Image forming device, image forming device control method, and program

Abstract

To enable sensing of a paper type of a paper in a paper supply part, depending on a case.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: first setting means that sets validity or invailidity of paper-type automatic sensing settings; first control means that when paper-type setting information in a printing job is automatic or automatically sensed and the paper-type automatic sensing settings are valid and when a paper type set in a paper supply part is not established, senses the paper type of the paper in the paper supply part, on a conveyance path, establishes the paper type set in the paper supply part, and performs control so that printing is performed on a paper being conveyed from the paper supply part, in accordance with the established paper type; and second control means that when the paper-type setting information in the printing job is automatic or automatically sensed and the paper-type automatic sensing settings are valid and when the paper type set in the paper supply part is established, does not sense the paper type of the paper in the paper supply part, on the conveyance path, and performs control so that printing is performed on a paper being conveyed from the paper supply part, in accordance with the established paper type.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An automatic paper type detection function is known that can sense the paper type using a sensor installed in the paper feed tray of an image forming device. The automatic paper type detection function can sense the paper type of paper stored in the paper feed tray of an image forming device when the paper is fed. By using the automatic paper type detection function, it is possible to eliminate the need to input the paper type of the paper stored in the paper feed tray on the operation screen of the image forming device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when it is determined that the sheet type set on the operation panel does not match the sheet type detected by a sensor, if the conditions are met, the print job continues with settings according to the type detected by the sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-192716 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the automatic paper type detection function is used to sense the paper type, it takes a longer time to feed the paper than when the automatic paper type detection function is not used. For example, there are image forming devices that take about 10 to 20 seconds to feed the paper.

[0006] In particular, when a print job is set to use the automatic paper type detection function, the automatic paper type detection function is activated every time, resulting in a problem of reduced productivity.

[0007] In addition, if a print job is set to use the automatic paper type detection function, there is a problem that if the automatic paper type detection function is disabled on the image forming device, the printing will stop due to a paper mismatch.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to be able to improve productivity by detecting the paper type of paper in a paper feed section on a case-by-case basis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image forming apparatus controls printing based on a print job including at least paper type specification information that can specify automatic or automatic detection, and has a first setting means for setting an automatic paper type detection setting to be enabled or disabled, and a first control means for, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatic detection, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type of the paper feed unit setting has not been determined, detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path, determining the paper type of the paper feed unit setting, and controlling printing on the paper transported from the paper feed unit in accordance with the determined paper type, and a second control means for, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatic detection, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type of the paper feed unit setting has been determined, controlling printing on the paper transported from the paper feed unit in accordance with the determined paper type, without detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, by detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed section on an occasional basis, productivity can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen for automatic paper type detection setting. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of print job settings. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of paper settings for each paper feed tray. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of paper settings for each paper feed tray. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing apparatus 101 and a finisher 102. The printing apparatus 101 is a printing apparatus that forms and prints an image. The finisher 102 includes a paper output destination for paper printed by the printing apparatus 101.

[0014] Reference numeral 103 denotes a control unit that runs software for carrying out various controls of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0015] Reference numeral 104 denotes an operation unit for issuing operation instructions to the image forming apparatus 100. The operation unit 104 is composed of a touch panel and hard keys, and is capable of displaying information related to the image forming apparatus 100 and inputting settings via the touch panel or hard keys.

[0016] Reference numeral 105 denotes a toner supply unit for supplying toner, which is a printing agent, to an image forming unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 100. The toner supply unit 105 is equipped with an opening and closing door, and an operator can supply toner through the opening and closing door. Reference numeral 106 denotes an image forming unit.

[0017] Reference numeral 107 denotes an intermediate transfer belt. In the image forming unit 106, a process is performed in which an image specified in a print job is formed using toner supplied from a toner supply unit 105, and the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107. The image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 107 is then transferred to paper.

[0018] A fixing device 108 applies heat and pressure to the paper onto which the image has been transferred by the intermediate transfer belt 107, thereby fixing the toner onto the paper.

