JP2006098431A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus constituted so that the attribute of recording paper stored in each paper supply cassette other than the size thereof can be easily registered and the registered attribute can be displayed. <P>SOLUTION: An attribute registering processing means is equipped with a paper supply stage designation means to designate a paper supply stage for storing the recording paper whose attribute should be registered, an image reading means to read the image of the recording paper set at a predetermined position, an attribute acquisition means to acquire the attribute information of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means, and a means to register the attribute information of the recording paper acquired by the attribute acquisition means to be related to the paper supply stage designated by the paper supply stage designation means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

  A color copying machine is generally provided with a plurality of stages of paper feed cassettes, and each paper feed cassette stores recording papers having different attributes (types). The recording paper attributes include, for example, paper size, paper color (monochrome or color), presence / absence of a binding hole, and the like. The relationship between each paper feed cassette and the size of the recording paper stored in the cassette can be recognized by the copying machine, but attributes other than the size cannot be recognized by the copying machine.

  Therefore, in order for the user to know attributes other than the size of the recording paper stored in each paper cassette, the user opens the paper cassette and confirms the attributes other than the size of the recording paper stored in the paper cassette. There is a need to.

In order to make the copying machine recognize an attribute other than the size of the recording paper, it may be possible for the user to manually input an attribute other than the size of the recording paper for each paper feed cassette, but there is a problem that it takes time.
JP-A-11-78182 JP-A-10-293503

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of easily registering attributes other than the size of the recording paper stored in each paper feed cassette in the image forming apparatus and displaying the registered attributes. The purpose is to do.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages in which paper feed cassettes are respectively stored, a mode setting means and a mode setting means for setting an attribute registration processing mode as an operation mode Attribute registration processing means and attributes for performing processing for registering the attribute of the recording paper in the paper cassette stored in the paper feed tray in association with the paper feed tray when the attribute registration processing mode is set by Attribute display means is provided for displaying on the display the attributes of the recording paper registered by the registration processing means, and the attribute registration processing means designates the paper feed stage in which the recording paper to which the attributes are to be registered is stored. Paper feed stage designating means, image reading means for reading an image of the recording paper set at a predetermined position, and attribute information of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means Attribute acquisition means for acquiring, and characterized in that it comprises means for registering in connection with the specified paper feed tray by the sheet feed stage designating means has been attribute information of the recording paper obtained by the attribute obtaining means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages in which paper feed cassettes are respectively stored, mode setting means for setting an attribute registration processing mode as an operation mode, mode setting means Registered by the attribute registration processing means and the attribute registration processing means for performing processing for registering the attribute of the recording paper stored in the paper feed stage in relation to the paper feed stage when the attribute registration processing mode is set by Attribute display means for causing the display unit to display the attribute of the recorded recording paper, and the attribute registration processing means registers the attribute of the paper feed tray from which the paper cassette is drawn out in the attribute registration processing mode. A paper feed stage recognition means for recognizing a paper feed stage in which the recording paper to be stored is stored, an image reading means for reading an image of the recording paper set at a predetermined position, and an image reading means Attribute acquisition means for acquiring the attribute information of the recording paper based on the image read in this way, and the attribute information of the recording paper acquired by the attribute acquisition means is related to the paper feed stage recognized by the paper feed stage recognition means It has the means to make it register, and it is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document feeder, an image reading device for reading an image of a document conveyed to an image reading position by the automatic document feeder, and a plurality of paper feed units each housing a paper feed cassette. In an image forming apparatus having a stage, a mode setting means for setting an attribute registration processing mode as an operation mode, and a recording stored in the paper feeding stage when the attribute registration processing mode is set by the mode setting means Attribute registration processing means for performing processing for registering paper attributes in relation to the paper feed stage, and attribute display means for displaying the recording paper attributes registered by the attribute registration processing means on the display. The automatic document feeder includes a photoelectric detector array arranged in the width direction of the document conveyance path in the vicinity of the document conveyance path in the automatic document conveyance device. The attribute registration processing means includes a paper feed stage specifying means for designating a paper feed stage in which the recording paper to which the attribute is to be registered is stored, and a recording paper set in the automatic document feeder is imaged by the automatic document feeder. Based on the output of the photoelectric detector array provided in the document conveying path in the automatic document conveying device, the control means for conveying the image to the reading position and reading the image by the image reading device, a binding hole is opened in the recording paper. First attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating whether or not the image is read, second attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the color of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means, and first attribute acquisition means And means for registering the attribute information acquired by the second attribute acquisition means in association with the paper feed stage designated by the paper feed stage designation means. The features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document feeder, an image reading device for reading an image of a document conveyed to an image reading position by the automatic document feeder, and a plurality of paper feed units each containing a paper feed cassette. In an image forming apparatus having a stage, a mode setting means for setting an attribute registration processing mode as an operation mode, and a recording stored in the paper feeding stage when the attribute registration processing mode is set by the mode setting means Attribute registration processing means for performing processing for registering paper attributes in relation to the paper feed stage, and attribute display means for displaying the recording paper attributes registered by the attribute registration processing means on the display. The automatic document feeder includes a photoelectric detector array arranged in the width direction of the document conveyance path in the vicinity of the document conveyance path in the automatic document conveyance device. The attribute registration processing means recognizes the paper feed stage from which the paper cassette has been pulled out in the attribute registration processing mode as the paper feed stage in which the recording paper to be registered with the attribute is stored. , A control means for transporting the recording paper set in the automatic document feeder to the image reading position by the automatic document feeder and reading an image by the image reader, and a photoelectric provided in the document conveyance path in the automatic document feeder. Based on the output of the detector array, first attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information as to whether or not a binding hole is opened in the recording paper, and the color of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means The second attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the attribute information acquired by the first attribute acquisition means and the second attribute acquisition means. Characterized in that it comprises means for registering in association with the recognized paper feed stage by.

