Image forming apparatus and display method

Abstract

One of the objectives is to control the display of a notification message to the user, depending on the status of the image forming apparatus, when dirt is detected on the sensor. [Solution] An image forming apparatus comprising: a sensor; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sensor; a display unit; a job execution unit; a detection unit for detecting dirt on the sensor; and a control unit that controls the display of a notification regarding the cleaning of the sensor on the display unit by an operation related to a job executed by the job execution unit when the detection unit detects dirt on the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed an image forming apparatus that can easily prevent contamination of an optical detection means by toner or the like, accurately detect reference images of each color, and obtain a high-quality color image through high-precision color registration correction and density control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to be able to control the display of a message to be notified to a user according to the state of an image forming apparatus when contamination of a sensor is detected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a sensor, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sensor, a display unit, a job execution unit, a detection unit for detecting contamination of the sensor, and a control unit for controlling the display on the display unit of a notification regarding cleaning of the sensor by an operation related to a job executed by the job execution unit when the detection unit detects contamination of the sensor.

[0006] The display method of the present disclosure includes, for an image forming apparatus comprising a sensor and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sensor, a display step, a job execution step, a detection step for detecting dirt on the sensor, and a control step for controlling the display of a notification regarding the cleaning of the sensor in the display step by an operation related to a job executed by the job execution step when the detection unit detects dirt on the sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, for example, when dirt is detected on a sensor, it becomes possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can control the display of a message notified to the user according to the state of the image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates the sensor cleaning mechanism in the first embodiment, showing (a) an example with the cover closed and (b) an example with the cover open. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates the software configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of flag information in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the processing flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the processing flow in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the processing flow in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Generally, image forming machines have sensors for adjusting image quality. In conventional technology, for example, in an image forming machine where the sensor can be cleaned by opening and closing a cover (door), it is known that when dirt is detected on the sensor, a message is issued prompting the user to open or close the cover to clean the sensor. For example, when an image forming machine detects dirt on a sensor, it notifies the user by displaying a code indicating the dirt on the sensor or by displaying an explanatory screen. The user then cleans the sensor by following the notification and performing the cleaning procedure (e.g., opening and closing the cover) shown in the manual or explanatory screen corresponding to the code.

[0010] However, depending on the state of the image forming apparatus, there were cases where the above message could not be displayed immediately even if dirt was detected in the sensor. For example, when a copy job is in progress, the engine cannot be stopped until the output command has been given to the engine and the output is complete. In this situation, if a message is displayed to the user, there was a problem that the user might accidentally open the cover at an inappropriate time, such as when a copy job is in progress.

[0011] Furthermore, there are cases where, before the image forming apparatus is ready to display the above message, the cover needs to be opened or closed due to other factors, unintentionally completing the sensor cleaning. Therefore, even when the image forming apparatus is ready to display the above message, there is a challenge in that it is necessary to decide whether or not to display the message.

[0012] An image forming apparatus that solves such problems will be described in the following embodiments while referring to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are illustrative of the content described in the claims, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0013] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1 Overall Configuration] [1.1.1 Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the apparatus of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a multifunction device or a device called an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer). For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on a recording medium such as paper. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute jobs for a plurality of processes such as copy processing, FAX processing, scan processing, and print processing as the jobs to be executed.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 10 has an openable and closable cover (cover member) 12 on the back. The image forming apparatus 10 has a cleaning mechanism (sensor cleaning mechanism) for cleaning the sensor inside the cover 12. The user can clean the sensor by sliding the cleaning mechanism, for example, by opening and closing the cover 12. Also, when the image forming apparatus 10 causes a paper jam, the user can open the cover 12 and remove the jammed paper to eliminate the jam.

[0016] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 has a paper feeding unit 14. The paper feeding unit 14 has, for example, a paper feeding tray, a manual feeding tray, and paper feeding rollers for feeding paper to an image forming unit 160 described later.

[0017] [1.1.2 Cleaning Mechanism] Next, the cleaning mechanism of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the cleaning mechanism of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0018] Figure 2(a) is a perspective view illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus 10 as seen from the inside with the cover 12 closed. As shown in Figure 2(a), the image forming apparatus 10 includes a cover 12, a sensor holder unit 16, and a cleaning mechanism 18.

[0019] The cover 12 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The cover 12 has, for example, a guided stopper member 12a. Paper is fed from the paper feeding section 14 to the image forming section 160 (from bottom to top) through the space between the cover 12 and the sensor holder unit 16.

