Image forming apparatus, notification method, and program

Abstract

To provide a structure that enables a user to easily recognize that an image formation device is set in a manually set mode.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1 comprises a sensor 20 that senses the kind of a sheet, a display device 71 and a control device 100. The control device 100 makes the display device 71 display a UI screen for receiving a user operation to the image formation device 1. The UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation of designating the kind of a sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation of designating if image formation is performed on the basis of the kind of a sheet sensed by the sensor 20 or the kind of a sheet designated on the first UI screen. The control device 100 is configured to execute a notification of the content designated on the second UI screen, the notification in a mode different from display on the second UI screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a notification method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to perform optimal image formation (hereinafter also referred to as "printing"), image forming devices change the sheet conveyance speed and fixing temperature according to the sheet type. Therefore, if the sheet type set in the image forming device differs from the sheet type used for printing, paper jams and image abnormalities may occur. When a user specifies the sheet type by knowing it, the sheet type may not be set correctly due to misunderstanding or an error in the specification operation. Furthermore, some users may not understand the differences between sheet types, and in such cases, the sheet type may not be set correctly.

[0003] Therefore, a method is known in which an image forming apparatus is provided with a sensor that detects the type of sheet, and the type of sheet is automatically set. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-58084 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-142713 (Patent Document 2) disclose image forming apparatuses equipped with a sensor that detects the type of sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-58084 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-142713 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In an image forming apparatus equipped with the above-described sensor, the sheet type detected by the sensor is automatically set, making it easy to correctly set the sheet type. However, since there are various types of sheets used in image forming apparatuses, it is difficult for the above-described sensor to detect all of them. Therefore, there is known an image forming apparatus configured to be switchable between a mode in which image formation is performed based on the sheet type specified by the user (hereinafter also referred to as a "manual setting mode") and a mode in which image formation is performed based on the sheet type detected by the sensor (hereinafter also referred to as an "automatic detection mode").

[0006] In such image forming devices that can be switched between manual setting mode and automatic detection mode, the only way to check which mode the image forming device is set to is on the screen that specifies the mode, making it difficult for users to recognize that the image forming device is set to manual setting mode. As a result, image formation may be performed without the sheet type being properly specified, resulting in paper jams and image abnormalities.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily recognize that an image forming apparatus is set to the manual setting mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure forms an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus includes a sensor that detects the type of sheet, a display device, and a control device that controls the image forming apparatus. The control device causes the display device to display a UI (User Interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming apparatus. The UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving user operations that specify the type of sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving user operations that specify whether image formation is to be based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor or the type of sheet specified on the first UI screen. The control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen.

[0009] Preferably, the control device is configured to execute the above-mentioned notification when it is specified to form an image based on the type of sheet specified on the first UI screen.

[0010] Preferably, the control device is configured not to issue the above-mentioned notification when image formation is designated based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the UI screen includes a hierarchical UI screen. The hierarchical UI screen includes a first UI screen, a second UI screen, and a third UI screen that is higher in the hierarchy than the first UI screen and the second UI screen. The first UI screen is a screen that is higher in the hierarchy than the second UI screen. The notification includes displaying an image object on the third UI screen that indicates the content specified on the second UI screen.

[0012] Preferably, the image object is always displayed on the third UI screen.

[0013] Preferably, the image object is displayed on the third UI screen at a predetermined cycle.

[0014] Preferably, the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when a user operation on the third UI screen is started, and is erased from the third UI screen when the user operation on the third UI screen is finished.

[0015] Preferably, the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when an operation for inputting information about the sheet is started among user operations on the third UI screen.

[0016] Preferably, the notification includes displaying an image object on the first UI screen.

[0017] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a speaker, and the notification includes outputting a sound from the speaker that indicates the content specified on the second UI screen.

[0018] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes at least one paper feed tray for feeding sheets. The control device is configured to execute the above-mentioned notification when the at least one paper feed tray transitions to a state in which sheets can be replenished.

[0019] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an openable manual feed tray for stacking sheets. The control device is configured to execute the above-described notification when the manual feed tray transitions from a closed state to an open state, or when the open manual feed tray transitions from a state where no sheets are loaded to a state where sheets are loaded.

[0020] Preferably, the control device is configured to execute the above-mentioned notification when the image forming apparatus is powered on or when the image forming apparatus transitions from a power saving state to a normal power state.

[0021] Preferably, the control device is configured to receive, as an initial setting, a designation of whether image formation is to be based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor or the type of sheet designated on the first UI screen, and to execute the above-mentioned notification when the content designated on the second UI screen differs from the content set in the initial setting.

[0022] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. The control device is configured to, when receiving an instruction to start image formation, execute the above-mentioned notification in response to a designation that image formation is to be performed based on the sheet type designated on the first UI screen. The image forming unit starts image formation when the user agrees to image formation being performed based on the sheet type designated on the first UI screen.

[0023] Preferably, the control device is configured to prompt switching to a setting in which image formation is performed based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor when image formation is specified based on the type of sheet specified on the first UI screen.

[0024] A notification method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer. The notification method includes displaying, on a display device, a UI (User Interface) screen for receiving user operations for the image forming apparatus. The UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying a sheet type, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be based on a sheet type detected by a sensor or a sheet type specified on the first UI screen. The notification method further includes notifying the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from that displayed on the second UI screen.

[0025] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a processor installed in a computer, and causes the computer to execute the notification method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present disclosure, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus is set to the manual setting mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing a table used when determining the type of a sheet in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a display mode of an image object in Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 1. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a display mode of an image object in Modification 2. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 2. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a display mode of an image object in Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 4. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 4. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 5. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 5. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 6. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 6. [Figure 17] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 8. [Figure 18] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 8. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an external device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0029] (Configuration of image forming device) The configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a table used when determining the type of sheet in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with a copying function, a printing function, and a scanning function, and forms an image on a sheet (for example, paper, label sticker, envelope, OHP (Overhead Projector) film, etc.) by electrophotography. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image by adjusting the sheet conveyance speed, fixing temperature, etc. based on the type of sheet detected by a sensor 20 (described later) or the type of sheet specified by the user.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a scanner 10, a sensor 20, a print engine 30, a fixing device 40, a paper feeder 50, an operation panel 70, a communication device 80, a control device 100, a storage device 120, and a memory card interface 130. The scanner 10, the sensor 20, the print engine 30, the fixing device 40, the paper feeder 50, the operation panel 70, the communication device 80, the control device 100, the storage device 120, and the memory card interface 130 are connected to each other via an internal bus 99 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0032] The scanner 10 optically reads (scans) an original document placed on a glass surface or an original document conveyed from an automatic document feeder, thereby obtaining image data of the original document.

