JP2015222321A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus configured to form an image including information useful to a refugee, as quickly as possible and legibly, when receiving emergency information.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1 and a control section 5. The image forming unit 1 which enables image forming function includes: an image forming section 15 for forming an image on a medium to be recorded; and a fuser 16 for thermally fixing the image formed on the medium to be recorded. The control section 5 makes image forming function available when the image forming apparatus 100 receives emergency information in a second operation mode for power-saving, and causes the image forming unit 1 to form and thermally fix a first image including first information identifying a person located in a predetermined management place. The control section 5 causes the fuser 16 to thermally fix the first image formed on the medium to be recorded when a temperature of the fuser 16 is less than a predetermined fixation ensuring temperature and equal to or higher than emergency fixation temperature.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on information corresponding to emergency information (hereinafter referred to as an “emergency information image”) when emergency information is received. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image (toner image) on a sheet that is a recording medium, and a fixing unit that heat-fixes the image formed on the sheet. When the image forming apparatus receives emergency information, even if the temperature of the fixing device is lower than the fixing guarantee temperature, the image forming apparatus forms an emergency information image and heat-fixes the paper on which the emergency information image is formed ( (Hereinafter referred to as “emergency information sheet”). After that, the image forming apparatus waits until the temperature of the fixing device becomes equal to or higher than the first fixing temperature which is one of the guaranteed fixing temperatures, and again forms an emergency information image and heat-fixes, and then issues an emergency information sheet. Is output.

  Here, the fixing guarantee temperature is a temperature suitable for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the paper to the paper, and is a temperature that guarantees that the image after fixing does not disappear or rub. There are two fixing guarantee temperatures: a second fixing temperature and a first fixing temperature lower than the second fixing temperature. The first fixing temperature is a temperature at which fixing is guaranteed (a guarantee that an image after fixing is not erased or rubbed) is obtained for a small amount of printing, for example, printing of one sheet of paper, and is 160 ° C., for example. The second fixing temperature is a temperature at which fixing is ensured even when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets, for example, 200 ° C.

JP 2012-078638 A

  The emergency information sheet includes information such as an evacuation place and an emergency contact information in addition to the emergency information itself indicating the occurrence of an emergency, and is referred to by, for example, an emergency evacuation person. Therefore, the emergency information sheet is required to be output as soon as possible before emergency evacuation is performed.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 quickly outputs an emergency information sheet by forming an emergency information image and performing thermal fixing even when the temperature of the fixing device is lower than the fixing guarantee temperature. However, if the temperature of the fixing device at the time of heat fixing is too low, the image after fixing is liable to be rubbed. For example, the information on the emergency information sheet cannot read the information in the process of paper conveyance. There is a risk that it will be greatly disturbed.

  In addition, since the emergency information form is referred to by the person who performs emergency evacuation, it is desirable to include not only information on the evacuation location and emergency contact information, but also other useful information for persons performing emergency evacuation. It is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to form an image including information useful for a person who performs emergency evacuation when urgent information is received so as to be readable as quickly as possible. It is to provide a forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. The first operation mode is an operation mode in which a plurality of functions including an image forming function can be used. The second operation mode is an operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode, and is an operation mode in which use of the plurality of functions is restricted. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit and a control unit. The image forming unit is a unit that realizes the image forming function, and includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and a fixing unit that thermally fixes the image formed on the recording medium. When the image forming apparatus receives emergency information indicating the occurrence of an emergency in the second operation mode, the control unit makes the image forming function available and identifies a person at a predetermined management location. The image forming unit performs the formation and thermal fixing of the first image including the first information. If the temperature of the fixing device is equal to or higher than an emergency fixing temperature set to a value lower than the predetermined guaranteed guarantee temperature and lower than the guaranteed guaranteed temperature, the controller is configured to form the recording medium on the recording medium. The fixing unit performs heat fixing of the first image.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image including information useful for a person who performs emergency evacuation when receiving emergency information so as to be readable as quickly as possible.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the emergency information reception process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, all of the constituent elements described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solving means of the invention. The same code | symbol has shown the same component through several figures.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment receives emergency information indicating the occurrence of an emergency such as an earthquake, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a target image including information useful for an emergency evacuation person. In the present embodiment, the target image is an image (first information) that includes information (hereinafter referred to as “personal identification information”) (first information) that identifies a person in a predetermined management target location (hereinafter referred to as “management location”). 1 image). The personal identification information is, for example, a list of names of people in the management place. The management place is, for example, a room where the image forming apparatus 100 is installed.

