Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To easily grasp a paper discharge destination where the number of discharged paper sheets reaches a threshold value.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: counting means that counts, for each of a plurality of sheet discharge destinations, the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination; and control means that controls such that, when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches a first threshold value, a light emitting device provided in the sheet discharge destination in which the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold value is turned on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9A

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses have provided information about error events, including jams, paper out, tray full, etc., using various notification and display means. Specifically, messages are displayed on the operation unit, or lamps are attached to the image forming apparatus, and information about the occurrence and type of error event is provided by the lighting and color of the lamp. In addition, the printing status is displayed on the operation unit, allowing the operator to visually check when each paper output destination will be full.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that has an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet to create printed matter, multiple storage units that store the printed matter created by the image forming unit, and a sorting unit that discharges the printed matter into different storage units by group. This printing device has a determination unit that determines whether the multiple storage units are close to being full, that is, whether all of the storage units are filled with printed matter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-201676 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Various error events occur in image forming devices, and the error locations in the image forming device can also include the paper feed / discharge device, transport path, etc. However, in conventional technology, only the image forming device has an operation unit and lamps, and error notification is given by a display on the operation unit or by lighting up the lamp, which has resulted in the following problems.

[0006] First, because lamps and other such devices are simple means of providing information, they cannot notify of complex events. In other words, they only provide information that an error has occurred and the severity of the error (the error that caused the device to stop or a warning). As a result, they cannot provide information about which part of the image forming device has occurred and what kind of error has occurred.

[0007] Second, while the control unit can provide a wealth of information, the operator must travel to the location where the control unit is installed in order to obtain that information. In other words, to obtain information about the location and content of an error that has occurred in the device, the operator must travel to the location where the control unit is installed each time.

[0008] None of the information presentation means in the above-mentioned prior art is efficient as a means for presenting the location of an error event occurring in an image forming device or information about the error event, and therefore has not been able to provide an effective means for the operator to efficiently use the image forming device.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily grasp the paper discharge destination for which the number of discharged sheets has reached a threshold value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The image forming device has a counting means for counting the number of sheets of paper discharged to each of a plurality of discharge destinations, and a control means for controlling an illuminating device provided at a discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination has reached a first threshold value so as to light up when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches a first threshold value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the discharge destination for which the number of discharged sheets has reached a threshold value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a DFE. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printer. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a paper feed unit that configures a printer. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming unit that configures a printer. [Figure 3C] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a first fixing unit, a second fixing unit, a cooling unit, and an inverting unit. [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a paper discharge unit that configures a printer. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the shape and arrangement of a conveying section of a printer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image of storing a job in a queue. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a table for storing the analysis status of jobs stored in a queue. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a management table of loading status and warning conditions for each discharge destination. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a warning light color management table. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart showing the alert light and LED control of the DFE. [Figure 9B] 1 is a flowchart showing the printer's alert light and LED control. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating LEDs of stacked paper discharge devices being turned on and off; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system 110 according to this embodiment. The printing system 110 includes a network 100, an image forming apparatus 101, and a personal computer (PC) 105.

[0014] In this embodiment, an inkjet printer 102 will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus 101, and a PC 105 will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 105 are connected via a network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0015] 1 illustrates an example in which one information processing device is provided in the printing system 110, but the image forming device 101 and multiple information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. Furthermore, although the printing system 110 of the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the printing system 110 includes the image forming device 101 and the information processing devices, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device 101 may be the printing system 110. Furthermore, for image formation processing that can be performed by the image forming device 101 alone, such as printing a saved job, an information processing device connected to the network 100 may not be required.

[0016] First, the PC 105 will be described. The PC 105 can execute various programs, such as an application program for submitting a print job. The PC 105 also has installed thereon various applications, such as a printer driver and workflow software, which have the function of converting print data into a printer language compatible with the image forming apparatus 101. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction from 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 image forming apparatus 101, and transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 connected to the network 100.

[0017] In this embodiment, the PC 105 is exemplified as an example of an information processing device, but it may also be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The method of transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus 101 can be modified as appropriate. The print data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 via a printing application or driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 via a cloud server.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printer 102, a DFE 103, a display unit 104, and a second network 106.

[0019] Next, the printer 102 will be described. The printer 102 has a printing function for printing images on sheets. The printer 102 also has a post-processing function for aligning multiple sheets and discharging the multiple sheets into multiple trays. The sheets include various types of paper such as plain paper, cardboard, and coated paper.

[0020] In this embodiment, the printer 102 is an inkjet printer as an example, but it is not limited to this type. For example, it may be an electrophotographic printer. Furthermore, it may be a multifunction printer equipped with a reading device such as a scanner.

[0021] Also, in the example shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus 101 is shown as having a configuration in which a DFE 103 equipped with a display unit 104 is connected to a printer 102 via a second network 106. Furthermore, the figure 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, when the printer 102 receives an instruction to execute a print job or the like from a PC 105, which is an information processing apparatus, the instruction is received 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.

[0022] The printer 102 is configured so that multiple devices with different roles are interconnected and can perform complex sheet processing. Each component of the printer 102 will be described below.

[0023] The printer unit 213 forms (prints) an image using ink on a medium (sheet) fed from a paper feed unit 214 based on image data, and then fixes and dries the image. The printer unit 213 further includes an image forming unit 201, a first fixing unit 205, a second fixing unit 206, a cooling unit 207, and an inverting unit 208. Of these, the configuration and operating principle of the image forming unit 201 are as follows.

[0024] Inkjet heads for 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. To improve the adhesiveness and fixability of the droplets, a primer is ejected prior to the ejection of each color ink. 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 capable of forming images using any color ink known as a special color, or additional colors such as orange, violet, and green.

[0025] The sheet on which the full-color image has been formed in this way is transported to a first fixing unit 205 and a second fixing unit 206. These fixing units have built-in heat sources such as heaters, and use heat to dry the ink on the sheet on which the image has been formed, thereby fixing the image to the sheet. Next, the heated sheet is guided to a cooling unit 207, where it is cooled to lower the temperature of the sheet.

[0026] The reversing unit 208 is a module used to reverse the orientation of the sheet and transport it again to the image forming unit 201 in order to form an image on the back side of the sheet.

[0027] The paper feed unit 214 is for continuously supplying sheets on which the printer unit 213 forms images, and in the figure, three paper feed units (202, 203, 204) are connected. The paper discharge unit 215 is a unit for accumulating printed products, and in the example shown in the figure, three paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) are connected.

[0028] The alert light 212 is a notification means for notifying the status of the printer 102 by lighting a lamp, and is controlled by the DFE 103 in the printing system 110 in the figure.

[0029] Each of the above-described components constituting the printer 102 is equipped with an LED 216. The printer 102 in this embodiment is configured so that the occurrence of an event in each component in which the LED 216 is located can be distinctively indicated by, for example, lighting up the LED 216 or the color of the LED 216 when lit.

[0030] Specifically, as a first example, consider a case where a sheet guided to the second fixing unit 206 jams inside the second fixing unit 206. In this case, in the printing system 110 of this embodiment, the LEDs (216-9, 216-10) provided in the second fixing unit 206 light up in red. This makes it possible to notify the operator that an event has occurred in which it is difficult to continue printing due to the jam that has occurred in the second fixing unit 206.

