Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

When a device autonomously moves while performing printing, it may stop to prevent collisions with obstacles or people along its path, and vibrations may occur due to the material or unevenness of the travel surface. Sudden stops and vibrations exceeding a certain level may affect the print quality of the image forming apparatus, but because the user who issued the print command is unaware of what happens during movement, they accept the delivered output without checking its quality. Therefore, the present invention aims to notify the user of errors during movement and to provide the correct printed output. [Solution] The device is characterized by having a determination means that determines an error when vibration detected by the detection means satisfies predetermined conditions while the device is being moved by the moving means and the printing means is performing a printing process, and a notification means that outputs an error notification indicating that an error occurred during the execution of the printing process when the determination means determines that an error has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a self-propelled image forming apparatus, there is a technology in which the image forming apparatus itself can move and autonomously moves to a designated position according to a user's instruction to deliver printed materials. As an example of this technology, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-125646 (Patent Document 1) is known. In this technology, based on a user's instruction, its own movement route is planned so that the movement time and the like are shortened. Then, in order to be able to deliver the printed product to a desired place while avoiding obstacles and the like, the self-propelled image forming apparatus receives print data and delivery destination identification information from a computer, and acquires delivery destination position information by referring to map information. Based on the acquired information, a movement route that can efficiently tour a plurality of delivery destinations is planned, and based on the plan, the motor that drives the wheels and the steering are controlled to move. In this movement, obstacles detected by an obstacle sensor are avoided by control means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the apparatus autonomously moves while executing printing, there may be a stop to prevent a collision with an obstacle or a person on the route, or vibration may occur due to the material or step of the running surface. A sudden stop or vibration above a certain value may affect the print quality of the image forming apparatus. However, since the user who is the print instruction source does not grasp the events during movement, there is a possibility that the user may receive the delivered product without noticing that a defect has occurred in the delivered product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be moved by means of transport to a destination specified by a user, and is characterized by comprising: a storage means for storing print data; a printing means for performing a printing process to generate a printed object based on the print data; a detection means for detecting vibrations of the image forming apparatus; a determination means for determining an error when the vibration detected by the detection means satisfies predetermined conditions while the apparatus is being moved by the transport means and the printing means is performing a printing process; and a notification means for outputting an error notification indicating that an error occurred during the execution of the printing process when the determination means determines that an error has occurred. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In this invention, by notifying the user of errors during transit, it is possible to realize that there may be defects in the received printed materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] Functional block diagram [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing an example of the operating direction of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 6] Sequence diagram showing an example of the printing operation sequence in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the print job execution process in the image forming unit. [Figure 8] Sequence diagram showing an example of the printing operation sequence. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the error notification process in the image forming unit. [Figure 10]A diagram showing an example of an error notification screen on a user terminal. [Figure 11] Sequence diagram showing an example of the printing operation sequence. [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the print execution process of the image forming unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus is used as an example of an information processing apparatus, but it is not limited to this.

[0009] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration in this embodiment. The system in Figure 1 consists of a group of user terminals connected to the same network environment connected to a router 104, a group of self-propelled image forming machines, and a group of station machines. In the user terminal group 103N, N is an integer of 1 or more and corresponds to the number of connected user terminals (for example, if there are two, user terminals 1031 and 1032). Hereinafter, the user terminal group only needs to include at least one user terminal, and will be collectively referred to as user terminal 103.

[0010] In the group of self-propelled image forming apparatuses 101M, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and corresponds to the number of connected self-propelled image forming apparatuses (for example, if there are two, image forming apparatus 1011 and image forming apparatus 1032). Hereafter, the group of self-propelled image forming apparatuses only needs to include at least one self-propelled image forming apparatus, and will be collectively referred to as image forming apparatus 101.

[0011] In station device group 102P, P is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and corresponds to the number of connected station devices (for example, if there are two, station device 1021 and station device 1022). Hereafter, a station device group only needs to include at least one station device, and will be collectively referred to as station device 102.

