Image forming apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a technology that enables reduction of labor of an operator and can prevent occurrence of setting errors in paper setting of a paper feeding part.SOLUTION: A control method of an image formation device includes: receiving a print job, performing paper setting at a paper supply part based on instruction information, if any, for instructing the paper supply part to perform the paper setting in the print job, and performing printing based on the print job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various types of business that use printing devices to generate printed materials. Among them, in fields such as POD (Print On Demand), which handles a wide variety of printed materials in relatively small lots, applications and systems known as workflows are used to manage and control the series of processes from order receipt to printing and shipping. Based on the work received from customers, workflow applications generate work instructions, print jobs, delivery notes, shipping labels, etc. Operators follow the work instructions, which are usually output as printed materials, to set up the printing machine, change paper, operate post-processing devices, and perform shipping tasks, allowing for a smooth process from print generation to delivery.

[0003] Some printed materials handled by POD are created using multiple papers, such as personal photo books and self-published books. In the case of a book, using different papers for the cover, inner pages, double-page spreads, chapter start pages, etc. improves the appearance and quality of the finished book. By increasing the types of paper handled and being able to handle a variety of papers such as coated paper, matte paper, tab paper, and transparent film according to customer requests, companies can differentiate themselves from other companies and expand the range of orders they receive. For this reason, there is a great demand to expand the types of paper they handle, and the printing machines themselves are also expanding the range of papers they can handle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-3476 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By increasing the number of types of paper handled, it becomes possible to realize detailed customer requests, but the burden on the operator who works according to the work instructions increases. For each ordered job, the appropriate paper must be placed in the paper tray according to the work instructions, and the paper must be set in the paper tray by operating the operation unit of the printing device. In other words, in POD work that produces a variety of products, many orders with different settings are handled, so the operation of changing the paper in the image forming device is frequent, which is a heavy burden. Not only do you have to place the required paper in the paper feed unit, but you also have to use the operation unit to notify the operator of the type of paper in the paper feed unit. This not only increases the operator's workload, but also leads to mistakes such as setting a different paper type than the one actually placed.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, if the required paper is not in any tray during printing of a print job, the required paper is displayed. Then, when it detects that paper has been placed in the manual feed tray, it determines that the placed paper is the paper required for the print job and automatically changes the paper settings. However, in the case of POD work, where paper is placed in a paper tray before printing starts according to work instructions, the method in Patent Document 1 cannot be adopted.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique that can reduce the operator's work in setting paper in a paper feed unit and prevent setting errors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit for receiving a print job, and a paper feed unit for feeding the print job to the paper feed unit. Inserted paper When the instruction information for instructing the setting of paper information is included, the paper feed unit Inserted paper A setting unit for setting paper information; and the paper information set by the setting means. The present invention is characterized by having an execution means for executing printing based on the above. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the operator's work in setting paper in a paper feed unit and prevent setting errors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] System configuration diagram showing the overall system configuration [Diagram 2] Hardware configuration of image forming device [Diagram 3] Hardware configuration diagram of information processing device [Figure 4] Software configuration diagram of image forming device [Diagram 5] Software configuration diagram of information processing device [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for explaining a process flow when a job is accepted in the first embodiment. [Figure 7-1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of print job data. [Figure 7-2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of print job data. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the correspondence between paper attribute specification values ​​and paper characteristics of the media management program. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the paper tray designation value and the paper feed unit 223. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for determining whether a paper type can be registered. [Figure 11-1] Example of data for notifying the result of a received job [Figure 11-2] Example of data for notifying the result of a received job [Figure 12-1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 12-2] Schematic diagram for explaining the operation of embodiment 1. [Figure 12-3] Schematic diagram for explaining the operation of embodiment 1. [Figure 13-1] Example of job data in embodiment 2 [Figure 13-2] Example of job data in embodiment 2 [Figure 14]FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing when a job is accepted in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of processing in message processing. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing in pre-processing of a job execution processing paper registration command; [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing in pre-processing of a job execution processing paper setting command; [Figure 18] Flow diagram for explaining the flow of processing when a job is executed [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the operation unit 201. [Figure 20-1] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-2] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-4] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 20-9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] <System configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing a system (print processing system) according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 is described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and an information processing apparatus 102 is described as an example of an information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 are connected to each other via a network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0013] 1 illustrates an example in which one information processing device is provided in the print processing system, but the image forming device 101 and multiple information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. In addition, the print processing system of the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the print processing system includes an image forming device and an information processing device, but is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device may be the print processing system. Furthermore, the image forming device 101 may be configured such that an information processing device connected to the network 100 is not necessary for image formation processing that can be performed by itself, such as a copy job.

[0014] First, the information processing device 102 will be described. The information processing device 102 can execute various programs such as an application program that inputs a job. A printer driver having a function of converting print data into a printer language compatible with the image forming device 101 is installed in the information processing device 102. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction from various applications. The printer driver can convert data output by the application based on the print instruction into print data that can be interpreted by the image forming device 101, and transmit the print data to the image forming device 101 connected to the network 100.

[0015] In this embodiment, a PC is used as an example of an information processing device, but a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal may also be used. The method of transmitting print data to the image forming device may be modified as appropriate. The print data may be transmitted to the image forming device via a print application or driver, or the print data may be transmitted to the image forming device via a cloud server.

[0016] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet, and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 101 also has a post-processing function for binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been printed, aligning a plurality of sheets, and discharging a plurality of sheets into a plurality of trays. The sheets include paper such as plain paper and cardboard, and film.

[0017] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but it may be, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a printer that does not have a reading function. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is assumed to have various components described below.

[0018] Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a device 103 having some of the functions of the image forming device 101 and other auxiliary functions is added to the MFP. In this case, it is possible for the information processing device 102 to regard the device 103 as providing the functions of the image forming device 101 via the network 100. The device 103 may be accompanied by various input / output devices similar to those provided in the information processing device 102, such as a monitor 105. Even if such an associated device 103 is attached, the image forming device 101 may be configured to be directly connectable to the network 100 using a network cable 104.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 101 is configured so that a plurality of devices with different roles are interconnected to enable complex sheet processing. Each component of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described below.

[0020] The printer unit 201 forms (prints) an image on a sheet fed from a paper feed unit using toner based on image data. The configuration and operation principle of the printer unit 201 are as follows.

[0021] A beam of light, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror, etc.) and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. A full-color image is formed on a sheet by sequentially executing this series of image formation processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. In addition to these four colors, a configuration may be adopted in which toners called special colors and transparent toners can be transferred. The sheet on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed in this way is transported to a fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by heat and pressure, and fixes it to the sheet.

[0022] The printer unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a scanner 203 and an operation unit 204 arranged on the upper surface of the printer unit 201. The operation unit 204 provides various interfaces for a user to perform various settings and operations of the printer unit 201 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 101 is configured so that various auxiliary devices can be attached in addition to the printer unit 201. The large-capacity paper feeder 220 is a paper feeder that can be detached from the printer unit 201. These paper feeders include multiple paper feeders 223. With this configuration, the printer unit 201 can perform printing processing on a large volume of sheets. The inserter 221 is a device used when inserting a sheet that does not involve image formation into a deliverable product, in addition to the sheet created by the printer unit 201. In the same figure, a device having two trays 224 and 225 is shown.

[0023] This image forming apparatus 101 can be roughly divided into three parts, with the printer unit 201 as the boundary. In FIG. 1, the devices arranged to the right of the printer unit 201 are called paper feed system devices, and the main role of the paper feed system devices is to continuously supply the sheets loaded inside to the printer unit 201 at the appropriate timing. These devices also detect the remaining amount of sheets loaded inside. A paper feed unit 223 is also present inside the printer unit 201, and functionally it can perform the same functions as the paper feed system devices. For the sake of explanation, these paper feed units equipped in the printer unit 201 will also be called paper feed system devices.

[0024] On the other hand, in Fig. 1, the devices arranged to the left of the printer unit 201 are called sheet processing devices. They are also called sheet processing devices or post-processing devices. The sheet processing devices perform various processing processes on sheets after printing processing has been completed, or processes such as stacking. In the following explanation, the above-mentioned paper feed system devices and sheet processing devices will be collectively referred to as the sheet processing device 200.

[0025] 2 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 104 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet, and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 101 also has a post-processing function for binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been printed, aligning a plurality of sheets, and discharging a plurality of sheets into a plurality of trays. The sheets include paper such as plain paper and cardboard, and film sheets.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 101 shown in the figure is configured such that a plurality of devices with different roles are interconnected and are capable of complex sheet processing.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 101 also has a copy function of storing data received from the scanner unit 203 in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and printing the data with the printer unit 201. The image forming apparatus 101 also has a print function of storing job data received from an external device via an external I / F unit 210, which is an example of a communication unit, in the HDD 209, reading the data from the HDD 209, and printing the data with the printer unit 201. The image forming apparatus 101 is a multi-function processor (MFP) equipped with a plurality of such functions. The image forming apparatus 101 may be capable of either color printing or monochrome printing.

[0028] A scanner unit 203 reads an image of an original document, processes the image data obtained by reading the original document, and outputs the processed image data.