[0019] Reference numeral 109 denotes a surplus toner recovery section. Toner that has not been transferred onto the paper from the intermediate transfer belt 107 is accumulated in the surplus toner recovery section 109.

[0020] Reference numeral 110 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 111 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 112 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 113 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper. Reference numeral 114 denotes a paper feed section for feeding paper.

[0021] A paper conveying section 115 is disposed in the paper conveying section 115. Paper fed from the paper feed section 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114 passes through the paper conveying section 115 and undergoes toner transfer and fixing processes.

[0022] Reference numeral 116 denotes a switchback unit for reversing the paper. Reference numeral 117 denotes a paper inlet for inputting paper from an external paper feed unit 114.

[0023] Reference numeral 118 denotes a paper discharge unit for discharging the paper on which the fixing process has been performed to the finisher 102 .

[0024] Reference numeral 119 denotes an input port of the finisher 102 that receives paper from the printing device 101. Reference numeral 120 denotes a switchback unit for reversing the paper.

[0025] Reference numeral 121 denotes a conveying section. Reference numeral 122 denotes a discharge section. Reference numeral 123 denotes a paper discharge tray. A sheet received from an input port 119 of the finisher 102 is discharged to the discharge section 122 via the conveying section 121 and stacked on the paper discharge tray 123.

[0026] Reference numeral 124 denotes a media sensor unit. The media sensor unit 124 automatically determines the type of paper conveyed from the paper feed unit 114.

[0027] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing device 101, a finisher 102, a control unit 103, and an operation unit 104.

[0028] The control unit 103 has a CPU 203, a RAM 204, an operation unit interface 205, a network interface 206, a modem 207, a ROM 208, a HDD 209, a CPU bus 210, and an image bus interface 211. The control unit 103 further has a rasterization (RIP) unit 212, a data compression unit 213, a device interface 214, an image processing device 215, and an image bus 218.

[0029] Reference numeral 201 denotes a network for connecting with an external device via a network. Reference numeral 202 denotes a telephone line for connecting with an external device. Reference numeral 203 denotes a CPU for running a program for controlling the entire control unit 103.

[0030] Reference numeral 204 denotes a RAM managed by a program running on the CPU 203. The RAM 204 is used as a receiving buffer for temporarily storing data received from the outside, an image data buffer for temporarily storing image data rasterized by the RIP unit 212, etc.

[0031] Reference numeral 205 denotes an interface for connecting the operation unit 104 and the control unit 103. Reference numeral 206 denotes an interface for connecting the control unit 103 to a network. Reference numeral 207 denotes an interface for connecting the control unit 103 to a telephone line.

[0032] Reference numeral 208 denotes a ROM for storing programs and data that operate on the CPU 203. Reference numeral 209 denotes a hard disk drive (HDD), which is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing various data for a long period of time.

[0033] Reference numeral 210 denotes a CPU bus. Reference numeral 211 denotes an interface for connecting the CPU bus 210 and an image bus 218.

[0034] Reference numeral 212 denotes a rasterizer (RIP) unit having a function of converting externally input page description language (PDL) data into bitmap image data.

[0035] Reference numeral 213 denotes a data compression unit for compressing data. Reference numeral 214 denotes an interface for connecting the printing device 101 and the finisher 102 to an image bus 218 via data buses 216 and 217.

[0036] An image processing unit 215 performs various image processes on the bitmap image data generated by the RIP unit 212. The CPU 203 performs printing while issuing commands for printing to the printing device 101 and the finisher 102 via data buses 216 and 217 in accordance with signals instructed via the network 201 from the operation unit 104 or an external device.

[0037] Reference numeral 216 denotes a data bus. Reference numeral 217 denotes a data bus. Reference numeral 218 denotes an image bus connected to a group of hardware for performing image processing.

[0038] 1 has, for example, an LED as a light emitting element and a photodiode as a light receiving element. Media sensor unit 124 detects the amount of reflected light emitted by the LED with the photodiode. CPU 203 controls the transport of paper from paper feed unit 114 to the transport path at the position of media sensor unit 124, and detects the paper type of the paper from paper feed unit 114 on the transport path based on the detection signal from media sensor unit 124.

