JP2017164993A - Image forming apparatus and autonomous travel image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten standby time of a user even if uses by a plurality of users are overlapped with each other.SOLUTION: A self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 includes: an image forming apparatus communication section 2101 which receives data from the outside; an image generation section 2106 which plots an image on the basis of the received data; and a printing section 2107 which forms the plotted image on a medium to be recorded (sheet). The self-propelled image forming apparatus further includes: a self-propelled finisher 300 which delivers the medium to be recorded (printed matter) formed with images thereon by autonomous travel; an autonomous travel device 260 which autonomously travels the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200; and a data processing section 2102 which determines whether the device itself (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) delivers or the self-propelled finisher 300 delivers on the basis of reception timing of received data (S110 to S117).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an autonomous traveling image forming system.

  In an office environment where a limited number of image forming apparatuses are shared by a plurality of people, a self-propelled image forming apparatus that can autonomously run when a user instructs printing (hereinafter referred to as a self-propelled image forming apparatus). There is already known a technique in which printing is performed by moving the printer to the user's site to improve work productivity. As an example of this, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4557257 (Patent Document 1) is known.

  In Patent Document 1, for the purpose of safely delivering a printed matter to a user, the paper is discharged to the finisher or discharged to the image forming apparatus main body according to the remaining amount of the battery mounted as a power source of the self-propelled finisher. A configuration for controlling whether to paper is disclosed.

  In a conventional self-propelled image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus moves to a user and performs printing. For this reason, when used by a plurality of users, printing cannot be used until the currently used image forming apparatus enters a standby state. Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, although the delivery of printed matter is taken into consideration, the waiting time when using multiple users cannot be eliminated.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to shorten the waiting time of the user even when the use of a plurality of users overlaps.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication unit that receives data from the outside, a drawing unit that draws an image based on the received data, and the drawn image are formed on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a delivery unit that autonomously travels and delivers the recording medium on which the image is formed; an autonomous travel unit that autonomously travels the image forming apparatus; And a determination unit that determines whether the delivery is to be delivered by the delivery unit or the delivery unit based on the data reception timing.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user's standby time can be shortened even when the use of a plurality of users overlaps. Note that problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified in the following description of embodiments.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the autonomous running image forming system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication structure of the self-propelled image forming apparatus, self-propelled finisher, and server in the autonomous traveling system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the image forming system provided with the self-propelled image forming apparatus and the self-propelled finisher. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the server in FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 4. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the autonomous running apparatus in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the server in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the self-propelled finisher in FIG. It is an activity diagram for demonstrating the outline | summary of the flow of the process in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a process for determining a target machine from print reception in the server in FIG. 10. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for determining a device to be moved from print acceptance in the self-propelled image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of a procedure for determining a device to be moved from print acceptance in the self-propelled image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of a procedure for determining a device to be moved from print acceptance in the self-propelled image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The present invention relates to whether a (self-propelled) image forming apparatus moves to a user in response to an image formation instruction from a user when executing image formation in a (self-propelled) image forming apparatus. It is characterized by determining whether the finisher moves to the user based on the data reception timing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of an autonomous traveling image forming system (hereinafter referred to as an autonomous traveling system) according to the present embodiment. 1, the autonomous traveling system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a group of host terminals 100 (100-1, 100-2,... 100-M: M is an integer greater than or equal to 1) connected in the same network 2 environment. Corresponding to the number of connected host terminals, hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 100), self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 group (200-1, 200-2,... 200-N: N: It is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and corresponds to the number of connected self-propelled image forming apparatuses (hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 200), self-propelled finishers 300 (300-1, 300-2,... 300-N: N is an integer equal to or greater than 1, and corresponds to the number of connected self-propelled image forming apparatuses (hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 300) and the server 400. Here, the self-propelled finisher 300 is described as the same number (N) as the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, but the number of both may be different.

  In the autonomous traveling system 1, the server 400 receives data transmitted from the host terminal 100 via the network 2 via a communication medium 500 such as wireless communication. Receiving the data, the server 400 determines the location of the user who requested printing and instructs the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 to move. Further, the server 400 transmits data to the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 while the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 is moving (or after the movement). The self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 interprets the received data to generate and print image data to be printed.

  Alternatively, the server 400 determines the location of the user who made the print request, transmits the data to the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 interprets the received data and prints it. The image forming apparatus 200 or the self-propelled finisher 300 moves to the user and delivers it.

  The network 2 is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, and can be configured to be connected by a public line such as a telephone line. In FIG. 1, a plurality of host terminals 100 and a self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 are connected to the network 2 to configure the autonomous traveling image forming system 1, but the host terminal 100 and the self-propelled image forming apparatus are included. It goes without saying that 200 may be singular. Further, in FIG. 1, the autonomous running image forming system 1 is configured to be connected to a single network 2, but may be configured to be connected to different networks to construct one system.