[0031] 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, the LEDs (216-3) provided on the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) can be turned on in red to notify the operator.

[0032] A third example is as follows: When the amount of stacked sheets reaches a predetermined amount during printing of a job in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) and no more sheets can be stacked, the LEDs (216-15 to 216-17) provided on the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) are lit in red, thereby making it possible to notify the operator.

[0033] Information equivalent to that provided by the LED 216 can also be presented by the display unit 104 or alert light 212 provided in the DFE 103. However, to determine which of the many units that make up the printer 102 an event occurred in and what the event that occurred is, the operator must go to the location where the display unit 104 is installed and check the contents.

[0034] On the other hand, with the LED 216 in this embodiment, the unit in which an event has occurred can be identified by selectively lighting up the LED 216 provided in the unit, and the type of the event that has occurred can also be identified by the color of the light. In this way, the LED 216 makes it easy for the operator to understand the event, and this means makes it possible to improve the operability and convenience of the device.

[0035] 2A and 2B are block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. Note that the blocks shown in Fig. 2A and 2B 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 configuration of each of the DFE 103 and printer 102 that make up the image forming apparatus 101 will be explained using block diagrams.

[0036] 2A is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the DFE 103. The DFE 103 includes a CPU 217, a first network I / F 218, a second network I / F 219, a first RAM 220, a first SSD 221, an operation unit 222, and a system bus 223.

[0037] The first network I / F 218 is used to receive print job data transmitted from an information processing device such as the PC 105 connected to the network 100, or to distribute the status of the image forming device 101 to an external device. The print job data received via the first network I / F 218 is processed by the CPU 217 reading various programs stored in the first SSD 221 into the first RAM 220 and executing them.

[0038] Specific examples of this process include a series of processes related to a print job, such as expansion of print job data, RIP processing, image conversion processing, and color conversion processing.

[0039] The DFE 103 is also provided with an operation unit 222, and an operator issues instructions to perform various settings for the DFE 103, job settings, adjustment instructions for the image forming apparatus 101, etc. via the operation unit 222. The CPU 217 and each module are connected via a system bus 223.

[0040] The print job 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 .

[0041] 2B is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the printer 102. The printer 102 has an image forming unit 201, paper feeding units 202 to 204, a first fixing unit 205, a second fixing unit 206, a cooling unit 207, an inverting unit 208, and paper ejection units 209 to 211. The printer 102 also has a CPU 224, a third network I / F 225, a sheet management unit 226, an adjustment unit 227, a system bus 228, a second RAM 229, and a second SSD 230.

[0042] The third network I / F 225 is connected to the second network I / F 219 of the DFE 103 via the second network 106, and is mainly used to receive print job data or to send and receive status and commands between the DFE 103 and the printer 102.

[0043] The CPU 224 is a unit that controls each sub-module that constitutes the printer 102 shown in the figure and manages the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101. The sub-modules are connected to the CPU 224 via a system bus 228.

[0044] In this embodiment, the CPU 224 is shown as an example of a configuration separate from the CPU 217 included in the DFE 103, but may be configured to be controlled by the same CPU. The CPU 224 reads various programs stored in the second SSD 230 into the second RAM 229 and executes them to perform various processes.

[0045] The sheet management unit 226 is a database that serves as a paper library provided in the printer 102, and holds parameters for various media. The adjustment unit 227 is a module for controlling various calibration execution means, various sensors, and the like.

[0046] In addition to the above, the CPU 224 is also connected to a cooling unit 207, a first fixing unit 205, a second fixing unit 206, an image forming unit 201, paper feed units (202, 203, 204), an inversion unit 208, and paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) via a system bus 228.

[0047] The internal configuration of the cooling unit 207 is shown below: The cooling unit 207 has a microprocessor 207-1, an upper conveying unit 207-2, a lower conveying unit 207-3, an upper paper passing sensor 207-4, a lower paper passing sensor 207-5, and LEDs (216-11, 216-12).

[0048] The microprocessor 207-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the cooling unit 207, and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0049] The upper conveying section 207-2 and the lower conveying section 207-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the cooling section 207, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by a microprocessor 207-1.

[0050] The upper sheet sensor 207-4 and the lower sheet sensor 207-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 207-2 and the lower conveying section 207-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. The upper sheet sensor 207-4 and the lower sheet sensor 207-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying section within the cooling section 207.

[0051] The LEDs (216-11, 216-12) are notification means provided in the cooling unit 207. The LEDs (216-11, 216-12) indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred in the cooling unit 207 by their positions and colors. Details of which LEDs (216-11, 216-12) light up in which colors when which events occur will be described later with reference to FIG. 3C.

[0052] The internal configuration of the first fixing unit 205 is shown below: The first fixing unit 205 has a microprocessor 205-1, an upper conveying unit 205-2, a lower conveying unit 205-3, an upper paper passing sensor 205-4, a lower paper passing sensor 205-5, and LEDs (216-7, 216-8).

[0053] The microprocessor 205-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the first fixing unit 205, and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0054] The upper conveying section 205-2 and the lower conveying section 205-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the first fixing section 205, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 205-1.

[0055] The upper sheet sensor 205-4 and the lower sheet sensor 205-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 205-2 and the lower conveying section 205-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. The upper sheet sensor 205-4 and the lower sheet sensor 205-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying section within the first fixing section 205.

[0056] The LEDs (216-7, 216-8) are notification means provided in the first fixing unit 205. The LEDs (216-7, 216-8) 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 LEDs (216-7, 216-8). Details of which LEDs (216-7, 216-8) light up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0057] The internal configuration of the second fixing unit 206 is shown below: The second fixing unit 206 has a microprocessor 206-1, an upper conveying unit 206-2, a lower conveying unit 206-3, an upper paper passing sensor 206-4, a lower paper passing sensor 206-5, and LEDs (216-9, 216-10).

[0058] The microprocessor 206-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the second fixing unit 206, and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0059] The upper conveying section 206-2 and the lower conveying section 206-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the second fixing section 206, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 206-1.

[0060] The upper sheet sensor 206-4 and the lower sheet sensor 206-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 206-2 and the lower conveying section 206-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. The upper sheet sensor 206-4 and the lower sheet sensor 206-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying section within the second fixing section 206.

[0061] The LEDs (216-9, 216-10) are notification means provided in the second fixing unit 206. The LEDs (216-9, 216-10) are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the second fixing unit 206 by their positions and colors. Details of which LEDs (216-9, 216-10) light up in which colors when which events occur will be described later.

[0062] The internal configuration of the image forming unit 201 is shown below: The image forming unit 201 has a microprocessor 201-1, an upper conveying unit 201-2, a lower conveying unit 201-3, an upper paper passing sensor 201-4, a lower paper passing sensor 201-5, and LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6).

[0063] The microprocessor 201-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the image forming unit 201, and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0064] The upper conveying section 201-2 and the lower conveying section 201-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the image forming section 201, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 201-1.