[0012] In this configuration, the user operates the user terminal 103 to send a print job to the image forming apparatus 101 via the router 104. The print job includes delivery destination information, so that the image forming apparatus 101, upon receiving the print job, starts moving to the specified delivery destination and begins printing. Alternatively, the user terminal 103 may be configured to send the print job to the station device 102 via the router 104, and the station device 102 may then send a print command to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0013] Figure 2(A) is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is broadly composed of an image forming unit 210 and a motion control unit 220. The image forming unit 210 is configured to include a communication unit 211, a data processing unit 212, an image generation unit 213, a scanning unit 214, a printing unit 215, and a display unit 216. The communication unit 211 communicates with the user terminal 103 and exchanges data. The data processing unit 212 performs data processing related to each function. The image generation unit 213 draws images from print data and generates image data from scan information. The scanning unit 214 scans paper media and inputs the scan information (image data) obtained by scanning the image printed on the paper to the image generation unit 213. The printing unit 215 prints the image drawn by the image generation unit 213 onto paper media and outputs it. The display unit 216 receives operations from the user and displays various screens. These image forming units 210 perform their functions by the CPU 301, which will be described later, executing a program loaded into the RAM 302.

[0014] The movement control unit 220 has a configuration including a communication unit 221, a data processing unit 222, a travel control unit 223, an obstacle detection unit 224, a travel recording unit 225, and a position detection unit 226. The communication unit 221 communicates with the station device 102 to exchange position and map information and the like. The data processing unit 222 performs data processing related to each function. The travel control unit 223 controls the drive motor based on the information acquired by the obstacle detection unit 224 and the position and map information acquired from the station device 102 by the communication unit 221 to perform autonomous travel. The obstacle detection unit 224 acquires obstacle information indicating an obstacle detected by the obstacle sensor 352 in FIG. 3 described later. Furthermore, the obstacle detection unit 224 acquires vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 362. Here, it is assumed that the obstacle detection unit 224 acquires the vibration information, but a vibration detection unit may be provided separately from the obstacle detection unit 224. The travel recording unit 225 manages the travel route information along which the image forming apparatus 101 travels. The position detection unit 226 detects the current position of the image forming apparatus 101. The functions of these movement control units 220 are realized by the CPU 331 in FIG. 3 described later executing a program developed in the RAM 332.

[0015] FIG. 2(B) is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the station device in the present embodiment.

[0016] The functional configuration of the station device 230 has a configuration including a communication unit 231, a data processing unit 232, a charging unit 233, a toner replenishment unit 234, and a paper replenishment unit 235. The communication unit 231 communicates with the image forming apparatus 101 to exchange data. The data processing unit 232 performs data processing related to each function. The charging unit 233 charges the image forming apparatus 101 connected to the station device 102. The toner replenishment unit 234 and the paper replenishment unit 235 replenish the toner and paper used for printing for the image forming apparatus 101 connected to the station device 102. The functions of these station devices 230 are controlled by a CPU (not shown) of the station device 102.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus comprises a print control controller unit 300, an operation unit 321, a scanner 322, a printer 323, an autonomous movement control controller unit 330, a drive motor 351, an obstacle sensor 352, and a drive battery 361.

[0018] The print control controller unit 300 is connected to a scanner 322, which is an image input device, a printer 323, which is an image output device, and an operation unit 321. The print control controller unit 300 performs control to realize a copy function, for example, to print image data read by the scanner 322 using the printer 323.

[0019] The autonomous mobility control controller unit 330 is connected to a drive motor 351, which is a mobility mechanism, and an obstacle sensor 352 for autonomous control. For example, the autonomous mobility control controller unit 330 controls the drive motor 351 based on obstacle information indicating obstacles detected by the obstacle sensor 352, and performs autonomous mobility control to automatically avoid obstacles.

[0020] The print control controller unit 300 includes a CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, storage 304, image bus I / F 305, operation unit I / F 306, communication I / F 308, battery I / F 309, and network I / F 310. These are connected to each other via a system bus 307. The print control controller unit 300 further includes a scanner image processing unit 311, a printer image processing unit 312, and a device I / F 313.

[0021] The CPU 301 starts up the operating system (OS) using a boot program stored in the ROM 303. The CPU 301 then executes programs stored in the storage 304 on this OS, thereby performing various processes. The RAM 302 is used as the CPU 301's workspace. Furthermore, in addition to providing workspace, the RAM 302 is used as an image memory area for temporary storage of image data. The storage 304 stores programs and image data.

