Image forming apparatus and warning method

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, etc., that can reduce the risk of malfunctions such as equipment failures that occur when printing using label paper. [Solution] An image forming apparatus comprising a display unit, a printing unit capable of printing on selected paper, and a control unit, wherein when label paper is selected as the paper, the control unit displays a warning screen regarding the use of the label paper on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that displays a paper setting confirmation screen including current setting information when paper placed in a manual feed tray is detected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and the like capable of reducing the risk of occurrence of problems such as apparatus failure during printing using label paper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit, a printing unit capable of performing printing on selected paper, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is characterized in that when label paper is selected as the paper, the control unit displays a warning screen related to the use of the label paper on the display unit.

[0006] Further, a warning method according to the present disclosure includes a printing step of performing printing by a printing apparatus on selected paper, and a control step of controlling the printing apparatus, wherein the control step is characterized in that when it is determined that label paper is selected as the paper, a warning screen related to the use of the label paper is displayed.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, etc., that can reduce the risk of malfunctions such as equipment failures occurring when printing using label paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Description of Embodiments]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples for describing the present disclosure, and the technical contents described in the claims are not limited to the following descriptions.

[0010] Image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals may perform printing on label paper in some cases. In general, label paper is a sticker-type paper (sticker paper) composed of a surface base material, an adhesive, and a release paper, so the release paper may peel off or the adhesive may squeeze out during paper feeding or printing, which may cause the label paper to adhere to the inside of the apparatus.

[0011] If label paper adheres to the inside of the apparatus, it may cause a paper jam, and normal printing may no longer be possible. In severe cases, repair by the user is difficult, and unit replacement is often required.

[0012] Conventionally, regarding the handling of label paper, most of the precautions are described in a separate instruction manual, but the instruction manual is often not read by the user, and it cannot be said that the handling of the label paper is well known to users.

[0013] In the present disclosure, when it is determined that label paper is selected as the paper to be used for printing, a dialog box prompting a warning regarding the use of the label paper is displayed, whereby an image forming apparatus or the like capable of reducing the risk of occurrence of problems such as apparatus failure during printing using label paper is realized in the following embodiments.

[0014] [1 First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a multifunction device is described as an example of the image forming apparatus 10, but the image forming apparatus 10 may also be a printer, copier, fax machine, etc., with limited job functions for each type.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 comprises a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 19, an image processing unit 21, a paper feeding unit 23, and a detection unit 25.

[0016] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 11 can be composed of one or more processing units (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). The control unit 11 realizes the various functions performed by the image forming apparatus 10 by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit 19. The control unit 11 may be configured as a System on a Chip (SoC) having multiple functions from among those described below. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be composed of one or more control circuits.

[0017] The display unit 13 can be configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a micro-LED display, or a mini-LED display, which can display various information to the user.

[0018] The operation input unit 15 receives input from users and other parties, including operations and information. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with various input devices such as operation keys (hard keys, software keys, etc.) and buttons. Alternatively, the operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel display that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method to the touch panel display can be, for example, a resistive touch method, an infrared touch method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive touch method.

[0019] The communication unit 17 includes wired / wireless network communication interfaces for communicating with other terminal devices such as PCs via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, telephone lines, or fax lines. The wireless network communication interface may include, for example, short-range wireless communication interfaces such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, or IrDA.

[0020] The memory unit 19 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The memory unit 19 can be composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), and other storage devices.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores a control program 190, a display control program 191, a job program 192, a paper determination program 193, and a warning program 194, and reserves a job storage area 195, a warning information storage area 196, and a paper setting information storage area 197.

[0022] The control program 190 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when comprehensively controlling the image forming apparatus 10. After reading the control program 190, the control unit 11 controls the operation of hardware such as the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image processing unit 21, paper feeding unit 23, and detection unit 25.

[0023] The display control program 191 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the output of the screens displayed on the display unit 13 or the operation input unit 15 configured as a touch panel display. After reading the display control program 191, the control unit 11 controls the display of operation screens (for example, the home screen, job setting screen, system information screen, etc.) displayed on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15), as well as the display of dialog boxes, which are a form of the warning screen described later.

[0024] The job program 192 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when executing various jobs, such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax transmission jobs, or email transmission jobs. Upon reading the job program 192, the control unit 11 switches the device mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the job mode for executing each job and executes the job for which it has received an execution instruction.