[0065] The upper sheet sensor 201-4 and the lower sheet sensor 201-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 201-2 and the lower conveying section 201-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. The upper sheet sensor 201-4 and the lower sheet sensor 201-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying sections within the image forming section 201.

[0066] The LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6) are notification means provided in the image forming unit 201. The LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6) are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the image forming unit 201 by the position and color of the LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6). Details of which LEDs (216-4, 216-5, 216-6) light up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0067] The internal configuration of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) is shown below. The paper feed units (202, 203, 204) have a microprocessor 202-1, an upper conveying unit 202-2, a lower conveying unit 202-3, an upper paper passing sensor 202-4, a lower paper passing sensor 202-5, and LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3).

[0068] The microprocessor 202-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0069] The upper conveying section 202-2 and the lower conveying section 202-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the paper feed section (202, 203, 204), and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 202-1.

[0070] The upper sheet sensor 202-4 and the lower sheet sensor 202-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 202-2 and the lower conveying section 202-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of conveyed sheets. The upper sheet sensor 202-4 and the lower sheet sensor 202-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying sections in the paper feed sections (202, 203, 204).

[0071] The LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3) are notification means provided in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204). The LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3) indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred in the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) by their positions and colors. Details of which LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3) light up in which colors when which events occur will be described later.

[0072] The internal configuration of the reversing unit 208 is shown below: The reversing unit 208 has a microprocessor 208-1, an upper conveying unit 208-2, a lower conveying unit 208-3, an upper paper passing sensor 208-4, a lower paper passing sensor 208-5, and LEDs (216-13, 216-14).

[0073] The microprocessor 208-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the inverting unit 208, and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0074] The upper conveying section 208-2 and the lower conveying section 208-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the reversing section 208, and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 208-1.

[0075] The upper sheet sensor 208-4 and the lower sheet sensor 208-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 208-2 and the lower conveying section 208-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a conveyed sheet. The upper sheet sensor 208-4 and the lower sheet sensor 208-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying section within the reversing section 208.

[0076] The LEDs (216-13, 216-14) are notification means provided in the reversing unit 208. The LEDs (216-13, 216-14) are used to indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred within the reversing unit 208 by their position and color. Details of which LEDs (216-13, 216-14) light up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0077] The internal configuration of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) is shown below: The paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) have a microprocessor 209-1, an upper conveying unit 209-2, a lower conveying unit 209-3, an upper paper passing sensor 209-4, a lower paper passing sensor 209-5, and LEDs (216-15 to 216-20).

[0078] The microprocessor 209-1 is configured to control the subunits included in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) and to exchange control commands and status notifications with the CPU 224.

[0079] The upper conveying section 209-2 and the lower conveying section 209-3 are sheet conveying units configured in the paper discharge section (209, 210, 211), and the conveying process by these units is controlled by the microprocessor 209-1.

[0080] The upper sheet sensor 209-4 and the lower sheet sensor 209-5 are sheet sensors provided upstream of the upper conveying section 209-2 and the lower conveying section 209-3, respectively, and are used to determine the presence or absence of conveyed sheets. The upper sheet sensor 209-4 and the lower sheet sensor 209-5 are mainly used to detect jams that occur in the conveying sections in the sheet discharge sections (209, 210, 211).

[0081] The LEDs (216-15, 216-18), LEDs (216-16, 216-19), and LEDs (216-17, 216-20) are notification means provided in the paper discharge unit (209), paper discharge unit (210), and paper discharge unit (211), respectively. The LEDs (216-15 to 216-20) indicate the location and content of an event that has occurred in the paper discharge unit (209, 210, 211) by their positions and colors. Details of which LEDs (216-15 to 216-20) light up in which color when which event occurs will be described later.

[0082] 3A to 3D are diagrams for explaining the details of the configuration of each unit included in the printer 102. FIG.

[0083] 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204). Each of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) according to this embodiment includes three trays (217, 218, 219), each capable of storing sheets of different types and sizes. Each tray (217, 218, 219) also includes 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.

[0084] Each of the paper feed units (202, 203, 204) includes three LEDs (216-1, 216-2, 216-3).

[0085] The LED 216-1 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the lower conveying section 202-3 in the paper feeding section (202, 203, 204).

[0086] The LED 216-2 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the upper conveying unit 202-2 in the paper feed unit (202, 203, 204). The LED 216-2 is also used as a means for notifying information other than jams. Specifically, the LED 216-2 lights up in red when the sheets discharged onto the escape tray 233 become full, and is used in the system of this embodiment as a means for presenting information. Furthermore, when the escape tray 233 is close to being full, the LED 216-2 lights up in yellow to present information in the system of this embodiment.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming unit 201. The alert light 212 has been explained in FIG. 1, so details will be omitted. The image forming unit 201 has a head unit 234 in the center where the inkjet head and its control unit are arranged. The ink tank control unit 235 has an information display unit for displaying ink replenishment, waste ink replacement, and the remaining ink levels.

[0089] 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.

[0090] FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the first fixing unit 205, the second fixing unit 206, the cooling unit 207, and the reversing unit 208.

[0091] The reversing unit 208 in this embodiment includes a turning module top tray 238 for discharging sheets that are stuck inside the printer 102 when an error occurs in the printer 102. When a chart image is printed in the reversing unit 208 to adjust the color tone of the printer, the paper on which the chart image is printed is discharged to the turning module top tray 238.

[0092] In addition, covers (236, 237) are provided on the top of 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 first fixing unit 205 and the second fixing unit 206, which use heaters to dry the sheets.

[0093] The LED 216-7 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when 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 when a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section 205-3 in the first fixing section 205.

[0094] The LED 216-9 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when 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 when a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section 206-3 in the second fixing section 206.

[0095] The LED 216-11 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red when 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 when a jam occurs in the lower conveying section 207-3 in the cooling section 207.

[0096] The LED 216-13 is a means for notifying by lighting up red if a jam occurs in the upper conveying section 208-2 in the reversing section 208. Furthermore, when the number of sheets discharged to the turning module top tray 238 exceeds a certain number, the LED 216-13 lights up yellow or red according to the number of sheets, as instructed by the DFE 103.

[0097] Furthermore, the LED 216-14 is a means for notifying by lighting up in red if a jam occurs in the lower conveyance section 208-3 in the reversing section 208. The LED 216-13 turns off and lights up each time a sheet is discharged onto the turning module top tray 238, and the printer 102 notifies the DFE 103, and the DFE 103 holds and counts the number of sheets stacked. This allows the scheduler to determine whether the turning module top tray 238 is full or near full. Details will be described later.

[0098] FIG. 3D is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211). Each of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) in this embodiment is composed of two paper discharge locations. The stack units 242-1 to 242-3 are used when stacking a large number of sheets, and are protected by doors 243-1 to 243-3, respectively. The stacker top trays 241-1 to 241-3 are trays for discharging a small number of sheets, and are not equipped with doors or the like.

[0099] In addition, the sheets in the stack units 242-1 to 242-3 are provided with a jogger mechanism (not shown) inside to improve stacking performance. In addition, in the case of a configuration having multiple paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) as shown in Figure 1, the printer 102 in this embodiment has a function called tray linking that enables multiple stack units to be treated as a single paper discharge destination.

