Image forming device

Abstract

To reduce a possibility of occurrence of a paper feed jam due to an improper adjustment of a paper guide provided in a paper feed tray.SOLUTION: An image forming device includes: a paper storage unit that stores paper for image formation; a paper guide that is movably provided in the paper storage unit and regulates a position of the stored paper; a paper size acquisition unit that acquires a size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit; a size change determination unit that uses the acquired size of paper to determine whether or not the paper stored in the paper storage unit has been changed; a confirmation information selection unit that selects confirmation information for requesting confirmation of the position regulated by the paper guide in the paper storage unit, in response to a difference in paper size before and after the change when it is determined that the paper stored in the paper storage unit has been changed; and a confirmation information notification unit that notifies the selected confirmation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that does not have a function for detecting the size of paper stored in a paper feed tray when a user replenishes paper in the paper feed tray, and a paper guide checking method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses equipped with one or more paper feed trays capable of storing paper of multiple sizes have been used in order to print on any one of multiple paper sizes. Each paper feed tray stores multiple sheets of the same type of paper, and when printing is to be performed, the sheets are removed one by one from the paper feed tray onto the paper transport path and transported to the printing area where the developing device and photosensitive drum are located. In addition, the paper feed tray may store, for example, A4 size paper or A3 size paper, and is provided with a paper guide that abuts against the stored paper so that the paper is removed in the correct position whether A4 size paper or A3 size paper is stored.

[0003] Furthermore, some image forming apparatuses are provided with a sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper in order to detect a no-feed jam, which occurs when paper is not removed from the paper feed tray to a predetermined position on the paper transport path.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that has multiple paper feed cassettes and a paper sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper near a transport roller that transports paper from the paper feed cassette to a paper transport path, and if the paper sensor does not detect any paper and it is determined that a no-feed jam has occurred, the device displays messages such as "Please check the paper in the cassette," "Please reload the paper in the cassette," or "Please remove the paper" in response to the cause of the no-feed jam, allowing the user to know the cause of the no-feed jam and resolve the no-feed jam. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-152983 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, even if a message is displayed to inform the user that a no-feed jam has occurred and to advise them to check the paper in the cassette or to reset the paper in the cassette, the user may not know what to check about the paper in which paper feed cassette, or how to reset the paper in the cassette.

[0007] Furthermore, even if the user resets the paper in the paper feed cassette to the correct position or removes the defective paper based on the displayed message, the paper guide may not be properly abutted against the paper. When the paper guide is not properly abutting against the paper, even if printing is restarted, the paper cannot be properly transported to the paper transport path, and a similar paper feed jam may occur again. If the user does not realize that the cause of the paper feed jam is improper adjustment of the paper guide, the same paper feed jam may occur repeatedly, resulting in the waste of a large amount of paper.

[0008] Furthermore, if the user changes the size of paper stored in the paper feed tray, the user must move the position of the paper guide to match the new paper size in order to properly remove the paper from the paper feed tray. However, a user may forget to move the position of the paper guide, or may not even know how to move the position of the paper guide. For example, if the paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed from a larger paper size (such as A3 size) to a smaller paper size (such as A4 size), a paper feed jam may occur if the user forgets to move the position of the paper guide so that it correctly abuts against the new smaller paper size.

[0009] In addition, in order to reduce the prices of image forming devices, some image forming devices do not have the function to detect the size of paper stored in the paper feed tray, or do not automatically detect the position of the paper guide, so the user must adjust the position of the paper guide by themselves. However, if the paper guide is not adjusted correctly, there is a high possibility of paper feed jams occurring.

[0010] Therefore, this invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide an image forming device that can reduce the possibility of paper feed jams occurring due to improper adjustment of the paper guides provided in the paper feed tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising a paper storage section for storing paper on which an image is formed, a paper guide movably provided in the paper storage section and regulating the position of the stored paper, a paper size acquisition section for acquiring the size of the paper stored in the paper storage section, a size change determination section for determining whether the paper stored in the paper storage section has been changed using the acquired paper size, a confirmation information selection section for selecting confirmation information requesting confirmation of the position of the paper guide in the paper storage section when it is determined that the paper stored in the paper storage section has been changed, in accordance with the difference in paper size before and after the change, and a confirmation information notification section for notifying the user of the selected confirmation information.

[0012] The printer may further include an operation unit for inputting the type of paper stored therein, and the paper size acquisition unit acquires, from the input type of paper, a paper size that is previously associated with that type.

[0013] The device further includes a memory unit that stores previous paper size information, which is the size of a first paper sheet that was stored in the paper storage unit before the paper sheet was changed, and the paper size acquisition unit acquires current paper size information, which is the size of a second paper sheet after the paper sheet stored in the paper storage unit is changed.The size change determination unit compares the previous paper size information with the current paper size information to determine whether the second paper sheet has been changed to a size different from the size of the first paper sheet, and if it is determined that the size of the second paper sheet is different from the size of the first paper sheet, the confirmation information selection unit selects the confirmation information.

[0014] The paper size acquired by the paper size acquisition unit is the length of the paper in a direction parallel to the transport direction in which the paper stored in the paper storage unit is removed, and the width in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and the paper guide comprises a rear end guide that regulates the position of the stored paper by abutting against one side of the rear end of the stored paper and is movable in the transport direction, and a width guide that regulates the position of the stored paper by abutting against one side of the stored paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and the confirmation information selection unit selects confirmation information requesting confirmation of the position of either the rear end guide or the width guide, or both, based on the difference in the length of the paper before and after the change and the difference in the width of the paper before and after the change.

[0015] The present invention is also characterized in that, when the length of the changed paper stored in the paper storage section is shorter than the length of the paper stored in the paper storage section before the change, the confirmation information selection section selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the position of the rear end guide.

[0016] The present invention is also characterized in that, when the width of the changed paper stored in the paper storage section is smaller than the width of the paper stored in the paper storage section before the change, the confirmation information selection section selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the position of the width guide.

[0017] The present invention is also characterized in that when the length of the changed paper stored in the paper storage section is smaller than the length of the paper before the change that was stored in the paper storage section, and the width of the changed paper stored in the paper storage section is smaller than the width of the paper before the change that was stored in the paper storage section, the confirmation information selection section selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the positions of the rear end guide and the width guide.

[0018] The present invention is also characterized in that a display unit is further included, and the confirmation information notification unit notifies a user of the selected confirmation information by displaying it on the display unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention provides a paper guide checking method for an image forming device, comprising: a paper size acquisition step for acquiring a paper size previously associated with the input paper type when the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray that stores paper is input; a size change determination step for determining whether the paper stored in the paper feed tray has been changed using the acquired paper size; a confirmation information selection step for selecting confirmation information that requests confirmation of the position of a paper guide movably provided on the paper feed tray when it is determined that the paper stored in the paper feed tray has been changed, in accordance with the difference in paper size before and after the change; and a confirmation information notification step for notifying a user of the selected confirmation information. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to this invention, when the paper stored in the paper storage section is changed, confirmation information requesting confirmation of the position of the paper guide is selected in accordance with the difference in paper size before and after the change, and the selected confirmation information is notified, thereby reducing the possibility of paper feed jams occurring due to improper adjustment of the paper guide provided in the paper storage section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 3 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of information (standard paper information) stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of information (confirmation information selection conditions) stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of information (tray confirmation information) stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of information (tray paper information) stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6A] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a paper feed tray and a paper guide of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6B] 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a position to which a paper guide moves when paper is stored in a paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6C] 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a position to which a paper guide moves when paper is stored in a paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a state in which the paper guide of the paper feed tray is not adjusted (misadjustment of the rear end guide); FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a state in which the paper guide of the paper feed tray is not adjusted (misadjustment of the width guide); FIG. [Figure 9]10 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a state in which the paper guides of the paper feed tray of the present invention are not adjusted (misadjustment of the rear end guide and the width guide); FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a setting input screen for changing the paper to be stored in the paper feed tray of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a display screen for requesting confirmation of a paper guide displayed when paper stored in a paper feed tray of the present invention is changed; [Figure 12] 13 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a display screen for requesting confirmation of a paper guide displayed on a display unit when paper stored in a paper feed tray of the present invention is changed; FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a display screen for requesting confirmation of a paper guide displayed on a display unit when paper stored in a paper feed tray of the present invention is changed; FIG. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of an embodiment of a setting input and a display screen when changing the paper in the paper feed tray of the present invention; [Figure 15] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of an embodiment of a setting input and a display screen when changing the paper in the paper feed tray of the present invention; [Figure 16] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of an embodiment of a setting input and a display screen when changing the paper in the paper feed tray of the present invention; [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a paper guide confirmation request process when the paper stored in the paper feed tray of the present invention is changed. [Figure 18] 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process for inputting selection of a paper feed tray and a setting of a type of paper to be stored according to the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a process for selecting and determining confirmation information for a paper guide according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0023] An image forming device (hereinafter referred to as an MFP: Multifunction Peripheral, or multifunction device) is a device that processes image data and is an electronic device that has, for example, a copying function, a printing function, a document reading (scanning) function, a document editing function, a document saving function, a document transmission (fax) function, and a communication function. The image forming device includes a storage device that stores a plurality of sheets of paper on which image data is printed, and takes out sheets of paper of a predetermined size on which the image data is printed one by one from the storage device and transports them to a printing area, where the image data is printed on the transported sheets of paper. The storage device corresponds to a paper storage section, which will be described later.

