Notification device, image formation device, information notification method and information notification program

Abstract

To reduce unnecessary notifications when a paper stored in a tray is changed.SOLUTION: A notification device 200 comprises: an association part 211 that associates information concerning a user with information concerning trays 19a-19c or information concerning a paper physical property; and a notification part 212 that notifies the user of change of the information concerning the trays 19a-19c or the information concerning the paper physical property, which is associated with the information concerning the user by the association part 211, on the basis of the fact that the user is in a log-in state. The association part 211 associates the information concerning the user with the information concerning the trays 19a-19c or the information concerning the paper physical property after the user completes the change of the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification device, an image forming device, an information notification method, and an information notification program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in the printing industry, image forming apparatuses that enable printing on a wide variety of paper to meet the various needs of users are becoming more and more popular. In order to execute a print job corresponding to these wide variety of paper, a user first logs in to an image forming apparatus, and if the print paper desired by the user is stored in a tray, the user selects the tray and creates a print job.

[0003] Here, when a second user executes a print job after a first user executes a print job, it is confirmed whether the paper desired by the second user is stored in the tray. Then, the second user replaces the paper stored in the tray with the desired paper before executing the print job.

[0004] If the first user logs in to the image forming device again to print after the second user has printed, the first user may not be aware that the paper stored in the tray has been changed to a different paper by the second user. Therefore, even if the first user wishes to print on the same paper as last time, if the first user continues printing, the desired printed matter may not be obtained, resulting in not only wasting paper but also wasting printing time.

[0005] Therefore, when the paper stored in the tray is changed, the first user has a need to recognize the details of the change.

[0006] Here, it is desirable to prevent the paper stored in the tray from being changed without the user's knowledge. However, some image forming devices have only one tray, and even devices that can accommodate multiple trays have a limit to the number of trays that can be installed. Therefore, it is difficult to store all print papers with a wide variety of paper properties in individual trays. Therefore, the user needs to replace the paper in the tray as appropriate when the paper previously printed is not stored in the tray.

[0007] Currently, it is difficult to prevent the paper stored in the tray from being changed without the user's knowledge. However, if the paper stored in the tray is changed and the user can be notified of the change, the user can recognize that the paper stored in the tray has been changed to a different paper. Therefore, by recognizing that the paper has been changed to a different paper than desired, the user can prevent the waste of printing paper, printing work time, etc.

[0008] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device in which "a user identification means 101 identifies the logged-in user, and information about the logged-in user is stored in a storage means 103 when at least one of the operations of the paper feed trays 71-74, the supply of paper, or a change in paper type is performed. After at least one of the operations of the paper feed trays, the supply of paper, or a change in paper type is performed, when a user other than the user whose information is stored logs in for the first time, a notification means 106 is notified that the paper feed tray has been operated, paper has been supplied, or the paper type has been changed" (see the abstract of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-039111 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The technology of Patent Document 1 notifies the user of the operation of the paper feed tray, the addition of paper, or the change of paper type based on information about the operation. Therefore, the user is notified when printing paper is added to the tray, or when a different user returns paper that was stored in the tray after printing to the original paper.