  According to the present invention, attributes other than the size of the recording paper stored in each paper feed cassette can be easily registered in the image forming apparatus, and the registered attributes can be displayed. .

  An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital color copying machine will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows the mechanism of a digital color copying machine.
A contact glass 1 on which an original to be copied is placed is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 100. An automatic document feeder (ADF) 200 is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine. Further, a user operation unit 350 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine.

  The ADF 200 includes a paper feed roller 202, a transport roller pair 203, a transport roller 204, and a document transport belt 205 for feeding a document set on the document tray 201 of the ADF 200 and transporting the document onto the contact glass 1. Further, a document transport belt 205, a transport roller 206, and a transport roller pair 207 are provided for discharging the document transported on the contact glass 1 onto a discharge unit 208 of the ADF 200. Between the conveyance roller pair 203 and the conveyance roller 204, a photoelectric detector array 210 is provided for detecting a binding hole (punch hole) of the recording paper in a recording paper attribute registration mode to be described later. The photoelectric detector array 210 is composed of a plurality of transmission type photoelectric detectors arranged side by side in the width direction of the document conveyance path. Each transmissive photoelectric detector includes a light projector 211 and a light receiver 212 arranged so as to sandwich the document conveyance path.

  In the lower part of the copying machine main body 100, as shown by broken lines 101, 102, and 103, three cassette housing portions (paper feed stages) are arranged in the vertical direction. The uppermost cassette storage unit 101 stores the paper feed cassette 2, the middle storage unit 102 stores the paper feed cassette 3, and the lowermost cassette storage unit 103 stores the paper feed cassette 4. A paper discharge tray 5 is provided in the middle of the left side surface of the copying machine main body 100. An exposure mechanism, a printing mechanism, and a recording paper transport mechanism are provided in the upper part of the copying machine main body 100.

  The exposure mechanism includes an exposure lamp 21 for scanning an image of a document placed on the contact glass 1, a first optical traveling body 31 including a first mirror 22 that reflects reflected light from the document, and a first mirror. The second optical traveling body 32 having the second and third mirrors 23 and 24 for guiding the light reflected by the condenser 22 to the condenser lens 25, and the optical information obtained by the condenser lens 25 are converted into electrical signals. A color CCD 26, a signal processing unit 27 that performs various image processing on image information obtained by the color CCD 26, and a laser unit 28 that converts an output signal of the signal processing unit 27 into an optical signal (laser light). . Laser light output from the laser unit 28 is applied to the photosensitive drum 11.

