JP2008134379A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of informing a user that the user forgot to take recording paper and also capable of searching for recording paper which a user forgot to take. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 comprises: an image forming section 3, by which, based on a job for printing image data, the image data and an ID data specific to a user who has instructed to print the image data are recorded on a sheet of recording paper; a paper ejecting means (exemplified by a paper ejection tray 63), which ejects/accumulates sheets of recording paper subjected to recording by the image forming section 3; a reading means 52 for reading the ID data on the recording paper accumulated there; and an informing means, by which, based on the ID data read by the reading means 52, a transmission destination specified by a user corresponding to a job in which the sheet of recording paper has been already removed is informed of the recording paper having been removed from the paper ejection tray 63, and a transmission destination specified to a user corresponding to a job in which the sheet of recording paper has not yet been removed is informed of the recording paper having not yet been removed from the paper ejection tray 63. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and more specifically, a function of recording user-specific ID data on a recording sheet and reading the ID data to notify the user that the recording sheet (printed matter) has been forgotten. And an image forming system including the apparatus.

  In general, an image forming apparatus that is connected to a terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) via a network or the like and forms (prints) image data transmitted from the terminal device is known. For example, when printing image data created by the terminal device, the user operates the terminal device to transmit a print command to the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving this print command, the image forming apparatus prints on the recording paper based on the image data from the terminal device, and discharges the printed matter on which the image is formed to a predetermined discharge tray. In addition, the user can also execute printing / discharge by operating the terminal device and transmitting a print command for image data stored in the image forming apparatus in advance to the image forming apparatus.

  Then, the user directly checks the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus to confirm whether the image formation is completed and the printed material is discharged to the paper discharge tray. If the paper is discharged, the user takes out the printed material from the paper discharge tray and obtains the printed material. As described above, when the user wants to know whether or not the printed matter is discharged to the discharge tray of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to visually check the discharge tray at any time or at any timing, which is troublesome for the user. It was a difficult task.

  On the other hand, when the user forgets to remove the printed material from the paper discharge tray, the printed material is left in the paper discharge tray for a long time. Therefore, if there is a malicious third party, the content is stolen or removed from the neglected printed matter, and there is a high risk of leakage of important information. Furthermore, when the allowable discharge amount of the discharge tray is exceeded, the accumulation amount detection means detects the print and interrupts the printing. Therefore, when the left prints are accumulated, the discharge tray finally becomes as described above. This causes problems such as printing being interrupted when the allowable discharge amount is exceeded.

  Conventionally, as a technique for notifying that a user has forgotten to remove a printed matter, a discharge tray is provided for each user, and when the printed matter is discharged to each discharge tray and left for a certain period of time, the printed matter is sent to the user corresponding to the discharge tray. There is known a method for notifying that the user is left unattended. However, this method requires the number of paper discharge trays as many as the number of users, and there is a problem that the size of the image forming apparatus is increased in order to cope with a large number of users. Further, when the image forming apparatus is implemented without increasing its size, there is a problem that the number of users corresponding to a small number of paper discharge trays is limited.

To deal with this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus provided with a function for notifying that a user forgets to remove a printed material without increasing the size of the apparatus and supporting a large number of users. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image of an identification code of a user who uses the PC together with image data from the PC, a staying tray that temporarily holds printed material that has been imaged by the image forming unit, and a staying tray that retains the printed matter. An original reading unit that reads an identification code of the printed material, a conveying device that conveys the printed material to the original reading unit, and a user who has performed image formation based on the identification code read by the original reading unit are notified to the PC to remove the printed material. Notification means.
JP 2000-155506 A

  However, conventionally, it has been considered that notification to a person who has removed the recording paper is unnecessary, and the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 also performs synthetic printing of an ID image such as an identification code corresponding to the recording paper output person. The ID image is read from the recording paper remaining on the staying tray and notification is made. That is, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, only the output person who left the recording paper is notified based on the read ID image.

  Therefore, in this image forming apparatus, even if the recording paper is taken away by mistake or deliberately, the output person cannot know it until he goes to the paper discharge tray and confirms it, but the recording paper is taken away by mistake. It is also impossible to identify the person who was taken away.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of notifying a user that he / she has forgotten to take a recording sheet and searching for a recording sheet missed by the user, and an apparatus for the same. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system provided.

  In order to solve the above problem, the first technical means of the present invention records the image data and the ID data unique to the user who instructed to print the image data on a recording sheet based on a job for printing the image data. An image forming unit; a paper discharge unit that discharges and deposits recording paper recorded by the image forming unit; a reading unit that reads ID data of the recording paper deposited on the paper discharge unit; Based on the ID data, the transmission destination designated by the user corresponding to the job from which the recording paper has already been removed is notified that the recording paper of the paper discharge means has been removed, and the job for which the recording paper has not been removed is notified. The corresponding user-designated transmission destination is provided with notification means for notifying that the recording paper of the paper discharge means has not been removed.

  The second technical means includes a response receiving means for receiving a response to the notification that the recording paper has been removed by the notification means in the first technical means, and a response of the recording paper based on the response received by the response receiving means. And a confirmation processing means for performing reception confirmation processing.

  In a third technical means, in the second technical means, if the confirmation processing means is a reply that the recording paper has not been received, the third technical means has notified that the recording paper has been removed. It is characterized by having confirmation notifying means for notifying the transmission destination of confirmation.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the third technical means, the confirmation notification means notifies the confirmation only to transmission destinations corresponding to jobs printed before and after the job corresponding to the reply. It is characterized by.

  According to a fifth technical means, in the second technical means, when the confirmation processing means is a reply that the response is not received, a job printed before and after the job corresponding to the reply. A notification that the recording paper has been removed is sent only to the transmission destination corresponding to the above and the transmission destination that has notified that the recorded matter has not been removed starting from the job corresponding to the reply. It is characterized by having confirmation notifying means for notifying other destinations of confirmation.

  A sixth technical means is any one of the third to fifth technical means, wherein the confirmation processing means includes a second response receiving means for accepting a response to the confirmation notification by the confirmation notifying means, and the second response receiving means. Response receiving means for notifying that there is a response to the transmission destination to which the reply has been made.

  A seventh technical means is the first technical means according to any one of the first to sixth technical means, wherein the reading means stores the ID data each time recording paper is deposited on the paper discharge means after one job is completed. It is characterized by executing reading.