[0011] However, since such a notification to the user is unnecessary for the user, it is preferable that such a notification not be given.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a notification device, an image forming device, an information notification method, and an information notification program that are capable of reducing unnecessary notifications when paper stored in a tray is changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] That is, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration. (1) a linking unit that links information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a notification unit that notifies the user when information related to the tray or information related to the paper physical properties among the information linked by the linking unit is changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; The linking unit is The linking is performed after the user has completed changing the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper. Notification device. (2) The information regarding the tray or the paper properties is information on whether the user has used the tray or the paper physical property; A notification device as described in (1). (3) The notification unit: Among the information linked by the linking part, only when the information regarding the tray used by the user or the information regarding the paper physical properties is changed, notify the user. The notification device according to (1). (4) Further having a sensor unit that reads information regarding the paper physical properties, The information regarding the paper physical properties is the information regarding the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit. The notification device according to (1). (5) The notification unit Based on the user being in a logged-in state, among the information linked by the linking part, when the information regarding the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit is changed, notify the user. The notification device according to (4). (6) The information regarding the tray Is the identification information of the tray that stores the paper, or the paper profile setting information linked to the tray. The notification device according to (1). (7) The information regarding the user Is the information regarding whether the user is in a logged-in or logged-out state. The notification device according to (1). (8) Further having a specifying unit that specifies whether the user is in a logged-in state or a logged-out state, The notification unit When it is specified in the specifying unit that the user is in a logged-in state, among the information linked by the linking part, when the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the paper physical properties is changed, notify the user. The notification device according to (7). (9) The information regarding the paper physical properties Is information including at least one of the paper size, the surface physical properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and the basis weight of the paper. The notification device according to (1). (10) A linking part that links information regarding the user with information regarding the tray or information regarding the paper physical properties, a notification unit that notifies the user when information related to the tray or information related to the paper physical properties among the information linked by the linking unit is changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; The linking unit is The linking is performed after the user has completed changing the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper. Image forming device. (11) The information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper is information on whether the user has used the tray or the paper physical property; The image forming apparatus according to (10). (12) The notification unit: notifying the user only when the information related to the tray used by the user or the information related to the physical properties of the paper has been changed among the information linked by the linking unit; (11) An image forming apparatus according to (11). (13) a first step of associating information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a second step of notifying the user when the information related to the tray or the information related to the paper physical properties among the associated information has been changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; Furthermore, in the first step, The linking is performed after the user has completed changing the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper. Information notification method. (14) A procedure for linking information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a step of notifying the user when the information related to the tray or the information related to the paper physical properties among the associated information has been changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; a step of associating the information with the tray or the information with the physical properties of the paper after the user has completed changing the information with the tray or the information with the physical properties of the paper; An information notification program for causing a computer to execute the above. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce unnecessary notifications when the paper stored in the tray is changed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information notification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the information notification system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a notification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4A] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a process in which the notification device of the first embodiment notifies a user when information related to a tray or information related to paper physical properties is changed. [Figure 4B] 11 is a flowchart (part 2) showing a process in which the notification device of the first embodiment notifies a user when information related to a tray or information related to paper physical properties is changed. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing a login screen when a user logs in to an image forming apparatus equipped with a notification device. FIG. [Figure 6A] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a table in which a linking unit links information about user A with information stored in a tray. FIG. [Figure 6B] 11 is a table showing change information when user B changes the size of paper in the tray to A3. [Figure 6C] This is a table showing the currently set information for trays 1 to 3 when user A logs in again. [Figure 7]13 is an example of a display screen showing that the paper size in tray 1 has been changed from A4 size to A3 size on a change information notification screen of a display unit of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 8A] 11 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a process in which the notification device of the second embodiment notifies a user when information related to a tray or information related to paper physical properties is changed. [Figure 8B] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing a process in which the notification device of the second embodiment notifies a user when information related to the tray or information related to the physical properties of the paper is changed. [Figure 9A] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a table in which a linking unit links information about user A with information stored in a tray. FIG. [Figure 9B] 13 is a table showing that the paper size in tray 1 of the image forming apparatus has been changed from A4 size to A3 size. [Figure 9C] This is a table showing information about the trays currently set in the image forming apparatus when user A re-logins. [Figure 10A] 13 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a process in which a notification device according to a third embodiment notifies when information related to a tray or information related to paper physical properties is changed. [Figure 10B] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing a process in which the notification device of the third embodiment notifies when information related to the tray or information related to the physical properties of the paper is changed. [Figure 11A] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a table in which a linking unit links information about user A with information stored in a tray. FIG. [Figure 11B] This is a table showing that the paper size in tray 1 has been changed to A3 size paper and that this has been saved as change information. [Figure 11C] 13 is a table showing that the paper size of tray 1 has been changed and overwritten. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The following describes in detail the embodiments for carrying out the present invention. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention, and may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] <Present embodiment> [Overall configuration of the information notification system] Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information notification system 500 according to this embodiment. The information notification system 500 shown in Fig. 1A is configured to include image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c functioning as MFPs, a network 350, and an information processing apparatus 450. Note that the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c all have the same configuration, and will be simply referred to as image forming apparatus 100 unless otherwise specified.

[0018] The image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c execute a predetermined print job, scan job, copy job, etc., of a user by logging in to each of the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c. Here, in this embodiment, logging in means that the user authenticates each of the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c by entering the user's user name, password, fingerprint authentication, face authentication, etc. When a user logs in to each of the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c, the user operates the operation panel 12 provided on each of the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c to issue an instruction for a predetermined job.

[0019] Each of the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c includes a notification device 200. Each of the notification devices 200 manages the printing status of the corresponding image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c. Each of the notification devices 200 not only manages the printing status, but also functions as a device for notifying the printing status. That is, each of the notification devices 200 is provided in each of the image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c, and manages the printing status by cooperating with the corresponding image forming apparatuses 100a, 100b, and 100c. In the following description, the image forming apparatus 100a will be described in the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100b will be described in the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100c will be described in the third embodiment.

