JP2004264645A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which saves resources and energy for obtaining paper or the like by forming the image with respect to internal information which does specially aim at storage in a reversible image recording medium, and which is easily used and is convenient. <P>SOLUTION: A medium detection means to detect whether the reversible image recording medium is stored at least in a storage means or not and an informing means to inform a user of at least the detected result of the medium detection means are included, and in the case of discriminating that the image information is the internal information and detecting that the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage means by the medium detection means, a control means makes the informing means inform that the reversible image recording medium is not stored to the storage means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a normal image recording medium such as plain paper or a rewritable reversible image recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, computerization technology has advanced, and image information composed of characters, symbols, figures, photographs, and the like created using computers and word processors, and image information obtained using the Internet and the like have been developed. There is an increasing number of opportunities to transmit and receive data to and from other information devices such as computers and printers, and to print such image information on paper or the like by an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, or a facsimile.
[0003]
However, most of the image information printed on ordinary image recording media such as paper is not intended for preservation, and is often discarded only on an ad-hoc basis or after a few days has passed. A large amount of resources, energy, and the like for obtaining the ordinary image recording medium, toner, ink, and the like are wasted.
[0004]
Also, if information devices and image forming apparatuses such as computers, copiers, printers, and facsimile machines are frequently operated, high-quality printed matter can be obtained unless maintenance such as inspection, maintenance, and repair is performed frequently. Disappears.
[0005]
Therefore, each time a service technician performs maintenance, setting conditions set in the image forming apparatus to be printed as information of the image forming apparatus for reference, for example, initial settings preset in the image forming apparatus itself at the time of factory shipment or the like. Information, the total number of printings by the image forming apparatus, the timing and amount of toner and ink replacement, the date of the last inspection, the maintenance status such as the inspection status, etc., or the service person or administrator can use a computer, word processor, Internet server, etc. Setting information such as conditions when connected to the image forming apparatus, conditions set for easy use by the user, and image information to be printed on a trial basis are also necessary on the spot. Because it is not something to do, it is discarded, and resources and energy are wasted in large quantities.
[0006]
Recently, a reversible image recording medium has been developed as a recording member that can be used repeatedly, in addition to a recording member such as paper.
[0007]
For example, as a reversible image recording medium, special particles and the like are interposed between two thin film films, and image information is recorded by utilizing the property of changing from a cloudy state to a transparent state when a temperature difference is applied to the surface. Further, there is a reversible thermosensitive recording film (TC film) in which the entire surface is clouded and initialized by uniformly heating the surface to a predetermined temperature, and a reversible image display medium commonly called electronic paper.
[0008]
As the reversible image display medium, there are an electric field drive type reversible image display medium and a magnetic drive type reversible image display medium. Mold, twisted ball mold and the like.
[0009]
In the dry-charged-particle-containing type, a dry developer is included in a developer accommodating cell formed between two substrates (at least one of which has optical transparency) opposed to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. Are composed of at least two types of triboelectrically-charged dry developing particles having different charging polarities and different optical reflection densities ("different contrast" or "different colors").
[0010]
Then, in a state where the at least two types of dry developing particles are frictionally charged to different charging polarities, an electric field corresponding to an image to be displayed is applied, so that each of the polarities varies according to the direction of the electric field inside the medium. The charged developer particles move in opposite directions to display an image with contrast.
[0011]
Further, as another example of the dry-charged particle-encapsulated type, the same configuration as that of the above-described dry-type charged particle-enclosed type can be used to display an image, but at least one of the two types of developing particles is a magnetic particle. Some have become.
[0012]
In this image display medium, since at least one of at least two types of developing particles is a magnetic particle, the developer (developing particles) can be stirred by, for example, an oscillating magnetic field, and the medium is initialized by stirring the developer. The advantage is that the previous image can be erased (including initialization) prior to image formation (image display), and the developed particles can be easily moved in the electrostatic field for image display in image display, and the image can be displayed better. There is.
[0013]
In the electrophoresis type, two substrates are opposed to each other with a space between them to form a hermetically sealed space, in which particles having electrophoretic ability are dispersed in a dispersion medium of a different color. The liquid is filled, and an image is displayed with the color of the particles or the color of the dispersion medium by applying an electric field according to the image and causing the particles in the display liquid to migrate.
[0014]
The twisted ball type is a two-color sphere in which one hemisphere and the other hemisphere have different colors (for example, one hemisphere is white and the other hemisphere is colored other than white, for example, black). Is enclosed in a cavity of an insulating holding medium in a state of being surrounded by a liquid or a liquid wax or the like.
[0015]
By applying an external electric field according to the image, the two-color sphere rotates within the cavity in accordance with the electrical anisotropy to display an image.
[0016]
The following are examples of magnetically driven reversible image display media.
One is that a dispersion formed by dispersing magnetic particles is contained in a cell formed between two substrates facing each other with a predetermined gap, and the magnetic particles and the dispersion have an optical reflection density of each other. Those with different configurations.
[0017]
The other is a structure in which a coating layer of microcapsules enclosing a dispersion liquid in which magnetic particles are dispersed is formed on one side of a substrate, and the magnetic particles and the dispersion liquid in the microcapsules have an optical reflection density. Are different.
[0018]
All of these reversible image display media are capable of displaying an image (writing an image), erasing an image, and rewriting an image once written by selecting an applied electric or magnetic field, and can be used repeatedly.
