JP2006007590A - Image forming apparatus and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a paper sheet in a paper supply cassette from being stolen. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus comprises a residual amount sensor for detecting a residual amount of paper sheets in the paper supply cassette incorporated in the body, an opening/closing sensor for detecting opening or closing of a cover of the body, a judging means for judging whether or not the amount of the paper sheets in the paper supply cassette is reduced based on the outputs of the residual amount sensor and the opening/closing sensor before and after the cover is once opened and closed, and an alarming means for generating an alarm when it is determined by the judging means that the amount of paper sheets is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control program for preventing the theft of important paper such as securities paper.

In recent image forming apparatuses, it is possible to put a sheet of securities such as a check that can be used as soon as a number of money is put in a paper cassette and print the number of money by the image forming apparatus. Increasingly, it is used to print securities paper that can be used immediately for economic transactions. In such an image forming apparatus, in order to prevent an economic loss in which the paper feed cassette containing the security paper is arbitrarily pulled out and the check paper is stolen, it is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. There is known a locking device that can lock a possible paper feeding cassette so that it cannot be pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body except when necessary (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-132296 A

  However, the locking device shown in Patent Document 1 has a problem that theft cannot be prevented when the co-key is illegally manufactured. In such a case, there is also a problem that it is difficult to notice that the security paper in the paper feed cassette has been stolen.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. An image forming apparatus and a control that can prevent theft of paper in a paper feed cassette and quickly detect that the theft has occurred. The purpose is to provide a program.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remaining amount sensor for detecting a remaining amount of paper in a paper cassette provided in the main body, an open / close sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover of the main body, and an output of the remaining amount sensor. Based on the output of the open / close sensor, before and after the opening and closing of the cover once, determination means for determining whether or not the paper in the paper feed cassette has decreased, and the determination means And a log recording means for recording log information at the time when the alarm is output by the alarm means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a time management means for setting a state monitoring time zone, an open / close sensor for detecting opening and closing of a cover of the main body, and a state monitoring time zone set by the time management means. Based on the output of the open / close sensor, when it is determined that the cover of the main body is opened, an alarm means for outputting an alarm, and a log recording means for recording log information at the time when the alarm is output by the alarm means; It is provided with.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control of an image forming apparatus including a remaining amount sensor for detecting a remaining amount of paper in a sheet feeding cassette provided in the main body and an open / close sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover of the main body. A determination for determining whether or not the number of sheets in the sheet cassette is decreasing before and after the cover is opened and closed once based on the output of the remaining amount sensor and the output of the opening / closing sensor. An alarm output process for outputting an alarm when it is determined that the paper is reduced by the process, and a log recording process for recording log information at the time when the alarm is output by the alarm output process; It is characterized by having a computer perform.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: time management means for setting a state monitoring time zone; and an open / close sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover of the main body. An alarm output process for outputting an alarm when it is determined that the cover of the main body is opened based on the output of the open / close sensor in the state monitoring time zone set by the time management means, and the alarm A log recording process for recording log information at the time when an alarm is output by the output process is performed by a computer.

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount has decreased before and after the opening and closing of the cover, and if it has decreased, it is considered that the theft has occurred, and an alarm is output. Can be prevented. In addition, since the fact that the remaining amount has decreased before and after opening and closing the cover is saved as a log record, it is possible to quickly know that an illegal state has occurred by checking this log record. Is obtained.
In addition, the cover open / close state is detected during the status monitoring time period, and an alarm is output when the cover is opened despite the status monitoring time period. Operation and theft of paper can be prevented. In addition, even if it is the state monitoring time zone, this state is saved as a log record when the cover is opened, so an illegal state occurred by checking this log record The effect that it becomes possible to know this quickly is obtained.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment. In this figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a control unit that controls the overall processing operation of the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 2 denotes an input unit composed of function keys, numeric keys, and the like. Reference numeral 3 denotes a display unit configured by a liquid crystal display or the like provided with a touch panel. Reference numeral 4 denotes an image forming unit that performs printing processing on printing paper based on an instruction from the control unit 1. Reference numeral 5 denotes a remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of paper in a paper feeding cassette (not shown). Here, the description will be made assuming that two paper feed cassettes are provided. However, the remaining number sensors may be provided as necessary. For example, the image forming apparatus includes two paper feed cassettes. In this case, the remaining amount sensor may be provided in only one sheet cassette to be detected (sheet cassette in which security paper is inserted).

