Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which has the high convenience when a user confirms a selectable paper catalog.SOLUTION: Sheet size sensors 31, 33 detect the sheet sizes of print sheets 101, 102 stored in sheet feeding cassettes 11, 12. A filter information setting unit 61 sets filter information indicating the sheet size detected by the sheet size sensors 31, 33 in association with the sheet feeding cassettes 11, 12. A paper catalog list generation unit 62 extracts a paper catalog that matches the aforementioned filter information among paper catalogs included in prescribed paper catalog data 51 and generates a paper catalog list with the extracted paper catalog.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses are capable of displaying a list screen of registered paper profiles (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, another image forming apparatus detects the characteristics of the paper being conveyed by a media sensor, and automatically registers printing condition settings based on the detected characteristics (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-052597 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-217742 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a list screen of registered paper profiles (also called a paper catalog) is displayed, if a large number of paper profiles are registered, it can be inconvenient for the user to take time and effort to select the desired paper profile.

[0006] In addition, if the settings of the paper being transported are automatically registered, it is necessary to transport the paper at least once in advance, and there is a possibility that the settings will not be as desired by the user, which is not preferable.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide an image forming apparatus that is highly convenient for a user to check a selectable paper catalog. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a paper feeding unit that stores printing paper used for printing, a paper size sensor that detects the paper size of the printing paper stored in the paper feeding unit, a filter information setting unit that sets filter information indicating the paper size detected by the paper size sensor in association with the paper feeding unit, and a paper catalog list generation unit that extracts paper catalogs that match the filter information from paper catalogs included in specified paper catalog data, and generates a paper catalog list using the extracted paper catalog. Then, the filter information setting unit determines whether the paper size detected by the paper size sensor is a predetermined standard size, and if the paper size detected by the paper size sensor is the predetermined standard size, sets the filter information in association with the paper feed unit, and if the paper size detected by the paper size sensor is not the predetermined standard size, does not set the filter information in association with the paper feed unit. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that is highly convenient for a user to check a paper catalog that can be selected is provided.

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a part of the mechanical internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when the sheet feed cassette is opened and closed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when displaying a paper catalog list. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an unfiltered paper catalog list according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a filtered paper catalog list in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment when the sheet feed cassette is opened and closed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a dialogue displayed when the paper feed cassette is opened or closed in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed when the paper feed cassette is opened or closed in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the print counter of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment when displaying a paper catalog list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Embodiment 1

[0014] Fig. 1 is a side view showing a part of the internal mechanical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is a device having an electrophotographic printing function, such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, or a multifunction machine.

[0015] The image forming apparatus of this embodiment has a tandem type color developing device. This color developing device has photoconductor drums 1a to 1d, exposure devices 2a to 2d, and developing units 3a to 3d. The photoconductor drums 1a to 1d are photoconductors of four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The photoconductor drums 1a to 1d are made of, for example, amorphous silicon.

[0016] The exposure devices 2a to 2d are devices that irradiate the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d with a laser beam while scanning it to form an electrostatic latent image. The laser beam scans in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the rotation direction (sub-scanning direction) of the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d. The exposure devices 2a to 2d have a laser scanning unit including a laser diode as a light source of the laser beam and optical elements (lenses, mirrors, polygon mirrors, etc.) that guide the laser beam to the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d.

[0017] Furthermore, around the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d, there are arranged a charger such as a scorotron, a cleaning device, a static eliminator, etc. The cleaning device removes residual toner from the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d after the primary transfer, and the static eliminator eliminates static electricity from the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d after the primary transfer.

[0018] The developing units 3a to 3d each have a toner cartridge filled with toner of four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and a developing device that deposits the toner transported from a toner hopper in the toner cartridge onto the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d, and forms a toner image by depositing the toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d. The toner is transported from the toner hopper to the developing device by a toner transport unit operated by a driving device such as a motor (not shown).

[0019] Magenta development is performed by photoconductor drum 1a, exposure device 2a and development unit 3a, cyan development is performed by photoconductor drum 1b, exposure device 2b and development unit 3b, yellow development is performed by photoconductor drum 1c, exposure device 2c and development unit 3c, and black development is performed by photoconductor drum 1d, exposure device 2d and development unit 3d.

[0020] The intermediate transfer belt 4 is an annular image carrier (intermediate transfer body) that comes into contact with the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d and onto which the toner images on the photoconductor drums 1a to 1d are primarily transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 4 is stretched around a drive roller 5, and rotates by the drive force of the drive roller 5 from the contact position with the photoconductor drum 1d to the contact position with the photoconductor drum 1a.

