Print processing system, control method of print processing system, and program

Abstract

To detect a conflict state between settings related to printing in a more suitable mode even under a situation where a setting of a type of a medium is applied on the basis of a detection result of the medium.SOLUTION: An operation section 204 receives the designation of a setting related to printing including a setting of a type of a medium. A controller section 205 causes a medium type detection section 210 to convey a target medium and causes the medium type detection section 210 to detect the medium when a setting for specifying the type of the medium on the basis of a detection result of the medium is applied. The controller section 205 determines whether or not the setting of the type of the medium on the basis of the detection result of the medium by the medium type detection section 210 and another setting are in a conflict state. The controller section 205 interrupts an operation of an image forming section related to image formation on the target medium in the conflict state. The operation section 204 presents information indicating the conflict state in association with a setting that is a target of the conflict state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a print processing system, a control method for a print processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming devices, such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs), are configured with print modes and various imaging functions suitable for multiple media types. For example, some devices have a print speed control mechanism that enables printing control in a high-speed print mode for plain paper or low-basis-weight sheets, while enabling printing control in a low-speed print mode for paper types such as thick paper or coated paper, or for high-basis-weight sheets. Some image forming devices, such as MFPs, support a variety of sheet types and can control various printing processes, processing processes, and the creation of various deliverables suitable for these various sheet types. To efficiently identify and use these diverse media, image forming devices equipped with mechanisms for automatically detecting the basis weight and type of media are becoming increasingly popular. Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) discloses an image forming device equipped with a mechanism for automatically detecting the basis weight and type of media. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-72510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, among the various job settings that can be specified for a print job, there are some that are limited by media type, basis weight, or a combination of these. In other words, while MFPs can use a wide variety of basis weights and media types, the job settings that can be used for those media have the above-mentioned restrictions, and using these restrictions is often cumbersome. Against this background, various mechanisms are being considered to suppress inappropriate combinations of job settings and ensure better output results. On the other hand, automatic detection of media type and basis weight is performed when media is fed into a mechanism for this purpose, and therefore involves the execution of a print job. Therefore, in such cases, it may be difficult to detect, before the print job is executed, whether or not a conflict will arise due to constraints between the media type and basis weight settings (hereinafter collectively referred to as media type settings) and other settings.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to make it possible to detect conflicts between printing settings in a more suitable manner, even in situations where media type settings are applied based on media detection results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printing processing system of the present invention comprises an acceptance means for accepting designation of printing-related settings, which includes at least a setting for the type of media to be applied to printing; a discrimination means for determining whether or not the setting for the type of media and other settings among the settings for printing are in a conflicting state; and a control means for controlling operation related to image formation on media by an image forming unit. When the media type setting for which the acceptance means has accepted designation is an automatic detection setting that identifies the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by a specified detection unit, the control means causes the detection unit to detect the target media by transporting the target media. The discrimination means determines whether or not the media type setting based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit and the other settings are in a conflicting state. If the discrimination means determines that a conflict exists, the control means suspends operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target media. The acceptance means presents first information indicating the conflicting state, linked to the setting that is the subject of the conflicting state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even in a situation where the media type setting is applied based on the media detection result, it is possible to detect a conflict state between print-related settings in a more suitable manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of a print processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a DFE. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program for an MFP. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program for a DFE. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a media database. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printer unit and a large-capacity paper feeder. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a media management setting screen. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a media management setting screen. [Figure 8C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a media management setting screen. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a media management setting screen. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a media management setting screen. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow when a print job is executed. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow when a print job is executed. [Figure 11C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow when a print job is executed. [Figure 11D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow when a print job is executed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI state of the MFP. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a media database. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an MFP. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an MFP. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which a transition occurs in the event of a conflict; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job setting screen. [Figure 18]10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an MFP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a print processing system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, various explanations will be given assuming that an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 is used as an example of an image forming apparatus and a PC 102 is used as an example of an information processing apparatus. The MFP 101 and PC 102 are connected to each other via a network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other. 1 illustrates a case where one information processing device is provided in the print processing system, but the MFP 101 and multiple information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. Furthermore, while the present embodiment illustrates a case where the print processing system includes an image forming device and an information processing device, this does not limit the configuration of the print processing system. For example, the print processing system may be realized by a single image forming device. Furthermore, when an image forming process that can be performed by the MFP 101 alone (for example, printing a copy job or a saved job) is executed, an information processing device connected to the network 100 may not be a required component.

[0011] First, the PC 102 will be described. The PC 102 is capable of executing various programs, such as an application program for submitting a print job. The PC 102 may also have installed thereon various applications, such as a printer driver and workflow software, that have the function of converting print data into a printer language compatible with the MFP 101. When a user performs printing using the print processing system, the user can issue a print instruction to the MFP 101 from, for example, the various applications. The printer driver, workflow software, etc. can convert data output by the application based on the print instruction into print data that can be interpreted by the MFP 101, and transmit the data as print data to the MFP 101 connected to the network 100.

[0012] In this embodiment, a PC is used as an example of an information processing device, but a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal may also be used. The method of transmitting print data to the image forming device is not limited to the above-described example. As a specific example, the print data may be transmitted to the image forming device via a printing application or driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming device via a cloud server.

[0013] Next, the MFP 101 will be described. The MFP 101 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet. The MFP 101 may also have a post-processing function for binding multiple sheets on which images have been printed, aligning multiple sheets, and discharging multiple sheets into multiple trays. Sheets may include paper such as plain paper, cardboard, and coated paper, as well as film.

[0014] In this embodiment, the MFP 101 will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, but an image forming apparatus such as a printer that does not have a reading function may also be applied. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is assumed to have the various configurations described below. Also, a configuration may be applied in which a DFE (Digital Front End) 103, which is a device having some of the functions of the MFP 101 or other auxiliary functions, is added to the MFP. In this case, the PC 102 can view the DFE 103 as providing the functions of the MFP 101 in place of the MFP 101 via the network 100. The DFE 103 may be provided with various input / output devices, such as a monitor 105, similar to those provided in the PC 102. Even if the DFE 103, which is such an associated device, is attached, the MFP 101 may be configured to be directly connectable to the network 100 by using a network cable 104. In a system to which the DFE 103 is connected, it is also possible to configure the monitor 105 to be used as a display and operation means for the DFE 103. However, it is also possible to configure the MFP so that a means via the operation unit 204 is applied as a display or operation means for the DFE.

[0015] The MFP 101 is configured so that multiple devices with different roles are interconnected and can perform complex sheet processing. Each part that makes up the MFP 101 will be described below. The printer unit 203 forms (prints) an image on a medium (sheet) fed from a paper feed unit using toner based on image data. The configuration and operating principle of the printer unit 203 are as follows. A beam of light, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror (e.g., a polygon mirror) and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, thereby forming a full-color image on the sheet. A configuration capable of transferring toners of special colors, transparent toner, and the like in addition to these four colors may also be applied. The sheet on the transfer drum with the full-color image formed in this manner is transported to a fixing device. The fixing unit includes a roller, a belt, etc., and a heat source such as a halogen heater is built into the roller, and the toner on the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is melted and fixed to the sheet by heat and pressure. Furthermore, the MFP 101 according to this embodiment is configured to select appropriate print speed modes and image processing modes to be applied by the printer unit 203 during printing, depending on the sheet type and basis weight used by the MFP 101 during printing processing.

[0016] The printer unit 203 of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment is provided with an operation unit 204 arranged on the top surfaces of the scanner 201 and the printer unit 203. The operation unit 204 provides various interfaces for the user to perform various settings and operations of the printer unit 203 according to this embodiment.

[0017] Furthermore, the MFP 101 may be configured so that various auxiliary devices can be attached in addition to the printer unit 203. The large-capacity paper feeder 220 is a paper feeder that can be detached from the printer unit 203. These paper feeders include multiple paper feed units (e.g., paper feed units 231, 232, 233, and 234). With this configuration, the printer unit 203 can perform printing on a large volume of sheets. The sensing unit 221 is a device that reads image information on a sheet, such as a test chart created by the printer unit 203, and performs various adjustments. The sheet read by this unit is discharged onto a first escape tray 224, and this configuration prevents the test chart from being mixed with the output product that is the original print result. However, the MFP according to this embodiment may also be configured so that the sheet read by this unit can be controlled to be discharged onto a tray provided in a processing device 223, which will be described later. The stacker 222 is an output device configured to be able to stack a large amount of output materials printed by the printer unit 203. Printed sheets are stacked in a tray provided within the device. The MFP according to this embodiment is configured so that, if there are sheets that should not be mixed in the trays within the stacker 222, the sheets can be discharged to a second escape tray 225. The processing device 223 is a device provided for stapling a plurality of sheet bundles. As the type of staple binding, a binding process of a type desired by the user is applied, such as corner binding, two-position binding, saddle binding, etc. The destination of the stapled product may be controlled depending on the type of staple binding. As a specific example, control may be applied such that the product is discharged to trays 226 and 227 in the case of corner binding or two-position binding, and the product is discharged to tray 228 in the case of saddle binding.

