Image forming apparatus, method and program

Abstract

To continuously execute image formation in the case where a type of a sheet detected during image formation is different from a type of a sheet designated by a user.SOLUTION: An image forming device includes: formation means for executing image formation onto a sheet conveyed on a conveyance passage; detection means for detecting a type of a sheet on which an image is formed; designation means for receiving the designation of a type of a sheet from a user; and setting means for receiving user setting related to the image formation. The user setting includes the setting for allowing the formation means to continuously execute image formation in the case where the sheet type detected by the detection means is different from the sheet type designated by the user received by the designation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a configuration for detecting the type of paper being conveyed in an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Various proposals have been made for detecting the type of paper in image forming devices such as MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) that have multiple functions such as printing, copying, and facsimile. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-106112 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration that interrupts image formation when first media characteristics of a recording material being conveyed, detected by a media detection means, differ from stored second media characteristics of a recording material on which an image has already been formed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-106112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, if an image formation process, such as printing, is interrupted due to differences in media characteristics as described above after the start of the image formation process, the user of the image forming device will experience reduced convenience. For example, the user will be required to refill the image forming device with media such as paper of a type that matches the media characteristics and then resume the interrupted image formation process. Furthermore, because the image formation process is interrupted, it will take time for the user to obtain the processing results.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for continuing image formation when the type of sheet detected during image formation differs from the type of sheet specified by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a forming means for forming an image on a sheet transported on a transport path, a detection means for detecting the type of sheet on which the image is to be formed, a designation means for accepting designation of the sheet type from a user, and a setting means for accepting user settings related to image formation, wherein the user settings include settings for causing the forming means to continue image formation when the sheet type detected by the detection means differs from the user-designated sheet type accepted by the designation means.

[0007] In the above disclosure, the setting for causing the forming unit to continue image formation includes a setting indicating that one of the detected sheet type and the user-specified sheet type is to be used for the image formation.

[0008] In the above disclosure, the setting for causing the forming means to continue image formation includes a priority setting indicating that one of the detected sheet type and the user-specified sheet type is used in preference to the other for the image formation.

[0009] In the above disclosure, the priority is based on the imaging characteristics of the forming means. In the above disclosure, the characteristics include at least one of image quality, speed, and power consumption in image formation by the forming means.

[0010] In the above disclosure, the setting means has a UI (user interface) means, and accepts user settings related to image formation in response to user operations on the UI means.

[0011] In the above disclosure, the image forming apparatus further includes a means for controlling the forming means so that, when image formation is performed by the forming means, if the sheet type detected by the detection means is different from the sheet type specified by the user, the forming means continues to perform image formation according to the settings.

[0012] In the above disclosure, when the designation unit accepts the designation of the sheet type from the user, the setting unit operates to accept the setting for continuing to perform image formation.

[0013] In the above disclosure, the image forming apparatus further includes a supply means configured to store sheets to be supplied to the conveying path, and when a sheet is stored in the supply means by a user, the setting means operates to accept settings for continuing image formation.

[0014] In the above disclosure, the setting for causing the forming unit to continuously perform image formation includes a setting indicating whether the setting is to be applied to one job or multiple jobs of the user.

[0015] In the above disclosure, the setting unit receives settings for causing the forming unit to continuously form images from each of a plurality of users of the image forming apparatus.

[0016] In the above disclosure, the image forming apparatus further includes one or more supply means configured to accommodate sheets to be supplied to the conveying path, the designation means has means for receiving, for each of the one or more supply means, designation from a user of the type of sheet to be accommodated in the supply means, and the setting means has first setting means for receiving, for each supply means, settings for causing the forming means to continue image formation, the settings including settings for causing the forming means to continue image formation when the sheet type detected by the detection means is different from the sheet type designated by the user for the supply means that supplies the sheet to the conveying path.

[0017] In the above disclosure, the image forming apparatus further includes a communication means for communicating with the information processing terminal, and the setting means accepts user settings related to image formation by receiving the user settings from the information processing terminal via the communication means.

[0018] In the above disclosure, the setting for causing the forming means to continue image formation further includes a setting indicating that a notification is to be output to the user when the combination of the detected sheet type and the sheet type specified by the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0019] In the above disclosure, when performing image formation, if the sheet type detected by the detection means is different from the sheet type specified by the user received by the specification means, a means for selecting a sheet type for continuing the image formation in accordance with the settings is further provided, and process control conditions for the image formation are set according to the difference between the sheet type detected by the detection means and the selected sheet type.

[0020] The method disclosed herein is a method implemented by a computer, and includes the steps of performing image formation on a sheet transported on a transport path of an image forming device, detecting the type of sheet on which the image is to be formed, accepting a sheet type designation from a user, and accepting user settings related to image formation, wherein the user settings include settings for continuing image formation in the image formation step if the sheet type detected in the detection step differs from the user-designated sheet type accepted in the designation acceptance step.

[0021] The program according to the present disclosure is a program executed by a computer, and the program causes the computer to execute the steps of: forming an image on a sheet being transported on a transport path; detecting the type of sheet on which the image is to be formed; accepting a sheet type designation from a user; and accepting user settings related to image formation, wherein the user settings include settings for continuing to perform image formation in the step of performing image formation if the sheet type detected in the detection step differs from the user-designated sheet type accepted in the designation acceptance step.

[0022] The information processing terminal of the present disclosure is a terminal that communicates with an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet on a conveying path, and is equipped with a setting unit that accepts user settings related to image formation, and a transmission unit that transmits the user settings accepted by the setting unit to the image forming device, and the user settings include settings that cause the image forming device to continue image formation when the type of sheet on which the image is formed is different from the type of sheet specified by the user.

[0023] A program executed by a computer according to the present disclosure causes the computer to execute a step of accepting user settings related to image formation on a sheet on a transport path in an image forming device, and a step of transmitting the user settings accepted in the accepting step to the image forming device, wherein the user settings include settings for causing the image forming device to continue image formation if the type of sheet on which the image is formed differs from the type of sheet specified by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present disclosure, the user settings related to image formation performed by the forming unit include settings for causing the forming unit to continue image formation when the sheet type detected by the detecting unit differs from the sheet type specified by the user received by the specifying unit. Therefore, even if the sheet type detected during image formation differs from the sheet type specified by the user, image formation can be continued according to the user settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an MFP1 that is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the MFP1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the MFP1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a paper sensor. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an optical detection section in the paper sensor. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an ultrasonic detection unit in the paper sensor. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration of an MFP1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job configuration according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of information stored in an HDD according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting data according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of priority determination data according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of process parameters according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paper type combination according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of a user setting process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for executing a job according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a terminal according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An embodiment of an image forming apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, their description will not be repeated.

[0027] In this embodiment, an MFP 1 is exemplified as an image forming apparatus, but the present embodiment is not limited to such a multifunction device, and can also be applied to, for example, a printer, a copier, or the like.

[0028] In this embodiment, a sheet-shaped recording medium made of a material on which an image is formed is collectively referred to as a "sheet." In this embodiment, a case where the recording medium sheet is made of "paper" material will be described, but materials other than paper may also be used. For example, the recording medium sheet may also include sheets made of resin material, textile material, or the like.

[0029] In the present embodiment, a configuration is provided in which, when an image forming apparatus performs image formation on a sheet conveyed along a conveyance path, the image formation can be continued without interruption even if the sheet type detected for the conveyed sheet is different from the sheet type specified by the user in connection with image formation. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, a case in which the sheet type detected for the conveyed sheet is different from the sheet type specified by the user in connection with image formation will be referred to as a "different type case," the detected sheet type will be referred to as a "detected type," the sheet type specified by the user will be referred to as a "specified type," and the sheet type selected to continue image formation will be referred to as a "selected type."