[0019]
The developing particles in the dry-charged particle-containing medium, the particles having electrophoretic ability in the electrophoretic medium, the spheres in the twisted ball medium, the magnetic particles in the magnetically driven medium, and the like are all confined in the medium. Since no external developer supply is required, the use of conventional image display media, such as paper, related to image display, and consumables, such as developer and ink, can be greatly reduced.
[0020]
Furthermore, these reversible image display media do not require heat fixing of toner images, flying of ink or heat transfer from a transfer film, etc., as compared with conventional image formation on plain paper. Energy (especially power) can be greatly saved, and images can be output at a higher speed. Thus, the running cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
[0021]
Therefore, by using these reversible image recording media, for example, it is determined whether or not the image information to be recorded is image information that requires storage (also referred to as storage), and the image information is stored. In the case of image information that does not need to be stored, this image information is automatically recorded on a rewritable reversible thermosensitive recording film (TC film), and waste of plain paper due to recording of image information that does not require storage is recorded. There is a technology configured to avoid consumption (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0022]
Also, in a printing machine capable of printing a normal image recording medium and a reversible image display medium, it is determined whether or not the type of the image display medium detected by the medium type detection device matches the type selected by the operator. There is a technique in which, if they are different from each other, image formation is prohibited so that resources and energy are not wasted (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0023]
However, these technologies record information or the like not intended for storage on a reversible thermosensitive recording film or a reversible image display medium, that is, a reversible image recording medium, so that resources and energy such as paper are not wasted. Although the control for performing the reversible image recording medium is open to the public, when the image forming apparatus attempts to form an image using the reversible image recording medium, and the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the image forming apparatus, Or, the control when the reversible image recording medium runs out during use is not disclosed, and in such a case, it is necessary to immediately develop control-related technologies such as how to control. However, it has been an important problem to provide an easy-to-use and convenient image forming apparatus at an early stage.
[0024]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-130858
[0025]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-347727 A
[0026]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention enables easy image formation on any medium using a reversible image recording medium or a normal image recording medium such as paper, and particularly aims at storage. It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy-to-use and convenient image forming apparatus which can save internal resources and energy for forming paper or the like by forming an image on a reversible image recording medium.
[0027]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the present invention, internal information such as internal setting information not intended for storage and image information to be printed on a trial basis is a reversible image recording medium such as a reversible thermosensitive recording film or a reversible image display medium. By recording on a recording medium, resources and energy for obtaining paper, toner, ink, etc. are saved, and when the reversible image recording medium is not housed in the image forming apparatus, the internal information is saved. When recording on a reversible image recording medium, the user is notified that the reversible image recording medium is not stored, prompting replenishment, and increasing the frequency of using the reversible image recording medium to increase the above-mentioned resources. And energy savings.
[0028]
Further, when the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the image forming apparatus, when the user is notified that the reversible image recording medium is not stored, the reversible image recording medium is replenished when busy. Even if it is not necessary, it is possible to easily print on the ordinary image recording medium, omit troublesome work such as replenishment of the reversible image recording medium, and replenish the reversible image recording medium when time allows. In addition, the frequency of using the reversible image recording medium is increased to save the resources and energy described above, and to improve the efficiency of business.
[0029]
That is, the invention according to claim 1 includes a storage unit that stores a normal image recording medium and a reversible image recording medium, a first image forming unit that forms image information on the normal image recording medium, and the image forming apparatus. A second image forming means for forming information on the reversible image recording medium, and determining whether or not the image information is internal information, and when the image information is internal information, the first image forming means A control unit for performing image formation and controlling the image formation by the second image forming unit when the image information is not the internal information, wherein the reversible image recording is performed at least in the storage unit. Medium detecting means for detecting whether a medium is stored, and notifying means for notifying a user of at least the detection result of the medium detecting means, wherein the control means When the image information is determined to be internal information, and when the medium detection unit detects that the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage unit, the notification unit transmits the reversible image recording medium to the storage unit. A notification that the sexual image recording medium is not stored.
[0030]
Thereby, when forming the image of the internal information on the reversible image recording medium, if the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage unit, the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage unit by the notification unit. This informs the user of the reversible image recording medium to replenish the reversible image recording medium, eliminates the hassle of notifying even when the internal information is not printed, and provides resources for obtaining paper and the like. In addition, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use and convenient image forming apparatus.
[0031]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the control unit notifies the notification unit that the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage unit, The operation of the second image forming means is prohibited.
[0032]
Accordingly, when the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage unit, the operation of the image forming unit that forms an image on the reversible image recording medium is prohibited, thereby reducing wasteful power and the like supplied to the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of saving energy can be provided.
[0033]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, after the control unit inhibits the operation of the second image forming unit, the medium detection unit stores the reversible image in the storage unit. When it is detected that the recording medium is stored, the prohibition of the operation of the second image forming unit is released.
[0034]
Thus, printing can be performed promptly after the reversible image recording medium is supplied, so that time can be saved, and an easy-to-use and convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.
[0035]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control unit determines that the image information is internal information, and the reversibility is stored in the storage unit by the notification unit. When notifying that the image recording medium is not stored in the storage means, the first image forming means forms an image.
[0036]
As a result, even when the reversible image recording medium is not stored, it is possible to easily print on the ordinary image recording medium without replenishing the reversible image recording medium. A troublesome operation such as replenishment can be omitted, the efficiency of the operation can be improved, and an easy-to-use and convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.
