Printing system, control method of printing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of confirming in which device a jam occurred without looking at an operation unit of an image forming apparatus when the jam of a sheet occurs.SOLUTION: A printing system includes an image forming apparatus and a sheet conveying apparatus configured to convey a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus, where the sheet conveying apparatus includes a notification unit for notifying a jam of the sheet in the sheet conveying device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a control method for a printing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a printing system having an image forming apparatus and a sheet conveying apparatus that conveys sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus, and there is a technology in which the image forming apparatus notifies the occurrence of a sheet jam via an operation unit provided in the apparatus itself.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus having a sheet conveying device notifies a user of a sheet jam that occurs in the image forming apparatus or the sheet conveying device only through an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-211594 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a sheet jam occurs, the user must remove the jammed sheet from the sheet transport path in order to resume image formation.

[0006] In order to check where the jam has occurred, the user must go to the location of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that enables a user to check, when a sheet jam occurs, which device the jam occurred in without looking at the operation unit of the image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is characterized by comprising an image forming apparatus and a sheet conveying device that conveys sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus, and the sheet conveying device having a notification section that notifies of a sheet jam in the sheet conveying device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a sheet jam occurs, it is possible to confirm in which device the jam occurred without looking at the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of a DFE in a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of a printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of modules constituting a printer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining the shape and arrangement of the transport path of the printer in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the correspondence between the modules, LEDs, transport paths, and sensors in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a jam state that has occurred in the printing system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a notification of the jam state that has occurred in the printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] First flow chart for explaining the first embodiment [Figure 7] Second flow chart explaining the first embodiment [Figure 8] 1A is a third flow diagram for explaining the first embodiment except for the image forming unit, and FIG. 1B is a third flow diagram for explaining the first embodiment for the image forming unit. [Figure 9]10A is a diagram showing an example of a jam state that has occurred in a printing system according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a notification of a jam state that has occurred in a printing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Flow diagram illustrating a third embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a print processing system according to this embodiment. The print processing system according to this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 101 and a PC (Personal Computer) 105. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printer 102, which is an example of a print system, a DFE (Digital Front End) 103, and an operation unit 104. The image forming apparatus 101 is communicably connected to a PC 105, which is an example of an information processing apparatus, via a network 100. In this embodiment, the printer 102 will be described as an inkjet printer, but the printer 102 may also be an electrophotographic printer.

[0013] 1 shows an example in which one PC 105 is provided in the print processing system, but the image forming apparatus 101 and multiple information processing apparatuses may be communicably connected via the network 100. Also, although the print processing system of the present embodiment is illustrated as including the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 105, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 can execute image formation processing on its own, and the image forming apparatus 101 alone may constitute the print processing system. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 101 can print image data stored in the DFE 103 or the memory of the image forming apparatus 101 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0014] The PC 105 can execute various programs, such as an application program that generates image data to be printed by the image forming apparatus 101. The PC 105 also has installed therein a printer driver and workflow software that converts print data into a printer language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 101. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction from an application. Based on the print instruction, the printer driver, workflow software, etc. converts data output by the application into print data that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 101, and transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 connected to the network 100.

[0015] 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 may be modified as appropriate. For example, the PC 105 may transmit print data to the image forming device via a cloud server.

[0016] Next, the printer 102 will be described. The printer 102 is an example of a printing system, and has a printing function of printing an image on a sheet based on image data. The printer 102 also has multiple sheet storage units (paper feed units) and multiple sheet discharge units (paper discharge units). The printer 102 feeds a sheet from one of the multiple sheet storage units, transports the fed sheet, prints an image on the transported sheet, and discharges the sheet with the printed image to one of the multiple sheet discharge units. Note that the printer 102 can transport various types of sheets, such as plain paper, cardboard, and coated paper.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 101 can execute a print job to print an image on a sheet based on image data received from the PC 105. In this embodiment, the printer 102 may be a multifunction printer equipped with a reading device such as a scanner. In this case, the printer 102 can execute a copy job to print an image on a sheet based on image data of a document read by the scanner.

[0018] In the image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment, a DFE 103 equipped with an operation unit 104 is connected to the printer 102 via a second network 106. The figure also shows an example of a configuration in which the printer 102 is connected to the network 100 via the DFE 103. That is, in the configuration shown in the figure, the printer 102 receives an instruction to execute a print job from the PC 105 via the DFE 103. The DFE 103 and the printer 102 are connected via the network 106, and information such as print data, various commands, and status notifications is transmitted and received via the network 106.

[0019] The printer 102 is configured such that a plurality of devices (modules) with different roles are interconnected and can perform various types of sheet processing. Each component of the printer 102 will be described below.

[0020] The printer 102 has a paper feed unit 214, a printer unit 213, and a paper discharge unit 215. The printer unit 213 has an image forming unit 201, a first fixing unit (first fixing device) 205, a second fixing unit (second fixing device) 206, a cooling unit (cooling device) 207, and an inverting unit (inverting device) 208.

[0021] In the image forming unit 201, inkjet heads of each color, arranged in a line perpendicular to the transport direction, eject droplets from above onto a sheet transported below them in accordance with image data, forming an image on the sheet. A primer is ejected prior to the ejection of each color ink to improve the adhesiveness and fixation of the droplets. The image forming unit 201 shown in the figure performs image formation processing for each of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). However, the unit may be configured to be able to form images using ink of any color other than these, known as a special color, or additional colors such as orange, violet, and green.

[0022] The sheet on which the full-color image has been formed is transported to a first fixing unit 205 and a second fixing unit 206. These first fixing unit 205 and second fixing unit 206 have built-in heat sources such as heaters, and use heat to dry and fix the ink on the sheet on which the image has been formed. Next, the sheet is transported to a cooling unit 207, which cools the sheet to lower the temperature of the heated sheet.

[0023] The reversing unit 208 is a module used to reverse the sheet so that an image can be formed on the reverse side of the sheet, and to transport the reversed sheet to the image forming unit 201 again.

[0024] The paper feed unit 214 is for continuously supplying sheets on which the printer unit 213 forms images, and in the same figure, three paper feed units (202, 203, 204) are shown connected. The paper discharge unit 215 is a unit for accumulating printed products, and in the example shown in the same figure, three paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) are shown connected. Each paper feed unit is also called a paper feed device. Each paper discharge unit is also called a paper discharge device.

[0025] The notification means (lamp) 212 is a unit for notifying the status of the printer 102 by lighting a lamp, and is controlled by the DFE 103 in the system shown in the figure.

[0026] Each of the above-mentioned components constituting the printer 102 is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 216. The LED 216 indicates an event that occurs in the component in which it is located, for example, by lighting up the LED, the color of the light, or the lighting pattern. Note that the LED 216 is an example of a notification unit, and a notification unit other than an LED may be used as long as it can notify the user of an event.

[0027] Specifically, for example, assume that a sheet guided to the second fixing unit 207 jams inside the device. In this case, in the system of this embodiment, the LED (216-9) or the LED (216-10) provided in the second fixing unit 207 lights up in red, and the operator can be notified that an event has occurred in which it is difficult to continue printing due to a jam that has occurred in the second fixing unit 207.

