Image forming apparatus

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus equipped with a manual feed tray capable of holding long sheets of recording paper and a long sheet paper cassette capable of accommodating and easily attaching long sheets of recording paper, the present invention enables reliable printing on long sheets of recording paper with simple operation. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 1 will execute the printing process if the user gives permission, even if the size information of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size specified by the print job. However, if the size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette 161 does not match the print size specified by the print job, the control unit 100 will cancel the printing process without confirming with the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of printing on a long recording paper.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for an image forming apparatus capable of printing on a long recording paper whose length in the paper feeding direction is longer than a predetermined length (for example, the length of A3 size) has been increasing. In an image forming apparatus, in order to print on such a long recording paper, a manual paper feeding tray called a multi-purpose (MP) tray is usually used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0006] Incidentally, long-length recording paper is classified as a non-standard size, not a standard size. Therefore, the size of long-length recording paper loaded into the manual feed tray or long-length paper cassette must be manually entered and registered by the user. Consequently, while it is easy for the user to place long-length recording paper of different sizes in the manual feed tray, the user is required to register the size of the long-length recording paper being placed there.

[0007] Therefore, there is a risk that even if long sheets of paper of a different size are placed in the manual feed tray, the size of the long sheets of paper may not be registered. In other words, there may be a mismatch between the actual size of the paper placed in the manual feed tray and the registered size. This makes it difficult to reliably print on long sheets of paper.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to enable reliable printing on long recording paper with simple operation in an image forming apparatus equipped with a manual feed tray capable of holding long recording paper and a long paper feed cassette capable of accommodating and easily attaching long recording paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: a manual feed tray on which recording paper having an unspecified length in the paper feeding direction can be placed; a long paper feed cassette detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and capable of accommodating long recording paper up to a predetermined length; an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording paper; a transport unit for transporting the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray and the long paper feed cassette to the image forming unit; and a transport unit for transporting the recording paper from the manual feed tray or the long paper feed cassette to the image forming unit based on a print job. , a control unit that performs a printing process to form an image on recording paper using the image forming unit; a size storage unit that stores manual feed size information indicating the size of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray and long size information indicating the size of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette; a first determination unit that determines whether the recording paper size indicated by the manual feed size information matches the print size specified by the print job; and a second determination unit that determines whether the recording paper size indicated by the long size information matches the print size specified by the print job. The control unit includes an operation unit that receives instructions from a user, and when the print size specified by the print job is longer than the recording paper size indicated by the manual feed size information, and the recording paper is transported from the manual feed tray to the image forming unit in accordance with the print job, the first determination unit determines that the recording paper size indicated by the manual feed size information does not match the print size specified by the print job, and if an instruction to permit the printing process is received by the operation unit, the control unit executes the printing process based on the print job, and if an instruction not to permit the printing process is received by the operation unit, the control unit cancels the printing process based on the print job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In this invention, even if the size information of the paper placed in the manual feed tray indicates the paper size (registered size), the printing process will be executed if the user permits it, even if the paper size does not match the print size specified by the print job. This makes it possible to reliably print on long paper in accordance with the user's intentions with simple operation, even if the actual size of the paper placed in the manual feed tray differs from the registered size, as long as it matches the print size. Thus, according to this invention, printing on long paper can be reliably performed by transporting the paper from the manual feed tray, while taking advantage of the characteristics of the manual feed tray that allow for the replacement and placement of long paper of different sizes, without requiring the troublesome operation of prior size registration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] (A) to (C) are schematic front views showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (A) and (B) are schematic front views showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the process for registering the size of long recording paper using an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper using an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper using an image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper using an image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to printing long recording paper by an image forming apparatus.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views schematically showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feeder unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, an operation unit 47, a network interface unit 9, a conveying unit 19, and a storage unit 8. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 7, and a USB memory 71 which is an external storage medium is configured to be detachable.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1(B) and (C), the image forming apparatus 1 includes a first paper feeding unit 15 having a manual paper feeding tray 151 on which long recording paper can be placed as an option device, and a second paper feeding unit 16 having a long paper feeding cassette 161 capable of accommodating long recording paper, and is configured to be attachable. The manual paper feeding tray 151 can accommodate recording paper up to 1220 mm at most. As shown in FIG. 1(C), the long paper feeding cassette 161 can accommodate recording paper up to 700 mm at most by pulling out the storage box 162 in the side direction.