[0030] <1. General Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an MFP1, which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the MFP 1. The following mainly describes the configuration related to image formation by printing with the MFP 1.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the MFP 1 includes an image reading unit 3 that reads an image from an original P1, paper feed trays 4A to 4D that store paper P2, a recording medium on which an image is formed, a transfer unit 5 that transfers a toner image to the paper P2, a fixing unit 6 that fixes the toner image transferred by the transfer unit 5 to the paper P2, a paper output tray 7 to which the paper P2 on which the image has been fixed by the fixing unit 6 is output, and an operation panel 9 that accepts user operations on the MFP 1. The device body 2 of the MFP 1 has the image reading unit 3 provided at the top and the transfer unit 5 provided at the bottom. The operation panel 9 may be a touch panel in which a touch sensor and a display 9A are integrated. The operation panel 9 may also be configured with hardware buttons.

[0032] As described above, the MFP 1 has four paper feed trays 4A to 4D. Each of the paper feed trays 4A to 4D constitutes a supply unit configured to be able to store sheets to be fed to a conveyance path. The number of paper feed trays provided in the MFP 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to multiple, and may be one or more. The manual feed tray 4X, which will be described later, may also constitute the paper feed unit. In this embodiment, when referring to properties common to the paper feed trays 4A to 4D and the manual feed tray 4X, the paper feed trays 4A to 4D and the manual feed tray 4X may be referred to as "paper feed tray 4."

[0033] In the MFP1, a paper output tray 7 is provided above the transfer unit 5 to receive paper P2 that has had an image recorded in the transfer unit 5 and the fixing unit 6 and has been ejected. A paper feed tray 4 is provided below the transfer unit 5. The paper feed tray 4 is insertable into and removable from the device main body 2. In the MFP1, paper P2 stored in the paper feed tray 4 is fed into the device main body 2. The paper P2 is transported upward to the transfer unit 5 located above the paper feed tray 4, where the image is transferred. The fixing unit 6 fixes the image transferred to the paper P2. After being processed by the fixing unit 6, the paper P2 is ejected to the paper output tray 7. The paper output tray 7 is provided in the space (recessed space) between the image reading unit 3 and the transfer unit 5.

[0034] The image reading unit 3 includes a scanner unit 31 that reads an image from the document P1, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 32 that is provided above the scanner unit 31 and causes the scanner unit 31 to transport the document P1 one sheet at a time. An operation panel 9 is provided on the front side (front face) of the device main body 2. By operating the keys while looking at the display screen of the operation panel 9, the user can perform setting operations for a function selected from the various functions of the MFP1 and instruct the MFP1 to perform a task.

[0035] The internal structure of the device main body 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The scanner unit 31 of the image reading unit 3 includes a document table 33 having a platen glass (not shown) on the upper surface side, a light source unit 34 that irradiates light onto the document P1, an image sensor 35 that photoelectrically converts the light reflected from the document P1 into image data, an imaging lens 36 that focuses the reflected light on the image sensor 35, and a group of mirrors 37 that sequentially reflect the light reflected from the document P1 and make it incident on the imaging lens 36.

[0036] The light source unit 34, the image sensor 35, the imaging lens 36, and the group of mirrors 37 are provided inside the document table 33. The light source unit 34 and the group of mirrors 37 are configured to be movable in the left-right direction relative to the document table 33.

[0037] An ADF 32 is provided on the upper surface side of the scanner unit 31. The ADF 32 can be opened and closed relative to the document table 33, and includes a document loading tray 38 and a document ejection tray 39. The ADF 32 covers the document P1 on the platen glass (not shown) of the document table 33, thereby allowing the document P1 to be in close contact with the platen glass (not shown).

[0038] In the image reading unit 3, when reading an original P1 placed on a platen glass (not shown) of the original table 33, light is irradiated onto the original P1 from a light source unit 34 that moves to the right (sub-scanning direction). The light reflected from the original P1 is sequentially reflected by a group of mirrors 37 that also moves to the right as the light source unit 34 does, and is incident on an imaging lens 36, where an image is formed on an image sensor 35. The image sensor 35 performs photoelectric conversion for each pixel according to the intensity of the incident light, and generates an image signal (RGB signal) corresponding to the image of the original P1.

[0039] On the other hand, when the image sensor 35 reads the original P1 placed on the original placement tray 38, the original P1 is transported to the reading position by an original transport mechanism 40 composed of a plurality of rollers and the like. The light source unit 34 and the mirror group 37 of the scanner unit 31 are fixed at predetermined positions inside the original table 33. The light source unit 34 irradiates the reading position portion of the original P1, and the reflected light is imaged on the image sensor 35 via the mirror group 37 and the imaging lens 36 of the scanner unit 31. The image sensor 35 then converts the reflected light into an image signal (RGB signal) corresponding to the image of the original P1. The original P1 is then discharged onto the original discharge tray 39.

[0040] The transfer unit 5 that transfers the toner image to the paper P2 includes image creating units 51 that generate toner images of each color, Y (Yellow), M (Magenta), C (Cyan), and K (Key tone), exposure units 52 that are provided below each image creating unit 51, an intermediate transfer belt 53 that contacts the image creating units 51 of each color arranged horizontally to transfer the toner image of each color from the image creating units 51, primary transfer rollers 54 that are provided above and opposite each of the image creating units 51 of each color so as to sandwich the image creating units 51 and the intermediate transfer belt 53, a drive roller 55 that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 53, a driven roller 56 that rotates as the rotation of the drive roller 55 is transmitted through the intermediate transfer belt 53, a secondary transfer roller 57 that is provided in a position opposite the drive roller 55 across the intermediate transfer belt 53, and a cleaner unit 58 that is provided in a position opposite the driven roller 56 across the intermediate transfer belt 53.

[0041] The image forming unit 51 includes a photosensitive drum 61 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 53, a charger 62 that charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61 by corona discharge, a developing unit 63 that causes the toner that has been stirred and charged to adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61, and a cleaner unit 64 that removes toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61 after the toner image has been transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 53. The photosensitive drum 61 is disposed opposite the primary transfer roller 54 across the intermediate transfer belt 53, and rotates clockwise in FIG. 2. The primary transfer roller 54, cleaner unit 64, charger 62, and developing unit 63 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 61 in this order along the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0042] The intermediate transfer belt 53 is made of, for example, an endless conductive belt member. The intermediate transfer belt 53 is wound tightly around a drive roller 55 and a driven roller 56, and rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2 in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller 55. A secondary transfer roller 57, a cleaner unit 58, and image forming units 51 for each of the Y, M, C, and K colors are arranged around the intermediate transfer belt 53 in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 53, in that order.

[0043] The fixing unit 6 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper P2. The fixing unit 6 includes a heating roller 59 equipped with a halogen lamp or the like that applies heat to fix the toner image on the paper P2, and a pressure roller 60 that clamps the paper P2 together with the heating roller 59 and applies pressure to the paper P2. The surface of the heating roller 59 may be heated by generating eddy currents on its surface by electromagnetic induction.

[0044] In the MFP1, the paper feed tray is connected to paper feed path R1. The transport device that transports the paper P2 includes a feed roller 81 that feeds the paper P2 stored in the paper feed tray from the top layer into paper feed path R1, a paper feed roller pair 82 that further sends the fed paper P2 into paper feed path R1, a transport roller pair 83 that transports the paper P2 fed by the paper feed roller pair 82 vertically along main transport path R0, and a skew correction roller 84 that is disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 83 on main transport path R0 and transports the paper P2 toward transfer unit 5. The paper feed tray is provided with a paper feed sensor 80 for detecting the paper P2 fed from the paper feed tray.

[0045] The main transport path R0 is the main transport path for the paper P2 in the image formation (printing) process. A paper feed path R1 is provided for each paper feed tray. Each paper feed path R1 merges with the main transport path R0. The paper feed path R1 is an example of a transport path.

