JP2005084438A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of moving an image reading means and a sheet housing means in which an ejected sheet is housed up and down in accordance with the use purpose of a user. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus, when the existence of the user is detected (S11: YES), user authentication is performed (S12), and whether or not the job history of the authenticated user exists is judged by referring to an output control table (S13). When judging that the job history of the user exists (S13: YES), it is judged as a situation that the user comes to receive the paper ejected to a paper ejection tray, and a scanner unit and the paper ejection unit are made to ascend (S15 and S16). When judging that the job history of the user does not exist (S13: NO), it is judged as a situation that the user uses a copying function or a facsimile function, and only the scanner unit is made to ascend (S20). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming unit that can move up and down an image reading unit and a sheet storage unit that stores discharged sheets according to the purpose of use of a user.

  From an environment in which an original image is copied using an analog copying machine, a system in which an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine are connected under a communication network is constructed. There is a shift to an environment in which digitized image data is transmitted and an image forming apparatus executes processing such as printing.

  In such a system, an original image can be transmitted by electronic data to be printed, and the electronic data can be stored and managed in a storage means such as an HDD (HDD: Hard Disk Drive). However, since the information of the document converted into electronic data can be easily copied, altered, transferred, etc., it is desired to enhance the protection of confidentiality in data management.

  In addition, since it is possible to request processing from an information processing apparatus installed at a location remote from the image forming apparatus, for example, in an output instruction using a printer function, a print job is sent from the information processing apparatus side to the image forming apparatus. After the transmission, the recorded material is left on the paper discharge tray until the user actually picks up the recorded material. In particular, users who have instructed to output data that spans multiple pages go to pick up the printed material in anticipation of the completion of printing. Have the problem of being taken out by mistake and being lost by mistake.

Therefore, conventionally, an image forming apparatus equipped with a confidential printing function that temporarily stores a print job transmitted from an information processing apparatus and starts output when a user inputs a password and is authenticated. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-60-25385

  However, since the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured to execute print processing based on a print job accumulated at the stage of authentication by a password and start output, the user can record Has a problem that it must stand by in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus until it is output. In addition, if the user leaves the image forming apparatus while the printing process or the output process is being performed, the recorded matter is left on the paper discharge tray, meaning that the confidential printing function is used. There is a problem that information leakage by another user may occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a plurality of sheet storage units that store an image-formed sheet, and a selection unit that selects a storage destination of a sheet to be discharged. After discharging the sheet, it is determined whether or not the image reading means provided on the upper side of the sheet storage means should be raised, and when it is determined that the image reading means should be raised, the image reading means is raised. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can efficiently process a job instructing image formation, and that allows a user who has requested processing to receive a recorded material reliably.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image receiving unit that receives image data, an image reading unit that reads image data from a document, image data received by the image receiving unit, or image data read by the image reading unit. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a sheet discharge unit that discharges an image-formed sheet, and a plurality of sheet storage units that are provided below the image reading unit and store the discharged sheet In the image forming apparatus, a selection unit that selects a storage destination of the sheet to be discharged from the sheet storage unit, a lifting unit that moves the image reading unit up and down, and a sheet storage unit selected by the selection unit A determination means for determining whether or not the image reading means should be raised, and the determination means determines that the image reading means should be raised. , Characterized in that it is no in order to increase the image reading means.

  In the present invention, whether or not the sheet should be discharged to the selected sheet storage means among the plurality of sheet storage means, and then the image reading means provided above the sheet storage means should be raised. Since the image reading unit is raised when it is determined that it should be lifted, the image reading unit is stopped immediately above the sheet storage unit at the stage of discharging the image-formed sheet, It is possible to control the user to start raising the structure when the user comes to receive it, preventing leakage of information written on the discharged sheet, and facilitating the reception of the discharged sheet. .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for determining whether an input source of image data is the image receiving means or the image reading means, and the selecting means is based on a determination result of the means. In this case, the storage destination of the sheet to be discharged is selected.

  In the present invention, the sheet discharge destination is selected depending on whether the input source of the image data is the image receiving means or the image reading means. The image data from the information processing apparatus installed at the position is discharged to a sheet storage means that cannot be easily seen from the outside, and the image data read by the image reading means is converted into a sheet storage means that is easy for the user to take out. By discharging, the confidentiality of the discharged sheet is ensured and the convenience for the user is improved.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet storage unit includes a first sheet storage unit that stores a sheet on which an image is formed based on image data read by the image reading unit, and a lower part of the first sheet storage unit. And a second sheet storage unit that is configured to store a sheet on which an image is formed based on the image data received by the image receiving unit.