[0039] The CPU 203 detects the type of paper according to differences in the detection signal due to the surface properties and thickness of each paper based on the detection signal of the media sensor unit 124. Then, the CPU 203 optimally controls the image formation speed and the fixing temperature of the fixing device 108 according to the paper type detected here. The paper type is, for example, plain paper, thin paper, thick paper, etc.

[0040] Regarding the image formation speed, the CPU 203 controls the image formation and conveyance at a speed predetermined for the material, for example, if the image formation speed (conveyance speed) for plain paper or thin paper is 1, image formation is performed at 1 / 2 the speed for thick paper. Also, regarding the fixing temperature of the fixing device 108, the CPU 203 sets a lower temperature for thin paper and a higher temperature for thick paper, compared to plain paper.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting screen for automatic paper type detection setting, which is displayed on the operation unit 104. As shown in FIG.

[0042] Reference numeral 301 denotes a setting screen for automatic paper type detection settings, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 104. Reference numeral 302 denotes an ON key for enabling the automatic paper type detection setting. Reference numeral 303 denotes an OFF key for disabling the automatic paper type detection setting.

[0043] In FIG. 3, the ON key 302 is highlighted, indicating that the automatic paper type detection setting is set to ON.

[0044] Reference numeral 304 denotes an OK key, which validates the screen settings and simultaneously closes the setting screen 301.

[0045] It is assumed that the setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting is stored in the RAM 204 by pressing the OK key 304 .

[0046] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a print job. In Fig. 4, page description language (PDL) data input from an external device such as a host computer via the network 201 is shown as an example of the print job. The print job may be a copy job read by a reading device (not shown) equipped in the image forming apparatus 100, or a print job temporarily stored in a storage device such as the HDD 209 or the RAM 204.

[0047] A print job has a job ticket section 401 and a print data section 402. Reference numeral 401 denotes a job ticket section in which print settings such as a paper feed tray, paper size, paper type, etc. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the job ticket section 401 is written in a job control language.

[0048] A print data section 402 is data described in a page description language (PDL) in this embodiment. Note that the print data section 402 may be a copy job read by a reading device (not shown) or a print job temporarily stored in a storage device (HDD 209, RAM 204, etc.) as described above.

[0049] Reference numeral 403 denotes a paper feed tray designation in the print settings of the job ticket section 401. In the example of Fig. 4, "manual feed tray" is set as the paper feed tray designation. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that "paper feed tray 1", "paper feed tray 2", "paper feed tray 3", "paper feed tray 4", and "manual feed tray" can be set as the paper feed tray designation.

[0050] Reference numeral 404 denotes a paper size designation in the print settings of the job ticket section 401. In the example of Fig. 4, "A4" is set as the paper size designation. In this embodiment, it is assumed that "A4" can be set as the paper size designation.

[0051] Reference numeral 405 denotes a paper type designation in the print settings of the job ticket section 401. In the example of Fig. 4, "automatic detection" is set as the paper type designation. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the paper type designation can be set to "automatic detection", "automatic", "plain paper 1", "plain paper 2", "plain paper 3", "plain paper 4", and "plain paper 5".

[0052] 5 is a diagram showing an example of paper setting states in each paper feed tray. Paper feed trays 1 to 4 correspond to paper feed units 110 to 113 in FIG. 1. The manual feed tray corresponds to paper feed unit 114 in FIG.

[0053] This paper setting state indicates a combination of paper size and paper type. This paper setting state indicates that the paper type of the manual feed tray is in an "undefined" state. "Undefined" is a state in which detection has not been performed by the automatic paper type detection function of the media sensor unit 124 in FIG. 1. It is to be noted that the paper setting state is stored in the HDD 209.

[0054] The state in which the paper size of the paper feed tray 1 is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 1" is shown.

[0055] The state in which the paper size of the paper feed tray 2 is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 2" is shown.

[0056] In the paper feed tray 3, the paper size is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 3."

