Image forming device and control method and program thereof

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that can control the blowing of air onto paper in accordance with user information, and a control method and a program of the image forming device.SOLUTION: The image forming device has: air blowing control means that controls so that air is blown onto paper placed on a paper feed tray when the user information is first user information, and controls so that air is not blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is second user information; and identification means that identifies the paper type based on measurement results of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto a transport path after control by the air blowing control means.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] Some image forming devices are equipped with a paper type detection sensor (media sensor) along the paper transport path of the device that measures paper characteristics such as the surface texture and basis weight. The media sensor measures the paper fed in a print job, and the paper type is identified from a paper type database (media library) pre-stored in the image forming device based on the measured paper characteristics. Then, by using the print control parameters for that paper type in image formation control, high-quality deliverables can be obtained.

[0003] Also known is a paper feeder equipped with an air blowing mechanism that blows air from a blower fan onto a stack of paper sheets before feeding (air handling), thereby separating the sheets that have been attracted together and preventing double feeding.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses that whether or not to perform air handling is set in advance depending on the paper type, and that air handling is performed when paper is fed from a paper feed unit that stores the paper type that is subject to air handling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-137713 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If the paper type has not been determined when the paper is fed, air handling is not performed, so even if the first sheet of paper is fed in multiple places, paper transport and image formation processing continue, which can lead to issues such as the media sensor misjudging the paper type due to multiple feeds or a multiple feed jam occurring.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to enable control so that air is blown onto paper in accordance with user information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming device has an air blowing control means that controls so that air is blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is first user information, and controls so that air is not blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is second user information, and an identification means that identifies the paper type based on measurement results of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto a transport path after control by the air blowing control means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to control the blowing of air onto the paper in accordance with the user information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration controlled by a CPU. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a media sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a manual paper feed unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air handling setting screen when detecting the paper type. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paper type setting screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of an air handling control process during paper feeding. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a control process for changing air handling settings. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air handling setting change screen. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information management list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the following embodiment, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] <Explanation of image forming device> Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 201 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the main configuration controlled by a CPU 10 of the image forming apparatus 201 according to this embodiment. First, the basic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 201 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0013] 2, the image forming apparatus 201 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, an instruction / display unit 13, a media sensor 14, a blower fan 15, an image forming unit 201B, a user information management unit 20, and paper feed units 230 and 245.

[0014] 2 is a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 201. ROM 11 stores a control program according to this embodiment, initial values ​​of various setting values, etc. The CPU 10 executes the control program according to this embodiment read from ROM 11, thereby realizing the image formation procedure and the procedures of each flowchart, which will be described later.

[0015] The RAM 12 stores various information under the control of the CPU 10. As will be described in detail later, the RAM 12 stores print control parameters for each paper type in a first storage area. It is preferable that the RAM 12 be a rewritable memory that does not require a storage holding operation.

[0016] Furthermore, as will be described later, if the user changes the print control parameters corresponding to the referenced paper type, the CPU 10 stores the changed print control parameters in the first memory area as user-defined print control parameters corresponding to the paper type.

[0017] The instruction / display unit 13 includes a display 730 in FIG. 1 that can display an operation screen, buttons (not shown), and the like, and when an instruction such as to start a print operation is input, sends the instruction information to the CPU 10.

[0018] In addition, instruction information such as starting a print operation may be input by the user operating the display 730, or may be input from an external device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone connected via a network (not shown).

[0019] When instruction information to start a print operation is input, CPU 10 drives and controls a paper feed / conveyance motor (not shown) in accordance with the instruction information to feed and convey paper. CPU 10 also sets print control parameters for image forming unit 201B to control image formation (printing) by image forming unit 201B.

[0020] The image forming unit 201B performs printing on paper based on the print control parameters set by the CPU 10.

[0021] The user information management unit 20 manages user information such as user name, password, and role in a user information management list 1000 shown in FIG. 10 (to be described later) and stores the list in the ROM 11. When a login process is performed, the operation of the image forming apparatus 201 is controlled in accordance with the user information management list 1000 stored in the ROM 11.

[0022] 1, 201 is an image forming apparatus, 201A is an image forming apparatus main body, and 201B is an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. 202 is an image reading device installed horizontally above the image forming apparatus main body 201A, and a discharge space V for discharging sheets is formed between this image reading device 202 and the image forming apparatus main body 201A.

[0023] Reference numeral 230 denotes a cassette paper feed unit that feeds sheets S from a feed cassette 1 that is a sheet storage means for storing sheets S. The cassette paper feed unit 230 includes a pickup roller 2 that is a sheet feeding means, and a separation unit that includes a feed roller 3 and a retard roller 4 for separating the sheets S sent out from the pickup roller 2.

[0024] Also, reference numeral 235 denotes a manual paper feed unit that feeds sheets S from a manual paper feed tray 5, which is a means for holding sheets S. Similar to the cassette paper feed unit 230, the manual paper feed unit 235 includes a sheet feeding means and a separation unit.