[0020] The information processing device 450 is a device that causes the image forming devices 100a to 100c to execute a predetermined print job when operated by a user. The user logs into each of the image forming devices 100a to 100c from the information processing device 450 and causes the image forming devices 100a to 100c to execute a predetermined job. In this way, the user can execute a predetermined job for predetermined data by using the information processing device 450. In this case, the notification device 200 provided in each of the image forming devices 100a to 100c functions as a printer driver.

[0021] The information notification system 500 according to this embodiment is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 1, and may have the functions of at least one of the image forming apparatuses 100a to 100c.

[0022] Fig. 1B is a block diagram showing another configuration of the information notification system 500a according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1B, the information notification system 500a may include only the image forming device 100a. Also, the information notification system 500a may include only the image forming device 100b or the image forming device 100c instead of the image forming device 100a.

[0023] [Configuration of image forming device] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 10, an image reading unit 11, an operation panel 12, a sensor unit 13, an image forming unit 14, an accumulation unit 15, a memory unit 16, a communication unit 17, a recording unit 18, and trays 19a to 19c.

[0024] The control unit 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read only memory (ROM) 102, and a random access memory (RAM) 103. The CPU 101 reads out a program corresponding to the processing contents from the ROM 102, loads it in the RAM 103, and controls each component of the image forming apparatus 100 in cooperation with the loaded program. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 16 is referenced.

[0025] The storage unit 16 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

[0026] The control unit 10 transmits and receives various data to and from an information processing device 450 connected to a communication network (network 350) such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 17. The control unit 10 receives, for example, image data transmitted from the information processing device 450, and forms a toner image on a recording medium based on the image data. The control unit 10 controls each component included in the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 10 may be referred to as a "control device" or a "controller."

[0027] The communication unit 17 is formed of a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0028] The image forming section 14 forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming section 14 is configured to include a fixing device and a secondary transfer unit. The fixing device fixes the toner image to the recording medium by heating and pressurizing the recording medium onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred in a fixing nip. The secondary transfer unit secondarily transfers the toner image to the recording medium.

[0029] The image reading unit 11 reads an image formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit 14. The image reading unit 11 includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) device and a scanner device. The ADF device transports one or more documents placed on a document tray using a transport mechanism and sends them to the scanner device. The scanner device optically scans the document transported from the ADF device onto a contact glass or the document placed on the contact glass. The scanner device forms an image of reflected light from the document on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and reads the document image. The image reading unit 11 generates input image data (read image) based on the reading result by the scanner device.

[0030] The operation panel 12 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel. The operation panel 12 is configured to include a display unit 121 and an operation unit 122. The display unit 121 displays various operation screens, image status displays, operation statuses of each function, etc., according to the control of the control unit 10. The operation unit 122 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The operation unit 122 accepts various input operations by the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 10.

[0031] The sensor unit 13 reads information on the paper physical properties. The sensor unit 13 cooperates with the operation unit 122 of the operation panel 12, and sets the information on the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit 13 to the operation unit 122. The sensor unit 13 is composed of, for example, a media sensor. Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the paper physical properties by the sensor unit 13 composed of a media sensor, and automatically sets the read paper physical properties in the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains with high accuracy, by the sensor unit 13, the paper information saved by the user at the time of login and the paper information stored in the tray of the image forming apparatus 100 at the time of re-login. If the read paper information has been changed, the sensor unit 13 notifies the user of the change in the paper by a notification unit 212 described later.

[0032] The accumulation unit 15 is configured as, for example, a part of the storage unit 16, and accumulates information about the user, information about the trays 19a to 19c, or information about the physical properties of the paper, in association with each other. Specifically, the accumulation unit 15 stores and accumulates the information associated with each other by the association unit 211.

[0033] The recording unit 18 stores, for example, print contents and printing times for each user.

[0034] Trays 19a to 19c indicate, for example, three trays. Tray 19a constitutes, for example, tray 1, which will be described later, and stores A4 size paper. Tray 19b constitutes, for example, tray 2, which will be described later, and stores A5 size paper. Tray 19c constitutes, for example, tray 3, which will be described later, and stores B4 size paper.

[0035] [Notification device configuration] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the notification device 200 according to the present embodiment. The notification device 200 cooperates with the image forming device 100 to realize a job management function in the image forming device 100. The notification device 200 can also realize the job management function in the image forming device 100 by itself. The notification device 200 also functions as a printer driver for the information processing device 450, for example. The notification device 200 may also be configured integrally with the image forming device 100.

[0036] The notification device 200 is configured to include a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 205, a display unit 206, an operation unit 207, and a sensor unit 208. Furthermore, the notification device 200 is configured to include a linking unit 211, a notification unit 212, a determination unit 213, and an identification unit 214.