  The first optical system traveling body 31 and the second optical system traveling body 32 are reciprocated in the left-right direction by a scan motor (not shown). The second optical system traveling body 32 moves at a speed that is 1/2 of the speed of the first optical system traveling body 31 and a distance that is 1/2 of the moving distance of the first optical system traveling body 31.

  The print mechanism includes a photosensitive drum 11. The photosensitive drum 11 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow by a main motor (not shown). Around the photosensitive drum 11, in order of rotation, the charger 12 for charging the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive layer is visualized as a toner visible image. Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) developing devices 13 to 16 and an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member) 17 to which a toner image formed on the photosensitive layer is transferred. A photoconductor cleaner 18 for removing the toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 11 after transfer is provided.

  The intermediate transfer belt 17 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow by a main motor (not shown). Around the intermediate transfer belt 17, a transfer roller 41 for transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto the recording paper, and a transfer for removing the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 17 after the transfer. A belt cleaner 42 and the like are provided.

  The recording paper transport mechanism is configured to feed paper feeding rollers 51, 52, and 53 and separating roller pairs 54, 55, and 56 provided for each of the cassette storage units 101, 102, and 103 (paper feeding cassettes 2, 3, and 4). A pair of registration rollers 57 for transporting the intermediate transfer belt 17 to the intermediate transfer belt 17 at a predetermined timing, a transport belt 58 for transporting the recording paper on which the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transferred, to the pair of fixing rollers 59, a fixing roller A discharge roller 60 for transporting the transfer paper after the toner is fixed by the pair 59 to the paper discharge tray 5 is provided.

  In this digital color copying machine, when performing color copying, toner images of four colors are sequentially formed by one photosensitive drum 11 and are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, the four color toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17 are collectively transferred onto the recording paper.

  FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the digital color copying machine.

  The digital color copying machine includes a scanner unit 310, a control unit 320, a hard disk (HDD) 330, an image forming unit 340, and a user operation unit 350. The scanner unit 310 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 200, a color CCD 26 in the exposure mechanism, and the like. The control unit 320 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The image forming unit 340 includes a laser scan unit (LSU) 28 and a print mechanism including the photosensitive drum 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 17. The user operation unit 350 includes a key input unit 351 including various keys such as a numeric keypad, a start button, and an interrupt button, a liquid crystal display unit 352 with a touch panel, and an LED display unit 353.

  In this digital color copying machine, a mode (hereinafter referred to as a recording paper attribute registration mode) for registering attributes of recording paper stored in the paper feeding cassettes 2, 3, 4 in the respective cassette storage units 101, 102, 103 is described. Is prepared). The attributes of the recording paper include paper size, paper color (monochrome or color), presence / absence of a binding hole, etc., but each of the paper feed cassettes 2, 3, 4 in each cassette storage unit 101, 102, 103 has an attribute. The size of the recording paper stored is recognized by the control unit 320 as is well known, and the size of the recording stored in the paper feeding cassette in each cassette storage unit 101, 102, 103 is the cassette storage unit. It is registered in relation to. Accordingly, in the recording paper attribute registration mode, attributes other than the recording paper size are registered.

  Hereinafter, a user operation and an operation of the digital color copying machine in the recording sheet attribute registration mode will be described.

  First, the user operates the user operation unit 350 to set the operation mode to the recording sheet attribute registration mode. Then, the cassette storage unit storing the recording paper whose attribute is to be registered is designated (input). Specifically, when the recording paper attribute registration mode is set, a selection item for selecting one of the three cassette storage units 101, 102, and 103 is the liquid crystal display unit 352 of the user operation unit 350. The user selects one of the selection items.

  The user pulls out the paper feed cassette from one designated cassette storage section, and pulls out one sheet of recording paper from the paper feed cassette. Then, after setting the extracted recording paper on the document tray 201 of the ADF 200, a start button on the user operation unit 350 is pressed.