  According to an eighth technical means, in any one of the first to seventh technical means, the notification means executes the notification when a predetermined time has elapsed after completion of image formation by the image forming means. It is what.

  According to a ninth technical means, in any one of the first to eighth technical means, the image forming means is arranged only on a part of recording paper on which image data should be printed for one job. ID data is recorded.

  A tenth technical means is an image forming system comprising the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth technical means, wherein a plurality of external devices connected to the image forming apparatus and execute the print instruction are provided. The user-specified transmission destination is an address to be transmitted to the external device itself or an address to be transmitted to another device that can be received from the external device.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to notify the user that the recording paper has been forgotten to be taken, and it is possible to search for the recording paper that the user has missed.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 denotes the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1 is roughly composed of an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, and a post-processing device 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 2 includes a document table 11 made of transparent glass, a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 12 for automatically supplying a document onto the document table 11, A document image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of a document placed on the document placement table 11, that is, a scanner unit 13 is configured.

  The RADF 12 is a known device that sets a plurality of documents at once on a predetermined document tray and automatically feeds the set documents one by one onto the document placement table 11 of the scanner unit 13. . The RADF 12 includes a conveyance path for a single-sided document, a conveyance path for a double-sided document, a conveyance path switching unit, and the like so that the scanner unit 13 can read one or both sides of the document according to a user's selection. Has been.

  The scanner unit 13 includes a lamp reflector assembly that exposes the surface of the document and a first reflection mirror that guides a reflected light image from the document to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 17 that converts an image of the reflected light into an electrical image signal. The scanning unit 14, the second scanning unit 15 having the second and third reflection mirrors mounted thereon, and an optical lens body 16 for forming a reflected light image on the CCD 17. The first scanning unit 14 travels along the document placement table 11 from left to right at a constant speed V, and the second scanning unit 15 is controlled to travel in the same direction at a speed of V / 2.

  As a result, the image reading unit 2 moves the scanner unit 13 along the lower surface of the document table 11 while sequentially placing the documents to be read on the document table 11 by operations related to the RADF 12 and the scanner unit 13. Thus, the image of the document placed on the document placement table 11 is sequentially formed on the CCD 17 line by line to read the document image.

  The image data obtained by reading the document image with the scanner unit 13 is subjected to various processes and then temporarily stored in a memory (not shown). The image data is output from the memory to the image forming unit 3 according to an output instruction. Then, after being reproduced as a visible image on the photosensitive drum 22, the image is transferred onto a sheet to form a toner image.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a laser writing unit (LSU) 21 and an electrophotographic process unit 20 for forming an image. The laser writing unit 21 is a semiconductor laser that emits laser light according to image data read from a memory or image data transferred from an external device such as a PC, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser light at an equal angular velocity, and is deflected at an equal angular velocity. And an f-θ lens for correcting the laser beam to scan the photosensitive drum 22 of the electrophotographic process unit 20 at a constant speed.

  The electrophotographic process unit 20 includes a charging device 23, a developing device 24, a transfer device 25, a peeling device 26, a cleaning device 27, and a charge eliminating device arranged around the photosensitive drum 22 according to a known mode. The fixing device 28 is arranged on the downstream side.

  The paper feed unit 4 includes first to third cassettes 31 to 33 and a manual feed tray 35. The first cassette 31 is a tandem tray that accommodates the first tray and the second tray, and both trays can be pulled out from the apparatus main body at the same time. The second cassette 32 and the third cassette 33 accommodate a third tray and a fourth tray, respectively. That is, four trays are accommodated in three cassettes (31 to 33). The paper feeding / conveying units 36 and 37 include a paper feeding roller, a conveying roller, and a registration roller for conveying the paper from the paper feeding unit 4 to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer device 25.

  In the four trays in the first to third cassettes 31 to 33 in the sheet feeding unit 4, sheets are stacked and stored for each size, and cassettes that store sheets of a size desired by the user or When a tray is selected, the sheets are fed one by one from the top of the sheet bundle in the tray, and are sequentially conveyed toward the electrophotographic process unit 20 via the conveyance paths of the sheet conveyance units 36 and 37.

  A paper discharge path 29 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 28 in the paper conveyance direction. The paper discharge path 29 includes a paper discharge conveyance path 41 of the post-processing device 5 and a refeed conveyance unit for duplex copying. Branches to 42.

  In the laser writing unit 21 and the electrophotographic processing unit 20, image data read from the memory is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 by scanning the laser beam with the laser writing unit 21. The toner image visualized by the toner of the developing device 24 is electrostatically transferred by the transfer device 25 onto the surface of the paper conveyed from the paper supply unit 4 and fixed by the fixing device 28.

  The sheet on which the image is formed in this manner is sent from the fixing device 28 to the post-processing device 5 or selectively conveyed to a refeed conveyance unit 42 for duplex copying. The paper sent to the post-processing device 5 is subjected to predetermined processing such as sorting or stapling as necessary, and is stacked on the first discharge tray 43 or the second discharge tray 44. Further, the sheet sent to the re-feed conveyance unit 42 for double-sided copying is reversed and conveyed again to the electrophotographic process unit 20 to form an image on the back side of the sheet, and is discharged after fixing.

  The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with first to third cassettes 31 to 33 and a manual feed tray 35 in the apparatus body, and a large-capacity cassette 34 is added as a fifth tray as an option. The large-capacity cassette 34 has an elevator urged upward, and sheets are accumulated in the elevator. The uppermost sheet contacts the sheet feed roller, and the sheet is fed by rotating the sheet feed roller. The paper is separated and sent out to join the paper feeding / conveying section 36 of the apparatus main body. Since the large-capacity cassette 34 is a large-capacity tray, it can accommodate standard paper that is most frequently used, for example, A4 size.

  The post-processing device 5 is disposed on the left side of the image forming system, and includes a first discharge tray 43 and a second discharge tray 44. The second discharge tray 44 receives the sheet on which the image discharged from the image forming unit 3 is formed by the reception discharge conveyance path 41 provided at the upper side of the post-processing device 5, and the sheet is left as it is. It is a discharge part to be discharged. The first discharge tray 43 is a discharge unit that discharges a sheet that has been post-processed by a post-processing unit 45 that is selectively mounted, such as staples or punches. In the post-processing device 5, the sheet on which the image is formed is configured to be discharged from the first discharge tray 43 or the second discharge tray 44 selected by the user.