[0057] In the paper feed tray 4, the paper size is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 4."

[0058] The manual feed tray shows the paper size as "A4" and the paper type as "undefined."

[0059] 6 is a diagram showing another example of the paper setting state for each paper feed tray. It is assumed that the paper setting state indicates a combination of paper size and paper type. It is assumed that the paper setting state is stored in the HDD 209.

[0060] The state in which the paper size of the paper feed tray 1 is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 1" is shown.

[0061] The state in which the paper size of the paper feed tray 2 is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 2" is shown.

[0062] In the paper feed tray 3, the paper size is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 3."

[0063] In the paper feed tray 4, the paper size is set to "A4" and the paper type is set to "plain paper 4."

[0064] The manual feed tray is set to "A4" paper size and "plain paper 5" paper type.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method of image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Note that S701 to S718 in the figure represent each step. Image forming apparatus 100 controls printing based on the print job of Fig. 4. The processing of Fig. 7 is realized by CPU 203 executing a program.

[0066] In step S701, the CPU 203 starts the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0067] In step S702, the CPU 203 functions as a setting unit, and sets the automatic paper type detection setting to enabled (ON key 302 in FIG. 3) or disabled (OFF key 303 in FIG. 3) in response to an instruction from the automatic paper type detection setting screen (FIG. 3) displayed on the operation unit 104. The setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting (ON key 302 or OFF key 303 in FIG. 3) is stored in the RAM 204.

[0068] In step S703, CPU 203 analyzes the print job of FIG. 4. First, CPU 203 receives a print job via network 201, and stores the received print job in HDD 209. After that, CPU 203 reads out the print job stored in HDD 209, and analyzes the print job. Then, CPU 203 reads out paper feed tray designation information 403, paper size designation information 404, and paper type designation information 405 from job ticket section 401 (FIG. 4) in the print job, and stores each of them in HDD 209. CPU 203 also analyzes PDL data in print data section 402 (FIG. 4) in the print job, converts it into intermediate data (not shown) based on that, and stores it in HDD 209.

[0069] In step S704, the CPU 203 acquires the paper type designation information 405. Here, the CPU 203 acquires the paper type designation information 405 (S703) read from the job ticket section 401 (FIG. 4) in the print job, and stores it in the RAM 204.

[0070] The paper type designation information 405 can designate the paper types that can be fed by the image forming apparatus 100 as "automatic detection" or "automatic", and can designate at least "automatic detection" or "automatic". In this embodiment, the paper types that can be fed by the image forming apparatus 100 are "plain paper 1", "plain paper 2", "plain paper 3", "plain paper 4", and "plain paper 5".

[0071] "Auto detection" is a setting that explicitly instructs the use of media sensor unit 124 and activates media sensor unit 124 when feeding paper, and is a setting that instructs detection of the paper type of paper in manual feed tray 114. "Auto" is a setting that automatically determines whether or not to use media sensor unit 124, and is a setting that does not instruct whether or not to detect the paper type of paper in manual feed tray 114.

[0072] In step S705, the CPU 203 reads the generated intermediate data (S703) from the HDD 209, and generates image data (not shown) using the RIP unit 212, and stores the image data in the HDD 209.

[0073] In step S706, CPU 203 reads out the acquired paper type designation information 405 (S704) from RAM 204 and determines the paper type designation information 405. If CPU 203 determines that "automatic detection" is specified in the paper type designation information 405, the process proceeds to step S707. If CPU 203 determines that "automatic" is specified in the paper type designation information 405, the process proceeds to step S708. If CPU 203 determines that something other than "automatic detection" or "automatic" is specified in the paper type designation information 405, the process proceeds to step S715.

[0074] Note that anything other than "automatic detection" and "automatic" refers to paper types that can be fed by image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, anything other than "automatic detection" and "automatic" refers to "plain paper 1", "plain paper 2", "plain paper 3", "plain paper 4", and "plain paper 5".

