JP2016099602A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus that comprises a human sensor and that can effectively prevent trouble resulting from a detection result of the human sensor even when a user performs an operation to position an impediment member at an impediment position from a standby position and forgets to put the impediment member back to the standby position from the impediment position, or an article that the user should remove after image formation is left as it is.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprising a human sensor which detects a person comprises an impediment member and an impediment member detection part which detects whether the impediment member is positioned at an impediment position, and also comprises an article detection part which invalidates a detection result of the human sensor when detecting the impediment member being at the impediment position from a detection result of the impediment detection part, or detects an article that the user should remove after image formation. When the article to be removed which is still left is detected from the detection result of the article detection part after the image formation is detected, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a human sensor that detects a person.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral, or a printer includes a human sensor that detects a person and operates according to a detection result by the human sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  For example, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a human sensor, in order to realize energy saving, a power saving mode (energy saving mode) is changed from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which supply energy is smaller than that in a high power consumption state. And when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the standby state of the image forming apparatus continues for a predetermined time and / or when the presence of a person is detected by the detection result of the human sensor) In the configuration of entering the mode or in the power saving mode, when the presence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor, the configuration may be configured to return from the low power consumption state of the power saving mode to the high power consumption state.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus including the human sensor is provided with an obstructing member provided to be movable between an obstructing position that can inhibit human detection by the human sensor and a retreat position that retracts from the obstructing position. There is. Here, as the obstructing member, a member provided so as to be slidable and / or swingable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, more specifically, a paper feed tray for storing paper, a tablet-type information terminal, or a multifunctional type Examples thereof include a tray member such as a mounting tray on which a cellular phone is placed, an operation member including a keyboard and / or a display device, and a cover member such as an opening / closing cover that is opened and closed during a paper jam (JAM) process.

JP 2013-7980 A

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus provided with the human sensor, if the user forgets to return the obstructing member from the obstructing position to the retracted position by performing an operation of moving the obstructing member from the retracted position to the obstructing position, the human sensor is used accordingly. The following inconvenience is caused based on the detection result.

  For example, if the user forgets to return the obstructing member from the obstructing position to the retracted position, the obstructing member obstructs human detection by the human sensor, and the human sensor erroneously determines whether or not the person is around. In some cases, a malfunction may occur such that an operation based on the detection result of the human sensor becomes an unintended operation.

  In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a detection range of the human detection unit by covering a part of the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor that constitutes the human detection unit with a support cover arranged in front of the human detection unit. Is configured to avoid detecting a person who does not plan to use the image forming apparatus by limiting the range to a range obliquely below the horizontal plane. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about preventing a malfunction based on the detection result of the human sensor when the inhibiting member is located at the inhibiting position.

  In addition, if there is an article to be removed (for example, at least one of a recording sheet, a document, and a storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body) to be removed by the user after the image formation, a human The following inconvenience is caused based on the detection result by the sensor.

  For example, when there is a removed article (for example, at least one of a recording sheet, an original, and a storage medium) to be removed by the user, the person returns and operates the image forming apparatus even if the person is absent. In order to perform an image forming operation on the image forming apparatus when the power saving mode is entered even though there is a possibility (for example, the job is continued), the user immediately starts the image forming apparatus from the power saving mode. It will wait until it returns to the standby state which can perform operation | movement.

  Therefore, the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with a human sensor, for example, a user forgets to return the inhibition member from the inhibition position to the withdrawal position by performing an operation of positioning the inhibition member from the withdrawal position to the inhibition position, Alternatively, even if there is an article to be removed (for example, at least one of a recording sheet, a manuscript, and a storage medium) that should be removed after the image is formed, it effectively prevents inconvenience based on the detection result by the human sensor. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides image forming apparatuses of the following first and second aspects.

(1) Image Forming Apparatus According to First Embodiment An image forming apparatus provided with a human sensor for detecting a person, the obstructing position capable of inhibiting human detection by the human sensor and the retreat position for retracting from the obstructing position And a hindrance member detecting unit that detects whether or not the hindrance member is located at the hindrance position, and the hindrance is detected according to a detection result of the hindrance member detection unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: invalidating a detection result of the human sensor when detecting that a member is located at the inhibition position.

  Here, the human sensor is a sensor that detects whether or not a person is present within a predetermined limited range. Examples of the human sensor include an ultrasonic human sensor using ultrasonic waves, an infrared human sensor using infrared rays, an optical human sensor using visible light, or ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, and infrared rays. The human sensor which combined at least 2 of visible light can be illustrated. Further, as the obstructing member, a member provided so as to be slidable and / or swingable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, more specifically, a mounting for mounting a tablet information terminal or a multifunctional mobile phone. Examples thereof include tray members such as a tray or a paper feed tray for storing paper, an operation member including a keyboard and / or a display device, and a cover member such as an open / close cover that is opened and closed during a paper jam (JAM) process. Moreover, as an aspect of “invalidating the detection result of the human sensor”, a case where an operation based on the detection result of the human sensor is not performed or a case where the detection of the human sensor itself is not performed can be exemplified.

  In the present invention, it has a power saving mode from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which supply energy is smaller than that of the high power consumption state, and the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position according to a detection result of the inhibition member detection unit. When the position is detected, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated, and the high power consumption state can be maintained without entering the power saving mode.

  In the present invention, when the predetermined predetermined condition is satisfied, the power saving mode is entered, and in the power saving mode, the low power consumption of the power saving mode is detected when the presence of a person is detected by the detection result of the human sensor. A mode in which the power state is restored to the high power consumption state can be exemplified.

  In the present invention, the power saving mode includes a first mode that requires a first return time to return from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state, and return from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state. And a second mode that requires a second return time longer than the first return time, and it is possible to set either the first mode or the second mode, and the power saving mode is When the first mode is set, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated even when the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit detects that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position. If the second mode is set as the power saving mode while the power saving mode is entered, the blocking member is detected by the blocking member detection unit according to the detection result of the blocking member detection unit. When it is detected that is located in the position, to disable the detection result of the motion sensors, without entering the power saving mode, it can illustrate aspects of maintaining the high power consumption state.

  In the present invention, it is configured to enter the power saving mode when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor, and when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor However, if the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit detects that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated and the power saving mode is entered. Without limiting, the mode of maintaining the high power consumption state can be exemplified.

  In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which an alarm is issued when it is detected from the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position.

  In the present invention, the inhibition member is a plurality of inhibition members, and when detecting that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position based on a detection result of the inhibition member detection unit, Whether the detection result is invalidated, or whether the detection result of the human sensor is valid regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit can be changed for each of the plurality of inhibition members. It can be illustrated.

(2) Image Forming Apparatus According to Second Embodiment An image forming apparatus provided with a human sensor for detecting a person, comprising an article detecting unit for detecting a removed article to be removed by a user after image formation, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when it is detected from the detection result that the removed article remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated.

  In the present invention, the article detection unit is configured to detect a first detection unit that detects the presence / absence of a recording sheet after image formation, a second detection unit that detects the presence / absence of a document after image formation, And at least one of a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a third detection unit. In the case where it is detected that at least one of the recording sheet, the original, and the storage medium remains after image formation based on one detection result, an example of invalidating the detection result of the human sensor can be exemplified.

