Image forming apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing inconvenience that an operation desired by a user is not executed.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a discharge unit configured to discharge an image forming medium on which an image is formed by a scanner unit, a detection unit configured to detect whether the discharge unit is in a dischargeable state in which the image forming medium can be discharged, a determination unit configured to determine whether an image of a reading medium can be read, a control unit configured to control the scanner unit and the printer unit, and an operation unit configured to receive a predetermined specific operation. When the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is not in the dischargeable state, the scanning operation is executed out of the scanning operation and the printing operation, and the printing operation can be executed according to a specific operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, techniques have been proposed that allow selection of operations in an image forming apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to prevent the inconvenience of a user's desired action not being executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a scanner unit capable of performing a scanning operation to read an image from a reading medium, a printer unit capable of performing a printing operation to form an image read by the scanner unit on an image forming medium, a discharge unit capable of discharging the image forming medium on which the image has been formed by the printer unit, a detection unit capable of detecting whether the discharge unit is in a dischargeable state so that the image forming medium can be discharged, a judgment unit that judges whether the image from the reading medium can be read, a control unit that can control the scanner unit and the printer unit, and an operation unit that can accept predetermined specific operations, and when the judgment result of the judgment unit is that reading is possible and the detection result by the detection unit is that discharge is possible, the control unit executes selection control that allows the user to select whether to execute the print operation, and when the judgment result of the judgment unit is that reading is possible and the detection result by the detection unit is not that discharge is possible, the control unit executes the scan operation of the scan operation and the print operation, and makes the print operation possible in accordance with the specific operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, the inconvenience of a user's desired action not being executed is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an MFP, which is an example of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Product Printer) 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, MFP 100 includes ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 101, 101, operation panel 102, scanner unit 103, printer unit 104, and discharge unit 105. ADF 101 transports set printing paper (an example of a "medium") to scanner unit 103. Scanner unit 103 reads various images and generates image data representing the images (performs a scanner operation). For example, scanner unit 103 reads an image on printing paper transported from ADF 101. Scanner unit 103 also reads an image on printing paper placed on a contact glass.

[0009] Printer unit 104 prints the image read by scanner unit 103 onto printing paper (performs a printing operation). Specifically, printer unit 104 is configured to include a photosensitive drum and a transfer belt. When an image is read by scanner unit 103, the image is formed on the photosensitive drum with toner. The image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the transfer belt (primary transfer). Furthermore, the image transferred to the transfer belt is transferred to printing paper (secondary transfer). The printing paper onto which the image has been transferred is discharged from discharge unit 105.

[0010] The discharge unit 105 can transition between a state in which print paper can be discharged (hereinafter referred to as the "dischargeable state") and a state in which print paper cannot be discharged. The specific example in Fig. 1 assumes that the discharge unit 105 is in the dischargeable state. The operation panel 102 is equipped with a touch panel or the like that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc., and accepts input from the user.

[0011] MFP 100 of this embodiment is configured to be able to automatically execute a scanner operation when printing paper is set on ADF 101 or the contact glass. Specifically, MFP 100 can transition to automatic execution mode when operation panel 102 is operated appropriately. MFP 100 also includes sensor 130 and sensor 140. Sensor 130 detects that printing paper has been set on ADF 101 or the contact glass. Sensor 140 detects whether discharge unit 105 is in a dischargeable state in which printing paper can be discharged.

[0012] In the automatic execution mode, when the MFP 100 detects that print paper has been set, it automatically executes the scanner operation according to the detection result of the sensor 140 (whether the discharge unit 105 is in a state where print paper can be discharged or not). Specifically, it is assumed that print paper is set during a period when the discharge unit 105 is not in a state where print paper can be discharged (when print paper with an image printed on it cannot be discharged). In such a case, it is possible to infer that the user desires the scanner operation but not the print operation. Taking the above into consideration, in this embodiment, the scanner operation is automatically executed when print paper is set during a period when the discharge unit 105 is not in a state where print paper can be discharged.