[0018] The MFP 101 illustrated above can be roughly divided into three parts, with the printer unit 203 as the boundary. In Fig. 1, the devices arranged to the right of the printer unit 203 are also referred to as paper feed devices. The paper feed devices play a role in continuously supplying sheets loaded inside to the printer unit 203 at appropriate timing. The paper feed devices also perform functions such as detecting the remaining amount of sheets loaded inside. Furthermore, paper feed units (paper feed units 229 and 230) are also provided inside printer unit 203, and functionally they are capable of performing the same functions as paper feed-related devices. Note that these paper feed units provided in printer unit 203 will also be referred to as paper feed-related devices for the purpose of explanation. 1, the device located to the left of the printer unit 203 is also called a sheet processing device, and may also be called a sheet processing device or post-processing device. The sheet processing device performs various processing operations on sheets after printing has been completed, or performs processing such as stacking. In the following description, the above-described sheet feeding system devices and sheet processing devices will be collectively referred to as the sheet processing device 200.

[0019] Next, an example of the configuration of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing mainly on the software configuration. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 2, since the configuration is divided mainly into system units, there are parts that do not necessarily correspond to the units of the device configuration exemplified in Fig. 1.

[0020] The MFP 101 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk 209 (hereinafter also referred to as an HDD) capable of storing data for multiple jobs to be processed within the device itself. Note that in this embodiment, a hard disk is used as a storage area for storing job data, but this is not limited to a hard disk, and any similar large-capacity nonvolatile storage device can be used. The MFP 101 also has a copy function of storing data received from the scanner 201 in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and causing the printer unit 203 to print the data. The MFP 101 also has a printing function that stores job data received from an external device via an external I / F 202, which is an example of a communication unit, in the HDD 209, reads the job data from the HDD 209, and causes the printer unit 203 to print it. The MFP 101 is realized as a multifunction processing device (hereinafter also referred to as an image forming device) equipped with such multiple functions. Note that the MFP 101 may be capable of color printing or monochrome printing.

[0021] The scanner 201 reads an original image, performs image processing on the image data obtained by scanning the original, and outputs the image data to a predetermined output destination. The external I / F 202 transmits and receives image data to and from facsimiles, network-connected devices, and external dedicated devices. The HDD 209 also stores various types of management information that are permanently stored, changed, and managed by the MFP 101. The MFP 101 also includes a printer unit 203 that executes printing processing of job data to be printed that is stored in the HDD 209. The MFP 101 includes an operation unit 204 having a display unit, which corresponds to an example of a user interface unit.

[0022] A controller unit (control unit) 205, which corresponds to an example of a control unit included in the MFP 101, has a CPU (not shown) and controls the overall processing and operation of various units included in the MFP 101. The ROM 207 stores programs for executing various processes and the like shown in flowcharts to be described later, which are executed by the controller unit 205, and various control programs and the like necessary for the operation of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program and the like for displaying various user interface screens (hereinafter also referred to as UI screens) on the display unit of the operation unit 204. The CPU of the controller unit 205 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM 207, thereby realizing various operations of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores a program for the controller unit 205 to interpret page description language (hereinafter also referred to as PDL) data received from an external device via the external I / F 202 and to convert it into raster image data (bitmap image data). Similarly, the ROM 207 also stores a program for the controller unit 205 to interpret and process a print job received from an external device via the external I / F 202. These programs are processed by software. The ROM 207 is a read-only memory that stores in advance various programs such as programs for boot sequences and font information, as well as the programs exemplified above. Details of the various programs stored in the ROM 207 will be described separately later. The RAM 208 is a readable and writable memory, and stores image data sent from the scanner 201 or the external I / F 202, various programs, setting information, and the like.

[0023] The controller unit 205 also controls the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheet processing apparatus 200 corresponds to the sheet feeding system apparatus and the sheet processing apparatus described with reference to FIG. The HDD 209 also stores image data compressed by the decompression unit 206. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data items such as print data for a job to be processed. The controller unit 205 stores job data to be processed, which is input via various input units such as the scanner 201 and external I / F 202, in the HDD 209, and reads the data from the HDD 209 and outputs it to the printer unit 203 for printing. The controller unit 205 also controls the job data read from the HDD 209 to be sent to an external device via the external I / F 202. In this way, the controller unit 205 executes various output processes for the job data to be processed stored in the HDD 209. The controller unit also reads various programs stored in the ROM 207 and controls the MFP 101 based on the processes described in the programs.

[0024] A compression / decompression unit 206 compresses image data stored in the RAM 208 or HDD 209 using various compression methods such as JBIG or JPEG, and decompresses the compressed data. The media type detection unit 210 uses a sensor to identify the sheet type and basis weight of the sheets used when the MFP 101 executes the print process. In the MFP 101 of this embodiment, the media type detection unit 210 is installed on a sheet transport path inside the MFP 101. The arrangement and configuration of the media type detection unit 210 inside the MFP 101 will be described in detail later.

[0025] An example of the configuration of the DFE 103 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 301 loads into the RAM 302 and executes programs such as the OS, general applications, and bookbinding applications stored in the program ROM of the ROM 303 or the HDD 311. The ROM 303 is also used as a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 302 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 301. A keyboard controller (KBC) 305 controls input from a keyboard 309 and a pointing device (not shown). A display controller 306 controls display on a display unit 310. A disk controller (DKC) 307 controls access to an HDD 311 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and the like. A network controller (NC) 312 is connected to the network 100 and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network 100 . The bus 304 connects the CPU 301 with the RAM 302, the ROM 303, and various controllers, and transfers data signals and control signals.

[0026] An example of a program for the MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. A series of programs shown in Fig. 4 is stored in the ROM 207, for example, and is read and executed by the controller unit 205 of the MFP 101. The boot loader 401 is a program that is executed immediately after powering on the MFP 101. The boot loader 401 includes programs for executing various startup sequences required for system startup. The operating system 402 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the MFP 101. The operating system 402 mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the MFP 101, i.e., the ROM 207, RAM 208, HDD 209, etc., and basic input / output control of the other components shown in FIG. The network control program 403 is a program that is executed when sending and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. The network control program 403 is used when receiving files to be printed, sending data from external devices, sending and receiving commands, etc. The network control program 403 also includes a device driver program for controlling the external I / F 202.

[0027] The JDF function program 404 is a program that realizes a JDF (Job Definition Format) print function. When JDF job data is received by the MFP 101 via the external I / F 202, the JDF function program 404 is executed by the controller unit 205 in response to instructions from the external I / F 202. In the JDF print function, the controller unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each device shown in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the JDF function program 404. As a result, control is performed so that the JDF print process is ultimately executed. The devices include the sheet processing apparatus 200, the printer unit 203, the HDD 209, the compression / decompression unit 206, the RAM 208, etc. The JDF function program 404 also includes program processing for analyzing the JDF job data received via the external I / F 202, determining whether the JDF contains incorrect settings based on the results of the analysis, and changing settings to resolve the incorrect settings.

[0028] The PDL function program 405 is a program that realizes PDL data rendering and printing functions. The PDL function program 405 is executed by the controller unit 205 when PDL data (image data to be printed) is received by the MFP 101 via the external I / F 202. In the PDL function, the controller unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each device shown in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the PDL function program 405. As a result, control is performed so that PDL print processing is ultimately performed. The devices include the sheet processing apparatus 200, printer unit 203, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, RAM 208, etc. In addition, the PDL function program 405 in this embodiment is configured to operate together with the JDF function program 404 as a means for analyzing various job setting formats during print processing.

[0029] The media management program 406 is a program for executing management functions related to sheets available to the MFP 101. Sheet-related information managed by the media management program 406 is stored in the HDD 209. The media management program 406 provides media management functions such as registering new media and deleting unnecessary media. The media management program 406 also realizes functions such as changing the settings of registered media and adjusting unadjusted media and re-registering it as adjusted media. Furthermore, the MFP 101 according to the embodiment has an example of a configuration that also has management functions such as exporting media information to an external device outside the MFP 101, for example, to the PC 102 via the external I / F 202, or conversely, importing media information from the PC 102. Furthermore, information regarding print job settings applicable during printing is also linked and managed as sheet-related information managed by the media management program 406. The media management program 406 also manages which media is set in which of the multiple paper feed units (paper feed units 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234) that the MFP 101 has.