  In the present invention, the image data read by the image reading unit is stored in the first sheet storing unit, and the image data received by the image receiving unit is stored in the second sheet provided below the first sheet storing unit. By storing the sheet in the sheet storage unit, for example, image data from the information processing apparatus installed at a position separated from the image forming apparatus is discharged to the sheet storage unit that cannot be easily seen from the outside, and is read by the image reading unit. With regard to the image data, by discharging the image data to a sheet storage means that can be easily taken out by the user, the confidentiality of the discharged sheet is ensured and the convenience of the user is improved.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes means for moving the sheet storage means up and down.

  In the present invention, since the means for moving the sheet storage means up and down is provided, the sheet storage means can be raised to a position where the discharged sheet can be easily taken out, and convenience and operability are improved. .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to raise the image reading unit when an image-formed sheet is discharged based on the image data read by the image reading unit, and the image data received by the image receiving unit. When the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged, the image reading unit and the sheet storage unit are raised.

  In the present invention, when a sheet on which an image is formed based on the image data read by the image reading unit is discharged, the image reading unit is raised, and the image is formed based on the image data received by the image receiving unit. When the discharged sheet is discharged, the image reading unit and the sheet storage unit are raised, so that when the user comes to receive the discharged sheet, the sheet is moved to a position where the discharged sheet can be easily taken out. The housing means can be raised, and convenience and operability are improved.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information relating to a storage destination of an image-formed sheet, and the selection unit should select the sheet storage unit based on the information stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by being.

  In the present invention, storage means for storing information relating to the storage destination of the image-formed sheet is provided, and the sheet discharge destination is selected based on the information stored in the storage means. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine the discharge destination according to the user's purpose of use, so convenience is improved.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for receiving information for setting a storage destination of an image-formed sheet, and means for changing information stored in the storage means based on the received information.

  In the present invention, since the information for setting the accommodation destination of the image-formed sheet is received, the accommodation destination of the sheet can be changed according to the purpose of use of the user, and the convenience is improved. To do.

  In the case of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the image reading unit provided on the upper side of the sheet storage unit should be raised after discharging the sheet to the selected sheet storage unit among the plurality of provided sheet storage units. Accordingly, when the user comes to pick up the image reading means, the image reading means is stopped immediately above the sheet storing means at the stage of discharging the image-formed sheet. It is possible to prevent the structure from being lifted and to prevent leakage of information written on the discharged sheet, and the user can easily receive the discharged sheet.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the sheet discharge destination is selected depending on whether the input source of the image data is the image receiving unit or the image reading unit, for example, it is separated from the image forming apparatus. As for the image data from the information processing apparatus installed at the position, it can be discharged to a sheet storage means that cannot be easily seen from the outside, and the confidentiality of the discharged sheet can be ensured and read by the image reading means. Concerning the image data, it is possible to improve convenience by discharging the image data to a sheet storage means that can be easily taken out by the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, the image data read by the image reading unit is stored in the first sheet storing unit, and the image data received by the image receiving unit is stored in the first sheet storing unit provided below the first sheet storing unit. By storing in two sheet storage means, for example, image data from an information processing apparatus installed at a position separated from the image forming apparatus is discharged to a sheet storage means that cannot be easily seen from the outside to ensure confidentiality. However, the image data read by the image reading unit can be improved in convenience by being discharged to a sheet storage unit that can be easily taken out by the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the sheet storage means is provided to move up and down, the sheet storage means can be raised to a position where it is easy to take out the discharged sheet, improving convenience and operability. Can be achieved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a sheet on which an image is formed based on the image data read by the image reading unit is discharged, the image reading unit is raised, and the image receiving unit accepts the image based on the image data received by the image receiving unit. When the formed sheet is ejected, the image reading unit and the sheet storage unit are raised, so that when the user comes to receive the ejected sheet, it reaches a position where the ejected sheet can be easily taken out. The sheet storage means can be raised, and convenience and operability can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, a storage unit that stores information relating to the storage destination of the image-formed sheet is provided, and the sheet discharge destination is selected based on the information stored in the storage unit. Therefore, since it becomes possible to determine the discharge destination according to the purpose of use of the user, convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the information for setting the accommodation destination of the image-formed sheet is received, it is possible to change the accommodation destination of the sheet according to the purpose of use of the user. Can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus will be described as an embodiment applied to a multifunction machine having a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. A plurality of information processing apparatuses 2, 2,..., 2 are connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a communication network N1, and an external facsimile apparatus 3 is connected via a facsimile communication network N2. The information processing apparatus 2 is specifically a personal computer, a workstation, or the like, and a driver program (printer driver) for using the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in advance in the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication network N1. The printer driver generates a print job, and transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the printing process.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a standby state, and FIG. 3 is a front sectional view. The image forming apparatus 1 is roughly composed of a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 30, a paper feed unit 40, and a paper discharge unit 50.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is configured so that the printer unit 30 that forms an image on paper by an electrophotographic method and the paper discharge unit 50 that discharges the paper printed by the printer unit 30 cannot be easily visually recognized from the outside. The front part is surrounded by front doors 301a and 301b, the side part and the rear part are enclosed by the outer wall part 300, and the upper side of the paper discharge unit 50 is covered by the scanner unit 20 that reads the image of the document.