[0029] The CPU of the control unit 205 reads out and executes the programs stored in the ROM 207, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 101 to execute various operations according to the first embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores programs and the like for the control unit 205 to interpret page description language (hereinafter abbreviated as PDL) data received from an external device via the external I / F 210 and to develop the data into raster image data (bitmap image data). Similarly, the ROM 207 also stores programs and the like for the control unit 205 to interpret and process a job received from an external device via the external I / F 210. These are processed by software. The ROM 207 is a read-only memory, and stores in advance various programs such as a boot sequence, font information, and the like, as well as the above programs. Details of the various programs stored in the ROM 207 will be described later. The RAM 208 is a readable and writable memory, and stores image data sent from the scanner 203 and the external I / F 210, various programs, setting information, and the like.

[0030] The HDD 209 also stores image data compressed by the compression / expansion unit 206. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job to be processed. The control unit 205 stores data of a job to be processed, inputted via various input units such as the scanner unit 203 and the external I / F 210, in the HDD 209, reads the data from the HDD 209, and outputs the data to the printer unit 201 for printing. The control unit 205 also controls the job data read from the HDD 209 so as to be transmitted to an external device via the external I / F 210. In this manner, the control unit 205 executes various output processes of data of a job to be processed stored in the HDD 209. The compression / expansion unit 206 compresses and expands image data stored in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 by various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG. The control unit 205 also controls the operation of the sheet processing device 200. The sheet processing device 200 corresponds to the paper feed device and the sheet processing device described in FIG. 1.

[0031] The external I / F 210 transmits and receives image data to and from a facsimile, a network-connected device, and an external dedicated device. The HDD 209 also stores various management information that is permanently stored, changed, and managed by the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 also includes a printer unit 201 that executes print processing of data of a job to be printed stored in the HDD 209. The image forming apparatus 101 also includes an operation unit 204 having a display unit, which corresponds to an example of a user interface unit. A control unit 205, which corresponds to an example of a control unit included in the image forming apparatus 101, has a CPU (not shown) and controls the processing and operation of various units included in the image forming apparatus 101 in an integrated manner. The ROM 207 includes a program for executing various processes of a flowchart to be described later, which are executed by the control unit 205. Various control programs required in the first embodiment are stored. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens, including a user interface screen (hereinafter, UI screen), on the display unit of the operation unit 204.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device (PC) 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] In the figure, a CPU 301 executes programs such as an OS, a general application, and a bookbinding application stored in a program ROM of a ROM 303 or loaded from a HDD 311 to a RAM 302. The ROM 303 also has a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 302 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 301. A keyboard controller (KBC) 305 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 309 and a pointing device (not shown). A display controller (CRTC) 306 controls display on a display unit (CRT) 310. A disk controller (DKC) 307 controls access to a HDD 311 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and the like. A network controller (NC) 312 is connected to a network 100 and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network 100. A bus 304 connects the CPU 301 to the RAM 302, the ROM 303, and various controllers, and transfers data signals and control signals.

[0034] 4 is a diagram illustrating the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the embodiment 1. These programs are stored in the ROM 207, and are read and executed by the control unit 205 included in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0035] The operating system 401 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 101. This mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the image forming apparatus 101, i.e., the ROM 207, RAM 208, HDD 209, etc., and basic input / output control of each unit shown in FIG.

[0036] The data transmission / reception program 402 performs transmission / reception processing when a data input / output request occurs via the external I / F 210. Specifically, it includes a protocol stack such as TCP / IP, and controls communication of various data exchanged with external devices connected via the network 100. The communication processing performed here is specialized for communication processing such as the transmission / reception level of data packets and HTTP server, and does not include analysis processing of the contents of received data, which will be described later. The data analysis processing is performed by the control unit 205 based on the description contents of another program.

[0037] The copy function program 403 is a program for executing a copy function executed by the control unit 205 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 204 when a user of the image forming apparatus 101 instructs execution of a copy function from the operation unit 204. In the copy function executed by the control unit 205, the control unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each device of the resources of the image forming apparatus 101 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. As a result, the copy process is finally controlled to be executed. These devices include the scanner unit 203, printer unit 201, sheet processing device 200, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, RAM 208, etc.

[0038] The scan function program 404 is a program for executing a scan function that is executed by the control unit 205 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 204 when the user of the image forming apparatus 101 instructs execution of the scan function from the operation unit 204. Modules such as the scanner unit 203, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, and RAM 208 are controlled by the control unit 205 in accordance with the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. At that time, the operations of these devices are sequentially instructed in an appropriate order, so that the scan process is ultimately executed.

[0039] The PDL function program 405 executes a PDL function executed by the control unit 205 when PDL data (print job data) is received by the image forming apparatus 101 via the external I / F 210. The PDL function executed by the control unit 205 performs analysis processing of a specified PDL file and creates a print image. For the analysis processing of the PDL file, print settings obtained by the JDF function program 406 analyzing JDF (job definition format) are used.

[0040] The JDF function program 406 is a program that executes a JDF function that is executed by the control unit 205 at the instruction of the external I / F 210 when JDF job data is received by the image forming apparatus 101 via the external I / F 210. The JDF function executed by the control unit 205 analyzes the received JDF and creates print settings to be used for printing. The JDF function program 406 in this embodiment has a function of analyzing only the PDL section 1012 of the JDF and acquiring the URL of the PDL. It also includes a program that determines whether the analyzed JDF contains incorrect settings and changes settings to eliminate incorrect settings.

[0041] When a user of the image forming apparatus 101 instructs execution of a BOX function from the operation unit 204, the BOX function program 407 executes the BOX function executed by the control unit 205 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 204. In this BOX function, the control unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each of these devices in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program, thereby executing the BOX processing. These devices include the scanner unit 203, printer unit 201, sheet processing apparatus 200, HDD 209, compression / decompression unit 206, RAM 208, etc. In addition, this BOX function allows job data stored in the HDD 209 to be executed by changing the settings of the job at the time of storage.

[0042] The hold function program 408 is a program executed by the control unit 205 when the user of the image forming apparatus 101 issues an instruction to execute the hold function from the operation unit 204. The hold function is a function that stores data to be printed in the HDD 209 of the image forming apparatus 101 until a print instruction is received from the user, and then executes printing according to the data for which a print instruction is received from the user. In the job hold function, the control unit 205 sequentially instructs the operation of each of these devices in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program, thereby executing print processing by job hold. These devices include the printer unit 201, the sheet processing device 200, the HDD 209, the compression / decompression unit 206, the RAM 208, etc. It is possible to change the settings at the time of storage for the stored job data and execute the job data.

[0043] The UI function program 409 is a program for controlling the operation unit 204. The UI function program 409 identifies the contents input by the user of the image forming apparatus 101 from the operation unit 204, and performs appropriate screen transitions and processing request instructions to the control unit 205.

[0044] The media management program 410 is a program for executing a management function related to sheets that can be used by the image forming apparatus 101. Sheet-related information managed by this program is stored in the HDD 209.

[0045] The job management program 411 is a program that manages, as a job, a series of processes created by the image forming apparatus 101 using programs such as the copy function program 404, PDF function program 405, and JDF function program 406. Among the series of processes included in a job, there are some processes, such as rip processes and print processes, that can be executed simultaneously in limited numbers. The job management program controls the order of these processes and also manages the execution results (logs), etc.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing device 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0047] The operating system 501 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the information processing device 102. This provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the information processing device, that is, the ROM 303, the RAM 302, the HDD 311, etc.

[0048] The device driver 502 is a program for controlling various hardware devices connected to the information processing device 102. The device driver 502 also includes programs for controlling the KBC 305, the display controller 306, the DKC 307, and the like.

[0049] The print application program 503 is a general term for programs that run on the information processing device 102 and are intended to provide various functions and services to users of the print system. The print application program 503 has a function for creating or editing print job data. The print application program 503 also has a function for converting various print specifications set on a setting screen (not shown) of the application 503 into corresponding print settings. Furthermore, the print application program 503 also has a function for selecting a print setting file stored in the HDD 311 and creating print job data. It has the ability to convert the print settings into a job ticket in PDL command format or JDF, etc., and create print job data by converting the job ticket alone or by combining it with data to be printed.

[0050] The network control program 504 is a program that is executed when the print job data created by the print application program 503 is sent to the image forming apparatus 101 connected via the network 100. This program 504 can be configured to have functions such as sending print data and, after sending, acquiring progress information of the print job executed by the image forming apparatus 101.

[0051] Other programs 505 include a group of programs that do not fall into any of the above categories, but a detailed description of these will be omitted.

[0052] <Flow chart for accepting a job> 6 is a flowchart of the process in the image forming apparatus 101 when a job is received. The process starts when a job is received from the information processing apparatus 102 via the external I / F 210.

[0053] In S601, the control unit 205 analyzes the print job data transmitted from the information processing device 102 via the external I / F 210. In the first embodiment, the print job is assumed to be JDF. FIG. 7-1 and FIG. 7-2 show the configuration of job data and an example of JDF. In S602, the control unit 205 determines whether the received job includes a paper designation (instruction information) that instructs to set information about paper (for example, paper type) in a paper tray (paper feed unit) as a result of analyzing the received job in S601. There are various methods for instructing to set in a paper tray. In the first embodiment, the instruction is given by adding a MediaAssign attribute to the paper information of the JDF and having a value of true. If it is determined that there is a paper that is instructed to be set in the paper tray, the process proceeds to S603, and if not, the process proceeds to S616. The processes from S603 to S612 are repeated for each paper that is instructed to be set in the paper tray.