  In the present invention, there is a power saving mode for changing from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which supply energy is smaller than that of the high power consumption state, and the removed article remains after image formation according to the detection result of the article detection unit. In the case where it is detected that the power consumption is detected, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated and the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode.

  In the present invention, it is configured to enter the power saving mode when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor, and when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor Even in the case where it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit that the removed article remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated without entering the power saving mode. A mode of maintaining the high power consumption state can be exemplified.

  In the present invention, when the absence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor, the power saving mode is entered. The display device displays display information, and the human sensor detects the result. When detecting that there is no person and entering the power saving mode, after detecting that the removed article remains after the image formation by the detection result of the article detection unit, the human sensor detects the human sensor based on the detection result of the human sensor. In the case where it is detected that there is an item, the display information indicating that the removed article remains is displayed on the display device.

  In the present invention, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which an alarm is issued when it is detected from the detection result of the article detection unit that the removed article remains after image formation.

  In the present invention, the removed article is a plurality of removed articles, and the detection result of the human sensor is detected when it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit that the removed article remains after image formation. It can be exemplified that the setting can be changed for each of the plurality of removed articles, whether to invalidate or to validate the detection result of the human sensor regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a human sensor, and the user forgets to return the inhibition member from the inhibition position to the withdrawal position by performing an operation of positioning the inhibition member from the withdrawal position to the inhibition position, or Even if an article to be removed (for example, at least one of a recording sheet, a manuscript, and a storage medium) remains after image formation, the inconvenience based on the detection result by the human sensor is effectively prevented. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detection range of a human sensor in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting tray and paper feed tray which are tray members as an example of an obstruction member, Comprising: (a) is a figure which shows a mounting tray, (b) is a figure which shows a paper feed tray. is there. It is a perspective view which shows the operation member containing a keyboard as an example of an obstruction member. It is a perspective view which shows the front opening / closing cover and side opening / closing cover which are cover members as an example of an obstruction member, Comprising: (a) is a figure which shows a front opening / closing cover, (b) is a figure which shows a side opening / closing cover. is there. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a keyboard in a placement tray, a paper feed tray, and an operation member as an example of an obstruction member as viewed from the side, where (a) shows the paper feed tray, the placement tray, and the keyboard in a retracted position. It is a figure which shows a state, (b) is a figure which shows the state in which a paper feed tray, a mounting tray, and a keyboard are located in the obstruction position. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a control unit in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by a control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. The top view which shows the display screen in the display apparatus for performing the setting which always makes the detection result of a human sensitive sensor effective regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection part with respect to the inhibition member in the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a characteristic part of a control operation performed by a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9A is a flowchart corresponding to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. (B) is a flowchart corresponding to the third embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which shows the operation part provided with the display apparatus which displays the display information which shows that the removed article | item remains. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. In the image forming apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment, it is a top view which shows the display screen in the display apparatus for performing the setting which always makes the detection result of a human detection sensor effective regardless of the detection result of an article | item detection part with respect to the removed article. is there. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing extracted characteristic portions of an example of a control operation by a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detection range R of the human sensor 150 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 3 to 6 to be described later, the symbol X indicates the horizontal direction, the symbol Y indicates the depth direction, and the symbol Z indicates the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 and a document reading apparatus 120.

  The document reading device 120 is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 110 and includes a document placing table 121, a document reading unit 122, and an automatic document feeder 123. The document reading device 120 reads an image of a document placed on the document table 121 by the document reading unit 122, or reads an image of a document automatically sent by the automatic document feeder 123 at the document reading unit 122. The scanned image data of the original is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The document reading device 120 discharges the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 123 and read by the document reading unit 122 to the document discharge tray 123a.

  The image forming apparatus main body 110 includes a sheet storage unit 111, a sheet conveying unit 112, an image forming unit 113, a sheet discharge unit 114, and an operation unit 115. The image forming apparatus main body 110 stores a recording sheet such as a recording sheet in the sheet storage unit 111, transports the recording sheet stored in the sheet storage unit 111 by the sheet transport unit 112, and is transported by the sheet transport unit 112. A color image or a monochrome image is formed on the recorded sheet by the image forming unit 113 based on the image data transmitted from the document reading device 120 or from the outside, and the recording sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 113 is discharged into the sheet. The sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 114a in the section 114. The operation unit 115 includes an operation member 165 including a display device 164.

  In the present embodiment, image forming apparatus 100 further includes human sensor 150 that detects a person.

  The human sensor 150 is provided at one end portion (right end portion in this example) in the left-right direction X as viewed from the front of the front surface (operation side surface) of the image forming apparatus main body 110 below the operation portion 115.

  The human sensor 150 is a sensor that detects whether or not there is a person within a predetermined limited detection range R (see FIG. 2). The human sensor 150 has directivity within a predetermined detection range R. The detection range R can exemplify a predetermined limited detection range in the left-right direction X, the depth direction Y, the up-down direction Z, and a combination of at least two of these, and in this example, the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Z In FIG. 2, a conical range is formed upward (see FIG. 2).

  In this example, the human sensor 150 is an ultrasonic human sensor using ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic human sensor 150 includes an ultrasonic wave transmission unit 151 and an ultrasonic wave reception unit 152. The ultrasonic wave transmission unit 151 transmits ultrasonic waves to a detection target within a predetermined detection range R. The presence / absence of the object is detected based on the detection result obtained by receiving the reflected wave from the object to be detected by the ultrasonic wave receiving unit 152. In this example, the human sensor 150 is an ultrasonic human sensor using ultrasonic waves, but an infrared human sensor using infrared light, an optical human sensor using visible light, or A human sensor that combines at least two of ultrasonic, infrared, and visible light may be used.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an inhibition member 160 (in this example, a plurality of inhibitions) provided to be movable between an inhibition position that can inhibit human detection by the human sensor 150 and a retreat position that is retracted from the inhibition position. Members 160-160).

  In addition, the 1st detection part 210 to the 3rd detection part 230 which are not demonstrated in FIG.1 and FIG.2 are later mentioned in 5th Embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a loading tray 161 and a paper feed tray 162 which are tray members as an example of the inhibition member 160. FIG. 3A shows the loading tray 161, and FIG. 3B shows the paper feed tray 162. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an operation member 165 including a keyboard 163 as an example of the inhibition member 160. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a front opening / closing cover 166 and a side opening / closing cover 167 which are cover members as an example of the blocking member 160. 5A shows the front opening / closing cover 166, and FIG. 5B shows the side opening / closing cover 167.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the placement tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, and the keyboard 163 of the operation member 165 as an example of the inhibition member 160 as viewed from the side. 6A shows a state where the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, and the keyboard 163 are located at the retracted position, and FIG. 6B shows the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, and The state where the keyboard 163 is located at the inhibition position is shown.