[0025] The image forming unit 201B, which is the image forming means, is a four-drum full-color system and is equipped with a laser scanner 210 and four process cartridges 211 that form toner images in four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0026] Each process cartridge 211 includes a photosensitive drum 212K, a charger 213K as charging means, and a developing unit 214K as developing means. The image forming unit 201B includes a secondary transfer unit 201D and a fixing unit 201E disposed above the process cartridge 211. Reference numeral 215K denotes a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing unit 214K.

[0027] The secondary transfer unit 201D includes a transfer belt 216 wound around a drive roller 216a and a tension roller 216b. A primary transfer roller 219K is provided inside the transfer belt 216 and contacts the transfer belt 216 at a position opposite the photosensitive drum 212K.

[0028] Here, transfer belt 216 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by drive roller 216a driven by a drive unit (not shown). Secondary transfer roller 217 that transfers the color image formed on transfer belt 216 onto sheet S is provided at a position facing drive roller 216a of secondary transfer unit 201D.

[0029] Furthermore, a fixing unit 201E is disposed above the secondary transfer roller 217, and a first pair of discharge rollers 225a, a second pair of discharge rollers 225b, and a double-sided reversing unit 201F are disposed above and to the left of the fixing unit 201E. The double-sided reversing unit 201F is provided with a pair of reversing rollers 222 that can rotate forward and backward, and a re-conveying path R that conveys the sheet S, on one side of which an image has been formed, again to the image forming unit 201B.

[0030] A display 730 is provided on the top of the image forming apparatus 201 to receive operations from the user.

[0031] <Operation of image forming device> Next, we will explain the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 201. First, when the image forming apparatus 201 receives image data of an original to be printed, the image information is subjected to image processing, converted into an electrical signal, and transmitted to the laser scanner 210 of the image forming unit 201B.

[0032] In the image forming unit 201B, the surface of the photosensitive drum 212K, which has been uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charger 213K, is sequentially exposed to a laser, thereby forming electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black on the photosensitive drum of each process cartridge 211, respectively.

[0033] Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images are developed and visualized with toner of each color, and a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 219K to transfer the toner images of each color on each photosensitive drum onto the transfer belt 216 in a sequentially overlapping manner, thereby forming a toner image on the transfer belt 216.

[0034] In parallel with this toner image forming operation, the sheets S are conveyed one by one by the cassette paper feeding unit 230 to the pair of registration rollers 240, and skew is corrected by the pair of registration rollers 240. After the skew is corrected, the sheets S are conveyed by the pair of registration rollers 240 to the secondary transfer unit 201D, and the toner images are transferred onto the sheets S all at once by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 217 at the secondary transfer unit 201D.

[0035] Next, the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing section 201E, where the toner of each color melts and mixes under heat and pressure in the roller nip formed by the pressure roller 220a and the heating roller 220b, and is fixed onto the sheet S as a color image.

[0036] After this, the sheet S with the image fixed thereon is discharged into the discharge space V by a first discharge roller pair 225a and a second discharge roller pair 225b provided downstream of the fixing section 201E, and is loaded onto a discharge tray 223 protruding from the bottom surface of the discharge space V.

[0037] When images are formed on both sides of the sheet S, after the images are fixed, the sheet S is conveyed to a re-conveyance path R by a pair of reversing rollers 222 and conveyed again to the image forming section 201B.

[0038] The media sensor 14 is a paper type detection sensor that is provided on the paper transport path and detects the type of paper (paper type) fed through the paper transport path. The paper type refers to the type of paper. The media sensor 14 detects the surface texture and thickness of the paper being transported, and the CPU 10 determines the paper type from the detection results.

[0039] In this embodiment, the act of detecting the surface properties and thickness of the paper using the media sensor 14 and determining the paper type from the detection results by the CPU 10 is expressed as detecting or determining the paper type using the media sensor 14. Details will be described later.

[0040] <Media sensor explanation> Next, an example of the media sensor 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Inside the media sensor 14, an LED 481 as a light emitting element and a photodiode 480 as a light receiving element are arranged.

[0041] The amount of reflected light emitted by the LED 481 can be detected by the photodiode 480. The media sensor 14 is also provided with a guide portion 483 into which the paper sheet M enters.

[0042] The CPU 10 receives the signal from the photodiode 480 as the output value of the media sensor 14. The CPU 10 can determine the type of paper being fed according to differences in the received value due to the surface properties and thickness of each paper.

[0043] Then, the CPU 10 optimally controls the image forming speed and the target temperature of the fixing unit 201E in accordance with the paper type detected by the media sensor 14.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 10 determines the paper type using the media sensor 14, eliminating the need for the user to consciously set the paper type. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 201 in this embodiment is provided with a mode (hereinafter referred to as automatic media setting mode) in which the paper type is determined using the media sensor 14 and print control parameters and the like are automatically set according to the paper type.

[0045] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 201 of this embodiment also has a mode in which the user manually sets the paper type to be used (hereinafter referred to as manual media setting mode), as in the past. The user can operate the display 730 to set in advance either the automatic media setting mode or the manual media setting mode for each cassette paper feed unit 230.