[0020] For example, if a jam occurs during copying, the user can resolve the jam by opening the cover 12 and removing the jammed paper stuck between the cover 12 and the sensor holder unit 16.

[0021] The sensor holder unit 16 includes, for example, a sensor 16a and a sensor holding member (sensor holder) 16b, with the sensor 16a mounted upward on the sensor holder unit 16 via the sensor holding member 16b.

[0022] Sensor 16a is one or more sensors provided for image quality adjustment, and may be, for example, a registration control sensor that detects density deviations or positional deviations of each toner image, a process control sensor, or a sensor that has both functions. Sensor 16a is protected, for example, by a cover glass.

[0023] The cleaning mechanism 18 includes, for example, a sensor cleaning plate 18a, one or more cleaning pads 18b, and a sensor cleaning lever 18c. The sensor cleaning plate 18a is mounted on the sensor 16a so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (LR direction) of the sensor holder unit 16. The sensor cleaning plate 18a may be provided with, for example, one or more small windows so as not to interfere with the operation of the sensor 16a.

[0024] The cleaning pad 18b is, for example, a scraper and is provided on the sensor cleaning plate 18a so as to contact the edge of the cover glass of the sensor 16a.

[0025] The sensor cleaning lever 18c is connected, for example, at one end (direction F) to the sensor cleaning plate 18a. Furthermore, the sensor cleaning lever 18c is connected to the sensor holder unit 16 in a manner that allows the sensor cleaning lever 18c to rotate. The other end (direction B) of the sensor cleaning lever 18c is fixed so as to be inserted into the guided stopper member 12a when the cover 12 is closed.

[0026] Figure 2(b) is a perspective view illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus 10 as seen from the inside with the cover 12 open. As shown in Figure 2(b), when the cover 12 is opened, the sensor cleaning lever 18c disengages from the guided stopper member 12a. As a result, the end (direction B) of the sensor cleaning lever 18c that has disengaged from the stopper member 12a rotates outward (direction R) by an elastic member (not shown here). Meanwhile, the other end (direction F) of the sensor cleaning lever 18c, which is connected to the sensor cleaning plate 18a, rotates inward (direction L), and the sensor cleaning plate 18a slides on the sensor holder unit 16 (from direction R to direction L) in conjunction with the inward rotation.

[0027] As the sensor cleaning plate 18a slides, the cleaning pad 18b, which is in contact with one end (R side) of the cover glass of the sensor 16a, also slides along with the sensor cleaning plate 18a to the other end (L side) of the cover glass of the sensor 16a, scraping off the toner adhering to the cover glass of the sensor 16a and completing the cleaning of the sensor 16a.

[0028] In this embodiment, an example of the cleaning mechanism 18 is shown, but any configuration is acceptable as long as the sensor 16a can be cleaned by operating the cover 12. For example, the cover 12 may be provided not only on the back of the image forming apparatus 10, but also on the front or on either the left or right side.

[0029] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to the figures. Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, one or more storage devices (storage units) such as a storage 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, and a communication unit 170.

[0031] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in a storage device (for example, storage 110 or ROM 120). The control unit 100 may be implemented by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip)). Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be composed of one or more control circuits.

[0032] Storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, it may consist of one or more storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, storage 110 may be an external device such as a USB memory stick that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, storage 110 may be, for example, a storage area located in the cloud.

[0033] ROM120 is one or more non-volatile memories that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0034] RAM130 is the main memory primarily used by the control unit 100 during processing. RAM130 is one or more rewritable memories that temporarily hold data including programs read from storage 110 and ROM 120, as well as execution results.

[0035] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various information and various screens such as execution screens. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (OLED) display, or an electrophoretic display. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, it may consist of an external display device connected via HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or DisplayPort.

[0036] The operation unit 150 is an operating device capable of receiving user input. For example, it may be a software key displayed on a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140, or a hardware key such as an operation button. Alternatively, the operation unit 150 may be an operating device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Furthermore, the operation unit 150 may include an interface (e.g., USB) to which an operating device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may connect different operating devices (such as a keyboard or mouse) via an interface.

[0037] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, forms a toner image on the image carrier, and forms an image by transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto the recording paper. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. Alternatively, the image forming unit 160 may form an image electronically as an image file.

[0038] The image reading unit 165 reads the original document (image) and outputs it as image data. The image reading unit 165 may be, for example, a scanner, or a reading device utilizing a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor.