[0013] On the other hand, when print paper is set while the discharge unit 105 is in a dischargeable state, a selection control is executed that allows the user to select whether to perform a print operation or a scan operation. Specifically, when the selection control is executed, a selection screen (see Gm1 in FIG. 4(a)) described below is displayed. The user can select whether to perform a print operation or a scan operation via the selection screen.

[0014] As described above, MFP 100 of this embodiment can switch to automatic execution mode, improving user convenience. However, if a malfunction occurs in sensor 140, ejection unit 105 may not detect that it is ready to eject, even though it is. In this case, when print paper is loaded in MFP 100, even if the user desires a print operation, a situation may arise in which only a scan operation is performed without the print operation being performed.

[0015] If the above situation occurs, a configuration (hereinafter referred to as "comparative example") is assumed in which it is necessary to reset the printing paper, perform the operation of reading the printing paper again, and then perform the printing operation. In the above comparative example, if a malfunction occurs in the sensor 140, inconvenience may arise in that convenience for the user is significantly reduced. In consideration of the above circumstances, this embodiment employs a configuration that suppresses the above inconvenience. The above configuration will be described in detail later.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 110, a short-range communication circuit 160, an engine control unit 170, an operation panel 102, and a network I / F 150.

[0017] The controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 112, a north bridge (NB) 113, a south bridge (SB) 114, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 115, a local memory (MEM-C) 116, which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 117, and an HD 118, which is also a storage unit. The NB 113 and the ASIC 115 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 119.

[0018] The CPU 111 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP 100. The NB 113 is a bridge that connects the CPU 111 with the MEM-P 112, the SB 114, and the AGP bus 119, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to and from the MEM-P 112, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0019] The MEM-P 112 includes a ROM 112a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the functions of the controller 110, and a RAM 112b, which is used for expanding the programs and data and as a drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in the RAM 112b may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0020] The SB 114 is a bridge for connecting the NB 113 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 115 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing purposes that has hardware elements for image processing, and functions as a bridge for interconnecting the AGP bus 119, PCI bus 120, HD 118, and MEM-C 116.

[0021] The ASIC 115 comprises a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 115, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 116, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 103 and the printer unit 104 via a PCI bus 120. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 115.

[0022] The HD 118 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HDD controller 117 controls reading and writing of data from and to the HD 118 under the control of the CPU 111.

[0023] The MEM-C 116 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The AGP bus 119 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing, and by directly accessing the MEM-P 112 at high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster. The short-range communication circuit 160 is equipped with a short-range communication circuit 160a. The short-range communication circuit 160 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0024] The engine control unit 170 is configured to include a scanner unit 103 and a printer unit 104. The operation panel 102 also includes a panel display unit 102a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc. and accepts input from the operator, and an operation panel 102b that includes a numeric keypad that accepts setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density setting conditions, a start key that accepts a copy start instruction, etc.

[0025] The controller 110 controls the entire MFP 100, for example, drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 102. The scanner unit 103 or the printer unit 104 includes an image processing unit such as error diffusion and gamma conversion. The MFP 100 can sequentially switch between the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 102. When the document box function is selected, the MFP 100 enters document box mode; when the copy function is selected, the MFP 100 enters copy mode; when the printer function is selected, the MFP 100 enters printer mode; and when the facsimile mode is selected, the MFP 100 enters facsimile mode.

[0026] The network I / F 150 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 160 and the network I / F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 115 via the PCI bus 120.

[0027] The scanner unit 103 includes a sensor 130. The sensor 130 detects whether or not printing paper has been set on the ADF 101 or the contact glass. For example, an optical sensor that outputs an ON signal when printing paper has been set can be used as the sensor 130.

[0028] The printer unit 104 includes a sensor 140. The sensor 140 detects whether the discharge unit 105 is in a state where paper can be discharged. Specifically, the discharge unit 105 includes a cover member that can move between an open position where an opening through which printing paper is discharged is open and a closed position where the opening is closed. The sensor 140 detects whether the cover member is in the closed position. For example, an optical sensor that outputs an ON signal when the cover member is in the closed position can be used as the sensor 140.

[0029] 3 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment. For example, the CPU 111 executes a program, causing the MFP 100 to function as the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a scanner unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, a printer unit 14, a detection unit 15, a discharge unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a determination unit 18.