[0021] As described below, the transfer roller 6 brings the conveyed paper into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 4, and performs a second transfer of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 4 onto the paper. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 9, where the toner image is fixed onto the paper.

[0022] The roller 7 has a cleaning brush, and the cleaning brush is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 4 to remove toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 4 after the toner image is transferred to paper or after calibration.

[0023] Sensor 8 irradiates intermediate transfer belt 4 with light and detects reflected light from the surface of intermediate transfer belt 4 or from a toner pattern on the surface. For example, during calibration of toner gradation, sensor 8 irradiates a light beam onto a predetermined area of ​​intermediate transfer belt 4 (area where a toner patch for calibration is transferred), detects the reflected light of the light beam, and outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of light.

[0024] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is provided with a plurality of paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 and a manual feed tray 13.

[0025] The paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 are paper feed units that accommodate print paper to be used for printing.

[0026] The paper feed cassette 11 can be opened and closed, and when open, it holds one or more sheets of print paper 101 of a certain size supplied by a user or the like, and when closed, the lift plate 21 pushes the print paper 101 upward and brings it into contact with the paper feed roller 22. The drive mechanism for the lift plate 21 is configured, for example, to mechanically push the lift plate 21 upward when the paper feed cassette 11 is in the closed state. The print papers 101 placed in the paper feed cassette 11 are fed one sheet at a time from above by the paper feed roller 22. The transport roller 23 is a roller that transports the print papers 101 fed from the paper feed cassette 11 by the paper feed roller 22 one sheet at a time.

[0027] Similarly, the paper feed cassette 12 can be opened and closed, and when open, it holds one or more sheets of print paper 102 of a certain size supplied by a user or the like, and when closed, the lift plate 24 pushes the print paper 102 upward and brings it into contact with the paper feed roller 25. The drive mechanism for the lift plate 24 is configured, for example, to mechanically push the lift plate 24 upward when the paper feed cassette 12 is in the closed state. The print papers 102 placed in the paper feed cassette 12 are fed one sheet at a time from above by the paper feed roller 25. The transport roller 26 is a roller that transports the print papers 102 fed from the paper feed cassette 12 by the paper feed roller 25 one sheet at a time.

[0028] Furthermore, the user places paper on manual feed tray 13. The paper placed on manual feed tray 13 is fed one sheet at a time by paper feed roller 27. Transport roller 28 is a roller that transports the paper fed from manual feed tray 13 by paper feed roller 27 one sheet at a time.

[0029] The transport roller 29 is a transport roller on a transport path common to the print paper 101 transported from the paper feed cassette 11 and the print paper 102 transported from the paper feed cassette 12. The transport roller 30 is a transport roller on a transport path common to the print paper 101, 102 transported from the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 and the paper transported from the manual feed tray 13.

[0030] That is, when paper feed cassette 11 is specified as the paper feed source during printing, print paper 101 is transported by transport rollers 23, 29, and 30 to registration rollers (not shown) located in front of transfer roller 6. When paper feed cassette 12 is specified as the paper feed source during printing, print paper 102 is transported by transport rollers 26, 29, and 30 to registration rollers (not shown) located in front of transfer roller 6. When manual feed tray 13 is specified as the paper feed source during printing, paper is transported by transport rollers 28 and 30 to registration rollers (not shown) located in front of transfer roller 6.

[0031] Further, provided corresponding to the paper feed cassette 11 are a paper size sensor 31 that detects the size of the print paper 101 in the paper feed cassette 11, and an opening / closing sensor 32 that detects whether the paper feed cassette 11 is open or closed. Similarly, provided corresponding to the paper feed cassette 12 are a paper size sensor 33 that detects the size of the print paper 102 in the paper feed cassette 12, and an opening / closing sensor 34 that detects whether the paper feed cassette 12 is open or closed.

[0032] The paper size sensors 31, 33 detect the paper size of the print papers 101, 102 accommodated in the paper feed cassettes 11, 12. For example, the paper size sensors 31, 33 detect the paper size based on the resistance value of a variable resistor that operates in conjunction with the position of a rear end restriction guide that is slidable within the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 and fixed in accordance with the rear ends of the print papers 101, 102.