[0046] The default mode is set to the automatic media setting mode. The setting value indicating whether the setting mode is the automatic media setting mode or the manual media setting mode is stored in the ROM 11.

[0047] The above-described configuration of the media sensor 14 is an example, and the media sensor 14 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the media sensor 14 may be configured by combining an ultrasonic sensor such as a piezoelectric element in addition to a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, or may have other configurations.

[0048] <Explanation of user information management> Next, a registration process when a user registers himself / herself in the image forming apparatus 201 in advance will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user information management list 1000 managed by the image forming apparatus 201. The instruction / display unit 13 displays a user management input screen (not shown) on the display 730 and accepts user input.

[0050] When the instruction / display unit 13 receives a user input from the display 730, it updates the user information management list 1000 stored in the ROM 11. It is assumed that information can be read and written to the user information management list 1000 at any time.

[0051] The user information management list 1000 includes a user name 1001 , a password 1002 , an email address 1003 , a department ID 1004 , and a role name 1005 .

[0052] The user name 1001 indicates the name of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 201. The password 1002 indicates the password of the user corresponding to the user name 1001.

[0053] The email address 1003 indicates the email address corresponding to the user. The department ID 1004 is the ID of the department to which the user belongs.

[0054] The role name 1005 indicates the authority given to the user. For example, if the user has administrator authority for the image forming apparatus 201, the role name is Administrator, and if the user is a general user, the role name is GeneralUser.

[0055] In addition, custom roles can be set, and in this embodiment, a ProductionUser role is prepared and settable, which places emphasis on print accuracy and prints on various paper types. Also, an OfficeUser role is prepared and settable, which performs printing for copying documents and clerical work.

[0056] Line 1006 is information about a user whose user name 1001 is "Administrator" and whose role name 1005 is "Administrator." Line 1007 is information about a user whose user name 1001 is "User1" and whose role name 1005 is "GeneralUser."

[0057] Row 1008 is information about a user whose user name 1001 is "User2" and whose role name 1005 is "ProductUser." Row 1009 is information about a user whose user name 1001 is "User3" and whose role name 1005 is "OfficeUser."

[0058] The users in rows 1007 and 1009 have the department ID "0001", which indicates that they belong to the same department. It is desirable that only users with administrator privileges can update the user information management list 1000 by operating the user management input screen (not shown).

[0059] <Explanation of manual paper feed unit with air blowing unit and paper feeding operation> The manual paper feed unit 235 having an air blowing unit will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The manual paper feed unit 235 includes a paper feed tray 5 as a sheet storage means, a pickup roller 502 as a sheet feeding means, and a separation unit consisting of a feed roller 503 and a retard roller 504 for separating the sheet S sent out from the pickup roller 502.

[0060] The manual paper feed tray 5 is provided with side edge restriction plates (18a, 18b) for restricting the position of the sheet in a direction (paper width direction) perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction indicated by arrow Y. Fan motors (15a, 15b) serving as air blowers are disposed on the side edge restriction plates (18a, 18b) so that air can be blown onto the sheets through blowing nozzles (16a, 16b). The fan motors (15a, 15b) correspond to the blower fans 15 in FIG. 2.

[0061] Air from the fan motors (15a, 15b) is blown through the blowing nozzles (16a, 16b) toward the edges of the sheets along the flow lines (A1, A2), causing the upper sheets of the sheet stack to float and reducing the adhesion between the sheets.

[0062] When the start button is pressed, paper feeding begins. If the paper is coated paper, the fan motors (15a, 15b) of the side edge regulating plates (18a, 18b) are operated, and air is blown onto the widthwise edges of the sheet through the blowing nozzles (16a, 16b).

[0063] After a predetermined time, the uppermost sheet S, whose adhesive force between the sheets has been reduced, is sent to a separation section made up of a feed roller 503 and a retard roller 504 by rotation of a pickup roller 502. The leading edge of the separated sheet S is detected by a paper detection sensor 505. The sheet S is then sent to a registration roller pair 240 by a conveyance roller pair 506.

[0064] The subsequent operation is the same as that of cassette paper feed unit 230. At the appropriate timing, the toner image is transferred onto sheet S at secondary transfer unit 201D. Thereafter, the toner image is fixed onto sheet S at fixing unit 201E, and sheet S is discharged onto discharge tray 223 by discharge rollers 225a.

[0065] When forming a double-sided image, the sheet S is inverted in the sheet inverting section 201F and conveyed again to the pair of registration rollers via the double-sided conveying path R. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 223 in the same manner as for the first side, and a series of image formation processes is completed.

[0066] <Air handling settings before paper type detection> 5 is an example of a screen on which it is possible to set whether or not to blow air from the blower fan 15 onto the stack of sheets on the sheet feed tray 5 before the paper type is detected by the media sensor 14. By pressing the ON button 5001 or OFF button 5002 in FIG. 5 displayed on the display 730 and then pressing the OK button, the setting information is stored in the ROM 11.