  When the start button is pressed, the recording paper set on the document tray 201 of the ADF 200 is fed by the ADF 200 and conveyed onto the contact glass 1. Each transmission type photoelectric detector constituting the photoelectric detector array 210 is driven until the recording paper is fed onto the contact glass 1 from the start of feeding. Then, the output of the light receiver 212 of each transmission photoelectric detector is sent to the control unit 320 and stored therein.

  Since the light emitted from each projector 211 reaches the corresponding light receiver 212 until the leading edge of the recording paper reaches the installation location of the photoelectric detector array 210, for example, an H level signal is output from each light receiver 212. The While the recording paper passes through the installation location of the photoelectric detector array 210, the light emitted from each projector 211 is normally blocked by the recording paper, and no light is incident on each light receiver 212. Each light receiver 212 outputs an L level signal. Then, after the trailing edge of the recording paper has passed through the installation location of the photoelectric detector array 210, the light emitted from each projector 211 reaches the corresponding light receiver 212. A signal is output.

  However, when a binding hole (punch hole) is present in the recording paper, the binding hole does not cover the installation location of the photoelectric detector array 210 even while the recording paper passes through the installation location of the photoelectric detector array 210. When passing, the light emitted from the projector 211 corresponding to the position of the binding hole reaches the light receiver through the binding hole, so that the output of the light receiver becomes H level.

  Therefore, the control unit 320 determines whether or not a binding hole exists in the recording paper based on the stored output of each light receiver.

  The control unit 320 causes the scanner unit 310 to read an image of the recording paper with respect to the recording paper conveyed on the contact glass 1. Then, based on the R signal, G signal, and B signal output from the color CCD 26, it is determined whether the color of the recording paper is monochrome or color. Note that the recording paper from which the image has been read is discharged onto the discharge unit 208 of the ADF 200 by the ADF 200.

  In this way, the attributes of the obtained recording paper (paper color (monochrome or color), presence / absence of binding holes) are registered in association with the cassette storage unit selected by the user. Therefore, in the cassette storage unit, the paper color (monochrome or color) and the presence / absence of the binding hole are registered in addition to the registered recording paper size.

  The user registers the attributes of the recording paper in the cassette stored in all cassette storage units by performing the registration process in the recording paper attribute registration mode for the other cassette storage units. In this way, the user simply pulls out the paper cassette from the cassette storage section, pulls out a sheet of recording paper from the paper feeding cassette, and sets it in the ADF 200, so that the attributes of the recording paper are automatically determined and registered. Therefore, the operation for registering the attribute of the recording paper is simple.

  This digital color copier has a function of displaying the recording sheet attributes registered for each of the cassette storage units 101, 102, and 103 on the liquid crystal display unit 352 of the user operation unit 350. That is, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the user operation unit 350, the recording sheet attributes registered for each of the cassette storage units 101, 102, and 103 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 352. Therefore, the user can know the attributes of the recording paper stored in the paper feed cassettes in the cassette storage units 101, 102, 103 in advance.

  In the above embodiment, after setting the operation mode to the recording paper attribute registration mode, the user specifies (inputs) the cassette storage unit in which the recording paper whose attribute is to be registered is stored, but the operation mode is recorded. After the paper attribute registration mode is set, when the paper cassette is pulled out to remove the recording paper, the cassette storage unit from which the paper cassette has been pulled out may be automatically recognized. This eliminates the need for the user to specify (input) the cassette storage unit in which the recording paper whose attribute is to be registered is stored.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a mechanism of a digital color copying machine. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital color copying machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 Contact glass 2-4 Paper cassette 26 Color CCD
100 Copier body 101-103 Cassette storage unit (paper feed stage)
200 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
210 Photoelectric Detector Array 211 Projector 212 Light Receiver 310 Scanner Unit 320 Control Unit 340 Image Forming Unit 350 User Operation Unit 351 Key Input Unit 352 Liquid Crystal Display Unit

