JP2015225320A - Image formation device and notification method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compound machine 100 which can properly notify a user of timing of cleaning of a media sensor.SOLUTION: An image formation device comprises: measurement value acquisition means 302 which acquires a measurement value in the state where sheets do not exist in a sheet feeding part at the point of time when the own device is manufactured in a manufacturing line as an initial value by using a media sensor detecting the type of sheets, and acquires a measurement value in the state where sheets do not exist in the sheet feeding part at a prescribed point of time after the own device executes a printing job as an actual value; measurement value determination means 303 which determines whether or not a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the initial value from the acquired actual value exceeds a preset threshold; and cleaning notification means 304 which notifies a user of the information that the media sensor is dirty when the subtraction value exceeds the threshold as the result of determination.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a notification method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus and a notification method that can appropriately notify the timing of cleaning a media sensor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals, copiers, and printers have optical sensors mounted on cassettes and trays on which sheets are stacked. With this optical sensor, the image forming apparatus automatically determines the paper type (paper quality) of the paper from the reflectance of the stacked paper and the wavelength of the reflected light, and conditions for image formation, for example, It adjusts the paper transport speed, sets the bias when transferring the image, and adjusts the fixing temperature. This optical sensor is referred to as a media sensor.

  Since this media sensor is permanently installed in a cassette or tray on which paper is stacked, when the image forming apparatus conveys the paper and executes image formation, foreign matter such as paper dust is generated from the paper, which is the media. There is a problem that the detection surface of the media sensor becomes dirty due to adhesion to the detection surface of the sensor. If the detection surface of the media sensor becomes dirty, there is a problem that the paper type of the paper cannot be properly detected, and an expected printing result cannot be obtained.

  For such a problem, there is a technique in which a mechanical cleaning member is provided in the vicinity of the detection surface of the media sensor so that the image forming apparatus automatically cleans the detection surface of the media sensor. In addition, when the detection surface of the media sensor becomes dirty, there is a technique in which the image forming apparatus displays a screen indicating that the cleaning is necessary on the touch panel, and prompts the user to clean the detection surface of the media sensor with a cloth or the like. .

  There are also techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-31919 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-26717 (Patent Document 2), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-107281 (Patent Document 3).

JP 2002-31919 A JP 2008-26717 A JP 2009-107281 A

  Here, the timing for cleaning the detection surface of the media sensor depends on the type of paper used by the user. For example, when paper that generates a large amount of paper dust is used, the detection surface of the media sensor is immediately soiled, and thus needs to be frequently cleaned. On the other hand, when paper that does not easily generate paper dust is used, it is not necessary to clean frequently.

  On the other hand, among the above-described techniques, the technique of notifying the timing of cleaning the media sensor counts the number of printed sheets conveyed from a cassette or tray, and when the counted value exceeds a preset threshold value, Execute notification. In other words, since the notification is performed uniformly without considering the paper type of the paper, the notification is performed even when the detection surface of the media sensor is dirty when a paper that generates a lot of paper dust is used. There is a problem that is not done. In addition, when a paper that does not easily generate paper dust is used, there is a problem that the user is prompted to clean more than necessary by the notification even though the detection surface of the media sensor is not soiled.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a notification method that can appropriately notify the cleaning timing of the media sensor.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention uses a media sensor that detects the paper type of a sheet to supply a sheet feeding unit at the time when the apparatus is manufactured on a manufacturing line. A measurement value for acquiring a measured value in a state where no paper is present as an initial value, and a measured value in a state where no paper is present in the paper feeding unit at a predetermined time after the apparatus executes a print job as an actual value Acquisition means; measurement value determination means for determining whether or not a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the initial value from the acquired actual measurement value exceeds a preset threshold; and as a result of the determination, the subtraction value is the And a cleaning notification means for notifying a user that the media sensor is dirty when a threshold value is exceeded.

  Further, the measurement value determining means is configured to detect a sheet from the sheet feeding unit for determining whether the media sensor is dirty when the sheet is continuously present in the sheet feeding unit. Notify the user to prompt removal.

  The present invention can also be configured as a notification method. The present invention acquires, as an initial value, a measured value in a state where no paper is present in a paper feeding unit at the time when the apparatus is manufactured on a production line, using a media sensor that detects the paper type of the paper. A step of acquiring a measured value in a state where no paper is present in the paper feeding unit at a predetermined time after execution of a print job as an actual value, and a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the initial value from the acquired actual value is set in advance. Determining whether or not the determined threshold value has been exceeded, and notifying the user that the media sensor is dirty when the subtraction value exceeds the threshold value as a result of the determination. It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the notification method of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately notify the cleaning timing of the media sensor.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart (FIG. 4A) for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention in a production line, and the flowchart (FIG. 4B) for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention in operation. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a relationship between a paper feed cassette and a media sensor in the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 5A), and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a cleaning notification screen in the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 5B). is there.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. Moreover, the alphabet S added before the number in a flowchart means a step.