[0028] A second example is as follows: When the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) run out of sheets during printing of a job that is currently being printed and processing cannot continue, one of the LEDs (216-3) provided in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) can be turned on in red to notify the operator.

[0029] A third example is as follows: When the amount of stacked sheets reaches a predetermined amount during printing of a job currently being printed in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) and no more sheets can be stacked, one of the LEDs (216-16) provided in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) lights up in red. This makes it possible to notify the operator that the sheets can no longer be stacked.

[0030] Events that have occurred in the printer 102 can be presented by the operation unit 104 included in the DFE 103. However, if the information is presented only by the operation unit 104, the operator must go to the operation unit 104 to determine in which of the many units that make up the printer 102 the event occurred and what the event is. For example, a sheet jam may occur when the user is away from the image forming apparatus 101 to transport ejected printed materials. In this case, the user must remove the sheet to resume printing, but must go to the operation unit 104 to check where the sheet is jammed. Furthermore, even if information is presented on the operation unit 290 (described below) included in the image forming unit 201, the user must go to the operation unit 290 of the image forming unit 201 to view the information.

[0031] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, a unit in which an event has occurred lights up LED 216 provided in that unit, allowing the user to easily identify the location where the event has occurred without having to go to operation unit 104 or operation unit 290. Also, by changing the color or pattern of the light depending on the type of event that has occurred, the user can identify the type of event that has occurred without having to go to operation unit 104 or operation unit 290. In this way, LED 216 allows the operator to easily grasp the event, thereby improving the operability and convenience of the device.

[0032] 2(A) and 2(B) are functional block diagrams showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment. Note that the blocks shown in Fig. 2 are divided into system units, and therefore some parts do not necessarily correspond to the units of the device configuration shown in Fig. 1. Below, the internal configurations of the DFE 103 and printer 102 that make up the image forming apparatus 101 will be described using block diagrams.

[0033] 2A is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the DFE 103. The CPU 217 of the DFE 103 performs overall control of the DFE 103 by reading various programs stored in the first SSD 221 into the first RAM 220 and executing them.

[0034] The first network I / F 218 is used to receive print data transmitted from an information processing device, such as the PC 105, connected to the network 100. The first network I / F 218 is also used to distribute the status of the image forming apparatus 101 to the information processing device, such as the PC 105. The print data received via the first network I / F 218 is processed by the CPU 217. Specific examples of the processing include print data expansion, RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing, image conversion processing, and color conversion processing. The DFE 103 is also provided with an operation unit 222 separate from the operation unit 104, and various settings for the DFE 103, job settings, and adjustment instructions for the image forming apparatus 101 are performed by an operator via the operation unit 222. The CPU 217 and each module are connected via a system bus 223. The operation unit 222 may be omitted, and the operations that can be performed via the operation unit 222 may also be performed via the operation unit 104.

[0035] The print data processed by the DFE 103 is sent by the second network I / F 219 to the printer 102 connected via the second network 106 .

[0036] 2B is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the printer 102. The third network I / F 225 is connected to the second network I / F 219 included in the DFE 103 via the second network 106, and mainly receives print data and transmits and receives statuses and commands between the DFE 103 and the printer 102.

[0037] The CPU 224 is a unit that performs overall control of the operation of the printer 102 by reading various programs stored in the second SSD 221 into the second RAM 220 and executing them.

[0038] The submodules 201 to 211 are connected to a CPU 224 via a system bus 228, and operate upon receiving instructions from the CPU 224. In this embodiment, the CPU 217 provided in the DFE 103 and the CPU 224 are separate configurations, but any one of the CPUs may control both the DFE 103 and the image forming apparatus 101.

[0039] The sheet management unit 226 is a storage unit that stores a database that forms a paper library provided in the printer 102, and holds parameters for various media.

[0040] The adjustment unit 227 is a means for executing various calibrations, and includes various sensors and modules for controlling them. In addition to the above, the CPU 224 is also connected to the first fixing unit 205, the second fixing unit 206, the cooling unit 207, the image forming unit 201, the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), the reversing unit 208, and the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) via the system bus.

[0041] The internal configuration of the cooling unit 207 will be described. The microprocessor 207-1 controls the subunits included in the cooling unit 207 and is configured to exchange control commands, status notifications, and the like with the CPU 224. The upper transport unit 207-2 and the lower transport unit 207-3 are sheet transport units configured within the cooling unit 207, and the transport process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 207-1. For convenience, multiple reference symbols are assigned to one block, but each reference symbol is considered to be a unit. Similarly, sensors and LEDs other than the transport units are considered to be units each designated by a reference symbol. The upper paper passage sensor 207-4 and the lower paper passage sensor 207-5 are paper passage sensors provided in the upper transport unit 207-2 and the lower transport unit 207-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a transported sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the transport units within the cooling unit 207. The upper opening / closing sensor 207-6 and the lower opening / closing sensor 207-7 are sensors provided to detect the open / closed state of the door disposed in front of the cooling unit 207.

[0042] The LEDs (216-11, 216-12) are notification means provided in the cooling unit 207. The LEDs are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the cooling unit 207 by their position and color. Details of which LEDs light up in which colors when which events occur will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0043] Next, the internal configuration of the first fixing unit 205 will be described. The microprocessor 205-1 controls the subunits included in the first fixing unit 205 and is configured to exchange control commands, status notifications, and the like with the CPU 224. The upper conveying unit 205-2 and the lower conveying unit 205-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the first fixing unit 205, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 205-1. The upper paper passing sensor 205-4 and the lower paper passing sensor 205-5 are paper passing sensors provided in the upper conveying unit 205-2 and the lower conveying unit 205-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying units within the first fixing unit 205. The upper opening / closing sensor 205-6, the lower opening / closing sensor 205-7, and the top cover opening / closing sensor 205-8 are sensors provided to detect the open / closed state of a door located in front of or on the top surface of the first fixing unit 205.

[0044] The LEDs (216-7, 216-8) are notification means provided in the first fixing unit 205. They are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the first fixing unit 205 by the position and color of the LED. Details of which LED lights up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0045] The position and color of the LED indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the first fixing unit 205. Details of which LED lights up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0046] Next, the internal configuration of the second fixing unit 206 will be described. The microprocessor 206-1 controls the subunits included in the second fixing unit 206 and is configured to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224. The upper conveying unit 206-2 and the lower conveying unit 206-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the second fixing unit 206, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 206-1. The upper paper passing sensor 206-4 and the lower paper passing sensor 206-5 are paper passing sensors provided in the upper conveying unit 206-2 and the lower conveying unit 206-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying unit within the second fixing unit 206. The upper opening / closing sensor 206-6, the lower opening / closing sensor 206-7, and the top cover opening / closing sensor 206-8 are sensors provided to detect the open / closed state of a door located in front of or on the top surface of the second fixing unit 206.