[0015] The conveying unit 19 includes a conveying path for guiding the recording paper placed on the manual paper feeding tray 151 and the long paper feeding cassette 161 to the image forming unit 12 and a conveying roller provided on the conveying path for conveying the recording paper. The conveying direction of the recording paper by the conveying unit 19 is also the paper feeding direction of the recording paper.

[0016] Further, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that the second paper feeding unit 16 is not mounted, and only the first paper feeding unit 15 is mounted, or, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the first paper feeding unit 15 is not mounted, and only the second paper feeding unit 16 is mounted.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a connector for electrically connecting the first paper feeding unit 15 and a mounting mechanism to which the first paper feeding unit 15 is detachably attached. When the first paper feeding unit 15 is attached to the mounting mechanism, the electrical connection portion of the first paper feeding unit 15 is inserted into the connector, and the electrical connection portion and the connector are electrically connected. The connector is wired to the control unit 10, and after the electrical connection, communication is possible between the control unit 10 and the control unit (including a processor or the like) on the first paper feeding unit 15 side. The second paper feeding unit 16 is also configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 10 in the same manner.

[0018] The original document feeding unit 6 is configured to be openable and closable on the upper surface of the original document reading unit 5 by a hinge or the like (not shown), and the original document feeding unit 6 functions as an original document pressing cover when reading an original document placed on a platen glass (not shown). Further, the original document feeding unit 6 is what is called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and includes an original document placement tray 61 on which the original document is placed and an original document discharge tray 62 provided below the original document placement tray 61. The original document feeding unit 6 feeds the original documents placed on the original document placement tray 61 one by one to the original document reading unit 5 and discharges the original documents to the original document discharge tray 62.

[0019] The original document reading unit 5 includes a scanner or the like, reads the original document fed from the original document feeding unit 6, or reads the original document placed on the platen glass. Further, the original document reading unit 5 can sequentially read a plurality of original document images sent from the original document feeding unit 6.

[0020] The process of reading a document in the image forming apparatus 1 will now be explained. The document reading unit 5 optically reads the image of the document supplied to the document reading unit 5 by the document feeding unit 6, or the document placed on the platen glass, and generates image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory (not shown) or the like.

[0021] The image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus 1 will now be described. The image forming unit 12 is a mechanism that forms an image on recording paper, which is a recording medium, by secondary transfer via an intermediate transfer belt, with each color equipped with a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a primary transfer device. Based on image data generated by the document reading operation, image data stored in image memory, image data received from a network-connected computer, etc., the image forming unit 12 forms an image on recording paper fed from either the paper feeding unit 14, the first paper feeding unit 15, or the second paper feeding unit 16 to create a printed document.

[0022] The fixing unit 13 is a fixing device equipped with a heat roller, a pressure roller, and a drive mechanism for rotating them. It heats and pressurizes the recording paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 using the nip created by the two rollers, thereby fixing the image to the recording paper. The fixed recording paper is then discharged into the discharge tray 171.

[0023] The paper feeding unit 14 includes a paper feeding cassette 141 and further comprises a pickup roller, a transport roller, a transport path, and a rotational drive mechanism for each roller, which pick up recording paper from the paper feeding cassette 141 and feed it to the image forming unit 12. The first paper feeding unit 15 and the second paper feeding unit 16 are also further equipped as a transport unit 19, which includes a pickup roller, a transport roller, a transport path, and a rotational drive mechanism for each roller, similar to the paper feeding unit 14.

[0024] The first paper feed unit 15 further includes a recording paper detection sensor 152. The recording paper detection sensor 152 is an optical sensor positioned downstream of the pickup roller in the paper feed direction, which detects the leading and trailing ends of the recording paper and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 10.

[0025] The control unit 47 is equipped with various hard keys operated by the user, and in response to the operation of the hard keys, it receives various instructions from the user, such as instructions to execute image forming operations, regarding various operations and processes that the image forming apparatus 1 can perform.

[0026] The control unit 47 is equipped with a display unit 473 that displays operating instructions and other information to the operator. The control unit 47 also accepts user input based on user operations (touch operations) on the screen displayed on the display unit 473 via the touch panel of the display unit 473.

[0027] The display unit 473 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. When an operator touches a button or key displayed on the screen, the touch panel receives an instruction corresponding to the touched location. In this case, the touch panel functions as an operation unit.

[0028] The network interface unit 9 is a communication interface that transmits and receives various types of data with external devices (e.g., personal computers) within the local area network or on the internet.

[0029] The storage unit 8 is a high-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various control programs and the like.