[0046] The sheets of paper P2 stored in the paper feed trays are sent out one by one, starting from the top, to paper feed path R1 by the rotational drive of delivery roller 81 corresponding to that paper feed tray, and then sent out toward main transport path R0 by paper feed roller pair 82. Paper feed sensor 80 detects the sheets of paper P2 sent out to paper feed path R1 from each of paper feed trays 4A to 4D.

[0047] In the main transport path R0, the paper P2 transported from the paper feed roller pair 82 is transported toward the skew correction roller 84 arranged before the transfer unit 5 by the rotational drive of the transport roller pair 83. The skew correction roller 84 transports the paper P2 to the transfer unit 5 in synchronization with the timing of toner image formation in the transfer unit 5, so that the toner image can be properly transferred to the paper P2 in the transfer unit 5. In other words, when the recording paper is transported to the skew correction roller 84 by the transport roller pair 83, the skew correction roller 84 is stopped, causing the paper P2 to slacken and form a loop, and the paper P2 is transported to the secondary transfer roller 57 after the paper skew is corrected by the loop.

[0048] A transport sensor (recording paper detection unit) 85 is installed above the transport roller pair 83 (downstream in the transport direction) on the main transport path R0 to detect the paper P2 transported vertically by the transport roller pair 83. The skew correction roller 84 is an example of a registration roller.

[0049] A paper sensor 500 is provided below the skew correction roller 84 (upstream in the transport direction). The paper sensor 500 includes a sensor as described below. The MFP1 can detect the type of paper P2 based on a signal from the paper sensor 500. Based on the detection result of the type of paper P2, the MFP1 sets process parameters (such as the transport speed of paper P2) that are control conditions for image formation on the paper P2.

[0050] Based on a signal from the paper sensor 500, the MFP1 detects the leading edge of the paper P2 that has reached the skew correction roller 84, and based on the timing at which the paper P2 reaches the skew correction roller 84 from the paper sensor 500, paper transport and loop control in the main transport path R0 can be performed.

[0051] A pair of discharge rollers 91 that discharges the printed paper P2 is disposed at the end, which is the most downstream portion, of the main transport path R0. The printed paper P2 is discharged onto the paper output tray 7 by the rotational drive of the pair of discharge rollers 91. On the main transport path R0, a paper output sensor 90 that detects the rear end of the paper P2 is disposed below the pair of discharge rollers 91 (upstream in the transport direction). As a result, by the paper output sensor 90 detecting the rear end of the paper P2, it can be confirmed that the paper P2 has been properly discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 91 onto the paper output tray 7.

[0052] <2. Hardware configuration> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of MFP 1. MFP 1 includes a main body control unit 10 having the configuration shown in Fig. 3. Main body control unit 10 controls each unit constituting MFP 1. This causes various operations in MFP 1 (such as printing on paper P2 and reading an image from document P1) to be performed.

[0053] The main body control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that executes various arithmetic processes and controls, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 that stores control programs and the like, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 that temporarily stores arithmetic data, an image processing unit 104 that generates image data that is the basis for the toner image to be formed in the transfer unit 5, an image memory 105 that temporarily stores the image data obtained by the image processing unit 104, a communication I / F (Interface) 106 that includes a wireless communication I / F (Interface) 108, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 107 that is an example of a non-volatile storage medium. The image processing unit 104 may be configured as a dedicated processor circuit that constitutes an image processing engine, or may be configured as a combination of an image processing program executed by the CPU 101 and a circuit.

[0054] The communication I / F 106 includes a circuit such as a network interface card (NIC) to control communication between the MFP 1 and an external device. The communication I / F 106 controls communication between the MFP 1 and a terminal 200 that can be operated by a user, such as a personal computer, via an external network 110. The network 110 includes various networks such as a local area network (LAN) and the Internet. Furthermore, the wireless communication I / F 108 of the communication I / F 106 controls wireless communication between the MFP 1 and a portable terminal 300 that can be operated by a user.

[0055] Based on the control program read from ROM 102, CPU 101 outputs signals to image reading control unit 113, exposure control unit 114, transfer control unit 115, fixing control unit 116, and conveyance control unit 118, which respectively drive and control image reading unit 3, exposure unit 52, transfer unit 5, fixing unit 6, and paper feeder 8. Therefore, in MFP 1, signals are sent from main body control unit 10 to image reading control unit 113, transfer control unit 115, and fixing control unit 116, which drive image reading unit 3, exposure unit 52, transfer unit 5, and fixing unit 6 in accordance with the specified operation. In MFP 1, signals are sent from main body control unit 10 to conveyance control unit 118, which rotates delivery roller 81, roller pairs 82, 83, and 91, and skew correction roller 84 in the conveyance device. Motor 901 is a motor for driving various rollers for conveying recording paper in MFP 1. The driving of the various rollers can be realized by the CPU 101 controlling the operation of the motor 901 via the transport control unit 118.

[0056] In this embodiment, MFP1 has an imaging unit 117 that forms an image on paper P2 transported along the transport path. Imaging unit 117 includes exposure unit 52, transfer unit 5, fixing unit 6, and motor 901 that constitute image forming unit 51, as well as exposure control unit 114, transfer control unit 115, fixing control unit 116, and transport control unit 118 that control these.

[0057] A paper sensor 500 is connected to CPU 101. CPU 101 controls the operation of paper sensor 500 and detects the type of paper P2 based on a signal from paper sensor 500. A sensor unit 900 including various sensors possessed by MFP 1 is also connected to CPU 101. CPU 101 detects the status of each part of MFP 1 based on signals from sensor unit 900.

[0058] <3. Printing operation> Next, the printing operation by the MFP 1 will be described below. When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to perform a printing operation from the operation panel 9 or an external terminal, the CPU 101 in the main body control unit 10 reads out a control program for the printing operation from the ROM 102 and starts the control operation for the printing operation. First, the CPU 101 controls the drive of the conveyance device via the conveyance control unit 118, thereby feeding out the topmost sheet of paper P2 from the paper feed tray and sending it to the main conveyance path R0.

[0059] In order to transfer the toner image onto the paper P2 sent to the main transport path R0, the CPU 101 provides control signals to the exposure control unit 114 and the transfer control unit 115, thereby controlling the driving of the exposure unit 52 and the transfer unit 5. At this time, the CPU 101 provides, via the image reading control unit 113, to the image processing unit 104, an image signal read from the document P1 by the image reading unit 3, or an image signal received from an external terminal via the input / output interface 106.

[0060] As a result, image processing unit 104 generates image data for forming toner images of each color of Y, M, C, and K based on the provided image signal, and stores the image data in image memory 105. The image data for each color of Y, M, C, and K stored in image memory 105 is read by CPU 101 and provided to exposure control unit 114. Therefore, exposure control unit 114 drives light-emitting elements (not shown) in exposure unit 52 based on the image data for each color of Y, M, C, and K, thereby forming electrostatic latent images on photoconductor drums 61 for each color of Y, M, C, and K. That is, transfer control unit 115 drives transfer unit 5, so that in image forming units 51 for each color of Y, M, C, and K, laser light is irradiated from exposure unit 52 onto the surfaces of photoconductor drums 61 charged by chargers 62, and electrostatic latent images corresponding to the images for each color of Y, M, C, and K are formed.

[0061] Toner charged by developing unit 63 is transferred to the surface of photosensitive drum 61 on which this electrostatic latent image has been formed, and a toner image is formed on photosensitive drum 61, which serves as a first image carrier. When the toner image carried on the surface of photosensitive drum 61 comes into contact with intermediate transfer belt 53, it is transferred to intermediate transfer belt 53 by the electrostatic force of primary transfer roller 54, and a toner image in which the colors Y, M, C, and K are superimposed is formed on the surface of intermediate transfer belt 53, which serves as a second image carrier. Meanwhile, any untransferred toner remaining on photosensitive drum 61 after the toner image has been transferred to intermediate transfer belt 53 is scraped off by cleaner unit 64 and removed from photosensitive drum 61.