[0030] The job setting management program 407 is a program for controlling various settings related to print jobs executed by the MFP 101. Specifically, the job setting management program 407 changes the setting information of a print job, detects and resolves conflicts between settings, and controls the screens required for these operations. The job queue management program 408 is a program for performing various controls related to the execution control of print jobs executed in the MFP 101. The job queue management program 408 realizes print job queue management, print job sequence execution, job scheduling calculations for determining job execution times, and the like. Other programs 409 schematically represent programs that are not included in any of the above programs stored in ROM 207 and that can be executed by MFP 101. Note that these programs have little relevance to the technology according to the present disclosure, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] An example of a program for the DFE 103 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The boot loader 501 is a program that is executed immediately after powering on the DFE 103. The boot loader 501 includes programs for executing various startup sequences required for system startup. The operating system 502 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the DFE 103. The operating system 502 provides functions such as resource management for the memory of the device, that is, the ROM 303, RAM 302, HDD 311, etc. The network control program 503 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. That is, the network control program 503 is used, for example, to transmit print job data to the MFP 101 and instruct the MFP 101 to perform printing. The network control program 503 is also used for purposes such as receiving print data and transmitting status from external devices such as the PC 102.

[0032] The job management program 504 is a program for managing jobs sent by the DFE 103 to the MFP 101. The job list is managed in the order in which the jobs were sent, and the order of the jobs can be changed, and processes such as pausing, canceling, and changing the settings of a job can be executed via the job management program 504. Furthermore, when the DFE 103 receives a print job from an external device such as the PC 102, the job management program 504 works in cooperation with a PDL function program 505 (described later) to manage a series of jobs and control job execution as the DFE 103. The PDL function program 505 is a program for performing a process of expanding print job data, which is executed when the DFE 103 receives a print job from the PC 102 via the network control program 503. The expanded data is converted into a format suitable for printing and sent to the MF 101 via the network control program 503, thereby instructing the MFP 101 to execute print processing. Other programs 506 schematically represent programs not included in any of the above programs among the programs included in the DFE 103. Note that these programs have little relevance to the technology according to the present disclosure, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] An example of a media database managed by the media management program 406 shown in FIG. 4 and stored in the HDD 209 will be described with reference to FIG. 6, along with an example of the configuration of the stored information. The ID field 601 is a field in which an internal ID that is uniquely determined within the MFP 101 for a series of media entries stored in the media database is stored. Each of the media name field 602, size field 603, type field 604, and basis weight field 606 is a field in which information managed as media-related parameters is stored. The second type field 605 and the second basis weight field 607 are fields for storing information automatically detected by the media type detection unit 210. By providing such fields, the MFP 101 according to this embodiment can distinguish and manage media types and basis weights that are explicitly set by the user from automatically detected media types and basis weights.

[0034] The autodetect field 608 is a field that stores identification information regarding whether or not the media registered in the media database is registered as an autodetectable medium. If the value of the autodetect field 608 is TRUE, it indicates that the corresponding media is an autodetectable medium. On the other hand, if the value of the autodetect field 608 is FALSE, it indicates that the corresponding media is not an autodetectable medium.

[0035] The capability information field 609 is a field that stores information about the availability of processing for each type of media registered in the media database. Specifically, the capability information field 609 stores various processing capabilities of the sheet processing apparatus 200 shown in Fig. 1, and information indicating whether each type of media can be combined and processed as various job settings described below. In the example shown in FIG. 6, binding and folding are shown as examples of various job settings belonging to the capability information field 609, and information on whether or not these processes are possible is stored and managed in a binding field 610 and a folding field 611.

[0036] 6, four media, designated Media A, Media B, Media C, and Media D, are registered in the media database as entries 612, 613, 614, and 615. Of these media, the entry 615 corresponding to Media D has a value of TRUE set in the auto-detection field 608, indicating that it is registered in the media database as a medium subject to auto-detection. Note that the values ​​of the second type field 605 and second basis weight field 607 of the entry 615 corresponding to Media D are undetermined. This indicates that Media D has not yet been detected by the media type detection unit 210 and its media type has not yet been determined.

[0037] 7, an example of the configuration of printer unit 203 and large-capacity paper feeder 220 will be described, focusing on the sheet storage means, the sheet transport path, and the arrangement of media type detection unit 210 installed on the transport path. Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of an MFP equipped with two media type detection units 210. The first media type detection unit 701 is disposed downstream of the paper feed unit 234. The second media type detection unit 702 is disposed upstream of the image forming unit and downstream of the series of paper feed units (paper feed units 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234) included in the MFP 101. Due to its location, the first media type detection unit 701 can only subject sheets fed from paper feed unit 234 to automatic detection processing. On the other hand, the second media type detection unit 702 can subject sheets fed from the series of paper feed units (paper feed units 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234) to automatic detection processing. In both the first media type detection unit 701 and the second media type detection unit 702, in order to detect the sheet type and basis weight, it is necessary to feed the sheet and then transport the sheet to the position where the corresponding detection unit is located. In other words, unless a print job using the sheet is started in order to feed the sheet, it is difficult for the detection unit to detect the sheet. In this embodiment, various explanations will be given focusing on the case where the second media type detection unit 702 is used, but it goes without saying that the technology can be applied regardless of the type of detection unit used, as long as it does not deviate from the technical concept of the technology disclosed herein.

[0038] There are various possible mechanisms for the media type detection units (e.g., first media type detection unit 701 and second media type detection unit 702) to detect the basis weight or media type of the media. One specific example is a method in which an ultrasonic generator irradiates a sheet with ultrasonic waves and then an ultrasonic sensor measures the transmittance to detect the basis weight. Another example is a method in which a CIS (contact image sensor) reads the surface of the sheet and determines the media type from the unevenness, color, reflectance, etc. of the sheet surface. In the technology according to the present disclosure, the method for detecting the media type and basis weight does not have to be limited to the above-described examples, and various other methods can be applied. Therefore, it goes without saying that the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to any method other than the method for detecting the basis weight or media type of the media, as long as it does not deviate from the technical concept of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0039] An example of a media management setting screen presented to the user via operation unit 204 of MFP 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C. 8A(A) is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 204 of the MFP 101. With reference to FIG. 8A(A), the following describes screen components and operation units that are common to screens that will be described separately with reference to other figures.

[0040] At the top of the screen, various areas for displaying the status of the MFP 101 are arranged. The alert notification area 806 is an area for notifying the user of the current status of the MFP 101 by controlling the display color to vary depending on the status. The status display area 807 is an area for presenting to the user, by means of text information, the status of the MFP 101. In the example shown in Fig. 8A(A), "Ready" is displayed, which indicates a normal state, available for use, or non-operational state. Detailed status display area 808 is an area for presenting the user with more detailed information about the status of MFP 101. Specifically, it is used when it becomes necessary to present more detailed information than the simple display in status display area 807, such as when an error occurs. In the example shown in FIG. 8A(A), no error has occurred, so no information is presented in detailed status display area 808.

[0041] At the bottom of the screen, there are arranged a plurality of operation sections (for example, buttons) for selecting various operations of the MFP. The schedule setting unit 801 is an operation unit that receives an instruction from the user to transition to a screen for setting and displaying scheduling information for jobs executed by the MFP 101 . A job management unit 802 is an operation unit that receives instructions from the user to transition to a screen for performing various settings for jobs executed by the MFP 101 and job queue operations. The tray setting unit 803 is an operation unit that receives an instruction from the user to transition to a screen that is operated when setting sheets in a plurality of paper feed units that the MFP 101 has. The system setting unit 804 is an operation unit that receives instructions from the user to transition to a screen related to the execution of various functions relating to the overall system setting of the MFP 101. The service execution unit 805 is an operation unit that receives instructions from the user to transition to a screen related to the execution of various functions used when performing maintenance on the MFP. The example shown in Figure 8A (A) shows a state in which the system setting section 804 is selected, and a state in which the operation section 810 associated with the media management function is selected from among the various system setting related functions that can be selected when the system setting section 804 is selected.

[0042] The following describes various functions of the media management function selected by the operation unit 810 and screen components of the screen for the media management function. The new media creation unit 819 is an operation unit that accepts an operation for registering a new medium in the MFP 101 from the user. Created media list 811 is an area that displays a list of media registered in MFP 101. In the example shown in Fig. 8A(A), Media A, Media B, and Media C are registered as entries 816, 817, and 818. Created media list 811 also displays a name 812, size 813, basis weight 814, and media type 815 for each registered medium.

[0043] Figure 8A(B) shows an example of a screen that is displayed immediately after pressing new media creation section 819 on the screen shown in Figure 8A(A). As shown in Figure 8A(B), pressing new media creation section 819 displays new media information input screen 820 that includes input areas for receiving input of multiple media-related attributes from the user. The media name input area 821 is an input area for receiving input of the name of the new media from the user. The media size input area 822 is an input area for receiving input of the media size of new media from the user. The basis weight input area 823 is an input area for receiving input of the basis weight of the new medium from the user. The media type input area 824 is an input area for receiving input of the media type of new media from the user. The other media-related area 825 is a group of input areas for receiving input of other media-related attributes not included in any of the above from the user. Note that the other media-related area 825 has little relevance to the technology according to the present disclosure, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The OK button 826 is an operation section for receiving instructions from the user regarding the generation of new media based on the content entered in the series of input fields described above. The cancel button 827 is an operation section for receiving instructions from the user to discard the contents input in the series of input fields described above and to stop the process of creating new media.

