IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD

Abstract

Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a sheet feed tray that stores a plurality of kinds of sheet for image formation; a display; an operation device that receives an operation from a user; an image former that forms an image; and a controller that controls the display, the operation device, and the image former. The controller causes the display to selectably display a plurality of prescribed classifications of the sheet, causes the display to selectably display a kind of sheet included in one classification selected though the operation device, and causes the image former to form an image on one kind of sheet selected though the operation device.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a sheet feed tray that stores a plurality of kinds of sheet for image formation; a display; an operation device that receives an operation from a user; an image former that forms an image; and a controller that controls the display, the operation device, and the image former, wherein the controller causes the display to selectably display a plurality of prescribed classifications of the sheet, causes the display to selectably display a kind of sheet included in one classification selected though the operation device, and causes the image former to form an image on one kind of sheet selected though the operation device.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet classifications include prescribed sheet type classifications, and if the operation device receives an operation that one of the sheet type classifications is selected, the controller causes the display to selectably display a kind of sheet included in the one classification selected though the operation device.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet classifications include prescribed sheet size classifications, and if the operation device receives an operation that one of the sheet size classifications is selected, the controller causes the display to selectably display a kind of sheet included in the one classification selected though the operation device.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sheet detection sensor that detects whether a sheet is stored in the sheet feed tray, wherein if the sheet detection sensor detects a sheet stored in the sheet feed tray, the controller causes the display to selectably display a kind of sheet that can be accommodated in the sheet feed tray.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sheet size detection sensor that detects a size of a sheet stored in the sheet feed tray, wherein the controller causes the display to selectably display a kind of sheet determined to be displayed based on a sheet size detected by the sheet size detection sensor.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the display to selectably display, in accordance with a prescribed priority order, a kind of sheet determined to be displayed based on a selection result of the sheet classifications received through the operation device.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feed tray stores an envelope or a postcard.

8. A method of forming an image by an image forming apparatus including a sheet feed tray that stores a plurality of kinds of sheet for image formation and an image former that forms an image, the method comprising: displaying; receiving an operation from a user; and forming an image, wherein in the displaying, prescribed classifications of the sheet are selectably displayed, a kind of sheet included in one classification selected in the receiving is selectably displayed, and in the forming, an image is formed on one kind of sheet selected in the receiving.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a digital multifunctional apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a panel unit of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a sheet setting process by the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on a display operation device of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen displayed on the display operation device of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen displayed on the display operation device of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen displayed on the display operation device of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on a display operation device of a conventional digital multifunctional apparatus;

[0042] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen displayed on the display operation device of the conventional digital multifunctional apparatus;

[0043] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of a digital multifunctional apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a sheet setting process by the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 12;

[0045] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on a display operation device of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 12; and

[0046] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the setting screen displayed on the display operation device of the digital multifunctional apparatus in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings. It is noted that the following description is an exemplified illustration in all aspects and should not be interpreted to limit the present invention.

First Embodiment

Simplified Configuration of Digital Multifunctional Apparatus 1

[0048] A digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation panel 16 of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 1.

[0050] The digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for digitally processing image data, such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0051] The digital multifunctional apparatus 1 executes a job such as scanning, printing, copying, or image transmission, based on a user instruction received via a display operation device 161 or a physical operation device 162.

[0052] Next, a simplified configuration of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 includes a controller 10, a scanner 11, an image former 12, a memory 13, an image processing device 14, a sheet conveyor 15, the operation panel 16, a sheet detection sensor 17, a sheet size detection sensor 18, and a sheet feed tray 19.

[0054] Constitution elements of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 will be described below.

[0055] The controller 10 integrally controls the digital multifunctional apparatus 1, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, various types of interface circuits, and the like.

[0056] The controller 10 monitors and controls detection by each of the sensors, and any load such as a motor, a clutch, and the operation panel 16 to control an operation of the entire digital multifunctional apparatus 1.

[0057] The scanner 11 detects and reads a document placed on a document platen and generates image data.

[0058] The image former 12 forms and outputs an image onto a sheet, based on the image data acquired by the scanner 11, and includes an output controller 120, a developer 121, a transferer 122, and a fixer 123.