[0025] The paper determination program 193 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining which paper to use for a print job, based on the paper setting information (sometimes referred to as paper tray settings or paper (type) settings) of the paper set in the paper feed unit 23. The control unit 11, after reading the paper determination program 193, can also determine the paper type, paper size, etc. of the paper set in the paper feed unit 23 based on the paper detection result by the detection unit 25, which will be described later. The control unit 11, after reading the paper determination program 193, determines the paper set in the manual feed tray 231 or the paper feed tray 233 based on paper determination information such as information that identifies the paper type (paper type information) and information that identifies the paper size (paper size information) stored in the paper setting information storage area 197.

[0026] The alert program 194 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when it determines that label paper has been selected as the paper to be used for a print job, based on the paper setting information of the paper set in the paper feed unit 23 and the paper detection result from the detection unit 25. After reading the alert program 194, the control unit 11 works in cooperation with the display control program 191 to control the display of a dialog box that serves as an alert screen, which is a display screen that prompts a warning about the use of the label paper. In this disclosure, the form in which the control unit 11 displays a dialog box as an alert screen is described, but the alert screen may be, for example, a modal screen or a pop-up screen. Furthermore, as a method of alerting, it is also possible to provide alerts through audio output such as a beep sound, or through light patterns such as flashing or lighting from a light-emitting device such as an LED lamp.

[0027] The job storage area 195 is a storage area that stores information and job data necessary for the image forming apparatus 100 to execute various jobs such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax transmission jobs, or email transmission jobs.

[0028] The warning information storage area 196 is a storage area that stores warning message information, image information, and the like.

[0029] The paper setting information storage area 197 is a storage area that stores paper determination information related to paper determination, such as paper type information and paper size information, as well as paper setting information related to the paper feed unit 23 (such as paper tray settings).

[0030] The image processing unit 21 includes an image forming unit 211 and an image input unit 213. The image forming unit 211 functions as a printing unit (printing device) that feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 23, forms an image on the paper based on image data, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 211 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer employing an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 211 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0031] The image input unit 213 generates image data by scanning a document. The image input unit 213 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CIS (Contact Image Sensor), as well as an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a flatbed for placing and scanning documents. The configuration of the image input unit 213 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of reading the reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor. The image input unit 213 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored on a storage medium such as a USB memory or image data transmitted from a terminal device (not shown). The image processing unit 21 may generate image data for image transmission by applying, for example, shading correction or density correction to the image data input from the image input unit 213.

[0032] The paper feeding unit 23 includes a manual feed tray 231 for placing paper and a paper feed tray (paper feed cassette) 233 for storing paper. Both the manual feed tray 231 and the paper feed tray 233 are provided with guide members (not shown) for guiding paper to the image forming unit 211, stopper members (not shown) for restricting paper movement, and a detection unit 25, which will be described later. Such a paper feed unit 23 can be used to set (store) various types of paper, such as plain paper, thick paper, embossed paper, thin paper, printed paper, recycled paper, letterhead paper, punched paper, colored paper, label paper, glossy paper, OHP film, index paper, envelopes, postcards, and return postcards, as well as paper sizes such as SRA3, A3W, A3, B4, SRA4, A4, A4R, B5, B5R, A5R, 12”×18”, 11”×17”, 8-1 / 2”×14”, 8-1 / 2”×13-1 / 2”, 8-1 / 2”×13-2 / 5”, 8-1 / 2”×13”, 8-1 / 2”×11”, 8-1 / 2”×11”R, and 5-1 / 2”×8-1 / 2”R. In this case, standard-sized paper such as plain paper and cardboard may be stored in the paper feed tray 233, and non-standard-sized paper such as embossed paper, thin paper, label paper, glossy paper, OHP film, index paper, envelopes, postcards, and return postcards may be set in the manual feed tray 231. The following description will mainly focus on the case where label paper is set in the manual feed tray 231, but this disclosure can also be applied when paper other than label paper is set in the manual feed tray 231, or when standard-sized paper is stored in the paper feed tray 233, etc.

[0033] The detection unit 25 is a paper detection member, such as a mechanical push-button switch or an optical light sensor, provided in the paper feeding unit 23, such as the manual feed tray 231 or the paper feed tray 233. The detection unit 25 outputs the paper detection results, such as the length, thickness, and basis weight of the paper, to the control unit 11.

[0034] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3. The processing described in Figure 3 will be explained as a process executed by the control unit 11 by reading the control program 190, display control program 191, job program 192, paper determination program 193, warning program 194, etc.