[0030] The scanner unit 11 can perform a scanning operation to read an image on a reading medium (e.g., printing paper P). For example, the above-mentioned scanner unit 103 functions as the scanner unit 11. The storage unit 12 stores image data Dg that indicates an image read by the scanning operation. For example, the above-mentioned RAM 112b functions as the storage unit 12. The printer unit 14 can perform a printing operation to form the image read by the scanner unit 11 on an image forming medium. For example, the above-mentioned printer unit 104 functions as the printer unit 14.

[0031] The discharge unit 16 can discharge an image-forming medium on which an image has been formed by the printer unit 14. For example, the above-mentioned discharge unit 105 functions as the discharge unit 16. The detection unit 15 can detect whether the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state in which it can discharge an image-forming medium. For example, the above-mentioned sensor 140 functions as the detection unit 15. The determination unit 18 determines whether the image on the read medium can be read.

[0032] The control unit 13 can control the scanner unit 11 and the printer unit 14. For example, the above-mentioned controller 110 functions as the control unit 13. Specifically, when the determination result of the determination unit 18 can be read and the detection result by the detection unit (whether the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state or not) indicates a dischargeable state, the image forming apparatus 10 (control unit 13) executes selection control to allow the user to select whether to execute a print operation.

[0033] As will be described in detail later, the above selection control causes selection screen Gm1 (see FIG. 4(a)) to be displayed on operation panel 102. By appropriately touching selection screen Gm1, the user can select whether to perform a scan operation and then a print operation, or to perform only the scan operation. On the other hand, if the detection result does not indicate a dischargeable state (if discharge unit 16 is in a state where print paper cannot be discharged), image forming device 10 will perform the scan operation of the scan operation and print operation.

[0034] According to the present embodiment described above, if a user wishes to perform only the scanning operation of the print paper P (if the printing operation is not desired), the user need only set the discharge unit 16 in a state in which the print paper cannot be discharged (after closing the cover member described above), and then set the print paper P so that the image on the print paper P can be read. With the above configuration, if only the scanning operation of the print paper P is desired, the operation of the operation panel 102 can be omitted. Therefore, for example, user convenience is improved compared to a configuration in which the operation of the operation panel 102 cannot be omitted when performing a scanning operation.

[0035] However, if a malfunction occurs in the detection unit 15 that detects the state of the discharge unit 16, the discharge unit 16 may not detect that it is ready to discharge even though it is in that state. In such a case, even though the user desires to perform a print operation, the inconvenience of only the scan operation being performed and not the print operation being performed may occur.

[0036] To prevent the above inconveniences, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes an operation unit 17 that can accept a predetermined specific operation. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 enables a print operation to be performed in response to the specific operation even when the detection unit 15 does not detect a dischargeable state (including when the detection unit 15 has a malfunction and the detection result is "not dischargeable"). Specifically, when the detection unit 15 detects that a dischargeable state is not detected, a scan operation is performed, and the image data Dg is stored in the storage unit 12, and a confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed (see FIG. 4(b) described below).

[0037] The above confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed, for example, on the operation panel 102. If the print operation is not performed contrary to the user's intention due to a malfunction of the detection unit 15, the user can execute the print operation by appropriately touching the confirmation screen Gm2. The above configuration suppresses the above-mentioned inconvenience.

[0038] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, if a scanning operation is performed against the user's will, image forming device 10, when a specific operation is subsequently accepted, executes a printing operation using image data Dg stored in storage unit 12 during that scanning operation. With the above configuration, even if a scanning operation is performed against the user's will, the image data Dg stored during that scanning operation is subsequently used effectively in the printing operation. Therefore, for example, when a printing operation is performed after a scanning operation is performed against the user's will, there is an advantage in that the time required to complete the printing operation is reduced compared to a configuration in which a scanning operation needs to be performed again.

[0039] Fig. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The specific example in Fig. 4(a) assumes that the image forming apparatus 10 is set to the automatic execution mode. The specific example shown in Fig. 4(a) also assumes that the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state in which it is possible to discharge print paper. In this case, when print paper P is set in the image forming apparatus 10, the above-mentioned selection control is automatically executed.

