JPH0290181A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute an automatically power source turning-off function in matching the real status of setting time by controlling such a way that the automatically power source turning-off function is not executed when there is an operator using a copying machine within a prescribed range of the periphery of a copying machine in the set time. CONSTITUTION:Based on in-room persons information transmitted from incoming and outgoing persons control system 50, the copying machine A controls the automatically power source turning-off function according to the presence or absence of persons in the room. If there are persons in the set time in a room 1 where the machine is installed, an operator is in the room 1, that is, within a prescribed range of the periphery of the machine, and does not execute the automatically power source turning-off function so that persons there can use the copying machine A. On the other hand, if there is no person in the room, the power source is automatically turned off as the time has been set. In such a manner, the incoming / outgoing person control system 50 acts as a means detecting the presence or absence of an operator in the room where the machine is installed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a copying machine equipped with an automatic power-off system that turns off the power of the device at a preset time.

[Prior art and its issues]

Conventionally, even copiers have automatic 'i!' functions that turn off the power at a preset time. A l'a off function is provided to prevent wasteful power consumption and equipment deterioration.

The automatic power off function allows the user (operator) of the copier to set a time according to the frequency of use, etc., and the power will automatically turn off after the set time under certain conditions. When using the device after the power has been turned off, the power must be turned on again using the power on switch.

However, it may happen that the frequency of use etc. assumed at the time of setting do not match the situation at the time of setting. In other words,
Although it is said that the copying machine is rarely used after the set time, it may actually be used a lot during overtime or irregular work, for example.

In such cases, conventionally, you would have to turn on the copier's power when it was automatically turned off before using it after setting it up, which is a hassle. There was a problem in that copying work could not be performed until the warming-up time had elapsed and copying became possible, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency.

Furthermore, if the copier that was intended to be used was mechanically turned off at exactly the set time, the operator would feel ruthless, which was a problem in building a better man-machine system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a copying machine with an automatic power off function that works in accordance with the actual situation at the set time.

[Technical Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a copying machine equipped with an automatic power-off function that turns off the power at a preset time, which comprises: Furthermore, the automatic power off function is controlled not to operate if there is an operator using the copying machine within a predetermined range around the copying machine.

[Function] Even at the preset time, if the operator is within the specified range around the copying machine, the automatic power off function will not operate.
The copying machine remains powered on.

〔Example] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing the general structure of the copying machine A.

In the figure, a photoreceptor drum l that can be rotated counterclockwise is disposed approximately in the center of the main body of the copying machine, and surrounding it are a main eraser lamp 2 and a sub charger 3.
, a sub eraser lamp 4, a main charger 5, a developing device 6, a transfer charger 7, a copy paper separation charger 8, and a blade type cleaning device 9. The photoreceptor drum l has a photoreceptor layer on its surface.
This photoreceptor is charged by passing through an eraser lamp 2.4 and a charger 3.5, and receives image exposure from an optical system 10.

The optical system 10 is installed below the original glass 16 so that the original image can be scanned, and the optical system 10 includes light sources 11 . a and movable mirror 1
1.12.13, a lens 14, and a mirror 15. The light [11a and the movable mirror 11 move to the left at a speed of v/n (where n is the copy magnification) with respect to the circumferential speed V of the photosensitive drum 1, and the movable mirrors 12 and 13 move at a speed of v/2n. It is driven by a scan motor M3 to move leftward at a high speed.

On the other hand, on the left side of the copying machine main body, a top picture paper section 20 and a bottom picture paper section 22 are installed, and the conveyance path of the copy paper is formed by a pair of rollers 24.
5, a pair of timing rollers 26, a conveyor belt 27, a fixing device 28, and a pair of discharge rollers 29.

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the operation keys on the operation panel of the copying machine A.

The operation panel 70 includes a print key 71 for starting the copying operation, a numerical display device 72 consisting of seven segment LEDs and capable of displaying a four-digit numerical value, and a power saving key 72 for enabling selection of normal mode or power saving mode. switch 73
, 1.2, . . . , 9.0 numeric keys 80 to 89, respectively, and an interrupt key 90 for specifying interrupt copying.
, a clear/stop key 91, a vapor selection key 92 for specifying the copy paper of paper feed cassettes installed in multiple stages by size, paper indicators 92a to 92d, for changing and specifying the copy image density in steps. Up and down keys 93 and 94 and copy magnification setting key 100~
103 are arranged.