[0037] The CPU 201 corresponds to the CPU 101. The ROM 202 corresponds to the ROM 102. The RAM 203 corresponds to the RAM 103. The storage unit 204 corresponds to the storage unit 16. The communication unit 205 corresponds to the communication unit 17. The display unit 206 corresponds to the display unit 121. The operation unit 207 corresponds to the operation unit 122. The sensor unit 208 corresponds to the sensor unit 13.

[0038] The linking unit 211 links the information about the user with the information about the trays 19a to 19c or the information about the paper physical properties. Specifically, the linking unit 211 performs the linking after the user completes changing the information about the trays 19a to 19c or the information about the paper physical properties.

[0039] Here, the change of information is associated with the user without changing the paper or trays 19a to 19c. For example, the timing of changing information is associated as needed at the timing when the job execution is completed. In this case, if the change of information is associated at the timing when the job execution is completed, even if an unexpected power failure occurs to the user, the information of the job execution immediately before the power failure can be stored. Note that the timing of changing information is not limited to this, and for example, it may be associated without changing the paper or trays 19a to 19c before, during, or after the transition from the logged-in state to the logged-out state.

[0040] Also, the information regarding trays 19a to 19c or the information regarding paper physical properties may include information on whether the user has used trays 19a to 19c or the paper physical properties.

[0041] The information regarding trays 19a to 19c is identification information of the trays for accommodating paper or paper profile setting information associated with the trays. The paper profile setting information is information for setting the paper as a whole, including information such as paper information, basis weight, fine paper, and color.

[0042] The information regarding the user is information regarding whether the user is logged in or in the logged-out state. The process of the user logging in may be authenticated by the user ID (identification) and password in front of the image forming apparatus 100, or may be logged in by authentication such as fingerprint authentication or face authentication. The specifying unit 214 described later specifies whether the user is logged in or in the logged-out state.

[0043] Also, when the notification device 200 is realized as a printer driver, the notification device 200 may perform a pop-up display to notify the user to log in at the time of a print instruction. Further, the information regarding the user includes information on whether the user has used the tray during the previous login. The determination unit 213 described later determines whether the tray used by the user during login or the tray not used.

[0044] The information on the paper properties includes at least one of the paper size, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and the basis weight of the paper. The information on the paper properties may also include the type of paper, smoothness, thickness, glossiness, concave depth, moisture content, bending strength, and charge amount.

[0045] The identification unit 214 identifies whether the user is in a logged-in state or a logged-out state.

[0046] The notification unit 212 notifies the user when the identification unit 214 identifies that the user has logged in again. Specifically, the notification unit 212 notifies the user when the information related to the trays 19a to 19c or the information related to the physical properties of the paper has been changed among the information linked by the linking unit 211. The notification unit 212 may notify the user only when the information related to the trays 19a to 19c used by the user or the information related to the physical properties of the paper has been changed among the information linked by the linking unit 211.

[0047] The determination unit 213 determines that the paper physical properties have been changed. The determination unit 213 determines that the paper physical properties have been changed when the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit 208 are different. The determination unit 213 can also determine whether or not the tray was used while the user was logged in, that is, whether or not the tray was not used.

[0048] [First embodiment] Next, the operation of the notification device 200 provided in the image forming apparatus 100a will be described. In the following description, a case where a second user, user B, changes the paper stored in the tray 19a (tray 1) from A4 size paper to A3 size paper will be described. The first embodiment is not limited to changing the paper size in the tray 1, and the same processing can be performed even for the paper information setting of the tray.

[0049] 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing a process in which the notification device 200 of the first embodiment notifies a user when information on the trays 1 to 3 or information on the physical properties of paper is changed. Note that the notification device 200 cooperates with the image forming device 100a.

[0050] 4A, when user A, who is a first user, approaches notification device 200 of image forming device 100a and operates operation unit 122, notification device 200 accepts login of user A (step S11). In this case, identification unit 215 of notification device 200 acquires, for example, a user name and password of user A, and authenticates the user A, thereby transitioning user A to a login state.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a login screen when user A logs in to image forming apparatus 100a including notification apparatus 200. As shown in FIG.

[0052] 5, login screen 300 has input fields 301 and 302. In input field 301, a user name "XXXX" representing user A is input. In input field 302, the password "YYYY" of user A is input.

[0053] The identification unit 215 performs authentication based on the input user name and password, and by authenticating the user A, logs the user A into the image forming device 100a. In this way, the user A is authenticated, and thus enters a logged-in state in the notification device 200.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 4A, the explanation will continue. When user A logs in for the first time, linking unit 211 of notification device 200 links information about user A with information about the papers stored in trays 1 to 3 (trays 19a to 19c) (step S13).