[0100] The paper ejection buttons 239-1 to 239-3 are tray eject instruction means, and are instruction means used to release the doors 243-1 to 243-3, respectively, to make the internal stack section accessible, thereby ejecting the sheets stacked inside.

[0101] The tray stack amount notification means 240-1 to 240-3 are display means for notifying the stack amount (height) of stacked sheets by displaying it in stages.

[0102] Tray operation means 250-1 to 250-3 are means for notifying the status of the paper discharge section. In tray operation means 250-1, tray stack amount notification means 240-1 indicates that a preset number of sheets (or a stack height calculated from the paper type) have been discharged. Paper discharge button 239-1 is lit to indicate that the paper stacked in stack section 242 needs to be removed. Paper discharge section warning 244-1 is a lamp that indicates an abnormality in the paper discharge section, and when the lamp is off, it indicates that the section can operate without any problems.

[0103] In the tray operation means 250-2, the tray stack amount notification means 240-2 indicates that the preset number of sheets (or the stack height calculated from the paper type) has not been reached. The paper ejection button 239-2 indicates, with its lamp off, that additional paper can be stacked in the stack section 242 and that there is no need to remove the paper already stacked to continue stacking paper. When the paper ejection section warning 244-2 is lit, it indicates that the paper ejection section is in an abnormal state. In this case, the paper ejection section needs to be inspected before continuing to eject paper to the paper ejection section.

[0104] The LEDs 216-15, 216-16, and 216-17 are means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the paper discharge unit 209, the paper discharge unit 210, and the upper conveyance unit 209-2 of the paper discharge unit 211, respectively. The LEDs 216-15, 216-16, and 216-17 are means for notifying by lighting up in red when it is detected that the stacker top trays 241 provided in the paper discharge units 209, 210, and 211, respectively, are full of sheets. Furthermore, the LEDs 216-15 to 216-17 are means for notifying by lighting up in yellow when it is detected that the stacker top trays 241-1 to 241-3 provided in the paper discharge units 209, 210, and 211 are nearly full of sheets.

[0105] The LEDs 216-18, 216-19, and 216-20 are means for notifying by lighting up in red when a jam occurs in the paper discharge unit 209, the paper discharge unit 210, and the lower conveyance unit 209-3 of the paper discharge unit 211, respectively. Furthermore, the LEDs 216-18, 216-19, and 216-20 light up in red when it is detected that the stack units 242 of the paper discharge units 209, 210, and 211 are full of sheets. The LEDs 216-18, 216-19, and 216-20 light up yellow to indicate that the sheets stacked in the stack units 242 of the paper discharge units 209, 210, and 211, respectively, are nearly full. The on / off and lit colors of the LEDs 216-15, 216-16, 216-17, 216-18, 216-19, and 216-20 are determined depending on the full / near-full state of the paper discharge destination for the paper used in the print job generated by the scheduler.

[0106] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the form of the transport unit of each module provided in the printer 102, the positional relationship of the paper passing sensors, and the arrangement of the LEDs 216.

[0107] The paper feed units (202, 203, 204) will 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) upstream. The paper passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) detect that a sheet passes through the sensor when the sheet is conveyed on the conveying unit, and determine whether or not a sheet is present. The paper passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) in this embodiment are used to detect the occurrence of a jam.

[0108] Specifically, the paper passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) detect the presence or absence of a jam in the following manner. That is, under the instruction of the CPU 224, the conveying units are controlled under the control of the microprocessors of each module, including the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), and the sheet is conveyed. The sheet is conveyed to the module, and the conveying unit provided in 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 carried out of the module, based on the relationship between the sheet conveying speed and the shape and length of the conveying unit inside the module. If the paper passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) detect the sheet when the in-machine residence time has elapsed, it can be determined that the conveying process is proceeding as expected. However, if the sheet passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) cannot detect the sheet even after the expected in-machine residence time has elapsed, it can be determined that the sheet has not been conveyed correctly. In other words, it is considered that a jam has occurred and the conveyance process has been delayed. Therefore, the sheet passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) determine whether the sheet is about to be conveyed outside the module when the predetermined in-machine residence time for the sheet has elapsed. For this reason, the sheet passing sensors (202-4, 202-5) are arranged upstream of each conveyance unit.

[0109] 3A, when a jam is detected in the lower conveying section 202-3, the LED 216-1 lights up in red to notify the jam, and when a jam is detected in the upper conveying section 202-2, the LED 216-2 lights up in red to notify the jam.

[0110] 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, and is arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (201-4, 201-5) in its upstream portion. As shown in FIG. 3B, when a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 201-2, LEDs (216-4, 216-5) light up in red to notify the occurrence. Furthermore, when 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.

[0111] 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, and is arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (205-4, 205-5) upstream. As shown in FIG. 3C, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 205-2, an LED (216-7) lights up in red to notify the occurrence. Furthermore, 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.

[0112] The second fixing unit 206 will now be described. The second fixing unit 206 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) upstream. As shown in FIG. 3C, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 206-2, an LED (216-9) lights up in red to notify the occurrence. Furthermore, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 206-2, an LED 216-10 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.

[0113] 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) in its upstream portion. As shown in FIG. 3C, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 207-2, an LED (216-11) lights up in red to notify the occurrence. Furthermore, 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 method of jam detection is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0114] 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) in its upstream portion. As shown in FIG. 3C, if a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 208-2, notification is given by the LED (216-13) lighting up in red. Also, if a jam is detected in the lower conveying unit 208-2, notification is given by the LED 216-14 lighting up in red. The method of jam detection is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0115] The paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) will now be described. Each of the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) has an upper conveying unit 209-2 and a lower conveying unit 209-3, and is arranged as shown in the figure. Each conveying unit has a paper passing sensor (209-4, 209-5) upstream. As shown in FIG. 3D, when a jam is detected in the upper conveying unit 209-2, notification is given by lighting up red LEDs (216-15, 216-16, 216-17) in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211) that include the conveying unit 209-2 that detected the jam. For example, when a jam is detected only in the conveying unit 209-2 of the paper discharge unit (209), only the LED (216-16) lights up red. Furthermore, if a jam is detected in all of the transport units 209-2 provided in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211), all of the LEDs (216-15, 216-16, 216-17) light up red. If a jam is detected in the lower transport unit 209-2, the LED 216-16 lights up red to notify the jam. For example, if a jam is detected only in the transport unit 209-4 provided in the paper discharge unit (209), only the LED (216-18) lights up red. If a jam is detected in all of the transport units 209-4 provided in the paper discharge units (209, 210, 211), all of the LEDs (216-18, 216-19, 216-20) light up red. The jam detection method is the same as that for the paper feed units (202, 203, 204), so details will be omitted.

[0116] 5 is a diagram showing how a scheduler program provided in the DFE 103 stores a print job received from the PC 105 via the network 100 in a queue 501 before the job is executed. After the DFE 103 is powered on, the CPU 217 reads the scheduler program from the first SSD 221 to the first RAM 220 and executes it. The scheduler program constantly monitors and analyzes the jobs stored in the queue 501, and instructs the operation unit 222 to display the analysis results as schedule information.