  An image forming apparatus will be described below as an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the image forming apparatus of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having functions such as a copy, a scanner, and a printer.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 receives print job setting conditions from the user via the operation unit 101, and drives each unit (image reading unit, image forming unit, conveyance unit, fixing unit, etc.) Provide the print job.

  Here, the multifunction peripheral 100 conveys paper from a paper feed unit (a paper feed cassette, a paper feed tray, etc.) of the transport unit 102. The paper feed unit is provided with a paper sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper and a media sensor for detecting the paper type of the paper.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the MFP 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204, and each drive unit. A driver 205, a paper detection sensor 206, a media sensor 207, and an operation unit 101 are connected by an internal bus 208. The CPU 201 uses, for example, the RAM 203 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 204, and the like, and based on the execution result, outputs from the driver 205, the paper detection sensor 206, the media sensor 207, and the operation unit 101. Data, instructions, signals, commands, etc. are exchanged to control the operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. Further, with respect to each means (shown in FIG. 3) to be described later other than the drive unit, the CPU 201 implements each means by executing each program. The ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD 204, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

  Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  First, after the MFP 100 is manufactured on the manufacturing line, when the manufacturer inputs the initial setting of the MFP 100 (FIG. 4A: S101), the control unit 301 of the MFP 100 causes each unit (image reading unit, The initial setting of the image forming unit, the conveyance unit, the fixing unit, etc.) is executed, and the fact is notified to the measurement value acquisition unit 302. Upon receiving the notification, the measurement value acquisition unit 302 determines whether or not there is a sheet in the sheet feeding unit (sheet feeding cassette, sheet feeding tray, etc.) of the transport unit 102 of the multifunction peripheral 100 (FIG. 4A: S102). ).

  The method for determining the measurement value acquisition unit 302 is not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the paper supply unit is a paper supply cassette 500, the measurement value acquisition unit 302 determines that the paper is It is determined whether or not there is a sheet on the lift plate 501 by using a sheet detection sensor 502 (206) provided near the lift plate 501 of the sheet cassette 500 to be loaded.

  If there is a sheet on the lift plate 501 for some reason as a result of the determination (FIG. 4A: S102 NO), the measurement value acquisition unit 302 determines that there is a sheet in the sheet feeding unit, and the operation unit On the touch panel 101, a paper removal screen for prompting removal of paper from the paper feed unit (paper feed cassette 500) is displayed. Thus, the manufacturer sees the paper removal screen and removes the paper from the paper feeding unit.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if there is no sheet on the lift plate 501 (FIG. 4A: S102 YES), the measurement value acquisition unit 302 determines that there is no sheet in the sheet feeding unit, and the sheet feeding unit A media sensor provided in advance is activated, and a measured value when no paper is present in the paper feeding unit is acquired as an initial value (FIG. 4A: S103).

  Here, the method for acquiring the measurement value as the initial value by the measurement value acquisition unit 302 is not particularly limited. For example, the media sensor 503 (207) is provided in the vicinity of the pickup roller 504 that conveys the sheet. In the case where there is no sheet on the lift plate 501 of the paper feeding unit, the measurement value acquisition unit 302 acquires the measurement value of the surface of the lift plate 501.

  A white sheet close to the surface of a standard sheet may be attached to the surface of the lift plate 501 measured by the media sensor 503. Moreover, you may form the white part close | similar to the surface of a standard paper on the surface of a lift board by printing. Standard paper measurement values can be acquired under substantially the same conditions as the media sensor 503 detecting the surface of the paper stored in the paper supply unit. In addition, since the white sheet and the white part can be easily cleaned even if they are dirty, the measurement surface can be kept in the initial state. Further, even if the white sheet is damaged, it can be easily reapplied at a low cost. Therefore, it is possible to accurately check the state of the media sensor 503 throughout the usage period of the apparatus.

  Here, the measurement value acquired by the media sensor 503 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include surface reflectance, wavelength, and transmittance. When the measured value is reflectance, the media sensor 503 includes, for example, a light source LED for light irradiation, a first imaging lens for imaging light from the light source LED, and the first sensor. The light imaged by one imaging lens is reflected from the surface (of the paper or the lift plate), the second imaging lens for imaging the reflected light, and the imaged reflected light And a CMOS sensor for photographing. Light from the light source LED is applied to the surface via the first imaging lens, and reflected light from the surface is condensed via the second imaging lens, and the CMOS sensor. Is imaged. Thereby, the measurement value acquisition means 302 captures the surface image, digitizes it (analog), and acquires the numerical value as the reflectance.

