, only the points different from FIG. 4 described above will be explained. Phase 420 in FIG. 5 includes an adjustment 1 start screen 421, an adjustment 1 setting screen 423, an adjustment 2 start screen 424, an adjustment 2 setting screen 426, and a paper registration operation screen 427. When an out-of-paper during printing (event 510) is received on the adjustment 1 printing screen 422 or the adjustment 2 printing screen 425, which are screens indicating that printing is in progress, an out-of-paper error screen 500 is displayed. Then, when the out-of-paper error screen 500 is closed (event 520) by an instruction from the operation unit 106, the registration process of a new paper type started by the event 440 is canceled. At the same time, the manual feed paper setting screen 411 is also closed and transition is made to the home screen 401.

[0066] Fig. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 1 printing screen 422 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program. Note that in Fig. 17, the same processes as those in the flowchart of Fig. 10 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] When the out-of-paper during printing (event 510) is notified in S1010, the process proceeds to S1050, where the CPU 101 displays the out-of-paper error screen 500 on the operation unit 106, and the process proceeds to S1011.

[0068] By this process, if an out-of-paper condition occurs while the adjustment 1 printing screen 422 is being displayed, the out-of-paper error screen 500 can be displayed on the operation unit 106.

[0069] Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the adjustment 2 printing screen 425 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program. Note that in Fig. 18, the same processes as those in the flowchart of Fig. 13 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] When the out-of-paper during printing (event 510) is notified in S1310, the process proceeds to S1810, where the CPU 101 displays the out-of-paper error screen 500 on the operation unit 106, and the process proceeds to S1310.

[0071] By this process, if an out-of-paper condition occurs while the Adjustment 2 Printing screen is being displayed, an out-of-paper error screen can be displayed on the operation unit.

[0072] 19 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the print paper out error screen 500 by the image forming apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing the above-mentioned program.

[0073] At S1910, CPU 101 waits for an external event. If an instruction to "Exit" (event 520) is received on the screen displayed at that time, the process proceeds to S1911, where CPU 101 turns off the continuation flag. Then, the process proceeds to S1912, where CPU 101 closes manual paper feed setting screen 411, and proceeds to S1913. If another event is received while waiting for an event at S1910, the process proceeds to S1940, where CPU 101 executes processing according to the received event, and returns to S1910. At S1913, CPU 101 closes the screen displayed at that time, and ends this process.

[0074] As described above, according to the second embodiment, if an out-of-paper condition is detected when printing a chart for obtaining adjustment parameters, a no-paper error screen can be displayed and the registration process for a new paper type can be canceled.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the paper to be registered is fed from the manual feed tray, and the processing when there is no paper in the manual feed tray is described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where a paper feed cassette that is normally used is used instead of the manual feed tray.

[0076] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the 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. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0077] This specification and drawings disclose the following image forming apparatus, its control method, and program.

[0078] [Item 1] A detection unit for detecting characteristics of paper fed from a paper feed unit; a registration means for performing a registration process of printing a chart for detecting parameters of the paper characteristics on the paper and registering the parameters of the paper characteristics based on the chart together with the paper characteristics; a control unit that controls the registration process so as to continue when it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed unit during the registration process; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0079] [Item 2] The method further includes a storage unit for storing whether the registration process is being executed or not, The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the control means controls the registration process to continue if the control means detects that no paper is present in the paper feed section and the memory means stores that the registration process is being executed.

[0080] [Item 3] The image forming apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that the control means controls the registration process to end if the control means detects that no paper is present in the paper feed section and the storage means does not store that the registration process is being executed.

[0081] [Item 4] A display unit is further provided. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the registration means displays a paper setting screen on the display unit when it detects that paper has been placed in the paper feed unit, and starts the registration process when an instruction to register a new paper type is given on the paper setting screen.

[0082] [Item 5] A display unit is further provided. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit displays a screen indicating that printing is in progress on the display unit when the chart is being printed.

[0083] [Item 6] A display unit is further provided. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that, when printing of the chart is completed, the registration means displays a setting screen on the display unit for setting parameters of the characteristics of the paper based on the chart.

[0084] [Item 7] The image forming apparatus according to item 5, characterized in that, when the registration means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed unit while the screen indicating that printing is in progress is displayed, the registration means displays an error screen indicating that there is no paper on the display unit.

[0085] [Item 8] 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the characteristics of the paper include a type and a basis weight of the paper.

[0086] [Item 9] 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the paper feed unit is a manual feed tray.

[0087] [Item 10] A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a detection step in which a detection unit of the image forming apparatus detects characteristics of a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit; a registration step in which a registration unit of the image forming apparatus performs a registration process in which a chart for detecting parameters of the paper characteristics is printed on the paper and the parameters of the paper characteristics based on the chart are registered together with the paper characteristics; a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus so that the registration process can be continued when the control means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed unit during the registration process; A control method comprising the steps of:

[0088] [Item 11] 11. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to item 10.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 101: CPU of image forming apparatus, 106: operation unit, 121: manual feed tray, 130: sensor, 201: image forming apparatus, 311: detection function, 312: registration function, 313: determination function, 314: media sensor function

Claims

1. A detection unit for detecting characteristics of paper fed from a paper feed unit; a registration means for performing a registration process of printing a chart for detecting parameters of the paper characteristics on the paper and registering the parameters of the paper characteristics based on the chart together with the paper characteristics; a control unit that controls the registration process so as to continue when it is detected that there is no paper in the paper feed unit during the registration process; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The method further includes a storage unit for storing whether the registration process is being executed or not, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the registration process so as to continue if the control means detects that no paper is present in the paper feed section and the memory means stores that the registration process is being executed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means controls the registration process to be terminated if the control means detects that no paper is present in the paper feed section and the memory means does not store that the registration process is being executed.

4. A display unit is further provided.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration means displays a paper setting screen on the display unit when it detects that paper has been placed in the paper feed unit, and starts the registration process when an instruction to register a new paper type is given on the paper setting screen.

5. A display unit is further provided.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit displays a screen indicating that printing is in progress on the display unit when the chart is being printed.

6. A display unit is further provided.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit displays, on the display unit, a setting screen for setting parameters of the characteristics of the paper based on the chart when printing of the chart is completed.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the registration means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed section while the screen indicating that printing is in progress is displayed, the registration means displays an error screen indicating that there is no paper on the display section.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the characteristics of the paper include a type and a basis weight of the paper.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper feed unit is a manual feed tray.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a detection step in which a detection unit of the image forming apparatus detects characteristics of a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit; a registration step in which a registration unit of the image forming apparatus performs a registration process in which a chart for detecting parameters of the paper characteristics is printed on the paper and the parameters of the paper characteristics based on the chart are registered together with the paper characteristics; a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus so that the registration process can be continued when the control means detects that there is no paper in the paper feed unit during the registration process; A control method comprising the steps of:

11. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 10.

Images