[0054] In S603, the control unit 205 performs a paper characteristics determination process to determine the paper characteristics from the paper designation. This process is necessary to establish a correspondence between the characteristics that indicate the nature of the paper managed by the media management program and the paper attributes of the JDF. The correspondence between the paper attributes of the JDF and the paper characteristics of the media management program is explained with an example in FIG. 8. The set of determined paper characteristics is called a paper type. If the media management program has a paper database and manages registered paper types with a unique identifier, the paper type can be specified in JDF by specifying the ID. In this case, the paper type is searched for with the specified paper identifier, and the paper characteristics of the acquired paper type are set as the determined paper characteristics. Figure 7-2(B) shows examples of JDF when specifying the paper type using the paper attributes of the JDF and when specifying the paper type using the paper identifier. When the paper characteristics determination process is completed, or when a method of specifying the paper type uniquely, such as an identifier, is performed, proceed to S604.

[0055] In S604, the control unit 205 performs a paper tray determination process. The paper tray determination process is a process that associates the paper tray specified in the JDF paper specification with the paper feed unit 223. This process identifies the paper feed unit 223 from the correspondence between each paper feed unit 223 and the JDF attribute value that is determined in advance. An example of the association is shown in FIG. 9. If a paper tray is not specified in the JDF, if an attribute value indicating automatic determination is specified, or if an unassociated attribute value, i.e., an invalid value, is specified, the paper tray remains undetermined. Once the paper tray determination process is completed, proceed to S605.

[0056] In S605, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper characteristics and paper tray have been determined in S603 and S604. If either or both have not been determined, the process proceeds to S615. If both have been determined, the process proceeds to S606. In S606, the control unit 205 determines whether the specified paper type is registered in the paper database. The paper database is registered so that paper information can be used repeatedly, and is stored in the HDD 209 and loaded into the RAM 208 as necessary. If there is no paper database, the processes from S606 to S608 are unnecessary. If paper attributes have been specified, it is determined whether paper that matches the paper characteristics determined in S603 is registered in the paper database. If information that uniquely identifies the paper type, such as an ID, has been specified, it is determined whether a paper type that matches the specified identifying information is registered in the paper database. If the paper type is registered in the paper database, and there is no paper database, the process proceeds to S609, and if not, the process proceeds to S607.

[0057] In S607, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper type can be registered in the paper database. This determination will be explained using the flow diagram in Fig. 10. If it is determined that the paper type can be registered, the process proceeds to S608, and if it is determined that the paper type cannot be registered, the process proceeds to S615.

[0058] In S608, the control unit 205 creates a paper type having the paper characteristics determined in S603, and provisionally registers it in the paper database. In this step, no actual registration is performed in the paper database, but the number of registrations in the paper database is counted up and stored only in the RAM 208 together with the paper type. This prevents unnecessary paper from being registered when a job is canceled for some reason and printing is not performed. Actual registration in the paper database is performed in S613. During provisional registration, if a value required for registration, such as the paper name, is not specified in the JDF, the paper database automatically determines and registers the value. In addition, the paper characteristics may include various parameters that are adjusted according to the characteristics of the image forming device. Those values ​​may be registered by applying default values, or attributes may be defined so that they can be specified in the JDF.

[0059] In S609, the control unit 205 determines whether a paper type is set in the paper tray determined in S604. The paper type information set in each tray of the paper feed unit 223 stored in the RAM 208 is obtained, and it is determined whether the paper tray and the paper type match. This may be determined by comparing with a unique paper type in the paper database, or by comparing each paper characteristic of the paper type and determining whether all match. In the former case, there is only one paper type that is determined to be set, but in the latter case, there may be a combination of multiple paper characteristics that match, that is, paper types. If a paper type is set, the process proceeds to S610, and if not, the process proceeds to S612.

[0060] In S610, the control unit 205 judges whether a paper type can be set in a paper tray. The judgment criteria include the capacity information of the paper tray, a mismatch with the automatic detection of the paper tray, and setting of different paper types in the same paper tray. The capacity information of the paper tray is based on the limitations of the paper feed capacity of the paper feed unit 223. For example, if the paper tray is small, a paper type with a large paper size such as A3 cannot be set. In addition, there are paper types that cannot be fed due to the thickness, shape, and presence or absence of coating of the paper. The paper feed capacity information of the paper tray is compared with the characteristics of the paper type to judge whether the paper type can be set. Regarding the mismatch with the automatic detection of the paper tray, if the paper feed unit 223 has an automatic paper size detection function, it is judged that the setting is impossible if the size of the paper type differs from the detected paper size. It is judged that the setting of different paper types in the same paper tray is impossible if the paper tray paired in S611 is specified in the processing of another media unit 715. If the judgment result shows that the paper type can be set, proceed to S611, and if the paper type cannot be set, proceed to S615.

[0061] In S611, the control unit 205 stores the correspondence between the paper tray and the paper type in the RAM 208. Here, the paper type is not yet set for the paper tray; this is done all at once in S614. This prevents unnecessary changes to the paper type of the paper tray from being made if the job is canceled for some reason and printing is not performed.

[0062] In S612, the control unit 205 determines whether there is an unprocessed paper specification among the paper specifications instructed to be set in the paper tray. If there is, the process proceeds to S603 and processes the target paper specification. If there is not, the process proceeds to S613.

[0063] In S613 , the control unit 205 registers the paper type that was provisionally registered and stored in the RAM 208 in S608 in the paper database, and stores it in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 .

[0064] In S614, the control unit 205 sets the paper type to the paper tray stored in S611, and stores the paper type in the HDD 209 and the RAM 208. After the setting, the process proceeds to S616.

[0065] In S615, the control unit 205 cancels the accepted print job. In this case, the print job is not printed. It is desirable to return information that allows the user to identify the cause of the transition to S614 as a result of the job. An example of the returned information using JMF (Job Messaging Format) is shown in Figures 11-1 and 11-2.

[0066] In S616, the control unit 205 executes printing of the accepted print job. This printing process is the same as usual, so details will be omitted. The paper for which the setting instruction was given is set in the paper tray in S614, or it is determined in S609 that it has already been set in the paper tray, so the operator does not need to manually perform the paper setting process. In other words, the operator can register the paper in the paper tray and specify the paper type to be used for printing simply by putting the paper type in the paper tray and submitting the print job. It is desirable to return the state of the paper tray after the paper setting in S614 and information on the paper type registered in S613 as the result of the job. An example of the returned information using JMF is shown in Figures 11-1 and 11-2.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing how the paper type set in the paper tray is changed.

[0068] <Print job data configuration> 7-1 and 7-2 are schematic diagrams of print job data received from the information processing terminal 102 and JDF included in the print job data.

[0069] FIG. 7-1(A) shows the data structure when the print job data is a print instruction request using JDF.

[0070] MIME data 700 is a combination of the JMF, JDF, and PDL files that make up the print job data in a format called MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions). MIME is a method devised to allow a variety of files to be handled by email. The files that make up MIME are linked as parts separated by character strings called boundaries. Each part begins with a part header, which contains information about the files contained in the part.

[0071] JMF part 701 is a MIME part that stores a JMF file. This embodiment deals with the case of Command-SubmitQueueEntry, where the JMF issues a print instruction. Furthermore, in order to implement this embodiment, only the JMF part must be included in the MIME. The JMF part must be included in the first part of the MIME. However, if there is only a JMF part, it does not need to be in MIME format, and the JMF part may be placed directly in the request body.

[0072] The JDF part 702 is a MIME part that stores a JDF file. Any specifications related to printing specifications can be written in the JDF. The printing specifications that must be included in implementing this embodiment are the PDL part 713. The JDF will be explained using the example in FIG. 7-2(B). Note that with JMF, there is a method for specifying the URL where the JDF is located, without simultaneously sending the JDF. When this specification method is used, the JDF part is not included in the MIME 700.

[0073] The PDL part 703 is a MIME part that stores a PDL file. The figure shows the case of PDF. Unlike JMF and JDF, the MIME 700 can include multiple PDL parts 703, or it can include none at all.

[0074] FIG. 7-2(B) shows an example of JDF handled in this embodiment.

[0075] The JDF section 711 is a section where a JDF element is written. JDF must start with a JDF element. If the root element is not JDF, an XML syntax error is detected in S601. The Resource section 712 is a section where resources to be used are written. Values ​​specifying the settings to be used for printing, the print file, the print paper, etc. are written here.

[0076] The DigitalPrintingParams section 713 is a section for describing the settings to be used for printing among the resources. The MediaRef section 714 is a section for specifying the paper to be used for printing. In the illustrated example, the paper is specified in the Media section 715, and the MediaRef section 714 specifies the paper to be used for printing by referring to the specification in the Media section 715. By describing multiple Mediaref sections, it is possible to specify things like switching the paper for each page, but for simplicity of explanation, one paper is specified overall in the illustrated example.