[0033] The opening / closing sensors 32 and 34 detect the opening / closing of the sheet feed cassettes 11 and 12 (specifically, the change from an open state to a closed state).

[0034] For example, the open / close sensors 32, 34 include an interlock switch that contacts the side surface of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12, and the interlock switch detects whether the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 are in a closed position or an open position.

[0035] 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus further includes a storage device 41, a printing device 42, an operation panel 43, and a controller 44.

[0036] The storage device 41 is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, and stores paper catalog data 51 including one or more paper catalogs.

[0037] The paper catalog data 51 includes a default paper catalog and a user paper catalog (a paper catalog registered by a user). The paper catalog for a certain paper includes attributes such as the name, size, basis weight, and orientation of the paper.

[0038] The printing device 42 is an internal device that prints an original image with a mechanical configuration as shown in FIG.

[0039] The operation panel 43 includes a display device 43a such as a liquid crystal display that displays an operation screen to the user, and an input device 43b such as a touch panel or hard keys that accepts user operations.

[0040] The controller 44 includes a computer, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like, and operates as various processing units using software and / or hardware to monitor and control internal devices such as the printing device 42, and to perform various types of data processing.

[0041] The controller 44 is a processing circuit that controls a drive source (not shown) that drives the rollers described above, a bias application circuit that applies a development bias and a primary transfer bias, and the exposure devices 2a-2d to develop, transfer, and fix the toner image, as well as feed, print, and discharge the toner image. The development bias is applied between the photoconductor drums 1a-1d and the development units 3a-3d, respectively, and the primary transfer bias is applied between the photoconductor drums 1a-1d and the intermediate transfer belt 4, respectively.

[0042] Furthermore, the controller 44 operates as a filter information setting unit 61 , a paper catalog list generating unit 62 , a paper feed setting unit 63 , a login processing unit 64 , a print processing unit 65 , and a paper catalog registration unit 66 .

[0043] The filter information setting unit 61 sets filter information indicating the paper sizes detected by the paper size sensors 31 and 33 in association with the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12. The filter information associated with the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 is stored as setting data in the storage device 41 or the like.

[0044] In this embodiment, the filter information setting unit 61 determines whether the paper size detected by the paper size sensors 31, 33 is a predetermined standard size (B5, A3, A4, Letter, etc.), and if the paper size detected by the paper size sensors 31, 33 is the predetermined standard size, it sets the above-mentioned filter information in association with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12, and if the paper size detected by the paper size sensors 31, 33 is not the predetermined standard size, it does not set the above-mentioned filter information in association with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12.

[0045] In this embodiment, the filter information setting unit 61 sets the above-mentioned filter information in association with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 when the open / close sensors 32, 34 detect whether the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 are open or closed.

[0046] The paper catalog list generation unit 62 extracts paper catalogs that match the above-mentioned filter information from among the paper catalogs included in the specified paper catalog data 51, generates a paper catalog list using the extracted paper catalogs, and displays it on the display device 43a of the operation panel 43, etc.

[0047] The paper feed setting unit 63 sets a paper catalog associated with the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12. The paper catalog associated with the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 is stored in the storage device 41 or the like as setting data.

[0048] The login processing unit 64 performs user authentication processing (determining whether the input account information is legitimate) for the user who inputs a login request using existing methods based on the registered user's account information (user ID, password, etc.), allows the user who is successfully authenticated in the user authentication processing to log in, and makes it possible to perform printing, etc. according to the user's request.

[0049] The print processing unit 65 sets various print condition parameters based on a paper catalog specified by the user or a paper catalog associated with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 that contain the paper to be used for printing, and causes the print device 42 to print the image specified by the user.

[0050] The paper catalog registration unit 66 registers a paper catalog designated by a user as a user paper catalog. Specifically, a paper catalog designated by a user operation on the input device 43b of the operation panel 43 is registered as a user paper catalog.

[0051] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] (a) Operation when opening and closing the paper feed cassette

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when the sheet feed cassette is opened and closed.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the filter information setting unit 61 monitors whether the open / close sensors 32, 34 detect the opening / closing of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 (step S1).

[0055] When the opening and closing of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 is detected, the filter information setting unit 61 specifies the paper size detected by the paper size sensors 31, 33 of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 whose opening and closing has been detected (step S2).

[0056] Then, the filter information setting unit 61 determines whether the identified paper size is a predetermined standard size (step S3), and if the identified paper size is a predetermined standard size, sets filter information including the identified paper size in association with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 (step S4).