[0039] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface capable of providing wired or wireless connections. In this embodiment, it is possible to communicate with other devices via a network (NW).

[0040] [1.3 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Note that the software configuration shown in Figure 4 mainly describes the configurations necessary for this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0041] For example, the control unit 100 can realize the dirt detection unit 1010 and the job execution unit 1020 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit (storage 110, ROM 120).

[0042] The dirt detection unit 1010 detects dirt on the sensor, such as toner adhering to the cover glass of the sensor 16a. The dirt detection unit 1010 measures a reference index, for example, and detects dirt on the sensor when the measured value falls below a predetermined threshold. When the dirt detection unit 1010 detects dirt on the sensor 16a, it can, for example, turn on the sensor cleaning flag in the flag information storage area 1110 and store it. However, if the number of times the sensor has been detected as dirty exceeds a predetermined number, the sensor cleaning flag in the flag information storage area 1110 may not be turned on, and an error indicating that the sensor cannot be cleaned may be notified.

[0043] The job execution unit 1020 executes various jobs. The job execution unit 1020 causes the image forming apparatus 10 to perform various operations depending on the type of job being executed. Here, the job types refer to different types of jobs such as copy jobs, scan jobs, print jobs, fax transmission jobs, and fax jobs. An example of an operation that the job execution unit 1020 causes the image forming apparatus 10 to perform is that for copy jobs, print jobs, and fax jobs, the paper feed unit 14 is operated, while for scan jobs, the paper feed unit 14 is not operated. The job execution unit 1020 may store information about the operation that the image forming apparatus 10 performs as a result of job execution as flag information in the flag information storage area 1110.

[0044] Furthermore, the storage 110 reserves an area for a flag information storage area 1110 that stores flag information. The flag information may store information about the state of the image forming apparatus 10, such as whether or not cleaning of the sensor 16a is necessary, information indicating operation due to job execution, such as whether or not the paper feed unit 14 is operating, and information about where in the image forming apparatus 10 a jam has occurred. An example of flag information stored in the flag information storage area 1110 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The flag information stores items for various states of the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, "Jam Occurrence") and values ​​corresponding to those items (for example, "OFF"). Here, "ON" and "OFF" can be stored as values, and for example, in the case of a jam occurrence, "ON" may indicate that a jam is occurring and "OFF" may indicate that a jam is not occurring.

[0045] [1.4 Processing Flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figure 6. The following explanation assumes that the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 performs the processing for each step; however, the components described in Figure 3 or Figure 4 may also perform the processing for each step.

[0046] First, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it has detected dirt on the sensor 16a (S102). If the control unit 100 determines that it has detected dirt on the sensor, it sets the sensor cleaning flag in the flag information storage area 1110 to ON and stores it (S102; Yes → S104). If it determines that it has not detected dirt on the sensor, it continues to determine whether or not it has detected dirt on the sensor until it has detected dirt on the sensor (S102; No).

[0047] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the image forming apparatus 10 is performing an operation involving paper feeding from the paper feeding unit 14 (S106). The following methods can be considered for determining whether an operation involving paper feeding from the paper feeding unit 14 is being performed.

[0048] As a first method, for example, the control unit 100 determines that paper feeding is in progress when it is executing a job that involves feeding paper from the paper feeding unit 14 to the image forming unit 160, such as a copy job, print job, or fax job. As a second method, for example, the control unit 100 determines that paper feeding is in progress when it is operating the paper feeding unit 14. As a third method, for example, the control unit 100 determines that paper feeding is in progress when the flag information stored in the flag information storage area 1110 indicates that the operation of the paper feeding unit 14 due to job execution is in progress.

[0049] Here, if the control unit 100 determines that paper feeding is not in progress, it displays a notification on the display unit 140, for example, a cover open / close request screen (display screen) requesting cleaning of the sensor 16a (S106; No → S108). The cover open / close request screen may also be displayed as a cleaning dialog, for example. On the other hand, if paper feeding is in progress, the control unit 100 continues to determine whether paper feeding is in progress or not until it determines that paper feeding is not in progress (S106; Yes).