[0077] The Media section 715 is a section for specifying the paper. It is possible to specify multiple Media sections 715. As with the MediaRef section 714, the paper specification in the Media section 715 becomes valid by being referenced from a location according to the purpose of use.

[0078] A paper type attribute specification 716 is a set of attributes and attribute values ​​when the paper type is specified using the paper attributes. In S603, the JDF attributes and attribute values ​​are associated with the characteristics of the paper managed by the media management program 410.

[0079] The paper setting specification 717 is an attribute and attribute value for instructing to set the paper specified in the Media section 715 in a paper tray. In the example of the present embodiment, it is assumed that an instruction to set the paper tray is given when "true" is specified in the "AssignMedia" attribute. When an instruction to set the paper tray is given, the processes from S603 to S612 are performed.

[0080] A paper tray designation section 718 is a section for designating a tray for feeding paper. The attribute value designated here is used in the paper tray determination process in S604.

[0081] The second media section 720 is an example of a case where the paper type is specified by information that is uniquely determined. By replacing the media section 715 with the second media section 720, the specification can be changed.

[0082] The paper ID specification section 721 is a section for specifying the paper type by a paper ID that can uniquely identify the paper type. Paper IDs are assigned and managed by the paper database. Since paper types, which are collections of paper characteristics, are registered in the paper database, when paper is specified by a paper ID, the paper characteristics are determined by referencing the corresponding paper type. If a value that does not exist in the paper database is specified for the paper ID, the paper characteristics cannot be determined and it is determined in S605 that the paper characteristics have not been determined.

[0083] <Correspondence between paper attribute specification values ​​and paper characteristics of the media management program> Fig. 8 is an example of a correspondence table used to associate paper characteristics that indicate the properties of paper managed by the media management program with JDF paper attributes. The table shown in Fig. 8 is used in the paper characteristics determination process in S603.

[0084] 8A is a JDF paper attribute feature correspondence table 800 that describes the correspondence between paper features managed by the media management program and JDF attributes related to paper attributes. Each row is composed of three columns: a feature name column 801, a JDF attribute 802, and a correspondence column 803. It defines the paper features managed by the media management program and the corresponding JDF attributes, as well as how the two are associated.

[0085] The characteristic name column 801 is a column that describes the characteristics of the paper type managed by the media management program. A paper type is defined as a collection of multiple paper characteristics. In this embodiment, there are six paper characteristics: name, basis weight, size, surface quality, shape, and color. However, the paper characteristics are not limited to these six, and other examples are also possible.

[0086] A JDF attribute column 802 is a column that describes JDF attributes. A correspondence column 803 is a column that describes how the features in the feature name column 801 and the JDF attributes in the JDF attribute column 802 are associated with each other.

[0087] Let's explain with an example. The feature name "Name" on the first line corresponds to the JDF attribute "DescriptiveName", and indicates that the attribute value specified in the attribute "DescriptiveName" will become the value of the feature "Name" as is. However, if the character code used in JDF, UTF-8, is different from the character code used by the media management program, a character code conversion must be performed. Also, if special XML characters are included, they must be converted back to the original characters.

[0088] The features "surface quality" and "shape" will be explained using Figures 8(B) and 8(C). Note that although an explanation of color will be omitted, there is also a JDF paper attribute value color correspondence table, which describes the correspondence between the color values ​​of paper features and JDF attributes and attribute values, just like the tables in Figures 8(B) and 8(C).

[0089] 8(B) is a JDF paper attribute value surface-quality correspondence table 810 that lists the surface-quality values ​​of paper characteristics and the correspondence between JDF attributes and attribute values. Each row consists of a surface-quality characteristic value column 811 that lists the surface-quality value, and a JDF surface-quality attribute value column 812 that is a composite column that lists the JDF attribute and the attribute value. The JDF attribute is listed in JDF surface-quality attribute 813, and the attribute value corresponding to the characteristic value is listed in JDF surface-quality attribute value 814 below the surface-quality attribute 813.

[0090] An example will be given. The surface characteristic value "Film" in the first row is associated when the attribute value "Translucent" is specified for the JDF attribute "Opacity". Similarly, the surface characteristic value "Embossed" in the second row is associated when the JDF attribute "Texture" is specified for "Embossed". Note that the association is performed in order from the feature values ​​listed at the top of the table. For example, if the attribute value "Translucent" is specified for the JDF attribute "Opacity" and "Embossed" is specified for the JDF attribute "Texture", association with the feature value "Film" is performed first, so the surface characteristic value becomes "Film". By following this table, one surface characteristic value is determined regardless of the paper attribute specified. Note that the surface characteristic value, JDF attribute, and attribute value do not have to be limited to those listed here.

[0091] Figure 8(C) is a JDF paper attribute value shape correspondence table 820 which lists the correspondence between paper characteristic shape values ​​and JDF attributes and attribute values. The correspondence method is the same as that of the JDF paper attribute value surface property correspondence table 810, so a description thereof is omitted. Figure 8(B) is a table of paper characteristic surface properties, and Figure 8(C) is a table relating to paper characteristic shapes. The way to read the tables in Figure 8(C) is the same as in Figure 8(B), so a description thereof is omitted.

[0092] <Paper tray specification value and paper feed unit 2 2 Response 3> FIG. 9 shows an example of a paper tray attribute value correspondence table 900 used in the correspondence between the paper feed unit 223 and the JDF paper feed tray attribute value performed in the paper tray determination process in S604.

[0093] Each row of the paper tray attribute value correspondence table 900 is composed of a paper feed unit column 901 and a JDF attribute "LocationName" attribute value column 902, and defines the correspondence between each tray of the paper feed unit 223 and the JDF attribute value.

[0094] The paper feed section in the first row, main body left cassette 223a, corresponds to the attribute value "Tray-1" of the JDF "LocationName" attribute. That is, when the paper tray designation section 718 designates the paper tray of the Media section 715 with "Tray-1" designated in the "LocationName" attribute, the paper feed tray is determined to be the main body left cassette 223a in S604.

[0095] If a value not listed in the attribute value column 902 of the JDF attribute "LocationName" is specified, it is determined that the paper tray has not been determined in the paper tray determination process of S604, and the process transitions to S615 in the determination of S605. Also, if the upper level 223c, middle level 223d, or lower level 223e of the paper feed deck is specified while the removable paper feed device 220 is not connected, it is similarly determined that the paper tray has not been determined.

[0096] In this example, one paper feed unit corresponds to one "LocationName" attribute value, but multiple "LocationName" attribute values ​​may be assigned to one paper feed unit. Also, if multiple paper feed devices 220 exist and cannot be installed at the same time, it is possible to assign the same "LocationName" attribute value to multiple paper feed units 223.

[0097] <Flow chart for determining whether or not to register paper type> FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the control unit 205 in determining in S607 whether the paper type can be registered in the paper database.

[0098] In S1001, the control unit 205 determines whether the number of paper types registered and provisionally registered in the paper database has reached the upper limit. The number of paper types that can be registered is assumed to be predetermined. The number of registrations, including the number of paper types provisionally registered in S608, is used for this determination. If the number of registered and provisionally registered paper types has reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to S1004, and if not, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0099] In S1002, the control unit 205 determines whether the specified paper characteristic name overlaps with a paper that has already been registered or provisionally registered. The method for determining the paper characteristic name has been described with reference to Fig. 8A. If the name of the paper attribute is not specified, a unique name may be automatically given in S1002, and it may be determined that there is no overlap. If the paper name characteristic does not overlap, the process proceeds to S1003, and if it overlaps, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0100] In S1003, the control unit 205 judges whether the value of the paper characteristics determined in S603 or the combination thereof corresponds to a prohibited rule that cannot be registered in the paper database. The prohibited value or combination is determined in advance. For example, a prohibited value is a case where a value that cannot be set in any of the paper feed units 223 is specified for the size, or a value of basis weight that exceeds the thickness of paper that the image forming apparatus 200 can handle is specified for the basis weight. Forbidden combinations include, for example, a combination of a size of A5 and a shape that is not common, such as index paper, that the image forming apparatus 200 cannot handle, or a combination of a thickness of 60 g / m2 and an embossed surface, in which no paper can exist. If the result of the judgment corresponds to a prohibited rule, the process proceeds to S1004, and if not, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0101] In step S1004, the control unit 205 determines that this paper type cannot be registered, and ends the flow chart.

[0102] In S1005, the control unit 205 determines that this paper type can be registered, and ends the flow chart.

[0103] The determination in S607 is made based on the result of the determination in S1004 or S1005.

[0104] <Schematic diagram of JMF notifying the results of received jobs> 11-1 and 11-2 show examples of data sent in S615 or S616 to notify the result of the received job.

[0105] Figure 11-1 (A) is an example of data sent as a result of a received job when a job is canceled in S615. In this example, a JMF Command-ReturnQueueEntry command is used to notify the result of a JDF job.

[0106] Data sent when canceling a job 1100 is an example of data sent when Command-ReturnQueueEntry is sent in MIME format. Some parts have been omitted as appropriate. Data sent when canceling a job 1100 is largely composed of a Command-ReturnQueueEntry section 1101 and a notification JDF section 1103. The sections at the beginning, between sections, and at the end of the data are delimiters for headers and data sections required by the MIME format and the HTTP format.