[0117] 6 is a table in which the scheduler program stores the analysis results of the print jobs stored in the queue 501. The table 601 is stored in the first RAM 220 and is updated by the scheduler program.

[0118] In table 601, 602 indicates a job ID that is an identifier for a print job, 603 indicates a job name for the print job, and 604 indicates the type of paper (size, basis weight, surface property) used in the print job.

[0119] 605 indicates the number of sheets of paper used in the print job. For example, if single-sided printing is set for 100 pages of print data, 100 sheets of paper will be generated as the print result. Also, if double-sided printing is set for 100 pages of print data, printing will be done on both sides of the paper, so 50 sheets of paper will be generated as the print result.

[0120] A column 606 indicates how many sheets of the print job have already been printed and ejected to the output tray. A column 607 indicates the output tray for the print job. If a specific output tray is selected, the printer determines whether the selected output tray is near full or full based on the paper loading conditions. If the output tray is set to "Auto," an available output tray is selected at the start of printing, and the printed paper is ejected to that output tray. The conditions for selecting an available output tray include whether stacking paper from above will not affect the stack of paper already stacked. If the tray linking function, which allows multiple stacks to be treated as a single output tray, is enabled, even if one output tray becomes full, the printer switches to another output tray and continues printing if output to another output tray is available. The scheduler program deletes jobs that have completed printing from table 601.

[0121] 7A is a table that manages the current number of sheets stacked for each discharge destination, warning conditions, the current on / off state of the LED 216, and the color of the on / off state of the LED 216. The table 701 is stored in the first RAM 220 and is updated by the scheduler program.

[0122] In table 701, 702 indicates the paper discharge destination. 703 indicates how many sheets of paper are stacked in the discharge destination indicated by 702. 704 stores information on how many sheets must be stacked in the discharge destination 702 before it is determined to be near full, i.e., a near-full state. 705 stores information on how many sheets must be stacked in the discharge destination 702 before it is determined to be full, i.e., that no paper will be discharged to that discharge destination unless paper is removed from the discharge destination, i.e., a full state. 706 stores information on the LED 216 provided at the discharge destination, whether it is turned on or off, and the LED color when it is turned on.

[0123] 7B is a table that manages light colors corresponding to the types of warnings related to the alert light 212 and the LED 216. Tables 711 and 721 are stored in the first RAM 220 and are referenced by the scheduler program. Table 711 is a table that manages light colors corresponding to the types of warnings related to the alert light 212. Reference numeral 712 indicates the type of warning. Reference numeral 713 indicates the light color that is turned on by the alert light 212 when the warning indicated by 712 occurs.

[0124] Table 721 is a table for managing light colors corresponding to warnings related to the LED 216. 722 indicates the type of warning. 723 indicates the light color that the alert light 212 will light up in when the warning indicated by 722 occurs.

[0125] 8 is an example of a schedule screen. A screen 801 is stored in the first SSD 221 and is read into the first RAM 220 by the scheduler program when the DFE 103 is started. The scheduler program then displays the screen 801 on the operation unit 222 and updates the print job execution status as necessary.

[0126] 802 is a button for displaying the printing status of a print job. 803 is a button for displaying print jobs held by the DFE 103. 804 is a button for displaying the status of a paper feed device. 805 is a button for checking / changing the system settings of the DFE 103. 806 is a button for checking / changing the service settings.

[0127] A screen 801 is a schedule screen that is displayed when a button 802 is selected. Details of 803 to 806 are omitted because they do not affect the present embodiment.

[0128] An area 807 shows the status of the printer 102, indicating that printing is in progress. An area 808 shows information about the print job being printed and the print status. An area 809 displays the time axis of the print schedule. "00" indicates the current status. The print schedule is displayed in the direction of "01" and "02".

[0129] 810 shows that the print job "Job1.pdf" is being printed on paper of size "A4," basis weight "100 gsm," and paper type "Plain." Schedule bar 813 shows the print time calculated by the scheduler program. The scheduler program calculates the number of sheets to be printed for the job stored in table 601 by subtracting the number of sheets already printed from the total number of sheets to be printed. It then calculates the print time by multiplying this by the print time required to print one sheet of paper that it already has. The schedule bars are then arranged in the order in which the print jobs are to be executed, starting from the current time "00."

[0130] For example, suppose that job IDs "0001" through "0003" are registered in table 601. In this case, by subtracting the number of printed sheets (200) from the total number of printed sheets (1300) for the currently running job with job ID "0001," it is determined that a remaining 1100 sheets of paper will be used. This value is multiplied by the printing time required for one sheet of "A4, 100 gsm, Plain" paper (not shown) to calculate the printing time. A schedule bar with a length corresponding to the calculated printing time is then generated, and the schedule bar 813 on screen 801 is displayed on the operation unit 222.

[0131] A similar calculation is performed for job ID "0002." Because job ID "0002" starts after job ID "0001," the schedule bar 814 corresponding to job ID "0002" is positioned with its starting point after the scheduled end time of schedule bar 813.

[0132] The same calculation is performed for job ID "0003," and the schedule bar 815 is placed starting from the point after the scheduled end time of schedule bar 814 corresponding to job ID "0002."

[0133] Information about the paper discharge destination used in the print job is shown as 816. Specifically, the top trays provided in paper discharge units 209 to 211 are displayed as "Stacker Top tray 1" to "Stacker Top tray 3" 817 to 819.

[0134] Similarly, the stacking units provided in the paper discharge units 209 to 211 are displayed as "Stacker Module 1" to "Stacker Module 3" 820 to 822.

[0135] The schedule program receives paper discharge notifications from the printer 102 and notifications that paper has been removed from a tray or stack, and manages information about the number of sheets of paper stacked at each paper discharge destination. This makes it possible to calculate whether, after a print job is executed, printing will end with room for the paper discharge destination, whether the paper discharge destination will be nearly full, or whether it will be full during the print job.

[0136] For example, let us consider a case where it is calculated that printing will be completed with job ID "0001" and job ID "0002" with sufficient paper output destination capacity even after the jobs are executed. In this case, as shown in schedule bar 823 and schedule bar 824, the schedule bar corresponding to the paper output destination of each job is displayed in green, for example.

[0137] Next, a case will be described in which it is calculated that the paper output destination will be nearly full after the print job for job ID "0003" is executed, or will be full during the print job. In this case, the color of the schedule bar is changed to a color different from the color of schedule bar "823" and schedule bar "824," for example, "yellow," and is displayed in schedule bar 825.

[0138] In this way, the schedule program realizes intuitive job management by displaying to the operator operating the operation unit 222 the status of printing that is currently being performed or is scheduled to be performed, the status of the paper to be used, and the status of the paper output destination, all in different colors.

[0139] Next, a case will be described in which all the upper trays of stackers connected in series or all the LEDs 216 inside the stackers are turned on / off in unison.

[0140] 9A shows a flowchart for controlling the alert light 212 and LED 216 of the DFE 103 of this embodiment. The processing of the flowchart for the DFE 103 is stored in the first SSD 221 and executed by the CPU 217. The flowchart for the DFE 103 starts when the power of the DFE 103 is turned on. A method for controlling the DFE 103 will be described below.