Copying magnifications corresponding to these magnification setting keys 100 to 103 are stored in advance in a storage device to be described later, and by operating these keys 100 to 103, a copying operation is executed at the stored copying magnifications. Ru.

Reference numeral 95 is a power off time setting key for setting the time period for turning off the power of the copying machine A. When setting the power off time period, first press the power off time setting key 9.
After pressing 5, input time data using the numeric keys 80-89. Then, when the power off time setting key 95 is pressed again, this time data is stored. 96 is a cancel key for canceling the power off state during this set time period.

FIG. 4 shows the control circuit for the copying machine, and 201 is the first C
PU, 202 is a second CPU, 203 is a battery-backed RAM, 204 is a switch matrix formed by keys on the operation panel, 205 is a drive circuit for a DC motor M3 for document scanning, and 206 is a stepping device for zooming. The driving circuit for the morph M4, 207, is a decoder. Note that the output terminals AI-A7 are transistors (not shown) for driving the main motor Ml, developing motor M2, timing roller clutch CLI, upper paper clutch CL2, lower paper feed clutch CL3, charger 5, and transfer charging medium 7, respectively. The output terminal A8 is connected to the fixing device 28.
Temperature control port that controls temperature adjustment! (not shown).

Further, the output terminal A9 is connected to the power supply circuit (not shown) of the copying machine A, and from this point on, when the time period set by the power off time setting key 95 is reached, the copying machine A
A signal is output to turn off the power.

Various data for copying operation control is stored in the RAM 203 or transferred from the ROM in the CPU, and memory sections QiQ2, Q3, Q4 are stored in the RAM 203 in response to selection keys 100 to 103. exists,
For example, when the selection key 100 is turned on, the storage section Ql is read out, and when the selection key lot is turned on, the storage section Q2 is read out. In addition, the RAM 203 is
Stores the time data of the set power-off time period.

208 is a clock IC, backed up by a battery, -
Once the time is set, this clock IC 208, which keeps time thereafter, is connected to the first cPU 201 via a data bus, and the first CPU 201 inputs time data from this clock IC 20B.

In addition, the first CP[J201 and the second CPIJ202 are
It is connected to a communication line 55 of a room entry/exit management system 50 (described later) via an external connector 209, and communicates with the host computer 51.

Data transferred from the host computer 51 through communication is stored in the RAM 203.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the environment where copying machine A is installed.

The copying machine A is installed in a room (room No. 1 in the figure) whose entrance/exit is controlled by the large exit management system 50.

The room access control system 50 is used to prevent outsiders from entering Room 1 and to keep track of the number of people in the room for the purpose of maintaining confidentiality and security, and is installed on the outside and inside of the entrance and exit. It is composed of an entry card reader 52, an exit card reader 53, a door lottery device 54, a host computer 51, and a communication line 55 that connects these to each other. The host computer 51 not only controls entry and exit of a plurality of rooms including Room No. 1, but also centrally controls building security, for example.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a major leave management routine executed by the host computer 51. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the management of large-scale exits in room 1 will be explained.

When entering the room, each person who enters the room inserts the ID card (identification card) that he or she is carrying into the card reader 52 for entering the room. The entry card reader 52 reads the ID code magnetically recorded on the ID card, and sends it to the communication line 55.
The host computer 518 conveys the intention to enter the room.

In the host computer 51, whether or not there is a person entering the room (currently a person wishing to enter the room) is checked based on the output of the entry card reader 52 at step #10, and if there is a person entering the room, the process proceeds to step #102. The individual identification of the person entering the room is performed from the ID code. Personal identification here may be detailed identification down to the individual level, and
For example, it may be possible to identify whether the person is an employee or not, or to the level of the department to which the person belongs, and the identification level is determined depending on the purpose of large-scale leave management.