[0047] The LEDs (216-9, 216-10) are notification means provided in the second fixing unit 206. They are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the second fixing unit 206 by the position and color of the LED. Details of which LED lights up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0048] Next, the internal configuration of the image forming unit 201 will be described. The microprocessor 201-1 controls the subunits of the image forming unit 201 and is configured to exchange control commands, status notifications, and the like with the CPU 224. The upper conveying unit 201-2 and the lower conveying unit 201-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the image forming unit 201, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 201-1. The upper paper passing sensor 201-4 and the lower paper passing sensor 201-5 are paper passing sensors provided in the upper conveying unit 201-2 and the lower conveying unit 201-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying units within the image forming unit 201. The upper opening / closing sensor 201-6 and the lower opening / closing sensor 201-7 are sensors provided to detect the open / closed state of a door located in front of the image forming unit 201.

[0049] The LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6) are notification means provided in the image forming unit 201. The LEDs are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the image forming unit 201 by their position and color. Details of which LEDs light up in which colors when which events occur will be described later.

[0050] Next, the internal configuration of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) will be described. The microprocessor 202-1 controls the subunits provided in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) and is configured to exchange control commands, status notifications, and the like with the CPU 224. The upper conveying unit 202-2 and the lower conveying unit 202-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 202-1. The upper paper passing sensor 202-4 and the lower paper passing sensor 202-5 are paper passing sensors provided in the upper conveying unit 202-2 and the lower conveying unit 202-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying units within the paper feed units (202, 203, 204). The upper open / close sensor 202-6 and the lower open / close sensor 202-7 are sensors provided to detect the open / close state of the doors arranged in front of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204).

[0051] The LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3) are notification means provided in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204). They indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) by the position and color of the LED. Details of which LED lights up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0052] Next, the internal configuration of the reversing unit 208 will be described. The microprocessor 208-1 controls the subunits included in the reversing unit 208 and is configured to exchange control commands, status notifications, and the like with the CPU 224. The upper conveying unit 208-2 and the lower conveying unit 208-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the reversing unit 208, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 208-1. The upper paper passing sensor 208-4 and the lower paper passing sensor 208-5 are paper passing sensors provided in the upper conveying unit 208-2 and the lower conveying unit 208-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying units within the reversing unit 208. The upper opening / closing sensor 208-6 and the lower opening / closing sensor 208-7 are sensors provided to detect the open / closed state of a door located in front of the reversing unit 208. The upper open / close sensor 209-6 and the lower open / close sensor 209-7 are sensors provided to detect the open / close state of the doors arranged in front of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211).

[0053] The LEDs (216-13, 216-14) are notification means provided in the reversing unit 208. They are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the reversing unit 208 by the position and color of the LED. Details of which LED lights up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0054] Next, the internal configuration of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) will be described. The microprocessor 209-1 controls the subunits provided in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) and is configured to exchange control commands, status notifications, and the like with the CPU 224. The upper conveying unit 209-2 and the lower conveying unit 209-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211), and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 209-1. The upper paper passing sensor 209-4 and the lower paper passing sensor 209-5 are paper passing sensors provided in the upper conveying unit 209-2 and the lower conveying unit 209-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. They are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying units within the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211).

[0055] The LEDs (216-15, 216-16) are notification means provided in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211). They indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) by the position and color of the LED. Details of which LED lights up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0056] The transport path (sheet transport path) of each of the above-mentioned modules is enclosed within a door (cover) provided on the entire surface or on top. Therefore, when performing maintenance work, such as removing jammed paper that has stopped on the transport path due to a jam during printing, the door (cover) must be opened to access the transport path. Furthermore, when the necessary maintenance work is completed, the door (cover) must be closed to return the printer to its original state. In other words, the printer 102 detects the completion of the jam recovery process from a change in the open / close state of the door (cover), and then internally executes subsequent recovery processes. The various open / close sensors provided in the modules are used to detect the opening and closing of the door (cover) associated with the above-mentioned maintenance work performed by the operator.

[0057] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned modules includes a RAM (201-20 to 209-20) for storing programs, data, and processing results when the microprocessors (201-1 to 209-1) execute the processing. However, the microprocessors (201-1 to 209-1) may be configured to access the second RAM 229 via the system bus 228 to achieve the same processing.

[0058] The operation unit 290 is an operation unit for performing various operations such as setting the printer 102. The operation unit 290 of the printer 102 may be configured to be replaced by the operation unit 222 provided in the DFE 103.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the details of the configuration of each unit included in the printer 102.

[0060] 3A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204). The paper feed units (202, 203, 204) according to this embodiment are equipped with three trays (217, 218, 219), each capable of storing sheets of different types and sizes. Each tray (217, 218, 219) is also equipped with a tray open indicator 231 and a remaining sheet amount indicator 232 stored therein. The escape tray 233 is a tray for ejecting folded sheets, double-fed sheets, and other sheets that may cause problems, so that they are not transported to the image forming unit 201.

[0061] The paper feed units (202, 203, 204) are equipped with three LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3).

[0062] The LED 216-1 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when a sheet jam occurs in the lower conveyance unit 202-3 in the paper feed unit (202, 203, 204). Note that a sheet jam is also simply called a jam.

[0063] The LED 216-2 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the upper conveying section 202-2 in the paper feed section (202, 203, 204). The LED 216-2 is also used as a means for notifying information other than jams. Specifically, in the system of this embodiment, it lights up in red to provide information when the sheets discharged onto the escape tray 233 become full. Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the LED lights up in yellow to provide information when the escape tray is close to being full.

[0064] The LED 216-3 is used to indicate the number of remaining sheets in the trays (217, 218, 219) provided in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204).

[0065] Figure 3(B) is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the image forming unit 201. The notification means 212 has been explained in Figure 1, so details will be omitted. The image forming unit 201 has a print head unit 234 in the center, where the inkjet head and its control unit are located. The ink tank control unit 235 consists of an information display unit for ink replenishment, waste ink replacement processing, and displaying the remaining ink levels.

[0066] The LEDs 216-4 and 216-5 are means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the upper conveying section 201-2 in the image forming section 201. The LED 216-6 is means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the lower conveying section 201-3 in the image forming section 201.

[0067] 3(C) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first fixing unit 205, the second fixing unit 206, the cooling unit 207, and the inverting unit 208. In this embodiment, the inverting unit 208 is provided with an escape tray 238 for discharging sheets that have become stuck inside the printer 201, for example, when an error occurs in the printer 201. Covers (236, 237) are also provided above the first fixing unit 205 and the second fixing unit 206. These covers are provided to prevent operators and maintenance personnel from accidentally touching the heaters used in the fixing units to dry the sheets.

[0068] The LED 216-7 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the upper conveyance section 205-2 in the first fixing section 205. The LED 216-8 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section 205-3 in the first fixing section 205.

[0069] The LED 216-9 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the upper conveyance section 206-2 in the second fixing section 206. The LED 216-10 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section 206-3 in the second fixing section 206.

[0070] The LED 216-11 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the upper conveying section 207-2 in the cooling section 207. The LED 216-12 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the lower conveying section 207-3 in the cooling section 207.