The image forming apparatus 1 supports double-sided printing, and the configuration for that purpose will be described below.
The sheet on which the image is recorded is further conveyed upward by the conveying roller 61 through the fixing device 28 and passes through the switching gate 65. When the sheet discharge tray is set to the stacking tray 63 provided in the exterior of the image forming unit 3, the sheet is discharged to the stacking tray 63 by the reverse roller 62. On the other hand, when double-sided image formation or post-processing is designated, the sheet is discharged toward the stacking tray 63 by the reverse roller 62 once. In this case, the sheet is not completely discharged, and the reverse roller 62 is reversed while the sheet is held. Then, the sheet is reversely conveyed in the reverse direction, that is, in the direction in which the refeed conveyance unit 42 and the post-processing device 5 that are selectively mounted for double-sided image formation and post-processing are mounted.

  At this time, the switching gate 65 is switched from a solid line state (upward) to a broken line state (downward). When performing double-sided image formation, the reversely conveyed sheet is supplied again to the image forming unit 3 through the refeed conveyance unit 42 with another switching gate 64 facing upward (broken line). On the other hand, when post-processing is performed, the re-feeding transport unit 42 is transported to the post-processing device 5 with another switching gate 64 facing downward (solid line), and post-processing is performed. Yes.

  As a main feature of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 prints image data on a recording sheet, records ID data unique to a user instructed to print the image data on the recording sheet, reads the ID data, and records the recording sheet. It has a function of notifying the user of forgetting to take (printed material) and taking it away.

  For this purpose, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, based on a job for printing image data, an image forming unit that records the image data and ID data unique to the user who instructed printing the image data on a recording sheet, and an image forming unit. A paper discharge unit that discharges and deposits the recorded recording paper, a reading unit that reads the ID data of the recording paper deposited on the paper discharge unit, and the recording paper is already removed based on the ID data read by the reading unit The user-specified transmission destination (external device address or user email address) corresponding to the job is notified that the recording paper of the paper discharge means has been removed, and the recording paper has not been removed (leave unattended) The user-specified transmission destination corresponding to the job is provided with a notification means for notifying that the recording paper of the paper discharge means has not been removed (recommended to be removed). .

  The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment exemplified below will be described by taking an example of recording an ID image as ID data on a recording paper (printed material) by performing composite printing together with the image data. However, the function of the present invention can be similarly realized by recording ID data on a recording medium such as an IC tag pasted on a recording sheet and providing a device for reading the ID data. Further, in the following description, the image forming unit is described as recording ID data for each recording sheet. However, a part of recording sheets (one sheet and one sheet) on which image data is to be printed for one job. The ID data may be recorded only on the first and last two in total. At this time, the amount of ID data to be read is small, and particularly in the case of an IC tag, the recording paper with the tag can be saved. In the following description, an example in which the function of reading an ID image and notifying the user of forgetting to take out and taking away the recording paper is realized with a simple apparatus configuration without providing a special recording paper conveying means will be described. .

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 3 that is an image forming unit that synthesizes and prints image data and user-specific ID image data on a recording sheet, and the image forming unit 3 receives the image data and the ID image data. A stacking tray (hereinafter referred to as a “discharge tray”) 63 that is a discharge unit that discharges and stacks the composite printed recording paper, and an ID image that is a reading unit that reads an ID image of the recording paper deposited on the discharge tray 63. Reading means 52, elevating means 51 composed of a driving roller (motor) and belt for elevating the ID image reading means 52, and a recording paper sensor 53 for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper on the paper discharge tray 63 And an aligning means (paddle) 54 for aligning the recording paper in a state where the end portions of the recording sheets are shifted from each other.

  The ID image reading means 52 is a line sensor or an area sensor constituted by a CCD of an image sensor, and is provided at a position where an ID image at the end of the recording paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 63 can be read.

  The paper discharge tray 63 is inclined with respect to the alignment surface 551 and the alignment surface 551 so that the ID image reading unit 52 can read the ID image of the recording paper edge by contacting the end of each recording paper. A recording paper placement surface 552 is formed. Since the recording paper placement surface 552 is inclined downward toward the alignment surface 551, each recording paper is inclined with respect to the alignment surface 551, and the end portions of the recording paper are shifted from each other by the alignment means 54. Be aligned. With this configuration, the discharge tray 63 can deposit each recording sheet with the ID image at the end of each recording sheet exposed, and the ID image reading unit 52 can accurately identify the ID image on each recording sheet. It is possible to detect well.

  Upon receiving a print request from the user, the image forming unit 3 prints the image data on the recording paper, prints the ID image data on the end of the recording paper, and discharges / stacks the printed matter on the discharge tray 63. Let Then, the ID image reading unit 52 accumulates the recording paper on the paper discharge tray 63, and the ID image at the end of the recording paper via the alignment surface 551 in a state where the end of each recording paper contacts the alignment surface 551. Read. This ID image data is registered in advance in a memory (not shown) for each user. For example, when a print request is made from a PC used by the user, the memory is referred to from the user information included in the print request, and the user information is stored in the user information. Corresponding ID image data is specified. Alternatively, this ID image data can be included in the print instruction by the user, and the image forming apparatus 1 can recognize the ID image data included in the print instruction.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes the above-described notification unit, and removes the recording paper from the paper discharge tray 63 to the transmission destination designated by the user corresponding to the ID image read by the ID image reading unit 52 or the recording paper is removed. Notify that. The transmission destination here may be an IP address that directly designates an external device (such as a PC used by a user or a portable terminal), or the portable device such as a mobile phone or a PC that does not directly designate the external device. It may be an e-mail address that can be received at. In any case, the image forming apparatus 1 may register the address of the transmission destination designated by the user in advance in association with the ID image data.

  As described above, the present invention can also adopt a form as an image forming system in which the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a plurality of external devices. In this case, these external devices are devices that issue a print instruction, and the transmission destination specified by the user is transmitted to an address to be transmitted to the external device itself, or to another device (for example, a mail server device) that can be received from the external device. Address. In the following description, it is assumed that this notification is made using an e-mail address.