  Reference numeral 6 denotes an open / close sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the cover of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the paper feed cassette. Reference numeral 7 denotes a detection unit that reads the output values of the remaining amount sensor 5 and the open / close sensor 6, converts them into digital values, and outputs them to the control unit 1. Reference numeral 8 denotes a timer that outputs the current date and time. Reference numeral 9 denotes a time management unit for setting / releasing the state monitoring of the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 10 denotes a schedule storage unit that stores information on a state monitoring schedule set / released by the time management unit 9. Reference numeral 11 denotes an alarm output unit that issues an alarm sound based on an instruction from the control unit 1 or notifies an administrator of an alarm using communication means such as a network. Reference numeral 12 denotes a log recording unit that records log information of the operating state.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3, an operation for setting / releasing the state monitoring schedule of the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 3 when setting / releasing the state monitoring schedule. Status monitoring is the monitoring of the occurrence of an abnormality in a time zone where it is not normally used or when the administrator is absent, such as at night or on holidays. The time zone is called the monitoring time zone (nighttime or holiday), and the time zone normally used on weekdays is called the non-monitoring time zone. The state monitoring schedule is a schedule that defines the monitoring target time zone and the non-monitoring time zone. Setting / cancelling the status monitoring schedule defines the monitoring target time zone and the non-monitoring time zone. That is.

First, the administrator performs an operation to set / cancel the state monitoring schedule from the input unit 2. In response to this, the control unit 1 instructs the time management unit 9 to set / cancel the state monitoring schedule. In response to this, the time management unit 9 displays a schedule setting screen on the display unit 3. On the schedule setting screen, as shown in Fig. 3, it is possible to set the monitoring time zone for each day for one week (Monday to Sunday) from the setting operation day, and move the two time setting bars to the left and right on the screen Then, set a time zone that is not monitored. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the time setting bar is operated to set the non-monitoring time zone on the 20th (month) from 8:00 to 21:00. When a non-monitoring time zone (8:00 to 21:00) is set by this setting operation, 0: 0 to 8:00 and 21: 0 to 24:00 are automatically set to the monitoring time zone (FIG. 3). (Hatched part). When this operation is performed for one week, the schedule setting operation ends. In response to this, the time zone management unit 9 stores the data of the time zone set here in the schedule storage unit 10.
By this operation, the schedule storage unit 10 stores the data of the monitoring target time zone and the non-monitoring time zone for one week.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. First, the control unit 1 reads date / time data from the timer 8 (step S1), and reads state monitoring schedule data from the schedule storage unit 10 (step S2). Then, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the current time is in the state monitoring target time zone from the read date / time data and the state monitoring schedule data (step S3).

  As a result of this determination, when the current time is the time zone to be monitored, the control unit 1 reads the output value of the open / close sensor 6 from the detection unit 7 (step S4). And the control part 1 determines whether the cover was opened (step S5). If the result of this determination is that the cover has not been opened, processing returns to step S1 and is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the cover is opened (when the cover is opened during the monitoring target time zone), the control unit 1 uses the current date and time data and the state (such as which cover was opened) as log data. Save in the log recording unit 12 (step S6). Then, the control unit 1 outputs a warning output instruction to the warning output unit 11. In response to this, the alarm output unit 11 outputs an alarm (step S7).