[0033] The sensor 20 detects the type of the conveyed sheet (thin paper, regular paper, cardboard, label sticker, envelope, OHP film, etc.). The sensor 20 is provided along the sheet conveyance path 60, between the registration roller 150 and the paper feed roller 160. The sensor 20 includes a light-emitting unit 21 that irradiates the sheet with light, and a light-receiving unit 22 that receives light transmitted through the sheet. The light-emitting unit 21 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 are disposed in opposing positions across the conveyance path 60.

[0034] The storage device 120 stores a table TB. The table TB is a table that associates information specifying the type of sheet that may be used in the image forming apparatus 1 with the value of transmitted light detected by the light receiving unit 22 when light is irradiated onto the sheet. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the table TB associates the basis weight of the sheet as information specifying the type of sheet. As an example, basis weight A indicates the basis weight of thin paper, basis weight B indicates the basis weight of regular paper, and basis weight C indicates the basis weight of thick paper. The detected value of transmitted light detected by the light receiving unit 22 is, for example, a voltage value or a current value.

[0035] In image forming apparatus 1, the user can specify whether image formation is to be performed based on the sheet type detected by sensor 20 or on the sheet type specified by the user. When it is specified that image formation be performed based on the sheet type detected by sensor 20, light emitting unit 21 irradiates light onto the sheet stopped by registration roller 150. When light receiving unit 22 receives transmitted light, sensor 20 refers to table TB and identifies the basis weight corresponding to the detected value of the transmitted light, thereby determining the type of sheet.

[0036] The light receiving unit 22 may receive light reflected by the sheet. In this case, the light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 are arranged side by side on the same side of the conveying path 60, and the sensor 20 determines the type of sheet from the detected value of the reflected light (for example, a voltage value or a current value).

[0037] The sensor 20 may also include a light-emitting unit 21 that irradiates the sheet with light, a light-receiving unit 22 that receives transmitted light that has passed through the sheet, and a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light that has been reflected by the sheet. In this case, the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 are disposed in opposing positions across the conveying path 60, and the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit that receives reflected light are arranged side by side on the same side of the conveying path 60. The sensor 20 then determines the type of sheet from a combination of the detected values ​​of the transmitted light and the reflected light.

[0038] Furthermore, a plurality of light emitting sections 21 may be provided in accordance with the type of sheet to be identified.

[0039] The print engine 30 is an example of an "image forming unit." The print engine 30 forms an image on a sheet using four colors of toner: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Hereinafter, forming an image is also referred to as "printing."

[0040] The print engine 30 includes imaging units 3C, 3M, 3Y, and 3K, primary transfer rollers 36C, 36M, 36Y, and 36K, an intermediate transfer belt 37, and a secondary transfer roller 38. The imaging units 3C, 3M, 3Y, and 3K are arranged in order along the intermediate transfer belt 37.

[0041] Imaging unit 3C includes a photoconductor 31C, a charging device 32C, an exposure device 33C, a developing device 34C, and a toner bottle 35C, and forms a cyan toner image. Imaging unit 3M includes a photoconductor 31M, a charging device 32M, an exposure device 33M, a developing device 34M, and a toner bottle 35M, and forms a magenta toner image. Imaging unit 3Y includes a photoconductor 31Y, a charging device 32Y, an exposure device 33Y, a developing device 34Y, and a toner bottle 35Y, and forms a yellow toner image. Imaging unit 3K includes a photoconductor 31K, a charging device 32K, an exposure device 33K, a developing device 34K, and a toner bottle 35K, and forms a black toner image. The C, M, Y, and K attached to the reference symbols of each component correspond to the toner colors. Hereinafter, when the components are referred to collectively, only the numbers corresponding to the components are used, and C, M, Y, and K are not used. For example, when photoreceptors 31C, 31M, 31Y, and 31K are referred to collectively, they may be referred to as photoreceptor 31.

[0042] Each photoconductor 31 carries a toner image of a corresponding color. Each charging device 32 charges the corresponding photoconductor 31 to a constant potential. Each exposure device 33 irradiates the corresponding photoconductor 31 with laser light. Each developing device 34 supplies toner onto the corresponding photoconductor 31. Each toner bottle 35 contains toner of a corresponding color and supplies the toner to the corresponding developing device 34.

[0043] When image data is input from the scanner 10 or external device 300, the processor 101 converts the image data from RGB to CMYK, and generates image data for each color of CMYK based on the image data that has been color-converted to CMYK. The exposure device 33 irradiates the corresponding photoconductor 31 with laser light based on the image data for the corresponding color among the color-specific image data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the corresponding photoconductor 31.

[0044] Thereafter, toner is supplied from the developer 34 corresponding to the surface of the photoreceptor 31, and a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed (developed) on the surface of the photoreceptor 31. In this way, a cyan toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31C, a magenta toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31M, a yellow toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31Y, and a black toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31K.

[0045] The primary transfer roller 36 transfers (forms) the toner image formed on the surface of the corresponding photoconductor 31 onto the intermediate transfer belt 37.

[0046] The intermediate transfer belt 37 is in contact with both the photoconductor 31 and the primary transfer roller 36. The intermediate transfer belt 37 carries superimposed toner images of each color transferred from the photoconductor 31 by the primary transfer roller 36. The intermediate transfer belt 37 is stretched over a drive roller 39 connected to a motor. The motor drives the drive roller 39, causing the intermediate transfer belt 37 to rotate. As a result, the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 37 are sent to the secondary transfer roller 38.

[0047] A bias voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the secondary transfer roller 38 while the sheet is being transported. This causes the toner images of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 37 to be attracted from the intermediate transfer belt 37 toward the secondary transfer roller 38. As a result, the toner images of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 37 are transferred all at once to the sheet, forming an image on the sheet. The sheet on which the image has been formed is pressurized and heated by the fixing device 40, and then discharged to the paper discharge tray 65.