In step #103, it is checked whether the person entering the room is permitted to enter room No. 1 by comparing pre-stored data with personal identification data.

If YES in step #103, a signal for unlocking the door is output to the door rotor device 54 and the door 5G is
(step #l04), then step #106
At this point, a person-in-room counter that stores the number of people in the room is incremented.

If no in step #103, a signal is sent to the door 56 in step #105 to indicate that entry is not allowed.
However, the process for opening the door 56 is not performed.

When leaving the room, the person leaving the room inserts the [D card] into the exit card reader 53. In step #107, the host computer 51 checks whether there is anyone leaving the room based on the output of the leaving card reader 52, and then in step #107
If NO, the process moves to step #111, but if YES, the person leaving the room is identified (step #108), the door is unlocked (step #109), and the person in the room counter is decremented at step knob #110.

In this way, the contents of the person-in-room counter are changed each time a person enters or leaves the room, and the number of people in room No. 1 at that time can be known from the contents of the person-in-room counter.

In step #111, communication is performed with the first cPU 201 to the copying machine, and the contents of the person-in-room counter are transmitted.

In the copying machine A, the automatic power off function is controlled based on the information about the occupants in the room sent from the large exit management system 50, depending on the presence or absence of a person (operator) in the room.

In other words, if there is a person present in Room 1, which is the installation location, at a preset time, there is an operator within a predetermined range around the copying machine, that is, in Room 1, and this operator is responsible for copying @A. If no one is present in the room, the power will be automatically turned off as originally set.

Therefore, the room entry/exit control system 50 serves as a means for detecting the presence or absence of an operator around the copying machine.

Next, the operation of the first C:PU 201 will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 14.

Note that in this specification, off-edge refers to switches,
The sensor or various signals are off, I! ! It refers to the change in state when changing from i to on state, and off edge refers to the strength of the state change when changing from on state to off state.

FIG. 7 is a main flowchart showing the overall operation of the copying machine.

The program is the star! - Then, first, in step #I, a subroutine for initializing the copying machine A is executed.

In step #2, an internal timer that determines the processing time of one routine of the first CPU 201 is set, and in step #3
Input data for various switches inside copying machine A.

In step #4, it is determined whether or not a copying operation is in progress;
If copying is not in progress, step #5, step #6,
Temperature control processing, operation processing, and time a1 setting processing are executed with step knob #7, and when copying is in progress, step #7 is executed.
Move to 8.

In step #8, auto clear processing is executed to select activation or non-activation of the auto clear function.

Next, in step #9, the copy prohibition flag is checked, and if the copy prohibition flag is "rQ", copy operation control (step #IO), automatic power off processing (step #11), and communication processing with the host computer are performed. (Step #12) is executed sequentially.

After performing these processes, an internal timer is waited in step #13, and the process returns to step #2. As a result, the length of one routine is kept constant, and as long as the power is turned on, the processes from step #2 to step #13 are repeated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the temperature control processing routine of step #5 described above.

In step #31, it is determined whether the temperature of the fixing device 28 has risen to the set temperature. If the temperature has not risen, step #31
The copy prohibition flag is set to "1" in Step 32, and if the temperature is rising, the copy prohibition flag is reset to "O" in Step #33, and an auto clear timer is set in Step #34. The auto clear timer is provided in the first CPU 201 to determine the activation timing of the auto clear function, as will be described later.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation processing routine of step #6 described above.

In step #41, it is determined whether the key on the operation panel 70 is turned on. If the key is turned on, the operation flag is set to "1" in step #42, and the auto clear timer is set in step #44. set. If the key is not turned on, the operation flag is set to r in step #43.
□".

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the time setting routine of step #7 described above.

In step #51, a check is made to see if the power off time setting key 95 is on. its off time setting key 9
When 5 is pressed, the answer is YES in step #51, and the power off time setting flag is checked in step #52.

If the setting flag is "O", the time will be set from now on, so set the setting flag to "1" in step #53.
”, and in step #54, select 7 on the numerical display device 72.
Blank the segment LED display. Furthermore, if it is determined in step #52 that the power off time setting flag is "rI", it means that the time setting has already been completed, so in step #55, the setting flag is set to "0". In step #56, the time data displayed on the numerical display device 72 is stored in the RAM 203. Then, in step #57, the numerical display device 72 is returned to displaying the number of copies and rl is displayed.