[0030] The control unit 10 comprises a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and dedicated hardware circuits. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, a first determination unit 101, a second determination unit 102, a detection unit 103, and a third determination unit 104.

[0031] The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100, a first decision unit 101, a second decision unit 102, a detection unit 103, and a third decision unit 104, through operation by the processor in accordance with the control program stored in the memory unit 8. However, the control unit 100 and the others can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation in accordance with the control program by the control unit 10. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0032] The control unit 100 is responsible for the overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the document feeding unit 6, document reading unit 5, image forming unit 12, fixing unit 13, paper feeding unit 14, operation unit 47, network interface unit 9, storage unit 8, USB connector 7, first paper feeding unit 15, and second paper feeding unit 16, and performs drive control of each of these units and executes various processes necessary for image forming by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the image forming unit 12 based on the print job and executes a printing process to form an image on the recording paper. Print jobs include those transmitted from external devices such as personal computers via the network interface unit 9, or those acquired from external storage media such as USB memory 71 via the USB connector 7.

[0034] The control unit 100 stores the manual feed size information of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 and the long size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette in the non-volatile memory or storage unit 8 built into the control unit 10, in accordance with the size specification instruction input to the operation unit 47. The non-volatile memory or storage unit 8 is an example of a size storage unit as described in the claims.

[0035] The first determination unit 101 determines whether the paper size indicated by the manual feed size information matches the print size specified by the print job.

[0036] The second determination unit 102 determines whether the recording paper size indicated by the long-size information matches the print size specified by the print job.

[0037] When the print size specified by a print job is longer than the recording paper size indicated by the manual feed size information, and recording paper is transported from the manual feed tray 151 to the image forming unit 12 according to the print job, the control unit 100 determines that the recording paper size indicated by the manual feed size information does not match the print size specified by the print job. If the control unit 100 receives an instruction to permit printing from the operation unit 47, it executes the printing process based on the print job. If the control unit 47 receives an instruction not to permit printing, it cancels the printing process based on the print job.

[0038] Furthermore, if the print size specified by the print job is longer than the recording paper size indicated by the long-size information, and the recording paper is transported from the long-size paper cassette 161 to the image forming unit 12 according to the print job, the control unit 100 will cancel the printing process based on the print job if the second determination unit 102 determines that the recording paper size indicated by the long-size information does not match the print size specified by the print job. In this case, the control unit 100 will cancel the printing process without requiring input of an instruction not to permit the printing process.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines that if the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with both a manual feed tray 151 (first paper feed unit 15) and a long paper feed cassette 161 (second paper feed unit 16), and the print size specified by the print job is long, and the first determination unit 101 determines that the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size specified by the print job, and the second determination unit 102 determines that the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper feed cassette 161 does not match the print size specified by the print job, then the control unit 100 will use the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 for the printing process.

[0040] The detection unit 103 detects the length of the recording paper fed from the manual feed tray 151 in the paper feeding direction. Based on the detection signals transmitted from the recording paper detection sensor 152, the detection unit 103 detects the time from when the leading edge of the recording paper is detected until the trailing edge is detected, and based on this detection time and the paper feeding speed (transport speed) of the recording paper, it detects the transport distance of the recording paper from when the leading edge is detected until the trailing edge is detected, that is, the length of the recording paper in the paper feeding direction.

[0041] The third determination unit 104 determines whether the length of the recording paper in the paper feeding direction, as detected by the detection unit 103, matches the print size specified by the print job.

[0042] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 determines, based on the third determination unit 104, that the length of the recording paper in the paper feeding direction does not match the print size specified by the print job, if the operation unit 47 receives an instruction to permit printing, the control unit 100 executes the printing process based on the print job; if the operation unit 47 receives an instruction not to permit printing, the control unit 100 cancels the printing process based on the print job.

[0043] Next, an example of the process for registering the size of long recording paper by the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 4. For example, this process is performed when the power to the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0044] The control unit 100 determines whether the optional first paper feed unit 15 and second paper feed unit 16 are installed (S1). Each control unit of the first paper feed unit 15 and the second paper feed unit 16 has its own unique recognition information and transmits this recognition information to the control unit 10. When the control unit 100 receives this recognition information, it determines that either the first paper feed unit 15 or the second paper feed unit 16 is installed.

[0045] If the control unit 100 determines that the first paper feed unit 15 is installed (YES in S2), it receives manual feed size information, which indicates the size of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 of the first paper feed unit 15, input by the user through operation of the operation unit 47, and stores it in the storage unit 8, etc. (S3). On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the first paper feed unit 15 is not installed (NO in S2), the process moves to S4.