[0048] The paper feed device 50 includes a paper feed tray 51 (paper feed trays 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D) and pickup rollers 52 (pickup rollers 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D). The paper feed tray 51 stores sheets to be used for printing and supplies the sheets to the print engine 30. The pickup roller 52 sends the sheets from the paper feed tray 51 to a conveyance path 60. The sheets sent to the conveyance path 60 are conveyed to the print engine 30.

[0049] The operation panel 70 includes a display device 71 and an input device 72. The display device 71 displays a UI (User Interface) screen for accepting user operations on the image forming apparatus 1. The display device 71 is, for example, a display such as an LCD monitor. The input device 72 accepts input of operations by the user. The input device 72 is, for example, composed of multiple tap sensors. The input device 72 may further include multiple buttons.

[0050] The communication device 80 communicates with the external device 300 via a network. The network may be a public network such as the Internet, a public line, or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a private network such as a LAN or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The communication device 80 may also communicate with the external device 300 via short-range wireless communication.

[0051] The control device 100 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control device 100 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103.

[0052] The processor 101 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured, for example, by at least one central processing unit (CPU), at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

[0053] The processor 101 implements various processes according to the present embodiment by loading the program 122 stored in the storage device 120 into the RAM 102 and executing it. The various processes include displaying a UI screen on the display device 71 for accepting user operations on the image forming device 1, and notifying the user of the contents specified on a screen G13 (described later). The RAM 102 is made up of a volatile memory, and functions as a work memory required for the processor 101 to execute the program 122.

[0054] The ROM 103 stores programs such as an OS (Operating System) executed by the processor 101 .

[0055] Storage device 120 is, for example, a hard disk, and stores a program 122 for implementing various processes according to this embodiment and various data (for example, table TB, etc.).

[0056] The memory card interface 130 relays data transmission between the processor 101 and the memory card 130A. The memory card 130A includes a general-purpose semiconductor storage device such as an SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), and the like.

[0057] The program 122 is provided by being stored in a storage medium such as a memory card 130A. The program 122 is read from the memory card 130A by the memory card interface 130 and installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0058] Note that program 122 may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the program 122 cooperates with the arbitrary program to realize the processing according to this embodiment. Even if the program does not include some of these modules, this does not deviate from the spirit of image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by program 122 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0059] Furthermore, instead of installing program 122 stored in memory card 130A in image forming apparatus 1, a program downloaded from a distribution server or the like via communication device 80 may be installed in image forming apparatus 1.

[0060] The image forming apparatus 1 may also form an image on a sheet by an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to an MFP, and may be a copying machine or a printer.

[0061] Image forming apparatus 1 may further include a manual feed tray 53. Sheets to be used for printing are stacked on manual feed tray 53. When the user instructs paper feeding from manual feed tray 53, the sheets stacked on manual feed tray 53 are sent to conveyance path 60. Manual feed tray 53 can be opened and closed, and the user can keep manual feed tray 53 closed when not using manual feed tray 53.

[0062] (UI screen) Referring to Fig. 4, a description will be given of the operation panel 70 of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment, more specifically, the UI screen displayed on the display device 71. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen in this embodiment.

[0063] The print setting screen G1 is an example of a UI screen for accepting user operations related to copying. The print setting screen G1 includes screens G11, G12, and G13. The screens G11, G12, and G13 are arranged in a hierarchical structure. The screen G11 is a screen at a higher level than the screen G12, and the screen G12 is a screen at a higher level than the screen G13.

[0064] Screen G11 is displayed on display device 71 when a display start condition is met. The display start condition for screen G11 is a condition for starting display of screen G11 on display device 71. The display start condition for screen G11 may be the operation of a predetermined operation key on operation panel 70 (for example, operation key K12 on screen G12 or an operation key for accepting designation of a copy function on a function selection screen not shown), the power supply of image forming apparatus 1 being turned on, or the transition of image forming apparatus 1 from a power saving state to a normal power state. The normal power state is a state in which image formation by print engine 30 is possible, and the power saving state is a state in which image formation by print engine 30 is impossible.

[0065] When the operation key K5 in the screen G11 is tapped, the screen G12 is displayed on the display device 71. When the operation key K9 in the screen G12 is tapped, the screen G13 is displayed on the display device 71. That is, in order to display the screen G13 on the display device 71, an operation to transition the print setting screen G1 to the screen G11, the screen G12, and the screen G13 in this order is required.

[0066] Screen G11 is a UI screen for accepting main user operations related to copying. Screen G11 is an example of a "third UI screen." Screen G11 includes multiple operation keys K1 to K6. Operation key K1 accepts the specification of the number of copies to be printed. Operation key K2 accepts the specification of color or monochrome. Operation key K3 accepts the specification of density. Operation key K4 accepts the specification of magnification. Operation key K5 accepts an instruction to transition to screen G12. Operation key K6 accepts the specification of single-sided or double-sided printing.

[0067] When the user wants to specify a sheet, the user taps the operation key K5. When the operation key K5 is tapped, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to transition the print setting screen G1 from screen G11 to screen G12. As a result, screen G12 is displayed on the display device 71.

[0068] Screen G12 is a UI screen for accepting a user operation to specify a sheet type. Screen G12 is an example of a "first UI screen." Screen G12 includes a plurality of operation keys K7 to K9 and an operation key K12. Operation key K7 accepts specification of a sheet size. Operation key K8 accepts specification of a sheet type. Operation key K9 accepts an instruction to transition to screen G13. Operation key K12 accepts an instruction to transition the print setting screen G1 from screen G12 to screen G11. On screen G12, the user can specify the sheet size and sheet type for each tray.

[0069] When the user wants to specify the type of sheet, he taps the operation key K8. When the operation key K8 is tapped, a list of sheet types is displayed on the screen G12. The user selects the type of sheet to be used for printing from the list.

[0070] The user taps the operation key K9 to specify the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1. When the operation key K9 is tapped, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to transition the print setting screen G1 from screen G12 to screen G13. As a result, screen G13 is displayed on the display device 71.