[0050] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the cover 12, which is an example of a cover that can slide in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover, has been operated. For example, if it determines that at least the cover 12 has been opened, it may turn OFF the sensor cleaning flag in the flag information storage area 1110 and store it, then turn off the cover opening / closing request screen (end the display of the cover opening / closing request screen), and display a notification requesting that the cover be closed as a new display screen on the display unit 140 (S110; Yes → S112). On the other hand, the control unit 100 may continue to display the cover opening / closing request screen on the display unit 140 until it determines that at least the cover 12 has been opened (S110; No).

[0051] [1.5 Example of Operation] Figure 7(a) shows an example of the display screen W100 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W100 is an example of a display screen used to set up a copy job, for example. Area R100 of the display screen W100 displays selectable icons for setting up a copy job, including an icon for selecting the document size, an icon for selecting the document type / density, and an icon for setting the sorting method (sort / group) of the output paper.

[0052] Here, "icon" refers to various data and processing functions displayed on the screen, such as pictures, emojis, symbols, or characters. When the user selects an icon, the control unit 100 can execute the process set for that icon.

[0053] Furthermore, display screen W100 displays a monochrome copy execution button B100 and a color copy execution button B102. If the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor while display screen W100 is displayed, the control unit 100 displays display screen W104 as a cover opening / closing request screen as shown in Figure 7(c). If the user selects, for example, the monochrome copy execution button B100 or the color copy execution button B102 while display screen W100 is displayed, the control unit 100 executes the monochrome or color copy job, respectively, and displays display screen W102 as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0054] Figure 7(b) shows an example of the display screen W102 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W102 shows an example of the display screen when a copy job involving paper feeding is being executed. In area R102 of the display screen W102, various icons similar to those in area R100 of Figure 7(a) are faintly displayed and cannot be selected. Furthermore, the display screen W102 displays the copy cancellation button B104. When the copy job is completed, if the control unit 100 detected dirt on the sensor during the execution of the copy job, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W104 of Figure 7(c) as a cover opening / closing request screen.

[0055] Furthermore, if the user selects, for example, the copy cancellation button B104, the control unit 100 cancels the running job and then displays the display screen W100 shown in Figure 7(a). Here, as with the case when a copy job is completed, if the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W104 shown in Figure 7(c) as a cover open / close request screen. Thus, unlike the display screen W100, even if the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor while the display screen W102 is being displayed, if a copy job involving paper feeding is in progress (paper feeding in progress), the control unit 100 suppresses the display of the cover open / close request screen.

[0056] Note that if a job that does not involve paper feeding, such as a scan job, is being executed, the paper feeding unit 14 will not operate. In that case, if the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W104 shown in Figure 7(c) as a cover opening / closing request screen.

[0057] Figure 7(c) shows an example of a display screen W104 shown on the display unit 140. Display screen W104 shows, for example, an example of a cover opening / closing request screen. Display screen W104 displays the message M100, which says, "The sensor needs cleaning. Please open and close the rear cover. It will be cleaned by opening and closing it." Here, for example, if the user opens the cover 12, the control unit 100 displays display screen W106 shown in Figure 7(d) on the display unit 140.

[0058] Figure 7(d) shows an example of the display screen W106 shown on the display unit 140. Display screen W106 is an example of the display screen shown on the display unit 140 when, for example, the cover 12 is open. The message M102, "Please close the rear cover," is displayed on display screen W106. If, for example, the user closes the cover 12, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W100 shown in Figure 7(a) on the display unit 140.

[0059] In this embodiment, when a request is made to open or close the cover, a cover open / close request screen is displayed. However, the control unit 100 may, for example, display an image, graphic, or text related to the cover open / close request on the display screen W100, or it may notify the user by voice or the like instead of displaying anything. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may, via the communication unit 170, display a notification related to the cover open / close request, such as a cover open / close request screen, on the display unit of an information processing device such as a terminal device.

[0060] In this way, when the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor, it can control the display of a message to notify the user according to the state of the image forming apparatus. When the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor, it determines from the state of the image forming apparatus whether or not the cover can be opened or closed, and if the cover can be opened or closed, it notifies the user of an operation request (request to open or close the cover).

[0061] The control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor and suppresses the request to clean the sensor when the cover 12 cannot be opened or closed, such as when a copy job is running or when the user is performing a paper feeding operation such as "copying". The control unit 100 can then display the request to clean the sensor when the cover 12 can be opened or closed, such as at the end of a copy job where the paper feeding operation has stopped, so that the user can perform the sensor cleaning without interfering with the execution of a job that involves paper feeding.