  Further, the back surface portion of the scanner unit 20 is supported by a support member 310, and the support member 310 is moved up and down by a scanner driving unit (see FIG. 9) to be separated from a position close to the printer unit 30 and the paper discharge unit 50. The scanner unit 20 is displaced between the positions. The scanner driving unit includes, for example, a lifting motor, a pinion shaft attached to a rotation shaft of the lifting motor, and a guide guide fixed to the support 310 and meshing with the pinion shaft. The elevator unit is driven to rotate in accordance with a drive control signal output from a scanner drive control unit, which will be described later, and the scanner unit 20 is moved up and down by transmitting the rotational force of the elevator motor to the guide guide. Yes.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a light source unit 24a, a mirror unit 24b, and a CCD reading unit 24c (CCD: Charge Coupled Device). The scanner unit 20 is placed on a platen glass document table 200 using the light source unit 24a and the mirror unit 24b. The image of the placed document is read by the CCD reading unit 24c.

  The light source unit 24a is a light source that irradiates reading illumination light to an appropriate position on the document table 200, and the reflection surface is 45 ° with respect to the surface of the document table 200 in order to change the optical path of the reflected light from the document by 90 ° An installed mirror or the like is provided, which is moved in parallel with the surface of the document table 200 by a stepping motor (not shown), and illuminates the entire surface of the document placed on the document table 200 or a selected partial area. Light can be irradiated. The mirror unit 24b is composed of a pair of mirrors arranged so that the reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other, and further changes the optical path of the light reflected by the mirror of the light source unit 24a by 180 °. The CCD reading unit 24c includes a CCD element, an AD converter, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like, and an image of a document is captured by an imaging lens provided in the middle of a path from the mirror unit 24b to the CCD reading unit 24c. An image is formed on a CCD element, and an analog signal obtained by the CCD element is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. The digital signal obtained by the AD conversion is corrected by the DSP for light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of reading the document, sensitivity variation of the CCD element, and the like, and then stored as image data through a scanner IF described later as digital image data. (See FIG. 9).

  Further, the scanner unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder that sequentially supplies and conveys a plurality of documents, and is configured to quickly read a large number of documents.

  The printer unit 30 includes a tandem type printing unit 34 on which printing units 340a to 340d for respective colors are mounted in order to form a multicolor image. Each of the printing units 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d includes a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and a laser beam that emits laser light based on image data transferred from an image memory (see FIG. 9). A laser writing device for generating an electrostatic latent image thereon, a developing device for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, and a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum The image forming apparatus is configured by a transfer device or the like that transfers onto a sheet, and performs image formation (printing) on the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 40 by an electrophotographic method.

  The paper feed unit 40 includes paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403 for containing a plurality of types of paper having different sizes, orientations, materials, and the like, and is provided so as to be positioned near the leading end of the stored paper. The pickup rollers 401 a, 402 a, and 403 a separate and feed the sheets one by one, and the conveyance rollers 301, 301, and 301 are rotated to convey the sheets to the printing unit 34.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the printing process will be described. The paper supplied by the paper supply unit 40 is conveyed to the printing unit 34 of the printer unit 30 by the conveyance roller 301 and is temporarily held by a registration roller 302 provided immediately before the printing unit 340a. A pre-registration detection switch (not shown) is installed in the vicinity of the registration roller 302, and the sheet held by the registration roller 302 is positioned at a predetermined timing in order to align the toner image on the photosensitive member with the sheet. Thus, the sheet is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum of the printing unit 340a. The toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred by the transfer unit to the sheet conveyed to the position facing the photosensitive drum of the printing unit 340a.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the printing unit 340a is sequentially conveyed by the conveying belt 303 to the position opposite to the other printing units 340b, 340c, and 340d, and at a predetermined timing by each printing unit 340b, 340c, 340d. Each color toner image is transferred to form a multicolor toner image on the paper. The sheet on which the toner image of each color is transferred from the printing units 340a to 340d is conveyed toward the fixing unit 304 constituted by a pair of fixing rollers, and the toner image on the sheet is supplied by the fixing roller of the fixing unit 304. Fixes by heat. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed toward the paper discharge unit 50 by the conveyance roller 305.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a double-sided document conveyance path 309 for forming an image on both sides of the sheet, and the conveyance roller 305 rotates in the direction opposite to that when the sheet is conveyed toward the sheet discharge unit 50. To the double-sided document conveyance path 309 via the conveyance roller 308. The sheet conveyed through the double-sided document conveying path 309 is guided again to the printing unit 34, and a multicolor toner image is formed on the back side of the sheet by the printing units 340a to 340d. The multicolor toner image is fixed by the heat supplied by the fixing roller of the fixing unit 304, and a rotation driving force is applied to the conveyance roller 305 to convey the sheet on which the multicolor toner image is fixed toward the paper discharge unit 50.