[0055] 6A is an explanatory diagram showing a table in which the associating unit 211 associates the information of user A with the information stored in trays 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 6A, the associating unit 211 associates the information of user A with the information stored in trays 1 to 3.

[0056] For example, A4 size paper is stored in tray 1. A5 size paper is stored in tray 2. B4 size paper is stored in tray 3. In this embodiment, as an example, tray 19a in FIG. 2 is tray 1 in FIG. 6A, tray 19b in FIG. 2 is tray 2 in FIG. 6A, and tray 19c in FIG. 2 is tray 3 in FIG. 6A. The same applies below.

[0057] Returning to FIG. 4A, the explanation will continue. In step S13, after the linking unit 211 links the information of user A with the information stored in trays 1 to 3, user A logs out from the image forming apparatus 100a (step S15).

[0058] Next, user B, a second user, approaches notification device 200 of image forming device 100a and operates operation unit 122, causing image forming device 100a to accept login of user B (step S17). In this case, identification unit 215 of notification device 200 acquires and authenticates user B's user name and password, thereby transitioning user B to a logged-in state.

[0059] User B changes the size of the paper stored in tray 1 from A4 to A3 in order to print A3 size (step S19). Similarly to User A, linking unit 211 links User B's information with tray information (information stored in trays 1 to 3) and stores the information in image forming device 100a. User B then causes image forming device 100b to execute a predetermined job using A3 size paper.

[0060] In a comparative example showing the conventional technology, when the paper in tray 1 is changed to A3 size paper, image forming device 100a stores the fact that A3 size paper is stored as change information. In this case, image forming device 100a stores this as change information together with the changed user information. That is, the fact that the paper has been changed to A3 size and the fact that the change has been made by user B are stored in image forming device 100a.

[0061] Fig. 6B is a table showing change information when user B changes the size of paper in tray 1 to A3. As shown in Fig. 6B, image forming apparatus 100a changes (updates) the information that A3 size paper is stored in tray 1, and stores the information in accumulation unit 15. Note that A5 size paper and B4 size paper are still stored in tray 2 and tray 3.

[0062] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the linking unit 211 does not store in the image forming device 100a the fact that the paper in the tray 1 has been changed by the user B. That is, the image forming device 100a in the first embodiment links the tray information for each user and stores it in the image forming device 100a, but does not store the change information changed by the user B as in the comparative example showing the conventional technology.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 4A, the explanation will continue. In step S19, after user B changes the paper in tray 1 and executes a predetermined job, user B logs out from image forming apparatus 100a (step S21).

[0064] Next, user A re-logins into image forming apparatus 100a having notification device 200 (step S23). Here, notification unit 212 of notification device 200 compares the information linked by linking unit 211 in step S13 with the information of trays 1 to 3 stored in image forming apparatus 100a.

[0065] Fig. 6C is a table showing information on trays 1 to 3 currently set in image forming apparatus 100a when user A re-logins in. Notification unit 212 compares the table for user A in Fig. 6A (step S13) with the table of current settings of image forming apparatus 100a in Fig. 6C.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 4B, the explanation will continue. If the information related to trays 1 to 3 or the information related to paper properties among the information linked by linking unit 211 has been changed, notification unit 212 notifies user A of that fact (step S25). Therefore, notification unit 212 notifies user A that "A4 size paper has been changed to A3 size paper and stored in tray 1."

[0067] Fig. 7 is an example of a display screen indicating that the paper size in tray 1 has been changed from A4 to A3 on change information notification screen 400 of display unit 121 of image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 7, change information notification screen 400 displays in comment field 401 "Information about tray 1 has been changed from A4 to A3 size. Please check the paper size when printing."

[0068] This allows user A to recognize the change in print paper when selecting tray 1 to execute a given print job, thereby enabling user A to avoid printing errors and the consumption of ink and paper involved in printing.

[0069] Similarly, in the comparative example showing the conventional technology, the image forming apparatus 100a notifies the user A that "A3 size paper is stored in the tray 1" based on the change information stored in the storage unit 15. Therefore, in the comparative example, the change in paper is notified in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 4A, the explanation will continue. In step S25, after notifying user A of the change in paper in tray 1, linking unit 211 changes (updates) the link between the information of user A and the information that A3 size paper is stored in tray 1 (step S27).

[0071] Then, user A logs out from image forming apparatus 100a (step S29). After that, user A re-logins into image forming apparatus 100a again (step S31). Notification unit 212 compares the information linked by linking unit 211 in step S27 (FIG. 6C) with the information on trays 1 to 3 stored in image forming apparatus 100a (FIG. 6B).