[0071] When the user wishes to transition the print setting screen G1 from screen G12 to screen G11, the user taps the operation key K12.

[0072] Screen G13 is a UI screen for accepting a user operation to specify the operation mode of image forming apparatus 1, and is an example of a "second UI screen" for accepting a user operation to specify whether image formation is to be based on the sheet type detected by sensor 20 or the sheet type specified on screen G12. The operation modes of image forming apparatus 1 include an automatic detection mode and a manual setting mode. When the automatic detection mode is specified on screen G13, the sheet type is detected by sensor 20, and image formation is performed based on the sheet type detected by sensor 20. On the other hand, when the manual setting mode is specified on screen G13, the sheet type is not detected by sensor 20, and image formation is performed based on the sheet type specified on screen G12.

[0073] The screen G13 includes an operation key K13, an operation key K10, and an operation key K11. The operation key K13 accepts an instruction to transition the print setting screen G1 from the screen G13 to the screen G12.

[0074] The operation keys K10 and K11 accept the designation of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation key K10 accepts the designation of the automatic detection mode, and the operation key K11 accepts the designation of the manual setting mode. When the operation key K10 is tapped, the processor 101 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode, and instructs the display device 71 to turn off the operation key K11 and turn on the operation key K10. In response to this, when the operation key K11 is tapped, the processor 101 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the automatic detection mode to the manual setting mode, and instructs the display device 71 to turn off the operation key K10 and turn on the operation key K11. FIG. 4 shows an example of the print setting screen G1 when the manual setting mode is designated on the screen G13.

[0075] In this way, screen G13 is displayed in a manner that notifies the content specified on screen G13, i.e., the mode specified on screen G13, so that the user can check whether the image forming device is set to the automatic detection mode or the manual setting mode by looking at screen G13.

[0076] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 also notifies the content specified on the screen G13 in a manner different from the display on the screen G13. Display on the screen G13 means lighting up only the operation key K10 or K11, whichever is tapped. In contrast, notifying in a manner different from the display on the screen G13 means displaying on the screen G11 the content specified on the screen G13, i.e., the image object J1 indicating the mode specified on the screen G13.

[0077] Displaying an image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 on screen G11 is an example of "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen." When image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, that is, when the manual setting mode is specified on screen G13, image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 is always displayed on screen G11, which is a screen at a higher level than screen G13. This allows the user to easily recognize that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0078] Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5. Furthermore, since the screen G13 only needs to be displayed in a manner that indicates the content specified on the screen G13, the tapped operation key may be changed to a specific color instead of lighting up the tapped operation key.

[0079] (Processed by processor) The process performed by the control device 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment, more specifically, the processor 101, will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the process performed by the processor in this embodiment.

[0080] In step S1, processor 101 determines whether a display start condition for screen G11 is met. If processor 101 determines that the display start condition for screen G11 is met (YES in step S1), processor 101 proceeds to step S2.

[0081] In step S2, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S2), processor 101 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S2), processor 101 proceeds to step S4.

[0082] In step S3, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11 and the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71, and the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

[0083] In step S4, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11 and not to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71, but the image object J1 is not displayed on the screen G11.

[0084] In step S5, processor 101 determines whether a display termination condition for screen G11 is met. The display termination condition is a condition for terminating the display of screen G11 on display device 71. The display termination condition may be an instruction to transition to screen G12, that is, a tap on operation key K5, or an operation of a predetermined button on operation panel 70. If the display termination condition for screen G11 is met (YES in step S5), processor 101 proceeds to step S6.

[0085] In step S6, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the screen G11. This ends the display of the screen G11. If the image object J1 was displayed on the screen G11, the display of the image object J1 also ends as the display of the screen G11 ends.

[0086] After step S6, processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0087] In this way, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is always displayed on the screen G11. This notifies the user that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode on a screen at a higher level than the screen G13. This allows the user to easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0088] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, that is, when the automatic detection mode is specified on the screen G13, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11. When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the sensor 20 detects the type of sheet, and image formation is performed based on the detected sheet type. Therefore, there is little possibility of a paper jam or an image abnormality occurring, and there is no need to make the user aware of this. Therefore, by displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11 only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 from becoming cluttered.

[0089] In addition, image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 may be displayed on screen G11 not only when image forming device 1 is set to manual setting mode but also when image forming device 1 is set to automatic detection mode.

[0090] [Variation 1] In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is constantly displayed on the screen G11. In contrast, in Modification 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 at predetermined intervals. In other words, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the screen G11 alternates between a state in which the image object J1 is displayed and a state in which the image object J1 is not displayed.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an image object in Modification 1. In Modification 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 at a predetermined cycle. Specifically, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 for a second predetermined time (e.g., 7 seconds) every first predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds). The first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be the same or different. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

[0092] 7 is a diagram showing an example of processing by a processor in Modification 1. In step S11, processor 101 determines whether or not a display start condition for screen G11 is met. If processor 101 determines that the display start condition for screen G11 is met (YES in step S11), it proceeds to step S12.

[0093] In step S12, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11.

[0094] In step S13, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S13), processor 101 proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S13), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0095] In step S14, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

[0096] In step S15, processor 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S15), processor 101 proceeds to the process of step S16.

[0097] In step S16, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the image object J1 on the screen G11, thereby erasing the image object J1 from the screen G11.

[0098] In step S17, processor 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S17), processor 101 returns the process to step S14. If image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, processor 101 repeats the processes of steps S14 to S17 until the display termination condition of screen G11 is met.

[0099] When the display termination condition for screen G11 is met, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to terminate the display of screen G11. This terminates the display of screen G11. If the image object J1 was displayed on screen G11, the display of the image object J1 also terminates as the display of screen G11 terminates.

[0100] Thus, according to the first modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 at a predetermined interval. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed several times while the user is operating the screen G11. This allows the user to easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0101] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11, thereby preventing the screen G11 from becoming cluttered.

[0102] In addition, not only when the image forming device 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming device 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 may be displayed on the screen G11 at a predetermined interval.

[0103] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is always displayed on the screen G11. In contrast, in the second modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 in response to the start of a user operation on the screen G11.