[0062] When the leading edge of the paper P2 transported along main transport path R0 is detected based on a signal from paper sensor 500, the detection result is sent to transfer control unit 115. This allows transfer control unit 115 to recognize that the paper P2 has reached skew correction roller 84. Transfer control unit 115 operates skew correction roller 84 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image is transferred to intermediate transfer belt 53. At this time, as intermediate transfer belt 53 is rotated by drive roller 55 and driven roller 56, the toner image transferred to intermediate transfer belt 53 moves to a transfer position where it abuts against secondary transfer roller 57, and is then transferred to paper P2 transported to the transfer position on main transport path R0. Any untransferred toner remaining on intermediate transfer belt 53 after the toner image has been transferred to paper P2 is scraped off by cleaner unit 58 and removed from intermediate transfer belt 53.

[0063] The paper P2 onto which the toner image has been transferred at the contact position with the secondary transfer roller 57 is transported to the fixing unit 6, which is made up of the heating roller 59 and the pressure roller 60. At this time, the CPU 101 controls the drive of the fixing unit 6 via the fixing control unit 116 in order to fix the toner image on the paper P2 being transported to the fixing unit 6. That is, the fixing control unit 116 controls the rotational operation of the heating roller 59 and the pressure roller 60, and at the same time controls the heating operation of the heating roller 59.

[0064] As a result, when the paper sheet P2 carrying the unfixed toner image passes through the fixing nip portion of the fixing unit 6, it is heated by the heating roller 59 and pressed by the pressure roller 60, and the unfixed toner image is fixed to the paper surface. Then, after the toner image has been fixed (after single-sided printing), the paper sheet P2 is transported to the pair of paper discharge rollers 91, and is discharged by the pair of paper discharge rollers 91 onto the paper discharge tray 7. At this time, the paper discharge sensor 90 detects the rear end of the paper sheet P2, and the detection result is sent to the main body control unit 10. As a result, the main body control unit 10 confirms that the paper sheet P2 has been normally discharged onto the paper discharge tray 7.

[0065] <4. Configuration of the paper sensor 500> Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper sensor 500. In Figure 4, arrow R4 indicates the transport direction of paper P2 on the main transport path R0. Paper sensor 500 includes an optical detection unit that outputs a signal based on optical detection, and an ultrasonic detection unit that outputs a signal based on detection using ultrasonic waves.

[0066] (Optical detection unit) 5 is an enlarged view of the optical detection unit in the paper sensor 500. The optical detection unit includes a light receiver 511 and light sources 512 and 513. The light receiver 511 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. The light sources 512 and 513 include, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements.

[0067] When the main transport path R0 is used as a reference, the light source 512 is located on the same side as the light receiver 511. In Fig. 5, an arrow AR13 represents the light emitted by the light source 512, and an arrow AR14 represents the light represented by the arrow AR13 that is reflected on the paper P2 and heads toward the light receiver 511. The light receiver 511 detects the light that is output from the light source 512 and reflected off the paper P2 on the main transport path R0.

[0068] When the main transport path R0 is used as the reference, the light source 513 is disposed on the opposite side of the light receiver 511. In FIG. 5, area AR11 represents the light emitted by the light source 513, and arrow AR12 represents the light represented as area AR11 that passes through the paper P2 and heads toward the light receiver 511. The light receiver 511 detects the light that is output from the light source 513 and reaches the light receiver 511 after passing through the main transport path R0. When the paper P2 is present between the light receiver 511 and the light source 513, the light receiver 511 detects the light that is output from the light source 513 and has passed through the paper P2.

[0069] Light receiver 511 outputs a signal (a signal according to the amount of light received by light receiver 511) indicating the result of detecting light from light source 512 and / or light source 513 to CPU 101. Based on the signal from light receiver 511, CPU 101 determines the timing at which the leading edge of paper P2 reaches inside paper sensor 500, detects the basis weight of paper P2 inside paper sensor 500, and also detects that paper P2 inside paper sensor 500 is a specific type of sheet (for example, a transparent sheet for an OHP (Over Head Projector)).

[0070] In this specification, the operation for detecting the leading edge of paper P2 by the optical detection unit is referred to as the "first operation," and the operation for detecting the basis weight of paper P2 and / or detecting that it is a specific type of sheet is referred to as the "second operation."

[0071] (Ultrasonic detection unit) 6 is an enlarged view of the ultrasonic detection unit in paper sensor 500. The ultrasonic detection unit includes a transmitter 522 that emits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic detection unit also includes a receiver 521 that receives ultrasonic waves and outputs a signal according to the intensity of the received ultrasonic waves.

[0072] 6, arrow AR21 represents ultrasonic waves output from transmitter 522. Arrow AR22 represents ultrasonic waves indicated by arrow AR21 that have been attenuated by paper P2. Receiver 521 detects the ultrasonic waves output from transmitter 522. When paper P2 is present between light receiver 511 and transmitter 522, receiver 521 detects the ultrasonic waves that have been emitted by transmitter 522 and then attenuated by paper P2.

[0073] Receiver 521 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the detected ultrasonic wave to CPU 101. Based on the signal from receiver 521, CPU 101 detects that the leading edge of paper P2 is present between receiver 521 and transmitter 522, and also detects the type of paper P2 (envelope, recording paper with two or more sheets stacked on top of each other, etc.).

[0074] That is, in this embodiment, the optical detection unit and the ultrasonic detection unit can each perform operations to detect the leading edge of the paper P2 and detect the basis weight of the paper P2, etc., to detect the type of the paper P2.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the MFP 1 may include both an optical detection unit and an ultrasonic detection unit, or may include only one of them.

[0076] 4, the optical detection unit is provided upstream of the ultrasonic detection unit in the transport path of the paper P2. Note that the ultrasonic detection unit may be provided upstream of the optical detection unit.

[0077] The CPU 101 may use a signal from either the optical detection unit or the ultrasonic detection unit to detect the leading edge of the paper P2 in the paper sensor 500, and may use a signal from the other to detect the type of paper P2. In this case, the CPU 101 may use the downstream detection unit to detect the leading edge of the paper P2, and may use the upstream detection unit to detect the type of paper P2 in response to the detection of the leading edge of the paper P2.

[0078] <5. Module configuration of image forming device> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the module configuration of the MFP 1. As shown in FIG.

[0079] 7, in this embodiment, main body control unit 10 of MFP 1 can implement one or more modules corresponding to paper type detection unit 190, paper type selection unit 191, image formation control unit 192, setting unit 193 having first setting unit 196, external communication control unit 194 that controls communication with terminal 200 or 300 via communication I / F 106, notification control unit 195, and designation unit 197 by CPU 101 executing a program. Some of these modules may also be implemented as a combination of a program and a circuit.

[0080] The paper type detection unit 190 acquires data indicating the type of paper P2 being transported along the transport path based on a detection signal from the paper sensor 500. More specifically, the paper type detection unit 190 compares the basis weight of the paper P2 identified based on the signal from the paper sensor 500 with a threshold value, and based on the comparison result, detects the paper type as, for example, "thin paper," "plain paper," "cardboard," "envelope," "recycled paper," etc., although detectable paper types are not limited to these.

[0081] In the "different type case," the paper type selection unit 191 determines the "selected type" from among the "detected type" and the "specified type" based on the setting data 92 and priority determination data 93 described below, and outputs the determined "selected type" to the image formation control unit 192 and the notification control unit 195.