[0141] In step S901, the CPU 217 determines whether or not a notification that paper has been ejected to the paper ejection destination has been received from the printer 102. If a paper ejection notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S902. If a paper ejection notification has not been received, the process proceeds to step S910.

[0142] In step S902, CPU 217 accesses table 701 and counts up the current stack number 703 for the discharge destination 702 for which the notification was received in step S901. That is, CPU 217 functions as a counting unit and counts the "current stack number" 703 of sheets discharged to the discharge destination 702 for each of the multiple discharge destinations 702. Then, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0143] In step S903, CPU 217 accesses table 701 and compares the "current stack number" 703 for discharge destination 702 counted up in step S902 with the "warning A (near full) determination number" 704. Here, it determines whether "current stack number" 703 is less than "warning A (near full) determination number" 704, matches "warning A (near full) determination number" 704, or exceeds "warning A (near full) determination number" 704, and records the determination result in first RAM 220. Then, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0144] In step S904, the CPU 217 checks the determination result recorded in step S903 from the first RAM 220. If the "current stack number" 703 of the discharge destination 702 for which the discharge notification was sent is less than or exceeds the "warning A (near full) determination number" 704, the process proceeds to step S907.

[0145] In step S904, if the "current stack number" 703 of the discharge destination 702 for which the discharge notification has been sent reaches (matches) the "warning A (near full) determination number" 704, the process proceeds to step S905. Here, the "warning A (near full) determination number" 704 is an example of a first threshold value.

[0146] In step S905, CPU 217 accesses table 711 and obtains "yellow" as light color 713 associated with "Warning A (Near Full)" as warning type 712. CPU 217 then controls printer 102 to instruct alert light 212 to light up in "yellow." Here, alert light 212 is an example of a light-emitting device provided in image forming apparatus 101. Then, processing proceeds to step S906.

[0147] In step S906, the CPU 217 accesses the table 721 and obtains "yellow" as the light color 723 associated with "Warning A (Near Full)" as the warning type 722. The CPU 217 then functions as a control unit and controls the printer 102 to instruct the LED 216 provided at the paper discharge destination 702 where the "current stack number" 703 has reached the "number of sheets required to determine warning A (Near Full)" 704 to light up in "yellow." Here, the LED 216 is an example of a light-emitting device provided at the paper discharge destination 702.

[0148] For example, when the paper discharge destination is the upper tray of a stacker, the CPU 217 issues an instruction to turn on the LEDs 216 on the upper tray side of all stackers, taking into consideration the visibility of the operator. More specifically, as shown in 1101 in Fig. 11, all of the LEDs 216-15, 216-16, and 216-17 on the upper side of the stackers are turned on.

[0149] If the paper discharge destination is inside a stacker, the CPU 217 instructs all stackers to turn on the stacker-side LEDs 216. More specifically, as shown in 1102 in Fig. 11, all of the stacker-side LEDs 216-18, 216-19, and 216-20 are turned on.

[0150] Then, the CPU 217 accesses the table 701 and updates the "current off state and LED color" 706 of the lit discharge destination 702 to "yellow." Specifically, a case will be described in which the CPU 217 turns on all of the LEDs 216-15, 216-16, and 216-17 on the top side of the stacker. In this case, the CPU 217 updates the "current off state and LED color" 706 of "Stacker Top Tray 1" to "Stacker Top Tray 3" of the discharge destination 702 in the table 701 to all of them to "yellow."

[0151] Next, the case where the CPU 217 turns on all of the LEDs 216-18, 216-19, and 216-20 inside the stacker will be described. In this case, the "current off state and LED color" 706 for "Stacker Top Module 1" to "Stacker Top Module 3" of the paper discharge destination 702 in the table 701 is updated to "yellow." Then, the process proceeds to step S907.

[0152] In step S907, the CPU 217 checks the determination result recorded in step S903 from the first RAM 220. If the "current stack number" 703 of the discharge destination 702 for which the discharge notification was sent is less than the "warning B (full) determination number" 705, the process proceeds to step S910.

[0153] In step S904, if the "current stack number" 703 of the discharge destination 702 for which the discharge notification has been sent reaches (matches) the "warning B (full) determination number" 705, the process proceeds to step S908. Here, the "warning B (full) determination number" 705 is an example of a second threshold, and is a number different from the "warning A (near full) determination number" 704.

[0154] In step S908, CPU 217 accesses table 711 and obtains "red" from light color 713 associated with "Warning B (Full)" from alert type 712. CPU 217 then controls printer 102 to instruct alert light 212 to light up in "red." Then, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0155] Although the example has been described in which the alert light 212 and the LED 216 are instructed to light up in yellow in steps S905 and S906, and the alert light 212 and the LED 216 are instructed to light up in red in steps S908 and S909, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other colors may also be instructed to light up.

[0156] Furthermore, lighting instructions may be given in a manner other than color. In steps S905 and S906, the CPU 217 controls the alert light 212 and the LED 216 to light up in a first manner. In steps S908 and S909, the CPU 217 controls the alert light 212 and the LED 216 to light up in a second manner different from the first manner. Here, the first and second manners may be differentiated by color, blinking, or the like. Furthermore, although an example has been described in which the alert light 212 and the LED 216 are the same color, they may be different colors.

[0157] In step S909, the CPU 217 accesses the table 721 and obtains "red" as the light color 723 associated with the "warning B (full)" as the warning type 722. The CPU 217 then controls the printer 102 to instruct the LED 216 provided at the discharge destination 702 where the "current stacked sheet count" 703 has reached the "warning B (full) determination sheet count" 705 to light up "red." Here, as described in step S906, if the discharge destination is the upper tray of a stacker, the CPU 217 instructs the LED 216 on the upper tray side of all stackers to light up, taking into consideration the visibility of the operator. If the discharge destination is the stacker side, the CPU 217 instructs the LED 216 on the stacker side of all stackers to light up.

[0158] Then, the CPU 217 accesses the table 701 and updates the "current off state and LED color" 706 of the lit discharge destination 702 to "red," and then proceeds to step S910.

[0159] In step S910, CPU 217 determines whether or not a notification that the stack (paper) at the paper output destination has been removed has been received from printer 102. If a notification that the stack has been removed has been received, the process proceeds to step S911. If a notification that the stack has been removed has not been received, the process proceeds to step S901.

[0160] In step S911, the CPU 217 determines whether any of the discharge destinations other than the discharge destination from which the stacked object was removed, as received in step S910, is in a near-full / full state. For example, a case will be described in which the discharge destination from which the stacked object was removed in step S910 is "Stacker Module 1." In this case, the CPU 217 determines whether the stacking states of "Stacker Module 2" and "Stacker Module 3," which have been linked and have turned on the LED 216, are in a near-full / full state by calculating using the calculation method described in step S903.

[0161] If there is at least one discharge destination in the near-full / full state, the CPU 217 records that fact in the first RAM 220, and the process proceeds to step S912.