[0107] A Command-Return Queue Entry section 1101 is a section in which a command for notifying the result of a received JDF job is written. A description of the command itself is omitted.

[0108] The ReturnQueueEntryParams section 1102 is a section that describes elements that store the results of a job. The "Aborted" attribute and its value "PrintJob1" mean that the JDF job with the ID "PrintJob1" has been aborted. The "URL" attribute indicates the location where the submitted JDF is located. The URL can use the cid protocol, which indicates that it is stored in the MIME data, or the http protocol, which indicates that it is located on an HTTP server.

[0109] The notification JDF section 1103 is a section that stores the JDF corresponding to the job notified by the Command-ReturnQueueEntry section 1101. Since the cid protocol is specified in the "URL" attribute of the ReturnQueueEntryParams section 1102, it is included in the transmission data 1100 when canceling a job. However, if the http protocol or the like is specified, the notification JDF section 1103 is placed on an external server or the like. The notification JDF section 1103 is JDF data that corresponds to the JDF data 710. Portions that are the same as the JDF data 710 are omitted in the description.

[0110] The AuditPool section 1104 is a section that describes the execution results of the JDF data 710 and the contents edited during the execution.

[0111] A Notification section 1105 is a section for describing the contents of the notification. Since this is an example of when a job cancellation occurs, the value of the “Type” attribute indicating the type of notification is “Error”, and the value of the “Class” attribute indicating the classification is “Fatal”, indicating job cancellation.

[0112] The Comment section 1106 is a section for describing the message to be notified. In this example, the case where the registration in the paper database and the number of provisionally registered papers reached the upper limit in S1001 is shown. The message describes the value of the ID attribute of the media section so that the media section 715 that caused the cancellation can be identified. An example of when job cancellation occurs for other reasons is shown in FIG. 11-1(B).

[0113] The ErrorElement section 1107 is a section for storing an identifier for identifying the cause of an error. As shown in the error correspondence table 1120, the value of the "ErrorID attribute" is assigned a different value for each cause of an error. Therefore, the cause of job cancellation can be identified from the value of this attribute alone, which is convenient when processing in a program or the like.

[0114] FIG. 11-1(B) shows an error correspondence table 1120 which describes the correspondence between the values ​​described in the Comment section 1106 and the ErrorElement section 1107 and the contents of the error that caused the job to be canceled.

[0115] The error content column 1121 is a column that describes the cause of the job cancellation. Each cause is explained in the flow charts of FIG.

[0116] The ErrorID column 1122 is a column that lists an identifier assigned to each error. It is used for the ErrorElement section 1107.

[0117] The error message column 1123 is a column that describes a message to be notified when an error occurs, and is used in the comment section 1106.

[0118] Figure 11-2 (C) is an example of data sent as the result of a received job after print processing has been performed in S616. As with Figure 11-1 (A), JMF Command-ReturnQueueEntry is used. If the operator cancels the print process or if the job is canceled for some reason, the cancellation notification shown in Figure 11-1 (A) is sent. Here, an example is shown when printing has completed normally.

[0119] Figure 11-1 (A) is an example of data sent as a result of a received job when a job is canceled in S615. In this example, a JMF Command-ReturnQueueEntry command is used to notify the result of a JDF job.

[0120] The second ReturnQueueEntryParams part 1121 is a portion describing elements for storing the results of a job when the job has been completed normally. The "Completed" attribute and its value "PrintJob1" indicate that the JDF job with the ID "PrintJob1" has been completed normally.

[0121] The second Notification section 1122 is a section for describing the contents of the notification when the job has been normally completed. The value of the "Type" attribute indicating the type of notification is "Events", and the value of the "Class" attribute indicating the classification is "Information".

[0122] The second comment section 1123 is a section for describing the message to be notified. In this example, the message is displayed when the Media section 715 with the "ID" attribute value "MED_000" is registered in the paper database in S613 and set in the main body left cassette 223a in S614. The content of the message section changes depending on the presence or absence and number of Media sections 715 registered in the paper database, and the presence or absence and number of Media sections 715 set in the paper feed section 213.

[0123] <Schematic diagram explaining the process flow> 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 are schematic diagrams for explaining the flow of processing in this embodiment, and show changes in data and settings in processing steps.

[0124] Fig. 12-1(A) shows the paper database 1200 before processing is performed. For simplicity, the attributes are name, size, surface quality, shape, and basis weight, and a unique ID is given as an identifier. There are four registered paper types. Note that "before processing is performed" refers to before the flowchart in Fig. 6 starts.

[0125] Figure 12-2 (B) shows the paper tray settings and paper in the tray 1201 before processing is performed. The paper type set for each paper feed unit listed in the Paper Feed Unit column is listed in the Set Paper column. The Actual Paper column lists the paper that is actually in the paper tray. As mentioned above, the operator first places in the paper tray the paper to be used for the job to be input according to the instructions. Since the paper settings are not changed via the UI, etc., the actual paper and the set paper do not match at this point. Note that the figure shows the Media ID listed in the JDF, but the instructions include the specific paper name and identifier.

[0126] Figure 12-1 (C) shows the specification 1202 of the Media section 715 of the JDF of the submitted job. The Media section 715 was explained in Figure 7-2. The ID column lists the value specified in the identifier that uniquely distinguishes the Media section 715. The AssignMedia column is a column that lists the value specified in the Paper Setting specification 717, or the fact that the Paper Setting specification 717 is not specified. The Paper Attribute / Identifier column is a column that lists the value specified in the Paper Type attribute specification 716, or the paper ID specification section 721. The LocationName column is a column that lists the value specified in the Paper Tray specification section 718. This figure shows that four papers are specified for the job to be submitted.

[0127] FIG. 12-2(D) shows the result 1203 of the paper characteristics determination process in S603 and the paper tray determination process in S604. In reality, the process is performed for each Media section 715, but in this figure, the process results of all Media sections 705 are illustrated together. Since the JDF job has three Media sections with the “AssignMedia” attribute, which is the paper setting specification 717, set to “true”, the process transitions from S602 to S603. Since the processes from S603 to S612 are performed only for the paper that is instructed to be set in the paper tray, they are performed only for the Media sections with IDs MEDIA_001, MEDIA_003, and MEDIA_004. The paper characteristics column contains the result of the paper characteristics determination process in S603. The method of obtaining the paper characteristics from the paper type attribute specification 716 was described using FIG. 8. The paper tray column contains the result of the paper tray determination in S604. The method of obtaining the paper tray from the attribute value of the paper tray specification section 718 was described using FIG. 9.

[0128] FIG. 12-2(E) is a diagram showing the results of the provisional registration of paper in S608. The paper database 1200 and provisionally registered paper 1204 are shown together. As described above, in S608, the paper is not registered in the paper database, but provisionally registered and stored in the RAM 208. Therefore, the state of the paper database 1200 is unchanged from the paper database 1200 before the processing was performed. The result of the determination of whether the paper is registered in the paper database in S606 is also shown. MEDIA_003, whose paper ID was specified by the paper ID specification unit 721, becomes a paper with a matching ID and name of "FESFE3". MEDIA001, whose paper characteristics are determined to be A4 size, index paper surface, and normal shape, becomes a paper with the name "KHAD2". MEDIA_004, which does not have a paper type with matching paper characteristics, is provisionally registered with the specified name of "Film1".

[0129] FIG. 12-3(F) shows the result 1205 of the association between the paper tray and the paper type in S611.

[0130] The paper type is associated with the paper feed unit 220 according to the results 1203 of the paper characteristics determination process in S603 and the paper tray determination process in S604. As described above, the set paper is not changed at this point. Therefore, the set paper is the same as the paper tray setting and the paper in tray 1201 before the process is performed.

[0131] FIG. 12-3(G) shows the paper database 1206 after the paper registration in S613.

[0132] The name of the provisional registration form 1204, "Film1", is registered in the paper registration database, and five paper types are registered. The provisional registration form 1204 recorded in the RAM 208 may be discarded.

[0133] FIG. 12-3(H) shows the paper tray settings and paper in the tray 1207 after the paper type has been set to the paper tray in S614. The result 1205 of the association between the paper tray and the paper type in S611 is set to the set paper. The paper type created and registered from the paper attributes of MEDIA_004 is set to the left cassette 223a, and the paper type determined from the paper ID of MEDIA_003 is set to the right cassette 223b. Also, the paper type determined from the paper attributes of MEDIA_001 is set to the upper tray 223c. Therefore, the paper placed in the paper tray before the job was submitted according to the instructions matches the set paper.

[0134] According to this embodiment, it is possible to execute printing by simply placing paper in the paper tray according to the instructions and submitting the job, and the paper settings for the paper tray are automatically executed. Also, the image forming device has a paper database, and if the paper specified in the job is not registered in the paper database, the specified paper is automatically registered. This makes it possible to omit the paper setting operation of the image forming device, which has a large task number in the preparation before printing.