[0057] On the other hand, if the identified paper size is not a predetermined standard size, the filter information setting unit 61 does not set filter information including the identified paper size in association with the paper feed cassette 11, 12.

[0058] In this way, when the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 are opened or closed, the paper contained therein may have been changed, so the paper size is detected and the filter information is newly set or updated.

[0059] (b) Behavior when displaying the paper catalog list

[0060] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when displaying a paper catalog list. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an unfiltered paper catalog list according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a filtered paper catalog list according to the first embodiment.

[0061] For example, when associating a paper catalog with the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12, or when selecting a paper catalog to be specified in a print request, a user operation is performed on the input device 43b of the operation panel 43 to display a paper catalog list.

[0062] The paper catalog list generating unit 62 monitors whether the user operation is detected by the input device 43b (step S11). When the user operation is detected by the input device 43b, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 determines whether the above-mentioned filter information is set in the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 designated by the above-mentioned user operation (step S12).

[0063] If filter information is set for the specified paper feed cassette 11, 12, the paper catalog list generation unit 62 extracts paper catalogs with paper sizes that match the paper size specified in the filter information from the paper catalog data 51, and generates a paper catalog list that includes only the extracted paper catalogs (from the paper catalogs registered in the paper catalog data 51) (step S13).

[0064] On the other hand, if filter information is not set for the specified paper feed cassettes 11, 12, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 generates a paper catalog list including all paper catalogs registered in the paper catalog data 51 (step S14).

[0065] Then, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 displays the generated paper catalog list on the display device 43a of the operation panel 43 (step S15).

[0066] For example, compared to a paper catalog list of all paper catalogs registered in paper catalog data 51, such as that shown in FIG. 5, a paper catalog list of paper catalogs filtered by paper size, such as that shown in FIG. 6, allows a user to view a larger number of selectable paper catalogs simultaneously on a single screen.

[0067] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the paper size sensors 31, 33 detect the paper sizes of the print papers 101, 102 contained in the paper feed cassettes 11, 12. The filter information setting unit 61 sets filter information indicating the paper sizes detected by the paper size sensors 31, 33 in association with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12. The paper catalog list generating unit 62 extracts paper catalogs that match the above-mentioned filter information from among the paper catalogs included in the predetermined paper catalog data 51, and generates a paper catalog list from the extracted paper catalogs.

[0068] This makes it more convenient for the user to check selectable paper catalogs since paper catalogs that cannot be selected for the print papers 101 and 102 contained in the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 are not included in the paper catalog list.

[0069] Embodiment 2

[0070] In the image forming apparatus of embodiment 2, when the opening / closing sensors 32, 34 detect the opening / closing of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12, the paper catalog list generation unit 62 generates a paper catalog list, and the paper feed setting unit 63 sets the paper catalog selected by the user from the paper catalog list as the paper catalog to be associated with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12.

[0071] That is, each time the opening or closing of the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 is detected, the paper catalog associated with the paper feed cassette 11 or 12 whose opening or closing is detected is updated as necessary.

[0072] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment when the paper feed cassette is opened and closed will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment when the paper feed cassette is opened and closed. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a dialogue displayed when the paper feed cassette is opened and closed in the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed when the paper feed cassette is opened and closed in the second embodiment.

[0073] In the second embodiment, when the opening and closing sensors 32, 34 detect the opening and closing of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 (step S1), filter information is set according to the paper size (steps S2 to S4), and then the paper feed setting unit 63 displays a dialog in pop-up format on the display device 43a of the operation panel 43, for example as shown in FIG. 8, inquiring the user whether or not to change the paper setting associated with the paper feed cassette 11, 12 whose opening and closing was detected (step S21).

[0074] When a user operation on the dialogue is detected by input device 43b of operation panel 43, paper feed setting unit 63 determines whether or not to change the paper setting in accordance with the user operation (step S22).

[0075] If it is determined that the paper setting should be changed, paper feed setting unit 63 displays a setting screen on display device 43a of operation panel 43 as shown in FIG. 9 (step S23).

[0076] When a user operation on the dialogue is detected by the input device 43b of the operation panel 43, the paper feed setting unit 63 determines whether or not to perform paper setting using a paper catalog in accordance with the user operation (step S24).

[0077] When it is determined that the paper setting is to be performed using the paper catalog, the paper feed setting unit 63 causes the paper catalog list generating unit 62 to generate and display a paper catalog list (that is, the process shown in FIG. 4) (step S25).