  When an emergency occurs, a sheet on which a target image (first image) including personal identification information (first image) is formed (hereinafter referred to as “emergency printed matter”) is output by the image forming apparatus 100. By referring to the emergency printed matter, it is possible to easily grasp the number and the number of people in the management place when receiving the emergency information. Therefore, the person in charge can easily confirm the number of people at the time of emergency evacuation.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multi function peripheral (MFP). The image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of functions such as an image forming function, a scanner function, a data communication function, and a FAX (facsimile) function. The image forming function is a function for forming an image on a sheet P that is a recording medium. The scanner function is a function for reading an image of a document. The data communication function is a function for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device via the communication network 300 (see FIG. 2).

  The image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of operation modes including a normal mode (first operation mode) and a sleep mode (second operation mode). The normal mode is an operation mode in which a plurality of functions including an image forming function, a scanner function, a data communication function, and a FAX function can be used. The sleep mode is an operation mode that saves power as compared with the normal mode, and is an operation mode in which the use of the plurality of functions is restricted.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1 that realizes an image forming function, an image reading unit 2 that realizes a scanner function, a document conveying unit 3 that conveys a document to be read, and a user who operates the image forming apparatus 100. And an operation panel 4 for causing the

  The image forming unit 1 includes a paper feed cassette 11, a paper feed roller 12, a transport roller pair 13, a registration roller pair 14, an image forming unit 15, a fixing device 16, a discharge roller pair 17, and a discharge tray 18. With. The paper feed roller 12 feeds the paper P from the paper feed cassette 11 one by one. The paper P fed out by the paper supply roller 12 is conveyed to the image forming unit 15 by the conveyance roller pair 13 and the registration roller pair 14.

  The image forming unit 15 forms an image on the paper P conveyed from the paper feed cassette 11. The image forming unit 15 includes a photosensitive drum 151, a charging device 152, an exposure device 153, a developing device 154, a transfer roller 155, and a cleaning device 156. The photosensitive drum 151 is a cylindrical rotating body, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface thereof. The charging device 152 charges the photosensitive drum 151 to a predetermined potential. The exposure device 153 outputs a laser beam based on the image data to expose the photosensitive drum 151, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive drum 151. As the image data, for example, image data generated by the image reading unit 2 reading a document, image data received from an external computer via the communication network 300, or information received from an external computer via the communication network 300 The image data generated based on the above is used.

  The developing device 154 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 151 and develops it, and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 151. The transfer roller 155 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 151 onto the paper P. Specifically, the transfer roller 155 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 151 to form the first nip portion. When the paper P passes through the first nip portion, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 155, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 151 is transferred to the paper P. The cleaning device 156 removes residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 151 after the transfer.

  The fixing device 16 thermally fixes the image (toner image) formed on the paper P to the paper P. The fixing device 16 includes a heating roller containing a heating element and a pressure roller. The heating roller and the pressure roller are pressed to form a second nip portion. Then, as the paper P passes through the second nip portion, the toner on the surface of the paper P is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the paper P. The paper P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 18 by the discharge roller pair 17.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the image forming unit 1, the image reading unit 2, the document conveying unit 3, and the operation panel 4, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a data communication I / O. F (interface) 7 is further provided. The image forming unit 1 further includes a temperature sensor 19 that detects the temperature of the fixing device 16. The image forming unit 1, the image reading unit 2, the document conveying unit 3, the operation panel 4, the storage unit 6, and the data communication I / F 7 are connected to be able to communicate with the control unit 5.