[0162] In step S912, CPU 217 checks whether there is a full paper output destination. If it is confirmed that there is a full paper output destination, CPU 217 performs the same process as step S909. Furthermore, if the full paper output destination is within a stacker, CPU 217 notifies printer 102 of this fact. If it is confirmed that there is no full paper output destination but there is a near-full paper output destination, CPU 217 performs the same process as step S906. Then, the process proceeds to step S914.

[0163] If there is no discharge destination in the near-full / full state in step S911, the process proceeds to step S913.

[0164] In step S913, the CPU 217 controls the printer 102 to instruct it to turn off the LED 216 provided at the discharge destination from which the stacked object was removed, as received in step S910, and the LEDs 216 of other discharge destinations that were lit in conjunction with the LED 216 provided at the discharge destination.

[0165] Furthermore, the CPU 217 resets the "current stack number" 703 of the discharge destination 702 from which the stack has been removed in the table 701. Then, the process proceeds to step S914.

[0166] In step S914, CPU 217 accesses table 701 and determines whether there is a paper discharge destination for which LED 216 is lit. If there is at least one paper discharge destination for which LED 216 is lit, the process proceeds to step S901. If there is no paper discharge destination for which LED 216 is lit, the process proceeds to step S915.

[0167] In step S915, CPU 217 determines whether or not a problem has occurred in a device other than the paper discharge destination that is related to the illumination of alert light 212. If a problem has occurred in a device other than the paper discharge destination that is related to the illumination of alert light 212, the process proceeds to step S901. If a problem has not occurred in a device other than the paper discharge destination that is related to the illumination of alert light 212, the process proceeds to step S916.

[0168] In step S916, CPU 217 accesses table 711 and obtains "green" as light color 713 associated with "none" as alert type 712. CPU 217 then instructs printer 102 to turn alert light 212 green. Then, the process proceeds to step S901.

[0169] 9A starts when the power supply of the DFE 103 is turned on, and continues to be executed by the CPU 217 until the power supply of the DFE 103 is turned off.

[0170] 9B shows a flowchart for controlling the alert light 212, LED 216, and the light of the paper ejection button provided on the stacker of the printer 102 of this embodiment. The processing of the flowchart for the printer 102 is stored in the second SSD 230 and executed by the CPU 224. The flowchart for the printer 102 starts when the power of the printer 102 is turned on. A method for controlling the printer 102 will be described below.

[0171] In step S921, the CPU 224 determines whether or not a print paper ejection notification has been received via a paper ejection sensor at the paper ejection destination of the printer 102. If a paper ejection notification has not been received, the process proceeds to step S923. If a paper ejection notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S922.

[0172] In step S922, the CPU 224 transmits the notification of the discharge destination to which the paper has been discharged and the notification of the discharge, which were received in step S921, to the DFE 103. Then, the process proceeds to step S923.

[0173] In step S923, the CPU 224 determines whether or not there has been an instruction from the DFE 103 to turn on the alert light 212. If there has been no instruction from the DFE 103 to turn on the alert light 212, the process proceeds to S925. If there has been an instruction from the DFE 103 to turn on the alert light 212, the process proceeds to step S924.

[0174] In step S924, the CPU 224 checks the lighting color instructed by the DFE 103 in step S923, and lights the alert light 212 in the instructed lighting color, and then proceeds to step S925.

[0175] In step S925, the CPU 224 determines whether or not there has been an instruction from the DFE 103 to turn on or off the LED 216. If there has been no instruction from the DFE 103 to turn on or off the LED 216, the process proceeds to step S929. If there has been an instruction from the DFE 103 to turn on or off the LED 216, the process proceeds to step S926.

[0176] In step S926, if the instruction is to turn off the LED 216 provided for the discharge destination that was instructed to turn off, the CPU 224 turns off the LED 216. In step S926, if the instruction is to turn on the LED, the CPU 224 checks the lighting color instructed by the DFE 103 in step S925, and lights the LED 216 in the instructed lighting color. Then, the process proceeds to step S927.

[0177] In step S927, CPU 224 determines whether or not an instruction to turn on LED 216 in red, indicating warning B (full) for a paper discharge destination in the stacker, has been received from DFE 103. If an instruction to turn on LED 216 in red, indicating warning B (full) for a paper discharge destination in the stacker, has not been received from DFE 103, the process proceeds to step S929. If an instruction to turn on LED 216 in red, indicating warning B (full) for a paper discharge destination in the stacker, has been received from DFE 103, the process proceeds to step S928.

[0178] In step S928, CPU 224 controls paper eject button 239 provided on the stacker for warning B (full) received in step S927 to light up as shown by paper eject button 239-1 in Fig. 3D, and then proceeds to step S929.

[0179] In step S929, CPU 224 determines whether a notification that the paper has been removed from the paper discharge unit has been received. If the notification has not been received, the process proceeds to step S921. If the notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S930.

[0180] In step S930, the CPU 224 transmits a notification of the paper discharge unit from which the paper was removed in step S929 to the DFE 103. Then, the process proceeds to step S931.

[0181] In step S931, CPU 224 determines whether the paper discharge unit from which the paper was removed in step S929 is inside a stacker. If the paper discharge unit is not inside a stacker, the process proceeds to step S921. If the paper discharge unit from which the paper was removed is inside a stacker, the process proceeds to step S932.

[0182] In step S932, CPU 224 controls paper eject button 239 of the stacker determined in step S931 to be turned off as shown by paper eject button 239-2 in Fig. 3D, and then the process proceeds to step S921.

[0183] 9B starts when the power of the printer 102 is turned on, and continues to be executed by the CPU 224 until the power of the printer 102 is turned off.

[0184] Next, a case will be described in which the LED 216 is turned on in response to a warning from the final discharge destination when the tray link is enabled.

[0185] The following describes how to light up the LED 216 when the tray linking function, which allows multiple stack units to be treated as a single discharge destination, is enabled. Screen 1001 in Fig. 10 is a screen for setting whether to light up the LED 216 or not, taking into account multiple discharge destinations, the conditions for determining whether a discharge destination is near full / full when the tray linking function is enabled.

[0186] 2A to display screen 1001 on the operation unit 222, and then operates the operation unit 222 to select "Warning taking into account multiple paper discharge destinations" 1003 using the radio button, and presses OK button 1004. Then, the CPU 217 records this setting in the first RAM 220.

[0187] When this setting is enabled, for example, for job ID 602 ​​"0004" where print execution is instructed in table 601 with "Auto" as the paper output destination 607, a paper output destination capable of paper output is selected at the start of print execution, and printing begins.

[0188] In this case, the stacker closest to the print module (PM) is preferably selected as the available paper output destination. The print module is a module equipped with an ink head that applies ink to paper. Furthermore, if the tray linking function is enabled and there is another available stacker, even if the current paper output destination becomes full, another available stacker will be automatically selected and printing will continue.

[0189] 9A, the DFE 103 switches the paper output destination and checks whether there is a stacker that can continue printing after step S902. If there is a stacker that can continue printing, the process proceeds to step S910 without proceeding to step S903. If there is no stacker that can continue printing, the process determines that the current paper output destination is the last one treated as a single paper output destination, and proceeds to step S903.

[0190] When the "current stack number" 703 of sheets discharged to the discharge destination 702 reaches the "warning A (near full) judgment number" 704 and there is another stacker available for discharge, the CPU 217 does not control the LED 216 provided at the discharge destination 702 to light up.