[0104] 8 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an image object in Modification 2. In Modification 2, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 in response to the start of a user operation on the screen G11. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

[0105] A user operation on the screen G11 may be a tap operation on one of a plurality of operation keys (for example, operation keys K1 to K6) included in the screen G11, or a tap operation on an area of ​​the screen G11 where no operation keys are arranged. As shown in FIG. 8, when the first user operation on the screen G11 is a tap operation on the operation key K1, an image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 in response to the tap operation on the operation key K1. Thereafter, when the user operation on the screen G11 is finished, the image object J1 is erased from the screen G11.

[0106] 9 is a diagram showing an example of processing by a processor in Modification 2. In step S21, processor 101 determines whether a user operation on screen G11 has started. As an example, when processor 101 receives a tap operation on an operation key (for example, operation keys K1 to K6) included in screen G11, processor 101 determines that a user operation on screen G11 has started. Note that processor 101 may also determine that a user operation on screen G11 has started when processor 101 receives a tap operation on an area in screen G11 where no operation keys are arranged.

[0107] If processor 101 determines that a user operation on screen G11 has started (YES in step S21), processor 101 proceeds to step S22.

[0108] In step S22, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S22), processor 101 proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S22), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0109] In step S23, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

[0110] In step S24, processor 101 determines whether the user's operation on screen G11 has ended. Processor 101 determines that the user's operation on screen G11 has ended when no operation on screen G11 or operation panel 70 has been performed for a predetermined time or longer, or when an instruction to start image formation has been given (when start button B1 shown in FIG. 8 has been pressed).

[0111] If processor 101 determines that the user operation on screen G11 has ended (YES in step S24), processor 101 proceeds to step S25.

[0112] In step S25, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the image object J1 on the screen G11, thereby erasing the image object J1 from the screen G11.

[0113] After step S25, processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0114] In step S24, processor 101 may determine whether the print job is completed. In this case, if processor 101 determines that the print job is completed (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0115] Thus, according to Modification 2, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 from the start of a user operation on the screen G11 until the end of the user operation on the screen G11. This allows the user to easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0116] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11, thereby preventing the screen G11 from becoming cluttered.

[0117] In addition, not only when the image forming device 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming device 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 may be displayed on the screen G11 from the time when the user operation on the screen G11 is started until the time when the user operation on the screen G11 is ended.

[0118] Furthermore, information as to whether the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode is necessary when inputting information about a sheet. Therefore, when a user operation to input information about a sheet is started on the screen G11, that is, when the operation key K5 is tapped, the processor 101 may instruct the display device 71 to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. This prevents the image object J1 from being displayed on the screen G11 until the operation to input information about the sheet is started, thereby preventing the screen G11 from becoming cluttered.

[0119] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed only on the screen G11. In contrast, in the third modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 and the screen G12.

[0120] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an image object in Modification 3. The difference between Fig. 4 and Fig. 10 is whether or not an image object J1 is displayed on screen G12. As shown in Fig. 10, in Modification 3, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on screen G11 and screen G12. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5 on screen G11, and near the operation key K9 on screen G12.

[0121] Displaying an image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 on the screen G12 is an example of "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen."

[0122] Thus, according to Modification 3, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed not only on the screen G11 but also on the screen G12, which is a UI screen for receiving a user operation to specify the sheet type. This allows the user to easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0123] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on either the screen G11 or the screen G12, thereby preventing the screens G11 and G12 from becoming cluttered.

[0124] In addition, image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 may be displayed on screen G11 and screen G12 not only when image forming device 1 is set to manual setting mode but also when image forming device 1 is set to automatic detection mode.

[0125] [Variation 4] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 displayed the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 on the screen G11, which is a screen at a higher level than the screen G13, as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen." In contrast, in the fourth modification, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the user of the content specified on the screen G13 when an operation on the tray is started, as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen."

[0126] 11 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 4. Screen G14 is a UI screen displayed on display device 71 when an operation on a tray is started. The operation on a tray includes an operation on paper feed tray 51 and an operation on manual feed tray 53.

[0127] An operation on the paper feed tray 51 means pulling out the paper feed tray 51 from the image forming apparatus 1. When the paper feed tray 51 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1, the paper feed tray 51 is in a state where it can be refilled with sheets, and in this state the paper feed tray 51 cannot feed sheets. On the other hand, when the paper feed tray 51 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, the paper feed tray 51 is in a state where it can feed sheets. When the paper feed tray 51 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1, the paper feed tray 51 transitions to a state where it can be refilled with sheets.

[0128] The paper feed device 50 includes a state determination sensor that detects that the paper feed tray 51 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1. Based on the detection result of the state determination sensor, the processor 101 determines that the paper feed tray 51 has been pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1, that is, that the paper feed tray 51 has transitioned to a state in which sheets can be replenished.

[0129] The operation on the manual feed tray 53 includes at least one of opening the closed manual feed tray 53, loading sheets onto the open manual feed tray 53 on which no sheets are loaded, and removing sheets from the open manual feed tray 53 on which sheets are loaded and loading new sheets.

[0130] Sheet feeding device 50 includes an open / close determination sensor that detects whether manual tray 53 is open or closed, and a stack determination sensor that detects whether sheets are stacked on manual tray 53. Processor 101 determines that manual tray 53 is open based on the detection result of the open / close determination sensor. Processor 101 also determines that sheets have been removed from manual tray 53 and that sheets have been stacked on manual tray 53 based on the detection result of the stack determination sensor.

[0131] An image object J2 indicating the tray for which the operation has started is displayed on screen G14. Fig. 11 shows an example of the image object J2 when the manual feed tray 53 is operated. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, an image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 is displayed on screen G14.

[0132] 12 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the processor in Modification 4. In step S31, processor 101 determines whether an operation on a tray (paper feed tray 51, manual feed tray 53) has started. If processor 101 determines that an operation on a tray has started (YES in step S31), processor 101 proceeds to the process in step S32.

[0133] In step S32, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G14. As a result, the screen G14 is displayed on the display device 71.

[0134] In step S33, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S33), processor 101 proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S33), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 12.

[0135] In step S34, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G14, whereby the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G14.