[0044] Fig. 8B(C) shows an example of a screen to which the screen transitions immediately after accepting an operation in basis weight input area 823 in the state of the screen shown in Fig. 8A(B). As shown in Fig. 8B(C), accepting an operation in basis weight input area 823 displays basis weight input screen 828, and the current basis weight is displayed in area 829. The basis weight input screen 828 displays a numeric keypad for inputting a basis weight value, and an automatic basis weight detection mode setting section 830. When the automatic basis weight detection mode setting section 830 is selected, the target media is treated as a medium subject to automatic detection. In other words, a mode is specified in which the basis weight of the target media is automatically detected by the first media type detection section 701 or the second media type detection section 702, which is the media type detection section 210. The OK button 831 is an operation unit for accepting an instruction from the user to confirm the input contents on the basis weight input screen 828 and to transition to the screen shown in FIG. 8A(B). The cancel button 832 is an operation unit for receiving an instruction from the user to discard the input contents on the basis weight input screen 828 and transition to the screen shown in FIG. 8A(B).

[0045] Fig. 8B(D) shows an example of the basis weight input screen 828 when the basis weight automatic detection mode setting section 830 is selected in the screen state shown in Fig. 8B(C). As shown in Fig. 8B(D), when the basis weight automatic detection mode setting section 830 is selected, the word "Auto" indicating automatic detection is displayed in place of the basis weight value in an area 829 showing the current basis weight.

[0046] 8C(E) shows an example of the state of the screen displayed immediately after an operation in the media type input field 824 is accepted in the state of the screen shown in FIG. 8A(B). As shown in FIG. 8C(E), when an operation in the media type input field 824 is accepted, a list 838 of selectable media types is displayed. The example shown in FIG. 8C(E) shows an example of a state in which, from among a series of selectable media type candidates, an option 839 labeled "Auto Detection" is selected for specifying the automatic media type detection mode. In this case, the target media is treated as a medium subject to automatic detection, and a mode is specified in which the media type is automatically detected by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702, which is the media type detection unit 210.

[0047] Figure 8C(F) shows an example of the state of the media management settings screen in which the results of the series of operations shown in Figures 8A(A) through 8C(E) are reflected. In the example shown in Figure 8C(F), an entry 840 for Media D, which was created using the automatic detection mode for basis weight and media type, has been added to the created media list 811.

[0048] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a tray media setting management screen presented to the user via the operation unit 204 of the MFP 101. As shown in Fig. 9A(A), the tray media setting management screen is displayed because the tray setting section 803 is in a selected state. The sheet setting unit 904 is an operation unit for receiving from the user an operation relating to setting a specific medium for a tray of the MFP 101. The sheet setting cancellation unit 905 is an operation unit for receiving from the user an operation relating to canceling the media setting set for a specific tray by the sheet setting unit 904. In the example shown in FIG. 9A(A), trays 230, 231, and 232 have media set in them, whereas trays 229, 233, and 234 have no media set in them. Each tray information display section displays a tray number 901, a sheet remaining amount graph 902, and media information 903. If no sheets are assigned to a tray, the media information 903 displays "Not assigned," which means that no sheets have been assigned. 9A(A), the tray 234 with item number 6 (hereinafter also referred to as the sixth tray 234) is in a selected state. When the sheet setting section 904 is selected in this state, an instruction to set media for the sixth tray 234 is accepted.

[0049] FIG. 9A(B) shows an example of a screen that is displayed immediately after the sheet setting section 904 is selected when the screen is in the state shown in FIG. 9A(A). As shown in Fig. 9A(B), a media list 811 is displayed, from which media registered in the MFP 101 can be selected for setting the sixth tray 234. In the example shown in Fig. 9A(B), an entry 840 corresponding to Media D, which has been automatically detected and created through the series of operations described with reference to Figs. 8A to 8C, is selected. When the OK button 907 is pressed in this state, Media D corresponding to entry 840 is set for the sixth tray 234, and the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 9B(C). On the other hand, when the cancel button 908 is pressed, Media D corresponding to entry 840 is not set for the sixth tray 234, and the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 9A(A).

[0050] In this embodiment, an example of selecting media from the media list 811 has been described above, but the method of selecting media is not limited to this example. For example, a configuration may be applied in which pressing the new media creation section 910 on the screen shown in Fig. 9A(B) executes a series of processes relating to the creation of new media described with reference to Figs. 5A to 8C, and the created media is set on the screen shown in Fig. 9A(B).

[0051] Figure 9B(C) shows an example of the state of the screen to which the screen transitions immediately after pressing the OK button 907 in the state of the screen shown in Figure 9A(B). As shown in Figure 9B(C), Media D, which corresponds to the entry 840 shown in Figure 9A(B), is set for the sixth tray 234.

[0052] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of job management screens presented to the user via operation unit 204 provided in MFP 101. FIG. Fig. 10A(A) shows an example of a job queue display screen in a job management screen displayed on the operation unit 204 of the MFP 101. When the queue display area 1001 is selected while the job management section 802 is selected, the screen shown in Fig. 10A(A) is displayed. The screen components of the job queue display screen will be described below. The scheduled job queue selection section 1002 is an operation section for displaying a list of jobs for which printing processing is currently being executed. On the other hand, the waiting job queue selection section 1003 is an operation section for displaying a list of jobs that have been stored or submitted in the MFP 101 and for which an instruction to execute printing processing has not yet been issued. Fig. 10A(A) shows an example of a state in which the scheduled job queue selection section 1002 is selected. In the example shown in Fig. 10A(A), three jobs whose information is indicated as entries 1009, 1010, and 1011 are registered in a job list 1004 in the waiting job queue. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 10A(A), the job associated with entry 1011 is in a selected state. The job setting editing section 1012 is an operation section for receiving instructions from the user regarding changes to various job settings of a job that is selected in the job list 1004 .

[0053] FIG. 10A(B) shows an example of a job setting editing screen 1013 that is displayed after the job setting editing section 1012 is selected when the screen shown in FIG. 10A(A) is in a selected state, i.e., when the job corresponding to entry 1011 is in a selected state. The first setting item 1014 is made up of an operation section for receiving instructions from the user regarding changes to settings derived from job data, such as the number of copies 1016, job name 1017, and print range 1018. The second setting item 1015 is made up of an operation unit for receiving instructions from the user regarding various changes to the output settings when a print job is executed. In the example shown in Fig. 10A(B), a media setting unit 1019, a binding setting unit 1020, and a folding setting unit 1021 are shown as examples of setting units included in the second setting item 1015. In the example shown in Fig. 10A(B), the media setting unit 1019 displays "not assigned," which means that no media has been explicitly selected as the media setting for the target job. The finish confirmation area 1025 is a display area provided for presenting to the user a preview of the finish of the output product that is the result of applying the various job setting items selected in the second setting item 1015 . The page programming section 1022 is a setting section used when receiving instructions from the user regarding detailed setting specifications for each page that constitutes a print job, which are different from the settings for the entire job. The OK button 1023 is an operation unit for accepting an instruction from the user to save the contents of the various settings specified via the screen shown in FIG. 10A(B) and then transition to the job queue display screen shown in FIG. 10A(A). The cancel button 1024 is an operation unit for accepting an instruction from the user to discard the contents of the various settings specified via the screen shown in FIG. 10A(B) and transition to the job queue display screen shown in FIG. 10A(A).

[0054] Fig. 10B(C) shows an example of a media setting screen 1026 that is displayed after the media setting section 1019 is selected in the state of the screen shown in Fig. 10A(B). In the example shown in Fig. 10B(C), as described in the explanation of the screen shown in Fig. 10A(B), the text "Not assigned" is displayed as media setting information 1027, indicating that the media setting for the job to be handled has not been explicitly specified. A media list 1029 displays a list of media that have been registered in the MFP 101. The media selected for the target job is set by selecting an appropriate media from the list of media displayed in this media list 1029. The media list 1029 displays the name 812, size 813, basis weight 814, and media type 815 of each media. In the example shown in FIG. 10B(C), four media associated with entries 1030, 1031, 1032, and 1033 are displayed as selectable media. The OK button 1034 is an operation section for receiving an instruction from the user to set the selected media as the media for the target job and then transition to the screen shown in FIG. 10A(B). The cancel button 1035 is an operation unit for accepting an instruction from the user to discard the settings shown in FIG. 10B(C) and transition to the screen shown in FIG. 10A(B). In the example shown in FIG. 10B(C), entry 1032 is selected, and when the OK button 1034 is pressed, Media C corresponding to entry 1032 is set for the target job.