[0135] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, it was assumed that the situation where paper is placed in the paper tray is carried out before the job is input. However, it is also assumed that the paper is not placed in the paper tray before the job is input, such as when there is another print job in the print queue or the like, or when printing is not carried out immediately. In this embodiment, it is possible to handle the case where paper is placed after the job is input.

[0136] In this embodiment, the operation when the job is received as a combination of a plurality of instructions will be described. Since the designation method and the operations of other processes can be separated, they can be mutually interchanged with the designation method of Embodiment 1. Also, as an example, the configuration of job data when using JMF and JDF will be described.

[0137] <Schematic diagram of JMF> FIGS. 13-1 and 13-2 show, among the job data received in this embodiment, FIGS. 13-1(A) and 13-1(B) are JMF data 1300, and FIG. 13-2(C) is JDF data 1310. The configuration of the job data is the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7-1(A) in Embodiment 1. Also in this embodiment, the JDF unit 702 and the PDL unit 703 can be arranged in an external server or the like and not included in the job data.

[0138] FIG. 13-1(A) is JMF data 1300 that constitutes the JMF unit 701 of the received job. The JMF unit 1301 is the part where JMF elements are described. JMF must start with the description from JMF elements. If the root element is not JMF, an XML syntax error is detected in S601. Also, JMF without any messages will similarly result in an XML syntax error. One or more of these messages are described inside the JMF unit 1301. In this embodiment, a job consisting of a combination of a plurality of instructions is created by describing two or three commands in the JMF unit 1301.

[0139] The paper registration command section 1302 is a section that describes a command for instructing to register the specified paper in the paper database. If the image forming apparatus 201 does not have a paper database, if the paper type has already been registered in the paper database, or if there is no need to register the paper type in the paper database, there is no need to specify the paper registration command section 1302. An example of when not specifying the command is shown separately in FIG. 13-2(B).

[0140] The registration media section 1303 is a section for specifying the paper to be registered in the paper registration command section 1302 .

[0141] The paper characteristics specification attribute section 1304 is a collection of attributes and attribute values ​​that specify the characteristics of the paper type registered by this command. For the Media section specified by the paper registration command section 1302, the characteristics of the paper type are specified by the paper attributes. It is not possible to specify using a paper database identifier, as in the case of the second Media section 720. The correspondence between the JDF attributes, attribute values, and the paper characteristics managed by the media management program 410 is the same as that explained in the first embodiment.

[0142] A paper setting command portion 1305 is a portion that describes a command for instructing to set a specified paper in a paper tray.

[0143] A setting paper tray designation portion 1306 is a portion for designating a paper tray for setting paper with a paper setting command. The values ​​that can be designated for the "Location" attribute are the same as the values ​​that can be designated for the "LocationName" attribute of the paper tray designation portion 718 in the first embodiment, and the correspondence between the paper feed unit 220 and the JDF attribute values ​​is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0144] A set paper MediaRef 1307 is a section for specifying the paper to be set in the paper tray specified in the set paper tray specification section 1306. In this example, the paper is specified by referencing the paper specified in the registered Media section 1303. It is also possible to specify the Media section without referencing. Also, the paper to be set does not have to be the same as the paper registered in the paper registration command section 1302.

[0145] A print command section 1308 is a section in which a command for instructing printing is described.

[0146] The JDF specification section 1309 is a section for specifying the JDF to be used in the print command. The location where the JDF data is located is specified in the URL attribute. In this example, a specification method is shown when JDF data is included in the MIME data.

[0147] 13-2(B) shows second JMF data 1310 that does not include a paper registration command section 1302. This can be used by replacing the JMF section 701.

[0148] A second paper setting command section 1312 is an example of a method for specifying a paper setting command when the paper registration command section 1302 is not specified.

[0149] A second registered media section 1314 is a section for specifying the paper to be set by the paper setting command. In this example, the paper type is specified using an ID that is an identifier of the paper database, but it is also possible to specify the type using paper attributes as in the registered media section 1303.

[0150] It is possible to specify a plurality of paper registration command sections 1302 and a plurality of paper setting command sections 1305. However, the order in which the command sections are specified is the paper registration command section 1302, the paper setting command section 1305, and the print command section 1308.

[0151] FIG. 13-2(C) is a second JDF section 1320 showing an example of a JDF section. In the example shown by the second JDF section 1320, unlike the JDF section 710, the Media section 715 is not specified, and the MediaRef section 714 refers to the Media specified in the JMF section. By specifying it in this way, it is possible to more clearly indicate that the paper to be used is the same as the paper specified in the JMF section. As described in the JDF section 710, it is also possible to specify the same paper as the Media specified in the JMF section by specifying the paper identifier and paper attributes. It is also possible to specify a paper other than the Media specified in the JMF section. In that case, the paper settings for that paper are not implemented.

[0152] <Flow chart of job reception in the second embodiment> 14 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing when a job is received in this embodiment. The flow chart starts when a job is received.

[0153] In S1401, the control unit 205 analyzes the JMF section 701. The analysis is the same as normal XML analysis. In S1402, the control unit 205 determines whether both the paper setting command sections 1305 and 1312 and the print command section 1308 are specified in the JMF data analyzed in S1401. If only one or neither is specified, the process proceeds to S1406, and if both are specified, the process proceeds to S1403.

[0154] In S1403, the control unit 205 determines whether the print command is specified after the paper setting command. "Specified after" means that it is written after the command in XML notation. When multiple messages are specified in JMF, the messages are usually processed in the order of the XML notation. In other words, the determination made here is whether the paper setting command is specified to be executed before the print command. If the print command is specified after the paper setting command, proceed to S1404, and if not, proceed to S1406.

[0155] In S1404, the control unit 205 determines whether the JMF data analyzed in S1401 specifies the paper registration command section 1302. If the paper registration command section is included, the process proceeds to S1405, and if not, the process proceeds to S1408.

[0156] In S1405, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper registration command section 1302 is specified before the print command section 1308 in XML notation. If the paper registration command is specified before the paper setting command, the process proceeds to S1407, and if not, the process proceeds to S1408.

[0157] In S1406, the control unit 205 determines that all messages included in the JMF are to be processed immediately, and records the determination result in the RAM 208. If a determination is made, the process proceeds to S1409.

[0158] In S1407, the control unit 205 determines that the paper setting command and the paper registration command are to be processed during the job, and that other messages are to be processed immediately. The result of the determination is recorded in the RAM 208. If a determination is made, the process proceeds to S1409.

[0159] In S1408, the control unit 205 determines that the paper setting command is to be processed during the job and that other messages are to be processed immediately. The result of the determination is recorded in the RAM 208. If a determination is made, the process proceeds to S1409.

[0160] In S1409, the control unit 205 executes message processing. This processing will be explained using the flow diagram of FIG.

[0161] <Message processing flow diagram> FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the message processing performed in S1409.

[0162] In S1501, the control unit 205 executes pre-processing of a paper registration command for job-time processing. This process will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In S1502, the control unit 205 executes pre-processing of a paper setting command for job-time processing. This process will be described with reference to Fig. 17.

[0163] S1503 to S1512 are performed for each message determined to require immediate processing in S1406, S1407, and S1408.

[0164] In step 1503, the control unit 205 determines whether the message to be processed is a print command. The print command is specified by the print command unit 1308. If the message is not a print command, the process proceeds to S1504, and if it is a print command, the process proceeds to S1505.

[0165] In S1504, the control unit 205 performs normal message processing. The content of the processing varies depending on the type of message. The message processing performed here is the same as normal JMF message processing, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] In S1505, the control unit 205 acquires and analyzes the JDF portion designated in the JDF designation portion 1309 of the target print command. The analysis of the JDF is the same as that described in S601.

[0167] In S1506, the control unit 205 creates a print job based on the JDF result analyzed in S1505. The content, print settings, etc. specified in the JDF are linked. Normally, the created print job is registered in a print job queue, but in this step, registration in the print job queue is not performed and the process proceeds to S1507.

[0168] In S1507, the control unit 205 determines whether the print job uses the paper type in the paper setting command. As described in FIG. 13-2(C), if the Media specified in the paper setting command is specified by direct reference, it is determined that it is being used. Also, if an attribute or identifier is specified and a paper tray is specified, the paper characteristics determination process of S603 is performed. If both the paper type and paper tray match the paper type and paper tray of the Media specified in the paper setting command, it is determined that it is being used. If either or both do not match, or if a paper tray is not specified, it is determined that it is not being used. If the paper type set in the paper setting is being used, the process proceeds to S1508, and if it is not being used, the process proceeds to S1510.

[0169] In S1508, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper types determined to be in use in S1507 include the paper types determined to be unsettable in S1707. If it is determined that they are included, the process proceeds to S1512, and if it is determined that they are not included, the process proceeds to S1509.

[0170] In S1510, the control unit 205 associates the print job created in S1506 with the association between the paper tray and the paper type created in S1506. The association is the association between the paper tray and the paper type including the paper type determined to be used in S1507. After the association is made, it is recorded in the RAM 208 and the process proceeds to S1511.

[0171] In S1510, the control unit 205 determines whether the correspondence between the paper tray and the paper type associated with the print job in S1510 includes the same paper tray but different paper type. If so, the process proceeds to S1512, and if not, the process proceeds to S1511.