  The notification as described above can notify the user that the user has forgotten to take the recording paper and at least give a clue to search for the recording paper that the user has missed. In other words, the output person who left the recording paper is urged to remove the recording paper, and when the recording paper is removed, the output person is notified that the recording paper has been accidentally or intentionally removed. Can be informed to the user.

  In order to obtain the clues as described above more reliably and to enable the user to search for a recording sheet that has been missed, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 1 includes the following response reception unit and confirmation processing unit. The response receiving unit receives a response to the notification that the recording sheet has been removed by the notifying unit from the user who made the notification. The confirmation processing means performs recording paper receipt confirmation processing based on the response received by the response receiving means. As described above, when the output person does not remove the recording paper, the confirmation process is performed by receiving a reply from the output person so that the presence of the recording paper can be found. About this confirmation process, a preferable form is mentioned later.

  The recording paper discharge destination may be the first discharge tray 43 or the second discharge tray 44 provided in the post-processing device 5 instead of the discharge tray 63. The first discharge tray 43 includes a tray lifting / lowering means 461 configured by driving rollers (motors) and belts for moving the first discharge tray 43 up and down, and an ID image of recording paper deposited on the first discharge tray 43. ID image reading means 471 comprising a CCD (line sensor or area sensor) for reading the image and a recording paper sensor 481 for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper on the first discharge tray 43. Similarly, the second discharge tray 44 includes a tray lifting / lowering means 462, an ID image reading means 472, and a recording paper sensor 482. In the case of the aforementioned discharge tray 63, the ID image reading means is moved up and down to read the ID image at the end of the recording paper. In the case of the first discharge tray 43 or the second discharge tray 44, the ID image reading means is fixed. In this state, the tray itself is moved up and down to read the ID image at the end of the recording paper.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the mode in which the ID image reading unit is moved up and down to read the ID image. The ID image reading unit is fixed and the discharge tray itself is lifted and lowered in the fixed state. May be read.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID image printed on a recording sheet, where P indicates the recording sheet. On the recording paper P, an ID image is synthesized and printed on one of the three edges except for the leading edge in the paper discharge direction (recording paper transport direction) indicated by the arrow in the drawing. This is not preferable because an ID image is synthesized on the leading edge of the recording paper because fixing wrapping tends to occur. Therefore, it is desirable to perform composite printing on the end portions of the three sides other than the front end while avoiding the front end. Note that the ID image is, for example, a bar code indicating identification information unique to the user, and the user who performed printing is specified by this.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a peripheral configuration example of an ID image reading unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 3A is a side view showing the peripheral configuration of the ID image reading means 52, FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the portion X shown in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C is FIG. 3A. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a rear end cross section of the recording paper P when the alignment surface shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3A, a plurality of recording papers P are discharged and deposited on the paper discharge tray 63, and each recording paper P has an ID image printed at the rear end in the recording paper conveyance direction. An ID image printed on the rear end of the recording paper P by the ID image reading means 52 is brought into contact with the alignment surface 551 and the ID image reading means 52 is moved up and down by the lifting and lowering means 51. Is read. The lifting / lowering means 51 includes a driving system 51a including a driving roller (motor) and a driven roller, and a belt 51b serving as a power transmission means between both rollers, and reads an ID image to a position where an ID image can be read. The means 52 is moved up and down.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a barcode is printed as an ID image on the trailing edge of the recording paper. The printed portion of this barcode is thicker than the recording paper P by the amount of toner. The recording paper P is soaked with a small amount of toner. In a state where a plurality of recording papers P are stacked, as shown in FIG. 3C, the barcode portion overlaps in the rear end cross section and the barcode portion becomes black, but the other portions are white. The end cross section is shaded (contrast). Therefore, by scanning the rear end section with the ID image reading means 52, the barcode can be read with high accuracy.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, when a plurality of recording sheets P of the same user are deposited on the paper discharge tray 63, the ID images printed at the same position on the rear end overlap at substantially the same position. Accordingly, the greater the number of recording papers P, the clearer the contrast of the ID image in the rear end cross section, and the reading accuracy of the ID image reading means 52 is improved. The printing surface of the ID image may be either one side or both sides of the recording paper P. However, printing on both sides makes the ID image print portion thicker than on one side, so it can be read with fewer sheets than on one side. In addition, if the number is the same, it is easier to read than one side. When recording ID data on a recording medium such as a writable IC tag, it is not necessary to bother to attach the IC tag on both sides.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a peripheral configuration example of an ID image reading unit different from FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a tray lifting / lowering unit 56 that lifts and lowers the paper discharge tray 63 instead of the lifting / lowering unit 51. By this tray lifting / lowering means 56, the ID image reading means 52 is fixed and the discharge tray 63 is lifted / lowered to read the ID image at the rear end of the recording paper. The tray lifting / lowering means 56 includes a driving roller 56a and a support member 56b that supports the paper discharge tray 63 and moves up and down by the driving roller 56a. The tray lifting / lowering means 56 lifts and lowers the paper discharge tray 63 to a position where an ID image can be read. Let Thus, various configurations can be adopted as the ID image reading means.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 stores an input unit 101 that receives a print request from an external device such as a PC via a network, a main control unit 102 that controls the entire apparatus, a user management table U, and a forgetting management table T. Operation of the storage unit (memory) 103, the print control unit 104 that controls the operation of the image forming unit 3, the mechanism control unit 105 that controls the operation of the elevating unit 51 or the tray elevating unit 56, and the operation of the ID image reading unit 52 An ID image reading control unit 106 for controlling the operation, a communication control unit 107 for controlling the operation of the communication unit 108 such as e-mail, and a display control unit 109 for controlling the operation of the display unit 110 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying various information. With. The user management table U stores user information such as ID image data and an e-mail address in association with each user.

  The main control unit 102 is connected to each sub-control unit, that is, the print control unit 104, the mechanism control unit 105, the ID image reading control unit 106, the communication control unit 107, and the display control unit 109, and controls each sub-control unit. Then, the entire apparatus is controlled. The control here includes notification, response reception, confirmation processing, and the like, which are the main features of the present invention. These processings can be executed as programs by the CPU in the main control unit 102 in the internal ROM or storage unit 103. It can be executed by storing. Actually, this program may be read into a work area (RAM) inside the main control unit 102 and other parts may be controlled while referring to the user management table U and the forgetting management table T in the storage unit 103.