  The inhibition member 160 is a member that is slidable and / or swingable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  Specifically, the obstruction member 160 has a mounting tray 161 that can slide in the depth direction Y with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110 (see FIGS. 3A and 6), and a depth with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. A paper feed tray 162 slidable in the direction Y (see FIGS. 3B and 6), a keyboard 163 slidable in the depth direction Y with respect to the operation member 165 (see FIGS. 4 and 6), and the image forming apparatus main body A front opening / closing cover 166 (see FIG. 5A) that can swing around an axis along the left-right direction X with respect to 110, and a side opening / closing cover 167 that can slide in the left-right direction X with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. (See FIG. 5B). The operation member 165 is provided with a display device 164 that displays display information. Note that the operation member 165 may be provided so as to be swingable about an axis along the left-right direction X with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. In addition, the paper feed tray 162, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167 are unlikely to obstruct human detection by the human sensor 150 in the detection range R of the human sensor 150 as shown in FIG. Since the detection of a person by the human sensor 150 may be hindered depending on the position and / or detection range of 150, this embodiment is exemplified.

  Here, the mounting tray 161 is mainly a tablet tray or a pad tray for mounting a tablet information terminal (so-called tablet) or a multi-function mobile phone (so-called smartphone) to connect to the image forming apparatus 100. Yes. The paper feed tray 162 accommodates paper, and the front open / close cover 166 and the side open / close cover 167 open and close during a paper jam (JAM) process.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 detects whether or not the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, and the keyboard 163 are located at the inhibition position as the inhibition member 160 (FIG. 6). A blocking member detection unit 170 (176) (see FIG. 5A) that detects whether or not the front opening / closing cover 166 is positioned at the blocking position as the blocking member 160, and a side opening / closing cover as the blocking member 160. It further includes an inhibition member detection unit 170 (177) (see FIG. 5B) that detects whether or not 167 is located at the inhibition position.

  Although the inhibition member detection unit 170 is not limited thereto, for example, when the inhibition member 160 is provided to be slidable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110, the inhibition member detection unit 170 is turned on when the inhibition member 160 is stored and inhibited. An example of an on / off switch (specifically, a micro switch) that turns off when the member 160 protrudes from the image forming apparatus main body 110 can be illustrated. When the inhibition member 160 is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 110. An on / off switch (specifically, a micro switch) that is turned on when the inhibition member 160 is stored and turned off when the inhibition member 160 protrudes from the image forming apparatus main body 110, or a rotation angle of the inhibition member 160 is detected. An angle sensor can be exemplified.

[Control unit]
The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 180 (see FIG. 7) that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the control unit 180 uses the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (in this example, at least one of the inhibition member detection units 171 to 173, 176, and 177) based on the detection result of the inhibition member 160 (mounted in this example). When it is detected that at least one of the tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, and the keyboard 163) is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated.

  Specifically, the control unit 180 has a power saving mode in which the image forming apparatus 100 is changed from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which supply energy is smaller than that in the high power consumption state. Here, the low power consumption state in the power saving mode is a concept including a state in which power is not supplied from the power source (main power source 191 in this example).

  In this example, the control unit 180 does not have a person when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100 continues for a predetermined time and / or by the detection result of the human sensor 150). The power saving mode is entered). In this example, the standby state is an image forming operation standby state. Here, the standby state of the image forming operation is a state where the image forming operation can be performed immediately. Specifically, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus main body 110 is a specified temperature (for example, 170) at the time of the image forming operation. The fixing power is maintained at a specified temperature (for example, 170 ° C.) and the control unit 180 is activated. In this example, the power saving mode is a predetermined power saving temperature (for example, 150 ° C.) that is lower than a specified temperature (for example, 170 ° C.) during the image forming operation in the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus main body 110. Power saving power is supplied and the control unit 180 is activated. Therefore, in this example, the high power consumption state means a standby state, and the low power consumption state means a state of a power saving mode.

  Further, in the power saving mode, the control unit 180 is configured to return from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state in the power saving mode when the presence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150.

  Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main power source 191 and a sub power source 192 (energy saving power source) as shown in FIG.

  In the main power supply 191, a control system line indicated by a thin line is electrically connected to the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181), and a power system line indicated by a thick line is the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120. Is electrically connected.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is put into the image forming operation standby state, the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181) indicates an instruction signal indicating that the image forming apparatus 100 is put into the image forming operation standby state or the image forming apparatus 100. Is transmitted to the main power supply 191 to indicate that the power saving mode is set.

  The control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181) includes a processing unit 181a including a microcomputer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile rewritable data. And a storage unit 181b including a storage device such as a volatile memory.

  The control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181) causes the processing unit 181a to load a control program stored in advance in the ROM of the storage unit 181b onto the RAM of the storage unit 181b, and execute the control program. Operation control is performed. The RAM of the storage unit 181b provides a working work area and an area as an image memory for storing image data to the processing unit 181a.

  The sub power source 192 includes a power system line indicated by a bold line, such as the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181 and the sub control unit 182), the human sensor 150, the operation unit 115, and the obstruction member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176). , 177), and electrically connected to the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181 and the sub control unit 182), the human sensor 150, the operation unit 115, and the inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176). , 177) is always supplied with electric power.

  The human sensor 150 has a control system line indicated by a thin line electrically connected to an input system of the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181), and indicates a signal indicating that a person is present or not. A signal is transmitted to the control unit 180. Thereby, the human sensor 150 can make the control part 180 recognize whether a person exists or does not exist.

  The operation unit 115 is electrically connected to a control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181) by a control system line indicated by a thin line, and transmits operation information to the control unit 180 or sent from the control unit 180. The displayed display information is displayed. The operation unit 115 includes an alarm buzzer 115a, and an alarm sound is generated by the alarm buzzer 115a in response to an instruction signal sent from the control unit 180.

  The inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176, 177) has a control system line indicated by a thin line electrically connected to an input system of the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181). A signal indicating that (161 to 163, 166, 167) is positioned at the retracted position or a signal indicating that it is positioned at the inhibition position is transmitted to the control unit 180. Thereby, the inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176, 177) determines whether the inhibition member 160 (161 to 163, 166, 167) is located at the retracted position or the inhibition position. It can be recognized by the control unit 180.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120, a control system line indicated by a thin line is electrically connected to the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181). The control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181) transmits an instruction signal indicating that the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120 are in the image forming operation standby state to the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120. As a result, the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120 are set in the image forming operation standby state, while an instruction signal indicating that the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120 are set in the power saving mode is received. In addition, the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the document reading apparatus 120 are set in a power saving mode by transmitting to the document reading apparatus 120.

  When the control unit 180 detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170, the control unit 180 invalidates the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode. Without being in a high power consumption state. Further, the control unit 180 is configured to issue an alarm when it is detected from the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position. In this example, the control unit 180 issues a warning for a predetermined time. The control unit 180 may be configured to issue an alarm until it is detected from the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 that the inhibition member 160 is located at the retracted position.

  Here, the mode of issuing an alarm is an alarm sound from an alarm buzzer 115a (see FIG. 7) provided in the operation unit 115. The mode of issuing the alarm is not limited to the alarm sound from the alarm buzzer 115a. For example, the alarm sound from the chime device or the sound for outputting the sound informing that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position. Audio from the output unit may be used.