[0055] Figure 10B(D) shows an example of the screen state to which the transition occurs immediately after the OK button 1034 is pressed in the state of the media registered in the media database shown in Figure 6 and in the state of the screen shown in Figure 10B(C). 10B(D), a conflict mark 1036 indicating that the job settings are in a conflict state is displayed for the media setting section 1019, the binding setting section 1020, and the folding setting section 1021. A conflict state means a situation in which it is difficult to achieve one or more job settings simultaneously. As a result, the conflict mark 1036 indicating the conflict state is displayed in association with the settings that are the subject of the conflict state. In the examples described with reference to FIGS. 6, 10A, and 10B, Media C selected as the job media in the example shown in FIG. 10B(C) is film. In contrast, in FIG. 6, the values ​​of the binding field 610 and the folding field 611 of the entry 614 corresponding to Media C are set to FALSE. In other words, film media is restricted from simultaneously executing binding and folding processes. Therefore, a conflict exists between these settings. The MFP 101 in the present disclosure and the prior art can be controlled to inspect the combination of job settings in the job setting unit, and if a conflict exists, present information indicating this to the user and prompt the user to resolve the conflict. By applying such control, it is possible to suppress inappropriate combinations of job settings and ensure the output results. 10B(D) is used to indicate that a conflict exists between job settings, including media settings, and that the setting items are in a conflicting state. In the example shown in FIG. 10B(D), a message 1037 is also displayed to encourage resolution of the conflict. 10B(D), a conflict exists between the job settings, and therefore execution of the print process for the target job is restricted unless the conflict is resolved. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 10B(D), the OK button 1023 is grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0056] Figure 10C(E) shows another example of the state of the screen to which the transition occurs immediately after pressing the OK button 1023 on the screen shown in Figure 10B(C), in the state of media registered in the media database shown in Figure 6. In the example shown in Figure 10C(E), entry 1033 corresponding to Media D is in a selected state.

[0057] Figure 10C(F) shows an example of the state of the screen to which the transition occurs immediately after pressing the OK button 1034 in the state of the screen shown in Figure 10C(E) when the media is registered in the media database shown in Figure 6. The example shown in Figure 10C(F) differs from the example shown in Figure 10B(D) in that conflict marks 1036 indicating a conflict state are not displayed for the media setting section 1019, binding setting section 1020, and folding setting section 1021. In the example shown in Fig. 6, entry 615 corresponding to Media D (corresponding to entry 1033 shown in Fig. 10C(E)) is set as a medium to be automatically detected. For this medium, it is difficult to determine whether a conflict state exists until a print job using that medium is executed, the sheet is transported to the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 shown in Fig. 7, and the basis weight and media type are determined. However, unless a print job is executed, it is difficult to transport the target sheet to the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702, which in turn makes it difficult to determine the basis weight and media type itself. In consideration of the above situation, in the MFP 101 according to this embodiment, when the target medium is set as an automatically detected medium, control is applied to exclude the target medium from the conflict resolution process between print job settings that is performed before the execution of the print job. In the example shown in Fig. 10C(F), the conflict is not processed, and therefore the OK button 1023 is controlled to be pressable.

[0058] 11A to 11D are diagrams for explaining the operation flow mainly when executing a print job in a job for which an automatically detecting medium is set, after the screen state shown in FIG. 10C(F). 11A(A) shows a state in which Media D, which has been set as an automatically detected medium via the media setting section 1019, is selected, and both the binding setting section 1020 and the folding setting section 1021 are selected. In the example shown in FIG. 11A(A), there is no conflict between the job settings, and pressing the OK button 1023 applies the job settings shown in FIG. 11A(A), and then transitions to the job queue display screen shown in FIG. 11A(B). Fig. 11A(B) shows an example of a state in which an entry 1011 corresponding to a job to which the job settings shown in Fig. 11A(A) are applied is selected. In the state shown in Fig. 11A(B), when a print instruction section 1101 is selected, an instruction to start print processing of the job corresponding to the selected entry 1011 is accepted.

[0059] To better understand the features of the technology disclosed herein, assume that Media D, which is set as the automatically detected media corresponding to entry 615 in Fig. 6, is plain paper with a basis weight of 300 gsm. In other words, the example shown in Fig. 6 assumes a situation in which a sheet of the same media type as Media B, which is set as the automatically detected media, is set. According to the database shown in Figure 6, the binding field 610 and the folding field 611 are both set to FALSE for plain paper with a basis weight of 300 gsm, restricting the application of both binding and folding. This setting is due to the difficulty of applying binding and folding due to, for example, the thickness of the sheet. In other words, based on the information in the database shown in Figure 6, plain paper with a basis weight of 300 gsm is in a conflict with the folding and binding settings. However, as explained with reference to Figure 9B(C), Media D corresponding to entry 615 shown in Figure 6 is set to the sixth tray 234. Also, in the state shown in Figure 11A(B), before the job starts, the actual media type of the target media has not yet been transported to and detected by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702, so the actual media type of the target media is still undetermined for the MFP 101.

[0060] FIG. 11B(C) shows an example of a screen displayed when execution of a job corresponding to entry 1011 is instructed under the above-described assumption. That is, FIG. 11B(C) shows an example of a screen displayed after Media D, set in the sixth tray 234, is transported to the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 and its media type and basis weight are detected. As mentioned above, Media D is assumed to be 300 gsm plain paper, and this media type and basis weight are determined based on the detection results by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 in the state shown in FIG. 11B(C). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, 300 gsm plain paper is restricted from being bound and folded in combination. In other words, the example shown in FIG. 11B(C) indicates a conflict between the settings, and a conflict mark 1036 indicating this conflict is displayed in the media setting unit 1019, the binding setting unit 1020, and the folding setting unit 1021. As a result, a conflict mark 1036 indicating the conflict state is presented in association with the setting that is the subject of the conflict state. Note that the conflict mark 1036 displayed in the state illustrated in Fig. 11B(C) corresponds to an example of first information indicating the conflict state.

[0061] However, the screen shown in Fig. 11B(C) shows an example of a case where the media type and basis weight of the automatically detected media are determined after the print job is executed based on the detection results by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702. In other words, the situation is different from the example shown in Fig. 10B(D), which corresponds to an example of a case where a similar exclusion condition is detected from the job setting contents that are determined before the print job is executed. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 11B(C), after a print job is executed, it is discovered that the automatically detected media type and other job settings are in an exclusive state, resulting in the print job being restricted from continuing. Therefore, the alert notification area 806 is controlled to display a color different from the normal color, clearly indicating that the print job is being restricted from continuing. The status display area 807 also displays "Paused," indicating that the print job transitioned to a paused state after starting. Additionally, the detailed status display area 808 displays information indicating that a conflict occurred in the job settings due to the detected media, along with detailed information about the event. Similar to the example shown in FIG. 10B(D), a message 1037 is also displayed to encourage resolution of the conflict. As described above, in the example shown in Fig. 11B(C), the job corresponding to the paused entry 1011 has a conflicting job setting, and therefore resumption of execution is restricted unless the conflict is resolved. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 11B(C), the OK button 1023 is grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0062] FIG. 11B(D) shows an example of a state in which the conflict state shown in FIG. 11B(C) is resolved by changing the job setting information shown in FIG. 11B(C). In the example shown in FIG. 11B(D), the settings in the binding setting section 1020 and the folding setting section 1021, which were in conflict with the automatically detected 300 gsm plain paper, are disabled, and the media setting for Media D, the automatically detected sheet, is maintained. As shown in FIG. 11B(D), the conflict state is resolved when the job setting is changed, so the conflict mark 1036 and the message 1037 prompting resolution of the conflict state are deleted, and the OK button 1023 also becomes selectable. In addition, information indicating that the conflict state has been resolved is presented in the detailed status display area 808.

[0063] FIG. 11C(E) shows another example of a state in which the conflict state shown in FIG. 11B(C) is resolved by changing the job setting information shown in FIG. 11B(C). In the example shown in FIG. 11C(E), the settings in the binding setting section 1020 and the folding setting section 1021 remain valid, and another media that does not conflict with these settings is selected. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11C(E), the settings are changed so that Media A corresponding to entry 612 shown in FIG. 6 is applied. As shown in FIG. 11C(E), the conflict state is resolved by changing the job settings, so the conflict mark 1036 and the message 1037 prompting resolution of the conflict state are deleted, and the OK button 1023 also becomes selectable. In addition, information indicating that the conflict state has been resolved is presented in the detailed status display area 808.

[0064] When the OK button 1023 is pressed in the state shown in Fig. 11B(D) or Fig. 11C(E), the screen transitions to the job queue display screen shown in Fig. 11C(F). When the print instruction section 1101 is selected in this state, an instruction is issued to resume execution of the job corresponding to entry 1011 after the conflict state has been resolved.