[0071] The LED 216-13 is a means for notifying by lighting up red when a jam occurs in the upper conveying section 208-2 in the reversing section 208. The LED 216-14 is a means for notifying by lighting up red when a jam occurs in the lower conveying section 208-3 in the reversing section 208.

[0072] FIG. 3D is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211). In this embodiment, the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) are composed of two paper discharge locations. The stack unit 242 is a section used when stacking a large number of sheets and is protected by a door 243. The sample tray 241 is a tray for discharging a small number of sheets and does not have a door or the like. Furthermore, a jogger mechanism (not shown) is provided inside the stack unit 242 to improve stacking performance. Furthermore, in a configuration with multiple paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 102 in this embodiment has a function called tray linking, which enables the multiple stack units to be treated as a single paper discharge destination.

[0073] The tray eject instruction means 239 is an instruction means used to release the door 243, making the internal stack section accessible and ejecting the sheets stacked inside. The tray stack amount notification means 240 is a display means that notifies the stack amount (height) of the stacked sheets by displaying them in stages.

[0074] The LED 216-15 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the upper conveying unit 209-2 of the paper discharge unit (209, 210, 211). Furthermore, the LED 216-15 is also used in the system of this embodiment to notify by lighting up in red when it is detected that the sheets stacked on the sample tray 241 provided in the paper discharge unit (209, 210, 211) are full. Furthermore, the LED 216-15 is also used in the system of this embodiment to notify by lighting up in yellow when it is detected that the sheets stacked on the sample tray 241 provided in the paper discharge unit (209, 210, 211) are nearly full.

[0075] The LED 216-16 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section 209-3 in the first paper discharge section (209, 210, 211). Furthermore, the LED 216-16 is also used in the system of this embodiment to notify by lighting up in red when it is detected that the sheets stacked in the stack section 242 provided in the paper discharge section (209, 210, 211) are full. Furthermore, the LED 216-16 is also used in the system of this embodiment to notify by lighting up in yellow when it is detected that the sheets stacked in the stack section 242 provided in the paper discharge section (209, 210, 211) are nearly full.

[0076] FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining the shape of the transport path of each module provided in the printer 102, the positional relationship of the paper passing sensors, and the relationship between the arrangement of the LEDs.

[0077] The paper feed units (202, 203, 204) will now be described. The paper feed units (202, 203, 204) have an upper conveying unit 202-2 and a lower conveying unit 202-3, and are arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (202-4, 202-5) downstream. The paper passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) detect when a sheet passes by the sensor as it is conveyed on the conveying path, and determine whether or not a sheet is present. In this embodiment, the paper passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) are used to detect the occurrence of a jam.

[0078] Specifically, the presence or absence of a jam is detected using the following method. That is, under the instruction of the CPU 224, the sheet is conveyed by controlling the conveying unit under the control of the microprocessor of each module, including the paper feed unit (202, 203, 204). The sheet is conveyed to the module, and the conveying unit of the module is controlled to convey the sheet and carry it out of the module. At this time, the estimated in-machine residence time is the time required for the sheet to be conveyed into the module and then conveyed out of the module, based on the relationship between the sheet conveying speed and the shape and length of the conveying path inside the module. If the sheet is detected by the paper passing sensor when the in-machine residence time has elapsed, it can be determined that the conveying process is proceeding as expected. However, if the sheet is not detected as expected by the paper passing sensor even after the expected in-machine residence time has elapsed, it can be determined that the sheet has not been conveyed correctly and a jam has occurred near the sensor. In other words, after a sheet is detected by one paper passing sensor, CPU 224 can detect that a sheet jam has occurred between those paper passing sensors based on the fact that the next paper passing sensor is unable to detect the sheet before a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0079] Furthermore, if a paper feed sensor continues to detect a sheet beyond the normal time from when it detects the sheet until it no longer detects the sheet, it can be determined that the sheet is not being transported correctly and that a jam has occurred near the sensor.

[0080] In addition, if the sheet is detected by the paper passing sensor at a timing other than that expected, it is determined that the conveying process is not being carried out under correct control, and it is also possible to determine that a jam has occurred.

[0081] 3A, when a jam is detected in the lower conveyance section 202-3, the LED 216-1 lights up in red to notify the jam, and when a jam is detected in the upper conveyance section 202-2, the LED 216-2 lights up in red to notify the jam.

[0082] The image forming unit 201 will now be described. The image forming unit 201 has an upper conveying unit 201-2 and a lower conveying unit 201-3, which are arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (201-4, 201-5, 201-8) downstream. As shown in FIG. 3A, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 202-2, LEDs (216-4, 216-5) light up in red to notify the occurrence. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 201-2, LED 216-6 light up in red to notify the occurrence. The jam detection method is the same as that for the paper feeding units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0083] The first fixing unit 205 will now be described. The first fixing unit 205 has an upper conveying unit 205-2 and a lower conveying unit 205-3, which are arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (205-4, 205-5) downstream. As shown in FIG. 3A, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 205-2, an LED (216-7) lights up in red to notify the occurrence. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 205-2, an LED 216-8 lights up in red to notify the occurrence. The jam detection method is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0084] The second fixing unit 206 will now be described. The second fixing unit 205 has an upper conveying unit 206-2 and a lower conveying unit 206-3, and is arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (206-4, 206-5, 206-9) downstream. As shown in FIG. 3A, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 206-2, an LED (216-9) lights up in red to notify the user. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 206-2, an LED 216-10 lights up in red to notify the user. The method of jam detection is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0085] The cooling unit 207 will now be described. The cooling unit 207 has an upper conveying unit 207-2 and a lower conveying unit 207-3, and is arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (207-4, 207-5, 207-8, 207-9) downstream. As shown in FIG. 3A, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 207-2, an LED (216-11) lights up in red to notify the occurrence. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 207-2, an LED 216-12 lights up in red to notify the occurrence. The jam detection method is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0086] The inversion unit 208 will now be described. The inversion unit 208 has an upper conveying unit 208-2 and a lower conveying unit 208-3, and is arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (208-4, 208-5, 208-8) downstream. As shown in FIG. 3A, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 208-2, an LED (216-13) lights up in red to notify the user. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 208-2, an LED 216-14 lights up in red to notify the user. The method of jam detection is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0087] The paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) will now be described. The paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) have an upper conveying unit 209-2 and a lower conveying unit 209-3, and are arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (209-4, 209-5) downstream. As shown in FIG. 3A, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 209-2, this is notified by the LED (216-15) lighting up in red. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 209-2, this is notified by the LED 216-16 lighting up in red. The method of jam detection is the same as that of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0088] In the explanation of the figure, only a limited number of paper passage sensors are shown on the transport path in each module for convenience of illustration, but multiple sensors may be placed on the transport path as needed.