  In FIG. 7, an article detection unit 200 (in this example, the first detection unit 210 to the third detection unit 230) that are not described will be described later in the fifth embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, first, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S1), the control unit 180 positions the inhibition member 160 in the retracted position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. Whether or not this is detected (step S2), the inhibition member 160 (specifically, mounted) based on the detection results of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (specifically, the inhibition member detection units 171 to 173, 176, and 177). When it is detected that at least one of the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, the keyboard 163, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167 is not in the retracted position (that is, in the blocking position) (Step S2: No), an alarm is issued by the alarm buzzer 115a (step S3) without entering the power saving mode (step S3). -Up S4), the flow returns to step S2. On the other hand, the control unit 180 determines the inhibition member 160 (specifically, the placement tray 161 and the paper feed tray 162) based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (specifically, the inhibition member detection units 171 to 173, 176, and 177). When it is detected that the keyboard 163, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167 are all in the retracted position (step S2: Yes), the power saving mode is entered (step S5).

  Next, the control unit 180 turns on the human sensor 150 to detect a person (step S6), and determines whether or not a person is detected based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 (step S7). . When the control unit 180 detects that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 (step S7: No), the control unit 180 continues the power saving mode (step S8) and returns to step S7. On the other hand, when the control unit 180 detects that there is a person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 (step S7: Yes), the control unit 180 returns from the low power consumption state of the power saving mode to the high power consumption state (step S7). S9) The image forming apparatus 100 is set in a standby state.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the inhibition member 160 (in this example, listed on the basis of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (in this example, at least one of the inhibition member detection units 171 to 173, 176, and 177)). If it is detected that at least one of the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, and the keyboard 163) is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated. Even if the member 160 is forgotten to return from the obstructed position to the retracted position by performing an operation of positioning the member 160 from the retracted position to the obstructed position, It is possible to effectively prevent inconvenience based on the detection result of the sensor 150 (specifically, malfunction based on the detection result of the human sensor 150). It made.

  By the way, when the obstructing member 160 is located at the obstructing position, there is a possibility that even if the person is absent, the person may come back and operate the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, continue the job). Regardless, when the power saving mode is entered, in order to perform an image forming operation on the image forming apparatus 100, the user waits until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to the standby state.

  In this regard, the first embodiment has a power saving mode for switching from the high power consumption state to the low power consumption state, and detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. In this case, by invalidating the detection result of the human sensor 150 and maintaining the high power consumption state without entering the power saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 can be prevented from entering the power saving mode. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from waiting until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to a standby state in which the operation can be performed immediately (in this example, the image forming operation standby state).

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, when it detects that the inhibition member 160 is located in the inhibition position by the detection result of the inhibition member detection part 170, the inhibition member 160 is located in the inhibition position by issuing an alarm. Can alert the user that

  As described in the present embodiment, the power saving mode is entered when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the presence of a person is detected based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 in the power saving mode. The present invention can be effectively applied to a configuration in which a low power consumption state is restored to a high power consumption state.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 180 sets the main control unit 181 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 and the main control unit 181 to be in an activated state (control operation standby state). And a sub-control unit 182 that controls whether the main control unit 181 is started or stopped (control operation standby state). Here, the “starting state (control operation standby state)” means a state in which the program is started in the main control unit 181, and the “starting stop state of the main control unit 181 (control operation standby state)” A state in which the program is not activated in the main control unit 181 and the power supply is stopped except that the program and settings being worked on by the main control unit 181 are left in the memory.

  The main control unit 181 is electrically connected to the sub control unit 182. The sub-control unit 182 transmits an instruction signal indicating that the main control unit 181 is activated (control operation standby state) to the main control unit 181, thereby causing the main control unit 181 to be activated (control operation standby state). On the other hand, an instruction signal indicating that the main control unit 181 is in the start / stop state (control operation standby state) is transmitted to the main control unit 181, thereby causing the main control unit 181 to be in the start / stop state (control operation standby state). It is supposed to be.

  The power saving mode is a first mode that requires a first return time to return from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state, and is longer than the first return time to return from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state. And a second mode requiring a second return time. The control unit 180 can set either the first mode or the second mode.

  The control unit 180 has a plurality of power consumption modes (in this example, a high power consumption mode, a medium power consumption mode, and a low power consumption mode). Specifically, the fixing power in the image forming apparatus main body 110 is supplied with a specified power whose fixing temperature is a specified temperature (for example, 170 ° C.) during the image forming operation, and the fixing temperature is maintained at a specified temperature (for example, 170 ° C.). When the state in which the control unit 180 is activated is set to the image forming operation standby state, the high power consumption mode, the medium power consumption mode, and the low power consumption mode can be set to the following modes.

  That is, in the high power consumption mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus main body 110 becomes a predetermined power saving temperature (for example, 150 ° C.) lower than a specified temperature (for example, 170 ° C.) during the image forming operation. A mode in which power is supplied and the control unit 180 is in an activated state (control operation standby state) can be set. The medium power consumption mode can be a mode in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the control unit 180 is in an activated state (control operation standby state). Further, the low power consumption mode can be a mode in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the control unit 180 is in a start / stop state (control operation standby state). .

  Here, in the operations related to the image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus main body 110, the high power consumption mode, the medium power consumption mode, and the low power consumption mode save power with respect to the image forming operation standby state (high power consumption state). Mode (low power consumption state). In this case, the time required to return from the power saving mode to the image forming operation standby state becomes longer in the order of the high power consumption mode, the medium power consumption mode, and the low power consumption mode. In this example, in the operation related to the image forming operation, the first mode is the high power consumption mode and the second mode is the low power consumption mode. Note that in an operation that is not related to an image forming operation such as an image reading operation of an original image by the original reading device 120, the medium power consumption mode is a control operation standby state (high power consumption state), and the low power consumption mode is medium power consumption The power saving mode (low power consumption state) is set for the mode control operation standby state (high power consumption state).

  Specifically, the control unit 180 is configured to set in advance one of the first mode and the second mode by accepting a selection operation by an operator such as a user or a serviceman by the operation unit 115.

  Further, when the first mode is set by the operator's selection operation in the power saving mode, the control unit 180 transfers the fixing temperature in the image forming apparatus main body 110 from the main power supply 191 to the image forming apparatus main body 110. Supplies power-saving power at a power-saving temperature (for example, 150 ° C.) and puts the main control unit 181 into an activated state (control operation standby state). In addition, when the second mode is set by the operator's selection operation when the control unit 180 enters the power saving mode, the control unit 180 does not supply power to the image forming apparatus main body 110 and the main control unit 181 is switched on. Start / stop state (control operation standby state).

  By the way, when the first mode is set as the power saving mode, the control unit 180 switches from the low power consumption state of the power saving mode to the high power consumption state with a first return time shorter than the second return time of the second mode. In order to restore, the user does not wait much until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to the standby state (in this example, the standby state of the image forming operation). On the other hand, when the second mode is set as the power saving mode, the control unit 180 increases the power consumption from the low power consumption state in the power saving mode with a second return time longer than the first return time in the first mode. By returning to the state, the user waits until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to the standby state (in this example, the image forming operation standby state).

