JP2005150980A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for preventing an original or a recording medium from being forgotten and left behind. <P>SOLUTION: A flowchart, for explaining processing steps by the image forming apparatus, includes a step S16 of reading an image of an original by an image read section; a step S17 for temporarily storing acquired image data to a storage section; a step S18 of displaying an indication of urging the reception of the original; a step S20 of discriminating whether the original is received, on the basis of a signal outputted from an original sensor; steps S24 to S27 of an image forming section starting print processing and invalidating the image data stored in the storage section, when the print processing is finished when the reception of the original is discriminated (YES in S20); and a step S22 of informing a terminal that the original is left behind, when a prescribed time elapses with the original left behind (YES in S21), after the storage of the image data on the other hand. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prevents an image recording medium such as a document or a recording medium from being left behind.

  A document reading unit included in an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a digital multifunction peripheral is normally pressed by a document cover so that the document is in close contact with the reading surface, and a reading operation is performed. For this reason, the set original is hidden from the user, and there is a problem that the original is left behind. In particular, copy services using digital copiers or color digital copiers are provided at convenience stores, retail stores, etc., and can be used easily by ordinary users, but they are often unfamiliar and are often left behind. Has occurred.

  In the copy service, a user often sets and uses a personal document as a manuscript, and if the manuscript is misplaced, there is a concern that it may become a big problem. Recently, a service for printing out data taken with a digital camera or the like has been developed. In this case, there is also a problem that only the printed matter is received and the recording medium on which the data is recorded is forgotten.

In order to cope with such a problem, an image forming apparatus that gives a warning by a notifying unit after a predetermined time has elapsed after completion of reading of a document or notifies by a notifying unit when a user tries to leave the place. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 58-30772 A

  However, when such a notification means is provided, it is possible to effectively prevent misplacement by means of a warning sound such as a buzzer. However, in a store such as a convenience store, not only the user himself but also other uses It is a problem because it causes trouble for the person. That is, it is not so preferable to use a warning sound for a user who is a customer. Further, when the notification by the buzzer is forcibly turned off, there is a problem that it is impossible to notify the misplacement. Further, when a warning means such as a lamp is used as a countermeasure, the effect of preventing misplacement is not sufficient, and the user may not be aware of it, resulting in the possibility of misplacement of the document.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an image recording medium and a storage unit that stores image data read from the image recording medium. After the image data is stored, when the detection unit detects that the image recording medium is not present, the document is started without using warning units such as a warning sound and a warning lamp by starting the image formation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing misplacement of an image recording medium such as a recording medium.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an image recording medium, a reading unit that reads image data from the detected image recording medium, a storage unit that stores the read image data, and stored image data. In the image forming apparatus comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the above, after the image data read from the image recording medium is stored in the storage means, the detection means indicates that the image recording medium is absent. If detected, the image forming means includes means for controlling the image forming means to start image formation.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an image recording medium, and a storage unit that stores image data read from the image recording medium. After storing the image data read from the image recording medium, When it is detected that there is no image recording medium, image formation is started, so that misplacement of an image recording medium such as a document or a recording medium is prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the storage unit stores the image data read from the image recording medium, and the detection unit detects that the image recording medium is present, the image recording medium is present. The apparatus further comprises means for informing information.

  In the present invention, after the image data read from the image recording medium is stored, when it is detected that the image recording medium is present, the fact is notified so that the user is notified of the image recording medium. You can encourage receipt and prevent misplacement.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that counts time after the storage unit stores image data, a unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the measured time, and a predetermined time When the detection means detects that the image recording medium is present after determining that the image recording medium has elapsed, the information processing apparatus further comprises means for transmitting information indicating the presence of the image recording medium to the outside.

  In the present invention, when it is detected that there is an image recording medium after a predetermined time has elapsed since the image data read from the image recording medium is stored, information to that effect is transmitted to the outside. Therefore, when the image recording medium is left behind, information to that effect is notified to the administrator of the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that counts time after the storage unit stores image data, a unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the measured time, and a predetermined time And a means for invalidating the image data when it is determined that elapses.

  In the present invention, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the image data was stored, the stored image data is invalidated, so that leakage of the image data is prevented.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention determines whether or not image formation by the image forming unit is completed, and invalidates image data stored in the storage unit when it is determined that image formation is completed. And a means.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that the image formation is completed, the stored image data is invalidated, so that leakage of the image data is prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image recording medium is a document on which an image to be read is recorded.

  In the present invention, since the image recording medium is a document on which an image to be read is recorded, misplacement of the document is prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image recording medium is a memory in which image data to be read is recorded.

  In the present invention, since the image recording medium is a memory in which image data to be read is recorded, misplacement of memories such as various recording media is prevented.