[0089] FIG. 4(B) is a diagram showing the relationship between the location where a jam has occurred and the LED that lights up when a jam occurs, for each module shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(A). As shown in the figure, for each module 401 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4(A), the correspondence between the transport path 402, paper passage sensor 403, LED 404, and illumination color 405 that it includes can be determined. In accordance with the flow diagram described below, the CPU 224 and microprocessors (201-1 to 209-1) control the LEDs in accordance with the relationship shown in the figure. The figure also shows information about the sensor ID (406). The ID is referenced and used when executing the operation according to the flow described below. The table shown in the figure is stored in the second SSD 230 and can be read and processed by the CPU 224.

[0090] Next, using Figure 5(A), we will explain an example in which, when a jam occurs during printing in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, LED 216 notifies the user of the module in which the jam occurred, the location of the jam within the module, and the type of event that occurred.

[0091] As an example, the following description will be given using a single-sided print job in which a sheet is fed from the tray 217 of the paper feed unit 202 and output to the stack unit 242 of the paper discharge unit 209 as the print job settings.

[0092] Based on the device configuration of the printer 101 and the arrangement of the conveying units shown in Fig. 4, in the example of the print job described above, printing is performed on the sheet placed on the tray 217. Then, in order to be stacked in the stacking unit 242, the printer 101 controls the sheet so that it passes through each conveying unit and print head 234 in the following order. At this time, the sheet passing state of the sheet is detected by a paper passing sensor arranged on the conveying unit provided in each unit if the print job is being executed correctly. Specifically, Paper feed unit 202 upper transport unit 202-2 Image forming unit 201 upper conveying unit 201-2 Image forming unit 201, print head unit 234 First fixing unit 205 upper conveying unit 205-2 Second fixing unit 206 upper conveying unit 206-2 Cooling section 207 upper conveying section 207-2 Reversing unit 208, upper conveying unit 208-2 Paper ejection section 209, upper transport section 209-2 Paper ejection section 209, lower transport section 209-3 Paper ejection section 209 Stack section 242 The route passes through the following order:

[0093] However, let us assume that a jam occurs in one of the conveying sections of the above-mentioned conveying path. As an example, a case where sheet 501-1 fed from tray 217 jams midway through conveying section 207-2 above cooling section 207, and jammed sheet 501- stops on the conveying section will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0094] As an example, the following description will be given assuming that the sheet 501-1 follows the above-described conveyance path and reaches the entrance of the upper conveyance section 207-2 of the cooling section 207.

[0095] The sheet conveyed to the upper conveying section 207-2 of the cooling section 207 is controlled to be conveyed downstream at a conveying speed determined by the system, and eventually reaches the sheet passing sensor 207-4 where the sheet is detected. In a normal state, the sheet passes the sensor after a predetermined time required for sheet conveyance has elapsed, and the detection state for the sheet ends.

[0096] However, let us consider a case where a sheet jams near the sheet passing sensor 207-4 and the conveyance process stops. That is, a sheet is retained near the sheet passing sensor 207-4 on the conveyance path, and if the sensor is in a normal state, the sheet continues to be detected even after the time at which the detection state ends as the sheet is conveyed. Therefore, the system of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect that a sheet has jammed when a single sheet passing sensor continues to detect a sheet for a specified time or longer.

[0097] Similarly, assume that the sheet is detected by the sheet passing sensor 207-4 at a time other than the predetermined time. In this case, it is assumed that the sheet is not in a state where it is processed based on correct transport control. Therefore, even if the sheet is detected by the sheet passing sensor 207-4 in such a situation, the system of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect that a jam has occurred.

[0098] However, there are various known methods for detecting the occurrence and location of a jam other than that shown in the drawing, and it goes without saying that the method is not limited to that shown in the drawing, and the present invention can be applied to any method.

[0099] Note that the example shown in the figure is an example of a case where a single sheet is fed and then jams, but it goes without saying that the above description also applies to each sheet in the same way when multiple sheets are fed consecutively.

[0100] 5(B) is a diagram showing the state shown as an example in FIG. 5(A) when the printer 101 is executing a print process, that is, when the sheet 501-1 is jammed and stopped (501-2) on the upper conveying section 207-2 in the cooling section 207. The lighting state of the LED 216 of the device will be described using FIG. 5(B).

[0101] The figure shows a situation in which the LED 216-11 provided in the cooling unit 207 is lit in red. This makes it possible to notify the operator by the lit state of the LED that a jam has occurred inside the upper conveying unit 207-2 in the cooling unit 207.

[0102] That is, in systems using conventional technology, when a jam occurs and is detected inside the device, information about the event is presented by the notification means 212 or the operation unit 104. However, while the notification means 212 can present information that an event has occurred in a manner that can be confirmed from a location away from the device, it cannot present information in an identifiable manner as to which module and where the jam has occurred.

[0103] On the other hand, the operation unit 104 has a display means suitable for presenting complex information, so it is possible to present information such as the occurrence of an event, as well as information about the module in which the event occurred and its internal parts. However, to obtain this information, the operator had to travel to the location where the operation unit 104 was located. In other words, the operator could not know this information from a location away from the device.

[0104] On the other hand, according to the method of the present invention, even if the operator is located away from the device, the lighting of the LED provided on the module can be identified, and information about the occurrence of an event, the module in which the event occurred, and the location within the module where the event occurred can be obtained.

[0105] 6 is a flow diagram for explaining the printing process in an embodiment of the present invention, particularly the control operation of the LED when a jam occurs. The CPU 224 reads various programs stored in the second SSD 221 into the second RAM 220 and executes them. The CPU 224 then sends commands to the microprocessors provided in each module (201 to 211) connected to the system bus 228. The microprocessors execute processes according to instructions from the CPU 224. Note that the CPU 224 may directly control the sensors, transport unit, LEDs, etc., without using a microprocessor.

[0106] Here, the flow of processing by the microprocessors (201-1 to 209-1) when notifications are received from the sensors that the modules (201 to 211) are equipped with will be described in detail with reference to the same figure. The flow in the same figure starts when a notification is received from any of the sensors. Also, although the same figure will be described focusing on the image forming unit 201, since there is no difference in operation between modules, the other modules (202 to 209) also execute processing similar to that shown in the same figure.

[0107] In step S601, the microprocessor 201-1 determines whether a paper jam has been detected by either of the paper passing sensors 201-4 and 201-5. Specifically, it is determined that a paper jam has been detected if a single paper passing sensor continues to detect a paper jam for a specified time or longer, or if a sheet is detected at a timing different from the time it should have been detected. As shown in FIG. 4B, the upper paper passing sensors (201-4 and 201-8) and the lower paper passing sensor 201-5 are each assigned a unique sensor ID. If a paper jam has been detected, the process proceeds to step S602; if not, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0108] In step S602, the microprocessor 201-1 determines the ID of the sensor that issued the notification in step S601. Specifically, it determines which sensor, identified by the ID described in ID 406 shown in FIG. 4B, issued the notification.

[0109] In step S604, the microprocessor 201-1 identifies the transport path to which the sensor indicated by the ID determined in step S602 belongs. Specifically, in the table shown in FIG. 4B, the microprocessor 201-1 identifies the transport path 402 associated with the ID 406.