[0067] The CPU 10 reads the above setting information before feeding the paper for which the paper type is to be detected, and if ON is set, executes air handling, and if OFF is set, controls so that air handling is not executed.

[0068] The screen of FIG. 5 may be displayed as one of the management setting items of the image forming apparatus 201, or may be displayed as one of the job setting items of a print job.

[0069] <Explanation of the paper setting screen for paper placed in the paper tray> FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a paper setting screen that is displayed on the display unit 13 when paper is placed in the manual paper feed tray 5. On the paper setting screen in FIG. 6(a), it is possible to change the settings of paper size and paper type. It is possible to specify the paper type by pressing the "Change paper type" button 601. The currently set paper type is displayed in a display area 602.

[0070] Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which the screen transitions after pressing the "Change paper type" button 601 in Fig. 6(a). The "Auto detect when printing" button 610 is a setting for measuring paper fed from the manual paper feed tray 5 with the media sensor 14 and executing an operation to identify the paper type.

[0071] When the "Select from list" button 611 is pressed, a paper type list screen (not shown) is displayed, allowing any paper type to be selected. The paper type list screen displays a list of paper types that exist in a paper type database pre-stored on the ROM 11.

[0072] 6(b), by pressing the "Auto detect when printing" button 610 or by selecting the paper type from the list and then pressing the OK button, the screen returns to the screen in FIG. 6(a). By pressing the OK button on the screen in FIG. 6(a), the setting information for the paper placed in the manual paper feed tray 5 is stored in the ROM 11.

[0073] <Explanation of air handling process during paper feeding> The air handling operation when detecting the paper type according to this embodiment will be described using the flowchart in Figure 7. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 7 is performed by the CPU 10 executing a control program that is read from the ROM 11 and loaded into the RAM 12. This flowchart begins when paper is placed in the paper feed tray 5, the paper settings described in Figures 6(a) and (b) are completed, and a print job is submitted. A control method for the image forming apparatus 201 will be described below.

[0074] In step S701, the CPU 10 acquires user information. The CPU 10 refers to the user information management list 1000 of Fig. 10 stored in the ROM 11, and acquires the role name 1005 that matches the currently logged-in user name 1001.

[0075] In step S702, the CPU 10 reads the paper setting information for the paper feed tray 5 from the ROM 11 and determines whether the paper type in the paper setting information is "automatically detected when printing" as shown in Fig. 6(b). If the paper type is "automatically detected when printing" in step S702, the process proceeds to step S704, and if the paper type is not "automatically detected when printing" but is set as the paper type in the media library, the process proceeds to step S703.

[0076] 6(b), when the "Auto detect when printing" button 610 is set, the CPU 10 functions as a setting unit and performs setting to identify the paper type using the media sensor 14 in step S709. Also, when the paper type is set using the "Select from list" button 611 on the setting screen of FIG. 6(b), the CPU 10 sets that paper type.

[0077] In step S703, CPU 10 determines whether the paper type in the paper setting information is a paper type that requires air handling. Whether the paper type requires air handling is assumed to be stored as a print control parameter for each paper type in the media library. If the paper requires air handling in step S703, proceed to step S706; if the paper does not require air handling, proceed to step S707.

[0078] In step S704, the CPU 10 reads the air handling setting before automatic detection in FIG. 5 from the ROM 11, and determines whether the air handling setting before automatic detection is OFF.

[0079] 5, when the ON button 5001 is pressed, the air handling setting is ON, and the CPU 10 functions as a setting unit and sets the setting to blow air. Also, when the OFF button 5002 is pressed on the setting screen of Fig. 5, the air handling setting is OFF, and the CPU 10 sets the setting to not blow air.

[0080] If it is OFF in step S704, the process proceeds to step S705, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0081] In step S705, CPU 10 determines whether the user information acquired in step S701 is user information for which air handling is to be performed. If it is user information for which air handling is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S706, and if it is user information for which air handling is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0082] In this embodiment, the role name 1005 of a ProductionUser who uses paper such as coated paper that may be subject to double feeding is set as user information subject to air handling. On the other hand, the role name 1005 of an OfficeUser or the like is set as user information not subject to air handling because they rarely use special paper that may be subject to double feeding.

[0083] Therefore, CPU 10 determines whether role name 1005 of the user information acquired in step S701 is ProductionUser. If it is ProductionUser, the process proceeds to step S706, and if it is other than ProductionUser, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0084] In the example of FIG. 10, "User2" in row 1008 has the role name "ProductionUser" and is therefore a user who is the target of air handling.

[0085] In step S706, CPU 10 starts blowing air (air blowing) by blower fan 15 onto the sheets placed on sheet feed tray 5, and then proceeds to step S707.

[0086] If the acquired user information is user information for which air handling is to be performed (YES in S705), the CPU 10 functions as an air blowing control unit and controls the air blowing fan 15 to blow air onto the papers placed on the paper feed tray 5. If the acquired user information is user information for which air handling is not to be performed (NO in S705), the CPU 10 controls not to blow air onto the papers placed on the paper feed tray 5.