[0072] In this case, the information of trays 1 to 3 of image forming apparatus 100a has not been changed from the information associated with trays 1 to 3 by association unit 211 in step S27. Therefore, notification unit 212 ends the processing of FIGS. 4A and 4B without notifying user A of the change in paper.

[0073] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100a notifies the user A that the paper size in the tray 1 has been changed from A4 size to A3 size, similar to the comparative example.

[0074] This allows user A to recognize that the paper size in tray 1 has been changed to A3 size paper.

[0075] [Second embodiment] Next, the operation of the notification device 200 provided in the image forming device 100b will be described. In the following description, a case will be described in which the user B changes the paper size in the tray 1 from A4 size paper to A3 size paper without logging in to the image forming device 100b.

[0076] 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing a process in which notification device 200 of the second embodiment notifies a user when information related to trays 1 to 3 or information related to paper physical properties is changed.

[0077] The difference between the notification device 200 of the second embodiment and that of the first embodiment is that when user B changes the paper in tray 1, user B changes the paper in tray 1 without logging in to the image forming apparatus 100b.

[0078] In FIG. 8A, until user A first logs in to the image forming apparatus 100b equipped with the notification device 200 (step S11) and logs out of the image forming apparatus 100b (step S15), it is the same as the process of FIG. 4A of the first embodiment.

[0079] Also, as shown in FIG. 9A, in step S13, the linking unit 211 links the information of user A and the information stored in trays 1 to 3. Note that the content of FIG. 9A is the same as that of FIG. 6A.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 8A, the description continues. In step S41 of FIG. 8A, user B, who is the second user, changes the paper in tray 1 from A4 size paper to A3 size paper without logging in to the image forming apparatus 100b equipped with the notification device 200.

[0081] In this case, in the comparative example showing the prior art, if user B changes the paper in tray 1 without logging in to the image forming apparatus 100b, the change information linked to user B cannot be saved. That is, the image forming apparatus 100b cannot save the paper change by user B. Also, for example, when user B changes the paper in tray 1 from A4 size paper to A3 size paper while the power of the image forming apparatus 100b is off, the image forming apparatus 100b cannot save the change information either.

[0082] FIG. 9B is a table showing that the paper in tray 1 of the image forming apparatus 100b has been changed from A4 size to A3 size. Although the paper in tray 1 has been changed, since user B is not logged in, in the second embodiment, only the paper in tray 1 has been changed.

[0083] Thus, in the case of the image forming device 100b of the second embodiment, since user B is not logged in to the notification device 200, even if user B changes the paper in tray 1 to A3 size paper, the linking unit 211 cannot save the change information.

[0084] Returning to FIG. 8B, the explanation will continue. Next, user A re-logins into image forming apparatus 100b having notification device 200 (step S23). In the comparative example showing the conventional technology, since the change information is not stored in image forming apparatus 100b, notification unit 212 cannot notify user A that the paper in tray 1 has been changed.

[0085] In contrast, in the case of image forming device 100b of the second embodiment, notification unit 212 compares the information linked by linking unit 211 in step S13 (FIG. 9A) with the information of trays 1 to 3 (FIG. 9C) stored in image forming device 100b.

[0086] 9C is a table showing information on trays 1 to 3 currently set in image forming apparatus 100b when user A re-logins. As shown in FIG. 9C, when user A re-logins, notification device 200 reads information on trays 1 to 3 using sensor unit 13.

[0087] The determination unit 213 compares the table of user A in FIG. 9A (step S13) with the table of the current settings of the image acquisition unit 10b in FIG. 9C (trays 1 to 3). In this way, the determination unit 213 can determine that the paper properties have been changed when the paper properties read by the sensor unit 13 differ from the information in the table of user A. In the case of the second embodiment, the determination unit 213 determines that someone has changed the paper in tray 1 from A4 size paper to A3 size paper. In this case, the determination unit 213 cannot specify that the paper has been changed to A3 size paper by user B.

[0088] Returning to FIG. 8B, the explanation will continue. The notification unit 212 notifies the user A that "A3 size paper is stored in tray 1" (step S42). In step S42, the notification unit 212 causes the display unit 121 to display a change information notification screen 400 similar to that shown in Fig. 7, and notifies the user A that the paper in tray 1 has been changed to A3 size paper.

[0089] The process from step S27 onwards is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in step S27, the linking unit 211 changes (updates) the information of the user A and the information that A3 size paper is stored in the tray 1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 9C, the information on the paper size of the tray 1 is changed from A4 size paper to A3 size paper.