[0065] 11D(G) shows an example of the schedule job queue selection section 1002 in a state where the print instruction section 1101 is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 11C(F) and print processing of the job corresponding to entry 1011 has started after the conflict has been resolved. The job corresponding to entry 1011 is not in a conflict state, so print processing is executed. Therefore, the schedule job queue selection section 1002 displays information about the job corresponding to entry 1011 as information 1102 about the job currently being printed. Furthermore, since the MFP 101 has transitioned to a state in which printing processing is being executed, the status display area 807 displays the character string "Printing" indicating that printing processing is being executed.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows an example of the state of the UI of MFP 101 after the state shown in FIG. 11B(D) and FIG. 11D(G), i.e., when the automatically detected sheet is used as a job and the conflicting job settings are resolved and printing processing is performed. 12A shows an example of a job scheduler 1201 that is displayed when the schedule setting section 801 is selected. The job scheduler 1201 provided in the MFP 101 according to this embodiment is a UI that calculates and presents to the user status changes over time for a job, the media used by the job, and the output tray where printed sheets are accumulated.

[0067] A time axis 1208 displays time information for future print processing. A job specification media list 1202 also displays information 1204 indicating the type of media to be used for printing. Furthermore, if media corresponding to the type of media to be used for printing is installed in one of the trays, the remaining amount of that media and the amount to be consumed by printing are calculated, and the results of this calculation are displayed as a bar graph on the time axis 1208. Specifically, a first bar graph 1205 indicates that sheets are being consumed by the job currently being printed. Furthermore, if it is determined that the print job will be stopped due to a sheet shortage, a second bar graph 1206 is displayed to warn that the print job will be stopped. In addition, the tray information 1203 displays information 1207 indicating the tray to which the printed sheets to be discharged by the target job will be discharged, and planned loading information 1209, which shows a bar graph indicating the amount of sheets to be loaded in the tray to which the sheets will be discharged, as calculated. This allows the user to check the above-mentioned position information and predict when a sheet shortage or tray full will occur in the future, and to take measures such as incorporating sheet replenishment and the time to remove printed sheets into an action plan, etc. In other words, it is possible to expect the effect of efficiently reducing factors that inhibit productivity.

[0068] Figure 12(B) shows an example of a screen related to media management after Media D is detected by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 and determined to be 300 gsm plain paper, based on the assumptions illustrated in Figures 11A to 11E. In the example shown in Figure 12(B), as can be seen by comparing it with Figure 8C(F), the detected basis weight 1210 and detected media type 1211 are presented as the basis weight 814 and media type 815 of Media D, along with information indicating that it is subject to automatic detection.

[0069] Figure 13 shows an example of information stored in the media database in the state of the screen shown in Figure 12(B). The example shown in Figure 13 differs from the example shown in Figure 6 in that information on the detected media type and basis weight is stored in the second type field 605 and the second basis weight field 607, respectively. In addition, based on the detected media information, the various job setting fields belonging to the capability information field 609 are also updated with appropriate information. In the example shown in Figure 13, FALSE is stored in each of the binding field 610 and the folding field 611, indicating that simultaneous execution is impossible for 300 gsm plain paper and a conflict occurs.

[0070] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment, focusing particularly on processing related to the control of the job setting screen and setting processing executed by the job setting management program 407. The series of processing shown in Fig. 14 is realized by the controller unit 205 reading and executing the job setting management program 407 from the ROM 207. The series of processing shown in Fig. 14 is started when the job setting editing unit 1012 is selected in a state in which the job to be edited shown in Fig. 10A(A) is selected in the job list 1004, and the screen state transitions to the state shown in Fig. 10A(B).

[0071] When any of the various operation units (e.g., various job setting units, etc.) in FIG. 10A(B) receives an operation, in S1401, the controller unit 205 receives the operation content indicated by the operation, and subsequently determines the received operation content.

[0072] In S1402, the controller unit 205 determines whether the operation content accepted in S1401 is an operation on the OK button 1023 or not. If the determination result in S1402 is true, that is, if the controller unit 205 determines that the operation content accepted in S1401 is an operation on the OK button 1023, the various job setting operations accepted in FIG. 10A(B) are completed. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 10B(D), it is assumed that the conflict mark 1036 indicating a conflict state is not displayed and the OK button 1023 is selectable. Therefore, in this case, there is no conflict state in the job settings that have been made, and the job settings are applicable. Therefore, in this case, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1411, saves the content of the previously accepted job setting operation as the job settings of the target job, and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 14. On the other hand, if the controller unit 205 determines that the operation content accepted in S1401 is not an operation on the OK button 1023, the process proceeds to S1403.

[0073] In S1403, the controller unit 205 determines whether the operation content accepted in S1401 is an operation on the cancel button 1035 or not. If the controller unit 205 determines that the operation content accepted in S1401 is an operation on the cancel button 1035, the process proceeds to S1412. In this case, the controller unit 205 discards the content of the job setting operation previously accepted, and then ends the series of processes shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the controller unit 205 determines that the operation content accepted in S1401 is not an operation on the cancel button 1035, the process proceeds to S1404. Note that if the result of the determination in S1403 is false, it means that an operation related to the selection of an operation unit other than the OK button 1023 and the cancel button 1024 among the various operation units shown in FIG. 10A(B), i.e., an operation related to the selection of one of the job setting-related items, has been accepted. Therefore, the controller unit 205 will subsequently execute setting change processing corresponding to the job setting-related item for which the operation has been accepted. In other words, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1404 and executes setting change processing for the selected job setting-related item.

[0074] In S1405, the controller unit 205 performs a capability check on the media set in the job based on the job-related settings that have been performed previously. Specifically, the controller unit 205 checks the contents of the various job settings belonging to the capability information field 609 shown in Fig. 6A for the media set in the job. The results of the check on the contents of the various job settings in S1405 are determined in the processing from S1406 onwards.

[0075] In S1406, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not the values ​​of the capability information fields 609 checked in S1405 for the media used in the target job are all TRUE. If the values ​​of the target capability information fields 609 are all TRUE, this corresponds to a case where the items set as various job settings are applicable in combination with the target media, and there is no conflict between the job settings. In this case, for example, as in the state of the screen shown in FIG. 10A(B), the conflict mark 1036 indicating a conflict is not displayed, and the OK button 1023 is selectable. Therefore, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1410 and activates the OK button 1023. Then, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1401 and transitions to a state where an operation can be accepted. On the other hand, if the controller unit 205 determines that at least some of the values ​​in the target capability information fields 609 are not TRUE, the process proceeds to S1407.

[0076] In S1407, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not there is an item with an undetermined value in the capability information field 609 checked in S1405, regarding the media used in the target job. As explained with reference to Fig. 6, items with undetermined values ​​may be items for media for which automatic detection is set. Specifically, for media for which automatic detection is set, the processing capacity of that media is unknown before the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 detects the media type and basis weight, and the value of the corresponding item is therefore undetermined. Note that for that item, once the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 has completed detection of the media type and basis weight, the value is determined as shown in Fig. 13, and the item is no longer in an undetermined state.

[0077] If the determination result in S1407 is false, that is, if none of the values ​​in the capability information field 609 checked in S1405 are TRUE and there are no items with undetermined values, then the items in question will include an item with a value of FALSE. In other words, this case corresponds to a conflict between job settings, and it means that it has been detected that the execution of processing is restricted for the combination of the media set in the job and other job settings. Therefore, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1408, and as shown in Fig. 10B(D), marks the conflict mark 1036 on the items in the capability information field 609 that were checked in S1405 and whose values ​​were FALSE. Also, in S1409, because there is a conflict between the job settings at this point, the controller unit 205 deactivates the OK button 1023 so that it cannot be selected, as shown in Fig. 10B(D). Then, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1401, and transitions to a state in which operations can be accepted.

[0078] A true result in S1407 corresponds to a case where none of the values ​​in the capability information field 609 checked in S1405 are TRUE and at least some of the items have undetermined values. In other words, this corresponds to a state where an auto-detection target medium is set as the media used for the target job, but the media type and basis weight have not yet been determined because the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 has not yet detected the media type and basis weight. As described with reference to FIGS. 10C(E) and 10C(F), in this case, execution of the job is permitted, and a sheet corresponding to the auto-detection target medium is fed to the position where the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 is located. Furthermore, in this case, the transition process for the target job is executed after the media type and basis weight are detected. Therefore, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1410 and activates the OK button 1023 so that it can be selected. Then, the controller unit 205 advances the process to S1401 and transitions to a state where an operation can be accepted.

[0079] An example of the processing of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. 14, focusing particularly on the processing related to the control of the job setting screen and setting processing executed by the job setting management program 407.

[0080] An example of processing by the MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15, focusing particularly on the control operations performed after a print job instruction is initiated by the job queue management program 408. The series of processing shown in Fig. 15 is implemented by the controller unit 205 reading and executing the job queue management program 408 from the ROM 207. The series of processing shown in Fig. 15 is initiated, for example, when the print instruction unit 1101 is selected on the job queue display screen shown in Fig. 11A(B).