[0022] The control unit I / F 306 is an interface with the control unit 321, which has a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the control unit 321 to the control unit 321. The control unit I / F 306 also sends information entered by the user on the control unit 321 to the CPU 301. The network I / F 310 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus to a LAN. The battery I / F 309 is an interface with the drive battery 361, which powers the scanner 322 and printer 323, and outputs power usage requests related to print job execution to the drive battery 361, and sends battery level information to the CPU 301. The other communication I / F 308 is a communication interface between other devices and controllers, and in this example, it communicates with the autonomous mobile control controller unit 330.

[0023] The image bus I / F 305 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 307 and the image bus 310, which transfers image data at high speed, and converts data formats. The image bus 310 is configured using a PCI bus or IEEE 1394, etc. Device I / F 313, scanner image processing unit 311, and printer image processing unit 312 are provided on the image bus 310. The scanner 322 and printer 323 are connected to the device I / F 313. Device I / F 313 performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 311 performs correction, processing, and editing of input image data. The printer image processing unit 312 performs correction, resolution conversion, etc., on print output image data according to the printer 323.

[0024] The autonomous mobile control controller unit 330 is a controller unit that controls the driving mechanism 410 shown in Figure 4, which will be described later. The autonomous mobile control controller unit 330 includes a CPU 331, RAM 332, ROM 333, storage 334, drive device I / F 335, communication I / F 338, battery I / F 339, network I / F 340, and position detector 341. These are connected to each other via a system bus 337.

[0025] The CPU 331 starts the operating system (OS) using the boot program stored in the ROM 333. The CPU 331 then executes programs stored in the storage 334 on this OS, thereby performing various processes. The RAM 332 is used as the CPU 331's workspace. Furthermore, the RAM 332 provides workspace and also serves as a memory area for temporarily storing location information, error messages, etc. The storage 334 stores programs, map information, and other data.

[0026] The network interface 340 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus to a LAN. The battery interface 349 is an interface with the drive battery 361, which is the power source for the drive motor 351. It outputs power usage requests related to movement to the drive battery 361 and sends battery level information to the CPU 331. The other communication interface 338 is a communication interface between other devices and controllers, and in this example, it communicates with the print control controller unit 300.

[0027] The drive device interface 335 is connected to a drive motor 351, an obstacle sensor 352, and a vibration sensor 362. The drive device interface 335 outputs control information to the drive motor 351 and sends obstacle information and vibration information to the CPU 331. The vibration sensor 362 is a sensor that detects vibrations and acquires vibration information including the magnitude of the vibration and changes in vibration according to the duration. In this embodiment, impacts are also included in vibrations.

[0028] In this configuration example, the print control controller unit 300 and the autonomous mobile control controller unit 330 are described as independent. However, a configuration in which the CPU, RAM, ROM, storage, etc., of each control controller are shared is also possible. Furthermore, in this configuration example, the other communication I / F 308 and other communication I / F 338 are used for the communication path between the print control controller unit 300 and the autonomous mobile control controller unit 330, but this is not limited to these. For example, a configuration in which communication is performed via a network using the network I / F 310 and network I / F 340 is also possible.

[0029] Furthermore, in this configuration example, the drive battery 361 is controlled by both the battery I / F 309 and the battery I / F 339, but it is also possible to configure it so that only one of them controls it. For example, the drive battery 361 is controlled by the autonomous mobile control controller unit 330, and the battery usage in the print control controller unit 300 is controlled by the autonomous mobile control controller unit 330.

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operating direction of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment.

[0031] The image forming apparatus has a driving mechanism 410, which rotates the front wheels 411 and rear wheels 412, and moves by steering the front wheels 411 and rear wheels 412 (or the front wheels 411 only). The driving mechanism is not limited to four-wheel drive, but may also be two-wheel drive. It may also be a three-wheel configuration, or even a multi-wheel configuration or a caterpillar type.

[0032] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus has an image forming mechanism 420, which performs printing processes such as exposure, development, transfer, and fixing by transporting the paper medium or other material to be printed in the sub-scanning direction 420. For example, if the image forming mechanism 420 is an inkjet type, printing is performed by moving the printer head back and forth in the main scanning direction 403.