[0024] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the image forming apparatus (MFP) 1 is a multifunction device having multiple functions, but in the following embodiment, it is assumed to have at least a printing function.

[0025] In FIG. 1, the image forming device (MFP) 1 mainly includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a paper storage unit 21, a paper size acquisition unit 22, a size change determination unit 23, a confirmation information selection unit 24, a confirmation information notification unit 25, and a memory unit 30.

[0026] The control unit 11 is a part that controls the operation of each component such as the operation unit and image processing unit, and is realized mainly by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, an I / O controller, a timer, and the like. The CPU organically operates various hardware components based on a control program previously stored in a ROM or the like, and executes the image processing function of the present invention. Further, the paper size acquisition unit 22, the size change determination unit 23, and the display information selection unit 24 are functional blocks whose respective functions are executed by the CPU of the control unit 11 based on a control program stored in a ROM or the like.

[0027] The operation unit 12 is a section where a user of the image forming apparatus inputs information, and is an input device for performing a predetermined input operation to operate the image forming apparatus. For example, it is a section where information such as characters is input, and function selection input is input, and a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. are used. The keys operated by the user include an operation start key, a function selection key, a setting key, and the like. The user, for example, operates the touch panel or operates a key to start a reading operation to execute a print item setting function, a printing function, and the like. In this invention, the user uses the operation unit 12 to input the type of paper stored in the paper storage unit 21, etc. In particular, when the printing paper stored in the paper storage unit 21 is changed, the user uses the operation unit 12 to input and set the changed paper type, etc.

[0028] Display unit 13 is a part that displays information, and displays information necessary for executing each function, the results of executing the function, etc., to inform the user. For example, if an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like is used and a touch panel is used as operation unit 12, display unit 13 and the touch panel are arranged to overlap each other. On the display unit 13, for example, the settings of setting items used for printing, etc. of the image forming device, information necessary for executing print functions, etc., an operation screen for a selected function, a print item setting operation screen, etc. are displayed using characters, symbols, figures, images, icons, animations, videos, etc. In addition, in this invention, as will be described later, a setting input screen when changing the paper and a paper guide confirmation screen when changing the paper are displayed on the display unit 13.

[0029] The image processing section 14 is a section that executes the image forming function, which is the main function of the image forming apparatus, and is mainly composed of an image input section, an image forming section, and an image output section. Primarily, the image input unit is a unit that inputs specified image data, the image forming unit is a unit that converts the input image data into information that can be printed, etc., and the image output unit is a unit that outputs the formed printing information, etc. onto printing paper, etc.

[0030] The image input unit is a section for inputting image data of a document on which images, characters, figures, and the like are written, and is a section for reading a document placed on a document table, for example. The image input unit is a scanner (reading device) that reads an original on which information is written. In order to read a document, the image forming apparatus includes a document placement table (document table) on which the document is placed, and a document cover that holds the document in place. The image forming apparatus may also include an automatic document feeder (ADF) that allows a plurality of original documents to be placed thereon and automatically transports and reads the plurality of original documents one by one. In this case, a document containing images and the like is read by a scanner, and image data of the document is stored in the storage unit 30 .

[0031] Furthermore, there are various methods for inputting image information. For example, image information transmitted from an information processing device TE such as a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or a server owned by a user via the network 3 may be input. Additionally, an interface for connecting an external storage medium such as a USB memory corresponds to the image input unit. An electronic data file such as image information to be input may be stored in an external storage medium such as a USB memory, and the USB memory or the like may be connected to an input interface such as a USB terminal. By performing a specified input operation on the operation unit 12, the desired electronic data file stored in the USB memory or the like may be read out and stored in the memory unit 30 as input image data.

[0032] For example, when printing input image data on a recording medium, an image forming unit typically performs the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, cleaning, discharging, and fixing in succession to form the input image data on the recording medium. In the developing process, toner is supplied from a toner cartridge to the developing device, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the charged surface of the photosensitive drum is developed to form a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a recording medium by a transfer device, and then fixed onto the recording medium by heating by a fixing device. The image forming unit also converts input image data into information in a format that can be transferred or displayed.

[0033] The image output unit is a part that outputs the formed input image data, and corresponds, for example, to a printer that prints information such as input image data, and prints the input image data of the read manuscript on a specified printing paper (paper medium) taken out from the paper storage unit 21. However, the output of input image data is not limited to printing, but also includes storing the input image data of a scanned document, sending the input image data of a scanned document by FAX, and the like. For example, storing input image data of a scanned document in an external storage medium such as a USB memory, and transmitting the input image data to another information processing device or server via a network such as the Internet also constitute image output.

[0034] The paper storage section 21 is a section for storing paper on which an image is formed, and corresponds to a storage device for storing paper (printing medium) on which image data is printed. When printing image data, the paper is taken out one by one from the storage device and transported to a printing site where a developing device and the like are arranged, and the image data is printed on the paper. The storage device includes one or more paper storage sections 21, and each paper storage section 21 stores a plurality of sheets of paper. The storage device also includes a manual feed tray onto which a user places one or more sheets of paper. Hereinafter, the paper storage section 21 will also be referred to as a paper feed tray.

[0035] One paper storage section (paper feed tray) 21 is capable of storing paper of a plurality of different sizes, and typically stores a plurality of sheets of the same type. Further, the paper storage section (paper feed tray) 21 is provided with a paper guide 21a so that the paper is properly taken out onto the paper transport path. The paper guide 21a is a plate-like member that is movably provided in the paper storage unit (paper feed tray) 21 and regulates the position of the stored paper. The stored paper is usually rectangular, and the paper guide 21a abuts against the short and long sides of the rectangular paper to regulate the position of the stored paper. The paper guide 21a is movably attached to a predetermined position in the paper storage area of ​​the paper feed tray 21 so that paper of different sizes can be stored.

[0036] FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a paper feed tray and a paper guide of an image forming apparatus. The paper feed tray 21 includes a paper guide 21a, which, as shown in FIG. 6A, is made up of, for example, one rear end guide 51 (LG) and two width guides 52 (WG1, WG2). The paper stored in the paper feed tray 21 is stored in an area surrounded on three sides by paper guides 21a, and is removed by a conveying roller (not shown) in the conveying direction 54 shown in the figure toward the discharge outlet 53 of the paper feed tray 21, and is discharged from the discharge outlet 53. The conveying direction 54 is the direction in which the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21 is taken out.

[0037] The rear end guide 51 is attached to a position opposite to an outlet 53 for removing the paper from the paper feed tray 21 so as to be movable in a moving direction 55 shown in the drawing. The moving direction 55 and the above-mentioned conveying direction 54 are the same direction. The rear end guide 51 is a member that contacts one side of the rear end of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 21, thereby regulating the position of the stored paper. Furthermore, when paper is stored in the paper feed tray 21, the user regulates the position of the rear end of the stored paper by moving the rear end guide 51 so that it abuts against one side of the rear end of the stored paper.

[0038] The width guide 52 is attached so as to be movable in a moving direction 56 shown in the figure, which is perpendicular to a conveying direction 54 of the paper taken out from the discharge opening 53 . The width guide 52 is a member that regulates the position of the stored paper by contacting one side of the stored paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 54 . In addition, when storing paper in the paper feed tray 21, the user moves the two width guides 52 from a side direction perpendicular to the transport direction 54 of the paper removed from the discharge outlet 53 so that they abut against one side of the stored paper, thereby regulating the position of the side of the stored paper.

[0039] 6B and 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the positions to which the paper guide moves when paper is stored in the paper feed tray. FIG. 6B shows the positions to which the paper guide is moved when A3 size paper (A3 paper) is stored in the paper feed tray. Here, the A3 paper is stored in a long and narrow state in the left-right direction of the paper surface, and the rear end guide 51 is moved so as to abut against the left short side of the A3 paper, and the two width guides 52 are moved so as to abut against the upper long side and lower long side of the A3 paper, thereby regulating the storage position of the A3 paper.

[0040] FIG. 6C shows the positions to which the paper guide is moved when A4 size paper (A4 paper) is stored in the paper feed tray. Here, the A4 paper is stored in a long and narrow state in the vertical direction of the paper surface, and the rear end guide 51 is moved so as to abut against the left long side of the A4 paper, and the two width guides 52 are moved so as to abut against the upper and lower short sides of the A3 paper, thereby regulating the storage position of the A4 paper.

[0041] The positions of the paper guides in Figs. 6B and 6C are the correct adjustment positions, where the rear end guide 51 and width guide 52 come into contact with the stored paper and restrict the stored paper so that it hardly moves at all. When the paper guide is adjusted to such a position, the stored paper is normally removed from the discharge port 53 of the paper feed tray 21, so that paper feed jams are unlikely to occur.

[0042] The image forming apparatus is provided with a storage box in which one or more paper storage units 21 are attached, and after a user stores paper in the paper storage unit 21, the user attaches the paper storage unit 21 to the storage box. When the paper stored in the paper storage section 21 runs out and paper is to be replenished, the paper storage section 21 is removed from the storage box, and after paper is replenished to the paper storage section 21, the paper storage section 21 is returned to the storage box again. Alternatively, in the case of a paper storage unit 21 that is attached to a storage box so as to be openable and closable, the paper storage unit 21 is opened from the storage box, paper is replenished, and then the paper storage unit 21 is closed.