[0040] Specifically, when the print paper P is set in the appropriate position, it is determined that the image on the print paper P can be read (Sa1 in FIG. 4(a)). Furthermore, when the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state where the print paper can be discharged, the detection result by the detection unit 15 will normally also be in a dischargeable state (unless there is a malfunction in the detection unit 15). In the above cases, the selection screen Gm1 is displayed on the operation unit 17 (Sa2 in FIG. 4(a)).

[0041] FIG. 4(a) shows a schematic diagram of a specific example of selection screen Gm1. As shown in FIG. 4(a), selection screen Gm1 includes a print button B1 and a scan button B2. When print button B1 is touched (Sa3 in FIG. 4(a)), a print operation is performed, and the image on print paper P set in step Sa1 described above is printed. In the above cases, the print paper on which the image is printed is ejected from ejection section 16. On the other hand, when scan button B2 is touched (Sa4 in FIG. 4(a)), a scan operation is performed, and the image on print paper P set in step Sa1 is read.

[0042] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The specific example of FIG. 4(b) assumes that the image forming apparatus 10 is set to the automatic execution mode, as in FIG. 4(a) above. The specific example of FIG. 4(b) also assumes that the discharge unit 16 is in a state where it cannot discharge print paper (the cover member described above is in a closed state). In this case, when print paper P is set in the image forming apparatus 10 (Sb1 in FIG. 4(b)), a scanning operation is automatically performed to read an image on the print paper P (Sb2 in FIG. 4(b)). Furthermore, image data Dg representing the image read by the scanning operation is stored in the memory unit 12 (Sb3 in FIG. 4(b)).

[0043] When the scanning operation is performed, a confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed on the operation unit 17 (Sb4 in FIG. 4(b)). FIG. 4(b) shows a mock-up of a specific example of the confirmation screen Gm2. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the confirmation screen Gm2 displays a message indicating that the scanning operation has been completed. The confirmation screen Gm2 also displays a retry button B3 along with a message to confirm whether a malfunction has occurred due to a problem with the detection unit 15.

[0044] When the retry button B3 is touched, the print operation becomes executable. If the print operation is not executed due to a malfunction of the detection unit 15, the user touches the retry button B3. In the specific example of FIG. 4(b), it is assumed that the detection result of the detection unit 15 is normal. In this case, the user does not need to operate the retry button B3.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining yet another specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. In the specific example of Fig. 5, similar to Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) described above, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 is set to the automatic execution mode.

[0046] 5, similar to the above-described FIG. 4(a), assumes a case where the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state where it can discharge print paper. However, the specific example of FIG. 5 assumes a case where the discharge unit 16 is actually in a dischargeable state, but the detection result of the detection unit 15 is "not in a dischargeable state." In this case, it is assumed that the detection unit 15 has malfunctioned.

[0047] In the specific example of FIG. 5, when print paper P is set in image forming apparatus 10 (Sc1 in FIG. 5), a scanning operation is automatically performed to read an image on print paper P (Sc2 in FIG. 5). In addition, image data Dg representing the image read in the scanning operation is stored in memory unit 12 (Sc3 in FIG. 5). However, even though discharge unit 16 is actually in a state where discharge is possible, a printing operation is not performed. In other words, because the detection result of detection unit 15 is inaccurate, an operation (malfunction) contrary to the user's intention is performed.

[0048] As described above, when a scan operation is performed in automatic execution mode (see FIG. 4(b)), the confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed (Sc4 in FIG. 5). If the print operation is not performed contrary to the user's intention, the user touches the retry button B3 on the confirmation screen Gm2. When the retry button B3 is touched (Sc5 in FIG. 5), the image forming device 10 performs the print operation (Sc6 in FIG. 5). According to the present embodiment described above, the inconvenience of the print operation not being performed when the user desires it is reduced.

[0049] In this embodiment, the print operation executed in response to the touch operation of the retry button B3 uses the image data Dg stored in the scan operation previously executed against the user's will. For example, in the specific example of Fig. 5, the print operation of step Sc6 executed in response to the touch operation of the retry button B3 uses the image data Dg (Sc3) stored in the storage unit 12 in the scan operation of step Sc2 executed against the user's will before step Sc6.