  When the input unit 101 receives a print request from the user, the print control unit 104 controls the image forming unit 3 to print the image data on the recording paper and print the ID image data on the edge of the recording paper. The printed matter is discharged and deposited on the discharge tray 63. The mechanism control unit 105 controls the lifting / lowering unit 51, and the ID image reading control unit 106 controls the ID image reading unit 52 to read the ID image at the end of the recording paper via the alignment surface 551. This ID image data is registered in advance in the storage unit 103 as a user management table U. For example, when a print request is made from a PC used by the user, the storage unit 103 is referred to from the user information included in the print request. ID image data corresponding to the user information is specified.

  As the reading timing, for example, it may be executed at a timing when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) elapses after the recording paper is left in the paper discharge tray 63. Further, as the reading timing, it is preferable to execute reading of ID data every time one job is completed and recording paper is deposited on the paper discharge tray 63 (for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the accumulation). It should be noted that the time from the start of paper discharge to the accumulation can be calculated because it is known in advance, and if post-processing such as stapling is required, it can be calculated by adding that amount. Alternatively, the reading process may be executed immediately after completion of image formation. Furthermore, the execution timing of this reading process may be set by an administrator user.

  Then, the communication control unit 107 controls the communication unit 108 to notify the user-specified external device corresponding to the ID image read by the ID image reading unit 52 to remove the recording paper on the paper discharge tray 63, Alternatively, an e-mail notifying that it has been removed is sent. The e-mail address may be stored in the user management table U in advance.

  Here, leaving a large amount of recording paper in the paper discharge tray 63 is annoying to other users. Therefore, when a predetermined number (for example, 100 sheets) or more of recording sheets are left in the paper discharge tray 63, the user-specified external device may be notified. In this case, the number of printed sheets is stored in the storage unit 103 in units of jobs. The notification timing is preferably when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the completion of image formation by the image forming unit 3. You may add the condition "in the state where it was done." Furthermore, the execution timing of this notification process may be set by an administrator user.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with specific examples of ID images, forgetting management tables, and e-mails. Here, the description will be made on the premise that the recorded matter is one job even when another person takes it by mistake.

  6 to 9 are diagrams for explaining ID image reading processing in the image forming apparatus of FIG. More specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining the presence / absence of ID image read data, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an actual ID image arrangement and an output example of the ID image reading means. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining the presence or absence of ID image reading data for each job, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an output example of the ID image reading unit when the ID image reading unit moves. is there.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the forgetting management table in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 5, and shows an example of the table state at the end of printing. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table state after the first remaining paper check process in the forgetting management table of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a table after the next remaining paper checking process in the forgetting management table of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of this table state. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an e-mail notified based on the forgetting management table of FIGS. 10 to 12. 14 to 16 are flowcharts for explaining a processing example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Based on FIGS. 14 to 16, the ID image reading process by the image forming apparatus 1 and the ID image reading processing examples in FIGS. 6 to 9, the tables in FIGS. 10 and 11 and the e-mail examples in FIG. An example of the notification process will be described. The processing here is basically controlled by the main control unit 102.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the count t of the timer to “0” after the end of the printing process (step S1), and determines whether or not the recording paper P is detected by the recording paper sensor 53 (step S2). When the recording paper P is detected (in the case of YES), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t0 (for example, 10 minutes) has passed since the recording paper P was left (step S3). If the recording paper P is not detected in step S2 (NO), the process returns to step S1 and waits for the end of the printing process.

  Next, when the predetermined time t0 has not elapsed since the recording paper P was left in step S3 (NO), the image forming apparatus 1 returns to step S2 and repeats the processing. In step S3, when the predetermined time t0 has elapsed since the recording paper P was left (in the case of YES), the ID image reading means 52 is moved to the lowest position of the recording paper (step S4). The processing here relates to the reading timing, and other examples may be adopted as described above.

  Subsequent to step S4, the image forming apparatus 1 executes ID image reading processing by the ID image reading unit 52 (step S5), and determines whether there is ID image reading data (step S6). In step S <b> 6, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether there is ID image read data, and if there is, stores the ID image in the storage unit 103.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, all ID images have a pair of white and black images (a pair of white image 1 and black image 2 and a pair of black image 10 and white image 11) positioned at both ends. The common format of the ID image is determined in advance. A set of a white image and a black image (user ID image) set for each user is positioned between a pair of white and black images at both ends. Whether or not there is ID image reading data is determined when the white image 1, the black image 2, the black image 10, and the white image 11 are all present at specific positions on both sides of the output of the ID image reading means 52 (the above-described common format). Is present), it is determined that there is ID image read data. FIG. 6B shows the output of the ID image reading means 52 when there is ID image reading data. An example of an actual ID image including a user ID image is shown in FIG. The combination of the white image and the black image at the center positions 3 to 9 excluding the image positions 1, 2, 10, and 11 at both ends is set to be different for each user. The output of the ID image reading means 52 at this time is shown in FIG.

  However, the ID image illustrated in FIG. 6 shows only the user ID. In order to specify not only the user but also the job, as shown in FIG. 8A, the ID image may indicate the job ID and the user ID. FIG. 8B shows the output of the ID image reading means 52 when there is ID image reading data corresponding to FIG. Moreover, the actual ID image including the user ID image and the job ID image and the output of the ID image reading means 52 can be exemplified as shown in FIGS. The combination of the white image and the black image at the central positions 3 to 9 excluding the image positions 1, 2, 10, and 11 at both ends is set to be different for each job.

  In step S6, if there is no ID image read data (in the case of YES), it is determined whether there is an immediately preceding ID image (step S7). If there is no immediately preceding ID image (in the case of NO), the ID image reading means 52 is moved (0.1 mm) toward the upper surface of the recording paper (step S8). Here, the immediately preceding ID image means an ID image read by the ID image reading means 52 at a position 0.1 mm below the current position on the lower surface of the recording paper. The same applies to steps S10 and S11 described later.

  Then, following step S8, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the ID image reading unit 52 has moved to the uppermost position (step S9), and when it has moved to the uppermost position (in the case of YES), FIG. Move to the notification process. FIG. 15 shows an example of notification processing for notifying mail after confirming the remaining recording paper on the paper discharge tray 63.