  From such a viewpoint, in the second embodiment, when the first mode is set as the power saving mode, the control unit 180 indicates that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. Even if it is detected, the power saving mode is entered without invalidating the detection result of the human sensor 150, but when the second mode is set as the power saving mode, the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 is used. When it is detected that the inhibiting member 160 is located at the inhibiting position, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated, and the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  The flowchart of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is obtained by providing the process of step S31 between the process of step S3 and the process of step S4 in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the flowchart of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the same processes as those in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, in step S31, the control unit 180 determines whether or not the second mode is set as the power saving mode, and if the second mode is set ( On the other hand, if the second mode is not set (that is, if the first mode is set) (step S31: No), the process proceeds to step S5. Note that the process of step S31 may be provided before the process of step S3.

  Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the first mode is set as the power saving mode, the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position. Even so, by entering the power saving mode without invalidating the detection result of the human sensor 150, the power saving mode of the first mode having the first return time shorter than the second return time of the second mode is set. be able to. On the other hand, when the second mode is set as the power saving mode, when the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is displayed. By disabling and maintaining the high power consumption state without entering the power saving mode, it is possible to avoid entering the power saving mode of the second mode having a second return time longer than the first return time of the first mode. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from waiting until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to a standby state in which the operation can be performed immediately (in this example, the image forming operation standby state).

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, description of the same points as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  In the third embodiment, the control unit 180 is configured to enter the power saving mode when the absence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150.

  By the way, even if there is no person, there is a possibility that when the obstructing member 160 is located at the obstructing position, the person may come back and operate the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, continue the job). Regardless, when the power saving mode is entered, in order to perform an image forming operation on the image forming apparatus 100, the user waits until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to the standby state.

  From this point of view, in the third embodiment, even when the control unit 180 detects the absence of a person from the detection result of the human sensor 150, the inhibition member is inhibited by the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. When the position is detected, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated, and the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode.

  In addition, when the control unit 180 detects that there is no person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode, the inhibition member 160 is positioned at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. When this is detected, an alarm is issued. In this example, the control unit 180 issues a warning for a predetermined time. The control unit 180 may be configured to issue an alarm until it is detected from the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 that the inhibition member 160 is located at the retracted position.

  Here, the mode of issuing an alarm is the same as in the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

  In the flowchart of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10, first, the control unit 180 turns on the human sensor 150 to always detect a person (step S101), and the user performs a job (step S102).

  Next, the control unit 180 determines whether or not a person is detected based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 (step S103), and detects that a person is present based on the detection result of the human sensor 150. (Step S103: Yes), the high power consumption state is maintained (step S104). On the other hand, when the control unit 180 detects that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 (step S103: No), the control unit 180 proceeds to step S105.

  Next, the control unit 180 determines whether or not the inhibition member 160 has been detected at the retracted position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (step S105). The control unit 180 determines the inhibition member 160 (specifically, the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, the keyboard) based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (specifically, the inhibition member detection units 171 to 173, 176, and 177). 163, all of the front opening / closing cover 166 and the side opening / closing cover 167) are detected to be in the retracted position (step S105: Yes), it is determined that the user has finished the job and the power saving mode is entered. (Step S106). On the other hand, the control unit 180 determines the inhibition member 160 (specifically, the placement tray 161 and the paper feed tray 162) based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (specifically, the inhibition member detection units 171 to 173, 176, and 177). When it is detected that at least one of the keyboard 163, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167 is not in the retracted position (that is, when it is detected that the keyboard is positioned in the inhibition position) ( Step S105: No), an alarm is issued by the alarm buzzer 115a (Step S107), and it is determined that the user is continuing the job and the power saving mode is not entered (Step S108), and the process proceeds to Step S103.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the power saving mode is entered when it is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150 that the person is not present. Even when it is detected that there is no presence, if the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated. By maintaining the high power consumption state without entering the power saving mode, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 100 from entering the power saving mode even if there is no person and the person returns. It is possible to prevent the user from waiting until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to a standby state where the image forming apparatus 100 can immediately operate.

  In the third embodiment, when the absence of a person is detected based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 and the power saving mode is entered, the inhibition member 160 is positioned at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. When the presence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and the power saving mode is entered by issuing an alarm when the presence of the presence is detected, the inhibition member 160 is positioned at the inhibition position Can alert the user.

  Note that the flowchart of the third embodiment may be a continuation of the process of step S9 of the flowcharts of the first and second embodiments.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, description of the same points as in the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 180 invalidates the detection result of the human sensor 150 when the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position. Alternatively, regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170, whether the detection result of the human sensor 150 is valid can be changed for each of the plurality of inhibition members 160 to 160. In this example, when the control unit 180 detects that the inhibition member 160 is located at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170, the control unit 180 maintains the high power consumption state without entering the power saving mode. Alternatively, it is possible to change the setting for each of the plurality of inhibition members 160 to 160 whether to enter the power saving mode regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the inhibition member 160 (161 to 163, 166, 167) in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176, 177). It is a top view which shows the display screen in the display apparatus 164 for performing the setting which always makes the detection result of the human sensitive sensor 150 effective.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unit 180 accepts a selection operation by an operator such as a user or a serviceman by the operation unit 115, thereby detecting the detection result of the human sensor 150 regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170. Is set in advance (whether or not the power saving mode is always entered in this example) is set in advance (a check mark is added in the example of FIG. 11). In the example of FIG. 11, an example is shown in which check marks are added to the columns of the paper feed tray 162, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167. If a check mark is added to the column of the inhibition member 160, a check mark is attached to all of the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, the keyboard 163, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167. When the check mark in the column is removed, all the check marks on the loading tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, the keyboard 163, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167 are removed.

  A flag that always makes the detection result of the human sensor 150 valid for the inhibition member 160 to which the check mark is given by the selection operation by the operator shown in FIG. 11 is set (stored) in the storage unit 181b (see FIG. 7). The

  And the control part 180 always validates the detection result of the human sensitive sensor 150 among the obstruction members 160 (in this example, the mounting tray 161, the paper feed tray 162, the keyboard 163, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167). For the obstructing member 160 (in the example of FIG. 11, the paper feed tray 162, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167) that is set (stored) in the storage unit 181b, the flag is set in the storage unit 181b. The inhibition member detection unit 170 (172, 176, 177 in the example of FIG. 11) that detects the inhibition member 160 (memory tray 162, the front opening / closing cover 166, and the side opening / closing cover 167 in the example of FIG. 11) that is stored. Regardless of the detection result, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is always validated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing extracted characteristic portions of an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a flowchart corresponding to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and FIG. 12B shows a flowchart corresponding to the third embodiment.

  The flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12A is the flowchart of the first embodiment and the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the process of step S11 is provided before the process of step S2. It is. In the flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the same processes as those in the flowcharts of the first embodiment and the second embodiment shown in FIGS. To do.

  In the flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the control unit 180 always validates the detection result of the human sensor 150 for the inhibition member 160 (161 to 163, 166, 167) in step S11. It is determined whether or not the flag is set (specifically, whether or not the flag that always enters the power saving mode is set). If the flag is set (step S11: Yes), step S5 is performed. While the process proceeds to (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and enters the power saving mode, if the flag is not set (step S11: No), the process proceeds to step S2.