[0110] In step S605, the microprocessor 201-1 determines whether the paper passage sensor (201-4, 201-5, 201-8) that detected the paper jam determined in steps S602 and S604 is a stored sensor. This is determined by whether the ID of the sensor that detected the paper jam matches the stored sensor ID. If the paper passage sensor that detected the paper jam is a stored sensor, the flow ends; if not, the flow proceeds to step S606.

[0111] In step S606, the ID determined in step S602 described above is stored in the RAM 201-20, and in step S607 the microprocessor 201-1 sends a paper jam notification to the CPU 224. The paper jam notification includes the sensor ID stored in step S606 and the transport path information where the jam occurred identified in step S604. Once the paper jam notification has been sent, the flow ends.

[0112] In step S603, the microprocessor 201-1 determines whether the opening / closing sensors (201-6, 201-7) have detected that the door is closed. Each module has an upper door for accessing the area where the upper paper passage sensors (201-4, 201-8) are located, and a lower door for accessing the area where the lower paper passage sensor 201-5 is located, and each is equipped with an upper opening / closing sensor (201-6) and a lower opening / closing sensor (201-7). A unique door ID and sensor ID are assigned to each door and each door opening / closing sensor.

[0113] If any of the open / close sensors (201-6, 201-7) detects that the door is closed, the flow proceeds to step S608, and if not, the flow ends.

[0114] In step S608, the microprocessor 201-1 activates the paper passage sensors 201-4, 201-5, and 201-8 that are located within reach of the door on which the open / close sensor (201-6, 201-7) that detected the closing is installed. That is, in the case of the upper door, the upper paper passage sensors 201-4 and 201-8 are activated, and in the case of the lower door, the lower paper passage sensor 201-5 is activated. Once activated, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0115] In step S609, the microprocessor 201-1 determines whether any of the paper passing sensors 201-4, 201-5, and 201-8 that did not detect a paper jam are among the stored sensors. The sensors were stored in step S606, and the determination is made based on whether the ID of the sensor that detected the paper jam matches the stored sensor ID. If there is a sensor that did not detect a paper jam, the flow proceeds to step S610; if not, the flow shown in the figure ends.

[0116] In step S610, the microprocessor 201-1 transmits a paper retention release notification to the CPU 224. The paper retention release notification includes the ID of the sensor that determined in step S609 that no paper retention was detected. Once the paper retention release notification has been transmitted, the flow ends.

[0117] If a sensor detects a paper jam, this flow is executed from the beginning, and the process proceeds from step S601 to step S602.

[0118] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of processing when the CPU 224 receives a notification from each of the modules 201 to 211. The CPU 224 reads various programs stored in the second SSD 221 into the second RAM 220 and executes them, thereby realizing the processing shown in the flow of Fig. 7. The flow of Fig. 7 starts when a notification is received from any of the modules 201 to 211. The type of notification can be determined by the notification identifier included in the notification.

[0119] In step S701, the CPU 224 determines whether the received notification is a paper retention notification. If the received notification is a paper retention notification, the process proceeds to step S702, and if not, the process proceeds to step S7030.

[0120] In step S702, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 101 is in a jam error state. If the image forming apparatus 101 is not in a jam error state, the image forming apparatus 101 newly transitions to step S702 as a result of the determination in step S701, and thus the image forming apparatus 101 newly transitions to an error state due to a jam. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S703, and the image forming apparatus 101 is transitioned to a jam error state.

[0121] If the result of the determination in step S702 is true, the image forming apparatus is already in a jam error state, in which case step S703 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S704.

[0122] In step S704, the CPU 224 adds the jam information determined in step S701 to the list it holds as a new jam position. The information to be held includes the sensor ID 406 that detected the jam, which is used as a jam position identifier by the CPU 224 and the microprocessors (201-1 to 201-9) when determining and identifying the jam position.

[0123] The processing from step S710 onward constitutes a loop process for identifying the LED to be controlled that is associated with the transport path corresponding to the jam position added in step S704 from the table shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0124] The CPU 224 reads the table shown in Fig. 4B from the SSD 230 and performs the subsequent processing of the flow shown in the figure. That is, in step S710, the first entry of the table in Fig. 4B is held. That is, the entry of the table with the sensor ID of 0001 is held.

[0125] In step S711, it is determined whether the ID stored in step S710 is the same as the ID included in the paper jam notification received in the same flow. The paper jam notification received in the same flow is the information sent in step 607 in Fig. 6, and therefore includes the sensor ID of the paper passage sensor that detected the jam.

[0126] If the result of the determination in step S711 is false, it means that the IDs do not match, so the process proceeds to step S712, moves to the next entry in the table shown in Figure 4(B), and returns to step S711 again so that the CPU 224 can check whether the IDs match by loop processing.

[0127] If the result of the determination in step S711 is true, the process proceeds to step S713, where the module and LED (404) that are associated with the ID that matches the LED to be controlled in the table shown in FIG. 4(B) are identified.

[0128] Then, in step S705, a lighting instruction is sent to the microprocessor 201-1 to light up the LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6) corresponding to the positions of the transport paths where the jams have occurred, for the modules corresponding to the added jam positions.

[0129] If the result of the determination in step S702 is false, the process proceeds to step S7030 to determine whether the received notification is a paper retention release notification. If the received notification is a paper retention release notification, the process proceeds to step S706; if not, the process in that step ends.

[0130] In step S706, the corresponding item is deleted from the jam location list corresponding to the paper retention release notification determined in step S703.

[0131] The processing from step S714 onward constitutes a loop process for identifying the LED to be controlled that is associated with the transport path corresponding to the jam position deleted in step S706 from the table shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0132] The CPU 224 reads the table shown in Fig. 4B from the SSD 230 and performs the subsequent processing of the flow shown in the same figure. That is, in step S714, the first entry of the table in Fig. 4B is held. That is, the entry of the table with the sensor ID of 0001 is held.

[0133] In step S715, it is determined whether the ID stored in step S714 is the same as the ID included in the paper retention release notification received in the same flow. Since the paper retention release notification received in the same flow is the information sent in step 610 in Fig. 6, it includes the sensor ID of the paper passage sensor that detected the release of the jam.

[0134] If the result of the determination in step S715 is false, it means that the IDs do not match, so the process proceeds to step S716, moves to the next entry in the table shown in Figure 4(B), and returns to step S715 again so that the CPU 224 can check whether the IDs match by loop processing.

[0135] If the result of the determination in step S715 is true, the process proceeds to step S717, where the module and LED (404) that are associated with the ID that matches the LED to be controlled in the table shown in FIG. 4(B) are identified.

[0136] Then, a turn-off instruction is sent to the microprocessor 201-1 of the image forming unit 201 to instruct the LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6) that were in the on state to turn off because the jam has been cleared, which corresponds to a notification that the paper jam has been cleared.

[0137] In step S708, the jam location list is checked to determine whether the list is empty, that is, whether the jam information has disappeared.