[0191] In addition, the CPU 217 controls the LED 216 provided at the paper discharge destination 702 to light up when the "current stack number" 703 of the paper discharged to the paper discharge destination 702 reaches the "warning A (near full) judgment number" 704 and there is no other stacker available for paper discharge.

[0192] In this way, when the tray linking function is enabled, the LED 216 is turned on only when it is detected that all enabled paper output destinations are fully loaded. This allows the operator to determine whether or not work is really required.

[0193] Next, the turning module top tray paper output will be described. As shown in table 701, the turning module top tray, like the other output destinations, also has information about the current stack count 703, the number of sheets determined to be near-full (Warning A), the number of sheets determined to be full (Warning B), and the "current off / on status and LED color" 706. However, this output destination is provided as a destination for the printer's color adjustment chart and for a function that detects deformation of fed paper and ejects that paper outside the machine, so it cannot be specified as an output destination for normal print jobs. For this reason, the turning module top tray is not illustrated on the scheduler screen. However, since printing cannot continue if the stack of paper becomes full, an LED 216 is provided to notify the operator of the near-full / full status.

[0194] As described above, according to this embodiment, each of the paper discharge units 209 to 211 is provided with an LED 216 that indicates the status of the remaining amount of paper, and when the paper is nearly full, the LED 216 can be turned on to notify the user, thereby providing a highly convenient and efficient image forming apparatus 101. This allows the user to determine whether or not the deliverable needs to be removed without going to the operation unit 222, thereby enabling efficient use.

[0195] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0196] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0197] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) a counting means for counting the number of sheets discharged to each of the plurality of discharge destinations; a control means for controlling, when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches a first threshold, a light emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination at which the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, to light up; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) The control means when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, a light-emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination where the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold is controlled to light up in a first mode; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches a second threshold value different from the first threshold value, the light-emitting device provided at the discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the second threshold value is controlled to light up in a second mode different from the first mode. (Configuration 3) the first aspect is a first color, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second aspect is a second color different from the first color. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means controls the light-emitting device provided at the destination where the number of sheets discharged to the destination reaches the first threshold to light up, and then, when the sheets at the destination where the number of sheets discharged to the destination reaches the first threshold to be removed, controls the light-emitting device provided at the destination from which the sheets were removed to light up. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, characterized in that when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the first threshold and the paper is removed from the discharge destination, the counting means resets the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination from which the paper was removed. (Configuration 6) The image forming device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the first threshold, a light-emitting device provided at the discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the first threshold is controlled to light up, and a light-emitting device provided at the image forming device is controlled to light up. (Configuration 7) The control means when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, a light-emitting device provided to the sheet discharge destination where the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold is controlled to light up in a first mode, and a light-emitting device provided to the image forming apparatus is controlled to light up in a third mode; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches a second threshold different from the first threshold, the light-emitting device provided at the discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the second threshold is controlled to light up in a second mode different from the first mode, and the light-emitting device provided in the image forming apparatus is controlled to light up in a fourth mode. (Configuration 8) the first aspect is a first color, the second aspect is a second color different from the first color, the third aspect is a third color, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the fourth aspect is a fourth color different from the third color. (Configuration 9) the third color is the same as the first color; 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the fourth color is the same as the second color. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the control means controls so that a paper ejection button provided on the stacker lights up when the number of sheets ejected to the sheet ejection destination reaches the second threshold and the sheet ejection destination for which the number of sheets ejected to the sheet ejection destination has reached the second threshold is within a stacker. (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 10, wherein the control means controls the paper ejection button provided on the stacker to light up, and then controls the paper ejection button provided on the stacker to turn off when the paper at the ejection destination in the stacker is removed. (Configuration 12) The control means When the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold value and there is another stacker available for sheet discharge, the light emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination is not controlled to light up, An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that when the number of sheets of paper discharged to a destination during paper discharge reaches the first threshold value and there is no other stacker available for paper discharge, an illuminating device provided at the destination is controlled to light up. (Configuration 13) 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of paper discharge destinations include a turning module top tray. (Method 1) a counting step of counting the number of sheets discharged to each of the plurality of discharge destinations; a control step of controlling, when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches a first threshold, a light emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination at which the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, to light up; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: (Program 1) 14. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 101 image forming device, 102 printer, 103 DFE, 209 to 211 paper discharge unit, 216 LED, 217 CPU, 224 CPU

Claims

1. a counting means for counting the number of sheets discharged to each of the plurality of discharge destinations; a control means for controlling, when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches a first threshold, a light emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination at which the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, to light up; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The control means when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, a light-emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination where the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold is controlled to light up in a first mode; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches a second threshold value different from the first threshold value, an illuminating device provided at the discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the second threshold value is controlled to light up in a second mode different from the first mode.

3. the first aspect is a first color, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second aspect is a second color different from the first color.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the light-emitting device provided at the paper discharge destination where the number of sheets discharged to the destination reaches the first threshold to light up, and then, when the paper at the destination where the number of sheets discharged to the destination reaches the first threshold is removed, controls the light-emitting device provided at the destination from which the paper was removed to light up.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the destination reaches the first threshold and the sheet is removed from the destination, the counting means resets the number of sheets of paper discharged to the destination from which the sheet was removed.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the first threshold, an illuminating device provided at the discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the first threshold is controlled to light up, and an illuminating device provided in the image forming apparatus is controlled to light up.

7. The control means when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, a light-emitting device provided to the sheet discharge destination where the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold is controlled to light up in a first mode, and a light-emitting device provided to the image forming apparatus is controlled to light up in a third mode; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches a second threshold different from the first threshold, the light-emitting device provided at the discharge destination where the number of sheets of paper discharged to the discharge destination reaches the second threshold lights up in a second mode different from the first mode, and the light-emitting device provided in the image forming apparatus lights up in a fourth mode.

8. the first aspect is a first color, the second aspect is a second color different from the first color, the third aspect is a third color, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fourth aspect is a fourth color different from the third color.

9. the third color is the same as the first color; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fourth color is the same as the second color.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means controls the paper discharge button provided on the stacker to light up when the number of sheets discharged to the paper discharge destination reaches the second threshold and the paper discharge destination for which the number of sheets discharged to the paper discharge destination has reached the second threshold is within a stacker.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control means controls the paper ejection button provided on the stacker to light up, and then controls the paper ejection button provided on the stacker to turn off when the paper at the ejection destination in the stacker is removed.

12. The control means When the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold value and there is another stacker available for sheet discharge, the light emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination is not controlled to light up, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the number of sheets of paper discharged to a paper discharge destination reaches the first threshold value and there is no other stacker available for paper discharge, an illuminating device provided at the paper discharge destination is controlled to light up.

13. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of paper discharge destinations include a turning module top tray.

14. a counting step of counting the number of sheets discharged to each of the plurality of discharge destinations; a control step of controlling, when the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches a first threshold, a light emitting device provided at the sheet discharge destination at which the number of sheets discharged to the sheet discharge destination reaches the first threshold, to light up; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

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

Images