JP2002236574A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a portable information terminal, etc., from being left behind when an image forming device is installed in a public place so that unspecific users can use it. SOLUTION: An alarm processing module 11 accepts movement detection notice (5) from an operator detection module 12 until connection reset notice (8) is received after connection detection notice (2) is received from a communication module 13. The alarm processing module 11 once receiving the movement notice (5) from the operator detection module 12 while the notice from the operator detection module 12 is effective generates a display alarm (6) and a voice alarm (7) urging that a connection machine should be carried away without being left behind respectively through a panel display module 15 and a voice control module 16 if the operator moves out of a specified range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printing apparatus for forming an image by connecting an image providing apparatus (for example, a digital still camera) capable of transmitting image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and digital cameras, there has been an increasing demand for users to directly connect to an image forming apparatus to form an image (print). Therefore, a system is conceivable in which a printing machine is installed in a public place such as an office or a convenience store so that an unspecified user can use the printing machine, and the user connects his / her own terminal to the printing machine to perform printing.

[0003]

However, when the image forming system used by an unspecified user becomes widespread as described above, it is easy to expect that the problem that the user leaves his or her portable information terminal will occur. Conventionally,
JP-A-2000-86079 and JP-A-5-1078
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-54, etc., there is known a method of preventing a document from being left behind for image formation. However, this conventional example cannot prevent a portable information terminal or the like from being left behind.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can prevent a portable information terminal from being left behind when installed in a public place so that an unspecified user can use it. The purpose is to provide.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a first means is an image forming apparatus which receives data from an information supply device capable of transmitting data for image formation and forms an image. A first detecting unit for detecting connection with the information supply device; a second detecting unit for detecting a distance between an operator and the image forming apparatus; and the information supplying device by the first detecting unit. And a warning unit for warning that the information supply device is left behind when the distance detected by the second detection unit is far from a predetermined range while detecting the connection with the information supply device.

The second means further includes third detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of a sheet at a discharge destination in the first means,
When the third detecting means detects that the sheet at the discharge destination has been removed while the first detecting means detects the connection with the information supply device, the warning means detects the information supply. It is characterized by warning that the device has been left behind.

A third means is the second means, wherein the warning means warns that the information supply device is left behind when the connection with the information supply device is detected after the end of the image forming job. Features.

A fourth means is an image forming apparatus which receives the data from an information supply device capable of transmitting data for image formation and forms an image, and detects a connection with the information supply device. A first detection unit, a second detection unit for detecting the end of the image forming job, and a connection with the information supply device detected by the first detection unit after the end of the image forming job is detected by the second detection unit Warning means for warning that the information supply device has been left behind when the information supply device has been set.

The fifth means may further include a third detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet at a discharge destination in the fifth means,
When the third detecting means detects that the sheet at the discharge destination has been removed while the first detecting means detects the connection with the information supply apparatus, the warning means detects the information supply. It is characterized by warning that the device has been left behind.

The sixth means is characterized in that in the second or fifth means, the warning means ignores the detection of the third detecting means until the data transmission of the information supply device is completed.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing hardware of a printing system as an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing main modules of software of the printing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing processing of the modules of FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a main part of hardware constituting a printing system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 1 as an image forming apparatus and a digital still camera 2 as an image data supply apparatus for transmitting image data to the printing apparatus 1 are connected by a cable 3. The printing apparatus 1 has an operator position sensor 4 for detecting a positional relationship between the operator and the printing apparatus 1, a message display panel 5, and a voice generating device 6.

FIG. 2 shows a main module configuration of the software of the printing apparatus 1 related to the present invention. In addition, the relationship of information transmission related to the present invention is indicated by solid arrow lines. The function of each module shown in FIG. 2 is as follows.

Warning processing module 11: Based on information obtained from the operator detection module 12, the communication module 13, the discharge destination paper absence detection module 14, and the print job processing module 17, it is determined whether or not to generate a warning, and a warning is issued. Select the content, and display the panel display module 1
5. Generate a warning through the voice control module 16.