[0075] In step S707, CPU 203 functions as a change unit, changes paper type designation information 405 from "automatic detection" to "automatic", stores this in RAM 204, and returns to step S706. With this change, subsequent processing will operate with paper type designation information 405 set to "automatic", and the automatic paper type detection function of media sensor unit 124 in Fig. 1 can be used as needed, rather than being used every time paper is fed. CPU 203 also stores in RAM 204 information that paper type designation information 405 has been rewritten from "automatic detection" to "automatic".

[0076] In step S708, CPU 203 determines whether or not use of the automatic paper type detection function of Fig. 3 is enabled. CPU 203 acquires the setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting (S702) from RAM 204. CPU 203 determines the acquired setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting. If the acquired setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled (ON), CPU 203 determines that the automatic paper type detection function is enabled, and proceeds to step S709. If the acquired setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting is disabled (OFF), CPU 203 determines that the automatic paper type detection function is disabled, and proceeds to step S714.

[0077] In step S709, CPU 203 determines whether or not the paper type of the paper set in manual feed tray 114 is determined. CPU 203 reads the paper setting state (FIG. 5 or 6) from HDD 209, and determines whether the paper type of manual feed tray 114 in the paper setting state (FIG. 5 or 6) is “undefined”.

[0078] If the paper type of manual feed tray 114 is "undefined," CPU 203 determines that the paper type setting of manual feed tray 114 has not been determined. If the paper type of manual feed tray 114 is not "undefined," CPU 203 determines that the paper type setting of manual feed tray 114 has been determined. Here, "undefined" paper type means that the paper type needs to be determined by the automatic paper type detection function of media sensor unit 124 in FIG. 1, but the paper type has not yet been determined by the automatic paper type detection function.

[0079] If CPU 203 determines that the paper type of manual feed tray 114 is "undefined", the process proceeds to step S710. If CPU 203 determines that the paper type of manual feed tray 114 is not "undefined", the process proceeds to step S711.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the paper setting state is "FIG. 5," the paper type of manual feed tray 114 is "undefined," so the process proceeds to step S710. When the paper setting state is "FIG. 6," the paper type of manual feed tray 114 is "plain paper 5," which is not "undefined," so the process proceeds to step S711.

[0081] In step S710, CPU 203 detects the paper type of the paper in manual feed tray 114 on the transport path using the automatic paper type detection function of media sensor unit 124. CPU 203 controls the transport of the paper stored in manual feed tray 114 to media sensor unit 124, and detects the paper type of manual feed tray 114 using media sensor unit 124.

[0082] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the detected paper type is "plain paper 5." CPU 203 reads the paper setting state (FIG. 5) from HDD 209, updates the paper type field for manual feed tray 114 to "plain paper 5," and confirms the paper type setting for manual feed tray 114. CPU 203 stores the updated paper setting state (FIG. 6) in HDD 209. After that, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0083] In step S711, CPU 203 performs control so as to feed paper stored in manual feed tray 114 according to the control parameters (e.g., conveying speed, fixing temperature, etc.) of the confirmed paper type (S710) of manual feed tray 114. Then CPU 203 reads the generated image data (S705) from HDD 209. Then CPU 203 converts the image data read from HDD 209 into a video signal, and performs control so as to print on paper conveyed from manual feed tray 114 according to the control parameters (e.g., conveying speed, fixing temperature, etc.) of the paper type of manual feed tray 114.

[0084] In step S712, CPU 203 determines whether or not there is paper in manual feed tray 114. This is a determination as to whether or not there is paper remaining in manual feed tray 114 after paper feeding (S711). Note that the determination is performed using a sensor (not shown) attached to manual feed tray 114.

[0085] If CPU 203 determines that no paper is present in manual feed tray 114, the process proceeds to step S713. If CPU 203 determines that paper is present in manual feed tray 114, the process proceeds to step S718.

[0086] In step S713, CPU 203 changes (sets) the paper type of paper in manual feed tray 114 in the paper setting state (FIG. 6) to "undefined," and obtains the paper setting state (FIG. 5). "Undefined" indicates indeterminate. This is because manual feed tray 114 has run out of paper, and when new paper is placed in manual feed tray 114, the paper type is determined again using the automatic paper type detection function.