[0136] In step S35, processor 101 determines whether the operation on the tray has ended. Processor 101 determines that the operation on the tray has ended when paper feed tray 51 that was pulled out is inserted into image forming apparatus 1 or when an operation on operation panel 70 is detected. Processor 101 may also determine that the operation on the tray has ended when a predetermined time has elapsed since sheets were loaded on manual feed tray 53. If processor 101 determines that the operation on the tray has ended (YES in step S35), processor 101 proceeds to step S36.

[0137] In step S36, processor 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S36), processor 101 proceeds to the process of step S37.

[0138] In step S37, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the image object J1 on the screen G14, thereby erasing the image object J1 from the screen G14.

[0139] After step S37, processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0140] In step S35, processor 101 may determine whether an operation on operation panel 70 has started, and if it is determined that an operation on operation panel 70 has started, may proceed to step S37.

[0141] When an operation on a tray is started, it is highly likely that new sheets will be replenished in the tray. When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the user needs to specify the type of replenished sheets. However, in conventional image forming apparatuses, when sheets are replenished in a tray, it is difficult to know whether the image forming apparatus is set to the manual setting mode or not. According to the fourth modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, an image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed on the display device 71 in response to the start of an operation on the tray. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0142] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G14, thereby preventing the screen G14 from becoming cluttered.

[0143] In addition, image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 may be displayed on screen G14 not only when image forming device 1 is set to manual setting mode, but also when image forming device 1 is set to automatic detection mode.

[0144] [Variation 5] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 displayed the image object J1 indicating the content specified on screen G13 on screen G11, which is a screen at a higher level than screen G13, as "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen." In contrast, in Modification 5, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the content specified on screen G13 as "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen" when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or when the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the power saving state to the normal power state.

[0145] 13 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 5. In Modification 5, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, an image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed on the screen G11 for a predetermined time in response to the image forming apparatus 1 being powered on or the image forming apparatus 1 transitioning from a power saving state to a normal power state. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

[0146] 14 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the processor in Modification 5. In step S41, processor 101 determines whether or not either the power of image forming apparatus 1 has been turned on or the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned from a power saving state to a normal power state has occurred. If processor 101 determines that either the power of image forming apparatus 1 has been turned on or the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned from a power saving state to a normal power state has occurred (YES in step S41), processor 101 proceeds to step S42.

[0147] In step S42, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11. As a result, the screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71.

[0148] In step S43, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S43), processor 101 proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S43), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0149] In step S44, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

[0150] In step S45, processor 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S45), processor 101 proceeds to the process of step S46.

[0151] In step S46, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the image object J1 on the screen G11, thereby erasing the image object J1 from the screen G11.

[0152] After step S46, processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0153] Sheets may be replenished in the tray while the image forming apparatus 1 is powered off or in a power-saving state. While the image forming apparatus 1 is powered off or in a power-saving state, nothing is displayed on the display device 71, and therefore the user cannot recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. However, according to the fifth modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or when the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from a power-saving state to a normal power state, the image object J1 is displayed on the display device 71 in response to the image forming apparatus 1 being set to the manual setting mode. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0154] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11, thereby preventing the screen G11 from becoming cluttered.

[0155] In addition, not only when the image forming device 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming device 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 may be displayed on the screen G11 in response to either the image forming device 1 being powered on or the image forming device 1 transitioning from the power saving state to the normal power state.

[0156] [Variation 6] In variant example 6, when the image forming device 1 receives an instruction to start image formation, it notifies the user that the image forming device 1 is set to the manual setting mode by notifying the user of the content specified on screen G13, i.e., that the mode specified on screen G13 is the manual setting mode, as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen."

[0157] 15 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification Example 6. Image object J3 indicates that the mode specified on screen G13 is the manual setting mode. Image object J3 is displayed on display device 71 in response to the image forming apparatus 1 being set to the manual setting mode when an instruction to start image formation is given. An example of an instruction to start image formation is when start button B1 is pressed.

[0158] The image object J3 includes an operation key K21 and an operation key K22. If the user agrees to image formation in the manual setting mode, the user taps the operation key K21. This starts image formation in the manual setting mode.

[0159] When the user wants to switch the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode, the user taps the operation key K22. This switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode. Displaying the operation key K22 on the display device 71 is an example of prompting the user to switch to a setting in which image formation is performed based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor 20 (i.e., the automatic detection mode). Displaying the operation key K22 on the display device 71 prompts the user to switch to the automatic detection mode.

[0160] 16 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the processor in Modification 6. In step S51, processor 101 determines whether or not an instruction to start image formation has been issued. As an example, processor 101 determines that an instruction to start image formation has been issued when start button B1 is pressed. If processor 101 determines that an instruction to start image formation has been issued (YES in step S51), processor 101 proceeds to step S52.

[0161] In step S52, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S52), processor 101 proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S52), processor 101 proceeds to step S58.

[0162] In step S53, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J3. As a result, the image object J3 is displayed on the display device 71.

[0163] In step S54, processor 101 determines whether an instruction to change the operation mode has been received. As an example, processor 101 determines that an instruction to change the operation mode has been received when operation key K22 is tapped. If processor 101 determines that an instruction to change the operation mode has been received (YES in step S54), processor 101 proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that an instruction to change the operation mode has not been received (NO in step S54), processor 101 proceeds to step S59.

[0164] In step S55, the processor 101 switches the operation mode from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode.

[0165] In step S56, the processor 101 changes the state of the start button B1 to a state where it can accept an operation by the user.

[0166] In step S57, processor 101 determines whether start button B1 has been pressed. If processor 101 determines that start button B1 has been pressed (YES in step S57), processor 101 proceeds to the process of step S58.

[0167] In step S58, processor 101 instructs sensor 20, print engine 30, and fixing device 40 to start image formation in automatic detection mode. This causes sensor 20 to detect the type of sheet, and print engine 30 to form an image based on the detected type of sheet.

[0168] In step S59, processor 101 determines whether the user has agreed to image formation in the manual setting mode. When operation key K21 is tapped, processor 101 determines that the user has agreed to image formation in the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that the user has agreed to image formation in the manual setting mode (YES in step S59), processor 101 proceeds to step S60.