[0081] In S1501, the controller unit 205 checks the media-related settings of the job settings made for the job for which the print start instruction has been issued. The information checked in S1501 is discriminated in S1502. In S1502, the controller unit 205 determines whether the media set in the job for which printing has been instructed is a media subject to automatic detection. Specifically, the controller unit 205 determines whether the media set in the job is a media subject to automatic detection based on whether the value of the automatic detection field 608 in the media database shown in Fig. 6 for the media set in the job is TRUE. If the determination result in S1502 is false, i.e., the media set in the target job is not a media that is subject to automatic detection, this corresponds to the case where normal media is specified in the prior art. As a specific example, in the example shown in Fig. 6, a situation in which media such as Media A, Media B, and Media C corresponding to entries 612, 613, and 614 are set may be an example of this case. In this case, the controller unit 205 proceeds to S1509, executes printing processing using sheets that are not a media that is subject to automatic detection and are specified in the job, and when the printing processing is completed, ends the series of processing shown in Fig. 15. On the other hand, if the determination result in S1502 is true, this corresponds to the case where the media set for the target job is a media that is subject to automatic detection. As a specific example, in the example shown in Fig. 6, a situation in which media such as Media D corresponding to entry 615 is set may be an example of this case. In this case, the controller unit 205 proceeds to S1503.

[0082] In S1503, the controller unit 205 feeds a sheet that is set as a target for automatic detection to one of the paper feed trays of the MFP 101, and transports the sheet to a location where the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 is located. This enables the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 to detect the sheet type and basis weight of the transported sheet.

[0083] In S1504, the controller unit 205 acquires information on the sheet type and basis weight of the sheet based on the detection result of the automatic detection target performed by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702.

[0084] In S1505, the controller unit 205 updates the information in the sheet type and basis weight fields in the entry for the target media in the media database shown in Fig. 6 based on the sheet type and basis weight information acquired in S1504. Specifically, the controller unit 205 updates the information in the second type field 605, second basis weight field 607, and capability information field 609 in the entry for the media to be automatically detected shown in Fig. 6 based on the detected media information. When the processing of S1505 is completed, the information in the corresponding fields in the media database for the automatically detected media is no longer undetermined, but has been updated with the detected information and values ​​(TRUE, FALSE) based on the detected information. The subsequent behavior of the MFP 101 with respect to the sheet automatically detected by the processing up to S1505 may change depending on the processing content of the subsequent flow, but details will be described separately later.

[0085] In S1506, the controller unit 205 performs a capability check of the job-related settings set for the target job for the media set for the job, taking into account the information on the media to be automatically detected that was determined in the processing up to S1505. Note that the processing of S1506 is substantially the same as the processing of S1405 shown in Fig. 14, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In S1507, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not the values ​​of all items in the capability information field 609 checked in S1506 for the media used in the target job are TRUE. Note that the processing in S1507 is substantially the same as the processing in S1406 shown in Fig. 14, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. If the determination result in S1507 is true, this corresponds to a case where the automatically detected media information, such as the media type and basis weight, and the information in the capability information field 609 determined from these, and the job settings configured for the target job are not in a conflict state. In this case, the controller unit 205 proceeds to S1509, executes printing processing using a sheet that is not a media that is an automatically detected target specified for the job, and when the printing processing is completed, ends the series of processing shown in FIG. In S1503, the sheet placed in the paper feed unit of the MFP 101 and transported to the position of the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702 is not in a conflict state as described above, and can therefore be used as a printing sheet for the target job. Therefore, the sheet transported in S1503 is used to generate the deliverable of the target job in S1509 and subsequent processing. On the other hand, if the determination result in S1507 is false, this corresponds to a case where the automatically detected media information and the job settings for the target job are in a conflict state. Therefore, in this case, the controller unit 205 suspends the image formation process and proceeds to S1508. That is, instead of applying image formation to the sheet transported to the position of the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702, the controller unit 205 ejects the sheet to one of the output units included in the MFP 101, and proceeds to S1510. In step S1510, the controller unit 205 transitions the display state of the operation unit 204 to a state in which it has been determined that the automatically detected media type after execution of the print job is in an exclusive state with other job settings, as shown in Fig. 11B(C). Then, the controller unit 205 executes the processes from step S1405 onward shown in Fig. 14.

[0087] An example of the processing of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. 15, focusing particularly on the control operation executed by the job queue management program 408 after the start of a print job instruction. The above is a description of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, an example of a technology that temporarily suspends execution and enables resolution of a conflicting state when the media type and basis weight information of the media to be automatically detected is determined after a print job start instruction is given and it is determined that the information conflicts with various job settings. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an example of a technology that enables discrimination between a conflicting state during job settings detected by the MFP 101 before a print job start instruction is given and a conflicting state during job settings detected by the MFP 101 after a print job start instruction is given will be described.

[0089] An example of a screen to which the printer transitions when it is determined that a conflict exists between the media type and basis weight detected as an automatically detected media and other job settings after issuing a print job start command in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The screen shown in Fig. 16 corresponds to the screen shown in Fig. 11B(C) in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the conflict mark 1601 indicates that a conflict resulting from the detection results of the auto-sensing media has occurred after a print job start instruction is issued. By applying this type of control, it is possible to explicitly indicate to the user that the cause of the conflict is due to the capabilities related to the auto-sensing media. The conflict mark 1601 displayed in the example state shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to an example of second information indicating a conflict state.

[0090] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, for media that are subject to automatic detection, information such as the media type and basis weight of the media is unknown after the start of printing processing until the media is detected by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702. Due to these characteristics, it is theoretically difficult to detect a conflict state before the start of printing processing for media that are subject to automatic detection. Therefore, even if the media actually loaded in the paper feed unit is in a conflict state with other job settings, the conflict mark 1036 indicating a conflict state will not be displayed, as shown in FIG. 10C(F). However, if it were possible for the user to determine in advance which job settings may conflict after the media type and basis weight of the media to be automatically detected have been determined, it would be possible to expect an improvement in the efficiency of pre-processing before the start of a print job. In consideration of the above situation, this embodiment describes an example of a technology that, when a medium to be automatically detected is applied as a job setting before the start of a print job, presents the user in advance with settings that may cause a conflict after the medium is detected.

[0091] Fig. 17 shows an example of a job setting screen before a print job start instruction is given in this embodiment. The screen shown in Fig. 17 corresponds to the screen shown in Fig. 10C(F) in the first embodiment. 17, the media setting for the target job is specified as a media to be automatically detected in the media setting section 1019. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 17, a conflict possibility indication mark 1701 is displayed in each of the media setting section 1019, binding setting section 1020, and folding setting section 1021. By applying this control, it is possible to inform the user before the print job is started that, although the job settings are not in a conflict state under the illustrated circumstances, a conflict state may occur depending on the automatically detected media. Note that the conflict possibility indication mark 1701 displayed in the circumstances illustrated in Fig. 17 corresponds to an example of third information indicating a conflict state.

[0092] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, when the media type and basis weight information for the automatically detected media is determined after a print job start instruction is given and it is determined that there is a conflict with the various job settings, the screen state is transitioned to that shown in Fig. 11B(C). That is, in the first embodiment, a conflict state is detected after the start of print processing, and an operating means for editing job settings is provided to the user in order to allow the user to resolve the conflict state. On the other hand, depending on the usage of the MFP, instead of transitioning to such an execution interruption state and having the user resolve the conflict, it may be required to stop the execution of the job in which the conflict was detected without pausing it, and to set and execute it again at an appropriate time. In view of the above situation, this embodiment describes an example of control that allows the execution of a job to be stopped when the media type and basis weight information of the media to be automatically detected is determined after a print job start instruction is issued and it is found to be in conflict with various job settings.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 18, an example of processing by the MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the control operation executed by the job queue management program 408 after a print job instruction is started. The series of processing shown in Fig. 18 is realized by the controller unit 205 reading and executing the job queue management program 408 from the ROM 207. The series of processing shown in Fig. 18 differs from the series of processing described in the first embodiment with reference to Fig. 15 in that processing of S1801 is applied instead of processing of S1510. Therefore, the example shown in Fig. 18 will be described, focusing particularly on the parts that are different from the example shown in Fig. 15, and detailed description of parts that are substantially the same as the example shown in Fig. 15 will be omitted.

[0094] If the determination result in S1507 is false, that is, if the controller unit 205 determines that the media is the target of automatic detection and the settings of the media are in a conflict with the job settings, the controller unit 205 proceeds to S1508 and ejects the sheet used for automatic detection. After that, in S1801, instead of executing the processing of S1510 shown in Fig. 15, the controller unit 205 stops the execution of the target job and ends the series of processing shown in Fig. 18.