[0043] Furthermore, when changing the type of paper stored in paper storage section 21, particularly when the size of the paper previously stored is different from the size of the paper to be newly stored, the user must replenish new paper in paper storage section 21, and then move rear end guide 51 and width guide 52 of paper guide 21a so that they abut against the new paper.

[0044] However, the user must move the paper guide 21a, and there is a possibility that the user may operate the paper guide 21a incorrectly or forget to move the paper guide 21a, resulting in improper adjustment of the paper guide 21a. If the paper guide 21a is operated incorrectly or forgotten to be moved, the paper may not be removed correctly, and improper adjustment of the paper guide 21a may cause paper jams.

[0045] Therefore, in this invention, when a change is made to the stored paper that requires moving the paper guide 21a, confirmation information requesting adjustment of the paper guide 21a is notified to the user, thereby preventing improper adjustment of the paper guide 21a and reducing the possibility of a paper feed jam occurring. In particular, the user is notified as to whether to check the rear end guide 51 or the width guide 52 of the paper guide 21a depending on the size relationship of the paper before and after the change. Alternatively, it notifies the user that both the rear end guide 51 and the width guide 52 should be checked.

[0046] It should be noted that the image forming apparatus of the present invention does not have the function of automatically detecting the size of paper stored in the paper feed tray, does not have the function of automatically detecting the position of the paper guide 21a, and does not have the function of automatically moving the paper guide 21a.

[0047] The paper size acquisition unit 22 is a part that acquires the size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit 21 . Here, the size of the paper acquired by the paper size acquisition unit 22 is the length L of the paper in a direction parallel to the transport direction 54 in which the paper stored in the paper storage unit 21 is removed, and the width W in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 54. Generally, when the storage paper is rectangular, it refers to the length (mainly the long side) and width (mainly the short side) of the rectangular paper.

[0048] This invention does not have a function for automatically acquiring the size of paper stored in the paper feed tray, so the person in charge of managing the image forming apparatus or the user who stored the paper uses the operation unit 12 to input the size of the stored paper. However, since it is difficult for the user to directly input the size of the stored paper, the user inputs the type of the stored paper, as in the case of conventional image forming apparatuses. If you are using standard paper, enter information such as A3 or A4 as the paper type. The input paper type is stored as input paper type information 34, which will be described later.

[0049] Then, the paper size acquisition unit 22 acquires, from the input paper type, the paper size that is set and stored in advance in association with that type. Normally, it is thought that the paper used for printing is often standardized paper with a pre-standardized size, so for example, standard paper information 31, which associates the type of standard paper with its size (width, length) as described below, is stored in advance in memory unit 30, and this standard paper information 31 is used to obtain the size of the stored paper.

[0050] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of standard paper information stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. Standard paper information 31 in FIG. 2 stores information associating the type of standard paper (paper type) with its size (width W, length L). In the standard paper information 31, for example, the standard size paper "A4" is set as the paper type, and the width (210 mm) and length (297 mm) are set and stored in association with this "A4".

[0051] For example, when standard A4 size paper is stored and the user inputs "A4" as the paper type, the paper size acquisition unit 22 uses the standard paper information 31 to acquire the width (210 mm) and length (297 mm) associated with "A4" as the size of the stored paper.

[0052] The input paper type and the acquired width and length are acquired as current paper size information 36 (described later) and stored in the storage unit 30. The current paper size information 36 is the size of the paper (also called the second paper) after the paper stored in the paper storage unit 21 has been changed. When paper of an unknown size is stored, the user can use the operation unit 12 to directly input the size of the stored paper.

[0053] The size change determination unit 23 is a part that uses the size of the paper acquired by the paper size acquisition unit 22 to determine whether or not the size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray has been changed. Here, the size of the stored paper is not directly measured, but rather the current paper size information 36 acquired by the paper size acquisition unit 22 described above is compared with the previous paper size information 37 stored in the memory unit 30 to determine whether the changed paper size is different from the size of the paper before the change.

[0054] Previous paper size information 37 is the size of the paper (also called the first paper) stored in paper storage unit 21 before current paper size information 36 was acquired by paper size acquisition unit 22, i.e., before the paper was changed. The previous paper size information 37 also includes the paper type, and the width and length of the paper. In other words, when the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray is not changed and the same type of paper continues to be stored, information on the size of the stored paper is stored as previous paper size information 37.

[0055] As described above, when the user inputs a paper type, the input paper type is used to obtain current paper size information 36 by paper size acquisition unit 22, and if the obtained current paper size information 36 matches previous paper size information 37, it is determined that the size of the stored paper has not been changed. On the other hand, if the user inputs a paper type and the newly acquired current paper size information 36 does not match the previous paper size information 37, it is determined that the size of the stored paper has been changed.

[0056] As will be described later, when comparing the current paper size information 36 with the previous paper size information 37, the widths of the two are compared, and the lengths of the two are compared. For example, when the width (WA) of the current paper size information 36 is smaller than the width (WB) of the previous paper size information 37, it is determined that the size of the stored paper has been changed. In this case, it can be seen that a paper with a smaller width than the previously stored paper has been stored in the paper feed tray.

[0057] Also, when the length (LA) of the current paper size information 36 is smaller than the length (LB) of the previous paper size information 37, it is determined that the size of the stored paper has been changed. In this case, it can be seen that a paper with a smaller length than the previously stored paper has been stored in the paper feed tray. Alternatively, when the width (WA) of the current paper size information 36 is smaller than the width (WB) of the previous paper size information 37 (WA < WB) and the length (LA) of the current paper size information 36 is smaller than the length (LB) of the previous paper size information 37 (LA < LB), it is determined that the size of the stored paper has been changed. In this case, it can be seen that a paper with a smaller width and length than the previously stored paper has been stored in the paper feed tray.

[0058] When the size of the stored paper is changed, the user needs to operate to change the position of the paper guide. Therefore, in order to request the user to confirm that the position change operation has been performed, the determination result of whether the size of the stored paper has been changed is used for the selection of the confirmation information of the paper feed tray to be notified to the user.

[0059] The confirmation information selection unit 24 is a part that selects confirmation information for requesting to check the position of the paper guide of the paper storage unit 21 in correspondence with the difference in the sizes of the papers before and after the change when it is determined by the size change determination unit 23 described above that the paper stored in the paper storage unit 21 has been changed. That is, when it is determined that the size of the second paper described above is different from the size of the first paper, the confirmation information selection unit 24 selects the confirmation information. When the size of the stored paper is changed, since the size consists of the width and length of the paper, either one of the width and length is changed, or both the width and length are changed.

[0060] In this invention, when the size of the stored paper is changed, the paper feed tray confirmation information is notified to the user to have the user check the position of the paper guide in the paper feed tray or to alert the user to the fact that the paper guide has been forgotten to be moved, in order to prevent improper adjustment of the paper guide, such as forgetting to move the rear end guide.

[0061] In addition, when notifying the user of the feed tray confirmation information, it is preferable to notify which of the feed tray's paper guides (rear end guide, width guide) should be confirmed or adjusted (moved) so that the user can quickly perform the confirmation work. Therefore, it is checked whether the change has been made to the width or length, and based on the result of this check, the contents of the confirmation information for the paper feed tray to be notified to the user are selected.

[0062] In particular, as described below, the confirmation information selection unit 24 selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the position of either the rear end guide or the width guide, or both, based on the difference in the length of the paper before and after the change and the difference in the width of the paper before and after the change.

[0063] Details will be described later, but for example, when the length of the paper stored in the paper storage section 21 after the change is shorter than the length of the paper stored in the paper storage section 21 before the change, the confirmation information selection section 24 selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the position of the rear end guide.

[0064] When the width of the paper stored in the paper storage section 21 after the change is smaller than the width of the paper stored in the paper storage section 21 before the change, a confirmation information selection section 24 selects confirmation information requesting confirmation of the position of the width guide.

[0065] Also, when the length of the paper after the change stored in the paper storage unit 21 is smaller than the length of the paper before the change stored in the paper storage unit 21, and the width of the paper after the change stored in the paper storage unit 21 is smaller than the width of the paper before the change stored in the paper storage unit 21, the confirmation information selection unit 24 selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the positions of the rear end guide and the width guide.

[0066] For the selection of the confirmation information of the paper feed tray, for example, the confirmation information selection condition 32 described later is used. FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram of an example of the confirmation information selection condition stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. The confirmation information selection condition 32 in FIG. 3 is information in which the length side condition, the width side condition, the confirmation selection flag, and the tray confirmation information are stored in association with each other. Depending on whether or not these two conditions (the length side condition and the width side condition) are satisfied, the content of the confirmation information of the paper feed tray to be notified to the user is selected.

[0067] The length side condition is a comparison between the current paper length (LA) of the current paper size information and the previous paper length (LB) of the previous paper size information. When LA < LB, this length side condition is considered to be satisfied. That is, when the length (LA) after the change is shorter than the length (LB) before the change, the length side condition is satisfied. The width side condition is a comparison between the current paper width (WA) of the current paper size information and the previous paper width (WB) of the previous paper size information. When WA < WB, this width side condition is considered to be satisfied. That is, when the width (WA) after the change is shorter than the width (WB) before the change, the width side condition is satisfied.