[0035] When processing begins, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a paper determination instruction (step S10). In the first embodiment, the trigger for the paper determination instruction is, • Selecting the paper tray setting on the home screen • Paper detection in the manual feed tray • Selecting the paper tray setting on the system information screen • Paper selection via the print job settings screen • Paper type selection via the driver program The following five aspects will be covered. Each aspect will be explained in the example of operation.

[0036] If the control unit 11 determines that it has received a paper type detection instruction, it determines whether the paper to be used for the print job is label paper (Step S10; Yes → Step S12). If it determines that it has not received a paper type detection instruction, the control unit 11 waits until it receives the instruction (Step S10; No).

[0037] If the control unit 11 determines that the paper used for the print job is label paper, it determines whether the restriction function that restricts the redisplay of the dialog box as a warning screen is enabled (step S12; Yes → step S14). On the other hand, if it determines that the paper used for the print job is not label paper, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S18 (step S12; No → step S18).

[0038] If the control unit 11 determines that the restriction function that restricts the redisplay of the warning dialog box is disabled, it displays the dialog box (step S14; No → step S16). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the restriction function that restricts the redisplay of the warning dialog box is enabled, it proceeds to step S18 (step S14; Yes → step S18).

[0039] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to execute a print job (step S18). If it determines that it has received an instruction to execute a print job, the control unit 11 executes the print job and terminates the process (step S18; Yes → step S20). On the other hand, if it determines that it has not received an instruction to execute a print job, the control unit 11 waits until it receives an instruction to execute the print job (step S18; No).

[0040] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figures 4 to 17.

[0041] [1.3.1 Example of Operation 1] Operation Example 1 is an example of operation in which the selection of the paper tray setting on the home screen is used as the trigger for the paper detection instruction. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the home screen W10 related to Operation Example 1.

[0042] The home screen W10 is the basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, when in standby mode, or when recovering from sleep mode, and accepts user instructions and operation inputs. The home screen W10 includes a system information button B10, a job status button B12, a mode selection area R10, a device status display area R12, and a function selection area R14.

[0043] The system information button B10 is a button that receives a command to display the system information screen, which will be described later. The system information button B10 is displayed in a predetermined display area on the home screen W10. When the control unit 11 receives a selection command for the system information button B10, it displays the system information screen, which is an aggregated screen that consolidates system information such as information related to device maintenance, such as paper shortages or firmware updates, and device information related to communication settings.

[0044] The Job Status button B12 is a button that receives a command to display a job status screen (not shown). When the command to select the Job Status button B12 is received, the control unit 11 displays a job status screen that shows jobs that are currently running or waiting using text or icons.

[0045] The mode selection area R10 is a display area that displays shortcut keys for screen transitions to various setting screens related to modes and functions that the image forming apparatus 10 can implement. Figure 4 is an example in which the mode selection area R10 displays shortcut keys for simple copy, simple fax, and recent jobs, as well as the paper tray setting shortcut key K10. The paper tray setting shortcut key K10 is a shortcut key that accepts display instruction input for the paper tray setting screen W12, which will be explained in the next figure.

[0046] The device status display area R12 is a display area that displays the device status of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 4 is an example showing the toner level displayed in the device status display area R12.

[0047] The function selection area R14 is a display area that displays various buttons for receiving change instructions, reference instructions, etc., related to the function settings of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the large font mode button is selected, a check mark appears in the upper right corner of the button, and the font size on the screen increases. Also, when the total number of pages used display button is selected, a display screen showing the total number of pages used and the remaining toner (displayed as a percentage) is shown. The setting button is a button that receives instructions to display a system setting screen (not shown).

[0048] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the paper tray setting screen W12, which is displayed by the control unit 11 in response to a user's selection instruction using the paper tray setting shortcut key K10.

[0049] On the paper tray setting screen W12, an overall image of the machine is displayed in the approximate center of the screen, illustrating the installation status of the paper feeding section 23, including the paper feed tray 233 and the manual feed tray 231. Surrounding this overall image of the machine, the trays that can be set as paper feed trays are displayed as tray buttons T10 to T14. Here, tray button T10 is a button that receives a command to display the paper setting screen for the paper feed trays 233 (paper feed trays 1 to 4) provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. Tray button T12 is a button that receives a command to display the paper setting screen for the manual feed tray 231. Furthermore, tray button T14 is a button that receives a command to display the paper setting screen for the optional paper feed tray 233 (high-capacity paper feed tray 5). The paper size (e.g., A4) and paper type (e.g., plain paper) currently set as the paper feed tray setting may also be displayed on tray buttons T10 to T14.