  The flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12B is the same as the flowchart of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 except that the process of step S1031 is provided before the process of step S105. In the flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the same processes as those in the flowchart of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit 180 always validates the detection result of the human sensor 150 for the inhibition member 160 (161 to 163, 166, 167) in step S1031. It is determined whether or not a flag is set (specifically, whether or not a flag that always enters the power saving mode is set). If the flag is set (step S1031: Yes), step S106 is performed. When the process proceeds to (see FIG. 10) and enters the power saving mode, when the flag is not set (step S1031: No), the process proceeds to step S105.

  Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, the inhibition member 160 (161 to 163, 166, 167 in this example) is inhibited by the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176, 177 in this example). Regardless of whether the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated when it is detected that the position is located, or the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176, and 177 in this example). Whether the detection result of the human sensor 150 is valid can be changed for each of the plurality of inhibition members 160 (161 to 163, 166, and 167 in this example), so that the inhibition member 160 (161 in this example is 161). ˜163, 166, 167) depending on the type, the inhibition member 160 (in this example, the inhibition member 160 (171-173, 176, 177) is detected based on the detection result. In this example, when it is detected that 161 to 163, 166, and 167) are located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated (in this example, without entering the power saving mode, high consumption) Whether to maintain the power state), or whether to enable the detection result of the human sensor 150 regardless of the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit 170 (171 to 173, 176, 177 in this example) (in this example, power saving) To enter the mode).

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, description of the same points as in the above-described configuration will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 100 removes an article 240 (at least one of the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M in this example) to be removed by the user after image formation. An article detection unit 200 for detection is provided, and the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated when it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the removed article 240 remains after image formation. Yes.

  Specifically, in the sub power source 192, the power system line indicated by a thick line is electrically connected to the article detection unit 200 (210 to 230), and always supplies power to the article detection unit 200 (210 to 230). It has become.

  The article detection unit 200 includes a first detection unit 210 (see FIG. 1 and the like) that detects the presence / absence of the recording sheet P after the image formation, and a second detection unit 220 (FIG. 1) that detects the presence / absence of the document G after the image formation. ) And the presence / absence of the image forming apparatus main body 110 (specifically, the connection connector 110a (see FIG. 1 etc.) provided in the operation unit 115) after the image formation of the storage medium M that can be attached and detached. At least one (in this example, the 1st detection part 210, the 2nd detection part 220, and the 3rd detection part 230) is provided among the 3rd detection parts 230 (refer to Drawing 1 etc.) to detect.

  Examples of the first detection unit 210 include an actuator type switch and a reflection type photo sensor that are turned on and off depending on the presence or absence of the recording sheet P. Examples of the second detection unit 220 include an actuator type switch and a reflection type photo sensor that are turned on and off depending on the presence or absence of the document G. A sensor can be exemplified. Moreover, as the storage medium M, typically, a USB (registered trademark) (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card can be exemplified, and the third detection unit 230 depends on the presence or absence of the storage medium M. Examples include an interface (for example, a USB (registered trademark) memory interface or an SD memory card interface) that sends a signal to be connected or disconnected.

  In the first detection unit 210, the control system line indicated by a thin line is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181), and the recording sheet P after image formation is the sheet discharge unit 114. A signal indicating that the sheet is left in the sheet discharge tray 114a (see FIG. 1 or the like) or a signal indicating that it is not left is transmitted to the control unit 180. Accordingly, the first detection unit 210 can cause the control unit 180 to recognize whether or not the recording sheet P remains on the sheet discharge tray 114a.

  In the second detection unit 220, a control system line indicated by a thin line is electrically connected to an input system of the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181). A signal indicating that the document is left on the document discharge tray 123a (see FIG. 1 or the like) in the automatic document feeder 123 is transmitted to the control unit 180. Accordingly, the second detection unit 220 can cause the control unit 180 to recognize whether or not the document G remains on the document placing table 121 or the document discharge tray 123a.

  Further, in the third detection unit 230, a control system line indicated by a thin line is electrically connected to an input system of the control unit 180 (in this example, the main control unit 181), and the storage medium M after image formation is subjected to image formation. A signal indicating that the connection connector 110 a in the operation unit 115 of the apparatus main body 110 is left or a signal indicating that it is not left is transmitted to the control unit 180. Thereby, the 3rd detection part 230 can make the control part 180 recognize whether the storage medium M remains in the connection connector 110a.

  The first detection unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230 can be conventionally known ones, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Then, the control unit 180 removes the article 240 (recorded in this example) according to the detection result of the article detection unit 200 (in this example, at least one of the first detection unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230). When it is detected that at least one of the sheet P, the document G, and the storage medium M remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated.

  Specifically, the control unit 180 has a power saving mode for changing from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which supply energy is smaller than that in the high power consumption state. Here, the low power consumption state in the power saving mode is a concept including a state in which power is not supplied from the power source (main power source 191 in this example).

  If the control unit 180 detects that the removed article 240 remains after the image formation based on the detection result of the article detection unit 200, the control unit 180 invalidates the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode without entering the power saving mode. It is configured to maintain the power consumption state.

  In this example, the control unit 180 is configured to enter the power saving mode when it is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150 that there is no person. Even when the control unit 180 detects that there is no person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150, the control unit 180 detects that the article 240 is removed and remains after the image formation by the detection result of the article detection unit 200. Is configured to maintain the high power consumption state without invalidating the detection result of the human sensor 150 and entering the power saving mode.

  Further, the control unit 180 is configured to issue an alarm when it is detected from the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the article 240 remains after image formation. Specifically, the control unit 180 detects the absence of a person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode, the first detection unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230. When it is detected that at least one of the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M remains after image formation based on at least one detection result, an alarm is issued. In this example, the control unit 180 issues a warning for a predetermined time. It should be noted that the control unit 180 has at least one of the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M remaining after image formation based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230. It may be configured to issue an alarm until it is detected that all of one has been lost.

  Here, the mode of issuing an alarm is the same as in the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In addition, when the control unit 180 detects that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode, the article detection unit 200 remains after the image formation by the detection result of the article detection unit 200. Display information (message ME in this example) indicating that the removed article 240 (in this example, the detection target detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) remains is displayed on the display device 164. It is configured to be displayed.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing the operation unit 115 provided with a display device 164 that displays a message ME indicating that the removed article 240 remains. FIG. 13 shows a message ME indicating that the storage medium M (memory in this example) remains.