  In the paper discharge unit 50, four paper discharge trays 501, 502, 503, and 504 for storing the discharged paper are stacked. In this embodiment, the discharge destination is set according to the function used by the user. Is distributed. That is, when the copy function is used, the transport path switches 306a to 306c are controlled so that the paper is transported to the paper discharge roller 307d, and the paper is discharged through the paper discharge roller 307d, thereby discharging the uppermost layer. The paper is discharged onto a paper tray 501. Further, when the printer function is used, the conveyance path switching units 306a to 306c are controlled so that the sheet is conveyed to any one of the sheet discharge rollers 307b and 307c, and the sheet is discharged through the sheet discharge rollers 307b and 307c. As a result, the paper is discharged to one of the middle output trays 502 and 503. Further, when the facsimile function is used, the transport path switch 306a is controlled so that the paper is transported to the paper discharge roller 307a, and the paper is discharged through the paper discharge roller 307a, whereby the lowermost paper discharge tray. The paper is discharged to 504.

  4 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the scanner unit 20 is used, and FIG. 5 is a front sectional view. As shown in the figure, when the scanner unit 20 is used, the scanner driving unit described above is driven and moved upward until the scanner unit 20 reaches an appropriate height position. In this state, the uppermost sheet discharge tray 501 provided in the sheet discharge unit 50 is exposed, and sheets copied by the operation of the scanner unit 20 are discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 501. In other words, the user can easily take out the paper output using the copy function, and the printed paper is stored in the lower output tray 502 even when a third party performs printing using the printer function. , 503, etc., so that it cannot be easily seen by the user who is performing the copying operation.

  Although the paper discharge unit 50 itself can be moved up and down by the second support 320, it is stopped at a position close to the printer unit 30 when the scanner unit 20 is used.

  6 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the paper discharge unit 50 is raised, and FIG. 7 is a front sectional view. When the user receives the printed paper, the paper discharge unit 50 is moved up in addition to the scanner unit 20. The paper discharge unit 50 is supported by a support member 320, and the support member 320 is moved up and down by a tray driving unit (not shown) so that the paper discharge unit 50 is positioned between a position close to the printer unit 30 and a position separated from the printer unit 30. 50 is displaced. As with the scanner drive unit, the tray drive unit is fixed to the support 320 and a guide guide that meshes with the pinion shaft, and a lift motor, a pinion shaft attached to the rotary shaft of the lift motor. The elevator motor is driven to rotate in accordance with a drive control signal output from a tray drive controller, which will be described later, and the discharge force is raised and lowered by transmitting the rotational force of the elevator motor to the guide guide. It is configured to move.

  When the paper discharge unit 50 is raised, all the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 are exposed so that the user who has received the printed paper by the printer function or the scanner function can easily take it out. ing.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the front doors 301a and 301b are opened. In the present embodiment, during normal use, the front doors 301a and 301b are closed so that the discharge unit 50 and the like cannot be easily seen from the outside. However, when paper to be discharged is jammed, maintenance is performed. When necessary, the front doors 301a and 301b can be opened.

  From the viewpoint of protecting the discharged paper, it is desirable that the front doors 301a and 301b are normally locked so that only the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 can open them.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 11 including a CPU. The main control unit 11 includes a ROM 13, a RAM 14, an image memory 15, a communication IF 16, a facsimile communication IF 17, a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 30, and the like. Are connected via a bus 12. The ROM 13 stores in advance a control program for controlling these hardware units, and the main control unit 11 reads and executes the control program, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention to function. The RAM 14 is a volatile semiconductor memory, and is input through various data generated during the execution of the control program, data received by the communication IF 16 or the facsimile communication IF 17, or the operation panel 25 installed in the scanner unit 20. Various data and the like are temporarily stored.

  The image memory 15 is a volatile semiconductor memory, image data developed based on print data received via the communication IF 16, image data developed based on facsimile data received via the facsimile communication IF 17, and the scanner unit 20. The acquired image data and the like are temporarily stored. The stored image data is read at a timing instructed by the main control unit 11 and transferred to the printer unit 30.

  The communication IF 16 includes a line termination circuit for connecting the information processing apparatus 2 such as a personal computer to the outside, and receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication network N1. Information to be notified from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 2 is transmitted via the communication network N1. The communication IF 16 controls transmission / reception of such various information.

  The facsimile communication IF 17 includes a line termination circuit for connecting a facsimile apparatus to the outside, and receives facsimile data transmitted via a facsimile communication network not shown in the figure. The facsimile communication IF 17 includes a decoding circuit for decoding the received facsimile data, and transfers the image data obtained by decoding to the image memory 15 described above. The facsimile communication IF 17 includes an encoding circuit for encoding facsimile data to be transmitted, and transmits the facsimile data encoded by the encoding circuit to a target facsimile apparatus. The facsimile communication IF 17 executes such facsimile data transmission / reception and encoding / decoding processing.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a sub-control unit 21 configured by a CPU. The sub-control unit 21 includes a scanner IF 23, an image reading unit 24, an operation panel 25, and a user authentication unit 26 via an internal bus 22. Connected.