  In the case of the present invention, after storing the image data read from the image recording medium, if it is detected that the image recording medium is not present, image formation is started. Without using any means, it is possible to prevent misplacement of an image recording medium such as a document or a recording medium.

  Further, in the case of the present invention, when the presence of the image recording medium is detected after storing the image data read from the image recording medium, the fact is notified so that the user is urged to receive it. And misplacement of the image recording medium can be prevented.

  Further, in the case of the present invention, when it is detected that there is an image recording medium after a predetermined time has elapsed since the image data read from the image recording medium is stored, information to that effect is transmitted to the outside. Therefore, when the image recording medium is left behind, information to that effect can be notified to the administrator of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the image data was stored, the stored image data is invalidated, so that the leakage of the image data already captured in the apparatus is prevented. can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the image formation has been completed, the stored image data is invalidated, so that it is possible to prevent the leakage of the image data already taken into the apparatus.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the image recording medium is a document on which an image to be read is recorded, it is possible to prevent the document from being left behind.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the image recording medium is a memory that records image data to be read, misplacement of memories such as various recording cards can be prevented.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus installed in a convenience store, a retail store or the like. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an information processing apparatus 2 such as a personal computer used by an administrator via a communication network N1, and a POS. Terminals 3, 3,..., 3 are connected. An external facsimile apparatus 4 is connected via the facsimile communication network N2.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a scanner function for reading an image of a document, a copy function for printing the read image on paper, a printer function for receiving print data from the outside and performing print processing on the paper, and an external facsimile apparatus 4 and a facsimile. A digital multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving data, and includes a control unit 11 constituted by a CPU and various hardware connected to the control unit 11 via a bus 12. A control program for controlling various hardware is stored in the ROM 13 in advance, and the control unit 11 loads and executes the control program to operate as a digital multi-function peripheral having the above-described functions. The management unit 14 includes a semiconductor memory, and stores management information for managing various hardware states.

  The operation panel 15 includes an operation unit 151 that includes various operation keys for receiving operation instructions from a user, and a display unit that displays various setting values input from the operation unit 151. The image reading unit 16 includes a CCD 161 (Charge Coupled Device). An image of a document set on a document table (not shown) is formed on the CCD 161 and converted into an analog electric signal. After the signal is converted into a digital signal, image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of reading the document, sensitivity variations of the CCD 161, and the like. The generated image data is stored in an appropriate storage area in the storage unit 19 including a hard disk via the image memory 18. In addition, the image reading unit 16 includes a document detection sensor 162 for detecting a document set on a document table. Based on the output of the document detection sensor 162, the image reading unit 16 acquires information regarding the presence or absence of a document. Information is managed by the management unit 14. The document detection sensor 162 includes, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the presence or absence of a document by detecting the amount of reflected light emitted from the light emitting element. The image reading unit 16 may include an automatic feeding device that automatically reads a plurality of documents.

The image forming unit 17 is, for example, a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, laser writing that emits a laser beam according to image data received from the outside and generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. An apparatus, a developing device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, a transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto paper (not shown), etc. The image desired by the user can be formed on the paper by the electrophotographic method.
In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 17 is configured to perform image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing device. However, the image forming unit 17 is configured to perform image formation by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, or a sublimation method. Of course, it may be.

  The collection unit 20 includes means for receiving valuables such as money or prepaid cards. In accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 13, the control unit 11 charges for the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 1 on the valuables received by the collection unit 20, and the collection unit 20 valuables the charged consideration. Collect from things. Note that the collection unit 20 may receive a recording medium such as a prepaid card and perform processing for recording the charged information on the recording medium.

  The communication unit 21 includes a communication interface conforming to the communication standard of the communication network N1, receives print data from the information processing apparatus 2 connected to the communication network N1, and also processes the information processing apparatus 2 or the POS terminal 3. , 3,..., 3 are transmitted information to be notified. The facsimile communication unit 22 includes a line termination circuit for connecting to the facsimile communication network N2, and receives facsimile data from the facsimile apparatus 4 transmitted via the facsimile communication network N2. The facsimile communication unit 22 includes a decoding circuit for decoding received facsimile data, and transfers image data obtained by decoding to the image memory 18. The facsimile communication unit 22 includes an encoding circuit for encoding facsimile data to be transmitted, and transmits the facsimile data encoded by the encoding circuit to a target facsimile apparatus. The facsimile communication unit 22 performs such facsimile data transmission / reception and facsimile data encoding / decoding processing.