[0037]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, a medium selection unit capable of selecting which one of the ordinary image recording medium and the reversible image recording medium is used to form an image. The control unit determines that the image information is internal information, and when the notifying unit notifies the storage unit that the reversible image recording medium is not stored, the control unit selects the medium. Means for selecting the ordinary image recording medium by means.
[0038]
Thereby, when the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage means, it is possible to select the reversible image recording medium or the normal image recording medium, and when busy, replenish the reversible image recording medium. Can be used to print on ordinary image recording media, and when time permits, replenish reversible image recording media and limit wasteful printing on ordinary image recording media, saving resources and energy. And a convenient and convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.
[0039]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Before giving a detailed description, a description will be given of the means for forming an image on a reversible image display medium of the electric field drive type or the magnetic drive type described above.
[0040]
As an image forming means on an electric field drive type reversible image display medium, an image display is performed by forming an electric field (electrostatic field) corresponding to an image to be formed on the electric field drive type reversible image display medium. it can. Therefore, as a device capable of forming such an electric field (electrostatic field), a device utilizing an electrostatic latent image and a device utilizing a writing electrode are conceivable.
[0041]
The image forming means using the writing electrode has an image writing electrode that is in contact with or disposed close to the substrate of the image display medium, and applies a bias corresponding to the image to be displayed on the electrode.
[0042]
As an image forming means using an electrostatic latent image, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be displayed is formed on one of two substrates of a medium (for example, a substrate on an image observation side). Or an electrostatic latent image formed outside is brought close to the electrostatic latent image to form an electrostatic field based on the electrostatic latent image.
[0043]
An image forming apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor such as a photoreceptor generally uses an electrostatic latent image formed outside such an image forming apparatus. When the electrophotographic image forming unit has a photoconductor such as a photoconductor as an electrolatent image carrier, there is an advantage that the photoconductor and the like can be shared.
[0044]
As an image forming means on a magnetically driven reversible image display medium, an image forming means having an image writing magnetic head can be mentioned.
[0045]
Examples of the image erasing device include an erase electric field forming device that forms an electric field that moves a developing particle constituting a developer in an image display medium, a stirring device that applies a stirring force to the developer, or both of them. Devices.
[0046]
When an image is formed on a reversible thermosensitive recording film, an electrophotographic image forming means using an electrostatic latent image can be used.
[0047]
For example, by exposing image information to a photoreceptor, developing an electrostatic latent image with toner, transferring a toner image to a reversible thermosensitive recording film, and then irradiating with a lamp or the like, a toner image portion and a non-image portion are formed. An image can be recorded by the reversible thermosensitive recording film changing its color from a cloudy state to a transparent state due to the temperature difference, and the image can be easily recorded by reheating with a fixing unit. Not to be lost.
[0048]
When an image is erased including initialization, a predetermined temperature is applied uniformly, so that a portion discolored to a transparent state changes to a cloudy state, so that the image can be erased.
[0049]
However, when an image is recorded on a reversible thermosensitive recording film, there is a problem that it is necessary to remove the toner fixed on the reversible thermosensitive recording film after reheating by a fixing unit.
[0050]
Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in consideration of easy image formation and erasure of an image, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is provided with a normal image recording medium (hereinafter simply referred to as a paper or an OHP sheet). A first image forming unit for forming an image on plain paper) and a second image forming unit for forming an image on an electric field driven reversible image display medium (hereinafter, also simply referred to as electronic paper). Shall be.
[0051]
That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first image forming unit that forms an image on plain paper forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be displayed on the electrostatic latent image carrier, An electrophotographic method in which the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by a developing device, the toner image is transferred to plain paper by a transfer device, fixed by fixing means, and then discharged outside the image forming apparatus. The second image forming means is an image forming means for forming an image on electronic paper similarly using an electrophotographic image forming means, and the second image forming means will be described in detail later. After forming the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, the developing unit is evacuated and the image is formed by bringing the electronic paper close to the electrostatic latent image carrier without developing with toner. After that, the fixing roller of the fixing unit is retracted, and the image forming apparatus It shall be discharged to the outside.
[0052]
Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or the like. However, in order to simplify the description, an electrophotographic copying machine is used unless otherwise specified.
[0053]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0054]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[0055]
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
1 is a housing of the image forming apparatus, 2 is a discharge tray for receiving plain paper or electronic paper discharged after image formation, and 3 is a plain paper or electronic paper inserted as needed for image formation. Reference numerals 4 and 4 denote rollers for allowing the housing 1 of the image forming apparatus to move.
[0056]
Inside the housing 1, an image forming unit 10 and a fixing unit 20 as image forming units, a storage unit 30 for storing the number of recording media such as plain paper and electronic paper, and a plurality of rollers for transporting the recording media are provided. And a driving source (not shown) such as a motor for driving these roller groups, and the recording medium stored in the storage means 30 or the recording medium inserted from the manual feed tray 3 is used for the image forming unit 10 or the like. A transport unit that transports the paper through the fixing unit 20 in the direction of the paper discharge tray 2 (the direction of the arrow) is provided.
[0057]
Although not shown, it is assumed that control means including an electric circuit or the like for appropriately driving and controlling these means under set conditions or the like is provided inside the housing 1.
[0058]
Reference numeral 50 denotes the entire image forming apparatus, and an upper portion of the housing 1 is provided with an automatic document feeder 40 (hereinafter, also referred to as an ADF) for automatically conveying a document.