  The image reading unit 24 includes the light source unit 24a, the mirror unit 24b, and the CCD reading unit 24c described above, and reads the image of the document placed on the document table 200 to acquire image data. The operation panel 25 includes an operation unit including various operation keys, operation buttons, and the like and a display unit including a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation panel 25 receives an instruction from a user through the operation unit, and is an image forming apparatus. The information to be notified to the user from 1 and the information input through the operation unit are displayed on the display unit. The user authentication unit 26 includes, for example, an optical sensor or electrostatic sensor for reading a fingerprint, and a semiconductor memory that stores fingerprint images of a plurality of users. The fingerprint image acquired by such a sensor. And the user's fingerprint image registered in advance are authenticated. That is, the direction of the ridge that represents the characteristics of the fingerprint, or the end point or branch point on the ridge, is extracted from the fingerprint image acquired by the sensor, and is compared with that on the previously registered fingerprint image. In this case, it is determined that the user is a registered user. If they are not the same, it is determined that the user is not registered.

  Each hardware part in the scanner unit 20 exchanges data with each hardware part in the image forming apparatus 1 via the scanner IF 23. For example, when a document reading instruction is given through the operation panel 25, the sub-control unit 21 gives a command for instructing to start reading a document to the light source unit 24a of the image reading unit 24, and the light source unit 24a that has received the command. Scans the document by turning on the light source and driving a stepping motor (not shown) to read an image in the range designated by the instruction. Image data acquired by the CCD reading unit 24c by reading the image of the document is transferred to the image memory 15 through the scanner IF 23, and temporarily stored in the image memory 15 as image data for printing.

  In addition, information related to the determination result of the user authentication by the user authentication unit 26 is transferred to the main control unit 11 via the scanner IF 23 and is used as a determination criterion when the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are moved up. It is done.

  The printer unit 30 includes a sub-control unit 31 configured by a CPU. The sub-control unit 31 includes a printer IF 33, a printing unit 34, a scanner drive control unit 35b, a tray drive control unit 37b, and an HDD device 36. They are connected via an internal bus 32.

  The printing unit 34 includes the above-described printing units 340a to 340d for each color, and is obtained by decoding image data obtained by developing a print job received through the communication IF 16 and facsimile data received through the facsimile communication IF 17. The image is formed on the sheet based on the obtained image data and the image data acquired by the image reading unit 24 of the scanner unit 20.

  The scanner drive control unit 35b generates a drive control signal to be given to the scanner drive unit 35a for moving the scanner unit 20 up and down. As a drive control signal generated by the scanner drive control unit 35b, an ascending instruction signal for moving the scanner unit 20 up and down when the user authentication unit 26 confirms the user, and the scanner unit 20 being moved up and down as appropriate. A stop instruction signal for stopping at a position, a lowering instruction signal for moving the scanner unit 20 downward when an operation by the user is finished, and the like. The drive control signal generated by the scanner drive control unit 35b is sent to the scanner drive unit 35a, and the scanner unit 20 is moved up and down by rotationally driving a lifting motor and the like provided in the scanner drive unit 35a. Similarly, the tray drive control unit 37b generates a drive control signal to be given to the tray drive unit 37a in order to move the paper discharge unit 50 up and down. The drive control signal generated by the tray drive control unit 37b includes a lift instruction signal for raising the paper discharge unit 50 when a user comes to receive the paper discharged to the paper discharge unit 50, and paper discharge while moving up and down. A stop instruction signal for stopping the unit 50 at an appropriate position, a lowering instruction signal for lowering the paper discharge unit 50 when the user finishes taking out the paper, and the like. The drive control signal generated by the tray drive control unit 37b is sent to the tray drive unit 37a, and the discharge unit 50 is moved up and down by rotationally driving a lifting motor and the like provided in the tray drive unit 37a. .

  The HDD device 36 is a non-volatile storage unit having a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium, and a part of the storage area is a discharge tray setting table 36 a that stores information related to the settings of the discharge trays 501 to 504. Used as a communication address management table 36b for managing the communication addresses of the information processing devices 2, 2,..., 2 connected on the communication network N1, and as an output management table 36c for managing the paper discharge status. Thus, read processing and write processing are executed.

  Each hardware unit in the printer unit 30 described above exchanges data with each hardware unit in the image forming apparatus 1 via the printer IF 33. For example, when printing is performed based on the image data stored in the image memory 15, the image data read from the image memory 15 and a command to start printing are transferred to the printing unit 34 through the printer IF 33. Each of the printing units 340 a to 340 d of the printing unit 34 operates the photosensitive drum, the charger, the laser writing device, the developing device, the transfer device, etc. according to the command received through the printer IF 33, and the image transferred from the image memory 15. An image is formed on a sheet based on the data.