[0090] Returning to FIG. 8B, the explanation will continue. Thereafter, user A logs out from image forming apparatus 100b (step S29). Then, user A re-logins into image forming apparatus 100b again (step S31). Notification unit 212 compares the information linked by linking unit 211 in step S27 (FIG. 9C) with the information on trays 1 to 3 (FIG. 9B) stored in image forming apparatus 100b.

[0091] In this case, the information on trays 1 to 3 of image forming apparatus 100b has not been changed from the information linked by linking unit 211 in step S27. Therefore, notification unit 212 ends the processing in FIGS. 8A and 8B without notifying user A of the change in paper.

[0092] As described above, in the second embodiment, the notification unit 212 notifies the user A that the paper size in the tray 1 has been changed from A4 size to A3 size. On the other hand, in the comparative example showing the conventional technology, the image forming apparatus 100b does not have information on the change made by the user B, and therefore the change in the paper size in the tray 1 cannot be notified to the user A.

[0093] In this way, the notification device 200 according to the second embodiment can provide the user A with only necessary notifications.

[0094] [Third embodiment] Next, the operation of the notification device 200 provided in the image forming apparatus 100c will be described. In the following description, a case where a second user, user B, and a third user, user C, change the paper stored in the tray 19a (tray 1), respectively, will be described.

[0095] 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing a process performed by the notification device 200 of the third embodiment to notify when information related to the tray or information related to the physical properties of the paper is changed.

[0096] The third embodiment of the notification device 200 differs from the first embodiment of the notification device 200 in that the paper in tray 1 is changed by user B and user C, and the paper in tray 1 is ultimately returned to the original A4 size by user C.

[0097] In FIG. 10A, the process from when user A and user B each log in until when user A and user B each log out (step S21) is the same as the process in FIG. 4A of the first embodiment.

[0098] That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, in step S13, the linking section 211 links the information of user A with the information stored in trays 1 to 3, similarly to the contents of FIG. 6A.

[0099] For example, in the comparative example showing the conventional technology, as shown in FIG. 11B, in step S19, the paper in tray 1 is changed to A3 size paper, and the fact that A3 size paper is stored is saved as change information.

[0100] In contrast, in the third embodiment, the linking unit 211 does not store in the image forming apparatus 100c the information that the paper in the tray 1 has been changed by the user B. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100c in the third embodiment stores only the tray information linked to each user. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100c stores the information of the user B and the tray information in a linked manner.

[0101] Proceeding to FIG. 10B, the explanation continues. In step S51, user C logs in to image forming apparatus 100c having notification device 200. Then, user C changes the paper size in tray 1 from A3 size to A4 size (step S53). After that, user C executes a predetermined job using A4 size paper.

[0102] In the comparative example showing the prior art, in step S53, as shown in FIG. 11C, information indicating that the paper size of tray 1 has been changed is overwritten.

[0103] In contrast, in the third embodiment, the linking unit 211 does not save the change of paper by the user C in the image forming device 100c. As described above, the image forming device 100c in the third embodiment saves only the tray information linked to each user. Therefore, the image forming device 100c saves the information of the user C and the tray information in a linked manner.

[0104] In the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 11C, the image forming apparatus 100c stores information that A4 size paper is stored in the tray 1, but in the third embodiment, the linking unit 211 does not perform an overwriting process each time.

[0105] Returning to FIG. 10B, the explanation will continue. Then, user C logs out from the image forming apparatus 100c (step S55). After that, user A re-logins into image forming apparatus 100c (step S57).

[0106] Here, in the case of a comparative example showing the prior art, the change information of FIG. 11C is stored in image forming device 100c, so user A is notified that the paper in tray 1 has been changed to A4 size paper.

[0107] In contrast, in the case of the third embodiment, in step S59, notification unit 212 compares the information linked by linking unit 211 (FIG. 11A) with the information on trays 1 to 3 stored in image forming apparatus 100c (FIG. 11C). In the case of the third embodiment, the paper stored in tray 1 has been returned to the original A4 size by user C. Therefore, notification unit 212 ends the processing in FIGS. 10A and 10B without notifying user A that the paper in tray 1 has been changed (step S61).

[0108] As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, image forming apparatus 100c compares the information linked by linking unit 211 with the information on trays 1 to 3 stored in image forming apparatus 100c.

[0109] In this way, the notification device 200 according to the third embodiment can provide only necessary notifications to the user A, without providing unnecessary notifications.

[0110] (Modification) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, for example, the following (a) to (j).