[0138] If the result of the determination in step S708 is true, it means that all the jammed states of the transport paths that have occurred inside the image forming apparatus 101 have been resolved.

[0139] If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to step S709, where the image forming apparatus is restored from the jam error state to the normal state. If the determination result in step S709 is false, this means that other error factors remain, so step S709 is skipped and the process shown in this flow is terminated.

[0140] FIG. 8A is a flow chart for explaining the operation when the microprocessors (202-1 to 201-9) of the modules (202 to 211) other than the image forming unit 201 receive and process an instruction to turn on or off the LED shown in FIG. 7 from the CPU 224.

[0141] In step S801, the received instruction content is analyzed. Specifically, the information included in the instruction, such as information on the target LED to be controlled, whether it is on or off, and the color of the light, is analyzed.

[0142] In step S802, the microprocessors (202-1 to 209-1) perform a determination process based on the LED information included in the information acquired in step S801 to determine whether the upper transport path or the lower transport path should be notified as a jam. If the determination result is true, the process proceeds to step S803, where the microprocessors (202-1 to 209-1) select the LED for the upper transport path provided in the module that received the instruction as the LED to be controlled. The LED for the upper transport path for each module is shown in Figure 5(B), so details will be omitted.

[0143] If the determination result in step S802 is false, the process proceeds to step S804, where the microprocessors (202-1 to 209-1) select the LED for the lower transport path provided in the module that received the instruction as the LED to be controlled. The LED for the upper transport path for each module is shown in Figure 5(B), so details will be omitted.

[0144] In step S805, it is determined whether the LED selected as the control target in step S803 or step S804 is to be turned on or off. Information on the target to be determined is included in the analysis result in step S801.

[0145] If the result of the determination in this step is true, the process proceeds to step S807, where the LED selected as the control target in step S803 or S804 is controlled to light up according to the lighting color information included in the analysis result in step S801.

[0146] If the result of the determination in step S805 is false, the process proceeds to step S806, where the LED selected as the control target in step S803 or S804 is controlled to be turned off.

[0147] FIG. 8B is a flow chart for explaining the operation when the microprocessor 201-1 of the image forming unit 201 module receives and processes an instruction to turn on or off the LED shown in FIG. 7 from the CPU 224.

[0148] In step S808, the received instruction content is analyzed. Specifically, the information included in the instruction, such as information on the target LED to be controlled, whether it is on or off, and the color of the light, is analyzed.

[0149] In step S809, the microprocessor 201-1 performs a process of determining whether the upper conveying path or the lower conveying path should be notified as a jam, based on the LED information included in the information acquired in step S808. If the result of the accompanying distinction is true, the process proceeds to step S810, where it is determined whether the jam should be notified as a jam in the head portion of the upper conveying path or in the upper conveying path other than the head portion. This is because only the image forming unit 201 is provided with two different LEDs (LED216-4, LED216-5) on the upper conveying path, one for the head portion and one for the other portion.

[0150] If the result of the determination in step S810 is true, the process proceeds to step S811, where the microprocessor (201-1) selects the LED (216-4) of the head unit in the upper conveying path of the image forming unit 201, which is the module that received the instruction, as the LED to be controlled.

[0151] If the result of the determination in step S810 is false, the process proceeds to step S812, where the microprocessor (201-1) selects the LED (216-5) on the upper conveying path of the image forming unit 201, which is the module that received the instruction, as the LED to be controlled.

[0152] The LEDs for the upper transport path for each module are as shown in Figure 5(B), so a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0153] If the determination result in step S809 is false, the process proceeds to step S813, where the microprocessor 201-1 selects the LED (216-6) for the lower conveying path provided in the image forming unit 201, which is the module that received the instruction, as the LED to be controlled. The LEDs for the lower conveying path for each module are shown in Figure 5(B), so a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0154] In step S814, it is determined whether the LED selected as the control target in step S811, step S812, or step S813 is to be turned on or off. Information on the target to be determined is included in the analysis result in step S808.

[0155] If the result of the determination in this step is true, the process proceeds to step S816, where the LED selected as the control target in step S811, step S812, or step S813 is lit according to the lighting color information included in the result of analysis in step S808.

[0156] If the result of the determination in step S814 is false, the process proceeds to step S815, where the LED selected as the control target in step S811, step S812 or S813 is controlled to be turned off.

[0157] By performing such control, when a sheet jam occurs, it becomes possible to confirm in which device the jam occurred without looking at the operation unit of the image forming device. Also, if the jam occurs in the upper conveyance section, the LED corresponding to the upper conveyance section lights up, and if the jam occurs in the lower conveyance section, the LED corresponding to the lower conveyance section lights up. This allows the operator to easily know whether the jam occurred in the upper conveyance section or the lower conveyance section.

[0158] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, a situation was described in which a single sheet was fed and a jam occurred somewhere on the conveyance path until it reached the output destination. In addition, a technology was shown for detecting the module in which the jam occurred, identifying the part of the conveyance path, and presenting information by lighting up an LED corresponding to the identified module and part of the conveyance path.

[0159] In the second embodiment of the present invention, a technique is shown for detecting a jam-occurring module, identifying a location on the transport path, and selecting and lighting up a target LED when a jam occurs in an image forming apparatus that performs multiple continuous paper feed processes.

[0160] 9A shows a state in which jams occur simultaneously in multiple locations during printing in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the LED 216 displays information about the module in which the jam occurred, the location of the jam within the module in which the jam occurred, and the type of event (jam) that occurred, in a state in which notifications are made simultaneously by multiple notification units. Explanations that overlap with those in FIG. 5A according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0161] The figure shows an example in which a jam occurs in sheet 501-2 inside the upper conveying section 207-2 of the cooling section 207, causing sheets (501-3, 501-4) being conveyed to become stuck inside the upper conveying section 205-2 of the first fixing section 205, resulting in a jam.

[0162] 9(B) shows an example of the lighting state of the controlled LED 216 when the jam state shown in FIG. 9(A) occurs in the image forming apparatus 101. As shown in the figure, in addition to the LED 216-11 corresponding to the upper transport path 207-2 of the cooling unit 207, the LED 216-7 corresponding to the upper transport path 205-2 of the first fixing unit 205 where the retained sheets (501-3, 501-4) are present is turned on. This configuration makes it possible to notify the operator that there are jammed sheets in the multiple transport paths inside these multiple modules.

[0163] The flow chart is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 in the first embodiment, and therefore will be omitted.

[0164] According to this embodiment, if jams occur at multiple positions in multiple modules, the operator can grasp the multiple positions in the multiple modules where the jams occurred at once. If a jam occurs in the upper conveyance section, the LED corresponding to the upper conveyance section lights up, and if a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section, the LED corresponding to the lower conveyance section lights up. This allows the operator to easily grasp whether the jam occurred in the upper conveyance section or the lower conveyance section.

[0165] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As described in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present invention is configured to indicate, with the LED 216, the modules in which jams have occurred and the transport paths that require processing, even if multiple jammed sheets are retained inside multiple modules and multiple transport paths.