  At this time, the main control unit 11 reads the paper discharge tray setting table 36a stored in the HDD device 36, determines the paper discharge destination according to the function used, and the paper is discharged to the determined paper discharge destination. The conveyance path switching units 306a to 306c are controlled.

  When the user authentication unit 26 of the scanner unit 20 confirms the presence of the user, the main control unit 11 performs the reading process of the communication address management table 36b and the output management table 36c described above, and the confirmed usage. It is determined whether or not a print job has been received from the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user, and it is determined whether or not the paper printed according to the print job has been discharged to the paper discharge unit 50. When the paper printed according to the print job is discharged to the paper discharge unit 50, the main control unit 11 gives an instruction to the scanner drive control unit 35b and the tray drive control unit 37b via the printer IF 33, and the scanner The unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are moved up.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the discharge destination is determined according to the setting contents of the discharge tray setting table 36a. However, the setting contents themselves of the discharge tray setting table 36a can be arbitrarily set using the operation panel 25. It can be changed.

  10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 25 when setting the paper discharge destination. When setting the paper discharge destination, the user operates the operation panel 25 to display the user setting screen 250 on the display unit of the operation panel 25. The user setting screen 250 includes touch panel type software keys, and includes an execution key 251 provided at the upper right side of the screen, and various setting keys and display keys provided near the center of the screen. . Items set by the setting key include screen contrast, date, time, facsimile communication partner number, paper source, paper discharge destination, and the like. The contents displayed by the display key include the total number of used sheets, a list of received various data (print job and facsimile data), and the like.

  Each item can be set or displayed by pressing an execution key 251 after selecting any setting key or display key.

  When the execution key 251 is pressed after the setting key for setting the paper discharge destination is pressed on the user setting screen 250 shown in FIG. 10, the paper discharge tray setting screen 260 as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 25. The paper discharge tray setting screen 260 includes touch panel type software keys, and includes an execution key 261 and a cancel key 262 provided at the upper right side of the screen, and a check button 263 for designating a paper discharge destination. ing. In this embodiment, it is possible to designate a paper discharge destination for each function, and the user designates a paper discharge destination when each function is used by pressing the check button 263. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the uppermost sheet discharge tray 501 (first tray) among the four sheet discharge trays 501 to 504 is designated as the sheet discharge destination when the copy function is used. Similarly, the middle two discharge trays 502 and 503 (second tray and third tray) are designated as the discharge destination when the printer function is used, and the discharge is performed when the facsimile function is used. As the destination, the lowermost sheet discharge tray 504 (fourth tray) is designated.

  When the execution key 261 is pressed after the paper discharge destination is specified by the check button 263, the content of the paper discharge tray setting table 36a is updated. When the cancel key 262 is pressed, the content of the paper discharge tray setting table 36a is not updated and the paper discharge tray setting screen 260 is closed.

  Hereinafter, various setting tables stored in the HDD device 36 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the paper discharge tray setting table 36a. As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge destination for each function can be designated, and the information on the discharge destination is managed by the discharge tray setting table 36a. That is, in the paper discharge tray setting table 36a, each function (mode) and a paper discharge destination (selected tray) that discharges printed paper when that function is used are stored in association with each other, and the paper discharge destination is stored. Information is managed.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the communication address management table 36b. In the present embodiment, the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 and the user information are associated with each other in order to grasp which user has transmitted the print job when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print job. It is stored in the communication address management table 36b. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the communication address and the group name to which the user belongs, the user's name, and the user's personal information are stored in association with each other as user information. As the communication address, an IP address (IP: Internet Protocol), a MAC address (MAC: Media Access Control), or the like can be used. The group name to which the user belongs includes, for example, a department name in the workplace, a name given to a structural unit constituting the communication network N1, and the like. The personal information of the user includes information related to the user's fingerprint (for example, storage location of image data, information for identifying the fingerprint, etc.) and a scanner that allows the user to comfortably use the image forming apparatus 1. Information on the height of the unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 (stop position when moved upward) is included.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the output management table 36c. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an output management table 36c for managing the discharge status of printed sheets. The output management table 36c includes a date and time when a print job is received, a communication address indicating the transmission source of the print job, personal information of the user who transmitted the print job, a discharge destination of the printed paper, and a discharged paper. Is stored in association with each other.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, the received date and time and the transmission source communication address are stored in the output management table 36c, and the transmission source information processing apparatus 2 is used from the communication address management table 36b. The user's personal information is read and stored in the output management table 36c, and the second tray or the third tray is selected and stored as the discharge destination. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 detects the presence / absence of sheets on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 at appropriate time intervals, and the detection result information, that is, the paper discharged to the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 is detected. Information on whether or not the sheet has been received is stored in the output management table 36c. The presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 can be detected by a known method. For example, an optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element is installed on each of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504, and the difference in the amount of reflected light between the state where the paper is placed and the state where it is not placed is received. The presence or absence of the paper can be detected by detecting with the element. Further, instead of the optical sensor, a sensor using a mechanical switch that detects the weight of the paper may be installed in each paper discharge tray.