  When the measurement value acquisition unit 302 acquires the measurement value as an initial value, the initial value is stored in a nonvolatile memory (for example, ROM) (FIG. 4A: S104). As a result, the MFP 100 in the manufactured state is in a state in which the media sensor 503 is not soiled. Therefore, whether or not the media sensor 503 is soiled can be determined by setting a measured value corresponding to this state as an initial value. It can be used as a reference value. Further, by storing the initial value in the nonvolatile memory, the initial value is not erased even when the power of the multi-function device 100 is turned off.

  When the measurement value acquisition unit 302 completes storing the initial value in the nonvolatile memory, the control unit 301 notifies the control unit 301 to that effect, and the control unit 301 that has received the notification initializes all the units. To complete. As a result, the multi-function device 100 is ready to be provided to the user.

  Now, after the multifunction device 100 is provided to the user, the user fills the paper feeding unit (paper feeding cassette 500) of the multifunction device 100 and turns on the power. Then, the control unit 301 of the MFP 100 is driven (FIG. 4B: S201), starts accepting a print job from the user, and notifies the measurement value acquisition unit 302 accordingly. Upon receiving the notification, the measurement value acquisition unit 302 uses the paper detection sensor 502 to determine whether paper is present in the paper feed cassette 500 (FIG. 4B: S202). If there is a sheet in the sheet feeding cassette 500 as a result of the determination (FIG. 4B: S202 NO), the measurement value acquisition unit 302 repeats the determination.

  Here, when the control unit 301 executes a print job, for example, the media sensor 503 is used to detect the paper type of the paper on which an image is formed based on the measurement value (reflectance), and the detected paper type. In response to the above, conditions necessary for image formation such as adjustment of the sheet conveyance speed, amount of deflection, adjustment of bias for sheet transfer, and adjustment of fixing temperature are appropriately adjusted.

  Now, after executing a print job (after repeating the print job) while the control unit 301 is in operation, if there is no sheet in the sheet cassette 500 for some reason (FIG. 4B: S202 YES), The measurement value acquisition unit 302 activates the media sensor 503 to acquire a measurement value in a state where no paper is present in the paper feed cassette as an actual measurement value (FIG. 4B: S203). The acquisition method and the like are the same as described above.

  When the measurement value acquisition unit 302 acquires the actual measurement value, the measurement value determination unit 303 notifies the measurement value determination unit 303 of the fact, and the measurement value determination unit 303 that receives the notification refers to the initial value of the nonvolatile memory, It is determined whether or not a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the initial value from the acquired actual measurement value exceeds a preset threshold value (FIG. 4B: S204).

  Here, the determination method by the measurement value determination unit 303 is not particularly limited. For example, the measurement value determination unit 303 takes the absolute value of the subtraction value, and the absolute value taken exceeds the threshold value. Determine whether or not. When the measured value determination unit 303 does not take the absolute value, a positive threshold and a negative threshold are prepared in advance as the threshold, and the subtraction value is greater than the positive threshold. It is determined whether the subtraction value is smaller than the negative threshold value.

  When the subtraction value exceeds the threshold value as a result of the determination (FIG. 4B: S204 YES), the measured value determining means 303 has an abnormality in the measured value, in other words, the detection surface of the media sensor 503 is It determines that it is dirty, and notifies the cleaning notification means 304 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the cleaning notification means 304 notifies the user that the media sensor 503 is dirty (FIG. 4B: S205).

  Here, the method of notification by the cleaning notification unit 304 is not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, a cleaning notification screen indicating that the media sensor 503 is dirty on the touch panel of the operation unit 101. 505 is displayed. On the cleaning notification screen 505, a message 506 indicating that the media sensor 503 is dirty and a paper feed unit (paper feed cassette 500) having the dirty media sensor 503 is opened to detect the cloth on the detection surface of the media sensor 503. The cleaning procedure 507 and the OK key 508 are displayed. This makes it possible to prompt the user to clean the media sensor 503 at the timing when the detection surface of the media sensor 503 is just dirty. Further, since the initial value when the media sensor 503 is not soiled at the time when the multifunction device 100 is manufactured is used as a reference, the initial value is determined regardless of the type of paper loaded by the user in the multifunction device 100. The cleaning notification screen 505 is displayed when the threshold value deviates from the threshold. That is, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from insufficiently cleaning or excessively cleaning the media sensor 503. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the cleaning of the media sensor 503 at an optimum timing when the detection surface of the media sensor 503 is soiled regardless of the type of paper or user. Further, if the media sensor 503 is properly cleaned, erroneous detection of the paper type of the paper can be surely prevented, so that a printed matter with good image quality can be provided to the user.