[0050] The OK button B14 is a button that accepts the instruction to exit the display of the paper tray setting screen W12. When the user selects one of the tray buttons T10 to T14 corresponding to the paper tray 233 or manual feed tray 231 for which they wish to set the paper size, and the OK button B14 is selected, the control unit 11 exits the display of the paper tray setting screen W12 and displays the paper setting screen W14, which is described in the following figure. The paper setting screen W14 may be displayed superimposed on the paper tray setting screen W12.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the paper setting screen W14 displayed by the control unit 11 in response to a user's selection instruction for the tray button T12 corresponding to the manual feed tray 231 on the paper feed tray setting screen W12.

[0052] The paper settings screen W14 includes the paper tray selection status display area R16, the paper settings area R18, and the OK button B16.

[0053] The paper tray selection status display area R16 is a display area that shows the selection status of the paper tray 233 or manual feed tray 231 selected via the tray buttons T10~T14 on the paper tray setting screen W12. Figure 6 shows the manual feed tray 231 selected as the target for paper setting. The target for paper tray setting can be switched using the arrow buttons located on the left and right sides of the display area.

[0054] The paper settings area R18 includes a Type tab for setting the paper type and a Size tab for setting the paper size. In Figure 6, the Type tab is selected as the paper setting, and Plain Paper 1 to Index Paper are displayed as selectable paper types. The selectable paper types can be switched by operating the vertical slider bar SB10 provided in the figure.

[0055] Figure 6 shows that label paper (sticker) has been selected as the paper type to be set in the manual feed tray 231. In the first embodiment, if the user determines that label paper has been selected as the paper type to be used for the print job, or if the user determines that label paper has been selected again while label paper is already selected as the paper type, the control unit 11 displays a dialog box D10 as a warning screen, which will be explained in the next figure. On the other hand, if the user determines that a paper type other than label paper has been selected as the paper type, the control unit 11 does not display the dialog box D10 as a warning screen.

[0056] The OK button B16 is a button that accepts the instruction to exit the display of the paper settings screen W14. When the OK button B16 is selected, the control unit 11 exits the display of the paper settings screen W14. When the dialog box D10 is finished displaying, the paper tray setting screen W14 is displayed with label paper selected, and when the display of the paper settings screen W14 is exited by selecting the OK button B16 in this state, the manual feed tray setting is completed.

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the display configuration of a dialog box D10, which serves as a warning screen displayed by the control unit 11 when the user selects label paper as the paper type. The dialog box D10 illustrated in Figure 7 includes a warning message regarding the use of label paper (e.g., Do not use the following types of label paper. Adhesive may adhere to the inside of the machine and cause major malfunctions...), a redisplay restriction instruction selection box Bx10, and an OK button B18.

[0058] Dialog box D10 can alert the user by displaying a message regarding the use of label paper and an image representing the paper whose use is restricted. The redisplay restriction instruction selection box Bx10 is an example of a selection means for receiving an instruction to restrict the redisplay of dialog box D10. The user can restrict the redisplay of dialog box D10 (enable the redisplay restriction function) by selecting (checking) the redisplay restriction instruction selection box Bx10. The user can disable the redisplay restriction function of dialog box D10 by selecting (unchecking) the redisplay restriction instruction selection box Bx10 when it is checked. The OK button B18 is a button that receives an instruction to end the display of dialog box D10. When the control unit 11 receives an instruction to select the OK button B18 from the user who has confirmed the warning message, it ends the display of dialog box D10.

[0059] [1.3.2 Example of Operation 2] Operation Example 2 is an example of operation in which paper detection in the manual feed tray 231 is used as the trigger for the paper detection instruction. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the detection result display screen W16, which displays the detection result of paper set in the manual feed tray 231.

[0060] The detection result display screen W16 includes a paper size button B20, a paper type button B22, and an OK button B24.

[0061] The paper size button B20 displays the currently set or detected paper size and also allows the user to transition to the paper size setting screen where the paper size can be set.

[0062] The Paper Type button B22 displays the currently selected paper type and also prompts the user to transition to the paper type settings screen, where the paper type can be configured.

[0063] The OK button B24 is a button that accepts the instruction to end the display of the detection result screen W16. The detection result screen W16 may also display a message to warn about the paper being loaded into the manual feed tray 231 (for example, "When printing on special paper such as label paper (stickers) or cardboard, please set the appropriate paper type.").

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of the display configuration of the paper type setting screen W18, which is displayed by the control unit 11 in response to a selection instruction from the paper type button B22. The paper type setting screen W18 can have the same configuration as the type tabs of the paper setting area R18 exemplified in Figure 6. In Figure 9, plain paper 1 to user type 3 are displayed as selectable paper types. The selectable paper types can be switched by operating the vertical slider bar SB10 provided in the figure.