  When the facsimile data is received, the personal information of the predetermined user and the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user are stored, and the user is discharged. The scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are moved upward when the facsimile paper is picked up.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to flowcharts. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when the image forming apparatus 1 executes a printing process. First, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether there is an instruction to start printing (step S1). Whether there is an instruction to start printing depends on whether the communication IF 16 has received a print job requesting execution of printing, whether the facsimile communication IF 17 has received facsimile data, or the scanner unit 20. This can be determined based on whether or not image data to be printed has been acquired. If there is no instruction to start printing (S1: NO), it waits until there is an instruction to start printing.

  When it is determined that there is an instruction to start printing (S1: YES), information related to the transmission source of the image data is acquired (step S2), and printing processing is executed by the printing unit 34 (step S3).

  Next, the main control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the printing is based on the print job by referring to the information acquired in step S2 (step S4), and the printing is based on the print job. If it is determined (S4: YES), the printed paper is discharged to the second tray or the third tray (step S5).

  If it is determined that the print is not based on the print job (S4: NO), it is determined whether the print is based on facsimile data (step S6). When it is determined that the facsimile data is printed (S6: YES), the printed paper is discharged to the fourth tray (step S7). If it is determined that the facsimile data is not printed (S6: NO), it is determined that the printing process is based on the copy function, and the printed paper is discharged to the first tray (step S8).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 when the user operates the image forming apparatus 1. First, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the presence of the user is detected by the user authentication unit 26 (step S11). When the presence of the user is not detected (S11: NO), the standby state is maintained as it is.

  When the presence of the user is detected (S11: YES), the user authentication unit 26 performs user authentication (step S12). That is, the user authentication unit 26 reads the fingerprint image of the user, compares it with the characteristics of the fingerprint image registered in advance, and determines whether or not the user is registered in advance. If the user is registered in advance, information on the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user is read from the communication address management table 36b.

  Next, the main control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether there is a user's job history by referring to the output management table 36c (step S13). Since the user authentication is performed in the previous step and the information of the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user is acquired, the output management table 36c is searched by using the information of the communication address as a clue. It can be determined whether a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 has been received.

  When it is determined that there is a job history of the user (S13: YES), that is, when it is determined that the user confirmed by the user authentication has performed printing using the printer function, the output management table 36c is referred to. The paper discharge destination tray is confirmed (step S14). Next, the main control unit 11 gives an instruction to the scanner drive control unit 35b to move the scanner unit 20 up (step S15), and gives an instruction to the tray drive control unit 37b to move up the paper discharge unit 50 (step S15). Step S16). At this time, the scanner unit 20 is controlled to be raised to a predetermined position (for example, the highest position within the movable range), and the paper discharge unit 50 is moved upward until the tray on which the paper is actually discharged is exposed. Take control.

  Next, the main control unit 11 determines whether or not the discharged paper has been taken out (step S17). As described above, by providing a sensor such as an optical sensor in each of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504. Based on the output from the sensor, it can be determined whether or not the paper has been taken out.

  When it is determined that the paper has not been taken out (S17: NO), it waits until the paper is taken out, and when it is determined that the paper has been taken out (S17: YES), the main control unit 11 performs the tray drive control unit 37b. Is given to move the paper discharge unit 50 downward (step S18), and the scanner drive control unit 35b is given an instruction to lower the scanner unit 20 (step S19). At this time, the main control unit 11 performs control so that the paper discharge unit 50 and the scanner unit 20 are lowered to a predetermined position (for example, the lowest position within the movable range).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that there is no user job history (S13: NO), that is, in this case, it can be determined that the user operates the scanner unit 20 to use the copy function, scanner function, and facsimile function. Therefore, the main controller 11 gives an instruction to the scanner drive controller 35b to move the scanner unit 20 upward (step S20).

  Next, the main control unit 11 determines whether or not the user's operation on the scanner unit 20 has been completed (step S21). Whether or not the operation has been completed is determined, for example, by determining whether or not the copy process has been completed and whether or not the facsimile transmission process has been completed. When it is determined that the operation by the user has not been completed (S21: NO), the process waits until the operation by the user is completed.

  When it is determined that the operation by the user has been completed (S21: YES), it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the operation was completed (step S22). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S22: NO), the process waits until the predetermined time elapses. If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation was completed (S22: YES), the main controller 11 gives an instruction to the scanner drive controller 35b to move the scanner unit 20 downward (step S19). .