  1 includes, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus), Bluetooth (Bluetooth: registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity: registered trademark), and FeliCa (registered trademark). ), PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), VGA (Video Graphic Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standard, and other networks.

  Each of the host terminals 100 is an information processing terminal operated by a user, and a PC (Personal Computer) is generally used, but a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal may be used. it can.

  In addition, the host terminals 100 each transmit digitized data (hereinafter referred to as “print file”) to be printed by the image forming apparatus (printer) 210 (FIG. 2) to the server 400 in response to a user operation. And issue a print instruction for a print file selected from the stored print files.

  The server 400 is a shared server existing on the network 2 and manages the image forming apparatus 210 so that it can be used from each host terminal 100. Further, the server 400 accumulates the print file transmitted from the host terminal 100 in accordance with the print instruction issued from each host terminal 100, and the print file selected from the accumulated print file is stored in the image forming apparatus. 210 is printed.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a communication configuration of the self-propelled image forming apparatus, the self-propelled finisher, and the server in the autonomous traveling system. In the autonomous traveling system 1, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 includes an image forming apparatus 210 and an autonomous traveling apparatus 260, and each performs wireless communication with the server 400. The image forming apparatus 210 receives print data or a command related to control of the image forming apparatus 210 from the server 400 and notifies the server 400 of the state of the device. The autonomous mobile device 260 receives information about the destination and travel route from the server 400 and notifies the server 400 of device information such as its own location information.

  The self-propelled finisher 300 includes an autonomous traveling device 350 and performs wireless communication with the server 400 and the self-propelled image forming device 200. The autonomous mobile device 350 receives information on the destination or the travel route from the server 400 and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, and notifies the server 400 and the self-propelled image forming device 200 of device information such as its own position information. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing a mechanical configuration of an image forming system including a self-propelled image forming apparatus and a self-propelled finisher. The image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 and a self-propelled finisher 300, and the self-propelled finisher 300 is detachable from the paper discharge side of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200. Has been placed. The autonomous traveling devices 260 and 350 are provided below the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 and the self-propelled finisher 300, respectively. The autonomous traveling device 260 of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 includes a driving wheel 2610 and a steering wheel 2620. The driving force is obtained from the driving wheel 2610 and the traveling direction is controlled by steering the steering wheel 2620. Similarly, the autonomous traveling device 350 of the self-propelled finisher 300 includes a driving wheel 3501 and a steering wheel 3502, obtains driving force from the driving wheel 3501, and steers the steering wheel 3502 to control the traveling direction.

  The self-propelled finisher 300 is a paper post-processing device having known post-processing functions such as stacking, sorting, binding, and punching on printed paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 210 side.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus in the autonomous traveling system. In the figure, an image forming apparatus (printer) 210 includes a printer controller 212 that controls the main body of the image forming apparatus 210, a printer engine 213 for printing an image on a sheet, the state of the main body of the image forming apparatus after a user inputs, and the like. Is basically composed of an operation panel 214 and a printer drive battery 226, and is connected to the network 2. The printer engine 213 is connected to the self-propelled finisher 300.

  The network 2 is for communicating with the server 400. The printer engine 213 controls the head based on a signal from the printer controller 212, and forms an image by feeding transfer paper from the paper feed unit. The operation panel 214 is a user I / F provided with a display device that is input by the user and displays the state of the main body of the image forming apparatus 210. The printer drive battery 226 is a battery for driving the image forming apparatus 210.

  The printer controller 212 is a general term for control mechanisms that convert print data from the host into video data and output it to the printer engine 213 in accordance with the control mode set at that time and the control code received from the host. The printer controller 212 includes modules of a network I / F 215, a program ROM 216, a font ROM 217, an operation unit I / F 218, a CPU 219, a RAM 220, an NV-RAM 221, an engine I / F 222, and a battery I / F 225.

  The function of each module is as follows. A network I / F 215 is an interface for performing communication with the server 400, and a program ROM (PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory, hereinafter the same) 215 controls data in the printer controller 212 and controls peripheral modules. The program to do is stored. A font ROM (FONT ROM, hereinafter the same) 216 stores various types of fonts used for printing. An operation unit I / F 218 is an interface of the operation panel 214.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit, hereinafter the same) 219 processes data (print data, control data) from the host according to the procedure of the program stored in the program ROM 216. A RAM (Random Access Memory, hereinafter the same) 220 is a work memory when the CPU 219 processes, and is used as a buffer for temporarily storing data from the host, a memory for processing data stored in the buffer, and the like.