  In the above description, the cleaning notification unit 304 displays the cleaning notification screen 505. For example, when a cleaning unit that can mechanically clean the detection surface of the media sensor 503 is provided in advance. The cleaning notification unit 304 may automatically clean the detection surface of the media sensor 503 using the cleaning unit.

  When the cleaning notification unit 304 completes the notification, the control unit 301 notifies the control unit 301 of the notification, and the control unit 301 that has received the notification stores the sheet in the paper feed cassette 500 on the touch panel of the operation unit 101. A no-paper screen prompting replenishment is displayed (FIG. 4B: S206). Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to replenish paper.

  By the way, when the subtraction value does not exceed the threshold value as a result of the determination in S204 (FIG. 4B: S204 NO), the measured value determination means 303 has no abnormality in the measured value, in other words, the media sensor 503 determines that the detection surface is not dirty, does nothing, notifies the control unit 301 to that effect, and the control unit 301 that has received the notification displays the no-paper screen on the touch panel of the operation unit 101. (FIG. 4B: S206).

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5A, the media sensor 503 is disposed on the upper surface of the lift plate 501 in the vicinity of the pickup roller 504. In this case, the present invention is particularly effective because the paper dust generated during the conveyance of the sheet is likely to adhere to the detection surface of the media sensor 503, but the media sensor 503 can measure the surface of the sheet. What is necessary is just to be incorporated in the position of a paper feed part.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the media sensor 503 is provided in the paper feed cassette 500. However, the media sensor 503 may be provided in another place, for example, a conveyance path through which paper is conveyed.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, one sheet feeding cassette 500 is assumed, but the present invention may be applied to a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes and / or sheet feeding trays. In this case, the present invention executes the above-described steps for each paper feed cassette.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when there is no paper in the paper feed cassette 500 (FIG. 4B: S202 NO), the measurement value acquisition unit 302 measures the actual measurement value. When the paper is always replenished to 500, the measured value acquisition means 302 cannot measure the actual value, and the media sensor 503 cannot be determined for contamination. Therefore, in the present invention, when the current state is that the sheet is continuously present in the sheet feeding cassette 500, the measured value acquisition unit 302 displays the media sensor on the touch panel of the operation unit 101. In order to determine the contamination at 503, a paper removal screen for prompting removal of paper from the paper feed cassette 500 is displayed.

  Here, the current state is the above state, for example, the cumulative number of prints accumulated from the time point when the previous media sensor 503 performed the stain determination is the preset threshold number (for example, 1000). In addition, it means that the current time is in a state where the user continues to replenish paper. As a result, it is possible to execute the contamination determination of the media sensor 503 periodically and reliably.

  When the user looks at the paper removal screen and removes the paper from the paper feed cassette 500, the measurement value acquisition unit 302 determines that there is no paper in the paper feed cassette 500 (FIG. 4B: S202 YES), the contamination of the media sensor 503 can be determined.

  Note that the sheet removal screen is erased, for example, when the user once removes the sheet from the sheet feeding cassette 503 and refills it. The sheet removal screen may be displayed or hidden depending on the user's selection.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the notification method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copying machines, printers, and the like, and are capable of appropriately notifying the timing of cleaning the media sensor. It is also effective as a notification method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 301 Control means 302 Measurement value acquisition means 303 Measurement value determination means 304 Cleaning notification means

Claims (3)

Using the media sensor that detects the paper type of the paper, the measured value when no paper is present in the paper feed unit at the time when the device is manufactured on the production line is acquired as an initial value, and the device executes a print job. A measured value acquisition means for acquiring a measured value in a state where no paper is present in the paper feeding unit at a predetermined time after the measurement as an actual value;
Measurement value determination means for determining whether or not a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the initial value from the acquired actual measurement value exceeds a preset threshold value;
An image forming apparatus comprising: cleaning notification means for notifying a user that the media sensor is dirty when the subtraction value exceeds the threshold as a result of the determination. The measurement value determination unit removes the sheet from the sheet feeding unit to determine whether the media sensor is dirty when the sheet is continuously present in the sheet feeding unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user is notified of the prompt. Using the media sensor that detects the paper type of the paper, the measured value when no paper is present in the paper feed unit at the time when the device is manufactured on the production line is acquired as an initial value, and the device executes a print job. Obtaining a measured value in a state where no paper is present in the paper feeding unit at a predetermined time after the actual measurement value;
Determining whether a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the initial value from the acquired actual measurement value exceeds a preset threshold;
And a step of notifying a user that the media sensor is dirty when the subtraction value exceeds the threshold as a result of the determination.

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