[0068] The confirmation selection flag (FG) is information used to select the tray confirmation information and is used in a program that executes the flowchart described later. Here, when any one of the three conditions (J1, J2, J3) is satisfied, 1, 2, and 3 are respectively set for the confirmation selection flag (FG) corresponding to each condition (J1, J2, J3).

[0069] The tray confirmation information (MSG) is information in which the content of the message to be notified to the user is set, and the detailed content of the tray confirmation information is shown in FIG. 4 described later. Here, when any one of the three conditions (J1, J2, J3) is satisfied, MSG1, MSG2, and MSG3 are respectively set as the tray confirmation information (MSG) corresponding to each condition (J1, J2, J3).

[0070] The confirmation information selection condition 32 in FIG. 3 shows three conditions (J1, J2, J3), and whether each condition is satisfied is determined by the length-side condition and the width-side condition. The confirmation selection flag (FG) and the tray confirmation information (MSG) are determined depending on whether either one or both of the length-side condition and the width-side condition are satisfied.

[0071] For example, in condition J1, when only the length-side condition (LA < LB) is satisfied and the width-side condition (WA < WB) is not satisfied, 1 is set in the confirmation selection flag (FG), which means that MSG1 is set as the tray confirmation information (MSG). In this case, since the length (LA) after the change is shorter than the length (LB) before the change due to the change of the storage paper, as described later, a message that alerts that the adjustment of the rear guide among the paper guides is necessary is selected.

[0072] In condition J2, when only the width-side condition (WA < WB) is satisfied and the length-side condition (LA < LB) is not satisfied, 2 is set in the confirmation selection flag (FG), which means that MSG2 is set as the tray confirmation information (MSG). In this case, since the width (WA) after the change is shorter than the length (WB) before the change due to the change of the storage paper, as described later, a message that alerts that the adjustment of the width guide among the paper guides is necessary is selected.

[0073] In condition J3, when the length-side condition (LA < LB) and the width-side condition (WA < WB) are satisfied, the confirmation selection flag (FG) is set to 3, which means that MSG3 is set as the tray confirmation information (MSG). In this case, since changing the storage paper makes the length (LA) after the change shorter than the length (LB) before the change and the width (WA) after the change shorter than the width (WB) before the change, as described later, a message is selected that alerts that both the paper guides, i.e., the adjustment of the rear guide and the width guide, are necessary.

[0074] The confirmation information notification unit 25 is a part that notifies the confirmation information (tray confirmation information) of the paper feed tray selected by the confirmation information selection unit 24. The notification of the confirmation information (tray confirmation information) of the paper feed tray is performed for the administrator or user of the image forming apparatus. Further, the confirmation information notification unit 25 notifies the user or the like by displaying the selected tray confirmation information on the display unit 13 in the form of a message using, for example, character information. By displaying the tray confirmation information as a message, it is possible to notify the user or the like that the adjustment of the paper guide of the paper feed tray is necessary.

[0075] However, the notification of the tray confirmation information does not necessarily have to be limited to message display, and other notification methods that can notify the user of the tray confirmation information may be used. For example, when the image forming apparatus is equipped with a speaker, the content of the tray confirmation information may be notified to the user by voice. Alternatively, the tray confirmation information may be displayed using an image, figure, video, animation, etc. that the user can understand the content of the tray confirmation information. Also, the tray confirmation information may be transmitted to a mobile terminal owned by the administrator or user of the image forming apparatus.

[0076] The tray confirmation information may be stored in advance in the storage unit 30. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the tray confirmation information stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 shows the tray confirmation information (MSG) corresponding to each of the above three conditions. 11, 12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing an embodiment of a display screen for requesting confirmation of the paper guide displayed on the display unit 13 when the paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed. 11, 12 and 13 show display screens of tray confirmation information (MSG) corresponding to three conditions, respectively.

[0077] The tray confirmation information MSG1 is information corresponding to the condition J1 shown in FIG. 3 described above, and the notification content indicates to the user that adjustment of the trailing edge guide is necessary. For example, as shown in the example of a display message corresponding to the tray confirmation information MSG1 in FIG. 4, a sentence "Please adjust the rear end guide of the paper feed tray to the paper" is set and stored. When the tray confirmation information MSG1 is selected by the above-mentioned selection of confirmation information, for example, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 11 including the text of the above-mentioned example display message is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 13. Figure 11 shows a confirmation screen when the paper type is changed from A3 to A4. In addition to indicating that the "rear end guide" should be adjusted, the screen also displays information indicating the position of the paper feed tray that should be checked (TR1) and the new paper type (A4).

[0078] The tray confirmation information MSG2 corresponds to the condition J2 shown in FIG. 3, and the notification indicates to the user that the width guide needs to be adjusted. As an example of a display message corresponding to the tray confirmation information MSG2, the sentence "Please adjust the width guide of the paper feed tray to fit the paper" is set and stored. When the tray confirmation information MSG2 is selected by the above-mentioned selection of confirmation information, for example, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 12 including the text of the above-mentioned example display message is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 13. Figure 12 shows the confirmation screen when the paper type is changed from A4 to A5R. In addition to indicating that the "width guide" should be adjusted, the screen also displays information indicating the position of the paper feed tray that should be checked (TR1) and the new paper type (A5R).

[0079] The tray confirmation information MSG3 corresponds to the condition J3 shown in FIG. 3, and the notification content indicates to the user that adjustment of the trailing edge guide and the width guide is necessary. As an example of a display message corresponding to the tray confirmation information MSG3, the sentence "Please adjust the rear end guide and width guide of the paper feed tray to fit the paper" is set and stored. When the tray confirmation information MSG3 is selected by the above-mentioned selection of confirmation information, for example, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 13 including the text of the above-mentioned example display message is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 13. Figure 13 shows a confirmation screen when the paper type is changed from A4 to B5. In addition to indicating that the "width guide and rear end guide" should be adjusted, information indicating the position of the paper feed tray to be checked (TR1) and the new paper type (B5) are also displayed.

[0080] The memory unit 30 is a part that stores information and programs necessary to execute each function of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and may be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs, or other storage media. The memory unit 30 stores, for example, standard paper information 31, confirmation information selection conditions 32, tray confirmation information 33, input paper type information 34, input tray position information 35, current paper size information 36, previous paper size information 37, tray paper information 38, and confirmation selection flag 39.

[0081] As described above, standard paper information 31 is information consisting of the type of standard paper and its size (width, length), and is preferably stored in storage unit 30 in advance. Alternatively, when the paper type is input, an external database or server may be connected and the type may be obtained from the database or the like each time. In the standard paper information 31 shown in FIG. 2, some of the so-called A series and B series standard paper are shown, but information on other standard paper types may also be stored. Furthermore, if a user of the image forming apparatus frequently uses non-standard sized paper, the user may input information (type, width, length) of the non-standard sized paper and store it in the storage unit 30 .

[0082] The confirmation information selection conditions 32 are information that associates the length and width conditions of the stored paper with tray confirmation information, etc., as shown in Figure 3 above, and are set and stored in advance in the memory unit 30 by the administrator or user of the image forming device.

[0083] Confirmation information selection condition 32 in FIG. 3 shows conditions (J1, J2, J3) when the current paper size after the paper change is smaller than the previous paper size (width, length) before the paper change when comparing the current paper size after the paper change with the previous paper size before the paper change. Mainly, when changing the stored paper, from a larger size paper to a smaller size paper, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the user will forget to adjust the paper guides, so the conditions in Figure 3 are set when the size is changed from large to small.

[0084] However, the confirmation information selection conditions 32 are not limited to these conditions, and other conditions may be set and stored. For example, even when changing from a smaller size paper to a larger size paper, depending on the orientation of the paper being stored, it is possible that the paper guide may be forgotten to be adjusted, and the paper guide may be moved too far and left in a position where it does not come into contact with the paper. Therefore, for example, when the length side condition is LA>LB and the width side condition is WA>WB, a condition may be additionally stored such that tray confirmation information for confirming the state of the trailing end guide and the width guide is displayed.

[0085] The tray confirmation information 33 is information in which the contents to be notified to the user are preset, as shown in FIG. In the above embodiment, there are only two types of paper guides, so there are three notification contents shown in Figure 4. However, if there is a guide member that contacts the paper other than the rear end guide and the width guide as a paper guide, information on the notification contents including the guide member may be pre-set and stored.

[0086] The input paper type information 34 is information on the type of paper stored that is input by the user. For example, if the paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed to "A4 paper," when the user inputs A4 as the type of paper to be stored, "A4" is stored in the input paper type information .

[0087] The input tray position information 35 is information input by the user, and is information that specifies the position of the paper feed tray in which the paper is stored. If the image forming apparatus is equipped with one paper feed tray, there is no need to input the position of the paper feed tray. However, when an image forming apparatus is equipped with a plurality of paper feed trays, for example, in order to identify the paper feed tray in which the user has changed the paper, the user must input information indicating the position of the paper feed tray. For example, if there are three paper feed trays and the position of the paper feed tray in which the user changed the paper is TR1, when the user inputs TR1 as the paper feed tray position, “TR1” is stored in input tray position information 35.