[0087] In step S707, the CPU 10 starts feeding paper from the paper feed tray 5, and the process proceeds to step S708.

[0088] In step S708, the CPU 10 reads the paper setting information for the paper feed tray 5 from the ROM 11 and determines whether the paper type in the paper setting information is "automatically detected when printing." If the paper type is "automatically detected when printing," the process proceeds to step S709; if not, the process proceeds to step S710, where the image formation process begins.

[0089] In step S709, the CPU 10 functions as an identification unit, starts measuring the paper transported onto the transport path from the paper feed tray 5 using the media sensor 14, and identifies the paper type based on the measurement results. After identifying the paper type in step S709, the CPU 10 proceeds to step S710.

[0090] In step S710, the CPU 10 starts the image forming process by the image forming unit 201B.

[0091] 6(b), a case where the "Auto detect when printing" button 610 is set will be described. In this case, the CPU 10 functions as a print control unit and controls the image forming unit 201B to print on paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 5 using print control parameters based on the paper type identified in step S709.

[0092] Next, a case will be described in which the paper type is set using the "Select from list" button 611 on the setting screen of Fig. 6(b). In this case, the CPU 10 controls the image forming unit 201B to print on paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 5 using print control parameters based on the set paper type.

[0093] After the image forming process including paper discharge is completed in step S710, the CPU 10 proceeds to step S711.

[0094] In step S711, CPU 10 determines whether all pages of the print job have been printed. If there are still pages to be printed in step S711, the process proceeds to step S712, and if printing of all pages has been completed, the process proceeds to step S717.

[0095] In step S712, CPU 10 determines whether the paper type identified in step S814 or the paper type in the paper setting information in step S803 is a paper that requires air handling. In step S712, CPU 10 proceeds to step S713 if the paper type is a paper that requires air handling, and proceeds to step S714 if the paper type is a paper that does not require air handling.

[0096] In step S713, the CPU 10 starts blowing air by the blower fan 15, and then the process proceeds to step S715.

[0097] In step S714, the CPU 10 stops the driving of the blower fan 15, controls the blower fan 15 not to blow air, and then the process proceeds to step S715.

[0098] In step S715, the CPU 10 restarts the paper feed operation.

[0099] In step S716, the CPU 10 starts image forming processing by the image forming unit 201B, and after the image forming processing is completed, the process returns to step S711.

[0100] In step S717, the CPU 10 determines whether the blower fan 15 is operating. If the blower fan 15 is operating, the process proceeds to step S718, and if the blower fan 15 is not operating, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 7 ends.

[0101] In step S718, the CPU 10 stops driving the blower fan 15, and ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0102] Here, the air blowing operation by the blower fan 15 may be performed throughout the image forming process, or may be performed at predetermined time intervals or after a predetermined number of prints have been made.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the user to be air-handled is determined by the role name 1005 in the user information management list 1000 of Figure 10, but the determination may also be made by other user information, such as determining that users belonging to a specific department are the air-handled users using the department ID 1004.

[0104] With the control described above, even if the preset setting for whether or not to perform air handling when the paper type is not detected is set to "no," air handling will be performed if the user is using paper that requires air handling, such as coated paper. This prevents incorrect determination of paper type due to multiple feeds and the occurrence of multiple feed jams.

[0105] <Explanation of the process for changing the air handling settings depending on the user type when feeding paper> The process of changing the air handling settings according to the user type when feeding paper according to this embodiment will be described using the flowchart in Figure 8. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 8 is performed by the CPU 10 executing a control program that is read from the ROM 11 and loaded into the RAM 12. This flowchart begins when paper is placed in the paper feed tray 5, the paper settings described in Figure 6 are completed, and a print job is submitted. A control method for the image forming apparatus 201 will be described below.

[0106] In step S801, the CPU 10 acquires user information. The CPU 10 refers to the user information management list 1000 of Fig. 10 stored in the ROM 11, and acquires the role name 1005 that matches the currently logged-in user name 1001.

[0107] In step S802, the CPU 10 reads the paper setting information for the paper feed tray 5 from the ROM 11 and determines whether the paper type in the paper setting information is "automatically detected when printing." If the paper type is "automatically detected when printing" in step S802, the process proceeds to step S804, and if the paper type is not "automatically detected when printing" but is set to a paper type in the media library, the process proceeds to step S803.

[0108] In step S803, CPU 10 determines whether the paper type in the paper setting information is a paper type that requires air handling. Whether the paper type requires air handling is assumed to be stored as a print control parameter for each paper type in the media library. In step S803, if the paper requires air handling, proceed to step S811; if the paper does not require air handling, proceed to step S812.

[0109] In step S804, the CPU 10 reads the air handling setting before automatic detection in Fig. 5 from the ROM 11 and determines whether the air handling setting before automatic detection is OFF. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S805, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0110] In step S805, the CPU 10 determines whether the user is a target for air handling. In this embodiment, Production Users who use paper such as coated paper that may be subject to multi-feeding are considered to be target users for air handling. On the other hand, Office Users and the like are not considered to be target users for air handling because they rarely use special paper that may be subject to multi-feeding.