[0059]
When the image forming apparatus is a copying machine or a copying machine having a facsimile function, image information of a document is read using an ADF or a platen glass surface (not shown) provided on the upper part of the housing 1. In order to read the image information of the document set in (1), a document reading means (not shown) composed of a generally well-known reading optical system or a CCD (charge coupled device) is included in the image forming means. It is assumed that
[0060]
The image forming unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an electrostatic latent image carrier, a charging unit 12 for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 11, an exposing unit 13 for exposing the photosensitive drum 11 to image information of a document, Developing means 14 for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the body drum 11 as a toner image, transfer / separating means 15 for transferring / separating the toner image to plain paper, and photosensitive after the transfer / separation The cleaning unit 16 includes a cleaning unit 16 for cleaning toner and the like remaining on the body drum 11.
[0061]
In the fixing unit 20, a pair of fixing rollers 22 and 23 including a heater (not shown) for melting and fixing the toner transferred to the plain paper are provided inside the outer frame 21. .
[0062]
Reference numeral 30 denotes storage means for storing a recording medium. For example, the storage means 30 stores plain paper P1 in a first tray 31, and stores electronic paper P2 in a second tray 32.
[0063]
S1 and S2 denote medium detection means. S1 detects whether or not the plain paper P1 provided in the first tray 31 is stored. For example, when it is detected that the plain paper P1 is not stored, the control means outputs detection information to the control means. S2 is provided on the second tray 32, and, like S1, outputs detection information to the control means when detecting that the electronic paper P2 is not stored. ing.
[0064]
Of course, the number of trays and which tray contains electronic paper or plain paper are not limited to the embodiment of the present invention, and the recording medium is also contained in the tray with respect to the medium detecting means. There is no particular limitation as long as it can detect the absence of any of them, such as a photoelectric detecting means such as a photocoupler or a mechanical detecting means such as a switch.
[0065]
Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, plain paper or electronic paper can be inserted from the manual feed tray 3.
[0066]
S3 is a medium identification unit that identifies whether the recording medium conveyed from the storage unit 30 toward the image forming unit 10 or inserted from the manual tray 3 is plain paper or electronic paper.
[0067]
When the recording medium is identified as plain paper or electronic paper by the medium identifying means S3, identification information indicating that the recording medium is electronic paper is generally given to the electronic paper. Can be identified.
[0068]
As the identification information, for example, identification information indicating that the electronic paper is electronic paper, type information indicating whether the electronic paper is of an electric field driving type or a magnetic driving type, or a dry charged particle type, an electric permanent acting type, a twist ball type, or the like Various types of information such as the model information, the manufacturer name, the production lot, and the production date are recorded, for example, as bar codes.
[0069]
Further, by selecting and reading information other than the identification information indicating that the electronic paper is electronic paper, for example, when electronic paper of a type or model that cannot be supported by the image forming apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention is mixed, This is convenient because it can be appropriately separated before being conveyed to the image forming unit 10.
[0070]
The image forming unit according to the present invention will be described.
The image forming unit has two functions in common. One is a function as a first image forming unit for forming an image on plain paper, and the other is a function as an image forming unit on an electronic paper. Function as a second image forming means.
[0071]
When an image is formed on plain paper, the photosensitive drum 11 uniformly charged by the charging unit 12 of the image forming unit 10 is exposed to laser light or the like based on image information, and is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. After the developed electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 14, the plain paper P1 is conveyed from the first tray 31 of the storage unit 30 toward the photosensitive drum 11 at an appropriate timing, and is transferred and separated. The toner image is transferred onto the plain paper P1 by the means 15 and separated.
[0072]
Thereafter, the plain paper P1 to which the toner image has been further transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 20, where it is nipped and fixed by the fixing rollers 21 and 23, and is discharged to the discharge plate 2 outside the apparatus.
[0073]
When an image is formed on electronic paper, the steps up to the formation of an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 are the same as those for forming an image on plain paper. On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 11 moves away from the photosensitive drum 11, so that the electrostatic latent image cannot be visualized as a toner image.
[0074]
Then, the electronic paper P2 is conveyed from the second tray 32 of the storage unit 30 toward the photosensitive drum 11 at an appropriate timing, and an electric field formed as an electrostatic latent image is applied at the position of the transfer / separation unit 15. Thus, an image is formed on electronic paper.
[0075]
Thereafter, the electronic paper is transported to the fixing unit 20, but the fixing rollers 21 and 23 move away from each other with respect to the initial position so as not to heat the electronic paper, pass the electronic paper, and Discharge to the discharge plate 2.
[0076]
The circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 100 denotes a circuit of the entire image forming apparatus, and 110 denotes a CPU that controls the entire image forming apparatus, and stores various programs for controlling the image forming apparatus in advance.
[0077]
The CPU 110 is connected to an information control circuit 120, an image processing circuit 140, a drive control circuit 150, and the like, and has a configuration as a main control circuit. The CPU 110 is further connected to a power supply circuit 180.
[0078]
The information control circuit 120 inputs and inputs image information such as characters and images of an original and various information necessary for image formation from the external information device 200 via an interface (I / F) 130 in accordance with an instruction of the CPU 110. Various kinds of information are stored in the storage unit 190, and the various kinds of information stored in the storage unit 190 are output to the image processing circuit 140, the drive control circuit 150, the notification unit 170, and the like, as necessary.