[0088] However, if the image forming device has a function for detecting whether a paper feed tray has been attached or detached or whether a paper feed tray has been opened or closed when the user changes the paper, the user does not need to input the position of the paper feed tray, and the opening or closing of the paper feed tray can be automatically detected, and the detected position of the paper feed tray can be stored in input tray position information 35.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows an example of a setting input screen for changing the paper to be stored in the paper feed tray. When changing the paper to be stored in the paper feed tray, the user performs a specified input operation to display a setting input screen as shown in Figure 10, and selects and inputs the position of the paper feed tray where the paper has been changed and the new paper type. The user may directly input information on the paper feed tray position and paper type, but it is also possible to pre-store information on multiple paper feed tray positions and multiple paper types as shown in Figure 10, display the setting input screen of Figure 10, and select the desired paper feed tray position and paper type from the pre-stored paper feed tray positions and paper types.

[0090] The setting input screen in FIG. 10 shows a state in which TR1 is selected as the paper feed tray position and A4 is selected as the paper type. After selecting and inputting the paper feed tray position and paper type, the user may, for example, select and input in the “Settings” display area, thereby finalizing the selection and input, and the selected and input information is stored in the input paper type information 34 and input tray position information 35 described above.

[0091] The current paper size information 36 is information including the type of paper currently stored in the paper feed tray and the width WA and length LA associated with that type of paper. For example, when “A4” is stored in the input paper type information 34 by selection input on the setting input screen of FIG. 10, the width WA and length LA associated with “A4” are acquired by the paper size acquisition unit 22 and stored in the current paper size information 36.

[0092] The previous paper size information 37 is information about the paper stored in the paper feed tray before the paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed, and includes the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray and the width WB and length LB associated with the paper type. In principle, when the paper guide is checked after the paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed, or when it is confirmed that the paper guide has been adjusted, the current paper size information 36 is overwritten and stored in the previous paper size information 37.

[0093] The tray paper information 38 is information indicating the current state of the paper stored in each paper feed tray for each paper feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 shows an explanatory diagram of an example of the tray paper information 38 stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. In the tray paper information 38 of FIG. 5, for each input tray position, the current paper size information 36, the previous paper size information 37, and the confirmation selection flag 39 are stored in association with each other.

[0094] For example, in the tray paper information 38 of FIG. 5, if it is assumed that from the current paper size information 36, in the paper feed tray with the input tray position of TR1, currently, paper of the paper type "A4" is stored, and the storage orientation of the A4 paper is the arrangement shown in FIG. 6C, then it can be seen that the width WA of the paper is A4(L), and the length LA is A4(W). The actual dimension values of the acquired A4 paper are stored in this A4(L) and A4(W).

[0095] Also, if it is assumed that from the previous paper size information 37, in the paper feed tray with the input tray position of TR1, the type of the paper stored before the change was "A3", and the storage orientation of the A3 paper was the arrangement shown in FIG. 6B, then it can be seen that the width WB of the paper is A3(W), and the length LB is A3(L). The actual dimension values of the A3 paper are stored in this A3(W) and A3(L).

[0096] When such current paper size information 36 and previous paper size information 37 are stored in the paper feed tray with the input tray position of TR1, if the stored paper is changed from A3 to A4, according to the above-described confirmation information selection condition 32, since LA < LB and WA = WB are satisfied, 1 is set in the confirmation selection flag 39. That is, since 1 is set in the confirmation selection flag 39, it means that in the paper feed tray with the input tray position of TR1, the tray confirmation information MSG1 is selected as the information to be notified to the user. However, since the confirmation selection flag 39 is information used only in the program described later, it does not necessarily have to be stored in the tray paper information 38.

[0097] Similarly, in the tray paper information 38 of FIG. 5, in the paper feed tray with the input tray position being TR2, the stored paper is changed from A4 to A5R based on the current paper size information 36 and the previous paper size information 37. According to the above-described confirmation information selection condition 32, since LA = LB and WA < WB are satisfied, 2 is set in the confirmation selection flag 39. That is, since 2 is set in the confirmation selection flag 39, it means that in the paper feed tray with the input tray position being TR2, the tray confirmation information MSG2 is selected as the information to be notified to the user.

[0098] Also, similarly, in the tray paper information 38 of FIG. 5, in the paper feed tray with the input tray position being TR3, the stored paper is changed from A4 to B5 based on the current paper size information 36 and the previous paper size information 37. According to the above-described confirmation information selection condition 32, since LA < LB and WA < WB are satisfied, 3 is set in the confirmation selection flag 39. That is, since 3 is set in the confirmation selection flag 39, it means that in the paper feed tray with the input tray position being TR3, the tray confirmation information MSG3 is selected as the information to be notified to the user.

[0099] As already shown in FIG. 3, the confirmation selection flag 39 is information used to select tray confirmation information and is used in the program for the confirmation request process of the paper guide. In FIG. 3, different numerical values are set corresponding to the three conditions. However, when there are four or more conditions, further different numerical values are set for each of those conditions.

[0100] <Examples of Incomplete Adjustment of Paper Guide> In the present invention, as described above, when the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed and there is a possibility of incomplete adjustment of the paper guide of the paper feed tray, a message (tray confirmation information) for confirming the state of the paper guide is notified to the user. Several examples in which the paper guide is in a state of incomplete adjustment are shown below.

[0101] (Example 1 of improper adjustment) FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a state in which the paper guide of the paper feed tray is not adjusted (misadjustment of the rear end guide). Figure 7 shows a possible misalignment of the trailing edge guide when changing from A3 to A4 paper.

[0102] In FIG. 7A, first, when A3 paper is stored in paper feed tray 21, the A3 paper is placed so that the long sides of the A3 paper are parallel to the left and right direction of the paper surface. At this time, the user moves the rear end guide (LG) 51 so that it abuts against the left short side of the A3 paper, and moves the two width guides 52 (WG1, WG2) so that they abut against the top and bottom long sides of the A3 paper. In this state, the A3 paper is removed from the ejection port in the correct position, making paper feed jams less likely to occur.

[0103] Next, when changing the paper in paper feed tray 21 to A4 paper, it is assumed that the user stores the A4 paper so that the short sides of the paper are parallel to the left-right direction of the paper surface, as shown in FIG. 7(B). That is, assume that the A4 paper is stored vertically so that the long side of the A4 paper abuts against the rear end guide 51 and the short side of the A4 paper abuts against the width guide 52. In this case, the long side (L) of the A4 paper corresponds to the width (WA) of the paper feed tray 21, and the short side (W) of the A4 paper corresponds to the length (LA) of the paper feed tray 21. Since A4 paper is smaller than A3 paper, it can be stored without moving the rear end guide 51 and the two width guides 52.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7(B), when A4 paper is stored vertically, the long side (L) of the A4 paper is the same as the short side (W) of the A3 paper, so the short side of the A4 paper comes into contact with the two width guides 52 exactly, and there is no need to move the width guides 52. However, when A4 paper is stored vertically, the short side (W) of the A4 paper is shorter than the long side (L) of the A3 paper, so if rear end guide 51 is not moved, there is a distance between the left long side of the A4 paper and rear end guide 51, and the left long side of the A4 paper and rear end guide 51 do not come into contact with each other.

[0105] If a user forgets to move the rear end guide 51 after storing multiple A4 sheets vertically, the multiple A4 sheets may not be aligned in the left-right direction, and the A4 sheets may not be removed correctly, which may cause a paper feed jam. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, since there is a possibility that the rear end guide 51 is improperly adjusted, a message (tray confirmation information MSG1) for confirming the state of the rear end guide 51 is notified to the user.

[0106] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting input and display screen when changing the paper in the paper feed tray in this embodiment 1. FIG. 14A shows the setting input screen before changing the paper for the paper feed tray position "TR1". For example, in FIG. 7, if the setting input screen is displayed immediately after storing the changed A4 paper in the paper feed tray 21, the setting input screen as shown in FIG. 14(A) is displayed, since information about the changed A4 paper has not yet been entered. That is, the setting input screen displays information about the storage paper before the change. It is assumed that the setting input screen in FIG. 14A displays "TR1" as the paper feed tray position and "A3" as the paper type.

[0107] After that, the user inputs information about the changed A4 paper stored in the paper feed tray position "TR1." Specifically, the user selects and inputs the "paper type" of the changed A4 paper. FIG. 14(B) shows the display screen after the changed A4 paper information has been input on the setting input screen. Here, the user selects and inputs "A4" in the selection field to the right of "Paper Type" on the setting input screen.

[0108] In addition, if the paper feed tray position after the change is not displayed in the selection field to the right of the paper feed tray position on the setting input screen of Figure 14 (A), the user can simply select and input the changed paper feed tray position "TR1" in the selection field to the right of "Paper Feed Tray Position" on the setting input screen.

[0109] Thereafter, when the user recognizes that the changed A4 paper information entered by the user on the setting input screen of FIG. 14(B) is correct, the user selects and inputs into the “Settings” display area on the setting input screen. This confirms the input of the changed "paper type" of the stored paper.

[0110] When the input of the "paper type" is confirmed, the following processes are performed in this order: the paper size acquisition unit 22 acquires the changed size of the stored paper; the size change determination unit 23 determines the change in paper size before and after the change; the confirmation information selection unit 24 selects tray confirmation information; and the confirmation information notification unit 25 notifies (e.g., displays) the tray confirmation information.