[0050] In the above configuration, when the retry button B3 is touched, there is no need to read the print paper P and generate new image data Dg during the print operation. For example, in the specific example of Fig. 5, the image reading operation is not performed during the print operation of step Sc7, and new image data Dg is not generated. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which image data must be generated during the print operation of step Sc7, for example, there is an advantage in that the time required to complete printing of the image can be shortened.

[0051] In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a print operation is automatically performed when the retry button B3 is touched, but the control when the retry button B3 is touched is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the above-mentioned selection screen Gm1 is displayed when the retry button B3 is touched. When the print button B1 on the selection screen Gm1 is touched, a print operation is performed.

[0052] Fig. 6(a) is a flowchart of the process executed by the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 executes the process shown in Fig. 6(a) in the automatic execution mode.

[0053] In the automatic execution mode, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the original paper is set so as to be readable (S101). Specifically, whether or not the original paper is set so as to be readable is determined based on the detection result of the above-mentioned sensor 130. The image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes step S101 until the original paper is set so as to be readable (S101: No).

[0054] When the original paper is set so that it can be read (S101: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state (S102). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state based on the detection result of the detection unit 15. As described above, when the detection unit 15 functions normally, if the discharge unit 16 is in a dischargeable state, the detection result will also be "dischargeable state." However, if a malfunction occurs in the detection unit 16, the detection result may not be "dischargeable state" even if the discharge unit 16 is actually in a dischargeable state.

[0055] If the detection result is "dischargeable state" (S102: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 displays the above-mentioned selection screen Gm1 (see FIG. 4(a)). As described above with reference to FIG. 4(a), the user can select either a print operation or a scan operation via the selection screen Gm1. The image forming apparatus 10 executes the operation selected by the user via the selection screen Gm1.

[0056] If the detection result is not a "dischargeable state" (S102: No), the image forming apparatus 10 executes a scan operation (S103). The image forming apparatus 10 also stores the image data Dg generated by the scan operation in the storage unit 12 (S104). However, as described above, if a malfunction occurs in the detection unit 15, the detection result may not be a "dischargeable state" even if the discharge unit 16 is actually in a dischargeable state. In the above cases, even if the discharge unit 16 is actually in a dischargeable state (even if the user desires a print operation), the determination in step S102 is "No," and the scan operation is executed in step S103.

[0057] When the scanning operation is executed and the image data Dg is stored in the storage unit 12, the confirmation screen Gm2 (see FIG. 4(b)) is displayed. The image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the retry button B3 is touched while the confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed (S105).

[0058] The confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed until, for example, a new button on the operation panel 102 is touched. If the retry button B3 is not touched (S105: No), the image forming apparatus 10 deletes the image data Dg stored in the storage unit 12 and ends the process shown in FIG. 6(a). On the other hand, if the retry button B3 is touched (S105: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 executes a print operation using the image data Dg stored in the storage unit 12.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, when the retry button B3 is touched, the print operation is executed in step S103 using the image data Dg stored in the storage unit 12 (due to a malfunction). Therefore, when the retry button B3 is touched, the time required to complete the print operation can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the image data Dg is generated again.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the image data Dg used when the retry button B3 is touched is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 (storage unit 12) itself, but the image data Dg may be stored in an external device. A modified example employing the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIG. 6(b).

[0061] Fig. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining the above-mentioned modified example. Image forming apparatus 10 of the above-mentioned modified example executes the process shown in Fig. 6(b) in automatic execution mode. Steps S101 to S102 in the process of Fig. 6(b) in the modified example are common to steps S101 to S102 in the process of Fig. 6(a) in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0062] In the embodiment described in FIG. 6(a), the image data Dg generated in the scanning operation (S103) is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 (storage unit 12) (see S104 in FIG. 6(a) above). On the other hand, in the modified example shown in FIG. 6(b), the image data Dg generated in the scanning operation is transmitted to an external device and stored in the external device (S204).