[0166] Instead of presenting information all at once, the system according to the third embodiment provides a mechanism that allows control so that information is presented sequentially in an orderly manner.

[0167] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the CPU 224 in the third embodiment when the jam position list described in Fig. 7 of the first embodiment is updated. The CPU 224 reads various programs stored in the second SSD 221 into the second RAM 220 and executes them, thereby realizing the processing shown in the flow of Fig. 10. The flow starts when it detects that the jam position list has been updated. Note that a description of processing that overlaps with Fig. 7 of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0168] If the notification received by the CPU 224 in step S701 is a paper jam notification, the process proceeds to step S1001. In step S1001, it is determined whether a jam has already occurred and whether a sequence, i.e., a scenario, for recovery is running. If it is determined that a jam recovery scenario is not running as a result of the determination in this step, the process proceeds to step S1002. Then, a flag indicating that a jam recovery scenario is running is set, and processing steps S702 to S705 shown in FIG. 7 for the first embodiment are executed.

[0169] If the result of the determination in step S1001 is false, the process proceeds to step S1003, where the CPU 224 adds the jam information determined in step S701 to the list it holds as a new jam location, and when the addition process is complete, the process proceeds to step S708. If the result of the determination in step S1001 is false, the processes of steps S702 to S705, which are executed when the result of the determination is true, are skipped. The processes of steps S702 to S705 include the process of lighting up an LED corresponding to the added jam location. However, if a jam scenario is being executed, this is to achieve sequential lighting control such that, after the jam recovery targeted by that jam scenario is completed and the lit LED is turned off, a new LED is turned on as the target of the next jam recovery.

[0170] After step S707 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1004, where the flag set in step S1002 is reset. After the flag is reset in this step, if the CPU 224 receives a paper retention notification, the process from step S1002 onwards, which involves the LED lighting process, is executed.

[0171] If it is determined in step S708 that the jam location list is not empty, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, from among the entries in the non-empty jam list, a jam location corresponding to the jam location determined by the system to be the next to require jam recovery is deleted from the jam list, and transmitted as a paper congestion notification to the CPU 224. When the notification in this step is accepted by the CPU 224, the flow shown in the figure, starting from step S701, is executed.

[0172] As described above, the process from turning on the LED when jam recovery starts to turning off the LED after recovery is complete is protected by a flag, preventing multiple executions of the process of turning on the LED where a jam event occurred. As a result, the transport path where a jam occurred is controlled so that the corresponding LED lights up in order according to the sequence determined by the system.

[0173] According to this embodiment, even if multiple jammed sheets are retained inside multiple modules and multiple transport paths, the image forming apparatus 101 can indicate the multiple modules where the jam has occurred and the transport paths that require processing using the LED 216.

[0174] In other words, if a sheet jam occurs in one unit and another unit at the same time, the LED of the one unit will not notify the user of the sheet jam in the other unit using the LED of the other unit, but will first notify the user of the jam. Then, after the sheet jam in the one unit is cleared, the LED of the one unit will stop notifying the user of the jam, and the LED of the other unit will notify the user of the sheet jam in the other unit. This allows the operator to check the location of the jam and remove the jammed sheets in order.

[0175] <Other Examples> 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.

[0176] 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.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 224 CPU 229 2nd RAM 290 Operation section

Claims

1. an image forming apparatus; a sheet conveying device that conveys the sheet conveyed from the image forming device, The printing system is characterized in that the sheet transporting device has a notification unit that notifies a user of a sheet jam in the sheet transporting device.

2. the sheet transport device further includes a first sheet transport path and a second sheet transport path; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit includes a first notification unit that notifies of a sheet jam in the first sheet transport path, and a second notification unit that notifies of a sheet jam in the second sheet transport path.

3. the first sheet transport path is located above the second sheet transport path; 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the first notification unit is located above the second notification unit.

4. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit stops notifying the sheet jam when the sheet jam is resolved.

5. further comprising another sheet transporting device that receives the sheet transported by the sheet transporting device and further transports the received sheet; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the other sheet transporting device further comprises an other notification unit that notifies of a sheet jam in the other sheet transporting device.

6. The printing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, when a sheet jam occurs in the sheet transport device and a sheet jam occurs in the other sheet transport device simultaneously, the notification unit notifies the user of the sheet jam in the sheet transport device and the other notification unit notifies the user of the sheet jam in the other sheet transport device simultaneously.

7. 6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein, when a sheet jam occurs in the sheet transporting device and a sheet jam occurs in the other sheet transporting device simultaneously, the notification unit notifies the user of the sheet jam in the sheet transporting device without notifying the user of the sheet jam in the other sheet transporting device, and after the sheet jam in the sheet transporting device is resolved, the notification unit stops notifying the user of the sheet jam in the sheet transporting device and notifies the user of the sheet jam in the other sheet transporting device.

8. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is an LED.

9. 6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit and the other notification unit are LEDs.

10. the image forming device forms an image on the sheet, The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet transport device transports a sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming device and which is transported from the image forming device.

11. an image forming apparatus; a sheet conveying device that conveys a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus, A control method for a printing system, comprising: a notification step of causing a notification unit of the sheet transporting device to notify of a sheet jam in the sheet transporting device.

12. the sheet transport device further includes a first sheet transport path and a second sheet transport path; 12. The printing system control method according to claim 11, wherein the notification step includes causing a first notification unit to notify a sheet jam in the first sheet transport path, and causing a second notification unit to notify a sheet jam in the second sheet transport path.

13. the first sheet transport path is located above the second sheet transport path; 13. The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 12, wherein the first notification unit is located above the second notification unit.

14. 12. The control method for a printing system according to claim 11, wherein the notification unit stops notifying the sheet jam when the sheet jam is resolved.

15. the printing system further includes another sheet transporting device that receives the sheet transported by the sheet transporting device and further transports the received sheet; 12. The control method for a printing system according to claim 11, wherein the other sheet transporting device further comprises an other notification unit that notifies of a sheet jam in the other sheet transporting device.

16. A control method for a printing system according to claim 15, characterized in that, when a sheet jam occurs in the sheet transporting device and a sheet jam occurs in the other sheet transporting device simultaneously, the notification process brings about a state in which the notification unit notifies the sheet jam in the sheet transporting device and the other notification unit notifies the sheet jam in the other sheet transporting device simultaneously.

17. 16. A control method for a printing system according to claim 15, wherein, when a sheet jam occurs in the sheet conveying device and a sheet jam occurs in the other sheet conveying device simultaneously, the notification step notifies the other notification unit of the sheet jam in the sheet conveying device without notifying the other notification unit of the sheet jam in the other sheet conveying device, and after the sheet jam in the sheet conveying device is resolved, the notification unit stops notifying the other notification unit of the sheet jam in the sheet conveying device and notifies the other notification unit of the sheet jam in the other sheet conveying device.

18. 12. The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 11, wherein the notification unit is an LED.

19. the image forming device forms an image on the sheet, The method for controlling a printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet transporting device transports a sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming device and which is transported from the image forming device.

20. A program that causes a computer to execute the printing system control method according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

Images