[0111] Therefore, CPU 10 determines whether role name 1005 of the user information acquired in step S801 is ProductionUser. If it is ProductionUser, the process proceeds to step S806, and if it is other than ProductionUser, the process proceeds to step S812.

[0112] In the example of FIG. 10, "User2" in row 1008 has the role name "ProductionUser" and is therefore a user who is the target of air handling.

[0113] In step S806, the CPU 10 performs control to display the air handling setting change screen shown in Fig. 9(a). Fig. 9(a) is a screen that prompts the user to change the air handling setting to ON when the air handling setting shown in Fig. 5 is set to OFF.

[0114] If the user selects the "No" button 901, the CPU 10 does not change the air handling setting and closes the screen of Fig. 9(a). If the user selects the "Yes" button 902, the CPU 10 changes the air handling setting to ON and closes the screen of Fig. 9(a).

[0115] In addition, when the air handling settings are changed in Figure 9(a), the CPU 10 may store the setting changes in ROM 11 in association with user information for the setting values ​​previously set on the air handling setting screen of Figure 5.

[0116] If the user selects the change button 903, the CPU 10 temporarily changes the air handling setting to ON and closes the screen in Fig. 9(a). When the change button 903 is pressed, the setting change is only effective for the job currently being executed, so when the flowchart in Fig. 8 ends, the air handling setting returns to the value before the change. For example, this is effective when paper that is not subject to air handling is normally used, but paper that is subject to air handling, such as coated paper, is temporarily used.

[0117] If the air handling setting change screen of FIG. 9(a) is closed in step S806, the process proceeds to step S807.

[0118] In step S807, CPU 10 determines whether the air handling setting has been changed to ON in step S806. If the air handling setting has been changed to ON, the process proceeds to step S811, and if the air handling setting has not been changed to ON, the process proceeds to step S812.

[0119] The setting change screen in FIG. 9(a) may be a selection screen including at least a "No" button 901 and a "Yes" button 902. In this case, in step S806, the CPU 10 functions as a display control unit and performs control to display a selection screen for whether or not to blow air in FIG. 9(a). If the "Yes" button 902, which indicates that air will be blown, is selected on the selection screen in FIG. 9(a), the process proceeds to step S811. If the "No" button 901, which indicates that air will not be blown, is selected on the selection screen in FIG. 9(a), the process proceeds to step S812. Furthermore, if the "Yes" button 902, which indicates that air will be blown, is selected on the selection screen in FIG. 9(a), the CPU 10 can save the setting for blowing air in association with the user information.

[0120] In step S808, the CPU 10 determines whether the user is not a target for air handling. Similar to the determination in step S805, if the role name 1005 of the user information acquired in step S801 is ProductionUser, the CPU 10 determines that the user is a target for air handling.

[0121] Therefore, in step S808, if the role name 1005 of the acquired user information is other than ProductionUser, the CPU 10 determines that the user is not a target for air handling and proceeds to step S809, and if not, proceeds to step S811.

[0122] In step S809, the CPU 10 performs control to display the air handling setting change screen shown in Fig. 9(b), which prompts the user to change the air handling setting to OFF when the air handling setting is currently set to ON.

[0123] If the user selects the "No" button 904, the CPU 10 does not change the air handling setting and closes the screen of Fig. 9(b). If the user selects the "Yes" button 905, the CPU 10 changes the air handling setting to OFF and closes the screen of Fig. 9(b).

[0124] In addition, when the air handling settings are changed in Figure 9 (b), the CPU 10 may store the setting changes in ROM 11 by linking them to user information for the setting values ​​previously set on the air handling setting screen of Figure 5.

[0125] If the air handling setting change screen of FIG. 9(b) is closed in step S809, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0126] In step S810, CPU 10 determines whether the air handling setting has been changed to OFF in step S809. If the air handling setting has been changed to OFF, the process proceeds to step S812, and if the air handling setting has not been changed to OFF, the process proceeds to step S811.

[0127] The setting change screen of FIG. 9(b) may be a selection screen including at least a "No" button 904 and a "Yes" button 905. In this case, in step S809, the CPU 10 functions as a display control unit and performs control to display a selection screen of FIG. 9(b) for selecting whether or not to blow air. If the "No" button 904, which indicates that air will be blown, is selected on the selection screen of FIG. 9(b), the process proceeds to step S811. If the "Yes" button 905, which indicates that air will not be blown, is selected on the selection screen of FIG. 9(b), the process proceeds to step S812. Furthermore, if the "Yes" button 905, which indicates that air will not be blown, is selected on the selection screen of FIG. 9(b), the CPU 10 can store the setting of not blowing air in association with the user information.

[0128] In step S811, CPU 10 starts blowing air (air blowing) by blower fan 15 onto the sheets placed on sheet feed tray 5, and then proceeds to step S812.

[0129] In step S812, the CPU 10 starts feeding paper from the paper feed tray 5, and the process proceeds to step S813.