[0111] When the stored paper size is changed from A3 to A4 as shown in FIG. 7, there is a possibility that the rear end guide 51 is improperly adjusted as shown in FIG. 7(B), so MSG1 is selected as the tray confirmation information. FIG. 14C shows a confirmation screen for the paper guide after the paper change is displayed on the display unit 13 after the above series of processes are performed. In FIG. 14C, a confirmation message is displayed saying "The paper type has been changed. Please align the rear end guide of the paper feed tray with the paper." By looking at this confirmation screen, the user can know that the paper type of the paper stored in paper feed tray position "TR1" has been changed to "A4" and therefore that he or she needs to check the position of the rear end guide of paper feed tray position "TR1."

[0112] If the user has already adjusted the position of the rear end guide so that it abuts against the A4 paper and this is clear, for example, the user can select and input the "Confirmed" display area on the confirmation screen of Fig. 14(C). This selection and input ends the paper feed tray confirmation process, and the image forming apparatus is then ready to perform printing and other processes.

[0113] In addition, if the user actually opens the paper feed tray, checks the position of the rear end guide at paper feed tray position "TR1," adjusts the position of the rear end guide so that it abuts the A4 paper, closes the paper feed tray, and then selects and inputs the "Confirmed" display area, the paper feed tray confirmation process is also completed, and the image forming device is then able to perform printing processes, etc.

[0114] Alternatively, when the user actually opens the paper feed tray, checks the position of the rear end guide of the paper feed tray position "TR1", adjusts the position of the rear end guide so that it abuts against the A4 paper, and closes the paper feed tray, it may be determined that the paper feed tray check process is complete and the confirmation screen in Fig. 14(C) may be erased. In this case as well, the image forming apparatus is then ready to perform printing and other processes.

[0115] (Example 2 of improper adjustment) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a state in which the paper guide of the paper feed tray is not adjusted (improper adjustment of the width guide). Figure 8 shows a misadjustment of the width guides that can occur when changing paper from A4 to A5R.

[0116] In FIG. 8A, first, when A4 paper is stored in paper feed tray 21, the A4 paper is arranged so that the short sides of the A4 paper are parallel to the left and right directions of the paper surface. At this time, the user moves the rear end guide (LG) 51 so that it abuts against the left long side of the A4 paper, and moves the two width guides 52 (WG1, WG2) so that they abut against the top and bottom short sides of the A4 paper. In this state, A4 paper is removed from the ejection port in the correct position, making paper feed jams less likely to occur.

[0117] Next, when changing the paper in paper feed tray 21 to A5R paper, it is assumed that the user stores the A5R paper so that the long side of the paper is parallel to the left-right direction of the paper surface, as shown in FIG. 8(B). That is, assume that the A5R paper is stored horizontally so that the short side of the A5R paper abuts against the rear end guide 51 and the long side of the A5R paper abuts against the width guide 52. In this case, the short side (W) of the A5R paper corresponds to the width (WA) of the paper feed tray 21, and the long side (L) of the A5R paper corresponds to the length (LA) of the paper feed tray 21. Since A5R paper is smaller than A4 paper, it can be stored without moving the rear end guide 51 and the two width guides 52.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 8B, when A5R paper is stored landscape orientation, the long side (L) of the A5R paper is the same as the short side (W) of the A4 paper, so the left short side of the A5R paper can be positioned so that it just abuts against the rear end guide 51. However, when A5R paper is stored landscape, the short side (W) of the A5R paper is shorter than the long side (L) of the A4 paper, so if the width guides 52 are not moved, there is a distance between the long side of the A5R paper and the two width guides 52, and the upper and lower long sides of the A5R paper do not come into contact with the width guides 52.

[0119] If the user forgets to move width guide 52 after storing multiple A5R sheets of paper landscapely, the multiple A5R sheets may not be aligned vertically, and the A5R sheets may not be removed correctly, which may cause a paper feed jam. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, since there is a possibility that the width guide 52 is improperly adjusted, a message (tray confirmation information MSG2) for confirming the state of the width guide 52 is notified to the user.

[0120] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting input and display screen when changing the paper in the paper feed tray in this second embodiment. FIG. 15A shows the setting input screen before changing the paper for the paper feed tray position "TR1". For example, in FIG. 8, if the setting input screen is displayed immediately after storing the changed A5R paper in the paper feed tray 21, the setting input screen as shown in FIG. 15(A) will be displayed, since information about the changed A5R paper has not yet been entered. That is, the setting input screen displays information about the storage paper before the change. It is assumed that the setting input screen in FIG. 15A displays "TR1" as the paper feed tray position and "A4" as the paper type.

[0121] After that, the user inputs information about the changed A5R paper stored in the paper feed tray position "TR1." Specifically, the user selects and inputs the "paper type" of the changed A5R paper. FIG. 15(B) shows the display screen after the changed A5R paper information has been entered on the setting input screen. Here, the user selects and inputs "A5R" in the selection field to the right of "Paper Type" on the setting input screen.

[0122] In addition, if the changed paper feed tray position is not displayed in the selection field to the right of "Paper Feed Tray Position" on the setting input screen in Figure 15 (A), the user can select and input the changed paper feed tray position "TR1" in the selection field to the right of "Paper Feed Tray Position" on the setting input screen.

[0123] Thereafter, when the user recognizes that the changed A5R paper information entered by the user on the setting input screen of Figure 15 (B) is correct, the user selects and inputs into the "Settings" display area on the setting input screen. This confirms the input of the changed "paper type" of the stored paper.

[0124] When the input of the "paper type" is confirmed, the following processes are performed in this order: the paper size acquisition unit 22 acquires the changed size of the stored paper; the size change determination unit 23 determines the change in paper size before and after the change; the confirmation information selection unit 24 selects tray confirmation information; and the confirmation information notification unit 25 notifies (e.g., displays) the tray confirmation information.

[0125] When the stored paper is changed from A4 to A5R as shown in FIG. 8, there is a possibility that the width guide 52 is improperly adjusted as shown in FIG. 8(B), so MSG2 is selected as the tray confirmation information. FIG. 15C shows a confirmation screen for the paper guide after the paper change is displayed on the display unit 13 after the above series of processes are performed. In FIG. 15C, a confirmation message is displayed saying "The paper type has been changed. Please adjust the width guide of the paper feed tray to fit the paper." By looking at this confirmation screen, the user can see that the paper type of the paper stored in paper feed tray position "TR1" has been changed to "A5R" and therefore that he or she needs to check the position of the width guide for paper feed tray position "TR1."

[0126] If the user has already adjusted the position of the width guide so that it abuts against the A5R paper and this is clear, for example, they can select the "Confirmed" display area on the confirmation screen in Fig. 15(C) to input. This selection input ends the paper feed tray confirmation process, and the image forming device is then ready to perform printing and other processes.

[0127] In addition, if the user actually opens the paper feed tray, checks the position of the width guide at paper feed tray position "TR1," adjusts the position of the width guide so that it abuts A5R paper, closes the paper feed tray, and then selects and inputs the "Confirmed" display area, the paper feed tray confirmation process is also completed, and the image forming device is then able to perform printing processes, etc.

[0128] Alternatively, when the user actually opens the paper feed tray, checks the position of the width guide of the paper feed tray position "TR1", adjusts the position of the width guide so that it abuts against the A5R paper, and closes the paper feed tray, it may be determined that the paper feed tray check process is complete and the confirmation screen in Fig. 15(C) may be erased. In this case as well, the image forming apparatus is then ready to perform printing and other processes.

[0129] (Example 3 of improper adjustment) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a state in which the paper guides of the paper feed tray are not adjusted (misadjustment of the rear end guide and the width guide). Figure 9 shows a possible misalignment of the trailing edge and width guides when changing paper from A4 to B5. FIG. 9A shows a state in which A4 sheets are stored in the paper feed tray 21, similar to FIG. 8A.

[0130] In FIG. 9A, when A4 paper is stored in paper feed tray 21, the A4 paper is arranged so that the short sides of the A4 paper are parallel to the left and right directions of the paper surface. At this time, the user moves the rear end guide (LG) 51 so that it abuts against the left long side of the A4 paper, and moves the two width guides 52 (WG1, WG2) so that they abut against the top and bottom short sides of the A4 paper. In this state, A4 paper is removed from the ejection port in the correct position, making paper feed jams less likely to occur.

[0131] Next, when changing the paper in paper feed tray 21 to B5 paper, it is assumed that the user stores the B5 paper so that the short sides of the paper are parallel to the left-right direction of the paper surface, as shown in FIG. 9(B). That is, it is assumed that the B5 paper is stored vertically so that the long side of the B5 paper abuts against the rear end guide 51 and the short side of the B5 paper abuts against the width guide 52. In this case, the long side (L) of the B5 paper corresponds to the width (WA) of the paper feed tray 21, and the short side (W) of the B5 paper corresponds to the length (LA) of the paper feed tray 21. Since B5 paper is smaller than A4 paper, it can be stored without moving the rear end guide 51 and the two width guides 52.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 9(B), when B5 paper is stored vertically, the short side (W) of the B5 paper is smaller than the short side (W) of the A4 paper, so the B5 paper may be positioned so that there is a distance between the left long side (L) of the B5 paper and the rear end guide 51. In addition, when B5 paper is stored vertically, the long side (L) of the B5 paper is shorter than the long side (L) of the A4 paper, so if the width guides 52 are not moved, there is a distance between the short side of the B5 paper and the two width guides 52, and the upper and lower short sides of the B5 paper do not come into contact with the width guides 52.