The operator detection module 12 performs processing for acquiring the positional relationship between the operator and the printing apparatus 1.

A communication module 13 detects the presence / absence of connection with an external device such as the digital still camera 2 and transmits / receives data. Notification of the start and end of communication is also performed.

The paper discharge destination paper absence detection module 14 detects whether there is paper at the paper discharge destination.

Panel display module 15: Controls panel display of the message display panel 5.

A voice control module 16 for controlling a voice generator;

Print job processing module 17: Executes a print job. Also notifies the end of the job.

FIG. 3 shows a warning generation process. The warning processing module 11 receives the movement detection notification (5) from the operator detection module 12 during a period from receiving the connection detection notification (2) from the communication module 13 to receiving the connection release notification (8). When the alert processing module 11 receives the movement notification (5) from the operator detection module 12 while the notification from the operator detection module 12 is valid, when the position of the operator is out of a predetermined range, the panel display module A display warning (6) and a voice warning (7) for prompting the user not to forget the connected device through the voice control module 15 and the voice control module 16, respectively.
Generate.

More specifically, (1) first, the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the approach detection, (2) then, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the connection detection, and (3) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 that communication has started, (4) the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 that communication has ended, and (5) the operator detection module 12 detects movement. Is notified to the warning processing module 11.

Then, when the warning processing module 11 receives the movement detection, it does not receive the disconnection detection (8) in FIG. 3, so it is determined whether or not the movement is out of the predetermined range, and moves out of the predetermined range. In the case of the movement, (6) the warning is notified to the panel display module 15, and (7) the warning is notified to the voice control module 16.

(8) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the disconnection detection.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 4 shows a warning process according to a second embodiment. The warning processing module 11
In addition to the operation shown in FIG. 3, when receiving a notification (9) from the discharge destination paper absence detection module 14 that the state has shifted from the paper presence state to the paper absence state, the connection is established through the panel display module 15 and the voice control module 16. Generates a warning to remind you to take your device away.

More specifically, (1) first, the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the approach detection, (2) then, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the connection detection, and (3) Then, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the start of communication, and (5) the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of movement detection.

Then, when the warning processing module 11 receives the movement detection, since the disconnection detection (8) is not received in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the movement is out of the predetermined range. In the case of the movement, (6) the warning is notified to the panel display module 15, and (7) the warning is notified to the voice control module 16.

(4) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the end of the communication. (9) Next, a notification that the discharge destination paper absence detection module 14 has shifted from the paper presence state to the paper absence state. When the warning is notified to the warning processing module 11, since the disconnection detection (8) is not received in FIG. 4, (6) a 'warning is notified to the panel display module 15, and (7)' a warning is also sent to the voice control module 16. Notice.

(8) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the disconnection detection.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 5 shows a warning process according to a third embodiment. The warning processing module 11
In addition to the operation shown in FIG. 4, a period from when the communication start notification (3) is received from the communication module 13 to when the communication end notification (4) is received, from the paper-out state detecting module to the paper-out state from the paper-out state. The notification (9-1) that the state has been shifted is ignored.

More specifically, (1) first, the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the approach detection, (2) then, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the connection detection, and (3) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the start of communication, and (5) the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the movement detection.

Then, when the warning processing module 11 receives the movement detection, since the disconnection detection (8) is not received in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the movement is out of the predetermined range. In the case of the movement, (6) the warning is notified to the panel display module 15, and (7) the warning is notified to the voice control module 16.

(9-1) Then, the notification module 14 notifies the warning processing module 11 that the discharge destination paper absence detection module 14 has transitioned from the paper presence state to the paper absence state. Since the communication end notification (4) has not been received, this is ignored.

(4) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the end of the communication. (9-2) Then, the discharge destination paper absence detection module 14 has shifted from the paper presence state to the paper absence state. When the notification is sent to the warning processing module 11, the warning processing module 11 receives the communication end notification (4) in FIG. 5, but does not receive the disconnection detection (8). The module 15 is notified, and (7) ′ a warning is also notified to the voice control module 16.