[0046] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the second paper feed unit 16 is installed (S4). If it determines that the second paper feed unit 16 is installed (YES in S4), it receives manual feed size information, which indicates the size of the recording paper to be stored in the long paper feed cassette 161 of the second paper feed unit 16, input by the user through the operation unit 47, and stores it in the storage unit 8 or the like (S5). After this, the process ends.

[0047] Figure 5(A) shows an example of an operation screen for receiving manual feed size information, and (B) shows an example of an operation screen for receiving long paper size information. When the control unit 100 receives an instruction from the operation unit 47 to start inputting the recording paper size, it displays an operation screen G1, as shown in Figure 5(A), or an operation screen G2, as shown in Figure 5(B), on the display unit 473. The operation unit 47 receives manual feed size information or long paper size information when operation screens G1 and G2 are displayed.

[0048] Next, an example of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper by the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6. This process is performed when the source of the recording paper is not specified by the user.

[0049] The control unit 100 determines whether or not the manual feed tray 151 (first paper feed unit 15) is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (S11). If it determines that the manual feed tray 151 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (YES in S11), the first determination unit 101 determines whether or not the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 matches the print size specified by the job (S12).

[0050] If the control unit 100 determines, based on the first determination unit 101, that the size of the recording paper in the manual feed tray 151 matches the print size (YES in S12), it controls the drive of the first paper feed unit 15 and the image forming unit 12, etc., to transport the recording paper from the manual feed tray 151 by the transport unit 19, to form an image in the image forming unit 12, and to execute the printing process (S13). After this, the process ends.

[0051] On the other hand, if the first determination unit 101 determines that the recording paper size in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size (NO in S12), the control unit 100 determines whether the long paper feed cassette 161 (second paper feed unit 16) is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (S14).

[0052] If the control unit 100 determines that the long paper feed cassette 161 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (NO in S14), it displays an error message on the display unit 473 informing the user that the size of the paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size, and a message prompting the user to input whether or not to proceed with the printing process using the paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 at this point (S15).

[0053] Figure 7(A) shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 473 at this time. The operation screen G3 shown in Figure 7(A) displays message M1, which contains the content of both messages mentioned above, operation button B1 labeled "Execute", and operation button B2 labeled "Cancel".

[0054] Here, if the control unit 100 receives an instruction via the touch panel to not perform the printing process based on the user's touch operation button B2 (NO in S16), it cancels the printing process (S18). After this, the process ends.

[0055] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 receives an instruction to execute a print process via the touch panel based on a user's touch operation of the operation button B1 (YES in S16), it controls the drive of the first paper feed unit 15 and the image forming unit 12, etc., and transports the recording paper from the manual feed tray 151 by the transport unit 19 to form an image in the image forming unit 12 and executes the print process (S17).

[0056] At this time, the detection unit 103 detects the length of the recording paper fed from the manual feed tray 151 in the feeding direction (S19). The third determination unit 104 determines whether the length of the recording paper in the feeding direction detected by the detection unit 103 matches the print size specified by the print job (i.e., whether the actual size of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 matches the print size) (S20).

[0057] If the control unit 100 determines, based on the third determination unit 104, that the actual size of the recording paper in the manual feed tray 151 matches the print size (YES in S20), it continues the printing process for subsequent pages (the next sheets of recording paper to be image-formed in the same print job) (S21). When this printing process is completed, the process shown in Figure 6 ends.

[0058] On the other hand, in S20, if the third determination unit 104 determines that the actual size of the recording paper in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size (NO in S20), the control unit 100 cancels the printing process (S22).

[0059] After this, the control unit 100 displays an error message on the display unit 473 to inform the user that the print size does not match the size of the paper being fed from the manual feed tray 151, and a confirmation message to prompt the user to input whether or not to resume the printing process using the paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 (S23).

[0060] Figure 7(B) shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 473 at this time. The operation screen G4 shown in Figure 7(B) displays message M2, which contains the content of both messages mentioned above, an operation button B3 labeled "Continue", and an operation button B2 labeled "Cancel".

[0061] Here, if the control unit 100 receives an instruction via the touch panel to not perform the printing process based on the user's touch operation button B2 (NO in S24), it cancels the printing process (S18). After this, the process ends.

[0062] Meanwhile, when the control unit 100 receives an instruction to continue printing via the touch panel based on a user's touch operation button B3 (YES in S24), it controls the drive of the first paper feed unit 15 and the image forming unit 12, etc., to transport the recording paper from the manual feed tray 151 by the transport unit 19, to form an image in the image forming unit 12, and to restart and continue the printing process (S21). After this, when the printing process is completed, the process ends.