  If it has not been moved to the highest position in step S9 (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step S5 and the process is repeated. In step S7, if there is an immediately preceding ID image (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step S13 described later.

  On the other hand, when there is ID image read data (NO) in step S6, the read ID image is stored in the storage unit 103, and then it is determined whether there is an immediately preceding ID image (step S10). If there is an immediately preceding ID image (in the case of YES), it is compared with the ID image read and stored immediately before (step S11). Then, it is determined whether or not the ID image has changed (step S12).

  In step S12, when there is no change in the ID image (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step S8 and the process is repeated. In step S10, if there is no previous ID image (in the case of NO), the process similarly proceeds to step S8 and the process is repeated. If the ID image is read for the first time in step S5, the previous ID image is not stored, and therefore, “NO” is determined in step S10.

  If the ID image has changed in step S12 (in the case of YES), and if YES in step S7, the job is specified from the ID image immediately before the change (shown in FIG. 9B described later) ( In step S13), information regarding the notification of the job is stored and registered in the forgetting management table T (step S14). Then, it transfers to step S8 and repeats a process.

  9A and 9B show examples of the output of the ID image reading unit 52 when there is no change in the output before and after the movement of the ID image reading unit 52 in relation to the processing of steps S12 and S13. FIG. 9C shows an example of the output of the ID image reading unit 52 when the output changes before and after the movement of the ID image reading unit 52. As described above, when the ID image changes, that is, when the output of the ID image reading means 52 changes from the state shown in FIG. 9B to the state shown in FIG. 9C, it is shown in FIG. 9B. The job and user of the ID image immediately before the change are specified.

  Here, description is made on the assumption that an ID image indicating a user ID (user name) and a job ID (job name) illustrated in FIG. 8 is used. By adopting such an ID image, each job can be associated with the recording paper on the paper discharge tray on a one-to-one basis, and “job name + user name” recorded in the forgetting management table T is recorded. And the recording paper ID can be matched. Therefore, by adopting such an ID image, even when a plurality of jobs are instructed and printed by the same user, registration in the forgetting management table T in step S14 becomes possible.

  When the ID image indicating only the user ID illustrated in FIG. 6 is employed, each job is recorded only when each job recorded in the forgetting management table T is a job from another user. Each forgetting management table T can be updated. When an ID image showing only the user ID is adopted, the user is identified from the ID image immediately before the change in step S13 (shown in FIG. 9B), and information relating to the notification of the user is obtained in step S14. It is stored and registered in the forgetting management table T.

  By registration in step S14, information such as a table Ta shown in FIG. 10 is stored. In the forgetting management table T, for each of the current jobs (JOB1 to JOB7), the user name, information on the presence / absence of recording paper on the paper discharge tray, information about whether or not the mail notification has been completed, and user inquiry (user) Information on whether or not a reply e-mail has been sent, and whether or not a confirmation mail has been sent / not sent. Further, the user name here is associated with the user and the transmission destination of the user management table U. However, the table Ta in the state illustrated in FIG. 10 indicates a state at the end of printing, and indicates a state where the presence or absence on the paper discharge tray has not been detected yet.

  The table Ta in FIG. 10 shows only an example in which one user has instructed to print one job. Hereinafter, only such a simplified example will be described, but one user instructs a plurality of jobs. Even in this case, the same processing can be performed because the ID image as shown in FIG. 8 is employed.

  When the presence or absence of a document on the paper discharge tray is first detected by the processing of steps S5 to S13, the job specified in step S13 (in this example, JOB1, JOB1, corresponding to each of users A, E, F, and G) is detected. 11), the table Ta is rewritten with the presence of recording paper as in the table Tb of FIG. The mail notification process in FIG. 15 subsequent to step S9 is executed with reference to the state (for example, table Tb) of the forgetting management table T (hereinafter simply referred to as table T).

  The mail notification process in FIG. 15 is started by first setting n to 1 (step S21) and referring to the table T (step S22). By referring to the table T and incrementing n (step S27), the processes of steps S23 to S26 are executed for n = 1 to 7, respectively, and it is determined that the table is the last (here n = 8). Until it is determined that n = 8 does not exist), the process returns to step S22 to execute the mail notification process.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not an email notification is not notified. Since it is currently in the state of the table Tb, it is determined that JOB1 has not been notified, and then it is determined by the table T whether there is a recorded matter on the tray (step S24). Since it is currently in the state of the table Tb, it is determined that JOB1 has a recording sheet, and a mail is notified to the user A's transmission destination so as to retrieve the recorded material (step S25). Similarly, for JOBs 5, 6, and 7, in step S 25, mail is notified to the user E, F, and G, respectively, so that they can retrieve the recorded material. In step S25, for example, a mail having contents as exemplified by the mail Ma in FIG. 13A is notified, and a serial number that matches n in the table T may be described here.

  On the other hand, when n = 2 to 4, it is determined that there is no recorded material, and it is notified by mail that there is no recorded material on the paper discharge tray (step S26). In step S26, for example, a mail having contents as exemplified by the mail Mb in FIG. 13B is notified, and a Serial No that matches n in the table T may be described here. Finally, the table Tb is rewritten as the table Tc by the mail notification processing in steps S25 and S26 for n = 1-7.

  Through the processing so far, the image forming apparatus 1 can notify the user that the recording paper has been removed accidentally or intentionally. As a more preferable example, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the confirmation process as described above, although the user gets a clue that the user has been taken away. Therefore, in the case of YES in step S28, a confirmation process as exemplified in FIG. 16 is executed. This confirmation process is a process for receiving a reply mail from the user and issuing a confirmation mail to the person who received the output paper. In order to simply perform a reply process on the received mail, in step S26, a sentence as illustrated in FIG. 13B is transmitted together with the serial number.