[0063] The external device to which the image data Dg is sent is, for example, a personal computer (PC) that can be operated by a user. A printer driver is installed in the personal computer, and image data specified by the personal computer (for example, the image data stored in S204) can be printed by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0064] When the scan operation is executed and the image data Dg is stored in the external device, the confirmation screen Gm2 (see FIG. 4(b)) is displayed. The image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the retry button B3 is touched during the period when the confirmation screen Gm2 is displayed (S205).

[0065] If the retry button B3 is not touched (S205: No), the image forming apparatus 10 transmits an instruction to the external device to delete the image data Dg (S206) and ends the process shown in Fig. 6(b). On the other hand, if the retry button B3 is touched (S205: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the image data Dg from the external device and executes a print operation using the image data Dg.

[0066] In the above-described modified example, when the retry button B3 is touched, the print operation is executed using the image data Dg generated due to the malfunction, as in the embodiment described in Fig. 6(a). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the image data Dg is generated again when the retry button B3 is touched, the time required to complete the print operation can be reduced.

[0067] In the above-described modified example, an external device to which the image data Dg is transmitted may be a device other than the personal computer. For example, in step S204, the image data Dg may be transmitted to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In the above-described configuration, the image data Dg stored in the smartphone may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 by a user appropriately operating the smartphone, and an image of the image data Dg may be printed.

[0068] The image data Dg may also be transmitted to a server device (for example, a cloud server device). In the above configuration, the image data Dg may be transmitted from the server device to the image forming device 10 by a user appropriately operating the above-mentioned personal computer or smartphone, and an image of the image data Dg may be printed. Furthermore, the image of the image data Dg stored in the smartphone may be printed by the image forming device 10 by appropriately operating the personal computer.

[0069] Each function executed in the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a CPU implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the above-described functions.

[0070] <Summary of the functions and effects of the exemplary embodiment> <First aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) of the first embodiment comprises: The device is equipped with a scanner unit (11) capable of performing a scan operation to read an image from a read medium, a printer unit (14) capable of performing a print operation to form the image read by the scanner unit on an image-forming medium, a discharge unit (16) capable of discharging the image-forming medium on which the image has been formed by the printer unit, a detection unit (15) capable of detecting whether the discharge unit is in a dischargeable state so that the image-forming medium can be discharged, a determination unit (18) that determines whether the image from the read medium can be read, a control unit (13) capable of controlling the scanner unit and the printer unit, and an operation unit (17) capable of accepting predetermined specific operations. When the determination unit determines that the image can be read and the detection unit determines that the image can be discharged, the control unit executes selection control to allow the user to select whether to execute the print operation (see Figure 4(a)), and when the determination unit determines that the image can be read and the detection unit determines that the image cannot be discharged, the control unit executes the scan operation (see Figure 4(b)) of the scan operation and the print operation, and makes the print operation executable in accordance with the specific operation (see Figure 5). According to this aspect, the inconvenience of the user's desired action not being executed is suppressed.

[0071] <Second mode> In the image forming apparatus (10) of this aspect, when the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is not in a dischargeable state, the image forming apparatus (10) executes the scanning operation out of the scanning operation and the printing operation, and executes selection control in accordance with the specific operation. This aspect also achieves the same effects as the first aspect.

[0072] <Third aspect> The image forming device (10) of this embodiment includes a storage unit (12) that stores image data representing an image of the medium read in the scanning operation, and when the determination unit determines that the medium is readable and the detection unit determines that the medium is not dischargeable, the control unit executes the scanning operation and stores the image data representing the image of the medium read in the scanning operation in the storage unit, and then uses the image data stored in the storage unit in the printing operation that is executed in response to a specific operation (see FIG. 6(a)). According to this embodiment, for example, the time required to complete the printing operation can be shortened compared to a configuration in which image data must be regenerated when executing a printing operation in response to a specific operation.

[0073] <Fourth aspect> The image forming apparatus (10) of this embodiment includes a transmitting unit that transmits image data representing the image of the medium read by the scanning operation to an external device, and a receiving unit that receives image data representing the image of the medium read by the scanning operation from the external device, and when the determination result of the determining unit indicates that the medium can be read and the detection result of the detecting unit indicates that the medium is not in a dischargeable state, the control unit executes the scanning operation and transmits image data representing the image of the medium read by the scanning operation to the external device, and then uses the image data received from the external device in the printing operation executed in response to a specific operation (see FIG. 6(b)). This embodiment also achieves the same effects as the third embodiment.