  The NV-RAM 221 is a non-volatile RAM for storing data to be retained even when the power is turned off. An engine I / F 222 is an interface for controlling the printer engine 213 from the printer controller 212. The HDD 224 is a large-capacity storage medium that holds large-capacity data in a readable / writable manner. The battery I / F 225 is an interface with the printer drive battery 226.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server in the autonomous traveling system. In the figure, a server 400 includes a server controller 410 that controls the server 400 and is connected to the network 2. The server controller 410 is a general term for control mechanisms that perform determination of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 to be used, creation of a travel route, management of print data, and conversion according to a control code received from the host terminal 100. The server controller 410 includes modules of a network I / F 411, a program ROM 412, a CPU 413, a RAM 414, an NV-RAM 415, and an HDD 416. The network 2 is used for communication between the server 400 and the host terminal 100 and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200.

  The function of each module is as follows. The network I / F 411 is an interface for the server controller 410 to communicate with the host terminal 100 and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200. The program ROM 412 stores a program for managing data in the server controller 410 and controlling peripheral modules.

  The CPU 413 processes data according to the procedure of the program stored in the program ROM 412. The RAM 414 is used as a memory when the CPU 413 performs processing. The NV-RAM 415 is a non-volatile RAM for storing data to be retained even when the power is turned off. The HDD 416 is a large-capacity storage medium that holds large-capacity data in a readable / writable manner. In the autonomous traveling system 1, the print information received from the host terminal 100, the home positions of the host terminal 100 and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, and map data in which the positions of other facilities are recorded are stored.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus in the autonomous traveling system.

  In the figure, the main body of the image forming apparatus 210 is configured with a data processing unit 2102 as the center. The image forming apparatus communication unit 2101, the data storage unit 2103, the display unit 2104, and the device information storage unit 2105 are compared with the data processing unit 2102. The image generation unit 2106 and the printing unit 2107 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The image forming apparatus communication unit 2101 wirelessly communicates with the external server 400 and transmits / receives data to / from the server 400.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus communication unit 2101 includes an interface card (NIC) compatible with 802.11g of the wireless LAN standard, and each information device of the user, a consumable supply device described later, and the like by wireless communication of the standard. Two-way communication is possible. Of course, it is only necessary to be able to communicate with another standard, for example, a so-called general-purpose wireless LAN standard such as IEEE802.11a / IEEE802.11b / IEEE802.11n. In that case, IEEE802.11a / IEEE802. A wireless LAN may be constructed using a communication control program that includes a network board or the like of the 11b standard and controls them. Further, the Bluetooth (R) standard can be adopted as another wireless standard. It goes without saying that the interface card is not provided as an expansion card, but may be equipped as a standard from the beginning to enable wireless communication.

  The data processing unit 2102 determines whether or not maintenance of the print head of the image forming apparatus 210 is necessary. The data storage unit 2103 holds threshold (time) data that requires maintenance of the print head.

  A display unit 2104 is a user interface that receives an instruction from the user and notifies the user of a message. The device information storage unit 2105 has a function of holding device information (such as an IP address) and also holding an elapsed time since the previous printing. An image generation unit 2106 draws an image of print data. A printing unit 2107 outputs the image drawn by the image generation unit 2106 to paper.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the autonomous traveling device in the autonomous traveling system.

  In the figure, an autonomous traveling device 260 is configured with a data processing unit 2602 as a center. The autonomous traveling device communication unit 2601, a data storage unit 2603, an obstacle measuring unit 2604, and a position measuring unit 2605 are compared with the data processing unit 2602. And the traveling control part 2606 is connected. The autonomous traveling communication unit 2601 communicates with the server 400 and transmits / receives data to / from the server 400. A data processing unit 2602 performs data processing related to the functions of the units 2601, 2603, 2604, 2605, and 2606. The data storage unit 2603 manages travel route information of the autonomous traveling device 260. The obstacle measuring unit 2604 measures whether there is an obstacle on the traveling route of the autonomous traveling device 260 using an obstacle sensor. The position measurement unit 2605 measures position information of the autonomous traveling device 260. The traveling control unit 2606 controls traveling of the autonomous traveling device 260 based on information from the server 400, position information, obstacle information, and the like.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server in the autonomous traveling system.

  In the figure, a server 400 is configured with a data processing unit 4002 as a center. A server communication unit 4001, a data storage unit 4003, a print data conversion unit 4004, a mobile device determination unit 4005, and a travel route calculation unit are compared with the data processing unit 4002. 4006 is connected. The server communication unit 4001 communicates with the host terminal 100, the image forming apparatus 210, and the autonomous traveling apparatus 260, and transmits / receives data to / from them. A data processing unit 4002 performs data processing related to the functions of the respective units 4001, 4003, 4004, 4005, 4006. The data storage unit 4003 holds map information or print information received from the host terminal 100.