  The storage unit 6 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a secondary storage device. The secondary storage device is, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various computer programs executed by the control unit 5 are stored in the ROM of the storage unit 6. The data communication I / F 7 is a device that realizes a data communication function, and is an interface device for connecting to a communication network 300, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The control unit 5 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives emergency information in the sleep mode, the control unit 5 makes available functions necessary for forming a target image, that is, an image forming function and a data communication function. Then, the control unit 5 causes the image forming unit 1 to form and heat fix the target image including the personal identification information. At this time, the controller 5 is formed on the sheet P if the temperature of the fixing device 16 is equal to or higher than the emergency fixing temperature set to a value lower than the guaranteed fixing temperature even if it is lower than the predetermined guaranteed fixing temperature. The fixing unit 16 performs heat fixing of the target image. In the sleep mode, the heater of the fixing device 16 is turned off, and the temperature of the fixing device 16 is lowered below the emergency fixing temperature.

  Here, the guaranteed fixing temperature is a temperature suitable for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the paper P to the paper P, and is a temperature that guarantees that the image after fixing does not disappear or rub. There are two fixing guarantee temperatures: a second fixing temperature and a first fixing temperature lower than the second fixing temperature. The first fixing temperature is a temperature at which fixing is guaranteed (a guarantee that an image after fixing is not erased or rubbed) is obtained for a small amount of printing, for example, printing of one sheet of paper, and is 160 ° C., for example. The second fixing temperature is a temperature at which fixing is ensured even when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets, for example, 200 ° C.

  On the other hand, the emergency fixing temperature is a temperature at which it is guaranteed that the personal identification information is printed to such a degree that it can be read. For example, if the name of a person in the management place is printed in two rows with a size of 10 points on a sheet of A4 paper, the emergency fixing temperature is guaranteed to be printed so that the list of names can be read. Temperature. The emergency fixing temperature is 150 ° C., for example.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives emergency information in the sleep mode, the control unit 5 receives the entrance / exit management information 201 from the management server 200 connected to the communication network 300 via the data communication I / F 7. get. The entrance / exit management information 201 is information indicating a history of entrance / exit of a person at the management place. The entrance / exit management information 201 includes, for example, data indicating the name of the person who entered the management place or the person who left the management place, and the date and time when the entry or exit was performed. Based on the entrance / exit management information 201, the control unit 5 generates image data of a target image including personal identification information. Then, the control unit 5 inputs the generated image data to the image forming unit 1 and causes the image forming unit 1 to form the target image (first image).

  In addition, the control unit 5 turns off the power of the image forming apparatus 100 after the paper P on which the target image is formed, that is, the emergency printed matter is output.

  Hereinafter, processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, the control unit 5 performs emergency information reception processing when the image forming apparatus 100 receives emergency information in the sleep mode.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the emergency information reception process.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives emergency information in the sleep mode (step S101: YES), the control unit 5 shifts the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 from the sleep mode to the emergency return mode (step S102). Here, the emergency return mode is one of a plurality of operation modes of the image forming apparatus 100, and is an operation mode for the image forming apparatus 100 that has received emergency information in the sleep mode to output an emergency printed matter as soon as possible. It is. When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the emergency return mode, the heater of the fixing device 16 is turned on, and the temperature of the fixing device 16 rises with time.

  Next, the control unit 5 makes available functions necessary for forming the target image, that is, an image forming function and a data communication function (step S103). Note that the control unit 5 keeps the use of functions that are not necessary for forming the target image, such as the scanner function and the FAX function, being restricted. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can start forming the target image as soon as possible because it is not necessary to perform various processes for making it possible to use functions that are not necessary for forming the target image. Emergency printouts can be output as soon as possible. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 can output emergency printed matter more quickly by using, for example, power for making the scanner function and the FAX function available to raise the temperature of the fixing device 16. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 5 acquires the entrance / exit management information 201 from the management server 200 using the data communication function (step S104). And the control part 5 produces | generates the image data of the target image containing individual specific information based on the acquired entrance / exit management information 201 (step S105).

  Thereafter, the control unit 5 uses the temperature sensor 19 to measure the temperature of the fixing device 16 (step S106). Then, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the measured temperature of the fixing device 16 is equal to or higher than the emergency fixing temperature (step S107).