[0059] The output controller 120 controls the developer 121, the transferer 122, and the fixer 123 to perform output control for copying, or the like.

[0060] The developer 121 supplies toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductive drum charged to a predetermined potential by a charger to visualize the electrostatic latent image.

[0061] The transferer 122 transfers a toner image formed on a surface of the photoconductive drum onto a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyor 15.

[0062] The fixer 123 fixes the image by pressing and heating the sheet onto which the image has been transferred by the transferer 122.

[0063] The memory 13 is an element or a storage medium that stores information, a control program, and the like necessary for realizing various functions of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1. For example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, or a storage medium such as a hard disk, a flash storage, and an SSD is employed for the memory 13.

[0064] It is noted that a program and data may be stored in different devices, for example, so that a region where the data is stored is included in a hard disk drive and a region where the program is stored is included in a flash storage.

[0065] The image processing device 14 converts a document image read by the scanner 11 into an appropriate electric signal to generate image data, and processes the image data input from the scanner 11 to output the image data in an enlarged or contracted manner, in accordance with a command from the display operation device 161.

[0066] The sheet conveyor 15 conveys a sheet stored in a sheet feed cassette or in a manual feed tray to the image former 12 via a predetermined convey path. Further, the sheet conveyor 15 discharges the sheet onto which the image is formed by the image former 12 to a sheet discharge tray via a predetermined convey path.

[0067] The operation panel 16 includes a liquid crystal display, and includes the display operation device 161 and the physical operation device 162.

[0068] The display operation device 161 displays various types of information. The display operation device 161 includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, and an EL display, and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display on which an operating system or an application software display electronic data such as a processing state. The controller 10 displays an operation and a state of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 via the display operation device 161.

[0069] Further, the display operation device 161 includes a touch panel and receives a command from a user.

[0070] The physical operation device 162 includes an OK key and a power key.

[0071] The sheet detection sensor 17 detects whether a document sheet is placed in the sheet feed tray 19 or on the document platen.

[0072] Further, the sheet detection sensor 17 can also detect a change of the sheet.

[0073] The sheet size detection sensor 18 detects the size of a document sheet placed on the sheet feed tray 19 or the document platen.

[0074] The sheet feed tray 19 is a tray such as a sheet feed cassette and a manual feed tray for storing a sheet for image forming.

Example of Sheet Setting Process of Digital Multifunctional Apparatus 1 According to First Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0075] Subsequently, an example of a sheet setting process of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating; an outline of the sheet setting process by the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 to 9 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the display operation device 161 of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 1, FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on a display operation device 161 of a conventional digital multifunctional apparatus 1.

[0077] In FIG. 5, if the sheet detection sensor 17 detects a sheet change, in step S1, the controller 10 displays, on the operation panel 16, all sheet sizes and sheet types applicable to a tray in which the sheet change is detected (step S1).

[0078] Here, the sheet size is the size of the sheet such as A4 size or B5 size.

[0079] Further, the sheet type is a sheet category including envelope, postcard, plain paper, thick paper, glossy paper, and inkjet sheet.

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a setting screen displaying a currently set sheet type plain paper 1 (60-89 g/m.sup.2) and a size auto if the sheet detection sensor 17 detects a sheet in the sheet feed tray.

[0081] If a user changes the sheet type or size, the user touches a corresponding button.

[0082] In FIG. 6, if the plain paper 1 (60-89 g/m.sup.2) button is touched, a sheet type setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display operation device 161.

[0083] On the other hand, if the auto button is touched in FIG. 6, a sheet size setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display operation device 161.

[0084] In FIG. 8, four sheet size classifications, auto-AB series, auto-inch system, size specification, and envelope, are displayed.

[0085] AB series is a sheet size classification based on Japanese standard, and inch system is a sheet size classification based on European and American standard.

[0086] Size specification is a classification for a sheet size not automatically detected.

[0087] Envelope is a classification for a sheet size used for an envelope.

[0088] After selecting a desired sheet size classification, the user touches an OK button at the upper right of the screen to finalize the selected sheet size classification.