[0065] Figure 9 shows the state where label paper (sticker) is selected as the paper type to be set in the manual feed tray 231. In the first embodiment, when it is determined that label paper has been selected as the paper type to be used for the print job, the control unit 11 displays the dialog box D10, which serves as a warning screen as described in Figure 7. When the user selects label paper as the paper type, the control unit 11 displays the dialog box D10. On the other hand, when the user selects a paper type other than label paper, the control unit 11 does not display the warning dialog box D10.

[0066] The OK button B26 is a button that accepts the instruction to end the display of the paper type setting screen W18. When the OK button B26 is selected, the control unit 11 ends the display of the paper type setting screen W18.

[0067] [1.3.3 Operation Example 3] Operation Example 3 is an example of operation in which the selection of the paper tray setting on the system information screen is used as the trigger for the paper detection instruction. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W20.

[0068] The system information screen W20 can be displayed by selecting the system information button B10 on the home screen W10 in Figure 4. The system information screen W20 according to the first embodiment includes a notification display area R20, a machine information display area R22, a device status display area R24, a function selection area R26, a paper feed tray display area R28, a close button B28, and a job status button B30.

[0069] The notification display area R20 is a display area that displays notifications to the user. The notification display area R20 displays relatively urgent information (for example, information regarding firmware updates) that the running job cannot continue unless the user takes prompt action.

[0070] The machine information display area R22 is a display area that displays information related to the machine status (e.g., communication settings, communication status, etc.). Figure 10 shows an example in which machine information such as IP address, Wi-Fi Direct (for connecting devices without a wireless router), remote operation for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus 10, and fax reception settings are displayed in the machine information display area R22.

[0071] The device status display area R24 is a display area that displays the device status of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 10 is an example showing the toner level displayed in the device status display area R24.

[0072] The function selection area R26 is a display area that displays various buttons that accept change instructions, reference instructions, etc., related to the function settings of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the language setting button is selected, the language settings used in the image forming apparatus 10 can be configured. The setting button accepts instructions to display a system setting screen (not shown). The operation guide button accepts instructions to display information for accessing the operation guide for using the image forming apparatus 10.

[0073] The paper feed tray display area R28 is a display area that shows tray buttons corresponding to the paper feed tray 233 and manual feed tray 231 installed in the image forming apparatus 10, as well as the type of paper to be stored in the paper feed tray 233, the approximate number of sheets remaining (paper amount). When the control unit 11 receives a selection instruction from a tray button displayed in the paper feed tray display area R28, it displays the paper setting screen W14 as exemplified in Figure 6. The configuration of the paper setting screen W14 and the display of the dialog box D10 via the paper setting screen W14 are the same as in operation example 1, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0074] The close button B28 is a modified version of the system information button B10, which appears when the system information screen W20 is displayed. This button accepts the instruction to end the display of the system information screen W20.

[0075] The Job Status button B30 is a button that receives a command to display a job status screen (not shown). When the command to select the Job Status button B30 is received, the control unit 11 displays a job status screen that shows jobs that are currently running or waiting using text or icons.

[0076] [1.3.4 Operation Example 4] Operation Example 4 is an example of operation in which paper selection via the print job settings screen is used as the trigger for the paper detection instruction. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the copy job settings screen W22 as a print job.

[0077] The settings screen W22 is configured to allow all settings related to the execution of a copy job. The settings screen W22 includes a setting value button B32, an operation control button B34, a start button B36, and a copy count input area R30.

[0078] The setting value button B32 is a button that accepts the selection and input of setting values ​​that can be set by the user. For example, the user can set the color mode setting value by selecting the color mode button and then selecting the desired setting value from items such as full color, black and white, monochrome color, and automatic (color / black and white) (not shown). Figure 11 shows an example where seven selection buttons are provided as configurable setting value items: the color mode button, document button, paper selection button B321, duplex copy button, magnification button, copy density button, and sort / group button. In addition to the setting value items listed above, the setting value button B32 also has other function buttons. By selecting other function buttons, the user can call up setting value items other than the displayed setting value items and select and input settings values. It should be noted that the configuration of the setting value button B32 exemplified in Figure 11 is merely an example and is not limited to the items described in Figure 11.

[0079] When the user selects the paper selection button B321, which is included in the setting value button B32, the control unit 11 displays the paper selection screen W24, which is described in the following figure.