[0172] In S1511, the print job created in S1506 is registered in a print job queue. The print job queue controls the execution order of accepted jobs. Normally, print jobs are executed in the order they were accepted as soon as resources become available. In S1512, the control unit 205 cancels the print job created in S1506.

[0173] In S1513, the control unit 205 determines whether there is an unprocessed message to be processed immediately. If there is an unprocessed message to be processed immediately, the process proceeds to S1503 and the process is performed. If there is no unprocessed message to be processed immediately, the process ends.

[0174] <Flow chart of pre-processing of paper registration command for job processing> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of pre-processing of the paper registration command in job-time processing in S1501.

[0175] In S1601, the control unit 205 determines whether there is any paper registration command that was determined to be processed during a job in S1407 and for which processing from S1602 to S1605 has not yet been performed. If there is an unprocessed paper registration command, the process proceeds to S1602 and performs processing. If there is no unprocessed paper registration command, the flow chart ends.

[0176] In S1602, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper registration command section 1302 of the target paper registration command has an unprocessed registered Media section 1303. If an unprocessed registered Media section 1303 exists, the process proceeds to S1603 and performs processing. If an unprocessed registered Media section 1303 does not exist, the process proceeds to S1601.

[0177] In S1603, the control unit 205 performs a paper characteristic determination process. This process is the same as S603. After performing the paper characteristic determination process, the flow proceeds to S1604. In S1604, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper type can be registered in the paper database. This process is the same as S607. If it is determined that the paper type can be registered, the process proceeds to S1605, and if it is determined that the paper type cannot be registered, the process proceeds to S1602.

[0178] In S1605, the control unit 205 creates a paper type having the paper characteristics determined in S1603 and provisionally registers it in the paper database. This process is the same as S608. After provisional registration, the process proceeds to S1602.

[0179] By pre-processing of the paper registration command for job-time processing, the paper type specified in the paper registration command determined to be for job-time processing is provisionally registered in the paper database.

[0180] <Flow chart of pre-processing of paper setting command during job processing> FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of pre-processing of the paper setting command in the job processing in S1502.

[0181] In S1701, the control unit 205 determines whether there is any paper setting command that has been determined to be processed during a job in S1407 or S1408 and for which the processing in S1702 to S1707 has not yet been performed. If there is an unprocessed paper setting command, the process proceeds to S1702 and performs the processing. If there is no unprocessed paper setting command, the flow chart ends.

[0182] In S1702, the control unit 205 performs paper characteristics determination processing. This processing is the same as S603. Note that if the registration Media portion 1303 of the paper registration command is referenced, this step may be omitted and the paper characteristics may be considered to have been determined. After the paper characteristics determination processing is performed, the process proceeds to S1703. In S1703, the control unit 205 performs a paper tray determination process. This process is the same as S604. After performing the paper tray determination process, the flow proceeds to S1704. In S1704, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper characteristics and paper tray have been determined in S1702 and S1703. If either or both have not been determined, the process proceeds to S1707. If both have been determined, the process proceeds to S1705. In S1705, the control unit 205 judges whether the paper type can be set in the paper tray. Unlike S610, only the judgment based on the capacity information of the paper tray is performed. Since this embodiment does not assume that the paper has been replaced when the job is input, the automatically detected size of the paper currently in the paper cassette is not used for the judgment. Also, since the associations created in S1706 are not all used in the same print job, even if there is an association of a paper type with the same paper tray, it does not mean that the setting is impossible. A similar judgment is performed in S1510, so it is not used for the judgment here. The judgment using the capacity information of the paper tray was explained in S610. If it is judged that the setting is possible as a result of the judgment, proceed to S1706, and if it is judged that the setting is not possible, proceed to S1707.

[0183] In S1706, the control unit 205 associates the paper tray with the paper type and stores the association in the RAM 208. Unlike S611, the association is stored for each accepted job. Also, if the accepted JDF is allowed to reference the JMF Media, it is recommended that the Media ID be associated and stored as well. Once stored, proceed to S1701.

[0184] In S1707, the control unit 205 determines that the result of the paper setting command is not configurable, and stores the result in association with the paper setting command. As described above, the print job that uses the paper type in the paper setting command determined to be not configurable proceeds from S1508 to S1612 and is canceled. After storing the result, the process proceeds to S1701.

[0185] By pre-processing of the paper setting command for job time processing, a correspondence is created between the paper type specified in the paper setting command determined to be for job time processing and the specified paper tray.

[0186] <Flow diagram of job execution processing> FIG. 18 shows job execution processing that is performed when the print job registered in the print job queue in S1511 is to be executed.

[0187] In S1801, the control unit 205 refers to the print job associated with the paper tray and paper type created in S1510, and determines whether there is a paper tray and paper type associated with this print job. If there is a paper tray and paper type association, the process proceeds to S1802, and if there is not, the process proceeds to S1811.

[0188] In S1802, the control unit 205 determines whether the target paper type is not set in the target paper tray among the correspondence between paper trays and paper types acquired in S1801. If there is an unset paper type, the control unit 205 stores the paper type and paper tray in the RAM 208 and proceeds to S1803. If there is no unset paper type, the control unit 205 proceeds to S1807.

[0189] In S1803, the control unit 205 displays a paper replacement instruction screen 1900 on the operation unit 204. The paper type and paper tray stored in S1803 are displayed on the paper replacement instruction screen 1900. The paper replacement instruction screen will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Once it is displayed, the process proceeds to S1804.

[0190] In S1804, the control unit 205 waits for an operation by the operator. If any operation is received, the process proceeds to S1805.

[0191] In S1805, the control unit 205 determines whether the received operation is an operation to select cancel. The operation to select cancel will be described with reference to Fig. 19. If the received input operation is an operation to select cancel, the process proceeds to S1810, and if not, the process proceeds to S1806.

[0192] In S1806, the control unit 205 determines whether the received operation was an operation by which the operator determined that paper replacement was complete. There are various possible methods for determining that paper replacement is complete, but two examples are shown here. The first is when the operator selects the OK button 1903, which indicates that the replacement operation has been performed. The second is when the operator opens and closes all of the target paper trays. If either operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S1807, and if not, the process proceeds to S1804.

[0193] In S1807, the control unit 205 determines whether the paper type to be used in the print job has been provisionally registered. The provisional registration was performed in S1605. If the provisionally registered paper type to be used is included, the process proceeds to S1808, and if not, the process proceeds to S1809.

[0194] In S1808, the control unit 205 registers the paper type provisionally registered and stored in the RAM 208 in S608 in the paper database, and stores it in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209. This process is the same as S613. After registration, the process proceeds to S1809.

[0195] In S1809, the control unit 205 sets the paper type to the paper tray stored in S1802, and stores the paper type in the HDD 209 and the RAM 208. After setting, the process proceeds to S1811. In S1810, the control unit 205 cancels the print job and deletes it from the print job queue. After canceling the print job, the process proceeds to S1812.

[0196] In S1811, the control unit 205 executes printing of the target print job. This printing process is the same as normal, so details will be omitted. Note that the information returned after printing may be the same as that in the first embodiment. After executing the print job, the target print job is deleted from the print job queue, and the process proceeds to S1812.

[0197] In S1812, the control unit 205 deletes the paper tray and paper type correspondence that is associated only with the target print job. Also, deletes the paper types that are not used by any print job in the print job queue from the provisionally registered paper types. After the deletion, the flow chart ends.

[0198] The paper tray for the paper type that has been set is set immediately before the print job is actually executed. Note that the operation of setting the paper tray for the paper type immediately before the print job is executed for all received jobs has been described. However, the paper tray for the paper type is set immediately before the print job is executed only when there is a preceding job in the print job queue, and if there is no preceding job, the operation of embodiment 1 may be performed.

[0199] <Schematic diagram of the screen displayed on the operation unit> Fig. 19 is an example of a paper replacement instruction screen 1900 displayed on the operation unit 204 in S1803. Note that, here, if there is paper in the paper tray originally, it is necessary to replace the paper, but if there is no paper in the paper tray, it is sufficient to simply insert paper. Furthermore, although an example is shown in which "Please replace" is displayed on the screen in Fig. 19, for example, "Please insert" may also be displayed.

[0200] FIG. 19A shows a paper replacement instruction screen 1900 displayed on the operation unit 204 when the operation determined in S1806 as an operation indicating that the operator has complied with the paper replacement instruction is to select an OK button 1903.

[0201] The set paper tray and paper type display section 1901 is an area that displays the paper tray and paper type that are determined to be associated with this job in S1801 and that are determined to have no paper type set in the paper tray in S1802. All determined paper trays and paper types are displayed.

[0202] The set paper tray display section 1902 is an area for easily illustrating where in the printing device 200 the paper tray displayed in the set paper tray / paper type display section 1901 is located.

[0203] An OK button 1903 is a button for notifying that the paper replacement has been completed in accordance with the paper replacement instruction. When the OK button 1903 is selected, the process transitions from S1806 to S1807.

[0204] A cancel button 1904 is a button for instructing to interrupt the print job. When the cancel button 1904 is selected, the display of the paper replacement instruction screen 1900 is cleared, and the process transitions from S1805 to S1810.