[0079]
As the external information device 200, an information device connectable to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, such as a computer, an Internet server, or a digital camera or a measuring device capable of outputting measured information, is assumed. .
[0080]
The information control circuit 120 is used for inputting / outputting various information necessary for the operation of each unit including the image processing circuit 140 and the drive control circuit 150 in addition to the various information input from the external information device 200 and the operation input unit 160. The information input in step (1) operates so as to be appropriately and smoothly transmitted to each circuit and each unit so as not to hinder the operation of the image forming apparatus.
[0081]
Particularly, in the embodiment of the present invention, although details will be described later, in order to smoothly operate the image forming apparatus 100, initial setting information preset in the image forming apparatus 100 itself at the time of factory shipment, a serviceman, Setting information such as conditions when an administrator connects a computer, a word processor, an Internet server, or the like to the image forming apparatus 100, conditions set for easy use by a user, and a service person or an administrator are provided for maintenance. Also, internal setting information that is hardly used by ordinary users, such as maintenance information such as the total number of times of printing by the image forming apparatus 100, the replacement time and remaining amount of toner and ink, the date of the last inspection, or the inspection status, is also required. It can be output according to.
[0082]
The image processing circuit 140 converts the internal information such as the image information and the internal setting information stored in the storage unit 190 into data and signals suitable for the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110, and controls the drive control circuit 150 and the like. This is a circuit for enabling the image forming means 191 to form an image on plain paper or electronic paper in cooperation with.
[0083]
The drive control circuit 150 is a circuit for operating the image forming unit 191, the conveying unit 192, the fixing unit 193, and the like in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110 to perform an image forming operation.
[0084]
Only when an image is formed on electronic paper, the developing device 14 shown in FIG. 1 is moved in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 11 with respect to the initial position, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is removed. The toner is not developed, and similarly, the fixing rollers 22 and 23 of the fixing unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 are moved in a direction away from each other with respect to the initial position so that the electronic paper is not heated.
[0085]
When an image is formed on plain paper, the developing device 14 and the fixing rollers 22 and 23 of the fixing unit 20 are operated to return to the initial positions, respectively.
[0086]
The operation input unit 160 includes an operation keyboard, a touch panel, and the like (not shown) in the embodiment of the present invention, and includes, for example, the number and type of output plain paper on which an image is formed (for example, copy paper, reproduction paper, and the like). Paper, thick paper, OHP sheet, etc.) or information such as magnification such as enlargement / reduction, density setting information of an output image, editing function of image information, and post-processing for binding printed (also referred to as output) plain paper. Functions and the like can be selected and set by the operation input unit 160, and data necessary for the selection and the like can be input.
[0087]
Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to set the actual copy mode for forming image information to be stored on plain paper by the operation input unit 160 and to store for performing trial printing. A confirmation copy mode for simply forming image information for confirmation and internal information such as the above-described internal setting information on the electronic paper can be set.
[0088]
When this copy mode is executed, it can be selected by inputting a memory number, a file number, and the like of each piece of information stored in the storage unit 190 described later with the operation input unit 160.
[0089]
When the confirmation copy is executed, the internal information such as the image information and the internal setting information which are not intended to be stored and are merely for confirmation are stored in, for example, a memory number of each information stored in the storage unit 190 described later. An internal setting information button (not shown) which can be selected by inputting a file number or an internal setting information number by the operation input means 160, or provided in advance in association with initial setting information, setting information, maintenance information and the like. ) Etc. can be selected.
[0090]
When a copy button (not shown) provided on the operation input unit 160 is pressed, the selected internal information forms an image on electronic paper, and the image information selected for the main copy forms an image on plain paper. The image forming apparatus is operated so as to perform the following.
[0091]
Regarding the copy button, it is needless to say that a copy button for outputting document information or the like intended for storage and a confirmation copy button for executing a confirmation copy of internal information not intended for storage may be provided separately. Nor.
[0092]
In the embodiment of the present invention, in order to easily determine whether or not the image information is the internal information, the information control circuit 120 stores the above-mentioned internal setting information among the internal information in the storage unit 190. When the setting information is stored, identification information indicating that the information is internal information is automatically added in advance, and a confirmation copy mode is executed for image information merely intended for confirmation that is not intended to be stored. Therefore, identification information indicating internal information is added to the selected information.
[0093]
Therefore, when the image forming apparatus outputs image information, the information control circuit 120 can determine whether or not the information is internal information by reading whether or not the identification information is added.
[0094]
The identification information is added to the internal information so that it is easy to determine whether the image information is the internal information. However, the type and form of the identification information are not particularly limited, and Needless to say, other methods that can be easily determined as internal information may be used.
[0095]
In the embodiment of the present invention, not only the internal setting information, but also expand the range of the internal information as the internal information also simply image information for the purpose of preservation, by promoting the use of electronic paper, They also try to save resources and energy to get paper and the like.
[0096]
However, in the case where it is difficult to include, for the purpose of preservation, image information merely for confirmation, which is not intended for storage, in the internal information due to the function, performance, specifications, or the like of the image forming apparatus, the internal information may be limited to only the internal setting information. good.
[0097]
Although not shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the notifying unit 170 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel system. In particular, in a confirmation copy mode in which internal information is formed on an electronic paper, a text, an image, or the like is used. Is displayed, it is possible to notify that the electronic paper is not stored in the storage means.