[0133] If a user forgets to move rear end guide 51 after storing multiple B5 sheets vertically, the multiple B5 sheets may not be aligned left-to-right, and if the user forgets to move width guide 52, the multiple B5 sheets may not be aligned up-to-down, so the B5 sheets may not be removed properly and a paper feed jam may occur. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, since there is a possibility that the rear end guide 51 and the width guide 52 are not properly adjusted, a message (tray confirmation information MSG3) for confirming the status of the rear end guide 51 and the width guide 52 is displayed to the user.

[0134] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting input and display screen when changing the paper in the paper feed tray in this third embodiment. FIG. 16A shows the setting input screen before changing the paper for the paper feed tray position "TR1". For example, in FIG. 9, if the setting input screen is displayed immediately after storing the changed B5 paper in the paper feed tray 21, the setting input screen as shown in FIG. 16(A) is displayed, since information about the changed B5 paper has not yet been entered. That is, the setting input screen displays information about the storage paper before the change. It is assumed that the setting input screen in FIG. 16A displays "TR1" as the paper feed tray position and "A4" as the paper type.

[0135] After that, the user inputs information about the changed B5 paper stored in the paper feed tray position "TR1." Specifically, the user selects and inputs the "paper type" of the changed B5 paper. FIG. 16B shows the display screen after the changed information for B5 paper has been entered on the setting input screen. Here, the user selects and inputs "B5" in the selection field to the right of "Paper Type" on the setting input screen.

[0136] In addition, if the changed paper feed tray position is not displayed in the selection field to the right of "Paper Feed Tray Position" on the setting input screen in Figure 16 (A), the user can select and input the changed paper feed tray position "TR1" in the selection field to the right of "Paper Feed Tray Position" on the setting input screen.

[0137] Thereafter, when the user recognizes that the changed B5 paper information entered by the user on the setting input screen of FIG. 16(B) is correct, the user selects and inputs into the “Settings” display area on the setting input screen. This confirms the input of the changed "paper type" of the stored paper.

[0138] When the input of the "paper type" is confirmed, the following processes are performed in this order: the paper size acquisition unit 22 acquires the changed size of the stored paper; the size change determination unit 23 determines the change in paper size before and after the change; the confirmation information selection unit 24 selects tray confirmation information; and the confirmation information notification unit 25 notifies (e.g., displays) the tray confirmation information.

[0139] When the stored paper is changed from A4 to B5 as shown in FIG. 9, there is a possibility that the rear end guide 51 and the width guide 52 are not properly adjusted as shown in FIG. 9(B), so MSG3 is selected as the tray confirmation information. FIG. 16C shows a confirmation screen for the paper guide after the paper change is displayed on the display unit 13 after the above series of processes are performed. In FIG. 16C, a confirmation message is displayed stating "The paper type has been changed. Please adjust the width guide and rear guide of the paper feed tray to fit the paper." By looking at this confirmation screen, the user can know that the paper type of the paper stored in paper feed tray position "TR1" has been changed to "B5" and therefore that he or she needs to check the positions of the width guide and rear end guide of paper feed tray position "TR1."

[0140] If the user has already adjusted the positions of the width guide and the rear end guide so that they are in contact with B5 paper and this is clear, for example, the user can select and input the "Confirmed" display area on the confirmation screen in Fig. 16(C). This selection and input ends the paper feed tray confirmation process, and the image forming apparatus is then ready to perform printing and other processes.

[0141] In addition, if the user actually opens the paper feed tray, checks the positions of the width guide and rear end guide at paper feed tray position "TR1," adjusts the positions of the width guide and rear end guide so that they abut B5 paper, closes the paper feed tray, and then selects and inputs the "Confirmed" display area, the paper feed tray confirmation process is also completed, and the image forming device is then able to perform printing processes, etc.

[0142] Alternatively, when the user actually opens the paper feed tray, checks the positions of the width guide and rear end guide of the paper feed tray position "TR1", adjusts the positions of the width guide and rear end guide so that they abut against B5 paper, and closes the paper feed tray, it may be determined that the paper feed tray check process is complete and the confirmation screen in Fig. 16(C) may be erased. In this case as well, the image forming apparatus is then ready to perform printing and other processes.

[0143] <Example of paper guide confirmation request processing> FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a paper guide confirmation request process when the paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed. Here, it is assumed that the opening operation of the paper feed tray can be automatically detected by a user's opening operation of the paper feed tray, and that the closing operation of the paper feed tray can be automatically detected by a user's closing operation of the paper feed tray.

[0144] In step S11 in FIG. 17, it is checked whether the user has selected and input the position information of the paper feed tray and the changed paper type information.

[0145] In step S12, if a selection input has been made by the user, the process proceeds to step S13, and if not, the process returns to step S11.

[0146] In step S13, a paper type setting input process is executed. The paper type setting input process mainly uses the input contents of the changed paper information (paper type, paper feed tray) to obtain current paper size information and selects paper guide confirmation information (selection determination process). Also, it is assumed that the confirmation selection flag FG is set by the paper type setting input process, and that the confirmation selection flag FG is set to one of the three types of numerical values ​​shown in FIG. A detailed flowchart of the paper type setting input process is shown in FIG.

[0147] In step S14, if the confirmation selection flag FG is 1, the process proceeds to step S17, and if not, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, if the confirmation selection flag FG is 2, the process proceeds to step S18, and if not, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, if the confirmation selection flag FG is 3, the process proceeds to step S19, and if not, the process may end or return to step S11.

[0148] In step S17, a confirmation screen corresponding to MSG1 of the tray confirmation information shown in FIG. 4 is displayed as a display screen for confirming the adjustment of the paper guides (confirmation screen when changing the paper). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a confirmation screen requesting confirmation of the adjustment of the rear end guide is displayed.

[0149] In step S18, a confirmation screen corresponding to MSG2 of the tray confirmation information shown in FIG. 4 is displayed as a display screen for confirming the adjustment of the paper guides (confirmation screen when changing the paper). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a confirmation screen is displayed requesting confirmation of the width guide adjustment.

[0150] In step S19, a confirmation screen corresponding to MSG3 of the tray confirmation information shown in FIG. 4 is displayed as a display screen for confirming the adjustment of the paper guides (confirmation screen when changing the paper). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a confirmation screen is displayed requesting confirmation of the adjustment of the width guide and the trailing end guide. After steps S17, S18, and S19, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0151] In steps S17, S18, and S19, when the confirmation screen for changing the paper type is displayed, the user checks the displayed contents, then pulls out the paper feed tray for which the paper type has been changed, and checks the state of the paper guide of that paper feed tray. In particular, it is checked whether or not either or both of the width guide and the rear end guide, for which the confirmation screen is displayed, are in contact with the stored paper.

[0152] When the user confirms that the paper guide is not in contact with the stored paper, the user moves the paper guide so that the paper guide is in contact with the stored paper, and closes the paper feed tray to return it to its original state. When the user performs such a confirmation operation, the paper feed tray is opened and closed. When the paper feed tray is opened or closed, it is assumed that the user has actually checked the paper guide and adjusted the paper guide.

[0153] In step S20, a check is made to see if the paper feed tray has been opened or closed. In addition to detecting whether the paper feed tray has been opened or closed, or instead of detecting whether the paper feed tray has been opened or closed, it may be possible to check whether the user has performed an input operation meaning "confirmed."

[0154] In step S21, if it is detected that the paper feed tray has been opened or closed, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process returns to step S20. If the user performs an input operation meaning "confirmed", the process also proceeds to step S22.

[0155] In step S22, since the adjustment of the paper guides is completed, the display screen for confirming the adjustment of the paper guides (confirmation screen when changing the paper) is cleared. In step S23, the previous paper size information 37 is updated. Here, the contents stored in the current paper size information 36 are stored in the previous paper size information 37.

[0156] With the above processing, when the paper in the paper feed tray is changed, an appropriate confirmation screen for changing the paper is displayed depending on the type of paper before and after the change, so that the user can be sure to check and adjust the paper guide of the paper feed tray where the paper has been changed, reducing the possibility of improper adjustment of the paper guide.

[0157] FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a process for inputting the selection of a paper feed tray and the type of paper to be stored (paper type setting input process). This flowchart of the paper type setting input process is the process executed in step S13 of FIG.

[0158] In step S34 of FIG. 18, the position information of the selected and input paper feed tray and the changed paper type information are stored in the storage unit 30.

[0159] In step S35, if a paper feed tray has been selected and input, the process proceeds to step S36, and if not, the process ends. If no paper feed tray is selected, this corresponds to the case where the manual feed tray is selected, for example, and there is no need to check the paper guide of the paper feed tray, so the process ends.

[0160] In step S36, the previous paper size information (WB, LB) 37 for the selected and input tray position is obtained (read) from the storage unit 30. In step S37, the standard paper information is used to obtain the width and length of the paper type selected and input, and these are stored as the current paper size information (WA, LA) 36.