[0095] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an example of a technique for suspending execution of a target job when it is determined that a target medium for automatic detection is in a conflict with the print job settings after a print job start instruction is issued is described. In this embodiment, an example of control for restoring the target job to the state immediately before the execution start instruction for the job is issued, instead of suspending the execution of the target job, is described.

[0096] 11A(B) described in the first embodiment, a print execution instruction is issued via the print instruction unit 1101. In this embodiment, if a conflict state is detected thereafter, the controller unit 205 controls the target job to be returned to the waiting job queue selection unit 1003 again. By applying the above-described control, even if a conflict state is detected after issuing an instruction to execute a print job, it is possible to flexibly change various conditions, including editing the settings of the target job, while still enjoying the convenience of automatic media detection.

[0097] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. By applying the mechanism described in the fifth embodiment, if it is determined that the media to be automatically detected is in a conflict with the print job settings after a print job start instruction is issued, the target job is returned to the waiting job queue selection unit 1003. At this point, the media type, basis weight, and capability information of the media to be automatically detected have been determined by the first media type detection unit 701 or the second media type detection unit 702. In consideration of this situation, in this embodiment, the controller unit 205 may perform control so that the target job is returned to the waiting job queue selection unit 1003 with the job settings updated based on the information determined after detection.

[0098] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0099] The disclosure of the present embodiment also includes the following system, method, and program. (System 1) A print processing system comprising: a receiving means for receiving designation of settings related to printing, including at least a setting for the type of media to be applied to printing; a discrimination means for determining whether the setting for the type of media to be applied to printing and other settings among the settings related to printing are in a conflicting state; and a control means for controlling operation related to image formation on media by an image forming unit, wherein when an automatic detection setting that identifies the type of media based on the detection results of the target media by a specified detection unit is applied as the setting for the type of media for which the receiving means has accepted designation, the control means causes the detection unit to detect the target media by transporting the target media, the discrimination means determines whether the setting for the type of media based on the detection results of the target media by the detection unit and the other settings are in a conflicting state, and when the discrimination means determines that the conflicting state exists, the control means interrupts operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target media, and the receiving means presents first information indicating the conflicting state in association with the setting that is the subject of the conflicting state. (System 2) The printing processing system described in System 1 is characterized in that, even when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the media type for which the acceptance means has accepted the designation, if the media type for the target media has previously been identified based on the detection result by the detection unit, the discrimination means determines whether the setting for the media type identified based on the detection result of the media by the detection unit is in a conflict with the other settings before the image forming unit starts the operation related to the image formation, and when the discrimination means determines that there is a conflict, the acceptance means presents second information suggesting the possibility of the conflict, linked to the setting that is the subject of the conflict. (System 3) The printing processing system described in System 1 is characterized in that, when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the media type whose designation has been accepted by the accepting means, if there is a possibility of a conflict between the media type setting and the other setting based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit before the image forming unit starts the operation related to the image formation, the accepting means presents third information suggesting the possibility of the conflict, linked to the setting that is the subject of the conflict, before the detection of the media by the detection unit is performed. (System 4) A printing processing system described in any one of Systems 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means cancels a job related to image formation on the target media when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the type of media accepted by the acceptance means and the discrimination means determines that the conflict state exists. (System 5) A printing processing system described in any one of Systems 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means transitions the job related to image formation on the target media to a state before execution began when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the type of media accepted by the acceptance means and the discrimination means determines that the conflict state exists. (System 6) A printing processing system as described in System 5, characterized in that when the control means transitions the job to a state before execution started based on the determination result by the determination means that the job is in a conflict state, the control means updates the media type setting of the job to the media type previously identified based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit. (Method 1) A control method for a print processing system, comprising: a receiving step of receiving designation of settings related to printing, including at least a setting for the type of media to be applied to printing; a determination step of determining whether or not the setting for the type of media and other settings among the settings related to printing are in a conflicting state; and a control step of controlling operation related to image formation on media by an image forming unit, wherein the control step, when an automatic detection setting that identifies the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by a specified detection unit is applied as the setting for the type of media designated in the receiving step, causes the detection unit to detect the target media by transporting the target media; and the determination step determines whether or not the setting for the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit and the other settings are in a conflicting state, and if it is determined in the determination step that a conflict exists, the operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target media is interrupted, and first information indicating the conflicting state is presented in association with the setting that is the subject of the conflicting state. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as a print processing system, comprising: an acceptance means for accepting designation of printing-related settings, including at least a setting for the type of media to be applied to printing; a discrimination means for determining whether or not the setting for the type of media among the settings for printing is in a conflicting state with other settings; and a control means for controlling operation related to image formation on media by an image forming unit, wherein the control means, when an automatic detection setting that identifies the type of media based on the detection results of the target media by a specified detection unit is applied as the setting for the type of media for which the acceptance means has accepted designation, causes the detection unit to detect the target media by transporting the target media, the discrimination means discriminates whether or not the setting for the type of media based on the detection results of the target media by the detection unit is in a conflicting state with the other settings, and when the discrimination means determines that the conflicting state exists, the control means interrupts operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target media, and the acceptance means presents first information indicating the conflicting state in association with the setting that is the subject of the conflicting state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 200 Sheet processing device 204 Operation section 205 Controller 210 Media type detection unit 220 Large Capacity Paper Feeder

Claims

1. a receiving unit for receiving a setting specification for the printing, the setting specification including at least a setting for the type of media to be applied to the printing; a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting of the media type and other settings among the settings related to printing are in a conflict state; a control unit for controlling operations relating to image formation on a medium by the image forming unit; and When an automatic detection setting that identifies the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by a predetermined detection unit is applied as the setting of the type of media specified by the reception unit, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the target media by transporting the target media; the determining means determines whether or not the setting of the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by the detecting unit and the other setting are in a conflict state; When the determination means determines that the conflict state exists, the control means suspends the operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target medium, The receiving unit presents first information indicating the conflict state in association with a setting that is a target of the conflict state. A print processing system comprising:

2. Even when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the type of media specified by the receiving means, if the type of media has previously been identified for the target media based on the detection result by the detection unit, the determining means determines whether or not the setting for the type of media identified based on the detection result of the media by the detection unit and the other setting are in a conflict state before the image forming operation by the image forming unit is started, When the determination means determines that the conflict state exists, the reception means presents second information suggesting the possibility of the conflict state in association with the setting that is the target of the conflict state.

2. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The printing processing system of claim 1, characterized in that when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the media type whose designation has been accepted by the accepting means, if there is a possibility of a conflict between the media type setting and the other setting based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit before the image forming unit starts the operation related to the image formation, the accepting means presents third information suggesting the possibility of the conflict, linked to the setting that is the subject of the conflict, before the detection of the media by the detection unit is performed.

4. The printing processing system of claim 1, characterized in that the control means cancels a job related to image formation on the target media when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the type of media accepted by the acceptance means and the discrimination means determines that the conflict state exists.

5. The printing processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the control means transitions the job related to image formation on the target media to a state before execution began when the automatic detection setting is applied as the setting for the type of media accepted by the acceptance means and the discrimination means determines that the conflict state exists.

6. The printing processing system described in claim 5, characterized in that when the control means transitions the job to a state before execution started based on the determination result by the determination means that the job is in a conflict state, the control means updates the media type setting of the job to the media type previously identified based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit.

7. A method for controlling a print processing system, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a designation of settings related to the printing, which designation includes at least a setting of the type of media to be applied to the printing; a determining step of determining whether or not the setting of the media type and other settings among the settings related to printing are in a conflict state; a control step of controlling an operation related to image formation on a medium by an image forming unit; Including, In the control step, when an automatic detection setting is applied as the setting of the type of the media accepted in the accepting step, the automatic detection setting is applied to identify the type of the media based on the detection result of the target media by a predetermined detection unit, and the detection unit is made to detect the target media by conveying the target media; the determining step determines whether or not a conflict exists between the setting of the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by the detection unit and the other setting; If it is determined in the determining step that the conflict state exists, The operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target medium is interrupted, The first information indicating the conflict state is presented in association with the setting that is the target of the conflict state. A control method for a print processing system, comprising:

8. Computer, a receiving unit for receiving a setting specification for the printing, the setting specification including at least a setting for the type of media to be applied to the printing; a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting of the media type and other settings among the settings related to printing are in a conflict state; a control unit for controlling operations relating to image formation on a medium by the image forming unit; and When an automatic detection setting that identifies the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by a predetermined detection unit is applied as the setting of the type of media specified by the reception unit, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the target media by transporting the target media; the determining means determines whether or not the setting of the type of media based on the detection result of the target media by the detecting unit and the other setting are in a conflict state; When the determination means determines that the conflict state exists, the control means suspends the operation of the image forming unit related to image formation on the target medium, The receiving unit presents first information indicating the conflict state in association with a setting that is a target of the conflict state. A program for causing the system to function as a print processing system characterized by:

Images