[0098]
When the notification unit 170 notifies that the electronic paper is not stored in the storage unit, a screen for selecting an output medium is displayed on the display screen of the notification unit 170, and the user can touch or operate the screen by touching the screen. Either plain paper or electronic paper can be selected by the input means.
[0099]
Note that a buzzer or the like may be provided in the notification unit 170 so that a warning sound is emitted simultaneously when a notification or display of a warning is performed.
[0100]
The notification unit 170 also simply functions as a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and displays an operation procedure when inputting information with the operation input unit 160, a list display of various information, a setting information confirmation display, or a storage unit 190. The displayed information, a status display during operation of the image forming apparatus, a warning display, and the like can be displayed.
[0101]
The power supply circuit 180 is configured such that when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, appropriate power is supplied from the power supply to the entire image forming apparatus, and when the power switch is turned off, the power supply is cut off. I have. Further, for example, when the image forming operation is completed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110, a part necessary for saving the image forming apparatus in the standby state, the power saving state, or temporarily storing the storage contents of the memory, etc. An operation such as shutting off other energizations can be performed except for the energization.
[0102]
The storage unit 190 includes image information of a document input by the information control circuit 120 and various information for controlling the image forming apparatus, and initial setting information preset in the image forming apparatus 100 itself at the time of factory shipment, Conditions when a computer, a word processor, an Internet server, or the like is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, or conditions set to be easy for the user to use, for example, setting of document size, copy magnification (same size, enlargement, reduction) information, etc. Information, maintenance information such as the total number of prints by the image forming apparatus 100 provided for maintenance, the replacement time and remaining amount of toner and ink, the date of the last inspection, the status of inspection, and the like are hardly used by ordinary users. Such internal setting information is also stored.
[0103]
The image forming unit 191 is configured like the image forming unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, and forms an image based on drive control information output from the drive control circuit 150 and a signal based on image information output from the image image processing circuit 140. Is what you do.
[0104]
When an image is formed on plain paper, as described above, the photosensitive drum is charged, the photosensitive drum is exposed, the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed with toner, and the photosensitive drum is developed. An operation of cleaning the photosensitive drum after transferring the toner image visualized on plain paper and separating the toner image is performed.
[0105]
When an image is formed on electronic paper, the steps up to forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum are the same as those for forming an image on plain paper, but thereafter the developing unit is separated from the photosensitive drum. Direction, the electrostatic latent image cannot be visualized as a toner image, and the electric field formed as an electrostatic latent image is applied to the electronic paper at the position of the transfer / separation unit to display the image on the electronic paper. I am trying to do it.
[0106]
Needless to say, when the image forming apparatus is a copying machine, the image forming unit 191 includes a reading unit that reads a document.
[0107]
The conveying unit 192 conveys the plain paper, transfers the developed toner image onto the photosensitive drum, fixes the toner image, and then discharges the toner image. Alternatively, the conveying unit 192 applies an electric field due to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum to the electronic paper. In order to apply the paper, plain paper or electronic paper is supplied and conveyed to the photosensitive drum at an appropriate timing from the storage unit, passes through a fixing unit 193 via a transfer / separation unit, and is discharged to a paper output tray. It is a means for performing the operation of carrying.
[0108]
The fixing unit 193 is a device that melts and fixes the toner image on the plain paper to the plain paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing roller, and when the electronic paper passes, for example, as shown in FIG. The fixing rollers 22 and 23 of the fixing unit 10 are moved in a direction away from each other with respect to the initial position so that the electronic paper is not heated.
[0109]
The medium detecting means 194 detects whether or not the plain paper P1 provided in the first tray 31 is stored in S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 1, for example, when it is detected that the plain paper P1 is not stored. The information indicating that the plain paper P1 is not stored is input to the information control circuit 120 via the drive control circuit 150, and in S2, the electronic paper P2 is stored in the second tray 32 as in S1. When it is detected that there is no electronic paper P2, information indicating that the electronic paper P2 is not stored is input to the information control circuit 120 via the drive control circuit 150.
[0110]
When information indicating that plain paper or electronic paper is not stored is input, the information control circuit 120 determines, for example, whether the information to be output is internal information, If it is determined that there is, plain paper or electronic paper is not stored by the notification means 170 or an alarm sound is issued to notify the user by the instruction of the CPU 110.
[0111]
As described above, the medium identification unit 195 determines whether the recording medium is plain paper or electronic paper or an electronic medium that can be used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention by using an identification unit such as a barcode provided on the electronic paper. It is determined whether the paper is paper or not, and the result of the identification is input to the information control circuit 120 via the drive control circuit 150.
[0112]
Then, the information control circuit 120 activates the drive control circuit 150 and the image forming means 140 based on the identification result based on the instruction of the CPU 110 to form an image on plain paper, form an image on electronic paper, or is unusable. In the case of electronic paper, for example, in order to prohibit the image forming operation, the electronic paper that cannot be used is discharged, or the notification unit 170 notifies that the electronic paper cannot be used.
[0113]
Next, a control procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the embodiment of the present invention, internal information such as image information for simple confirmation and internal setting information, which is not intended for storage, can be image-formed on electronic paper. Therefore, among the internal information, in particular, internal setting information such as the total number of times of printing by the image forming apparatus provided for maintenance, the replacement time and remaining amount of toner and ink, the last inspection date, or the inspection status. A case in which the maintenance information is image-formed on electronic paper will be described.