  When the recording sheet P remains, for example, a message ME “printing paper is remaining” is displayed on the display device 164 as the message ME indicating that the recording sheet P remains. When the document G remains, a message ME indicating that the document G remains is displayed on the display device 164, for example, a message ME “Forgot to delete document”. Further, when the storage medium M (for example, memory) remains, for example, a message ME indicating that the storage medium M (for example, memory) remains, for example, a message ME that “the memory is still inserted”. Is displayed on the display device 164.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The flowchart of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is different from the flowchart of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in that step S201 is provided instead of the process of step S105, and between the process of step S107 and the process of step S108. The process of step S202 is provided. In the flowchart of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the same processes as those in the flowchart of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 180 detects the article detection unit 200 (specifically, the first detection unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230) in step S201. It is determined whether or not it is detected that the removed article 240 is lost after the image formation based on the result, and when the removed article 240 is lost after the image formation (specifically, the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M). Are all lost after image formation) (step S201: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106 and enters the power saving mode, while the removed article 240 is not lost after image formation (specifically, the recording sheet). If at least one of P, document G, and storage medium M remains after image formation (step S201: No), A warning is issued by the buzzer 115a (step S107), and a message ME indicating that the removed article 240 (specifically, a detection target detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) remains on the display device 164. Display (step S202), without entering the power saving mode (step S108), the process proceeds to step S103. Here, when there are two or more removed articles 240 (specifically, detection targets detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M), a message indicating that two or more removed articles 240 remain. The ME may be displayed on the display device 164 simultaneously or sequentially on the display device 164.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the article detection unit 200 (which detects at least one of the recording sheet P, the document G, and the storage medium M in this example) that is to be removed by the user after the image formation. In this example, the removed article 240 (in this example, at least one of the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) is detected based on the detection result of the first detection unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230. When it is detected that one of them remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated, so that the removed article 240 (in this example, the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) is removed. Even if at least one) remains, it is possible to effectively prevent inconvenience based on the detection result by the human sensor 150. .

  By the way, when the removed article 240 remains after the image formation, even if there is no more person, the person may come back and operate the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, continue the job). If the power saving mode is entered, in order to perform an image forming operation on the image forming apparatus 100, the user waits until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to the standby state.

  In this regard, the fifth embodiment has a power saving mode in which the high power consumption state is changed to the low power consumption state, and when it is detected from the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the article 240 remains after image formation. The image forming apparatus 100 can be prevented from entering the power saving mode by invalidating the detection result of the human sensor 150 and maintaining the high power consumption state without entering the power saving mode. It is possible to prevent the user from waiting until the forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving mode to a standby state where the forming apparatus 100 can immediately operate.

  Moreover, in 5th Embodiment, it is set as the structure which enters into a power saving mode, when it detects that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150, and it is determined that there is no person by the detection result of the human sensor 150. Even if it is detected, if it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the article 240 remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated and the power saving mode is entered. By maintaining the high power consumption state, the image forming apparatus 100 can be prevented from entering the power saving mode even if the person disappears and the person returns, and thus the image forming apparatus 100 can save power. From the mode, the user can be prevented from waiting until returning to the standby state where the operation can be performed immediately.

  In the fifth embodiment, when it is detected from the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the removed article 240 remains after image formation, an alarm is issued to leave the removed article 240 remaining after image formation. Can alert the user. In this example, when detecting that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and entering the power saving mode, it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the article 240 is removed and remains after image formation. In addition, by issuing an alarm, when detecting that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and entering the power saving mode, the user is warned that the removed article 240 remains after image formation. Can do.

  Further, in the fifth embodiment, when the absence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and the power saving mode is entered, the article 240 is removed by the detection result of the article detection unit 200 and remains after image formation. When the display unit 164 displays display information indicating that the removed article 240 remains when the detection is detected, it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode. In addition, it is possible to notify the user that the removed article 240 (in this example, the detection target detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) remains.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, the description of the same points as in the fifth embodiment will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 180 detects the absence of a person from the detection result of the human sensor 150 and enters the power saving mode, and the article 240 remains after the image is formed by the detection result of the article detection unit 200. When the presence of a person is detected based on the detection result of the human sensor 150, the removed article 240 (in this example, the detection target detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) is detected. Is displayed on the display device 164 (in this example, the message ME) indicating that the message remains.

  Note that the display information indicating that the detected detection object remains among the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M is the same as the content described in the fifth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment.

  The flowchart of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the flowchart of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14 except that the process of step S2011 is provided between the process of step S107 and the process of step S202. In the flowchart of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the same processes as those in the flowchart of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 180 determines whether or not a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150 after the process of step S107 (step S2011). When it is detected from the detection result of the human sensor 150 that there is a person (step S2011: Yes), the removed article 240 (specifically, a detection target detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M). Is displayed on the display device 164 (step S202), and the process proceeds to step S108. Here, when there are two or more removed articles 240 (specifically, detection targets detected from the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M), a message ME indicating that two or more detection targets remain. May be simultaneously displayed on the display device 164 or sequentially displayed on the display device 164. On the other hand, when the control unit 180 detects that there is no person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 (step S2011: No), the control unit 180 proceeds to step S108 as it is.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the article detection unit 200 includes the display device 164 that displays the display information and enters the power saving mode by detecting the absence of a person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150. After detecting that the removed article 240 remains after the image formation based on the detection result, and detecting that there is a person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150, the removed article 240 (in this example, the recording sheet P, the original document) is detected. G and the storage medium M to be detected) are displayed on the display device 164 to detect the absence of a person based on the detection result of the human sensor 150 and to save power. Upon entering, when the user once disappears and returns, the removed article 240 (in this example, the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium) That is left detection target) detected among the M can inform the user.

(Seventh embodiment)
In the seventh embodiment, description of the same points as in the fifth and sixth embodiments will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  In the seventh embodiment, the control unit 180 invalidates the detection result of the human sensor 150 when it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit 200 that the removed article 240 remains after image formation, or Regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit 200, whether to enable the detection result of the human sensor 150 can be changed for each of the plurality of removed articles 240 (in this example, for each of the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M). It is said that. In this example, if the control unit 180 detects that the removed article 240 remains after image formation based on the detection result of the article detection unit 200, does the control unit 180 maintain the high power consumption state without entering the power saving mode? Alternatively, whether to enter the power saving mode regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit 200 can be set and changed for each of the plurality of articles 240.

  FIG. 16 shows the detection result of the human sensor 150 regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit 200 (210 to 230) for the removed article 240 (P, G, M) in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment. It is a top view which shows the display screen in the display apparatus 164 for performing the setting which always validates.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the control unit 180 accepts a selection operation by an operator such as a user or a serviceman by the operation unit 115, thereby detecting the detection result of the human sensor 150 regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit 200. Whether to always enable (in this example, whether to always enter the power saving mode) is set in advance (in the example of FIG. 16, a check mark is added). In the example of FIG. 16, an example in which check marks are added to the columns of the original G and the storage medium M is shown. If a check mark is added to the column of the removed article 240, a check mark is added to all of the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M, and if a check mark is removed from the column of the removed article 240, the record is recorded. All check marks on the sheet P, the document G, and the storage medium M are removed.

  A flag that always validates the detection result of the human sensor 150 is set (stored) in the storage unit 181b (see FIG. 7) for the removed article 240 that has been checked by the selection operation by the operator shown in FIG. The

  Then, the control unit 180 sets (stores) a flag that always enables the detection result of the human sensor 150 among the removed articles 240 (in this example, the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) in the storage unit 181b. For the removed article 240 (the original G and the storage medium M in the example of FIG. 16), the removed article 240 (the original G and the storage medium in the example of FIG. 16) whose flag is set (stored) in the storage unit 181b. M) always detects the detection result of the human sensor 150 regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit 200 (the second detection unit 220 and the third detection unit 230 in the example of FIG. 16).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing extracted characteristic portions of an example of a control operation by the control unit 180 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment.