  Next, when it is determined in step S3 that it is not the time zone to be monitored, the control unit 1 reads the output value of the remaining amount sensor 5 and the output value of the open / close sensor 6 from the detection unit 7 (steps S8 and S9). . Subsequently, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the cover has been opened based on the output value of the open / close sensor 6 (step S10). If the result of this determination is that the cover has not been opened, processing returns to step S1 and is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the cover is opened (when the cover is opened during a non-monitoring time zone), the control unit 1 reads the output value of the open / close sensor 6 again (step S11) and waits until the cover is closed. (Step S12). Then, the control unit 1 reads the output value of the remaining amount sensor 5 from the detection unit 7 when the cover is closed (step S13), and the remaining amount of paper before the cover is opened (the remaining amount acquired in step S8). ) And the remaining amount of paper after the cover is closed (remaining amount acquired in step S13), it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of paper has decreased before and after the cover is opened and closed (step S14). If the result of this determination is that the paper has not decreased, the process returns to step S1 and the process is repeated. The paper is stored in the log recording unit 12 as log data (step S6). Then, the control unit 1 outputs a warning output instruction to the warning output unit 11. In response to this, the alarm output unit 11 outputs an alarm (step S7).

  As described above, when the state is monitored, the cover open / close state is detected, and the alarm is output when the cover is opened despite the state monitoring time zone. Unauthorized operations and paper theft can be prevented. In addition, even if it is the state monitoring time zone, this state is saved as a log record when the cover is opened, so an illegal state occurred by checking this log record It becomes possible to know this quickly. Also, when it is not in the time period for monitoring the state, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount has decreased before and after the cover is opened and closed, and if it has decreased, it is considered that the theft has occurred and a warning is output. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the paper from being stolen. In addition, since the fact that the remaining amount has decreased before and after opening and closing the cover is saved as a log record, it is possible to quickly know that an illegal state has occurred by checking this log record.

  The remaining amount sensor 5 shown in FIG. 1 is a sensor that detects the paper in the paper feed cassette, but does not need to have the ability to detect the absolute amount of remaining paper (remaining number of sheets). The remaining amount detected in step S8 shown in FIG. 2 is compared with the remaining amount detected in step S13, and it is only necessary to have the ability to output the remaining amount that can be determined whether or not the amount has decreased.

  In addition, the program for realizing the function of the processing unit in FIG. 1 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed, thereby executing fraud occurrence detection processing. May be performed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, and a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen which sets monitoring time.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Input part, 3 ... Display part, 4 ... Image formation part, 5 ... Remaining amount sensor, 6 ... Opening / closing sensor, 7 ... Detection part , 8 ... Timer, 9 ... Time management unit, 10 ... Schedule storage unit, 11 ... Alarm output unit, 12 ... Log recording unit

Claims (4)

A remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of paper in the paper cassette provided in the main body,
An open / close sensor for detecting opening / closing of the cover of the main body,
Determining means for determining whether or not the paper in the paper cassette is reduced before and after the cover is opened and closed once based on the output of the remaining amount sensor and the output of the open / close sensor;
An alarm means for outputting an alarm when the determination means determines that the paper is decreasing;
An image forming apparatus comprising: log recording means for recording log information at the time when an alarm is output by the alarm means. A time management means for setting a state monitoring time zone;
An open / close sensor for detecting opening / closing of the cover of the main body,
Alarm means for outputting an alarm when it is determined that the cover of the main body is opened based on the output of the open / close sensor in the state monitoring time zone set by the time management means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: log recording means for recording log information at the time when an alarm is output by the alarm means. A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a remaining amount sensor for detecting a remaining amount of paper in a paper cassette provided in a main body; and an open / close sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover of the main body,
A determination process for determining whether or not the number of sheets in the sheet feeding cassette is reduced before and after the opening and closing of the cover once based on the output of the remaining amount sensor and the output of the opening and closing sensor;
An alarm output process for outputting an alarm when it is determined by the determination process that the paper is decreasing;
A control program for causing a computer to perform log recording processing for recording log information at the time when an alarm is output by the alarm output processing. A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a time management unit that sets a state monitoring time zone; and an open / close sensor that detects opening and closing of a cover of the main body,
In the state monitoring time zone set by the time management means, based on the output of the open / close sensor, when it is determined that the cover of the body is opened, an alarm output process for outputting an alarm;
A control program for causing a computer to perform log recording processing for recording log information at the time when an alarm is output by the alarm output processing.

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