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages in which paper feed cassettes are respectively stored,
When the attribute registration processing mode is set by the mode setting means for setting the attribute registration processing mode as the operation mode, the attributes of the recording paper in the paper cassette stored in the paper feed tray are supplied. An attribute registration processing unit for performing processing for registration in association with the paper tray, and an attribute display unit for displaying the attribute of the recording paper registered by the attribute registration processing unit on the display;
The attribute registration processing means
A paper feed stage specifying means for designating a paper feed stage in which the recording paper whose attribute is to be registered is stored,
Image reading means for reading the image of the recording paper set in a predetermined position;
Attribute acquisition means for acquiring the attribute information of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means, and the paper feed stage designated by the paper feed stage specification means for the attribute information of the recording paper acquired by the attribute acquisition means Means to register in relation to
An image forming apparatus comprising: In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages in which paper feed cassettes are respectively stored,
Mode setting means for setting the attribute registration processing mode as the operation mode, and when the attribute registration processing mode is set by the mode setting means, the attributes of the recording paper stored in the paper feed stage are related to the paper feed stage. Attribute registration processing means for performing processing for registration and attribute display means for displaying the attributes of the recording paper registered by the attribute registration processing means on the display,
The attribute registration processing means
A paper feed stage recognition means for recognizing a paper feed stage from which the paper feed cassette is pulled out in the attribute registration processing mode as a paper feed stage in which a recording paper to be registered with an attribute
Image reading means for reading the image of the recording paper set in a predetermined position;
Attribute acquisition means for acquiring the attribute information of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means, and the paper feed stage in which the attribute information of the recording paper acquired by the attribute acquisition means is recognized by the paper feed stage recognition means Means to register in relation to
An image forming apparatus comprising: In an automatic document feeder, an image reading device for reading an image of a document conveyed to an image reading position by an automatic document feeder, and an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of paper feed stages each containing a paper feed cassette ,
Mode setting means for setting the attribute registration processing mode as the operation mode, and when the attribute registration processing mode is set by the mode setting means, the attributes of the recording paper stored in the paper feed stage are related to the paper feed stage. Attribute registration processing means for performing processing for registration and attribute display means for displaying the attributes of the recording paper registered by the attribute registration processing means on the display,
The automatic document feeder includes a photoelectric detector array arranged in the width direction of the document conveyance path in the vicinity of the document conveyance path in the automatic document conveyance device,
The attribute registration processing means
A paper feed stage specifying means for designating a paper feed stage in which the recording paper whose attribute is to be registered is stored,
Control means for transporting the recording paper set in the automatic document feeder to an image reading position by the automatic document feeder and reading an image by the image reader;
First attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information as to whether or not a binding hole is formed in the recording paper based on an output of a photoelectric detector array provided in an original conveying path in the automatic original conveying apparatus;
Second attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the color of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means, and attribute information acquired by the first attribute acquisition means and the second attribute acquisition means Means for registering in association with the paper feed stage designated by the designation means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: In an automatic document feeder, an image reading device for reading an image of a document conveyed to an image reading position by an automatic document feeder, and an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of paper feed stages each containing a paper feed cassette ,
Mode setting means for setting the attribute registration processing mode as the operation mode, and when the attribute registration processing mode is set by the mode setting means, the attributes of the recording paper stored in the paper feed stage are related to the paper feed stage. Attribute registration processing means for performing processing for registration and attribute display means for displaying the attributes of the recording paper registered by the attribute registration processing means on the display,
The automatic document feeder includes a photoelectric detector array arranged in the width direction of the document conveyance path in the vicinity of the document conveyance path in the automatic document conveyance device,
The attribute registration processing means
A paper feed stage recognition means for recognizing a paper feed stage from which the paper feed cassette is pulled out in the attribute registration processing mode as a paper feed stage in which a recording paper to be registered with an attribute
Control means for transporting the recording paper set in the automatic document feeder to an image reading position by the automatic document feeder and reading an image by the image reader;
First attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information as to whether or not a binding hole is formed in the recording paper based on an output of a photoelectric detector array provided in an original conveying path in the automatic original conveying apparatus;
Second attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the color of the recording paper based on the image read by the image reading means, and attribute information acquired by the first attribute acquisition means and the second attribute acquisition means Means for registering in association with the paper feed tray recognized by the recognition means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

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