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1, the printer unit 30 that forms an image on paper by the electrophotographic method and the paper discharge unit 50 that discharges a sheet printed by the printer unit 30 can be easily provided from the outside. These four sides are enclosed by the front doors 301a and 301b and the outer wall 300 so that they cannot be visually recognized, and the upper side of the paper discharge unit 50 is covered by the scanner unit 20 that reads the image of the original.

  On the upper surface of the scanner unit 20, a user authentication unit 26 for performing user authentication, an operation instruction from the user, and information received from the user and information to be notified to the user are displayed. An operation panel 25 is provided. When the user authentication unit 26 authenticates the user, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the purpose of use of the user, and the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge according to the determination result. The up / down movement of the unit 50 is controlled.

  For example, when a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 is received, as shown in FIG. 17A, the scanner unit 20 is stopped immediately above the paper discharge unit 50 and placed on the paper by the printer unit. Image formation is performed, and the paper on which the image has been formed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 50. When the user of the information processing apparatus 2 performs user authentication at the user authentication unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 prints the printed matter discharged by the user to the paper discharge unit 50. Is displayed on the operation panel 25, and a display asking the user whether or not to receive the printed matter immediately is displayed (see FIG. 17B). When the user selects to receive the printed matter by operating the operation panel 25, the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are raised to appropriate positions so that the paper discharged to the paper discharge unit 50 can be easily taken out. (See FIG. 17C).

  If the user authentication unit 26 confirms the presence of the user, but the user's printed matter has not been discharged to the paper discharge unit 50, the user can use the copy function, scanner function, or It is determined that the facsimile function is used, and only the scanner unit 20 is raised to a proper position.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to control the elevation position of the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 according to the usage purpose of the user. For example, it is determined that the usage purpose is the use of the scanner function. In this case, the scanner unit 20 is raised to a position that is easy for the user to use to improve operability, and when it is determined that the purpose of use is to use the printer function, the discharged sheet can be easily taken out. The convenience can be improved by moving both the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 upward. Further, since the paper discharge unit 50 is covered with the scanner unit 20 at the stage of paper discharge, information leakage by a third party is prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the user authentication unit 26 performs fingerprint verification to authenticate the user. However, physical forms such as palm print, iris, retinal pattern, vein pattern, voice print, handwriting, and keystroke pattern are used. The configuration may be such that user authentication is performed using features or behavioral features. Moreover, the structure which performs user authentication using a password, a password, etc. may be sufficient. Furthermore, a configuration may be used in which user authentication is performed using personal belongings carried by the user such as a magnetic card, an IC card, and a wireless tag.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus in a standby state. 1 is a front sectional view of an image forming apparatus in a standby state. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus when the scanner unit is used. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the image forming apparatus when the scanner unit is used. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus when the paper discharge unit is raised. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the image forming apparatus when the paper discharge unit is raised. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus when a front door is opened. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of an operation panel when setting a paper discharge destination. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of an operation panel when setting a paper discharge destination. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a paper discharge tray setting table. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a communication address management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of an output management table. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a printing process is executed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus when a user operates the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 11 Main control part 12 Bus 13 ROM
14 RAM
15 Image memory 16 Communication IF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Scanner unit 21 Sub control part 24 Image reading part 25 Operation panel 26 User authentication part 30 Printer unit 31 Sub control part 34 Printing part 35a Scanner drive part 37a Tray drive part 36 HDD apparatus 40 Paper feed unit 50 Paper discharge unit 50

Claims (7)

An image receiving unit that receives image data, an image reading unit that reads image data from a document, and an image that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received by the image receiving unit or image data read by the image reading unit In an image forming apparatus comprising: a forming unit; a sheet discharge unit that discharges an image-formed sheet; and a plurality of sheet storage units that are provided below the image reading unit and store the discharged sheet.
A selection unit that selects a storage destination of the sheet to be discharged from the sheet storage unit; a lifting unit that moves the image reading unit up and down; and a sheet storage unit selected by the selection unit, and then the image reading unit An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the image reading unit should be raised, and the image reading unit is raised when the determination unit determines that the image reading unit should be raised.   Means for determining whether the input source of the image data is the image receiving means or the image reading means, and the selecting means selects the accommodation destination of the sheet to be discharged based on the determination result of the means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is suitable.   The sheet storage unit is provided at a lower side of the first sheet storage unit and a first sheet storage unit to store a sheet on which an image is formed based on image data read by the image reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second sheet storage unit that stores a sheet on which an image is formed based on the image data received by the reception unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that moves the sheet storage unit up and down.   When the image-formed sheet is discharged based on the image data read by the image reading means, the image reading means is raised, and the image-formed sheet is discharged based on the image data received by the image receiving means. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit and the sheet storage unit are raised.   The storage means for storing information relating to the accommodation destination of the sheet on which the image has been formed, wherein the selection means is adapted to select the sheet accommodation means based on the information stored in the storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a unit that receives information for setting an accommodation destination of an image-formed sheet; and a unit that changes information stored in the storage unit based on the received information.

Images