  In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a document set in the image reading unit 16 is monitored based on the output of the document detection sensor 162, and the document remains after the image of the set document is read. In this case, the image forming unit 17 does not start the printing process and displays a message prompting the user to receive the document. Then, when the original is received, the image forming unit 17 starts the printing process. In addition, when a predetermined time has passed without receiving the set original, information indicating that the original is left is notified to the information processing apparatus 2 or the POS terminal 3 used by the administrator.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 15. The operation unit 151 of the operation panel 15 includes hardware keys such as a numeric keypad 151a for inputting numerical values, a clear key 151b, a full release key 151c, and a start key 151d for starting image reading. In addition, the display unit 152 of the operation panel 15 includes a liquid crystal display device, and information input through the operation unit 151 and information to be notified to the user are displayed, and a part thereof constitutes a touch panel. The user's selection operation is accepted based on the display content.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining a processing procedure by the image forming apparatus 1. First, the control unit 11 determines whether a document is detected by the document detection sensor 162 of the image reading unit 16 based on the information stored in the management unit 14 (step S11). If it is determined that the document is not detected (S11: NO), the process waits until the document is detected. If it is determined that a document has been detected (S11: YES), the printing fee to be input to the collection unit 20 is displayed on the display unit 152 and charging processing is performed (step S12). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the reading of the document should be started by monitoring whether or not the start key 151d of the operation panel 15 is pressed (step S13). If it is determined that reading of the document should not be started (S13: NO), it is determined whether or not the printing process is canceled by pressing the all release key 151c or the like (step S14). If it is determined that it has not been canceled (S14: NO), the process returns to step S13. If it is determined that it has been canceled (S14: YES), a refund process is performed (step S15), and the process according to this flowchart ends. .

  If it is determined in step S13 that reading of the document should be started (S13: YES), the document is scanned and the image of the document is optically read by the CCD 161 (step S16). Are temporarily stored in the storage unit 19 via the image memory 18 (step S17). Then, as shown in the display example of FIG. 5A, the fact that the original remains on the original platen is displayed on the display unit 152 of the operation panel 15, and a display prompting reception of the original is performed (step S18). Next, the control unit 11 sets a timer (not shown) (step S19), and determines whether or not the document has been received based on the output of the document detection sensor 162 (step S20). If it is determined that the document has not been received (S20: NO), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed by referring to the output of the timer (step S21). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S21: NO), the process returns to step S20. If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer was set (S21: YES), a predetermined terminal device (for example, the information processing device 2 of the administrator) is notified that there is a misplaced document (step S22). . Then, the image data stored in the storage unit 19 is invalidated (step S23). Here, the invalidation of the image data refers to making it difficult to reproduce by overwriting random data on the image data stored in the storage unit 19, for example.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the document has been received (S20: YES), the image data temporarily stored in the storage unit 19 is read and transferred to the image forming unit 17 to start the printing process (step S20). S24). While executing the printing process, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 152 that the printing process is being executed as shown in FIG. 5B (step S25). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the printing process is completed (step S26), and when it is determined that the printing process is completed (S26: YES), the image data stored in the storage unit 19 is invalidated. (Step S27). If it is determined that the printing process has not been completed (S26: NO), it is determined whether a balance error has occurred according to the information output from the collection unit 20 (step S28). If it is determined that there is no balance error (S28: NO), the process returns to step S26, and if it is determined that a balance error has occurred (S28: YES), the printing process is temporarily interrupted (step S29). Then, it is determined whether or not the printing process has been canceled by pressing the all release key 151c or the like (step S30). If it is determined that the printing process has been canceled (S30: YES), it is stored in the storage unit 19. The image data is invalidated (S27). If it is determined that the printing process has not been canceled (S30: NO), the charging process is performed (step S31), and then the process returns to step S24 to restart the printing process.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 that reads an image of a document to acquire image data and forms an image on a sheet based on the acquired image data has been described. The image data can be stored in a portable recording medium having a built-in semiconductor memory, and the image data recorded on the recording medium can be read and printed on paper.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system using the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes an image forming apparatus installed in a convenience store, a retail store or the like. The image forming apparatus 5 includes an information processing apparatus 2 such as a personal computer used by an administrator via a communication network N1, and a POS. Terminals 3, 3,..., 3 are connected, and an external facsimile apparatus 4 is connected via a facsimile communication network N2.