[0080] The operation control button B34 includes a preview button, a reset button, and additional extension buttons such as a button to send simultaneously with printing, a program call button, an automatic temporary save button, and a filing button. For example, the button to send simultaneously with printing can be set to simultaneously print the scanned image and send it to a predetermined destination (e.g., via email or fax) when a copy job is executed.

[0081] Furthermore, the operation control button B34 includes a recent job button and a simplified button. The recent job button accepts an input instruction to retrieve history information. When the user selects the recent job button, the control unit 11 displays a history information display screen (not shown). The simplified button accepts an instruction to switch to a simplified settings screen (not shown) which has a more simplified display configuration than the settings screen W22.

[0082] The start button B36 includes both a black and white start button and a color start button. If the user wants a black and white copy, they select the black and white start button. On the other hand, if the user wants a color copy, they select the color start button. When the user selects either the black and white start button or the color start button, the control unit 11 executes the processing related to the copy job.

[0083] The copy count input area R30 is an area that accepts input for the number of copies, and has numerical input means such as a numeric keypad.

[0084] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the paper selection screen W24 that the control unit 11 displays in response to a selection instruction from the paper selection button B321 included in the setting value button B32.

[0085] The paper selection screen W24 can have a configuration that is almost identical to the paper tray setting screen W12 illustrated in Figure 5. However, the tray buttons T10 and T14 differ from the paper tray setting screen W12 in that they display the approximate remaining amount of paper in the corresponding paper tray 233, in addition to the currently set paper size (e.g., A4) and paper type (e.g., plain paper). When a tray button T10, T14, etc. is selected on the paper selection screen W24, that tray button becomes selected. When the [Type and Size →] button below tray button T12 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the manual feed tray setting screen (manual feed type and size screen) W25 illustrated in Figure 13, overlaid on the paper selection screen W24.

[0086] Furthermore, the paper selection screen W24 includes a button B38 to return to automatic. The button B38 accepts the instruction to return (change) the selection of the paper tray used for printing from manual to automatic. When the button B38 to return to automatic is selected, the automatic paper selection function is enabled, and the display of the button B38 indicates that it is selected. The automatic paper selection function is a function that automatically selects the paper tray that contains the optimal paper size according to the printing settings. The button B32 to return to automatic may be displayed when automatic paper selection is enabled (not disabled).

[0087] The configuration of the paper feed tray setting screen displayed by the control unit 11 in response to a user's selection of the tray button T12 corresponding to the manual feed tray 231 can be the same as the paper setting screen W14 exemplified in Figure 6, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0088] [1.3.5 Example of Operation 5] Operation Example 5 is an example of operation in which paper selection via the driver program is used as the trigger for the paper detection instruction. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the driver program screen W26.

[0089] The driver program screen W26 is a screen provided by a driver program that operates in cooperation with a document creation application, a chart creation application, etc., installed on a terminal device (not shown), and can be displayed by selecting the print button, etc., of the application. In operation example 5, the configuration of the driver program screen W26 is described, but if the image forming apparatus 10 has a function configuration that supports remote operation or server functions, it is also possible to select the paper type as exemplified in Figure 14 via the remote operation screen or a browser screen, etc.

[0090] Figure 14 shows the driver program screen W26, where paper feed (tab) T16 is selected as the print setting. Paper feed (tab) T16 allows you to select the output paper size ( U ), paper tray ( O In addition to the pull-down menu for setting the paper type, R (Includes the pull-down menu on page 10.)

[0091] Paper type ( R The pull-down menu P10 accepts the selection of the paper type to be used for the print job via the driver program screen W26. Figure 14 shows the state when label paper is selected as the paper type. When label paper is selected as the paper type by the user, the control unit 11 displays the dialog box D10, which serves as a warning screen as exemplified in Figure 7, on the display unit of a terminal device (not shown).

[0092] The OK button B40 accepts commands to confirm print settings via the driver program screen W26 and commands to exit the driver program screen W26. The Cancel button B42 accepts commands to cancel print settings via the driver program screen W26. The Help button B44 accepts commands to display the help screen that assists with print settings via the driver program screen W26.

[0093] [1.3.6 Other examples of operation] Figures 15 to 17 illustrate other examples of actions related to alerting users.

[0094] Figure 15 illustrates an example of the display configuration of a detection result display screen W28, in which a tray setting guide button B46 is provided on the detection result display screen W16 exemplified in Figure 8. Note that parts with the same configuration as the detection result display screen W16 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0095] The tray setting guide button B46 is a button that receives display instructions for the tray setting guide screen W30, which is explained in the following figure.