[0078] Then, when a user operation to select a paper catalog desired by the user from the paper catalog list is detected by the input device 43b of the operation panel 43, the paper feed setting unit 63 identifies the paper catalog selected by the user operation, associates the paper catalog with the paper feed cassette 11, 12 that was detected to be open or closed, and performs paper settings for the paper feed cassette 11, 12 (step S26).

[0079] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the paper setting is not to be performed using the paper catalog, the paper feed setting unit 63 performs manual setting in accordance with a user operation on the input device 43b of the operation panel 43 (step S27). In manual setting, the value of each parameter in the paper catalog is input by the user to the input device 43b.

[0080] Other configurations and operations of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] As described above, according to the above-mentioned embodiment 2, each time the opening or closing of the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 is detected, the paper catalog associated with the paper feed cassette 11, 12 for which the opening or closing is detected is updated as necessary. Therefore, when there are multiple paper feed cassettes 11, 12, the user does not need to select the paper feed cassette 11, 12 for which the paper settings should be updated and then update the paper catalog, thereby improving user convenience.

[0082] Embodiment 3

[0083] In the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 generates a paper catalog list in which the paper catalogs are arranged in an order based on the current count value of the number of prints for each paper type. Here, the order can be selected by the user (by user operation or user setting) from ascending order and descending order. Note that, in the default setting, for example, the order is descending order.

[0084] In other words, when the sorting order is descending, paper catalogs of paper types with a large number of prints (i.e., high frequency of use) are arranged first, and when the sorting order is ascending, paper catalogs of paper types with a small number of prints (i.e., low frequency of use) are arranged first. When the sorting order is ascending, paper catalogs that have been registered relatively recently are arranged first, so if the user wants to select a new paper catalog, the user sets the sorting order to ascending.

[0085] Specifically, a print counter that counts the number of prints is set for each paper catalog, and the count value is included in the paper catalog data 51. Each time printing of one sheet is completed, the print processing unit 65 increments the count value of the paper catalog used for that print by 1. Then, when displaying the paper catalog list, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 generates a paper catalog list in which the paper catalogs are arranged in an arrangement order based on the count value corresponding to the paper catalog.

[0086] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the print counter of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the print counter of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0087] When starting printing based on a print request (step S31), the print processing unit 65 determines whether or not a paper type has been specified in the print request (step S32). If a paper type has been specified in the print request, the print processing unit 65 determines whether or not the specified paper type is a new paper type (whether or not a print counter has been set) (step S33), and if the specified paper type is a new paper type, sets the print counter to an initial value of 0 (step S34).

[0088] If a paper type is specified in the print request, when printing of one sheet using that paper type is completed (step S35), the print processing unit 65 increments the value of the print counter for that paper type by 1 (step S36). Then, until printing based on the print request is completed, the print processing unit 65 increments the print counter each time printing of one sheet is completed.

[0089] In this manner, the number of prints for each paper type is cumulatively counted.

[0090] Other configurations and operations of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the first or second embodiment, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] As described above, according to the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the arrangement order can be changed according to the user's desired tendency (such as whether to display frequently used paper catalogs first or new paper catalogs first), thereby improving user convenience.

[0092] Embodiment 4

[0093] In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 extracts paper catalogs that match the filter information from among the user paper catalogs registered in the paper catalog data 51, and generates a paper catalog list from the extracted paper catalogs. In other words, among the paper catalogs registered in the paper catalog data 51, paper catalogs other than those registered by the user are not included in the paper catalog list.

[0094] Specifically, when registering a user paper catalog, the paper catalog registration unit 66 associates the account information (user ID, etc.) of the user registering the user paper catalog with the user paper catalog and includes it in the paper catalog data 51, and the paper catalog list generation unit 62 extracts user paper catalogs associated with account information that matches the account information (user ID, etc.) of the logged-in user, extracts paper catalogs that match the filter information from the user paper catalogs extracted using the account information, and generates a paper catalog list from the extracted paper catalogs. Therefore, paper catalogs registered by other users are not included in the paper catalog list.

[0095] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment when displaying a paper catalog list. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment when displaying a paper catalog list.

[0096] When a user wishes to use the image forming apparatus, the user inputs account information into the login screen. The login processing unit 64 performs user authentication processing for the input account information (step S41), permits login for users who have been successfully authenticated in the user authentication processing (step S42), and makes the apparatus ready to execute printing and other operations according to the user's request.