[0087] CPU 203 reads the paper setting state (FIG. 6) from HDD 209, and changes the paper type field for manual feed tray 114 to "undefined." CPU 203 stores the changed paper setting state (FIG. 5) in HDD 209. CPU 203 may also return paper type designation information 405 to "automatic detection" based on the information that has rewritten paper type designation information 405 stored in RAM 204 from "automatic detection" to "automatic" (S707).

[0088] That is, when CPU 203 changes paper type designation information 405 from "automatic detection" to "automatic detection" in step S707, CPU 203 changes paper type designation information 405 back from "automatic detection" to "automatic detection." This is to enable re-execution of the print job on the screen of operation unit 104 of image forming apparatus 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S718.

[0089] In step S714, CPU 203 reads the paper setting state (FIG. 6) from HDD 209 and determines the paper type of manual feed tray 114. Although there are two paper setting states, the case of FIG. 5 and the case of FIG. 6, the paper setting state is assumed to be "FIG. 6" because the automatic paper type detection function is disabled (S708).

[0090] CPU 203 determines the paper type of manual feed tray 114 as "plain paper 5" based on the paper setting state (FIG. 6). CPU 203 controls to feed paper stored in manual feed tray 114 according to the control parameters (e.g., conveying speed, fixing temperature, etc.) of the determined paper type (plain paper 5) of manual feed tray 114. CPU 203 then reads the generated image data (S705) from HDD 209. CPU 203 then converts the image data read from HDD 209 into a video signal, and controls to print on paper conveyed from manual feed tray 114 according to the control parameters (e.g., conveying speed, fixing temperature, etc.) of the paper type of manual feed tray 114. The process then proceeds to step S718.

[0091] In step S715, the CPU 203 reads the paper type designation information 405 (S704) from the RAM 204. The CPU 203 also reads the paper setting information (FIG. 5 or 6) from the HDD 209. Then, the CPU 203 compares the paper type designation information 405 (S704) with the paper setting information (FIG. 5 or 6).

[0092] If CPU 203 determines that the paper type in paper type designation information 405 (S704) and the paper type for manual feed tray 114 in the paper setting information (FIG. 5 or 6) match, it proceeds to step S716. If CPU 203 determines that the paper type in paper type designation information 405 (S704) and the paper type for manual feed tray 114 in the paper setting information (FIG. 5 or 6) do not match, it proceeds to step S717.

[0093] In this embodiment, it is assumed that "plain paper 5" is stored in RAM 204 as paper type designation information 405 (S704). If the paper setting information read from HDD 209 is "FIG. 6," the paper type of manual feed tray 114 in FIG. 6 is "plain paper 5," so CPU 203 determines that there is a match and proceeds to step S716. If the paper setting information read from HDD 209 is "FIG. 5," the paper type of manual feed tray 114 in FIG. 5 is "undefined," so CPU 203 determines that there is a mismatch and proceeds to step S717.

[0094] In step S717, since it is determined that the papers do not match (S716), CPU 203 controls operation unit 104 to display a paper change request (not shown). When new paper is set in manual feed tray 114, CPU 203 cancels the display of the paper change request (not shown) displayed on operation unit 104. Then, CPU 203 determines that information on the paper newly set in manual feed tray 114 has been input on the screen (not shown) of operation unit 104. CPU 203 reads out the paper setting information (FIG. 5 or FIG. 6) from HDD 209, updates the paper setting information (FIG. 5 or FIG. 6) to the input paper information, and stores it in HDD 209. Then, CPU 203 returns to step S715. If the paper type of the input paper information is "plain paper 5", the paper setting information becomes the same as "FIG. 6".

[0095] In step S716, CPU 203 performs control so as to feed paper stored in manual feed tray 114 according to the control parameters (e.g., conveying speed, fixing temperature, etc.) of the matched paper type of manual feed tray 114 (plain paper 5 in this embodiment). CPU 203 then reads the generated image data (S705) from HDD 209. CPU 203 then converts the image data read from HDD 209 into a video signal, and performs control so as to print on paper conveyed from manual feed tray 114 according to the control parameters (e.g., conveying speed, fixing temperature, etc.) of the paper type of manual feed tray 114. Then, the process proceeds to step S718.