[0062] [1.6 Effects, etc.] This allows users to complete sensor cleaning with a simple operation (opening and closing the cover) at the appropriate time when the paper feeding operation is stopped (when the cover can be opened and closed), without accidentally opening the cover during paper feeding operations where the cover cannot be opened or closed, such as when a copy job is running.

[0063] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the sensor cleaning is completed by closing the cover 12 after removing the jam paper, and the screen requesting the opening and closing of the cover 12 for sensor cleaning is not displayed.

[0064] The second embodiment will omit explanations of parts where the hardware and software configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0065] [2.1 Processing Flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a replacement for Figure 6 of the first embodiment. S202 to S206 are executed between S106 and S108 in Figure 6.

[0066] If the control unit 100 determines that paper feeding is not in progress, it determines, for example, whether or not a jam (paper jam) has occurred (S106; No → S202). If a jam has occurred, the control unit 100 displays a display screen (jam warning dialog) (S202; Yes → S204).

[0067] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether, for example, the cover 12 was operated to remove the jammed paper during the jam-clearing operation. If it determines that the cover 12 was operated, it executes process S112 (S206; Yes → S112). If it determines that the cover 12 was not operated, it displays a cover open / close request screen (S206; No → S108). Here, an example of a case where the cover 12 was not operated during the jam-clearing operation is a jam that occurred in a document feeder such as an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder).

[0068] The above-described operation flow is merely an example, and some different processing may be performed. In this embodiment, it is determined whether a jam has occurred when it is determined that paper feeding is not in progress. For example, it may be determined whether the paper feeding unit 14 is out of paper before S202, and if the paper feeding unit 14 is not out of paper, the process may proceed to S202. If the paper feeding unit 14 is out of paper, the open / close request screen may be displayed (process S110 may be executed), and after the cover 12 has been operated, a process may be executed to indicate that the cover is out of paper.

[0069] [2.2 Example of Operation] Figure 9 shows an example of the display screen W200 displayed on the display unit 140. Display screen W200 is an example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 140 when, for example, a job in progress is interrupted due to a jam. Display screen W200 displays instructions for resolving the jam. For example, when the user opens the cover 12, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W106 shown in Figure 7(d) on the display unit 140.

[0070] In this embodiment, even if the control unit 100 detects sensor contamination, if a jam occurs, it displays a jam warning dialog on the display screen. However, for example, the display screen W200 may display an image, graphic, or text related to the cover opening / closing request, or it may notify the user by voice or the like instead of displaying anything. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may, via the communication unit 170, display a notification related to the cover opening / closing request, such as a cover opening / closing request screen, on the display unit of an information processing device such as a terminal device.

[0071] [2.3 Effects, etc.] In an image forming apparatus 10 equipped with a sensor cleaning mechanism, if the user has completed cleaning the sensor by opening and closing the cover 12 for a purpose other than cleaning the sensor, such as removing jam paper, the user will not be notified of a request to perform an operation to clean the sensor again (a request to open and close the cover 12). In this way, the user can complete cleaning the sensor without having to repeat the operation of opening and closing the cover 12 solely for the purpose of cleaning the sensor.

[0072] [3. Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will now be described. The third embodiment is one in which the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor, but when the cover 12 cannot be opened or closed, such as during a copy job that involves paper feeding, an icon indicating that dirt has been detected on the sensor is displayed.

[0073] The third embodiment will omit explanations of parts where the hardware and software configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] [3.1 Processing Flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a replacement for Figure 6 of the first embodiment. After S106 in Figure 6, S302 is executed.

[0075] If the control unit 100 detects dirt on the sensor but determines that paper feeding is in progress, it will, for example, provide a notification regarding the detection of dirt on the sensor (S106; Yes → S302). Here, the control unit 100 may display a dirt detection icon as a method of providing notification regarding the detection of dirt on the sensor. The dirt detection icon may be, for example, an image display, a graphic display, a text display, etc., and it may simply be a notification (information) to the user, or the user may be able to select an icon.

[0076] [3.2 Example of Operation] Figure 11 shows an example of the display screen W300 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W300 is an example of the display screen when a copy job is being executed. Various icons are displayed faintly on the display screen W300 in the same way as in area R102 of Figure 7(b), and are not selectable. Furthermore, a dirt detection icon is displayed in area R300 of the display screen W300. Here, for example, when a copy job involving paper feeding is completed, if the control unit 100 determines that the sensor needs to be cleaned, the control unit 100 may display the display screen W104 of Figure 7(c) as a cover opening / closing request screen.