[0082] The image forming control unit 192 controls each part of the imaging unit 117 in accordance with job 50 so as to form an image on paper P2 conveyed along the conveyance path in the MFP 1. The image forming control unit 192 normally controls the operation of each part of the imaging unit 117 in accordance with job 50 so as to form an image on paper P2 of paper type 554 of job 50, which will be described later. In the "different type case," the image forming control unit 192 controls the operation of each part of the imaging unit 117 in accordance with job 50 so as to form an image on paper P2 of the "selected type" from the paper type selection unit 191. In the "different type case," the image forming control unit 192 controls each part of the imaging unit 117 in accordance with process parameter 94, which will be described later. At this time, the image forming control unit 192 can also identify a paper feed tray that contains paper P2 corresponding to the "selected type" from among the paper feed trays that can supply paper P2 to the conveyance path, and control the supply paper feed tray to be switched to the identified paper feed tray.

[0083] The setting unit 193 acquires user settings related to image formation from user operations received via the operation panel 9. The setting unit 193 stores the acquired user settings as setting data 92, which will be described later. The setting unit 193 can also acquire the user settings based on data received by the external communication control unit 194 from the terminal 200 or 300. A first setting unit 196 of the setting unit 193 sets data about the paper feed tray, which is part of the setting data 92, for each paper feed tray individually.

[0084] In the "different type case," the notification control unit 195 outputs a notification based on the "selected type" from the paper type selection unit 191 to the operation panel 9. The operation panel 9 outputs the notification from the notification control unit 195 as an image on the display 9A to present it to the user. In this embodiment, the notification from the notification control unit 195 is not limited to a visual notification via the display 9A, but may also be an audible notification as a sound from a speaker (not shown). The notification control unit 195 may also transfer the notification to the user's terminal 200 or 300 via the external communication control unit 194 and output the notification visually or audibly to the terminal. For example, the portable terminal 300 may further notify the user of the received notification by vibrating the terminal 300 itself.

[0085] For each paper feed tray, the designation unit 197 receives designation of the type of sheets to be stored in the paper feed tray from the user via, for example, the operation panel 9. The designation unit 197 outputs the received information to the setting unit 193.

[0086] <6. Job> 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a job 50 according to the present embodiment. Job 50 is, as an example, a print job. Job 50 includes a job ID (identifier) ​​551 for identifying the job, a user ID 552 for identifying the user of the job, and PJL (Printer Job Language) data 553 and PDL (Page Description Language) data 556 for causing an image forming apparatus to execute image formation processing. PJL data 553 is command data that does not directly affect PDL data 556, and includes, for example, commands related to control of stapling, punching, etc., as well as a paper type 554 specified for printing and a tray ID 555 specifying a paper feed tray for supplying paper to a conveyance path.

[0087] The image processing unit 104 develops the PDL data 556 of the job 50 as bitmap data on the RAM of the storage unit 160. The imaging unit 117 executes printing processing for each color on the paper P2 in accordance with the bitmap data (PDL data 556) developed by the image processing unit 104. The image processing unit 104 also develops the image data read from the original by the image reading unit 3 into bitmap data, and the imaging unit 117 executes printing processing for each color on the paper P2 in accordance with the bitmap data developed for the original.

[0088] The specification unit 197 can obtain the paper type 554 from the user's job 50, obtain the obtained paper type 554 as the user's specified type, and output it to each section. The specification unit 197 can also obtain the tray ID 555 from the user's job 50, search the setting data 92 for the paper type 923 associated with the tray ID 922 that matches the obtained tray ID 555, and output the searched paper type 923 as the user's specified type. In this way, the specification unit 197 can obtain the user's specified type from the paper type 554 or tray ID 555 of the job 50, in addition to obtaining it from the operation panel 9.

[0089] <7. HDD information and operation of each part> Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of information stored in HDD 107 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting data 92 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of priority determination data 93 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of process parameters 94 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of paper type combination 95 according to the present embodiment.

[0090] 9, HDD 107 stores system programs including OS (Operating System) 90 and application programs 910, as well as various types of data. Application programs 910 include a control program for controlling MFP 1 and programs for implementing various modules of main body control unit 10 in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, for example, setting program 911 and job processing program 912 that implement modules of setting unit 193 and image formation control unit 192, respectively, among the modules of main body control unit 10, are shown, but the programs are not limited to these.

[0091] The data stored in the HDD 107 includes setting data 92 in FIG. 10, priority determination data 93 in FIG. 11, process parameters 94 in FIG. 12, and paper type combinations 95 in FIG.

[0092] 10, the setting data 92 includes, for each user, a user ID 921 and data associated with the user ID 921. The data associated with the user ID 921 includes, for one or more paper feed trays, a tray ID 922 for identifying the paper feed tray, a paper type 923 of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, a selection setting 924, a priority 925, and continuity 926. In this embodiment, the user can store paper in each tray, and therefore the user can set the paper type 923 of the paper stored in each tray. In FIG. 10, data is set for each of the one or more paper feed trays that the MFP 1 has. The paper type 923 includes, for example, thin paper, plain paper, plain paper+, thick paper 1, and envelope, but is not limited to these, and may also include recycled paper, for example. The setting data 92 also includes a notification 927 associated with the user ID 921.

[0093] The selection setting 924 indicates a selective designation of whether to continue image formation on the "detected type" or the "specified type" paper type in the "different type case." Continuity 926 indicates, with a value of 1 or 0, whether the corresponding selection setting 924 is to be applied to only one print (for example, execution of one job 50) or to all prints of the user's jobs 50, i.e., multiple jobs (i.e., continuously).

[0094] The priority items 925 indicate items that should be determined in order to specify one of the "detected type" and the "specified type" as the paper type for continuing image formation in the "different type case" with priority over the other. The priority items 925 include, but are not limited to, image quality, productivity, and power saving.

[0095] In the "different type case," if the priority 925 indicates "image quality," the paper type selection unit 191 selects the paper type that is determined to be capable of achieving image formation with better image quality. Furthermore, if the priority 925 indicates "productivity," the paper type selection unit 191 selects the paper type that is determined to be capable of printing a larger number of sheets per unit time. Furthermore, if the priority 925 indicates "power saving," the paper type selection unit 191 selects the paper type that consumes less power during image formation. In this embodiment, "image quality" is based on the current value of the transfer current supplied to the photosensitive drum 61 for transfer, or the fixing temperature, which is the heating temperature of the heating roller 59 of the fixing unit 6. Furthermore, "productivity" is based on the system speed, which is the speed at which the paper P2 is transported, or the paper interval, which represents the interval at which the paper P2 is transported. "Power saving" is based on the amount of power consumed by each unit during image formation.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 11, the priority determination data 93 includes a plurality of items 931 used to determine priority, and a paper type priority 932 associated with each of the items 931. The items 931 include, for example, productivity, image quality, and power saving during image formation. In FIG. 11, the order of productivity priority is thin paper > plain paper (ECO) > plain paper > thick paper 1 > thick paper 2 > thick paper 3 > thick paper 4. The order of image quality priority is higher for all paper types. The order of power saving priority is thin paper > plain paper (ECO) > plain paper > thick paper 1 > thick paper 2 > thick paper 3 > thick paper 4. These orderings are examples. Plain paper (ECO) in FIG. 11 indicates recycled paper.

[0097] In MFP1, forming an image on thin paper requires a lower fixing temperature and a slower transport speed than forming an image on plain paper, and forming an image on plain paper requires a lower fixing temperature and a slower transport speed than forming an image on thick paper. Therefore, according to Figure 11, forming an image on thin paper requires less power than forming an image on plain paper, and forming an image on plain paper requires less power than forming an image on thick paper.