[0096] Figure 16 illustrates an example of the display configuration of the tray setting guide screen W30 displayed by the control unit 11 in response to a selection instruction from the tray setting guide button B46. The tray setting guide screen W30 illustrated in Figure 16 includes a help screen that assists with the operation method related to tray settings, encoded information Q10 which encodes path information to a video site that provides the operation method as a video, and a close button B48. Note that the tray setting guide screen W30 may also display, for example, a message prompting the user to hold a mobile device such as a smartphone over the NFC instead of the encoded information Q10.

[0097] The encoded information Q10 can be a two-dimensional code (e.g., Quick Response (QR) code, DataMatrix, VeriCode). QR Code (registered trademark) is a two-dimensional code for representing data in a graphical format. In addition to QR codes, the encoded information can also be information encoded using one or more of the following: path information, barcodes, symbols, and alphanumeric characters. Users can access help screens or operation sites by reading the encoded information Q10 using, for example, the camera function of their mobile device, to refer to instructions on how to configure the tray settings.

[0098] The close button B48 is the button that accepts the command to end the display of the tray setting guide screen W30.

[0099] On the other hand, Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the paper type setting screen W32, which is provided with a video playback area R32 that can play a video demonstrating the operation method related to tray settings, in addition to the paper type setting screen W18 exemplified in Figure 9.

[0100] Users can refer to instructions regarding tray settings by selecting the play button located in the video playback area R32.

[0101] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the paper to be used for a print job is label paper, in response to triggers of paper determination instructions such as selecting the paper tray setting on the home screen, detecting paper in the manual feed tray, selecting the paper tray setting on the system information screen, selecting paper via the print job settings screen, and selecting the paper type via the driver program, it is possible to display a dialog box prompting a warning regarding the use of label paper. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the risk of malfunctions such as equipment failure when printing with label paper.

[0102] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, regardless of whether the restriction function that restricts the redisplay of the warning dialog box is enabled or disabled, a warning dialog box is displayed when a paper jam occurs during printing of the label paper.

[0103] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0104] [2.1 Processing Flow] The processing flow according to the second embodiment can be the same as the flowchart in Figure 3 of the first embodiment, but replaced with the flowchart in Figure 18. Therefore, the same step numbers may be used for the same processes as in Figure 3, and their explanations may be omitted.

[0105] In step S22, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a paper jam has occurred in the executed print job (step S22). If it determines that a paper jam has occurred, the control unit 11 displays a warning dialog box (step S22; Yes → step S16). On the other hand, if it determines that no paper jam has occurred, the control unit 11 terminates the process (step S22; No).

[0106] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a warning dialog box can be displayed when a paper jam occurs during printing of the label paper, regardless of whether the restriction function that restricts the redisplay of the warning dialog box is enabled or disabled.

[0107] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment stores, in association with the number of times a paper jam occurred due to paper fed from the manual feed tray in the first embodiment, and the identification information of the user who instructed the execution of the print job in which the paper jam occurred. For users whose number of paper jams exceeds a predetermined number, a warning dialog box is displayed when printing using label paper.

[0108] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment may include, in addition to the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, an authentication unit for authenticating a user who logs in to the image forming apparatus 10, and a storage unit that stores the number of times a paper jam has occurred and the identification information of the user who instructed the execution of the print job in which the paper jam occurred, in association with each other.

[0109] [3.1 Processing Flow] The processing flow according to the third embodiment can be the same as the flowchart in Figure 3 of the first embodiment, but replaced with the flowchart in Figure 19. Therefore, the same step numbers may be used for the same processes as in Figure 3, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0110] The control unit 11 authenticates the user (logged-in user) who logs into the image forming apparatus 10 (step S30). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a paper determination instruction (step S10).

[0111] If the control unit 11 determines that it has received a paper type detection instruction, it determines whether the paper to be used for the print job is label paper (Step S10; Yes → Step S12). If it determines that it has not received a paper type detection instruction, the control unit 11 waits until it receives the instruction (Step S10; No).

[0112] If the control unit 11 determines that the paper to be used for the print job is label paper, it determines whether the number of paper jams that occurred during the login of the user authenticated in step S30 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (step S12; Yes → step S32). On the other hand, if it determines that the paper to be used for the print job is not label paper, the control unit 11 terminates the process (step S12; No).