[0114]
(ST1)
This is the step of setting output information.
[0115]
In the step of setting information to be output by the operation input unit 160 shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance information which is the internal setting information is used as the internal information. When, for example, an information button (not shown) indicating maintenance information provided on the storage unit 190 is pressed or a file number stored in the storage unit 190 is selected, for example, the information control circuit 120 shown in FIG. The maintenance information is set to be output, and the process proceeds to ST2.
[0116]
Of course, in the embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance information is set as the internal information for the sake of simplicity of description. Similarly, when the file number or the like stored in the storage unit 190 is selected, the internal information is set. Needless to say, it is possible to set image information for confirmation that is not intended to be stored as information, and it is possible to set so as to output image information intended for storage other than internal information.
[0117]
(ST2)
This is a step of determining whether or not the copy button has been pressed (ON).
[0118]
After the setting of the output information is completed, if it is determined that the copy button has been pressed, the image forming apparatus starts operation and proceeds to ST3, and if it is determined that the copy button has not been pressed, the process returns to ST1 to return to ST1. Changes are possible.
[0119]
(ST3)
This is a step of determining whether or not the information is internal information.
[0120]
This is a step in which the information control circuit 120 determines whether or not the information set by the operation input unit 160 shown in FIG. 2 is internal information.
[0121]
In the embodiment of the present invention, since the setting is made so as to output the maintenance information which is the internal information, in this step it is determined that the information is the internal information and the process proceeds to ST4. If the set information is not the internal information, the process proceeds to ST11. Fly to.
[0122]
In the embodiment of the present invention, with respect to the internal setting information such as maintenance information that is hardly used by general users, the information control circuit 120 shown in FIG. Since the information is automatically assigned, whether or not the identification information is internal information can be easily determined based on whether or not the identification information is present.
[0123]
It should be noted that identification information indicating internal information is added to information selected for executing the confirmation copy mode also for image information to be output for confirmation not intended for storage.
[0124]
(ST4)
Is there electronic P (paper)? That is, this is a step of determining whether the electronic paper is in the storage means.
[0125]
If the medium detecting means S2 shown in FIG. 1 detects that electronic paper is stored in the second tray 32, the process proceeds to ST5, and if it detects that electronic paper is not stored, the process jumps to ST7.
[0126]
(ST5)
This is a step of setting various conditions and the like for forming an image on the electronic P (paper) in the image forming apparatus and preparing for output.
[0127]
That is, the information control circuit 120 shown in FIG. 2 determines the information set in step ST3 as internal information, and the drive control circuit 150 instructs the developing device of the image forming unit 10 shown in FIG. Is moved in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 11 with respect to the initial position, and the fixing rollers 22 and 23 of the fixing unit 20 are moved in the direction away from each other with respect to the initial position. The electronic paper P2 is prepared so as to be transported, and the process proceeds to ST6.
[0128]
(ST6)
This is the step of executing the second output process. That is, this is a step of operating the second image forming means according to the present invention to form an image of the internal information on the electronic paper.
[0129]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 exposes the photosensitive drum 11 based on image information that is maintenance information, and transports the electronic paper toward the photosensitive drum 11 at an appropriate timing. Then, an electric field based on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is applied to the electronic paper to form an image, and a series of steps of passing through the fixing unit 20 and discharging to the discharge tray 2 are executed, and the process ends. .
[0130]
(ST7)
This is a step of notifying that there is no electronic paper in the storage means by the notification means shown in FIG.
[0131]
In step ST4, when the medium detection unit S2 shown in FIG. 1 detects that the electronic paper P2 is not stored in the second tray 32 of the storage unit 30, the notification unit outputs, for example, a character display or a warning sound. A notification is issued to replenish the electronic paper, and the process proceeds to ST8.
[0132]
That is, when the information to be output is internal information, and it is detected that the electronic paper is not stored in the storage unit, the notification unit notifies that the electronic paper is not stored in the storage unit, By notifying when not using the electronic paper, it is possible to eliminate troublesomeness such as a warning for a user who does not use the electronic paper.
[0133]
(ST8)
This is the step of selecting an output medium. That is, since the electronic paper is not stored in the storage means, the user selects whether to output to plain paper or to electronic paper.
[0134]
When the user touches the display screen of the notifying means 170 shown in FIG. 2 or selects either plain paper or electronic paper with the operation input means 160, the process proceeds to ST9.
[0135]
Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the step of selecting the output medium by the user is provided. For example, the medium detection unit S2 shown in FIG. Is detected, when the medium detecting means S1 detects that the plain paper P1 is stored in the first tray 31, the control means may automatically select the plain paper P1.
[0136]
(ST9)
This is a step of determining whether or not the electronic P (paper) has been selected.
[0137]
If electronic paper is selected, the process proceeds to ST10, and if plain paper is selected, the process jumps to ST11.
[0138]
(ST10)
This is a step for determining whether or not the supply of the electronic P (paper) has been completed.
[0139]
When it is detected by the medium detecting means S2 shown in FIG. 1 that the electronic paper has been replenished, the process proceeds to ST5, and when it has not been replenished, the process returns to ST7.
[0140]
That is, the operation of the second image forming unit according to the present invention is prohibited until the electronic paper is replenished, and the prohibition of the operation of the second image forming unit is released when the replenishment of the electronic paper is completed. I have.
[0141]
(ST11)
This is the step of setting the designated output medium.