[0033] In this embodiment, the direction of travel 401 during straight-line travel is parallel to the sub-scanning direction 402, and the main scanning direction 403 is perpendicular to the direction of travel 401.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 500. In this embodiment, the user terminal 500 is assumed to be a client terminal for a device such as a smartphone or PC. The CPU 507 reads the control program stored in the ROM 508 and executes various processes to control the operation of the user terminal 500. The ROM 508 stores the control program. The RAM 509 is used as the main memory and temporary storage area for the CPU 507, such as the work area. The HDD 510 stores various data such as photographs and electronic documents.

[0035] The control panel 501 has a touch panel function that can detect user touch operations and displays various screens provided by the OS and email sending applications. By inputting touch operations on the control panel 501, the user can input desired operation instructions to the user terminal 500. The user terminal 500 is equipped with hardware keys (not shown), and the user can input operation instructions to the user terminal 500 using these hardware keys. The user can also connect a keyboard, mouse, etc. to the user terminal 500 to perform desired operations. The camera 504 takes images according to the user's imaging instructions. The images taken by the camera 504 are stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 510. It is also possible to obtain information from QR codes read by the camera 504 using a program capable of analyzing QR codes (registered trademark). The user terminal 500 can send and receive data with various peripheral devices via the NFC communication unit 505, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 506, and wireless LAN communication unit 511. The Bluetooth communication unit 506 of the user terminal 500 may support Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0036] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the printing operation sequence in an image forming apparatus. The example in Figure 6(A) shows the operation sequence in a configuration where the print instruction from the user terminal 103 includes destination information.

[0037] The user operates the user terminal 103 to perform a print operation (S601). This print operation is for sending a print instruction from the user terminal 103 to the image forming apparatus 101, and also includes specifying the destination of the image forming apparatus 101. Based on the operation content, the user terminal 103 sends a print instruction to the image forming unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 101 (S602). Upon receiving the print instruction, the image forming unit 210 sends a move instruction to the move control unit 220 based on the destination information included in the print instruction (S603). Based on these instructions, the image forming unit 210 executes the print process (S604), and the move control unit 220 executes the move process (S605).

[0038] The example in Figure 6(B) shows the operation sequence in a configuration where print instructions and movement instructions are given from the user terminal 103. Similar to the example in Figure 6(A), the user operates the user terminal 103 to perform a print operation (S601). In this example, the user terminal 103 sends a print instruction to the image forming unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 101 based on the operation content (S612), and sends a movement instruction to the movement control unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 101 (S613). Based on these instructions, the image forming unit 210 performs the print process (S604), and the movement control unit 220 performs the movement process (S605).

[0039] The example in Figure 6(C) shows the operation sequence in a configuration where a print job is sent from the user terminal 103 to the station device 102. Similar to the example in Figure 6(A), the user operates the user terminal 103 to perform a print operation (S601). In this example, the user terminal 103 sends print job information to the station device 102 (S621). The station device 102, having received the print job, sends a print instruction to the image forming unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 101 (S622). Subsequently, similar to the example in (A), the image forming unit 210, having received the print instruction, sends a move instruction to the move control unit 220 based on the move destination information included in the print instruction (S603). Based on these instructions, the image forming unit 210 executes the print process (S604), and the move control unit 220 executes the move process (S605).

[0040] In the following description of this invention, the configuration and operation sequence shown in Figure 6(A) will be used as the basic form.

[0041] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the print job execution process of the image forming unit in the present invention. As mentioned above, the image forming unit 210 is controlled by the CPU 301.

[0042] This flow describes the processing performed by the image forming unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 101 after receiving a print instruction in the sequence described above (S602).

[0043] First, the image forming unit 210 records the start time of the print job (S701) and notifies the movement control unit 220 of the start of the print job (S702). After notifying the start of the print job, it executes the printing process from the first page (S703). Details of the printing process are omitted in this example. After the first page is printed, the completion time is recorded (S704). If the print job spans multiple pages, this is repeated until there are no remaining pages (S705, S703~S705). After all pages have been printed, an error check process is performed (S706). The error check process is the process shown in S803 and S804 in Figure 8, which will be described later. S804 shows an example where an error notification occurs. On the other hand, if there is no error notification (no error has occurred), after S803, the image forming unit 210 receives a notification that there has been no error notification or no error for a certain period of time.