[0096] In step S718, the CPU 203 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0097] Next, to explain the effect of this embodiment, a problem that occurs when step S707 is not provided will be described. When paper type specification information 405 of a print job is set to "automatic detection," CPU 203 detects the paper type of manual feed tray 114 every time using media sensor unit 124, as in step S710, resulting in a decrease in productivity.

[0098] Next, a problem will be described when step S707 is not included, the paper type specification information 405 of the print job is "automatic detection", and the setting value of the automatic paper type detection setting in Fig. 3 is OFF. In that case, the CPU 203 stops the print process because "automatic detection" of the paper type specification information 405 does not match "plain paper 5", which is the paper type of the manual feed tray in Fig. 6.

[0099] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, in step S707, the CPU 203 changes the paper type designation information 405 of the print job from "automatic detection" to "automatic", returns to step S706, and proceeds to step S708.

[0100] For example, immediately after paper is set on manual feed tray 114, the paper type for manual feed tray 114 in the paper setting information becomes "undefined" as shown in Fig. 5. In that case, the process proceeds from step S709 to step S710. In step S710, CPU 203 uses media sensor unit 124 to detect the paper type of manual feed tray 114, and updates the paper setting information in Fig. 5 to the paper setting information in Fig. 6.

[0101] A case will be described where a new print job is subsequently input in which the paper type designation information 405 is "automatic detection." In this case, in step S709, since the paper type for manual feed tray 114 in the paper setting information in Fig. 6 is "plain paper 5," CPU 203 proceeds to step S711 without processing media sensor unit 124 in step S710.

[0102] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the paper type specification information 405 of a print job is "automatic detection," the first print job is processed by the media sensor unit 124, but the second and subsequent print jobs are not processed by the media sensor unit 124. This reduces the number of times the media sensor unit 124 is processed, improving productivity.

[0103] 3 is OFF, the CPU 203 proceeds to step S714 via steps S707, S706, and S708, and executes the print process. This makes it possible to prevent the print process from being stopped due to a paper type mismatch, as in the above problem.

[0104] According to this embodiment, even if the paper type specification information 405 of the print job is "automatic detection," the automatic paper type detection function can be utilized while suppressing a decrease in productivity caused by activating the automatic paper type detection function.

[0105] (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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus that controls printing based on a print job including at least paper type designation information that can designate automatic or automatic detection, a first setting means for setting whether the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled or disabled; a first control means for, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper feed unit has not been determined, detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path, determining the paper type set in the paper feed unit, and controlling printing on the paper transported from the paper feed unit according to the determined paper type; a second control means for controlling printing on paper transported from the paper feed unit in accordance with the determined paper type without detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper feed unit is confirmed; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a change unit for changing the paper type designation information of the print job from automatic detection to automatic when the paper type designation information of the print job is automatic detection. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a third control means for controlling printing on paper transported from the paper feed unit according to the paper type set in the paper feed unit when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected and the automatic paper type detection setting is invalid. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3 further comprises a fourth control means for controlling printing on paper transported from the paper feed unit according to the matched paper type when the paper type setting information of the print job is not automatically or automatically detected and the paper type of the paper type setting information of the print job matches the paper type set in the paper feed unit. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, further comprising a fifth control means for controlling to display a paper exchange request when the paper type setting information of the print job is not automatic or automatically detected and the paper type setting information of the print job does not match the paper type setting of the paper feed unit. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a second setting means for setting the paper type of the paper feed section to indeterminate when there is no paper in the paper feed section. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the second setting means sets the paper type of the paper feed section to indeterminate when there is no paper in the paper feed section after control of the first control means or the second control means. (Configuration 8) a second setting unit that sets a paper type of the paper feed unit to indefinite when no paper is present in the paper feed unit after the first control unit or the second control unit is controlled; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the second setting means, when the change means changes the paper type designation information from automatic detection to automatic, returns the paper type designation information from automatic to automatic detection. (Configuration 9) The automatic detection of the paper type setting information is a setting for instructing detection of the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the automatic paper type setting information is a setting that does not instruct whether or not to detect the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit. (Configuration 10) 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the paper feed section is a manual feed tray. (Configuration 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the print job is described in a page description language or a job control language. (Method 1) A control method for an image forming apparatus that controls printing based on a print job including at least paper type designation information that can designate automatic or automatic detection, comprising: a first setting step for setting whether an automatic paper type detection setting is enabled or disabled; a first control step of detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed section on the transport path, determining the paper type in the paper feed section, and controlling printing on the paper transported from the paper feed section according to the determined paper type, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type in the paper feed section setting has not been determined; a second control step of controlling, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or auto-detection, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper feed unit is confirmed, to print on the paper transported from the paper feed unit in accordance with the confirmed paper type without detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (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]