[0089] In step S2 of FIG. 5, if the operation panel 16 receives an operation that a sheet size is selected (step S2), the controller 10 determines whether or not the sheet type is an envelope type in step S3 (step S3).

[0090] If the sheet type is the envelope type (if the determination in step S3 is Yes), the controller 10 displays only a setting for the envelope on the display operation device 161 in step S4 (step S4).

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 9, only sizes COM-9, COM-10, Monarch, DL, C4, C5, and Western-style No. 2 (C6) for the envelope are displayed on the display operation device 161.

[0092] On the other hand, in the conventional digital multifunctional apparatus 1, if a user selects an envelope size, as illustrated in FIG. 10, after selecting first the type envelope from among many sheet types, the user needs to select size to display a list of envelope sizes, as illustrated in FIG. 11, which is burdensome.

[0093] Next, in step S5 of FIG. 5, if the display operation device 161 receives the finalization of the selected sheet size (step S5), the controller 10 ends the sheet setting process on the setting screen.

[0094] On the other hand, in step S3, if the sheet type is not envelope (if the determination in step S3 is No), the controller 10 displays a size category setting screen on the display operation device 161 in step S6 (step S6).

[0095] Next, in step S7 of FIG. 5, the controller 10 determines whether or not the display operation device 161 receives an operation that an envelope size sheet is selected (step S7).

[0096] If the display operation device 161 receives an operation that the envelope size sheet is selected (if the determination in step S7 is Yes), the controller 10 displays only a setting for the envelope on the display operation device 161 in step S4 (step S4).

[0097] On the other hand, if the display operation device 161 does not receive an operation that the envelope size sheet is selected (if the determination in step S7 is No), the controller 10 determines whether or not the display operation device 161 receives an operation that a standard size sheet is selected in step S8 (step S8).

[0098] If the display operation device 161 receives an operation that the standard size sheet is selected (if the determination in step S8 is Yes), the controller 10 displays only a setting for the standard size on the display operation device 161 in step S9 (step S9).

[0099] Afterwards, the controller 10 performs the process in step S5 (step S5).

[0100] On the other hand, if the display operation device 161 does not receive an operation that the standard size sheet is selected (if the determination in step S8 is No), the controller 10 displays an automatic detection category setting screen on the display operation device 161 in step S1.0 (step S10).

[0101] Subsequently, in step S11, the controller 10 causes the sheet size detection sensor 18 to automatically detect the sheet size, and determines whether or not the automatic detection is completed (step S11).

[0102] If the automatic detection is completed (if the determination in step S11 is Yes), the controller 10 ends the sheet setting process on the setting screen.

[0103] Thus, an optimal setting screen is displayed based on the automatically detected sheet size and a selection result by the user on the sheet setting screen, and thus, it is possible to perform the sheet setting more efficiently than conventionally, reduce the complexity of the sheet setting, and achieve the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 having high usability for a user.

Second Embodiment

[0104] Next, the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the sheet setting process by the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 12. FIGS. 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the setting screen displayed on the display operation device 161 of the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 in FIG. 12.

[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the sheet size detection sensor 18 is not provided.

[0107] It is noted that steps S21 to S25 in FIG. 13 correspond to steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 5 respectively.

[0108] In FIG. 13, if the sheet detection sensor 17 detects a sheet change, the controller 10 displays, on the operation panel 16, all sheet sizes and sheet types applicable to a tray in which the sheet change is detected, in step S21 (step S21).

[0109] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a setting screen displaying a currently set sheet type plain paper 1 (60-79 g/m.sup.2) and size A4 if the sheet detection sensor 17 detects a sheet in the sheet feed tray.

[0110] If a user changes the sheet type or size, the user touches a corresponding button.

[0111] In FIG. 14, if the A4 button is touched, a sheet type setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display operation device 161.

[0112] If the operation panel 16 receives an operation that a sheet size is selected in step S22 in FIG. 13 (step S22), the controller 10 determines whether or not the sheet type is the envelope type in step S23 (step S23).