(8) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the disconnection detection.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 6 shows a warning process according to a fourth embodiment. The warning processing module 11 includes the print job processing module 17 in addition to the operations shown in FIG.
Receives a job end notification (10) from the server, and performs a warning generation process.

More specifically, (1) first, the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the approach detection, (2) subsequently, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the connection detection, and (3) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the start of communication, and (5) the operator detection module 12 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the movement detection.

Then, when the warning processing module 11 receives the movement detection, since the disconnection detection (8) is not received in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the movement is out of the predetermined range. In the case of the movement, (6) the warning is notified to the panel display module 15, and (7) the warning is notified to the voice control module 16.

(9-1) Then, when the discharge destination paper absence detecting module 14 notifies the warning processing module 11 of a transition from the paper present state to the paper absence state, the warning processing module 11 Since the communication end notification (4) has not been received, this is ignored.

(4) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the end of the communication. (10) Then, the print job processing module 17 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the job end. Since (4) has been received, (6) '' a warning is notified to the panel display module 15 and (7) '' a warning is also notified to the voice control module 16.

(9-2) Next, when the discharge destination paper absence detection module 14 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the transition from the paper presence state to the paper absence state, the communication end notification (4) is received. But disconnection detection (8)
(6) ', a warning is sent to the panel display module 15, and (7)', a warning is sent to the voice control module 16.

(8) Next, the communication module 13 notifies the warning processing module 11 of the disconnection detection.

[0043]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued if the operator attempts to leave the printing apparatus while the digital camera is connected, thereby preventing the digital camera from being left behind. Can be.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, for example, a warning is issued when an operator takes a printed sheet while the digital camera is connected, so that the effect of preventing the digital camera from being left behind is enhanced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued after an image forming job is completed, for example, when a digital camera is connected, even when an operator is nearby.
It is possible to prevent the digital camera from being left behind.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued after the image forming job is completed, for example, when a digital camera is connected, so that the digital camera can be prevented from being left behind.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a warning is issued when the operator takes the printed sheet even after the image forming job is completed, so that the effect of preventing the digital camera from being left behind is enhanced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operability is improved because no warning is issued even if the operator removes the printed paper during data transmission.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating hardware of a printing system as an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating main modules of software of the printing apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing processing of a module in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing of a module according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing of a module according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing of a module according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 printing device 2 digital still camera 4 operator position sensor 5 message display panel 6 sound generation device 11 warning processing module 12 operator detection module 13 communication module 14 discharge destination paper absence detection module 15 panel display module 16 voice control module 17 print job processing module

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus which receives an image from an information supply device capable of transmitting data for image formation and forms an image, and detects a connection with the information supply device. Means for detecting a distance between an operator and the image forming apparatus.
Detecting means, and when the distance detected by the second detecting means is far from a predetermined range while the connection with the information supplying apparatus is being detected by the first detecting means, the information supplying apparatus is left behind. An image forming apparatus comprising: a warning unit that warns. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third detection unit configured to detect presence / absence of a sheet at a discharge destination, wherein the warning unit performs the third detection while detecting connection with the information supply device by the first detection unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the detecting unit detects that the sheet at the discharge destination has been removed, the information supply apparatus is warned of being left behind. 3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the warning unit warns that the information supply device is left behind when the connection with the information supply device is detected after the end of the image forming job. Forming equipment. 4. An image forming apparatus which receives data from an information supply device capable of transmitting data for image formation and forms an image, wherein a first detection for detecting connection with the information supply device is performed. Means, a second detecting means for detecting the end of the image forming job, and a case wherein the connection with the information supply device is detected by the first detecting means after the end of the image forming job is detected by the second detecting means. Warning means for warning that the information supply device has been left behind. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third detecting unit configured to detect presence / absence of a sheet at a discharge destination, wherein the warning unit detects the third unit while the first detecting unit detects connection with the information supply device. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the detecting means detects that the sheet at the discharge destination has been removed, the information supply apparatus is warned of being left behind. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the warning unit ignores the detection of the third detection unit until the data transmission of the information supply device ends.