Next, in step #58, it is determined whether there is an input from the numeric keys 80 to 89, and if there is an input from the numeric keys 80 to 89, the step #59t' setting flag is determined;
If this setting flag is not "0", step #6
The power off time data set in step 1 is displayed on the numerical display device 72, and if the setting flag is "0",
In step #60, the data of the number of copies manually entered is set.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the auto clear processing routine of step #8 described above.

Originally, the auto clear function is a function that assumes that the copier A is shared by multiple operators, and when a certain operator finishes copying work, the auto clear function sets predetermined standard copying conditions, that is, This initializes the copying conditions and puts the copying machine on standby in preparation for the next copying operation by the operator.

As a result, when an operator performs a copying operation, he or she presses the print key 71 while keeping the copying conditions of the previous operation (set by another operator) and an unscheduled copying operation is started, resulting in a copy error. For example, it is possible to prevent dozens of copies of what was intended to be one copy.

However, if the auto-clear function is activated in a situation where one operator can exclusively use the copying machine, it becomes more troublesome for the operator.

In other words, when - operators perform work intermittently, the copy conditions will be initialized each time the operation is interrupted.
Since the copying conditions must be set again and again, the copying process becomes extremely troublesome.

Therefore, in this embodiment, whether the auto clear function is activated or not is selected depending on the number of operators. That is, first, in step #71, it is confirmed that the auto clear timer has ended, and if it has ended, it is further determined in step #71. Execute 72.

In step #72, it is determined whether there are - people in the room (operators) based on the data on people in room 1 obtained from the large exit management system 50, and if there is only one person in the room, no initial settings are performed. Return to.

If the result in step #72 is NO, that is, if the number of people in the room is 2 Å or more, the process proceeds to step #73, where the copying conditions are initialized.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the copying operation control routine of step #IO described above, and FIG. 15 is a timing chart of the copying operation.

In block IO, when the print key 71 is turned on, the main motor Ml that drives the photosensitive drum 1, the developing motor M2 that drives the developing device 6, the charging charger 3.5, and the transfer charger 7 are operated, and The copy flag indicating that copying is in progress is set to rl, the control timers TA and TB are started, and the paper feed roller of the selected paper feed section of the top paper section and the bottom picture paper section is set. Turn on the clutch.

In block 11, it is determined that the timer TA has ended and the paper feed clutch is turned off.

In blow 12, it is determined that the timer TB has ended,
The scan motor M3 that drives the scanning optical system IO is turned on to start a scanning operation. Then, a timer TP is set for detecting trouble in the scanning operation.

In the block 13, when a timing switch (not shown) is operated during the scan operation and a timing signal is output, processing is executed to turn on the clutch of the timing roller 26 and set the timer TC.

The copy paper is conveyed by the timing roller 26 in synchronization with the image on the photosensitive drum 1.

In block 14, it is determined that the timer TC has ended, and the scan motor and timing roller clutch are respectively turned off during charging.

Note that the timer TC may be set variably depending on the size of the copy paper used.

In flock 15, when the optical system returns to the normal position 1 due to the return operation and the normal position switch (not shown) is turned on, the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off, and the copy flag is set to rQ.

At the same time, the timer TD is set. Furthermore, when the scan is completed normally, the timer TE is reset. However, if the scan is not completed before the timer TE ends, the trouble flag FTRB
is set, the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off, the copy flag is set to "0", and the timer TD is set.

The block 16 determines the end of the timer TD, turns off the main motor, and sets an auto-clear timer. The block 17 executes processing for various outputs.

Note that the timers TA-TE, etc. explained in the above flowcharts and timing charts are used for one routine of processing executed within the time specified by the internal timer.
It is a digital timer programmed to count up in increments of 1, and the time amplifier time is stored as numerical data.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the automatic power-off processing routine of step #11 described above.