  Referring to FIG. 16, first, it is determined whether or not there is a reply mail for the notified mail, and the information in the table T is updated for the existing user (step S31). If there is currently a reply mail only from the user D of JOB4, the table T is rewritten like the table Td. If it is determined in step S31 that n is present, n is set to 1 (step S32), and n is incremented (step S35) until the last n of table T (until YES in step S36), the next Steps S33 and S34 are executed.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not there is no remaining recording paper in the paper discharge tray for each n (however, it is preferable to exclude the user D who has returned, here n = 4 user D). If YES in step S35, a confirmation mail is transmitted to the n users (here, n = 2 and 3 users B and C) and the table T is rewritten in step S34. As a result of this processing, a confirmation mail is sent to all users who have no recording paper remaining in the paper discharge tray, and the information of the users who sent the confirmation mail (here, users B and C with n = 2, 3) is rewritten. The table Te is entered. Here, when the confirmation mail to be transmitted is mixed, as in the mail Mc illustrated in FIG. In the mail Mc, the output paper is limited to the user D's output paper, but may be described as “output paper other than you”.

  As described above, when the response (reply from the output person in response to the notification that the recording paper has been removed) is a reply that the recording paper has not been received, the confirmation processing means indicates that the recording paper has been removed. It is preferable to have confirmation notification means (confirmation notification transmission means) for notifying other transmission destinations that have made notifications of confirmation. This confirmation notification means is provided to notify the person who has removed the recording sheet in view of the high possibility that the output person has taken away his or her own recording sheet together with the missing recording sheet. The

  On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step S36, the fact that the removal has been confirmed is transmitted to the transmission destination of the user who has received the reply mail in the step S31 (step S37). In step S37, the person who sent the reply mail is notified that the image forming apparatus 1 has completed the confirmation work. Thus, it is preferable that the confirmation processing means includes a response notification means for notifying that a response has been made to the transmission destination.

  In particular, it is preferable that the confirmation processing unit includes a second response receiving unit that accepts a response to the confirmation notification by the confirmation notification unit, such as a reply to the above-described mail Mc. Then, when there is a response from the second response receiving means, the response notifying means may notify that there is a response to the transmission destination. When there is a response from the person who finds the missing recording sheet in response to the notification, it is possible to help the output person to retrieve the recording sheet by notifying the output person that the recording sheet has been found.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining confirmation processing included in a processing example of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows a flow of accepting a reply mail from the user and sending a confirmation mail to the person who received the output paper before and after the person who sent the reply mail. In other words, this process not only notifies the output person by e-mail if the recording paper is left or removed, but if it is not taken by the person himself, it prints " Notify by e-mail so that it can be confirmed. The process of FIG. 17 is basically a process executed by applying the confirmation process of FIG. 16 as an alternative process of FIG. 16, and the difference from the confirmation process of FIG. 16 will be described.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the process of step S41 as in step S31, and then confirms n by acquiring the Serial No described in the reply mail (step S42. Then, this n). Based on the above, it is confirmed whether or not the output paper of the user n-1 remains on the table T (step S43), and then it is determined whether or not there is no remaining paper (step S44). The same confirmation mail (for example, the mail Mc) as in step S34 is transmitted to the user n-1 (step S45), and the other users are not processed, and the process proceeds to step S46, where the table T is also rewritten. Shall.

  Next, based on n obtained in step S42, it is confirmed on the table T whether or not n + 1 user output sheets remain (step S46). Subsequently, it is determined whether there is no remaining (step S47), and a confirmation mail (for example, the mail Mc) similar to step S34 is transmitted to the n + 1 users who have not remained (step S48). The process is not performed on the user, and after proceeding to step S49, the process returns to step S41 and waits for the arrival of the next reply mail. In step S49, transmission similar to that in step S37 is performed.

  In step S48, the table T is rewritten. Further, the processing procedure of steps S43 to S45 and the processing of steps S46 to 48 may be reversed, and the numbers before and after the user such as n-2 and n + 2 are respectively increased to a predetermined number and executed. May be. Also in this example, it is preferable to adopt a form including the second response receiving means.

  As described above, the confirmation notification unit may perform the above-described confirmation notification only to the transmission destinations corresponding to the jobs printed before and after the job corresponding to the reply. This is because there is a high possibility that the output person who printed before and after the missing recording sheet has taken away the missing recording sheet, and the confirmation process is simplified by notifying only that person. Can be Further, as described above, the administrator user may appropriately set the front and back here not only one before and after one but also, for example, up to three and two after.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining confirmation processing included in a processing example of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows a flow for receiving a reply mail from the user and sending a confirmation mail to people who have received the output paper before and after the person who sent the reply mail and who have not taken the output paper. . Based on FIG. 18, an example of ID image reading and notification processing by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the table of FIG. The process of FIG. 18 is basically a process executed by applying the confirmation process of FIG. 17 as an alternative process of FIG. 17, and the difference from the confirmation process of FIG. 17 (or FIG. 16) will be described. A case will be described in which a printing process is added after the table Te in FIG. 11 and the table Tf in FIG. 12 is rewritten.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the processing of steps S51 and S52 in the same manner as steps S41 and S42, and then sets n to its Serial No (step S53). Subsequently, n is set to n-1 (step S54), and whether or not n (corresponding to n-1 described above) user output sheets remain on the table T as in steps S43 and S44. Is determined (step S55).

  When there is no remaining in step S55, a confirmation mail (for example, mail Mc) similar to step S34 is transmitted to the current n users (step S56). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not n = 1 (step S57). If yes, the process from step S58 is executed. If not, the process returns to step S54 and n is decremented. It is assumed that the table T is also rewritten in step S56. On the other hand, if there is any remaining in step S55, the processing after step S58 is executed.

  With these processes, in the state of the table Tf in FIG. 12, the serial No (n) confirmed in step S53 is n = 4 of the user D, and the determination in step S55 is n = 3, 2, 1 (user C, B, A) in this order, of which the confirmation mail is sent to n = 3, 2 (users C, B) in step S56. Here, n = 1 indicates that there is a recording sheet on the paper discharge tray. For n = 1 or earlier (however, only n = 1 in this case), whether or not there is remaining or confirmation mail transmission is performed. Not executed.

  If NO in step S57 and NO in step S55, n is set again to the Serial No obtained in step S51 (step S58). Subsequently, n is set to n + 1 (step S59), and similarly to steps S46 and S47, it is determined whether or not n (corresponding to the above n + 1) user output sheets remain on the table T (step S59). Step S60).

  When there is no remaining in step S60, a confirmation mail (for example, mail Mc) similar to step S34 is transmitted to the current n users (step S61). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the end of the table is reached (step S62). If not, the process returns to step S59, and n is incremented. Note that the table T is also rewritten in step S61. On the other hand, if there is any remaining in step S60, the process of step S63 is executed.