[0130] In step S813, the CPU 10 reads the paper setting information for the paper feed tray 5 from the ROM 11 and determines whether the paper type in the paper setting information is "automatically detected when printing." If the paper type is "automatically detected when printing," the process proceeds to step S814; if not, the process proceeds to step S815.

[0131] In step S814, CPU 10 starts measuring the paper transported onto the transport path from paper feed tray 5 using media sensor 14, and identifies the paper type based on the measurement results. After identifying the paper type in step S814, CPU 10 proceeds to step S815.

[0132] In step S815, the CPU 10 starts image forming processing by the image forming unit 201B. After the image forming processing including paper discharge in step S815 is completed, the CPU 10 proceeds to step S816.

[0133] In step S816, CPU 10 determines whether all pages of the print job have been printed. If there are still pages to be printed in step S816, the process proceeds to step S817, and if printing of all pages has been completed, the process proceeds to step S822.

[0134] In step S817, CPU 10 determines whether the paper type identified in step S814 or the paper type in the paper setting information in step S803 is a paper that requires air handling. In step S817, CPU 10 proceeds to step S818 if the paper type is a paper that requires air handling, and proceeds to step S819 if the paper type is a paper that does not require air handling.

[0135] In step S818, the CPU 10 starts blowing air by the blower fan 15, and the process proceeds to step S820.

[0136] In step S819, CPU 10 stops driving blower fan 15, controls so that air is not blown, and then proceeds to step S820.

[0137] In step S820, the CPU 10 restarts the paper feed operation, and the process proceeds to step S821.

[0138] In step S821, the CPU 10 starts the image forming process by the image forming unit 201, and after the image forming process is completed, the process returns to step S816.

[0139] In step S822, CPU 10 determines whether or not blower fan 15 is operating. If blower fan 15 is operating, the process proceeds to step S823, and if blower fan 15 is not operating, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 8 ends.

[0140] In step S823, the CPU 10 stops driving the blower fan 15, and ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0141] Here, the air blowing operation by the blower fan 15 may be performed throughout the image forming process, or may be performed at predetermined time intervals or after a predetermined number of prints have been made.

[0142] In addition, in this embodiment, the user to be air-handled is determined by the role name 1005 in the user information management list 1000 of Figure 10, but the determination may also be made by other user information, such as determining that users belonging to a specific department are the air-handled users using the department ID 1004.

[0143] With the control described above, if air handling is set to OFF, a display is displayed to prompt users who are subject to air handling to set air handling to ON when paper is fed. Also, if air handling is set to ON, a display is displayed to prompt users who are not subject to air handling to set air handling to OFF when paper is fed. This makes it possible to execute air handling appropriately according to the user, regardless of the preset setting of whether or not to execute air handling when the paper type is not detected.

[0144] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The media sensor 14 measures characteristics of paper, such as the surface texture and basis weight, of paper on the paper transport path of the image forming apparatus 201. The CPU 10 measures the paper fed in a print job with the media sensor 14, and identifies the paper type from a paper type database (media library) pre-stored in the image forming apparatus 201 based on the measured paper characteristics. The CPU 10 then uses the print control parameters for that paper type in image formation control, thereby achieving high-quality deliverables.

[0145] Furthermore, the CPU 10 blows air from the blower fan 15 onto the stack of paper sheets before feeding (air handling), thereby separating the adsorbed sheets and preventing double feeding, thereby preventing the media sensor 14 from misjudging the paper type due to double feeding and the occurrence of double feeding jams.

[0146] On the other hand, if the paper does not require air blowing, the time required for air blowing before feeding the paper is wasted, which reduces usability. Also, if air blowing is performed on paper that does not require air blowing, the moisture content of the paper changes, resulting in a decrease in print quality.

[0147] According to this embodiment, when a user uses a paper type that is likely to cause double feeding, such as coated paper, the CPU 10 performs air handling when feeding paper before detection by the media sensor 14. This prevents erroneous determination of the paper type due to double feeding and the occurrence of double feeding jams.

[0148] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes 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 the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0149] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be construed 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.