  When the temperature of the fixing device 16 is lower than the emergency fixing temperature (step S107: NO), the control unit 5 waits for a predetermined time and then shifts the processing to step S106. Then, the control unit 5 performs again the measurement of the temperature of the fixing device 16 and the determination of step S107 for the measured temperature.

  On the other hand, when the temperature of the fixing device 16 is equal to or higher than the emergency fixing temperature (step S107: YES), the control unit 5 inputs the image data generated in step S105 to the image forming unit 1, and forms the target image and performs heat fixing. To the image forming unit 1 (step S108). Note that the control unit 5 determines that the temperature of the fixing unit 16 is equal to or higher than the emergency fixing temperature based on the temperature of the fixing unit 16 measured in step S106 and the temperature rise data related to the fixing unit 16 stored in the storage unit 6. The sheet P (emergency printed material) on which the image is formed is transported so that the sheet P (emergency printed matter) passes through the fixing device 16 at the timing when the calculated time elapses from the temperature measurement time in step S106. You may control. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can output the emergency printed matter as soon as possible. Here, the temperature rise data is data indicating the relationship between the temperature rise of the fixing device 16 and the time when the fixing device 16 is heated.

  Thereafter, the paper P (emergency printed matter) on which the target image is formed and thermally fixed by the image forming unit 1 is output (step S109). Thereafter, the control unit 5 turns off the image forming apparatus 100 (step S110), and ends the emergency information reception process. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 itself turns off the power after outputting the emergency printed matter, so that the person who performs emergency evacuation needs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 100 before performing the emergency evacuation. Disappears. As a result, the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is not forgotten to be turned off.

  According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 forms the target image if the temperature of the fixing device 16 is lower than the guaranteed fixing temperature, but is above the emergency fixing temperature set to a value lower than the guaranteed fixing temperature. Then, an emergency printed matter on which the target image is formed is output by performing heat fixing. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can output an emergency printed matter earlier than when the target image is formed and heat-fixed after waiting until the temperature of the fixing device 16 becomes equal to or higher than the fixing temperature.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the temperature of the fixing device 16 to be equal to or higher than the emergency fixing temperature, and then performs thermal fixing of the target image. can do. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can form an image including information useful for a person who performs emergency evacuation when receiving emergency information so as to be readable as quickly as possible.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the multifunction apparatus is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 100. However, the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the multifunction apparatus, and may be other apparatuses having an image forming function.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 1 Image forming unit 15 Image forming part 16 Fixing device 5 Control part 200 Management server 201 Entrance / exit management information

Claims (5)

A first operation mode in which a plurality of functions including an image forming function can be used, and a second operation mode in which the use of the plurality of functions is restricted because the operation mode is lower in power consumption than the first operation mode. An image forming apparatus comprising:
An image forming unit that realizes the image forming function, and includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and a fixing unit that thermally fixes the image formed on the recording medium;
When the image forming apparatus receives emergency information indicating the occurrence of an emergency in the second operation mode, the image forming apparatus can use the image forming function and includes first information for identifying a person at a predetermined management location. A control unit that causes the image forming unit to form a first image and perform heat fixing,
If the temperature of the fixing device is equal to or higher than an emergency fixing temperature set to a value lower than the predetermined guaranteed guarantee temperature and lower than the guaranteed guaranteed temperature, the controller is configured to form the recording medium on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus that causes the fixing device to perform heat fixing of a first image. The fixing guarantee temperature is a temperature at which the image after fixing is guaranteed not to rub,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the emergency fixing temperature is a temperature at which printing is performed to such an extent that the first information can be read. It is communicably connected to a management server that stores entrance / exit management information indicating a history of entrance / exit of people at the management location,
The control unit acquires the entrance / exit management information from the management server when the image forming apparatus receives the emergency information in the second operation mode, and based on the entrance / exit management information, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data of an image is generated, and the generated image data is input to the image forming unit to cause the image forming unit to form the first image.   The control unit includes one or more of the image forming functions necessary for forming the first image of the plurality of functions when the image forming apparatus receives the emergency information in the second operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function is made available.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit turns off the power of the image forming apparatus after the recording medium on which the first image is formed is output. .

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