[0142]
In other words, in the embodiment of the present invention, an output medium is specified in advance so that information not intended for storage is output as internal information to electronic paper, and image information intended for storage is output on plain paper. .
[0143]
Therefore, if the plain paper is specially set as an emergency measure when the electronic paper is not stored in the storing means in the ST8 step, or unless the output medium is specially set by the operation input means for some reason, In the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, plain paper is always set in this step.
[0144]
The drive control circuit 150 shown in FIG. 2 controls the developing unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 to the photosensitive member so that the image forming unit in the embodiment of the present invention can execute image formation by the first image forming unit based on the electrophotographic method. The electrostatic latent image formed on the drum 11 is returned to the initial position where it can be visualized as a toner image, and the fixing rollers 22 and 23 of the fixing unit 20 are returned to the initial position where the toner image transferred onto plain paper can be fixed. Proceed to ST12.
[0145]
(ST12)
This is a step of executing a first output process. That is, this is a step of operating the first image forming means according to the present invention to form an image on plain paper.
[0146]
That is, when it is determined that the information to be output in step ST3 is not the internal information, and when the plain paper is selected in step ST8 when the electronic paper is not stored in the storage unit, the image is formed on the plain paper. It has become.
[0147]
In the embodiment of the present invention, when plain paper is selected in step ST8, the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed to light by the image forming unit 10 shown in FIG. The plain paper is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 11, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 14, and the toner image is transferred to the plain paper by the transfer / separation unit 15. After that, a series of steps of fusing and fixing by the fixing rollers 22 and 23 of the fixing unit 20 and discharging to the discharge plate 2 are executed, and the process is ended.
[0148]
Further, the same process is executed when the information to be output is not the internal information but the image information to be stored.
[0149]
As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where an image is formed on electronic paper by the image forming apparatus using the maintenance information as the internal setting information as an example of the internal information has been described. Since the purpose of storage is not intended to be corrected and correction is expected, image information etc. output for confirmation as a trial of image information is also handled as internal information, so the range of image information output by electronic paper is limited. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use and convenient image forming apparatus that can be enlarged, greatly save resources and energy for obtaining paper and the like.
[0150]
In the case where the number of copies or pages of the image information to be output is large, the description is omitted, but it goes without saying that the above-described control procedure may be repeatedly executed.
[0151]
【The invention's effect】
When the reversible image recording medium, that is, the electronic paper is not stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus when the internal information is output, the notification unit notifies that the electronic paper is not stored. , The user who uses the electronic paper is encouraged to replenish the electronic paper, thereby eliminating the trouble of notifying the user who does not output the internal information that the electronic paper is not stored, making it easy to use and convenient image forming. Equipment can now be provided.
[0152]
In addition, when the electronic paper is not stored in the storage unit, the operation of the image forming unit that forms an image on the electronic paper is prohibited, thereby saving energy such as wasted power supplied to the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of performing the above-described operations can be provided.
[0153]
In addition, when the electronic paper is not stored in the storage means, it is possible to print on a normal image recording medium, that is, plain paper without replenishing the electronic paper, thereby saving time when the user is busy and easy to use. And a convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.
[0154]
Also, when electronic paper is not stored in the storage means, it is possible to select electronic paper or plain paper, and when busy, it is possible to print on plain paper without replenishing electronic paper, When there is room, replenish the electronic paper and print on the electronic paper, and limit the useless printing on plain paper, thereby saving resources and energy for obtaining paper etc. And a convenient image forming apparatus can be provided.
[0155]
Furthermore, not only the internal setting information not intended for storage but also the internal information including image information for confirmation not intended for storage can be output as internal information. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming images on electronic paper, greatly reducing unnecessary image formation on plain paper, and saving resources and energy for obtaining paper and the like. Now you can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 housing
2 Output tray
3 Manual tray
4 rollers
10 Image forming unit
20 Fixing unit
30 storage means
40 Automatic Document Feeder
50 Image forming apparatus

Claims (5)

Storage means for storing a normal image recording medium and a reversible image recording medium; first image forming means for forming image information on the normal image recording medium; and image formation on the reversible image recording medium. A second image forming unit that determines whether or not the image information is internal information, and performs image formation by the first image forming unit when the image information is internal information; A control unit that controls the second image forming unit to form an image when the information is not information; and detecting whether the reversible image recording medium is stored in at least the storage unit. Medium detecting means, and notifying means for notifying a user of at least the detection result of the medium detecting means, wherein the control means determines that the image information is internal information. When the medium detection unit detects that the reversible image recording medium is not stored in the storage unit, the notification unit does not store the reversible image recording medium in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit prohibits the operation of the second image forming unit when the notification unit notifies the storage unit that the reversible image recording medium is not stored. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 1. The control means, after prohibiting the operation of the second image forming means, when the medium detecting means detects that the reversible image recording medium is stored in the storage means, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the prohibition of the operation of the image forming unit is released. The control unit determines that the image information is internal information, and when the notifying unit notifies the storing unit that the reversible image recording medium is not stored, the first image forming unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed by using the image forming apparatus. The image processing apparatus further includes a medium selection unit that can select whether to perform image formation using the ordinary image recording medium or the reversible image recording medium, the control unit determines that the image information is internal information, 4. The medium image recording medium can be selected by the medium selection means when the storage means notifies the storage means that the reversible image recording medium is not stored. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

Images