In step #81, it is determined whether the cancel key 96 is turned on. If the cancel key 96 is turned off, in step #73, it is determined whether the current time is within the power off setting time period, and the current time is determined as the power off time. If the time is within the set time zone, first step # is performed to prevent paper jams, etc.
In steps 83 to #85, a check is made to see if it is safe to turn off the power for maintenance of the photographic machine Δ.

That is, ■the copy prohibition flag is r□j, that is, the fixing device 2
8 has been completed (step #83), ■ the operation flag is "0" and no key operation on the operation panel 70 has been performed (step #84), ■ main motor M1 is off. In other words, it is confirmed that a copying operation is not in progress (step #85).

After these checks, in step #86, the presence or absence of a person in the room is checked, and if there is a person in the room, the process returns to the main routine.

Therefore, while the operator is in room 1,
The automatic power off function is not activated, that is, the activation timing of the automatic power off function is extended until all operators in the room leave the room.

The presence or absence of a person in the room is determined by the host computer 51 as described later.
This can be determined based on the value of the person-in-room data stored in the ROM 203 in the communication processing routine with It may also be the number of people who may use copying machine A among the people in the company.In other words, it is clear that copying work will not be done, such as executives, delivery companies, cleaning companies, outsiders, etc. If such persons are not included in the number of people in the room, rationality in selecting whether to activate or deactivate the automatic power off function can be increased. However, whether or not the persons in the room can be selected depends on the above-mentioned personal identification level of the large room exit management system 50.

If it is confirmed in step #86 that no one is present in the room, the process proceeds to step #87, waits for the auto clear timer to finish counting, and then outputs a power off signal in step #88, and the power is turned off as set. .

Note that if an operator enters the room after the power has been automatically turned off and copies are made by manually turning on the power during the set power-off time, the auto clear timer will be activated once copying is complete. Wait for the count to end and then turn off the power automatically. Also, if the cancel key 96 is pressed during the set time period for power off, this ? The tfJ off function is canceled.

Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 1, the end time of the set time period for power off is set at 24:00, but this can be changed arbitrarily.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the communication routine with the host computer in step #12 described above.

In step #91, a data request is made to the host computer 51, and in step #92, when the data of the occupant information is received, the data is stored in the ROM in step #93.
203.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the initial setting routine of step #1 and step #73 described above.

This routine sets copying machine A to a preset standard state, setting the number of copies to "l" (step #21), setting the copy magnification to 1x (step #22), and setting the paper feed slot to a sketch. The copy image density is set at the paper edge (step #23) and the copy image density is set to an intermediate value of 4 (step #24L).

According to the above-described embodiment, when a person in the room leaves the room, the automatic power off function does not operate even at the set time, and the power remains on, allowing the person in the room to quickly start copying. In addition, the power is automatically turned off when all the people in the room leave the room, preventing unnecessary power consumption and equipment deterioration even if the last person to leave the room forgets to turn off the power manually. can.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, whether or not there is an operator within a predetermined area around the copying machine is determined by reliable information about the number of people in the room obtained from the entry/exit control system that manages entry and exit from room No. 1 where the copying machine is installed. Although we have shown an example in which the determination is made based on the detection means, this determination may also be made based on signals from a detection means such as an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. In that case, a predetermined area around the copying machine is sensing range.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, even if the preset time comes, if an operator is present within a predetermined range around the copying machine at that time, the automatic power off function will not operate and 1! Since the power remains on, the operator can quickly perform copying operations.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an automatic power-off processing routine performed by a control circuit of a copying machine. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing the general configuration of the copying machine;
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each operation key on the operation panel of the copying machine, Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the copying machine, and Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the environment where the copying machine is installed. 6 is a flowchart of the entry/exit management routine executed by the host computer, FIGS. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the copying machine, and FIG. 15 is a timing chart of the copying operation. 51... Host computer, 52... Card reader for entering the room, 53... Card reader for leaving the room, 95.
...ti1g off time setting key, 96...cancel key A...nJ summer photo m. B

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In a copying machine equipped with an automatic power-off function that turns off the power at a preset time, if there is an operator using the copying machine within a predetermined range around the copying machine at the said time. The copying machine is controlled so that the automatic power off function is not activated.