[0077] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 notifies the user that dirt has been detected on the sensor by displaying a dirt detection icon on the display unit 140 during job execution. However, for example, the user may select the dirt detection icon to display a method for cleaning the sensor 16a. For example, if the user selects the dirt detection icon during job operation, the control unit 100 may, for example, execute a process to temporarily suspend the copy job. Next, the control unit 100 may, for example, display a cover opening / closing request screen on the display unit 140 when the copy job has stopped and the cover 12 can be opened and closed. The control unit 100 may also perform a process that does not temporarily suspend the copy job. If the user selects the dirt detection icon during job operation, the control unit 100 may, for example, display a screen on the display unit 140 and display a message such as, "The sensor needs to be cleaned. Please open and close the rear cover after printing is complete. It will be cleaned by opening and closing the cover."

[0078] Thus, even if the control unit 100 determines that the sensor needs cleaning, if the cover 12 cannot be opened or closed, such as during the execution of a copy job, the control unit 100 suppresses the display of the cover open / close request screen and instead displays a dirt detection icon superimposed on the display screen, which is different from the cover open / close request screen. By displaying the dirt detection icon even when the cover 12 cannot be opened or closed, the user can be notified that the sensor 16a needs cleaning without interfering with the execution of the job.

[0079] [4. Variant] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0080] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, they can be combined and implemented to the extent possible. In addition, we intend to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in this specification through amendments or divisional applications.

[0081] Furthermore, the program that operates in the image forming apparatus in each embodiment is a program that controls the CPU and other components (a program that makes the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs or HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0082] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM or non-volatile memory card), optical recording medium or magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc)), magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk), etc.

[0083] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is, of course, also included in this disclosure.

[0084] Furthermore, the data mentioned above may not be stored within the device itself, but rather stored on an external device and retrieved as needed. For example, the data may be stored on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or on the cloud.

[0085] Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are described in the attached claims, there is no intention to exclude them from the technical scope simply because they are not described in the claims.

[0086] Furthermore, the phrases "in the case of..." and "when..." in the above-mentioned specification are explained as examples only, and do not represent a configuration limited to those described. Even for configurations other than those described, we disclose information that would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and we intend to acquire rights to such information.

[0087] Furthermore, the descriptions of the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, configurations in which parts of the process are deleted or the order is rearranged are also disclosed, and the company intends to acquire rights to them.

[0088] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are explained as being performed by each device, they may also be implemented by a single device or by utilizing an external server.

[0089] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the apparatus used in the embodiments described above may be implemented or executed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. An electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The aforementioned electrical circuit may consist of digital circuits or analog circuits. Also, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace current integrated circuits, one or more aspects of this disclosure may use new integrated circuits based on such technologies. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Cover (Cover component) 12a Stopper member 14. Paper feed section (paper tray) 16 Sensor holder unit 16a Sensor 16b Sensor holding member (sensor holder) 18. Cleaning mechanism (sensor cleaning mechanism) 18a Sensor cleaning plate 18b Cleaning Pad 18c Sensor cleaning lever 100 Control Unit 110 storage 120 ROM 130 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image reading unit 170 Communications Department

Claims

1. A sensor, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sensor, Display unit and Job execution unit, A detection unit for detecting contamination of the aforementioned sensor, When the detection unit detects dirt on the sensor, the control unit controls the display of a notification regarding the cleaning of the sensor on the display unit, based on the operation related to the job executed by the job execution unit. An image forming apparatus equipped with [a specific feature].

2. It further has a paper feeding section, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit suppresses notification regarding cleaning of the sensor when the operation related to the job involves feeding paper from the paper feed unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit suppresses notification regarding cleaning of the sensor even if a jam occurs due to an operation involving paper feeding from the paper feeding unit and the operation involving paper feeding from the paper feeding unit is interrupted.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the operation related to the job involves feeding paper from the paper feed unit, the control unit displays a notification on the display unit indicating that dirt has been detected on the sensor, which is different from the notification.

5. Having a cover member, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning mechanism cleans the sensor by an operation to open and close the cover member.

6. A sensor, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the sensor, An image forming apparatus equipped with, Display step, Job execution steps, A detection step for detecting contamination of the sensor, When the detection step detects dirt on the sensor, the control step controls the display of a notification regarding the cleaning of the sensor on the display unit by the operation related to the job executed by the job execution step, Display methods that include this.

Images