[0063] Furthermore, in S12, if the first determination unit 101 determines that the recording paper size in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size (NO in S12), the control unit 100 determines whether the long paper cassette 161 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (S14). If the control unit 100 determines that the long paper cassette 161 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (YES in S14), the second determination unit 102 determines whether the recording paper size indicated by the size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette 161 matches the print size specified by the print job (S26).

[0064] If the control unit 100 determines, by the second determination unit 102, that the size of the recording paper in the long paper feed cassette 161 matches the print size (YES in S26), the control unit 100 transports the recording paper from the second paper feed unit 16 via the transport unit 19, forms an image in the image forming unit 12, and executes the printing process (S27). After this, the process ends.

[0065] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines, based on the second determination unit 102, that the size of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette 161 does not match the print size (NO in S26), the process moves to S15. That is, the printing process switches to using the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 instead of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette 161.

[0066] Furthermore, in S11, if the control unit 100 determines that the manual feed tray 151 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (NO in S11), it determines whether or not the long paper feed cassette 161 (second paper feed unit 16) is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (S28). If it determines that the long paper feed cassette 161 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (YES in S28), the second determination unit 102 determines whether or not the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper feed cassette 161 matches the print size specified by the print job (S29).

[0067] If the control unit 100 determines, by the second determination unit 102, that the size of the recording paper in the long paper feed cassette 161 matches the print size (YES in S29), the control unit 100 transports the recording paper from the second paper feed unit 16 via the transport unit 19, forms an image in the image forming unit 12, and executes the printing process (S30). After this, the process ends.

[0068] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the long paper feed cassette 161 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (NO in S28), or if the second determination unit 102 determines that the recording paper size of the long paper feed cassette 161 does not match the print size (NO in S29), it cancels the printing process (S31). Subsequently, the control unit 100 displays an error message on the display unit 473 to notify the user that there is no recording paper that matches the print size (S32). After this, the process ends.

[0069] Next, another embodiment of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 8. This process is performed when the manual feed tray 151 is specified by the user as the source of the recording paper.

[0070] The control unit 100 determines whether or not the manual feed tray 151 (first paper feed unit 15) is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (S41). If it determines that the manual feed tray 151 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (YES in S41), the first determination unit 101 determines whether or not the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 matches the print size specified by the print job (S42).

[0071] If the control unit 100 determines, based on the first determination unit 101, that the size of the recording paper in the manual feed tray 151 matches the print size (YES in S42), it controls the drive of the first paper feed unit 15 and the image forming unit 12, etc., to transport the recording paper from the manual feed tray 151 by the transport unit 19, to form an image in the image forming unit 12, and to execute the printing process (S43). After this, the process ends.

[0072] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the recording paper size in the manual feed tray 151 does not match the print size (NO in S42), the process proceeds to S44 to S54. Note that S44 to S54 are the same as S15 to S25 shown in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted.

[0073] In S41, if the control unit 100 determines that the manual feed tray 151 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (NO in S41), it cancels the printing process (S55). The control unit 100 then displays an error message on the display unit 473 informing the user that no recording paper matching the print size is placed in the manual feed tray 51 (S56). After this, the process ends.

[0074] Next, another embodiment of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 9. This process is performed when the long paper feed cassette 161 is specified by the user as the source of the recording paper.

[0075] The control unit 100 determines whether or not the long paper feed cassette 161 (second paper feed unit 16) is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (S61). If it determines that the long paper feed cassette 161 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (YES in S61), the second determination unit 102 determines whether or not the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper feed cassette 161 matches the print size specified by the print job (S62).

[0076] If the control unit 100 determines, by the second determination unit 102, that the size of the recording paper in the long paper feed cassette 161 matches the print size (YES in S62), the control unit 100 transports the recording paper from the second paper feed unit 16 via the transport unit 19, forms an image in the image forming unit 12, and executes the printing process (S63). After this, the process ends.

[0077] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the long paper feed cassette 161 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (NO in S61), or if the second determination unit 102 determines that the size of the recording paper in the long paper feed cassette 161 does not match the print size (NO in S62), the control unit 100 cancels the printing process (S64). The control unit 100 then displays an error message on the display unit 473 informing the user that the recording paper matching the print size is not stored in the long paper feed cassette 61 (S65). After this, the process ends.