[0161] In step S38, a selection determination process for paper guide confirmation information is executed. Here, the current paper size information (WA, LA) 36 is mainly compared with the previous paper size information (WB, LB) 37, and the paper guide confirmation information (tray confirmation information) is selected based on the result of the comparison. By this process, the confirmation selection flag FG corresponding to the tray confirmation information is set. A detailed flowchart of the selection determination process for paper guide confirmation information is shown in FIG.

[0162] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a process for selecting and determining confirmation information for a paper guide. This flowchart of the selection determination process is the process executed in step S38 of FIG.

[0163] In step S51 of FIG. 19, the current paper size information (WA, LA) 36 and the previous paper size information (WB, LB) 37 are compared. In step S52, first, the paper widths (WA, WB) before and after the change are checked. In step S53, if WB>WA, that is, if the changed paper width WA is smaller than the original paper width WB, the process proceeds to step S54, otherwise the process proceeds to step S58.

[0164] In step S54, the paper lengths (LA, LB) before and after the change are checked. In step S55, if LB>LA, that is, if the changed paper length LA is smaller than the original paper length LB, the process proceeds to step S56, otherwise the process proceeds to step S57.

[0165] In step S58, the paper lengths (LA, LB) before and after the change are checked in the same manner as in step S54. In step S59, if LB>LA, that is, if the changed paper length LA is smaller than the original paper length LB, the process proceeds to step S60; otherwise, the process ends.

[0166] In step S56, the confirmation selection flag FG is set to 3, and the process ends. When proceeding to step S56, since WB>WA and LB>LA, the condition J3 of the confirmation information selection condition 32 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. In the case of condition J3, since adjustment of both the trailing end guide and the width guide is required, the confirmation selection flag FG is set to 3 to request the user to confirm both the trailing end guide and the width guide.

[0167] In step S57, the confirmation selection flag FG is set to 2, and the process ends. When proceeding to step S57, since WB>WA and LB≦LA, the condition J2 of the confirmation information selection condition 32 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. In the case of condition J2, adjustment of the width guide is necessary, so the confirmation selection flag FG is set to 2 to request the user to confirm the width guide.

[0168] In step S60, the confirmation selection flag FG is set to 1, and the process ends. When proceeding to step S60, since WB≦WA and LB>LA, the condition J1 of the confirmation information selection condition 32 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. In the case of condition J1, adjustment of the rear end guide is necessary, so the confirmation selection flag FG is set to 1 to request the user to confirm the rear end guide. By the above process, when the paper is changed, the confirmation selection flag FG for selecting the confirmation information for the paper guide is set.

[0169] <Summary of the embodiment> (Embodiment 1: Acquiring the size of storage paper) In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray is used to determine whether the stored paper has been changed, but the paper feed tray of the image forming device of the present invention does not have the function of automatically detecting the size of the stored paper.

[0170] To obtain the size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, the user may directly input the size of the stored paper. In particular, when the stored paper is not a standard size, it is necessary to directly input the size of the stored paper. Alternatively, as described above, if the stored paper is standard paper, the size of the standard paper is determined by the type of standard paper, so the correspondence between the type and size of standard paper (standard paper information) can be stored in advance, and the user can input the type of stored paper and obtain the size of the stored paper from the input type.

[0171] In addition, if the image forming device has a communication function, it may be connected to a server that stores the correspondence between standard paper types and sizes (standard paper information), send the type of storage paper entered by the user to the server, and obtain from the server the size of storage paper corresponding to the type of storage paper.

[0172] (Embodiment 2: Confirmation Information Selection Conditions) In FIG. 3 described above, the confirmation information selection condition is a condition in which the size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray after the change is smaller than the size of the paper before the change. When the changed paper size is smaller than the original paper size, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the paper guides will be improperly adjusted, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0173] Even if the size of the paper after the change is larger than the size of the paper before the change, it may be necessary to move the paper guide when changing the paper, and there is a possibility that the paper guide may be forgotten to be adjusted after being moved, resulting in improper adjustment of the paper guide. Therefore, it is preferable to store in advance, as confirmation information selection conditions, conditions for when the changed paper size is larger than the previous paper size.

[0174] For example, if the current paper length LA is greater than the previous paper length LB (LA>LB), a condition may be set and stored that means selecting the tray confirmation information MSG1 that requests confirmation of the position of the trailing edge guide.

[0175] (Embodiment 3: Method for notifying tray confirmation information) In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, three display messages are shown as the tray confirmation information MSG, and a case is described in which the display messages are displayed to request the user to confirm the position of the paper guide, as shown in FIG. However, the method of notifying the user of the tray confirmation information is not limited to displaying text information of the confirmation contents.

[0176] In addition to or instead of text information, the confirmation contents may be displayed in the form of graphics or images. For example, instead of displaying the rear end guide and width guide to be checked using text information, the shape of the paper feed tray may be displayed graphically, and the rear end guide and width guide may be displayed graphically at their approximate positions within the paper feed tray, with the graphical portion of the paper guide to be checked flashing.

[0177] The contents of the tray confirmation information may be notified by a voice output from a speaker. Furthermore, the contents of the tray confirmation information may be transmitted to a manager of the image forming apparatus or to a mobile terminal of the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1 Image forming device (MFP), 11 Control section, 12 Operation section, 13 Display section, 14 Image processing unit, 21 Paper storage section, 21a Paper guide, 22 Paper size acquisition unit, 23 Size change determination unit, 24 Confirmation information selection section, 25 Confirmation Information Notification Department, 30 storage section, 31 Standard paper information, 32 Confirmation information selection conditions, 33 Tray confirmation information, 34 Input paper type information, 35 Input tray position information, 36 Current paper size information, 37 Previous paper size information, 38 Tray Paper Information, 39 Confirmation selection flag, 50 paper trays, 51 Rear end guide, 52 Width guide, 53 outlet, 54 conveying direction, 55 Direction of movement, 56 Direction of movement

Claims

1. a paper storage section for storing paper on which an image is to be formed; a paper guide movably provided in the paper storage section and configured to regulate a position of the stored paper; a paper size acquisition unit that acquires the size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit; a size change determination unit that uses the acquired paper size to determine whether or not the paper stored in the paper storage unit has been changed; a confirmation information selection unit that, when it is determined that the paper stored in the paper storage unit has been changed, selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of a position of a paper guide in the paper storage unit in accordance with a difference in paper size before and after the change; and a confirmation information notification unit that notifies the selected confirmation information, wherein the confirmation information selection unit requests confirmation only when the changed paper size is smaller than before the change, and does not request confirmation when the changed paper size is larger than before the change.

2. An operation unit for inputting the type of the stored paper is further provided, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper size acquisition unit acquires, from the input paper type, a paper size that is associated in advance with that type.

3. a storage unit that stores previous paper size information, which is the size of the first paper that was stored in the paper storage unit before the paper was changed; the paper size acquisition unit acquires current paper size information, which is a second paper size after the paper stored in the paper storage unit is changed; the size change determination unit compares the previous paper size information with the current paper size information to determine whether the second paper has been changed to a size different from the size of the first paper; 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the confirmation information selection unit selects the confirmation information when it is determined that the size of the second sheet is different from the size of the first sheet.

4. the size of the paper acquired by the paper size acquisition unit is a length of the paper in a direction parallel to a transport direction in which the paper stored in the paper storage unit is removed, and a width of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, the paper guide comprises a rear end guide that regulates the position of the stored paper by contacting one side of the rear end of the stored paper and is movable in the transport direction, and a width guide that regulates the position of the stored paper by contacting one side of the stored paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation information selection unit selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the position of either the rear end guide or the width guide, or both, based on the difference in the length of the paper before and after the change and the difference in the width of the paper before and after the change.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the confirmation information selection unit selects confirmation information requesting confirmation of the position of the rear end guide only when the length of the changed paper stored in the paper storage unit is shorter than the length of the paper stored in the paper storage unit before the change.

6. 5. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that the confirmation information selection unit selects confirmation information requesting confirmation of the position of the width guide only when the width of the changed paper stored in the paper storage unit is smaller than the width of the paper before the change that was stored in the paper storage unit.

7. The image forming device of claim 4, characterized in that when the length of the changed paper stored in the paper storage section is smaller than the length of the paper before the change that was stored in the paper storage section, and the width of the changed paper stored in the paper storage section is smaller than the width of the paper before the change that was stored in the paper storage section, the confirmation information selection section selects confirmation information that requests confirmation of the positions of the rear end guide and the width guide.

8. Further comprising a display unit, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation information notifying section notifies the user of the selected confirmation information by displaying the selected confirmation information on the display section.

9. A paper guide checking method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a paper size acquisition step of acquiring a paper size associated with a paper type inputted when the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray that stores paper is inputted; a size change determination step of determining whether or not the paper stored in the paper feed tray has been changed by using the acquired paper size; a confirmation information selection step for selecting confirmation information that requests confirmation of a position of a paper guide movably provided on the paper feed tray in response to a difference in paper size before and after the change when it is determined that the paper stored in the paper feed tray has been changed; a confirmation information notifying step of notifying a user of the selected confirmation information, The paper guide confirmation method for an image forming device, characterized in that the confirmation information selection step selects the confirmation only when the changed paper size is smaller than before the change, and does not select the confirmation information when the changed paper size is larger than before the change.

Images