[0205] FIG. 19(B) shows a second paper replacement instruction screen 1910 that is displayed on the operation unit 204 when the operation by which the operator determines in S1806 that paper replacement is complete is the opening and closing of all of the target paper feed units 223.

[0206] The second set paper tray paper type display area 1911 is a display area having the same function as the set paper tray paper type display area 1901, but it is desirable to display it so that the operator can determine whether the paper feed unit 223 corresponding to the paper tray has been opened or closed. In the example shown in the figure, the "main body left cassette" has not been opened or closed, so "Not performed" is displayed. When the open / close detection function of the paper feed unit 223 detects an open / close operation, the display is changed to "Performed". When the opening and closing of the paper feed units 223 corresponding to all target paper trays is detected, the display of the paper replacement instruction screen 1900 is cleared, and the process transitions from S1806 to S1807.

[0207] <Schematic diagram for explaining the processing flow of the second embodiment> 20-1 to 20-9 are schematic diagrams for explaining the flow of processing in this embodiment. Only the characteristic parts of the second embodiment are described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0208] The paper database before the process is the same as that shown in Fig. 12-1(A). In the second embodiment, since there is no need to change the paper when submitting a print job, the paper setting matches the paper actually in the paper tray. The paper tray setting before the process is the one shown in Fig. 20-1(A).

[0209] FIG. 20-1(B) shows the job status 2001 before acceptance. It shows the state of the print job queue and the job acceptance processing process before accepting a job, which will be described below. The print job queue already contains a preceding print job 1, which is a job that is being printed. Note that no paper settings have been specified for preceding job 1.

[0210] Figure 20-2(C) shows the JMF and JDF contents of the jobs that will be accepted in the future. The JMF / JDF specification 2002 for submitted job 1 shows the contents of the job that will be accepted first, and the JMF / JDF specification 2003 for submitted job 2 shows the contents of the job that will be accepted later.

[0211] When submitted job 1 and submitted job 2 are accepted, the process shown in Fig. 14 for accepting received jobs is performed for each. In both cases, it is assumed that in S1407 it was determined that the paper settings and paper command are to be processed immediately, and the print command is to be processed immediately.

[0212] For submitted job 1, pre-processing of the paper registration command is executed in S1501. In S1603, paper characteristics determination processing is performed for the paper whose "ID" attribute in the paper registration command is "MEDIA_004". The determination result at this time is the same as the result shown in Figure 12-2 (D) for the "ID" attribute being "MEDIA_004". In addition, provisional registration of the paper type is performed in S1605. The result after provisional registration is the same as that shown in Figure 12-2 (E).

[0213] For submitted job 1, preprocessing of the paper setting command is executed in S1502. In S1702, paper characteristics determination processing is performed for paper whose "ID" attribute in the paper setting command is "MEDIA_001". The determination result at this time is the same as the result shown in FIG. 12-2(D) for the "ID" attribute being "MEDIA_001". In S1703, paper tray determination processing is performed for each paper setting command. The determination result at this time is the same as that shown in FIG. 12-2(D).

[0214] In S1706, the paper tray and paper type are associated and stored. Here, to allow the JMF Media section to be referenced from the JDF, the Media "ID" attribute value is also associated and stored. The result of this association is shown in Figure 20-3 (D).

[0215] Similarly, the result after provisional registration in S1605 for submitted job 2 is shown in FIG. 20-3(E). The result of the paper characteristics determination process in S1603 and S1702 and the paper tray determination process in S1703 is shown in FIG. 20-4(F). The result of associating the paper tray and paper type in S1706 is shown in FIG. 20-4(G).

[0216] FIG. 20-5(H) shows the job status when print jobs are created in S1506 for submitted job 1 and submitted job 2. Submitted job 1 and submitted job 2 are created and given the IDs "job2" and "job3", respectively.

[0217] Figure 20-5(I) shows the results of associating print jobs with paper tray / paper type associations in S1509 for submitted job 1 and submitted job 2. Of the paper types specified in the paper setting command for submitted job 1, those determined to be in use in S1507 are those with the "ID" attribute of "MEDIA_001" and "MEDIA_004". Similarly, for submitted job 2, the only paper tray / paper type association with the "ID" attribute is "MEDIA_006". By associating the IDs assigned to the print jobs, the result 2008 of the association between print jobs, paper trays, and paper types is obtained.

[0218] In S1511, the print jobs created in S1506 for submitted job 1 and submitted job 2 are registered in the print job queue. Figure 20-6(J) shows the state of the print job queue after registration in the print job queue. Submitted job 1 and submitted job 2 are in a waiting state for printing.

[0219] After the printing of the preceding job 1 is completed, the job execution process is performed for the input job 1. The job status at this time becomes the job status 2010 after the preceding job is completed in FIG. 20-6(K).

[0220] Job execution processing for input job 1 is started, and in S1801, the result 2008 of the association between the print job, paper tray, and paper type is referenced. The print job with ID "job1" is associated with the upper paper feed deck 223C and the paper type named "KHAD2" and ID "3", so the process transitions from S1801 to S1802. When the paper settings in FIG. 20A are referenced in S1802, the left main body cassette 223a is associated with the paper type named "Film1" and ID "5", and the upper paper feed deck 223C is associated with the paper type named "MJTR1" and ID "1". Therefore, the association It is determined that the paper does not match, and the process transitions to S1803. At S1803, a paper replacement instruction screen 1900 is displayed. The set paper tray paper type display area 1901 displays "(1) Left cassette of main body", "Film1", and "(3) Upper feed deck", "KHAD2". If the OK button 1903 is selected at S1806, the process proceeds to S1807. Since the paper with the name "Film1" and ID "5" is a provisionally registered paper, the process proceeds from S1807 to S1808, The paper type is registered. Figure 20-7(L) shows the state of the paper database after the paper type of input job 1 is registered. In S1809, the paper type is set to the paper tray. Because the paper has been replaced by the operator on the paper replacement instruction screen 1900, both the paper in the paper tray and the paper type in the paper settings are as specified in print job 1. Figure 20-7(M) shows the correspondence between the paper tray settings and the paper in the paper tray after the settings have been made. In S1812, the correspondence between the paper tray and paper type associated with print job 1 is deleted, resulting in the correspondence 2012 between the print job, paper tray, and paper type after input job 1 is completed in Figure 20-8(N). Also, in S1812, the temporarily registered paper that is not used is deleted from the input print job. The paper type named "Cotton1" is deleted because it is not used in print job 2, and the paper database becomes the state shown in Figure 20-8(O).

[0221] Similarly, after the printing of input job 1 is completed, job execution processing is performed for input job 2. The job status at this time becomes job status 2010 after input job 1 is completed as shown in FIG. 20-9(P).

[0222] In S1801 of submitted job 2, the result 2008 of the association between print jobs, paper trays, and paper types is referenced. In S1803, "(3) Paper Feed Deck Upper" and "MJTR1" are displayed in the set paper tray paper type display area 1901. Since there is no print job provisionally registered for the paper to be used, the process transitions from S1807 to S1809, and paper named "MJTR1" is set for the "Paper Feed Deck Upper" 223C. The paper tray settings after the settings and the association of the paper in the paper tray are shown in Figure 20-9 (Q). In S1812, the association between the paper tray and paper type associated with print job 1 is deleted, and the association becomes empty. Since there is no paper type provisionally registered, there is no need to delete it.

[0223] According to this embodiment, by simply placing the paper to be used when the print job is executed in the paper tray, the paper settings for the paper tray are automatically performed and printing is executed. Unlike the first embodiment, there is no need to change the paper when the print job is sent, and it is sufficient to simply set the paper according to the instructions displayed when the print job is executed.

[0224] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the programs.

[0225] According to the embodiment described above, the type of paper in the paper feed unit can be set in the image forming device using the paper specification of the print job. Even when printing requires paper replacement, the operator only needs to put paper in the paper feed tray and run the job, and no operation is required to notify the image forming device of the paper settings. This reduces the operator's effort in setting the paper in the paper feed unit and prevents setting errors.

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving a print job; a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper placed in the paper feed unit based on the instruction information when the print job includes instruction information for instructing setting of paper information for the paper placed in the paper feed unit; an execution unit that executes printing based on the print job and the paper information set by the setting unit;

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the print job includes information instructing a paper feed unit to set paper information.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a paper type of the paper placed in the paper feed unit.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit performs setting before the execution unit executes printing based on the print job.

5. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the paper type is defined as a collection of a plurality of paper characteristics, and the paper characteristics include at least one of a name, a basis weight, a size, a surface property, a shape, and a color.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper feed section is a paper tray.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the image forming apparatus has a plurality of paper feed units, the print job includes information specifying a paper feed unit, and the setting means sets paper information for the specified paper feed unit.

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job; a setting step of setting paper information of the paper placed in the paper feed section based on the instruction information when the print job includes instruction information for instructing setting of paper information of the paper placed in the paper feed section; A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an execution step of executing printing based on the print job and the paper information set by the setting means.

9. 9. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a determination step of determining whether or not the print job includes information instructing a paper feed unit to set paper information.

10. 10. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the setting step, a paper type of the paper placed in the paper feed section is set.

11. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the setting step performs setting before the execution step executes printing based on the print job.

Images