  If YES in step S62 and NO in step S60, transmission similar to that in step S37 is performed (step S63), and then the process returns to step S51 to wait for the arrival of the next reply mail. Further, the processing procedures of steps S52 to S57 and steps S58 to 62 may be reversed.

  With these processes, in the state of the table Tf in FIG. 12, the serial number (n) confirmed in step S58 is n = 4 of the user D, and the determination in step S60 is n = 5, 6, 7,. (Users E, F, G,...) Are performed in this order, and the confirmation mail is sent to n = 5, 6 (users E, F) in step S61. Here, n = 7 indicates that there is a recording sheet on the paper discharge tray, and for n = 7 and after, determination of whether or not there is no remaining and confirmation mail transmission are not executed.

  Thus, the confirmation processing means may include the following confirmation notification means. When the response is a reply indicating that the recording paper has not been received, the confirmation notifying unit selects a job corresponding to the job that is printed before and after the job corresponding to the reply and that corresponds to the reply. Only the transmission destination that has notified that the recorded matter has not been removed as a starting point is notified to other transmission destinations that have notified that the recording paper has been removed. That is, in this confirmation notification means, printing is executed before and after the job corresponding to the reply for the reply, and the recording paper is removed from the recording paper and the recording paper is started from the job corresponding to the reply. Notify the output person to the output person who has not been removed. This is because there is a possibility that a plurality of jobs may be carried away before and after the missing recording paper, and the output persons up to those who have not removed the recording paper starting from the job that was returned as missing In view of the possibility that the user has carried away, the confirmation process can be simplified by notifying only that person.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the ID image printed on the recording paper. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral configuration example of an ID image reading unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a periphery structure of the ID image reading means different from FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of determining the presence or absence of ID image reading data. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of an actual ID image, and the output of an ID image reading means. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining the presence / absence of ID image read data for each job. It is a figure which shows the example of an output of an ID image reading means when an ID image reading means moves. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a forgetting management table in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 5, illustrating an example of a table state at the end of printing. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a table state after the first remaining sheet check process in the forgetting management table of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table state after the next remaining sheet check process in the forgetting management table of FIG. 11. It is a figure which shows the example of the email notified based on the management management table of FIG. 10 thru | or FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart following FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart following FIG. 15. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the confirmation process contained in the process example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the confirmation process contained in the process example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image reading part, 3 ... Image forming part, 4 ... Paper feed part, 5 ... Post-processing apparatus, 11 ... Original placing table, 12 ... RADF, 13 ... Scanner unit, 14 ... 1st scan Unit: 15 ... second scanning unit, 16 ... optical lens body, 17 ... CCD, 20 ... electrophotographic process section, 21 ... laser writing unit, 22 ... photosensitive drum, 23 ... charging device, 24 ... developing device, 25 ... Transfer device, 26 ... peeling device, 27 ... cleaning device, 28 ... fixing device, 29 ... paper discharge path, 31-33 ... cassette, 34 ... large capacity cassette, 35 ... manual feed tray, 36, 37 ... paper feed conveyance unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Paper discharge conveyance path, 42 ... Re-feed conveyance part, 43 ... 1st discharge tray, 44 ... 2nd discharge tray, 45 ... Post-processing means, 51 ... Lifting means, 52, 471, 472 ... ID image reading means 5 , 481, 482 ... recording paper sensor, 54 ... alignment means, 56, 461, 462 ... tray elevating means, 55a to 55c ... alignment plate, 551 ... alignment surface, 552 ... recording paper placement surface, 57 ... reading window, 58 ... Alignment plate driving means, 59 ... position adjusting means, 61 ... conveying roller, 62 ... reversing roller, 63 ... stacking (discharge) tray, 64,65 ... switching gate, 101 ... input section, 102 ... main control section, 103 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Storage part 104 ... Print control part 105 ... Mechanism control part 106 ... ID image reading control part 107 ... Communication control part 108 ... Communication means 109 ... Display control part 110 ... Display means T ... Forgotten Management table, U ... user management table.

Claims (10)

  Based on a job for printing image data, image forming means for recording the image data and ID data unique to the user who instructed to print the image data on recording paper, and discharging the recording paper recorded by the image forming means A paper discharge unit for stacking, a reading unit for reading the ID data of the recording paper deposited on the paper discharge unit, and a user corresponding to the job from which the recording paper has already been removed based on the ID data read by the reading unit The designated transmission destination is notified that the recording paper of the paper discharge means has been removed, and the recording paper of the paper discharge means is sent to the user-specified transmission destination corresponding to the job from which the recording paper has not been removed. An image forming apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying that removal has not been performed.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a response receiving unit that receives a response to a notification that the recording sheet has been removed by the notification unit, and a recording sheet receipt confirmation process based on the response received by the response receiving unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a confirmation processing unit that performs   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the response is a reply that the recording paper has not been received, the confirmation processing unit sends another notification that the recording paper has been removed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a confirmation notifying unit for notifying confirmation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the confirmation notifying unit notifies the confirmation only to a transmission destination corresponding to a job printed before and after the job corresponding to the reply. Image forming apparatus.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the response is a reply that the recording paper is not received, the confirmation processing unit corresponds to a job printed before or after the job corresponding to the reply. In addition to notifying that the recording paper has been removed only to the destination that has been notified that the recorded matter has not been removed starting from the job corresponding to the reply An image forming apparatus comprising confirmation notifying means for notifying the transmission destination of confirmation.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the confirmation processing unit includes a second response receiving unit that receives a response to the confirmation notification by the confirmation notification unit, and the second response. An image forming apparatus comprising: a response notifying unit for notifying that a response has been made to the transmission destination to which the reply has been made.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads the ID data every time one job is completed and recording paper is deposited on the paper discharge unit. An image forming apparatus that executes the image forming apparatus.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit executes the notification when a predetermined time has elapsed after completion of image formation by the image forming unit. Image forming apparatus.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes the ID data only on a part of recording paper on which image data is to be printed for one job. An image forming apparatus that performs recording.   An image forming system comprising the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of external devices connected to the image forming apparatus for executing the print instruction, The destination is an address to be transmitted to the external device itself or an address to be transmitted to another device that can be received from the external device.

Images