[0078] Next, an example of the process for printing long sheets of recording paper by the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 10. This process is performed when the user has specified a paper source other than the manual feed tray 151 and the long sheet paper cassette 161 as the paper source for recording paper.

[0079] Since long sheets of paper cannot be loaded in any tray other than the manual feed tray 151 and the long sheet paper cassette 161, the control unit 100 cancels the printing process (S71), controls the display on the display unit 473, and displays an error message on the display unit 473 to inform the user that there is no paper that matches the print size (S72). After this, the process ends.

[0080] In the above embodiment, even if the size information of the paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 indicates the paper size (registered size), the printing process will be executed if the user allows it (if the instruction to execute the printing process is received). This makes it possible to reliably print on long paper in accordance with the user's intentions with simple operation, even if the actual size of the paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 differs from the paper size indicated by the manual feed size information stored in the storage unit 8, etc., as long as it matches the printing size indicated by the printing job. On the other hand, if the size information of the paper stored in the long paper cassette 161 indicates that the paper size does not match the printing size specified by the printing job, the printing process will be stopped without waiting for instructions from the user.

[0081] If neither the paper size indicated by the manual feed size information nor the paper size indicated by the feed size information matches the print size, the paper placed in the manual feed tray 151 will be used for printing.

[0082] Thus, according to this embodiment, the characteristics of the manual feed tray 151, which allow for easy changes in the size of the recording paper simply by replacing the recording paper placed on it, can be utilized. Therefore, in this embodiment, in an image forming apparatus 1 that can be equipped with a manual feed tray 151 capable of holding long recording paper and a long paper feed cassette 161, printing on long recording paper can be reliably performed with simple operation.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, the configuration and process shown in the above embodiments using Figures 1 to 10 are merely one embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to such configuration and process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Image forming apparatus 12 Image forming unit 100 Control Unit 101 1st Judgment Department 102 Second Judgment Department 103 Detection unit 104 Third Judgment Department 151 Manual feed tray 161 Long paper feed cassette

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A manual feed tray capable of holding recording paper of an unspecified length in the paper feeding direction, A long paper feed cassette that can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and can accommodate long recording paper up to a predetermined length, An image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper, A transport unit that transports the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray and the long paper cassette to the image forming unit, A control unit that, based on a print job, transports recording paper from the manual feed tray or the long paper cassette to the image forming unit via the transport unit and performs a printing process in which the image forming unit forms an image on the recording paper, A size storage unit that stores manual feed size information indicating the size of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray and long size information indicating the size of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette, A first determination unit that determines whether the paper size indicated by the manual feed size information matches the print size specified by the print job, A second determination unit that determines whether the recording paper size indicated by the long-size information matches the print size specified by the print job, It includes an operating unit that receives instructions from the user, The control unit, When the print size specified by the print job is longer than the paper size indicated by the manual feed size information, and the paper is transported from the manual feed tray to the image forming unit according to the print job, the first determination unit determines that the paper size indicated by the manual feed size information does not match the print size specified by the print job, An image forming apparatus that, when an instruction to permit the printing process is received by the operation unit, executes the printing process based on the print job, and when an instruction not to permit the printing process is received by the operation unit, cancels the printing process based on the print job.

2. The control unit further, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print size specified by the print job is longer than the recording paper size indicated by the long-length size information, and the recording paper is transported from the long-length paper feed cassette to the image forming unit in accordance with the print job, and the second determination unit determines that the recording paper size indicated by the long-length size information does not match the print size specified by the print job, the printing process based on the print job is canceled.

3. A detection unit for detecting the length of the recording paper in the paper feeding direction fed from the manual feed tray, The system further includes a third determination unit that determines whether the length of the recording paper in the paper feeding direction, as detected by the detection unit, matches the print size specified by the print job, The control unit, When the third determination unit determines that the length of the recording paper in the paper feeding direction does not match the print size specified by the print job, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the operation unit receives an instruction to permit the printing process, the printing process based on the print job is executed, and if the operation unit receives an instruction not to permit the printing process, the printing process based on the print job is canceled.

4. The image forming apparatus is equipped with both the manual feed tray and the long paper cassette, and the print size specified by the print job is the long size. Furthermore, the control unit, when the first determination unit determines that the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray does not match the print size specified by the print job, and the second determination unit determines that the size of the recording paper indicated by the size information of the recording paper stored in the long paper cassette does not match the print size specified by the print job, performs the printing process using the recording paper placed in the manual feed tray, as described in claim 1.

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