[0150] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) an air blowing control means for controlling so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is first user information, and for controlling so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is second user information; a means for identifying the type of paper based on the measurement results of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto the transport path after the control of the air blowing control means; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 further comprises a print control unit that controls printing on the paper transported from the paper feed tray using print control parameters based on the paper type identified by the identification unit. (Configuration 3) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is a role name of the user. (Configuration 4) the first user information is a role name of ProductionUser, 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the second user information is a role name other than ProductionUser. (Configuration 5) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is a department to which the user belongs. (Configuration 6) The device further includes a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air, The air blowing control means When the first setting means sets the air blowing, the air is blown to the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray; When the first setting means has set the air blowing not to be performed and the user information is first user information, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the first setting means sets the apparatus not to blow air and the user information is second user information, the image forming apparatus controls the apparatus not to blow air onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray. (Configuration 7) The printer further includes a second setting unit for specifying the paper type by the specifying unit or for setting the paper type, The air blowing control means When the setting for specifying the paper type is performed by the specifying means and the user information is first user information, control is performed so that air is blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; When the setting for specifying the paper type is performed by the specifying means and the user information is second user information, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; When the paper type is set and the set paper type is a first paper type, control is performed so that air is blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; When the paper type is set and the set paper type is a second paper type, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; The identification means The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that when a setting is made for the identification means to identify the paper type, after control of the air blowing control means, the paper type is identified based on the measurement results of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto the transport path. (Configuration 8) The device further includes a display control means for controlling to display a selection screen for whether or not to blow air when the user information is first user information, The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that when it is selected on the selection screen not to blow air, the image forming apparatus controls so that air is not blown onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray. (Configuration 9) a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air; The device further includes a display control means for controlling to display a selection screen for whether or not to blow air when the first setting means sets the device not to blow air and the user information is the first user information, The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when it is selected on the selection screen that no air is to be blown, the image forming apparatus is controlled so that no air is to be blown onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, wherein the first setting means, when selecting to blow air on the selection screen, stores a setting to blow air in association with the user information. (Configuration 11) a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air; The device further includes a display control means for controlling to display a selection screen for whether or not to blow air when the first setting means sets the device to blow air and the user information is the second user information, The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when it is selected on the selection screen that no air is to be blown, the image forming apparatus is controlled so that no air is to be blown onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray. (Configuration 12) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 11, wherein the first setting means stores a setting to not blow air in association with the user information when not blowing air is selected on the selection screen. (Configuration 13) a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air; a first display control means for controlling to display a first selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the first setting means has set not to blow air and the user information is the first user information; and second display control means for controlling to display a second selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the first setting means has set the setting to blow air and the user information is the second user information, The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the first selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, When it is selected not to blow air on the first selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray; When blowing air is selected on the second selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when not blowing air is selected on the second selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray. (Method 1) an air blowing control step of controlling so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is first user information, and controlling so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is second user information; a step of identifying the type of paper based on the measurement result of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto the transport path after the control of the air blowing control step; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: (Program 1) 14. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 201 image forming apparatus, 10 CPU, 11 ROM, 12 RAM, 201B image forming unit, 14 media sensor, 15 blower fan, 20 user information management unit

Claims

1. an air blowing control means for controlling so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is first user information, and for controlling so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is second user information; a means for identifying the type of paper based on the measurement results of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto the transport path after the control of the air blowing control means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print control unit that controls printing on the paper transported from the paper feed tray using print control parameters based on the paper type identified by the identification unit.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is a role name of the user.

4. the first user information is a role name of a ProductionUser, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second user information is a role name other than ProductionUser.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information is a department to which the user belongs.

6. The device further includes a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air, The air blowing control means When the first setting means sets the air blowing, the air is blown to the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray; When the first setting means has set the air blowing not to be performed and the user information is the first user information, control is performed to blow air onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first setting means sets the device not to blow air and the user information is second user information, the device controls the device not to blow air onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray.

7. The printer further includes a second setting unit for specifying the paper type by the specifying unit or for setting the paper type, The air blowing control means When the setting for specifying the paper type is performed by the specifying means and the user information is first user information, control is performed so that air is blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; When the setting for specifying the paper type is performed by the specifying means and the user information is second user information, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; When the paper type is set and the set paper type is a first paper type, control is performed so that air is blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; When the paper type is set and the set paper type is a second paper type, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the paper placed on the paper feed tray; The identification means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a setting is made for the identification means to identify the paper type, after control of the air blowing control means, the paper type is identified based on the measurement results of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto the transport path.

8. The device further includes a display control means for controlling the device to display a selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the user information is first user information, The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when not blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray.

9. a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air; a display control means for controlling the display of a selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the first setting means sets the setting to not blow air and the user information is the first user information; The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when not blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first setting unit stores a setting for blowing air in association with the user information when blowing air is selected on the selection screen.

11. a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air; a display control means for controlling the display of a selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the first setting means sets the setting for blowing air and the user information is the second user information; The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when not blowing air is selected on the selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray.

12. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first setting unit stores a setting for not blowing air in association with the user information when not blowing air is selected on the selection screen.

13. a first setting means for setting whether or not to blow air; a first display control means for controlling to display a first selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the first setting means has set not to blow air and the user information is the first user information; and and second display control means for controlling to display a second selection screen for selecting whether or not to blow air when the first setting means has set the setting to blow air and the user information is the second user information, The air blowing control means When blowing air is selected on the first selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, When it is selected not to blow air on the first selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray; When blowing air is selected on the second selection screen, control is performed so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the sheet feed tray, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when no air blowing is selected on the second selection screen, control is performed so that air is not blown onto the paper placed in the paper feed tray.

14. an air blowing control step of controlling so that air is blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is first user information, and controlling so that air is not blown onto the sheets placed on the paper feed tray when the user information is second user information; a step of identifying the type of paper based on the measurement result of the paper transported from the paper feed tray onto the transport path after the control of the air blowing control step; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

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

Images