[0108] 100 image forming apparatus, 101 printing apparatus, 102 finisher, 103 control section, 104 operation section, 105 toner supply section, 106 image forming section, 107 intermediate transfer belt, 108 fixing device, 109 excess toner collection section, 110 to 114 paper feed section, 115 paper transport section, 116 switchback section, 117 paper input port, 118 paper output section, 119 input port, 120 switchback section, 121 paper transport section, 122 output section, 123 output tray, 124 media sensor section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that controls printing based on a print job including at least paper type designation information that can designate automatic or automatic detection, a first setting means for setting whether the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled or disabled; a first control means for, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper feed unit has not been determined, detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path, determining the paper type set in the paper feed unit, and controlling printing on the paper transported from the paper feed unit according to the determined paper type; a second control means for controlling printing on paper transported from the paper supply unit in accordance with the determined paper type without detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper supply unit on the transport path when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper supply unit is confirmed; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a change unit that changes the paper type designation information of the print job from automatic detection to automatic when the paper type designation information of the print job is automatic detection.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third control means for controlling printing on paper transported from the paper feed unit according to the paper type set in the paper feed unit when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected and the automatic paper type detection setting is invalid.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fourth control means for controlling printing on paper transported from the paper feed unit according to the matched paper type when the paper type setting information of the print job is not automatically or automatically detected and the paper type of the paper type setting information of the print job matches the paper type set in the paper feed unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a fifth control means for controlling the apparatus to display a paper change request if the paper type setting information of the print job is not automatic or automatically detected and the paper type setting information of the print job does not match the paper type setting of the paper feed unit.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second setting unit which sets the paper type of the paper feed unit to indefinite when no paper is present in the paper feed unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the second setting means sets the paper type of the paper feed section to indeterminate when there is no paper in the paper feed section after control of the first control means or the second control means.

8. a second setting unit for setting a paper type of the paper feed unit to indefinite when no paper is present in the paper feed unit after control by the first control unit or the second control unit; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second setting means changes the paper type designation information from automatic detection to automatic detection when the change means changes the paper type designation information from automatic detection to automatic detection.

9. The automatic detection of the paper type setting information is a setting for instructing detection of the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic paper type setting information is a setting that does not instruct whether or not to detect the paper type of the paper in the paper feed section.

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

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job is written in a page description language or a job control language.

12. A control method for an image forming apparatus that controls printing based on a print job including at least paper type designation information that can designate automatic or automatic detection, comprising: a first setting step of setting whether an automatic paper type detection setting is enabled or disabled; a first control step of detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed section on the transport path when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or automatically detected, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper feed section has not been determined, and controlling to print on the paper transported from the paper feed section according to the determined paper type; a second control step of controlling, when the paper type setting information of the print job is automatic or auto-detection, the automatic paper type detection setting is enabled, and the paper type set in the paper feed unit is confirmed, to print on the paper transported from the paper feed unit in accordance with the confirmed paper type without detecting the paper type of the paper in the paper feed unit on the transport path; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

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

Images