[0169] In step S60, the processor 101 instructs the sensor 20, the print engine 30, and the fixing device 40 to start image formation in the manual setting mode. As a result, the sensor 20 does not detect the sheet type, and the print engine 30 forms an image based on the sheet type specified on screen G12.

[0170] After step S58 or step S60, processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 16. Note that image object J3 displayed by the process of step S53 is erased from display device 71 when image formation starts.

[0171] Thus, according to Modification 6, when an instruction to start image formation is received, and the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J3 indicating that the mode specified on screen G13 is the manual setting mode is displayed on the display device 71. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0172] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J3 is not displayed on the display device 71, and image formation is started without requesting the user's consent, thereby preventing a decrease in productivity.

[0173] In the above-described embodiment, Modifications 1 to 5, and Modifications 7, 8, and 10 described below, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the operation key K22 may be displayed on the display device 71 together with the image object J1. In addition, in Modification 9 described below, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the content specified on the screen G13, i.e., the fact that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, may be announced by a speaker, and the operation key K22 may be displayed on the display device 71.

[0174] [Variation 7] In variant example 7, as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen," when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting, the image forming device 1 notifies the user of the content specified on screen G13 in response to the manual setting mode being specified on screen G13.

[0175] In the seventh modification, the processor 101 is configured to accept, as an initial setting, a specification of whether image formation is to be based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor 20 or the type of sheet specified on the screen G12. That is, in the seventh modification, either the automatic detection mode or the manual setting mode can be registered as the initial setting. In detail, when the user specifies the desired mode on the initial setting registration screen displayed on the operation panel 70, the processor 101 saves the specified mode in the storage device 120 as the initial setting mode and switches the operating mode to the specified mode.

[0176] Thereafter, if a mode different from the initial setting is designated on screen G13, processor 101 switches the operation mode to the mode designated on screen G13.

[0177] When the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting, if the manual setting mode is designated on the screen G13, the mode designated on the screen G13 does not match the mode registered as the initial setting. When the mode designated on the screen G13 does not match the mode registered as the initial setting, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 (see FIG. 4). Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

[0178] As described above, according to the seventh modification, when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting, the manual setting mode is specified on the screen G13, i.e., the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, and accordingly, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 has switched to the manual setting mode.

[0179] Furthermore, if the manual setting mode is registered as the initial setting and the automatic detection mode is specified on the screen G13, the image object J1 is not displayed on the screen G11, thereby preventing the screen G11 from becoming cluttered.

[0180] In addition, the image object J1 may be displayed on the screen G11 not only when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting and the manual setting mode is specified on the screen G13, but also when the manual setting mode is registered as the initial setting and the automatic detection mode is specified on the screen G13.

[0181] [Variation 8] In variant example 8, when the image forming device 1 is set to manual setting mode, the image forming device 1 notifies the user of the content specified on screen G13 in response to authenticating a user who wishes to form an image in automatic detection mode, as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen."

[0182] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 8. In Modification 8, image forming apparatus 1 further includes authentication means R. Authentication means R reads ID (Identification) information stored in an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a smartphone, or the like, and authenticates the user. As an example, authentication means R supports NFC (Near Field Communication). Also, in Modification 8, each user can register their desired mode as user information in image forming apparatus 1. In detail, when the user specifies their desired mode on a user information registration screen displayed on operation panel 70, processor 101 stores the specified mode in storage device 120 in association with the user's ID number.

[0183] When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J1 on the screen G11 in response to authentication of a user who desires image formation in the automatic detection mode. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

[0184] 18 is a diagram showing an example of processing by a processor in Modification 8. In step S71, processor 101 determines whether or not the user has been authenticated. If processor 101 determines that the user has been authenticated (YES in step S71), processor 101 proceeds to the process in step S72.

[0185] In step S72, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display screen G11.

[0186] In step S73, the processor 101 refers to the storage device 120 and acquires the user information stored in association with the ID number of the authenticated user.

[0187] In step S74, the processor 101 determines whether the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode. If the user information acquired in step S73 includes the automatic detection mode, the processor 101 determines that the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode. If the user information acquired in step S73 includes the manual setting mode, or if the user information acquired in step S73 does not include information on the desired mode, the processor 101 determines that the authenticated user does not desire the automatic detection mode.

[0188] If processor 101 determines that the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode (YES in step S74), processor 101 proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that the authenticated user does not desire the automatic detection mode (NO in step S74), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0189] In step S75, processor 101 determines whether image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. If processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S75), the process proceeds to step S76. On the other hand, if processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S75), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0190] In step S76, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

[0191] After step S76, processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 18. Note that image object J1 displayed by the process of step S76 may be erased from screen G11 when authentication is cancelled, or may be erased from screen G11 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0192] Thus, according to Modification 8, when image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the content specified on screen G13 is notified to the user in response to authentication of a user who desires image formation in the automatic detection mode. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, i.e., that the mode is not the desired mode.

[0193] The storage device 120 may store a mode usage history for each user. In such a case, in step S74, the processor 101 may determine whether the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode based on the user's usage history. As an example, the processor 101 determines that the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode if the automatic detection mode has been used a predetermined number of times or more.

[0194] Alternatively, the user authentication method may be a method in which the user is prompted to input an ID number into an authentication screen displayed on the operation panel 70.

[0195] [Variation 9] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 displayed the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 on the screen G11, which is a screen at a higher level than the screen G13, as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen." In contrast, in the 9th modification, the image forming apparatus 1 outputs the content specified on the screen G13 by voice when the screen G11 is displayed as a "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen."

[0196] 19 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode in Modification 9. The image forming apparatus 1 in Modification 9 further includes a speaker S. As an example, the speaker S is provided on the operation panel 70. When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the content specified on screen G13 is output as voice from the speaker S in response to screen G11 being displayed on the display device 71. This allows the user to easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0197] It is also possible to predetermine a sound to indicate that the manual setting mode has been designated on the screen G13, and output the sound from the speaker S to notify the user of the content designated on the screen G13.

[0198] Furthermore, a vibration mode indicating that the manual setting mode has been selected on the screen G13 may be determined in advance, and the content selected on the screen G13 may be notified by vibration.