[0098] In the "different type case," the paper type selection unit 191 identifies the setting data 92 associated with the user ID 921 that matches the user ID 552 of the job 50. In the identified setting data 92, the paper type selection unit 191 identifies the item indicated by the priority item 925 corresponding to the paper type 923 that matches the paper type 554 of the job 50. Based on the identified item, the paper type selection unit 191 searches the priority determination data 93 for the paper type priority 932 associated with the item 931 that matches the identified item. The paper type selection unit 191 compares the priority order of the "detected type" and the "specified type" in the searched paper type priority 932, and determines the one with the higher priority as the "selected type." For example, if the priority item 925 of the identified item indicates productivity, and according to FIG. 11, the "detected type" and the "selected type" are plain paper and thick paper 1, the paper type selection unit 191 selects the "detected type" that is more productive, and outputs the "selected type" that indicates plain paper. If the priority item 925 corresponding to the paper type 923 that matches the paper type 554 of the job 50 indicates "-", the paper type selection unit 191 outputs the paper type indicated by the corresponding selection setting 924 as the "selected type".

[0099] Notification 927 specifies, with a value of 1 or 0, whether to output a notification to the user in a "different type case." More specifically, notification 927 indicates, with a value of 1 or 0, whether to output a notification to the user when the "selected type" is different from the "detected type" and the "selected type" is far from the "detected type" in order to continue image formation. The degree to which the "selected type" is far from the "detected type" is expressed as a deviation. An example of a deviation that should cause a notification to be output is shown by paper type combination 95 in Figure 13.

[0100] 13, for example, (thin paper, other paper types) and (envelope, plain paper) are shown as pairs 951 of (selected type, detected type) corresponding to the degree of deviation for which a notification should be output. Therefore, in the "different type case" during image formation based on job 50, if notification 927 set by the user of job 50 indicates "1," notification control unit 195 searches for paper type combinations 95 based on the combination of the "selected type" from paper type selection unit 191 and the "detected type" from paper type detection unit 190, and when it is determined that the search result, the combination, corresponds to any of pairs 951, notification control unit 195 outputs a notification.

[0101] 12, the process parameters 94 have a plurality of paper types 941 and parameters 942 related to the image formation process associated with each paper type 941. The parameters 942 include, for example, the fixing temperature, the conveyance speed, and the spacing between sheets during conveyance, but the types of parameters are not limited to these. When forming an image on a "specified type" or "selected type" of paper, the image formation control unit 192 searches the process parameters 94 for parameters 942 associated with the paper type 941 that matches the type of paper, and controls each part of the imaging unit 117 in accordance with the found parameters 942.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 10, preference settings 924, priority 925, continuity 926, and notification 927 constitute user setting data 928 for causing imaging unit 117 to continue image formation (printing) in "different cases."

[0103] In this embodiment, setting unit 193 accepts user setting data 92 related to image formation and shown in Fig. 10. A first setting unit 196 included in setting unit 193 accepts settings including selection setting 924, priority 925, and continuity 926 in user setting data 928 for each paper feed tray.

[0104] <8. Cases where notifications are output> In this embodiment, set 951 includes combinations where the degree of deviation between paper types is large, and continued image formation may result in, for example, disadvantages for the user or mechanical malfunctions of the MFP 1. For example, it includes combinations that may result in a decrease in image quality, a decrease in productivity such as the number of printed sheets per unit time, etc.

[0105] For example, if a user places thin paper on top of a thick paper in a paper feed tray that already contains thick paper, the paper type 554 for the user's job 50 indicates thin paper, and the MFP 1 prints using process parameters for thin paper. If the thin paper in the paper feed tray runs out during printing and thick paper is fed from the paper feed tray to the transport path, i.e., if a "different case" is detected, the MFP 1 will print on the thick paper using process parameters for thin paper. In this case, the combination of (thin paper, thick paper) corresponds to group 951, which could result in poor toner fixation on the thick paper, causing the toner on the thick paper to peel off inside or outside the machine, resulting in a malfunction of the MFP 1. Furthermore, if the thick paper runs out during printing and thin paper is fed to the transport path, the MFP 1 will print on the thin paper using process parameters for thick paper, which could result in a malfunction such as paper wrapping around the paper. In this embodiment, when a "different case" is detected that is likely to cause such a malfunction, a notification is output to the user, prompting the user to address or prevent the malfunction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in such a "different type case," printing may be continued by dynamically changing the process parameters to process parameters that are suited to the detected paper type. This makes it possible to avoid the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively, the image formation control unit 192 may be configured to avoid the problems by switching the process parameters to process parameters for another paper type that has a smaller degree of dissociation from the specified paper type than the detected paper type, or by switching the paper feed tray so that a paper type having parameters close to the values ​​of the process parameters for the specified paper type is supplied to the conveyance path.

[0106] <9.UI> 14 to 18 are diagrams showing examples of UI screens according to the present embodiment. The setting unit 193 displays a screen for accepting user setting operations including paper type on the display 9A, and the setting unit 193 stores setting data 92 based on the user operations on the screen.

[0107] FIG. 14 shows a screen for accepting the setting of the paper type 923 to be stored in each paper feed tray. FIG. 14 shows a case where the setting is made for the manual feed tray, for example. The user can set the paper type to be stored in the manual feed tray to plain paper by operating icon 142. The user can set the paper type for other paper feed trays in the same way. Also, on the screen of FIG. 14, icon 141 notifies the user that the MFP 1 is set to a mode in which the paper sensor 500 detects the paper type during image formation, i.e., the "different type case" detection mode. The MFP 1 has an externally operable toggle switch (not shown). When the toggle switch is operated, the paper sensor 500 is set to be able to detect paper types, and the MFP 1 is set to the "different type case" detection mode. Note that the method for setting the different type case detection mode for the MFP 1 is not limited to operating the toggle switch, and may be set, for example, from a UI screen displayed on the display 9A.

[0108] Fig. 15 shows a screen for accepting settings for selection setting 924 and continuity 926 for each paper feed tray. The screen in Fig. 15 is a setting screen for the manual feed tray, and includes, for example, a message 151 indicating that the detection mode for "different case" has been set for the manual feed tray on the screen in Fig. 14, icons 152 and 153 that are operated to select either "specified type" or "detected type" as selection setting 924, and icons 154 and 155 that are operated to set continuity 926. The user can also set other paper feed trays in the same manner as in Fig. 15.

[0109] Fig. 16 shows a screen for accepting the setting of priority item 925 for each paper feed tray. The screen of Fig. 16 is, for example, a setting screen for the manual feed tray, and includes, for example, a message 161 indicating that the "different case" detection mode has been set for the manual feed tray on the screen of Fig. 14, an icon 164 operated to set whether or not to select priority item 925, and a pull-down menu 165 showing possible settable items. The user can also set other paper feed trays in the same manner as in Fig. 16.

[0110] 17 shows a screen for receiving a setting operation from the user for the notification 927. The screen of FIG.

[0111] Fig. 18 is a modified example of the screen in Fig. 14, and includes an icon 181 that is operated to set the paper type of paper to be placed in the manual feed tray when the "different type case" detection mode is not set. In Fig. 18, the user operates icon 181 to set the paper type of the manual feed tray to plain paper. For other trays, the user can also set the paper type by operating in the same way as in Fig. 18.

[0112] In this embodiment, the timing when the MFP 1 presents the UIs of Figures 14 to 18 to the user and acquires setting data 92 includes, but is not limited to, when the user sets (stores) paper in a tray. For example, the timing for setting setting data 92 is not limited as long as it can be set before printing, such as when the user sets the paper type for MFP 1 or during setup of MFP 1. The UI screens of Figures 14 to 18 can also be switched for each user.

[0113] <10.Settings Flowchart> 19 is a flowchart of the user setting process according to this embodiment. This process is realized by CPU 101 mainly executing setting program 911. First, in step S1 of the process, CPU 101 detects that a tray has run out of paper (empty) based on a signal from sensor unit 900. In step S3, CPU 101 detects that paper has been placed in the empty paper feed tray based on a signal from sensor unit 900. Here, for example, it is detected that paper has been placed in the manual feed tray.