[0111] (a) The information regarding the trays 19a to 19c (trays 1 to 3) or the information regarding the paper properties may include information regarding whether the user has used the trays 19a to 19c (trays 1 to 3) or the paper properties. (b) The notification unit 212 may notify the user only when, among the information linked by the linking unit 211, information regarding the trays 19a to 19c (trays 1 to 3) used by the user or information regarding the physical properties of the paper has been changed.

[0112] (c) The sensor unit 13, 208 may be further provided for reading information relating to the physical properties of the paper, and the physical properties of the paper read by the sensor unit 13, 208 may be set as the information relating to the physical properties of the paper. (d) The printer may further include a determination unit 213 that determines whether the paper physical properties have been changed. (e) The sensor unit 13, 208 may further include a sensor unit that reads information related to the paper physical properties, and the determination unit 213 may determine that the paper physical properties have been changed when the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit 13, 208 are different.

[0113] (f) The information about the trays 19a to 19c (trays 1 to 3) may be identification information of the tray that stores paper, or paper profile setting information associated with the tray. (g) The information about the user may be information about whether the user is logged in or logged out. (h) The system may further include a determination unit 214 that determines whether the users A to C are in a logged-in state or a logged-out state. (i) The information about the paper physical properties may include at least one of the size of the paper, the surface physical properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and the basis weight of the paper. (j) The information notification program may cause the computer to execute the following steps: linking information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper properties, and information about whether the user used a tray during their previous login; when the linked information about the tray or the information about the paper properties has been changed, individually determining whether the tray was used or not used by the user during login and whether to notify the user of the change based on the determined information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 100,100a~100c Image forming device 101,201 CPU 102,202 ROM 103,203 RAM 11 Image reading unit 12 Operation Panel 121,206 Display section 122,207 Operation section 13,208 Sensor section 14 Image forming section 15 Storage section 16,204 storage section 17,205 Communications Department 18 Recording Section 19a~19c Tray 200 Notification device 211 Binding Department 212 Notification Department 213 Judgment section 214 Specific section 350 Network 450 Information processing equipment 500,500a Information Notification System

Claims

1. a linking unit that links information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a notification unit that notifies the user when information related to the tray or information related to the paper physical properties among the information linked by the linking unit is changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; The linking unit is The linking is performed after the user has completed changing the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper. Notification device.

2. The information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper is information on whether the user has used the tray or the paper physical property; The notification device of claim 1 .

3. The notification unit is notifying the user only when the information related to the tray used by the user or the information related to the physical properties of the paper has been changed among the information linked by the linking unit; The notification device of claim 1 .

4. Further comprising a sensor unit for reading information regarding the physical properties of the paper, The information regarding the paper physical properties is information regarding the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit. The notification device of claim 1 .

5. The notification unit is When the information related to the paper physical properties read by the sensor unit among the information linked by the linking unit based on the fact that the user is in a logged-in state is changed, the user is notified.

5. The notification device according to claim 4.

6. The information regarding the tray includes: Identification information of a tray that contains paper, or paper profile setting information associated with the tray, The notification device of claim 1 .

7. The information about the user includes: Information regarding whether the user is logged in or logged out. The notification device of claim 1 .

8. A determination unit that determines whether the user is in a logged-in state or a logged-out state, The notification unit is when the identification unit identifies that the user is in a logged-in state, if the information related to the tray or the information related to the paper physical properties among the information linked by the linking unit has been changed, the identification unit notifies the user. The notification device of claim 7.

9. The information regarding the paper physical properties is The information includes at least one of the following: size of the paper, surface properties of the paper, color of the paper, and basis weight of the paper. The notification device of claim 1 .

10. a linking unit that links information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a notification unit that notifies the user when information related to the tray or information related to the paper physical properties among the information linked by the linking unit is changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; The linking unit is The linking is performed after the user has completed changing the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper. Image forming device.

11. The information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper is information on whether the user has used the tray or the paper physical property; The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The notification unit is notifying the user only when the information related to the tray used by the user or the information related to the physical properties of the paper has been changed among the information related to the tray linked by the linking unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. A first step of linking information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a second step of notifying the user when the information related to the tray or the information related to the paper physical properties among the associated information has been changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; Furthermore, in the first step, The linking is performed after the user has completed changing the information regarding the tray or the information regarding the physical properties of the paper. Information notification method.

14. A step of linking information about a user with information about a tray or information about paper physical properties; a step of notifying the user when the information related to the tray or the information related to the paper physical properties among the associated information has been changed based on the user being in a logged-in state; a step of associating the information with the tray or the information with the physical properties of the paper after the user has completed changing the information with the tray or the information with the physical properties of the paper; An information notification program for causing a computer to execute the above.

Images