  The flowchart of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is obtained by providing the process of step S203 before the process of step S201 in the flowcharts of the fifth and sixth embodiments shown in FIGS. In the flowchart of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the same processes as those in the flowcharts of the fifth and sixth embodiments shown in FIG. 14 and FIG.

  In the flowchart of the seventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the control unit 180 always validates the detection result of the human sensor 150 for the removed article 240 (recording sheet P, document G, and storage medium M) in step S203. It is determined whether or not a flag is set (specifically, whether or not a flag that always enters the power saving mode is set). If the flag is set (step S203: Yes), step S106 is performed. While the process proceeds to (see FIGS. 14 and 15) and enters the power saving mode, if the flag is not set (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S201.

  Thus, according to the seventh embodiment, the removed article 240 (recorded in this example) is detected based on the detection results of the article detecting unit 200 (in this example, the first detecting unit 210, the second detecting unit 220, and the third detecting unit 230). When it is detected that the sheet P, the document G, and the storage medium M) remain after the image formation, the detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated, or the article detection unit 200 (the first detection unit in this example) 210, whether the detection result of the human sensor 150 is valid regardless of the detection results of the second detection unit 220 and the third detection unit 230), a plurality of removed articles 240 (in this example, the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage) Since the setting can be changed for each medium M), the article detection unit 200 (the first in this example is the first) according to the type of the removed article 240 (the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M in this example). When it is detected from the detection results of the intelligent unit 210, the second detection unit 220, and the third detection unit 230 that the removed article 240 (in this example, the recording sheet P, the original G, and the storage medium M) remains after image formation. The detection result of the human sensor 150 is invalidated (in this example, the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode), or the article detection unit 200 (in this example, the first detection unit 210, Regardless of the detection results of the second detection unit 220 and the third detection unit 230), it is possible to determine whether the detection result of the human sensor 150 is valid (in this example, whether to enter the power saving mode).

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, such an embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Image forming apparatus main body 110a Connection connector 111 Sheet accommodating part 112 Sheet conveying part 113 Image forming part 114 Sheet discharge part 114a Sheet discharge tray 115 Operation part 115a Alarm buzzer 120 Document reading apparatus 121 Document mounting table 122 Document reading part 123 Automatic document feeder 123a Original document discharge tray 150 Human sensor 151 Ultrasonic wave transmitter 152 Ultrasonic wave receiver 160 Inhibiting member 161 Loading tray 162 Paper feed tray 163 Keyboard 164 Display device 165 Operation member 166 Front opening / closing cover 167 Side Opening / Closing Cover 170 Inhibiting Member Detection Unit 171 Inhibiting Member Detection Unit 172 Inhibiting Member Detection Unit 173 Inhibiting Member Detection Unit 176 Inhibiting Member Detection Unit 177 Inhibiting Member Detection Unit 180 Control Unit 181 Main Control Unit 181a Processing Unit 181b Storage Unit 1 2 sub-controller 191 main power (an example of a power supply)
192 Sub power supply 200 Article detection unit 210 First detection unit 220 Second detection unit 230 Third detection unit 240 Removed article G Document M Storage medium ME Message P Recording sheet R Detection range X Left-right direction Y Depth direction Z Up-down direction

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus having a human sensor for detecting a person,
An inhibition member provided movably between an inhibition position capable of inhibiting human detection by the human sensor and a retreat position retracted from the inhibition position;
An inhibition member detection unit that detects whether or not the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position;
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit detects that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Having a power saving mode from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which the supply energy is smaller than the high power consumption state;
When it is detected by the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated, and the high energy saving mode is entered without entering the power saving mode. An image forming apparatus that maintains a power consumption state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The power-saving mode is entered when a predetermined condition is established in advance, and when the presence of a person is detected from the detection result of the human sensor in the power-saving mode, the low-power consumption state of the power-saving mode is An image forming apparatus having a configuration for returning to a high power consumption state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The power saving mode includes a first mode that requires a first return time for returning from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state, and the first mode for returning from the low power consumption state to the high power consumption state. A second mode that requires a second return time longer than the one return time;
Either one of the first mode and the second mode can be set,
When the first mode is set as the power saving mode, the human sensor is used even when the inhibition member is detected to be located at the inhibition position based on the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit. While entering the power saving mode without invalidating the detection result of
When the second mode is set as the power saving mode, when the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit detects that the inhibition member is positioned at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor And the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein
It is configured to enter the power saving mode when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor,
Even when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor, when it is detected that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position by the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit The image forming apparatus, wherein the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated and the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
An image forming apparatus characterized by issuing an alarm when detecting that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position based on a detection result of the inhibition member detection unit. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
The inhibition member is a plurality of inhibition members,
When the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit detects that the inhibition member is located at the inhibition position, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated, or the detection result of the inhibition member detection unit Regardless of whether the detection result of the human sensor is valid or not, it is possible to change the setting for each of the plurality of obstructing members. An image forming apparatus having a human sensor for detecting a person,
An article detection unit that detects a removed article to be removed by the user after image formation,
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the detection result of the article detection unit detects that the removed article remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The article detection unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, a first detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the recording sheet after the image formation, a second detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the document after the image formation. And at least one of a third detector for detecting the presence or absence of the storage medium after image formation,
It is detected that at least one of the recording sheet, the original, and the storage medium remains after image formation based on at least one detection result among the first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the third detection unit. In this case, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein
Having a power saving mode from a high power consumption state to a low power consumption state in which the supply energy is smaller than the high power consumption state;
When it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit that the removed article remains after image formation, the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated, and the high power consumption state is entered without entering the power saving mode. An image forming apparatus characterized by maintaining the above. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
It is configured to enter the power saving mode when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor,
Even when it is detected that there is no person based on the detection result of the human sensor, when the detection result of the article detection unit detects that the removed article remains after image formation, An image forming apparatus, wherein the detection result of the sensor is invalidated and the high power consumption state is maintained without entering the power saving mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
It is configured to enter the power saving mode when it is detected that there is no person from the detection result of the human sensor,
A display device for displaying display information;
In detecting the absence of a person from the detection result of the human sensor and entering the power saving mode, after detecting that the removed article remains after image formation by the detection result of the article detection unit, the person An image forming apparatus, wherein when the presence of a person is detected based on a detection result of a feeling sensor, the display information indicating that the removed article remains is displayed on the display device. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12,
An image forming apparatus that issues an alarm when it is detected from the detection result of the article detection unit that the removed article remains after image formation. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, comprising:
Whether the removed article is a plurality of removed articles, and the detection result of the human sensor is invalidated when it is detected by the detection result of the article detection unit that the removed article remains after image formation. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus can be set and changed for each of the plurality of removed articles whether the detection result of the human sensor is valid regardless of the detection result of the article detection unit.

Images