[0097] Thereafter, when the user (i.e., the logged-in user) is in the logged-in state (i.e., before logging out), a user operation is performed on the input device 43b to display the paper catalog list, for example, when associating a paper catalog with the paper feed cassettes 11, 12 or when selecting a paper catalog to be specified in a print request.

[0098] The paper catalog list generating unit 62 monitors whether the user operation is detected by the input device 43b (step S43). When the user operation is detected by the input device 43b, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 determines whether the above-mentioned filter information is set in the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 designated by the above-mentioned user operation (step S44).

[0099] If filter information is set for the specified paper feed cassette 11, 12, the paper catalog list generation unit 62 extracts from the paper catalog data 51 a paper catalog having a paper size and account information that matches the paper size specified in the filter information and the account information of the logged-in user, and generates a paper catalog list that includes only the extracted paper catalog (step S45).

[0100] On the other hand, if filter information (filter information for paper size) has not been set for the specified paper feed cassettes 11, 12, the paper catalog list generation unit 62 extracts from the paper catalog data 51 paper catalogs registered in the paper catalog data 51 that have account information that matches the account information of the logged-in user, and generates a paper catalog list that includes only the extracted paper catalogs (step S46).

[0101] Then, the paper catalog list generating unit 62 displays the generated paper catalog list on the display device 43a of the operation panel 43 (step S47).

[0102] Other configurations and operations of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first to third embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] As described above, according to the above-mentioned embodiment 4, among the paper catalogs that can be selected based on paper size, only the paper catalogs that the user has registered are displayed in a list, and paper catalogs that the user does not need are not included in the list, making it easier to select the desired paper catalog, thereby improving user convenience.

[0104] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. In other words, such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0105] For example, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, if the paper size detected in the paper feed cassette 11, 12 detected to be open or closed matches the paper size in the paper catalog currently associated with the paper feed cassette 11, 12 detected to be open or closed, the paper feed setting unit 63 may not display the above-mentioned dialog and may not change the settings of the paper feed cassette 11, 12 detected to be open or closed.

[0106] In addition, in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, among the paper catalogs selectable from the viewpoint of paper size, paper catalogs registered by the user may be excluded, and only paper catalogs registered in advance as defaults may be displayed in a list. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention is applicable to image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 11,12 Paper feed cassette (example of paper feed section) 31,33 Paper size sensor 32,34 Opening and closing sensor 42 Printing device 51 Paper catalog data 61 Filter information setting section 62 Paper Catalog List Generation Unit 63 Paper feed setting section 66 Paper Catalogue Registration Department

Claims

1. a paper feed section for storing print paper to be used for printing; a paper size sensor for detecting the size of the print paper accommodated in the paper feed section; a filter information setting unit that sets filter information indicating the paper size detected by the paper size sensor in association with the paper feed unit; a paper catalog list generating unit for extracting paper catalogs that match the filter information from among paper catalogs included in predetermined paper catalog data, and generating a paper catalog list from the extracted paper catalogs; Equipped with the filter information setting unit determines whether the paper size detected by the paper size sensor is a predetermined standard size, and if the paper size detected by the paper size sensor is the predetermined standard size, sets the filter information in association with the paper feed unit, and if the paper size detected by the paper size sensor is not the predetermined standard size, does not set the filter information in association with the paper feed unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The printing apparatus further includes an opening / closing sensor that detects whether the paper feed unit is open or closed, and a paper feed setting unit that sets a paper catalog associated with the paper feed unit, the filter information setting unit, when the open / close sensor detects that the paper feed unit is open or closed, sets filter information indicating the paper size detected by the paper size sensor in association with the paper feed unit; the paper catalog list generating unit generates the paper catalog list when the open / close sensor detects that the paper feed unit is open or closed; the paper feed setting unit sets a paper catalog selected by a user from the paper catalog list as a paper catalog associated with the paper feed unit when the open / close sensor detects that the paper feed unit is open or closed; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. the paper catalog list generating unit generates a paper catalog list in which the paper catalogs are arranged in an arrangement order based on a current count value of the number of prints for each paper type; The arrangement order is selected by a user from ascending order and descending order; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

4. A paper catalog registration unit is further provided for registering a paper catalog designated by a user as a user paper catalog, the paper catalog list generating unit extracts paper catalogs that match the filter information from among the registered user paper catalogs, and generates a paper catalog list from the extracted paper catalogs; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

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