[0113] If the sheet type is not the envelope type in step S23 in FIG. 13 (if the determination in step S23 is No), the controller 10 displays a setting screen for all sizes on the display operation device 161, in step S26 (step S26).

[0114] In FIG. 15, a sheet size setting screen for all the sizes including A4 and B5 is displayed.

[0115] After selecting a desired sheet size, the user touches the OK button at the upper right of the screen to finalize the selected sheet size.

[0116] Afterwards, the controller 10 performs the process in step S25 step S25).

[0117] On the other hand, if the sheet type is the envelope type (if the determination in step S23 is Yes), the controller 10 displays only a setting for the envelope on the display operation device 161 in step S24 (step S24).

[0118] Afterwards, the controller 10 performs the process in step S25 (step S25).

[0119] Compared with the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the setting of the automatic detection category is not necessary, and thus, the size category is limited if the change of the sheet size is received.

[0120] Therefore, a size selection screen listing standard sizes of a sheet which the tray can feed is displayed, without displaying a category setting screen, and thus, the number of steps in the setting change is reduced.

[0121] On the other hand, similar to the first embodiment, in a case where the sheet type is set to envelope, it is sufficient to display only envelope size options, and thus, setting items are displayed only for the envelope sizes among the standard sizes.

[0122] Thus, a setting item unnecessary for an application of a user is not displayed, and further, only a necessary setting screen is displayed based on the selection result by the user on the sheet setting screen, and thus, it is possible to perform the sheet setting more efficiently than conventionally, reduce the complexity of the sheet setting, and achieve the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 having high usability for a user.

Third Embodiment

[0123] In a third embodiment, if the sheet type is postcard or photo, only a setting for postcard or photo may be displayed.

[0124] An example of the setting for postcard or photo includes a setting for a predetermined thick paper, inkjet paper, or the like.

[0125] Thus, an unnecessary setting item other than a setting item for postcard and photo is not displayed, and further, only a necessary setting screen is displayed based on the selection result by a user on the sheet setting screen, and thus, it is possible to perform the sheet setting more efficiently than conventionally, reduce the complexity of the sheet setting, and achieve the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 having high usability for a user.

Fourth Embodiment

[0126] In a fourth embodiment, an application of a user may be estimated based on the automatically detected sheet size and the selection result by the user on the sheet setting screen, and the setting items may be arbitrarily rearranged based on the estimation result.

[0127] For example, if t nick paper is selected for the sheet type, a setting for postcard or photo may be preferentially displayed at the top of the setting screen.

[0128] Thus, an optimal setting screen is displayed based on the selection result by the user on the sheet setting screen, and thus, it is possible to perform the sheet setting more efficiently than conventionally, reduce the complexity of the sheet setting, and achieve the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 having high usability for a user.

Fifth Embodiment

[0129] In a fifth embodiment, only a setting item for a sheet that can be accommodated in the sheet feed tray selected on the setting screen may be displayed on the setting screen.

[0130] For example, if a sheet feed tray that accommodates only plain paper is selected, only a setting item for plain paper is displayed on the setting screen, and a setting item for other sheets such as thick paper is not displayed.

[0131] Thus, an optimal setting screen is displayed based on a selection result of the sheet feed tray by a user on the sheet setting screen, and thus, it is possible to perform the sheet setting more efficiently than conventionally, reduce the complexity of the sheet setting, and achieve the digital multifunctional apparatus 1 having high usability for a user.

[0132] Preferred aspects of the present invention include combinations of any aspects among the above-described plurality of aspects.

[0133] In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications in the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include a meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0134] 1: Digital multifunctional apparatus, [0135] 10: Controller, [0136] 11: Scanner, [0137] 12: Image former, [0138] 13: Memory, [0139] 14: Image processing device, [0140] 15: Sheet conveyor, [0141] 16: Operation panel, [0142] 17: Sheet detection sensor, [0143] 18: Sheet size detection sensor, [0144] 101: Sheet size/type confirmer, [0145] 102: Sheet size changer, [0146] 120: Output controller, [0147] 121: Developer, [0148] 122: Transferer, [0149] 123: Fixer, [0150] 161: Display operation device, [0151] 162: Physical operation device