[0044] In this example, the movement control unit 220 is queried for error information, and error information is obtained. This error information is recorded by the travel record unit 225 when the travel control unit 223 of the movement control unit 220 performs an emergency stop, or when the obstacle detection unit 224 detects vibrations exceeding a threshold, along with the time and details of the occurrence. The time of the obtained error information is compared with the print execution time calculated from the aforementioned execution start time and execution completion time to determine if there was an error in the movement during printing (S707). If there is no error notification (no error occurred), no error information exists, and therefore it is determined that there was no error.

[0045] Error information may be transmitted from the movement control unit 220 as it occurs. When it is determined that there were no movement errors, the image forming unit 210 deletes the job data used for normal completion and terminates (S708). When it is determined that there were movement errors, the image forming unit 210 retains the job data used (S709) and performs error notification processing (S710). Error notification processing involves notifying the user terminal 103 and displaying the information on the operation unit 321.

[0046] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the printing operation sequence in the present invention. This sequence is for when a movement error occurs in the error confirmation process (S706) in the aforementioned flow.

[0047] The process is the same as the basic form in Figure 6(A) up to the point where the image forming unit 210 receives a print command from the user via the user terminal 103 and issues a movement command to the movement control unit 220 (S601-S603). Subsequently, the image forming unit 210 notifies the movement control unit 220 of the start of the job (S801, S702). If the movement control unit 220 detects an error during the movement execution (S605), it records the time elapsed since the start of the job (S802). The error detected here is when vibration meets predetermined conditions. Specifically, it is when vibration exceeds a threshold.

[0048] Meanwhile, the image forming unit 210, having completed the printing process, checks for errors with the movement control unit 220 (S803, S706). Upon receiving this, the movement control unit 220 notifies the image forming unit 210 of the error details and time detected after the job started (S804). The image forming unit 210, having received the error information, retains the job data (S805, S709) and notifies the user terminal 103, the source of the print command, of the error details (S806, S710).

[0049] Subsequently, triggered by receiving a destination arrival notification from the movement control unit 220 (S807), the operation unit 321 displays the error details (S808, S709). The user checks the printed output based on the error details displayed on the operation unit 321 (S809). This check is, for example, to confirm any printing defects in the printed output caused by vibration. If a printing defect is found, the user performs a reprint operation according to the display (S810). The image forming unit 210 performs a reprint according to the operation details (S811) and deletes the job data after completion (S812).

[0050] In this example, the user checks the print output based on the error details and performs a reprint operation. However, the image forming unit 220 may automatically perform a reprint based on the error notification received in S804. Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow switching between an automatic reprint and a user-operated reprint operation via device settings.

[0051] Figure 10(A) shows an example of an error notification screen for a user terminal in the present invention. The error notification screen 1001 is displayed on the user terminal 103 and notifies the user of the error details and the number of affected pages. The wording is not limited to this example. The OK button 1002 is for the purpose of closing the notification and does not send a confirmation response to the image forming unit 210. Therefore, a configuration without the OK button 1002 is also possible.

[0052] Figure 10(B) shows an example of an error notification screen for the image forming apparatus operation unit in the present invention.

[0053] The error notification screen 1010 is displayed on the operation unit 312 of the image forming apparatus and notifies the user of the error details, such as vibration or sudden stop, and the number of affected pages. The wording is not limited to this example.

[0054] The user checks the print content according to the displayed information, and if there are no problems, they press the close button 1012 to exit. On the other hand, if there are problems, they press the reprint button 1011 to proceed to the reprint screen 1020. In this example, a screen is displayed where the user can select the error target page 1021, all pages 1022, the error target + previous and next pages 1023, or specified pages 1024 for reprinting.

[0055] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the error notification process of the image forming unit in the present invention. This flowchart is an example of a detailed explanation of the error notification process (S710) in the aforementioned flowchart. When the error notification process begins, the image forming unit 210 requests the movement control unit 220 to acquire the estimated arrival time at the destination (S901). The acquired estimated arrival time is determined (S902). If the determined estimated arrival time is above a threshold, an error notification is sent to the user terminal 103 as a prior notification to the user (S903). On the other hand, if the determined estimated arrival time is below the threshold, the user will arrive soon and will check the operation unit 321 of the image forming apparatus, so the error notification to the user terminal 103 is skipped and an error notification screen is displayed on the operation unit 321 (S904).

[0056] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide printed output correctly even if an error occurs during transit.