[0114] In step S5, CPU 101 displays the UI screen of Fig. 14 on display 9A and accepts a user ID (step S6). If CPU 101 does not accept a user operation to set the paper type on the screen of Fig. 14, that is, if the user does not perform a setting operation (NO in step S7), CPU 101 detects the paper type placed in the manual feed tray based on a signal from sensor unit 900 (step S10). CPU 101 sets the detected paper type as manual feed tray paper type 923.

[0115] 14 (YES in step S7), CPU 101 sets the paper type based on the accepted user operation as the paper type 923 for the manual feed tray (step S9). CPU 101 displays the UI screen of Fig. 15 on display 9A, and determines whether the user operation accepted from the UI screen is an operation on icon 154 that is temporary (only for this print) (step S11).

[0116] When CPU 101 determines that the received user operation is an operation of icon 154 (YES in step S11), it sets manual feed tray continuity 926 to "1" (step S13). When CPU 101 determines that the received user operation is not an operation of icon 154 (NO in step S11), it sets continuity 926, which is normally an operation of icon 155, to "0".

[0117] 19, as a modified example, continuity 926 can be set to "00" or "01." More specifically, if the accepted user operation indicates that image formation should continue with the "specified type" indicated by paper type 554 of job 50 even after the manual feed tray becomes empty, CPU 101 sets continuity 926 to "01" (step S17), and if the accepted user operation indicates that image formation should continue with the "specified type" indicated by paper type 554 of job 50 until the manual feed tray becomes empty, CPU 101 sets continuity 926 to "00" (step S19).

[0118] Many users generally desire to print under the optimal conditions of the MFP 1 according to the paper type in terms of image quality and reliability. Furthermore, some users may prefer to print on plain paper, which is more productive, even when thick paper is preferable in terms of image quality. According to the modified example of FIG. 19, a single user (individual) can apply printing on the paper type specified by that user only to printing the immediately following job 50 (step S13). This mechanism of temporarily setting the paper type 554 specified by a user as the selected type supports the use of the MFP 1 in accordance with the needs of a wide variety of users, while preventing the paper type specification of that single user from affecting the image formation of other users.

[0119] 19, in the case of a different type of paper, the paper type 554 specified by the user of job 50 can be continuously set as the "selected type" (steps S17 and S19). The time for this continuation can also be specified as until paper P2 in the paper feed tray becomes empty (step S19) or until after it becomes empty (step S17). This makes it possible to continue printing using the specified type of paper P2 that matches the user's needs, regardless of the detected type, even when a different type of paper is detected, and the user can also set the length of time for this continuation.

[0120] <11. Flowchart for job execution> 20 is a flowchart showing the process for executing a job according to this embodiment. This flowchart is implemented by CPU 101 executing application program 910 including job processing program 912.

[0121] 20, CPU 101 determines whether job 50 based on a user operation on operation panel 9 or job 50 transferred from terminal 200, 300 has been accepted (step S20). If it is determined that job 50 has not been accepted (NO in step S20), CPU 101 repeats step S20, but if it is determined that job 50 has been accepted (YES in step S0), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0122] In step S21, CPU 101 determines whether a heterogeneous case detection mode is set in MFP 1. If it is determined that a heterogeneous case detection mode is not set (NO in step S21), in step S23, CPU 101 controls each unit of MFP 1 to execute job 50 as usual.

[0123] When CPU 101 determines that the heterogeneous case detection mode is set (YES in step S21), in step S25, CPU 101 controls each unit of MFP 1 to execute job 50. When forming an image by executing job 50, CPU 101 outputs the detected type based on the output from paper sensor 500 (step S27).

[0124] CPU 101 compares the designated type indicated by paper type 554 of job 50 with the detected type and determines whether a different-type case is detected based on the comparison result (step S29). If CPU 101 determines that a different-type case is detected (YES in step S29), it determines a selected type, which is the paper type of paper P2 for continuing image formation, in accordance with the setting data (paper type 923, selection setting 924, priority 925, continuity 926, and notification 927) associated with user ID 921 that matches user ID 552 of job 50, and continues image formation (printing) based on job 50 on paper P2 of the determined selected type (step S31). If CPU 101 determines that a different-type case is not detected (NO in step S29), CPU 101 continues executing job 50 without determining a selected type (step S33). Thereafter, CPU 101 ends execution of job 50 (step S35), and the series of processes ends.

[0125] <12.Device Configuration> FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal 200 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 21, the terminal 200 includes a CPU 20, which corresponds to a control unit for controlling the terminal 200, a display 23, an operation panel 25 operated by a user to input information to the terminal 200, a storage unit 26, and a communication controller 27. The storage unit 26 includes a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a memory 28 including a hard disk drive, and a reader / writer 29 for storing programs and data executed by the CPU 20. These components communicate with each other via an internal bus. The display 23 and the operation panel 25 may be provided as an integrated touch panel 24. The communication controller 27 includes a communication circuit such as an NIC or LAN circuit for communication between the terminal 200 and the MFP 1 or another terminal. The reader / writer 29 is configured to allow a memory card 29A, such as an SD card, which is an example of an external storage medium, to be detachably mounted. The reader / writer 29 reads programs or data from the mounted memory card 29A. The read programs or data are stored in the storage unit 26 and executed by the CPU 20.

[0126] The route for setting the setting data 92 in the MFP1 described above is not limited to the route from the operation panel 9 of the MFP1. For example, the user can set the setting data by operating the terminal 200. In this embodiment, the MFP1 can function as a web server, and the terminal 200 can function as a client of the web server. The CPU 101 of the MFP1 communicates with the browser 221 of the terminal 200, and the browser 221 transmits to the terminal 200 a web page having a UI screen for accepting user operations as shown in FIGS. 14 to 18. The terminal 200 displays the received web page as a browser screen on the display 23 of the touch panel 24 by the browser 221. The terminal 200 transmits data based on the user operation accepted via the browser screen by the browser 221 to the MFP1, which is the web server. The MFP1 stores the data received from the terminal 200 as setting data 92.

[0127] Not only the terminal 200 but also the portable terminal 300 can operate as a client of the Web server in the same manner as the terminal 200. Therefore, the MFP 1 can store data received from the browser of the terminal 300 as the setting data 92.

[0128] The module corresponding to the browser 221 may be included in the printer driver program of the terminal 200, or may be provided as a program that extends the printer driver, and the manner in which the module is provided is not limited.

[0129] In addition, the printer driver program of terminal 200 or terminal 300 may present the UI screens of Figures 14 to 18, acquire setting data 92 from the user via the UI screens, and transfer the acquired setting data 92 to MFP1.

[0130] Terminal 200 or terminal 300 according to the present embodiment is an example of an information processing terminal that communicates with an image forming apparatus (MFP1) that forms an image on a sheet on a conveying path. Terminal 200 or 300 includes a setting unit 193 that accepts user settings (setting data 92) related to image formation, and a transmission unit (communication controller 27) that transmits the user settings accepted by the setting unit to the image forming apparatus, and the user settings include user setting data 928 that causes the image forming apparatus to continue image formation when the type of sheet on the conveying path differs from the type of sheet specified by the user.

[0131] In this embodiment, the paper P2 whose paper type is detected is not limited to paper P2 transported on the transport path, but may be any paper P2 on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus. For example, the image forming apparatus may be configured to have a paper sensor 500 installed in a tray that supplies paper P2 to the transport path. In that case, when the start button on the operation panel 9 is operated or a job is started, the CPU 101 may detect the paper type of paper P2 in the tray (i.e., paper P2 on which an image is formed) based on detection by the tray paper sensor 500, and may continue the image formation described above based on the difference between the detected paper type and the paper type specified by the user.