[0199] [Variation 10] In the above embodiment, print setting screen G1 is displayed on operation panel 70, but print setting screen G1 may also be displayed on a display device of external device 300 that issues print instructions to image forming apparatus 1. In that case, print setting screen G1 is a UI screen for accepting user operations related to printing, and screen G11 is a UI screen for accepting main user operations related to printing.

[0200] 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an external device 300. The external device 300 includes a control device 310, a communication device 320, a display device 330, an input device 340, and a storage device 350. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus 399 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0201] The control device 310 controls the overall operation of the external device 300. The control device 310 includes a processor 311, a RAM 312, and a ROM 313.

[0202] The processor 311 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured, for example, by at least one CPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0203] The processor 311 performs various processes by loading a program 352 stored in the storage device 350 into the RAM 312 and executing the program. The RAM 312 is configured from a volatile memory, and functions as a work memory required for the processor 311 to execute the program 352. The ROM 313 stores programs such as an OS executed by the processor 311.

[0204] The communication device 320 communicates with the image forming device 1 and transmits a print instruction (e.g., a print job) to the image forming device 1. The display device 330 displays a UI screen for accepting user operations. The display device 330 is, for example, a display such as an LCD monitor. The input device 340 accepts input of operations by the user. As an example, the input device 340 includes a keyboard and a mouse. As another example, the input device 340 includes multiple tap sensors.

[0205] The storage device 350 is, for example, a hard disk, and stores a program 352 and various data.

[0206] When the processor 311 executes the program 352, the print setting screen G1 is displayed on the display device 330. Therefore, when issuing a print instruction to the image forming device 1 from the external device 300, the user can easily recognize that the image forming device 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

[0207] The above describes the embodiment and the modified examples. According to the present disclosure, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent paper jams and image abnormalities caused by image formation being performed without the sheet type being properly specified.

[0208] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 1 image forming apparatus, 3C, 3K, 3M, 3Y imaging unit, 10 scanner, 20 sensor, 21 light emitting section, 22 light receiving section, 30 print engine, 31, 31C, 31K, 31M, 31Y photosensitive member, 32, 32C, 32K, 32M, 32Y charging device, 33, 33C, 33K, 33M, 33Y exposure device, 34, 34C, 34K, 34M, 34Y developing device, 35, 35C, 35K, 35M, 35Y toner bottle, 36, 36C, 36K, 36M, 36Y primary transfer roller, 38 secondary transfer roller, 37 intermediate transfer belt, 39 drive roller, 40 fixing device, 50 paper feeder, 51, 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D Paper feed tray, 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D Pickup roller, 53 Manual feed tray, 60 Conveyor path, 65 Paper output tray, 70 Operation panel, 71, 330 Display device, 72, 340 Input device, 80, 320 Communication device, 99, 399 Internal bus, 100, 310 Control device, 101, 311 Processor, 102, 312 RAM, 103, 313 ROM, 120, 350 Storage device, 122, 352 Program, 130 Memory card interface, 130A Memory card, 150 Registration roller, 160 Paper feed roller, 300 External device, B1 Start button, G1 Print setting screen, G11, G12, G13, G14 Screen, J1, J2, J3 Image object, K1,K2,K3,K4,K5,K6,K7,K8,K9,K10,K11,K12,K13,K21,K22 operation key, R authentication means, S speaker.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; a display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; The image forming apparatus is configured such that the control device does not execute the notification when image formation is designated based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is configured to execute the notification when it is specified to form an image based on the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen.

3. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; a display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; the UI screen includes a hierarchical UI screen, the layered UI screens include the first UI screen, the second UI screen, and a third UI screen that is higher in the hierarchy than the first UI screen and the second UI screen; the first UI screen is a screen at a higher level than the second UI screen, The notification includes displaying an image object indicating the content on the third UI screen.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the image object is constantly displayed on the third UI screen.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the image object is displayed on the third UI screen at a predetermined interval.

6. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when a user operation on the third UI screen is started, and is erased from the third UI screen when the user operation on the third UI screen is ended.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when an operation of inputting information about the sheet is started among user operations on the third UI screen.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification includes displaying the image object on the first UI screen.

9. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; A display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; the image forming apparatus further includes a speaker; The notification includes outputting a sound indicating the content from the speaker.

10. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; A display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; the image forming apparatus further includes at least one paper feed tray for feeding the sheets; The image forming apparatus, wherein the control device is configured to execute the notification when the at least one paper feed tray transitions to a state in which the sheets can be replenished.

11. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; a display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; the image forming apparatus further includes an openable and closable manual feed tray on which the sheets are stacked, The control device is configured to execute the notification when the manual feed tray transitions from a closed state to an open state, or when the manual feed tray in an open state transitions from a state in which no sheets are loaded to a state in which the sheets are loaded, in an image forming apparatus.

12. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; a display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; The image forming apparatus, wherein the control device is configured to execute the notification when the image forming apparatus is powered on or when the image forming apparatus transitions from a power saving state to a normal power state.

13. The control device a setting for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen is accepted as an initial setting; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the notification is executed when the content is different from the initial setting content.

14. the image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, the control device is configured to, when receiving an instruction to start image formation, execute the notification in response to a designation that image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet designated on the first UI screen, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming unit starts image formation when a user agrees to image formation based on the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen.

15. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet; a display device; a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus, the control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming device; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying the type of the sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor or the type of the sheet specified on the first UI screen; the control device is configured to notify the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; The control device is configured to prompt switching to a setting in which image formation is performed based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor when image formation is specified based on the type of sheet specified on the first UI screen.

16. A computer-implemented notification method, comprising: displaying a UI (user interface) screen on the display device for receiving user operations on the image forming apparatus; the UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying a sheet type, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation for specifying whether image formation is to be performed based on the sheet type detected by a sensor or the sheet type specified on the first UI screen, the notification method further includes notifying the user of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen; the UI screen includes a hierarchical UI screen, the layered UI screens include the first UI screen, the second UI screen, and a third UI screen that is higher in the hierarchy than the first UI screen and the second UI screen; the first UI screen is a screen at a higher level than the second UI screen, A notification method for notifying about content specified on the second UI screen, wherein executing the notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen includes displaying an image object indicating the content on the third UI screen.

17. A program executed by a processor installed in a computer, causing the computer to execute the notification method according to claim 16.

Images