  The image forming apparatus 5 includes a control unit 51 including a CPU and various hardware connected to the control unit 51 via a bus 52. The hardware connected to the bus 52 includes a ROM 53, a management unit 54, an operation panel 55, an image forming unit 57, an image memory 58, a storage unit 59, a collection unit 60, a communication unit 61, and a facsimile communication unit 62. Yes. Since these hardware are exactly the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  The bus 52 further includes a media reader 56 for reading recorded image data from a portable recording medium 560 having a built-in semiconductor memory. The media reader 56 includes a slot for inserting the recording medium 560, a detection circuit for detecting that the recording medium 560 is inserted into the slot, a reading circuit for reading image data from the inserted recording medium 560, and the like. The read image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 59 via the image memory 58. The detection result of the detection circuit is transferred to the management unit 54 via the bus 52, and the management unit 54 manages information related to the presence / absence of the recording medium 560.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining a processing procedure by the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. First, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it is detected by the media reader 56 that the recording medium 560 is set according to the information managed by the management unit 54 (step S41). If it is determined that the recording medium 560 has not been detected (S41: NO), the process waits until the recording medium 560 is detected. If it is determined that the recording medium 560 has been detected (S41: YES), the display unit 152 displays that the printing fee should be input to the collection unit 60 and performs a charging process (step S42). Next, the control unit 51 monitors whether or not the start key 151d (see FIG. 2) of the operation panel 55 has been pressed to determine whether or not to start reading the image data recorded on the recording medium 560. Judgment is made (step S43). If it is determined that reading of the image data recorded on the recording medium 560 should not be started (S43: NO), it is determined whether or not the printing process has been canceled by pressing the all release key 151c or the like (step S43). Step S44). If it is determined that it has not been canceled (S44: NO), the process returns to step S43. If it is determined that it has been canceled (S44: YES), a refund process is performed (step S45), and the process according to this flowchart is terminated. .

  If it is determined in step S43 that reading of the image data recorded on the recording medium 560 should be started (S43: YES), the image data is read from the recording medium 560 (step S46), and the image data acquired by the media reader 56 is obtained. Are temporarily stored in the storage unit 59 via the image memory 58 (step S47). Then, the fact that the recording medium 560 remains in the media reader 56 is displayed on the display unit 552 of the operation panel 55, and a display prompting reception of the recording medium 560 is performed (step S48). Next, the control unit 51 sets a timer (not shown) (step S49) and determines whether or not the reception of the recording medium 560 set in the media reader 56 is completed (step S50). When it is determined that reception of the recording medium 560 has not been completed (S50: NO), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed by referring to the output of the timer (step S51). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S51: NO), the process returns to step S50. When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer was set (S51: YES), a predetermined terminal device (for example, an administrator's information processing) indicates that the recording media 560 left unattended remains in the media reader 56. The device 2) is notified (step S52). Then, the image data stored in the storage unit 19 is invalidated (step S53).

  If it is determined in step S50 that the document has been received (S50: YES), the image data temporarily stored in the storage unit 59 is read and transferred to the image forming unit 57 to start the printing process (step S50). S54). While executing the printing process, the control unit 51 displays on the display unit 152 that the printing process is being executed (step S55). Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the printing process has been completed (step S56). If the control unit 51 determines that the printing process has been completed (S56: YES), the image data stored in the storage unit 59 is invalidated. (Step S57). If it is determined that the printing process has not been completed (S56: NO), it is determined whether a balance error has occurred according to the information output from the collection unit 60 (step S58). If it is determined that there is no balance error (S58: NO), the process returns to step S56. If it is determined that a balance error has occurred (S58: YES), the printing process is temporarily interrupted (step S59). Then, it is determined whether or not the printing process has been canceled by pressing the all release key 151c or the like (step S60). If it is determined that the printing process has been canceled (S60: YES), it is stored in the storage unit 59. The image data is invalidated (S57). If it is determined that the printing process has not been canceled (S60: NO), after performing the accounting process (step S61), the process returns to step S54 to restart the printing process.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an operation panel. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of a display part. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,5 Image forming apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 3 POS terminal 4 Facsimile apparatus 11,51 Control part 16 Image reading part 17,57 Image forming part 19,59 Storage part 56 Media reader

Claims (7)

Detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image recording medium, reading means for reading image data from the detected image recording medium, storage means for storing the read image data, and image formation on the sheet based on the stored image data In an image forming apparatus comprising image forming means for performing
After storing the image data read from the image recording medium in the storage unit, the image forming unit includes a unit that controls the image forming unit to start image formation when the detecting unit detects that the image recording medium is not present. An image forming apparatus.   After the storage means stores the image data read from the image recording medium, the storage means further comprises means for notifying the presence of the image recording medium when the detecting means detects the presence of the image recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   Means for measuring the time since the storage means stored the image data; means for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time measured; and after determining that the predetermined time has elapsed, 3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting to the outside information indicating that the image recording medium is present when the detecting means detects that the image recording medium is present. Forming equipment.   Means for measuring the time since the storage means stored the image data, means for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time measured, and when determining that the predetermined time has passed, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for invalidating the image data.   The apparatus further comprises means for determining whether or not image formation by the image forming means has been completed, and means for invalidating the image data stored in the storage means when it is determined that image formation has been completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 4.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording medium is a document on which an image to be read is recorded.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording medium is a memory in which image data to be read is recorded.

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