[0113] If the control unit 11 determines that the number of paper jams caused by the logged-in user exceeds a predetermined number, it displays a warning dialog box (Step S32; Yes → Step S16). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received an instruction to execute a print job (Step S18). If it determines that it has received an instruction to execute a print job, the control unit 11 executes the print job and terminates the process (Step S20). On the other hand, if it determines that it has not received an instruction to execute a print job, the control unit 11 waits until it receives an instruction to execute the print job (Step S18; No).

[0114] On the other hand, if the number of paper jams caused by the logged-in user is less than a predetermined number, the control unit 11 omits the process related to step S16 and determines whether or not it has received an instruction to execute a print job (step S32; No → step S18).

[0115] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a warning to users (logged in) whose number of paper jam occurrences exceeds a predetermined number when performing printing using label paper.

[0116] [4 Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment is a configuration in which, in the first embodiment, a dialog box related to a warning is displayed when the paper used for a print job is changed from paper other than label paper to label paper.

[0117] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0118] [4.1 Processing Flow] The processing flow according to the fourth embodiment can be the same as the flowchart in Figure 3 of the first embodiment, but replaced with the flowchart in Figure 20. Therefore, the same step numbers may be used for the same processes as in Figure 3, and their explanations may be omitted.

[0119] When processing begins, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a paper type determination instruction (step S10). If it determines that it has received a paper type determination instruction, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the paper to be used for the print job is a type of paper other than label paper (step S10; Yes → step S40). If it determines that it has not received a paper type determination instruction, the control unit 11 waits until it receives the instruction (step S10; No).

[0120] In step S40, if the control unit 11 determines that the paper used for the print job is not label paper, it determines whether the paper type of the paper has been changed to label paper (step S40; Yes → step S42). On the other hand, if the paper used for the print job is not other than label paper (i.e., it is label paper), the control unit 11 displays a warning dialog box and executes the processes from step S18 onwards (step S40; No → step S16 → step S18).

[0121] In step S42, if the control unit 11 determines that the paper type of the paper used for the print job has been changed to label paper, it displays a warning dialog box and executes the processes from step S18 onwards (step S42; Yes → step S16 → step S18). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the paper type of the paper used for the print job has not been changed to label paper, it omits the process in step S16 and executes the processes from step S18 onwards (step S42; No → step S18).

[0122] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the paper used for a print job is changed from a paper other than label paper to label paper, a warning dialog box can be displayed to alert the user.

[0123] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0124] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0125] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make 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 storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0126] Here, the computer-readable, non-transient recording medium on which the program in the information processing device is recorded may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing the functions of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the functions of this disclosure are realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs, etc., based on the instructions of the program.

[0127] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable storage 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 computer is, of course, also included in this disclosure.

[0128] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the apparatus used in the embodiments described above can also be implemented and executed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. An electrical circuit designed to realize 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 devices, 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]

[0129] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Operation Input Section 17 Communications Department 19 Memory section 190 Control Program 191 Display control program 192 Job Programs 193 Paper type detection program 194 Warning Program 195 Job storage area 196 Alert information storage area 197 Paper setting information storage area 21 Image Processing Unit 211 Image forming unit 213 Image Input Section 23 Paper feed section 231 Manual feed tray 233 Paper feed tray 25 Detection unit

Claims

1. Display unit and A printing unit capable of printing on the selected paper, It includes a control unit, The control unit, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when label paper is selected as the aforementioned paper, a warning screen regarding the use of the label paper is displayed on the display unit.

2. The control unit, A selection screen that accepts the instruction to select the aforementioned paper type is displayed on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when it is determined that the label paper has been selected by the user via the selection screen, the warning screen is displayed on the display unit.

3. The aforementioned warning screen is, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes a selection means for receiving a request to enable or disable a restriction function that restricts the redisplay of the warning screen.

4. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, if a paper jam occurs when feeding the label paper, the warning screen is displayed regardless of whether the restriction function is enabled or disabled.

5. Equipped with a detection unit that detects paper, The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, based on the detection result by the detection unit, it is determined that the label paper has been selected as the paper, and the warning screen is displayed.

6. It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with terminal devices, The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when it is determined that the label paper has been selected by the user via a driver program running on the terminal device, the warning screen is displayed.

7. It includes a storage unit that stores the number of times a paper jam has occurred and the identification information of the user who instructed the execution of the print job in which the paper jam occurred, in association with each other. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, for the user whose number of paper jams exceeds a predetermined number, the warning screen is displayed when printing using the label paper is performed.

8. The printing process involves printing on the selected paper using a printing device, The system includes a control step for controlling the printing apparatus, In the control process described above, A warning method characterized by displaying a warning screen regarding the use of label paper when it is determined that label paper has been selected as the aforementioned paper type.

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