[0074] <Fifth aspect> The information processing method of this embodiment is an information processing method in an image forming device that has a scanner unit capable of performing a scanning operation to read an image from a reading medium, a printer unit capable of performing a printing operation to form an image read by the scanner unit on an image forming medium, a discharge unit capable of discharging the image forming medium on which the image has been formed by the printer unit, a detection unit capable of detecting whether the discharge unit is in a dischargeable state so that the image forming medium can be discharged, a judgment unit that judges whether the image from the reading medium can be read, a control unit that can control the scanner unit and the printer unit, and an operation unit that can accept predetermined specific operations, and includes a step of executing selection control that allows a user to select whether to execute a print operation when the judgment result of the judgment unit is readable and the detection result by the detection unit is in a dischargeable state (a step of displaying Gm1 shown in Figure 4(a)), and a step of executing the scan operation of the scan operation and the print operation when the judgment result of the judgment unit is readable and the detection result by the detection unit is not in a dischargeable state, and making the print operation executable depending on the specific operation (a step of displaying Gm2 shown in Figure 5). According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0075] <Sixth aspect> The program of this aspect causes a computer to execute the steps of the fifth aspect. According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10...image forming apparatus, 11...scanner section, 12...storage section, 13...control section, 14...printer section, 15...detection section, 16...discharge section, 17...operation section, 18...determination section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0077] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-324284

Claims

1. a scanner unit capable of performing a scanning operation to read an image from a read medium; a printer section capable of performing a printing operation to form an image read by the scanner section on an image forming medium; a discharge section capable of discharging the image forming medium on which an image is formed by the printer section; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the discharge unit is in a dischargeable state in which the image forming medium can be discharged; a determination unit that determines whether an image on the read medium can be read; a control unit capable of controlling the scanner unit and the printer unit; an operation unit capable of accepting a predetermined specific operation, The control unit When the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is in a dischargeable state, a selection control is executed to allow a user to select whether to execute the print operation; When the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is not in a dischargeable state, the scanning operation of the scanning operation and the printing operation are executed, and the printing operation is made executable in response to the specific operation. Image forming device.

2. When the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is not in a dischargeable state, the scanning operation of the scanning operation and the printing operation is executed, and the selection control is executed in accordance with the specific operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. a storage unit that stores image data representing an image of the read medium read by the scanning operation; When the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the medium can be read and the detection result of the detection unit indicates that the medium cannot be discharged, the control unit executes the scanning operation, stores image data representing an image of the medium read by the scanning operation in the storage unit, and thereafter, in the printing operation executed in response to the specific operation, uses the image data stored in the storage unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. a transmitting unit that transmits image data representing an image of the read medium read by the scanning operation to an external device; a receiving unit that receives image data representing an image of the read medium read by the scanning operation from the external device, When the determination result of the determination unit indicates that the medium can be read and the detection result of the detection unit indicates that the medium cannot be discharged, the control unit executes the scanning operation, transmits image data indicating an image of the medium read by the scanning operation to the external device, and thereafter, in the printing operation executed in response to the specific operation, uses the image data received from the external device.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. a scanner unit capable of performing a scanning operation to read an image from a read medium; a printer section capable of performing a printing operation to form an image read by the scanner section on an image forming medium; a discharge section capable of discharging the image forming medium on which an image is formed by the printer section; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the discharge unit is in a dischargeable state in which the image forming medium can be discharged; a determination unit that determines whether an image on the read medium can be read; a control unit capable of controlling the scanner unit and the printer unit; An information processing method for an image forming apparatus including an operation unit capable of accepting a predetermined specific operation, a step of executing selection control for allowing a user to select whether to execute the printing operation when the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is in a dischargeable state; when the determination result of the determination unit is readable and the detection result of the detection unit is not in a dischargeable state, executing the scanning operation of the scanning operation and the printing operation, and making the printing operation executable in accordance with the specific operation; An information processing method comprising:

6. A program that causes a computer to execute the steps set forth in claim 5.

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