[0057] <Second Embodiment> Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the printing operation sequence in the present invention. In this embodiment, error detection during movement triggers an error notification to the image forming unit, which then cancels the printing process.

[0058] The process is the same as in Figure 8 until the notification of job start is issued (S601-S801). When the movement control unit 220 detects an error during movement execution (S605) (S1101), the movement control unit 220 immediately notifies the image forming unit 210 (S1102). Upon receiving the error notification, if printing is in progress, the image forming unit 210 executes a print cancellation process (S1103) and notifies the user terminal 103 of the error details and the fact that the print was canceled (S1104).

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment and the configuration of the first embodiment may be selectable in the device settings.

[0060] At this time, the image forming apparatus may either stop in place or automatically move to a station device.

[0061] According to this embodiment, if an error occurs during transit, printing can be stopped, thereby saving paper and toner.

[0062] <Third Embodiment> Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the printing execution process of the image forming unit in the present invention. This flowchart is an example of a detailed explanation of the printing execution (S703) in the aforementioned flowchart.

[0063] In this embodiment, the time of the printing process is limited to the processes that are particularly susceptible to vibration and sudden stops, and these processes are used for error detection. In toner-based printing, toner is placed on the paper medium in the toner transfer process, and then the toner is pressed down in the subsequent fixing process to perform printing. Until the toner is pressed down, it is only placed on the paper medium, and vibrations can cause the placed toner to move, which is highly likely to affect the quality of the printed material. Therefore, in this example, the period from toner transfer to the completion of fixing is considered the quality-affected interval.

[0064] First, the paper feeding, exposure, and development processes are performed (S1201). Details of this process are omitted. Next, the time before the toner transfer process begins is recorded as the start time of the quality-affected section (S1202). The toner transfer process and toner fixing process, which constitute the quality-affected section, are performed (S1203, S1204). The time when the process is completed is recorded as the end time of the quality-affected section (S1205). After that, any necessary post-processing is performed (S1206). Details of this process are omitted.

[0065] According to the present invention, by notifying the user of errors during transit, it is possible to realize that there may be defects in the received printed materials. Furthermore, by notifying the user to reprint, it is possible to provide the correct printed output.

[0066] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions herein.

[0067] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 300 Print Control Controller Unit 301 CPU 321 Operation section 330 Remote-controlled movement control controller unit 331 CPU 351 Drive motor 1011 Self-propelled image forming device

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that can be moved by means of transport to a destination specified by the user, A storage means for storing print data, A printing means that performs a printing process to generate printed materials based on the aforementioned print data, A detection means for detecting vibrations in the image forming apparatus, A determination means that determines an error when vibrations detected by the detection means meet predetermined conditions while the means is moving and the printing means is performing a printing process, An image forming apparatus characterized by having a notification means that outputs an error notification indicating that an error occurred during the execution of the printing process when the determination means determines that an error has occurred.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification means outputs a notification prompting the reprinting of the printing process in response to the error notification.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when generating a multi-page printed document in the printing process, the determination means performs a determination for each page, and the storage means stores the time and page in which the error occurred.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the notification means outputs a notification prompting the reprinting of the print process corresponding to the page in which the error occurred, as stored in the storage means, in response to the error notification.

5. It has a means of receiving instructions from the user, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage means deletes the print data when the determination means determines an error, the receiving means receives an instruction to execute the printing process based on the notification prompting reprinting, and the printing process based on the instruction is completed.

6. It has a means of receiving instructions from the user, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the storage means deletes the print data when the determination means determines an error, the receiving means receives an instruction to execute the printing process based on the notification prompting reprinting, and the printing process based on the instruction is completed.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, upon receiving the aforementioned instructions, the printing means performs printing processing that includes at least the page in which the error occurred.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined condition is that the vibration detected by the detection means is greater than or equal to a threshold.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined condition is that the vibration detected by the detection means during the toner transfer process of the printing process is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus that can travel to a destination specified by a user, A printing process that performs printing operations to generate printed materials based on print data, A detection step for detecting vibrations in the image forming apparatus, A determination step in which, while the image forming apparatus is in motion and performing the printing process, an error is determined if the vibration detected in the detection step satisfies predetermined conditions, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising the step of outputting an error notification indicating that an error occurred during the execution of the printing process if an error is determined in the determination step.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method described in claim 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program described in claim 11.

Images