[0132] <13.Program> Application program 910, which includes a program for setting setting data 92 in MFP 1 using the UI screens of FIGS. 14 to 18 and a program for executing job 50 in accordance with setting data 92, can be provided as a program product by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as external storage medium 120 attached to MFP 1, which is a computer equipped with a processor. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a storage medium such as HDD 107 built into the computer. The program can also be provided by downloading via network 110 or wireless communication. The program can be executed by one or more processors such as CPU 101, or by a combination of a processor and a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0133] A program (e.g., browser 221) for terminal 200 for setting setting data 92 in MFP 1 using the UI screens of FIGS. 14 to 18 can be provided as a program product by being recorded on a computer-readable storage medium such as memory card 29A attached to terminal 200 as a computer. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk of memory 28 built into the computer. The program can also be provided by downloading via network 110 or wireless communication. The program can be executed by one or more processors such as CPU 20, or by a combination of a processor and a circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0134] <14. Advantages> In this embodiment, even if the paper type detected by paper type detection unit 190 is different from the paper type 554 (specified type) specified by the user for job 50 during job execution, i.e., during image formation, and a different-type case is detected, execution of job 50 is not interrupted, and MFP 1 continues to execute job 50 in accordance with stored user setting data 92. Therefore, the user does not need to worry about the state of MFP 1 after execution of job 50 has started (i.e., whether a different-type case has been detected), improving user convenience. Furthermore, even if MFP 1 detects a different-type case during execution of one job 50, it can execute the next job 50 without interrupting execution of job 50, thereby improving productivity related to image formation on the MFP 1.

[0135] 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]

[0136] 1 MFP, 2 device main body, 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D paper feed tray, 4X manual feed tray, 5 transfer unit, 6 fixing unit, 7 paper output tray, 8 paper feed device, 9, 25 operation panel, 9A, 23 display, 10 main body control unit, 92 setting data, 93 priority determination data, 94 process parameters, 95 paper type combination, 104 image processing unit, 105 image memory, 113 control unit, 117 imaging unit, 118 transport control unit, 190 paper type detection unit, 191 paper type selection unit, 192 image formation control unit, 193 setting unit, 194 external communication control unit, 195 notification control unit, 196 first setting unit, 197 specification unit, 200, 300 terminal, 221 browser, 500 paper sensor, 910 application program, 911 setting program, 912 job processing program, 924 Selection settings, 925 Priority, 926 Continuity, 927 Notification, 928 User setting data, 931 Item, 932 Priority, 941 Paper type, 942 Parameters, 951 Set, P1 Original, P2 Paper, R0 Main transport path, R1 Paper feed path.

Claims

1. a forming unit for forming an image on a sheet conveyed on a conveying path in accordance with a user's job; a detection means for detecting the type of sheet on which the image is to be formed; a designation unit that receives, from the user, a designation of a type of sheet for image formation according to the job; a setting unit configured to receive a user setting as to whether to prioritize the sheet type detected by the detecting unit before the image formation is performed or the sheet type designated by the user and received by the designating unit; After the image formation is performed, if the sheet type detected by the detecting means is different from the sheet type designated by the user and accepted by the designating means, If the setting means has set that the sheet type detected by the detection means is to be given priority, the forming means is caused to continue the image formation based on the setting based on the sheet type detected by the detection means, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, if a setting is made to give priority to the sheet type specified by the user received by the specifying means, the forming means continues to perform the image formation based on the setting based on the sheet type specified by the user received by the specifying means.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for causing the forming unit to continue the image formation includes a setting indicating that one of the detected sheet type and the user-specified sheet type is to be used for the image formation.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for causing the forming means to continue the image formation includes a priority setting indicating that one of the detected sheet type and the user-specified sheet type is used in preference to the other for the image formation.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the priority is based on characteristics of the forming means relating to image formation.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the characteristics include at least one of image quality, speed, and power consumption in image formation by the forming means.

6. the setting means has a UI (user interface) means, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a user setting relating to the image formation is accepted in response to a user operation on the UI means.

7. the image forming apparatus, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for controlling the forming means so that, when the image formation is performed by the forming means, the sheet type detected by the detection means is different from the sheet type specified by the user, the image formation continues in accordance with the settings.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the specifying unit receives the sheet type specification from the user, the setting unit operates to accept a setting for continuously performing the image formation.

9. the image forming apparatus, The sheet conveying device further includes a supply means configured to accommodate sheets to be supplied to the conveying path, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the user places a sheet in the supplying means, the setting means operates to accept a setting for continuing to perform the image formation.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for causing the forming unit to continuously perform the image formation includes a setting indicating whether the setting is to be applied to one job or multiple jobs of the user.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit receives, for each of the plurality of users of the image forming apparatus, a setting for causing the forming unit to continuously perform the image formation from the user.

12. the image forming apparatus, The sheet conveying device further includes one or more supply means configured to accommodate sheets to be supplied to the conveying path, The designation means a means for receiving, from the user, a designation of a type of sheet to be accommodated in each of the one or more supply means; The setting means a first setting unit for receiving a setting for causing the forming unit to continuously perform the image formation for each of the supply units; The user settings are:

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting for causing the forming means to continue forming the image when the sheet type detected by the detection means is different from the sheet type specified by the user for the supply means that supplies the sheet to the transport path.

13. The image forming apparatus further includes a communication means for communicating with an information processing terminal, 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit accepts the user settings related to the image formation by receiving the user settings related to the image formation from the information processing terminal via the communication unit.

14. The setting for causing the forming unit to continuously perform the image formation further includes: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting indicating that a notification is to be output to the user when a combination of the detected sheet type and the user-specified sheet type satisfies a predetermined condition.

15. The image forming apparatus further includes a means for selecting a sheet type for continuing image formation in accordance with the setting when the sheet type detected by the detecting means is different from the sheet type designated by the user and accepted by the designating means, 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein process control conditions for the image formation are set in accordance with a difference between the sheet type detected by the detection unit and the selected sheet type.

16. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: forming an image on a sheet conveyed on a conveyance path of the image forming apparatus in accordance with a user's job; detecting the type of sheet on which the image is to be formed; receiving, from the user, a designation of a type of sheet for image formation in accordance with the job; and a step of accepting a user setting as to whether to prioritize the sheet type detected in the detecting step before the image formation is performed or to prioritize the sheet type designated by the user in the designation accepting step, After the image formation is performed, if the sheet type detected in the detecting step is different from the sheet type designated by the user in the designation receiving step, If it is set in the step of receiving the setting that the sheet type detected in the step of detecting is to be given priority, the image formation is continued in the step of performing the image formation based on the setting based on the sheet type detected in the step of detecting, If the setting acceptance step is set to prioritize the user-specified sheet type accepted in the acceptance step, the image formation is continued in the execution step using the setting based on the user-specified sheet type accepted in the acceptance step.

17. A program executed by a computer, The program is configured to: forming an image on a sheet conveyed on a conveying path in accordance with a user's job; detecting the type of sheet on which the image is to be formed; receiving, from the user, a designation of a type of sheet for image formation in accordance with the job; and a step of receiving a user setting as to whether to give priority to the sheet type detected in the detecting step before the image formation is performed or to give priority to the sheet type designated by the user in the designation receiving step; After the image formation is performed, if the sheet type detected in the detecting step is different from the sheet type designated by the user in the designation receiving step, If it is set in the step of receiving the setting that the sheet type detected in the step of detecting is to be given priority, the image formation is continued in the step of forming based on the setting based on the sheet type detected in the step of detecting, If the step of accepting settings specifies that the user-specified sheet type accepted in the step of accepting settings is to be given priority, the program causes the step of continuing to perform the image formation in the step of performing the image formation based on the settings based on the user-specified sheet type accepted in the step of accepting settings to be performed.

Images