  The print data conversion unit 4004 converts the print file data received from the host terminal 100 into print data that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 210. The mobile device determination unit 4005 determines which autonomous traveling device 260 is to be used based on the operating state of the plurality of self-propelled image forming apparatuses 200 and the necessity of maintenance. The mobile device determination unit determines whether the operation state is standby or a state where a print instruction can be received (reception availability state). The travel route calculation unit 4006 calculates a travel route based on the position of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, the position information of the user who requested the printing, and the map information.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a self-propelled finisher in the autonomous traveling system. In the figure, a self-propelled finisher 300 basically includes a position recognition device 311, an obstacle sensor 312, a paper discharge mechanism 313, a drive motor 314, a work arm 315, a drive battery 316, and a finisher controller 320. 210 is connected.

  The position recognizing device 311 is a device for recognizing the current position (moving position) of the self-propelled finisher 300, and includes, for example, a position recognizing sensor. The obstacle sensor 312 is a sensor for detecting an obstacle when there is an obstacle on the traveling route of the self-propelled finisher 300. As the obstacle sensor 312, for example, a distance measuring device called a laser range finder (LRF) is used. LRF emits a laser and receives its reflected light, and measures the distance of the reflection point from the time between emission and light reception and the phase difference between the emitted laser light and the received laser light. The obstacle sensor 312 can measure the distance from the self-propelled finisher 300 to the obstacle by horizontally scanning the direction in which the laser beam is emitted.

  A paper discharge mechanism 313 is a mechanism for holding printed paper discharged from the image forming apparatus (printer) 210 and discharging it when it reaches a target delivery destination. The drive motor 314 is a motor for providing a drive force for autonomously running the self-propelled finisher 300 and drives the drive wheels 3501. The work arm 315 is a mechanism for gripping the printed matter discharged to the discharge tray of the discharge mechanism 313 at the delivery destination and handing it to the user or placing it on the user's desk. Further, the work arm 315 can be removed if an obstacle is detected during traveling if it is relatively small. The drive battery 316 is a power source of the self-propelled finisher 300 and supplies power to each part of the self-propelled finisher 300.

  The self-propelled finisher controller 320 is a general term for control mechanisms that perform autonomous traveling to a destination in accordance with the control mode set at that time and the control code received from the image forming apparatus 210 or the host terminal 100. The self-propelled finisher controller 320 includes a printer I / F 3201, a wireless communication unit 3202, a position recognition device I / F 3203, an obstacle sensor I / F 3204, a CPU 3205, a paper discharge mechanism control unit 3206, a drive motor control unit 3207, and a work arm control. A module 3208, an HDD 3209, and a memory 3210.

  The function of each module is as follows. The printer I / F 3201 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus (printer) 210 and the self-propelled finisher 300, and is connected between the image forming apparatus (printer) 210 and the self-propelled finisher 300 via the printer I / F 3201. Data communication is carried out. A wireless communication unit 3202 is a communication interface for performing communication. The position recognition device I / F 3203 is an interface for connecting the position recognition device 311 and the self-propelled finisher controller 320. The obstacle sensor I / F 3204 is an interface for connecting the obstacle sensor 312 and the self-propelled finisher controller 320.

  The CPU 3205 is a control unit that processes data according to the procedure of the program stored in the memory 3210 and executes various controls in the self-propelled finisher 300. A paper discharge mechanism control unit 3206 is a control unit that controls the paper discharge mechanism unit 313. The drive motor control unit 3207 is a control unit that controls the drive of the drive motor 314. The HDD 3209 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores travel route information transmitted from the server 400, various detection data related to the self-propelled finisher, obstacle detection data, and the like. A memory 3210 is a storage unit such as a RAM as a work memory for a control program for the CPU 3205 to perform various controls. The CPU 3205 calculates a travel route to the user 5 instructed from the server 400 based on the travel route information and obstacle detection data stored in the HDD 3209, and causes the self-propelled finisher 300 to travel to the destination. The destination is a position connected to the user 5 and the home self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 or the designated self-propelled image forming apparatus 200.

  FIG. 10 is an activity diagram for explaining the outline of the flow of processing in the present embodiment.

    The autonomous traveling system 1 includes a server 400, a self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, and a self-propelled finisher 300. The autonomous traveling system 1 is established in relation to the user 5. That is, in the autonomous traveling system 1, when printing, the user 5 accesses the server 400 from the host terminal 100 and designates printing conditions and a print file from the Web (step 101: hereinafter, step is expressed as S in the figure). To do). At this time, the server 400 also acquires information regarding the print location from the URL information of the server 400 associated with the host terminal 100.

  The server 400 that has received the information related to printing and the printing location confirms the operating state of a plurality of managed self-propelled image forming apparatuses 200 (step 102), and checks the waiting self-propelled image forming apparatus 200. On the other hand, it requests notification of device information. The self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 that has received the request notifies the server of the functions supported by the device and / or the connected self-propelled finisher 300, the position information of the device, and the completion status of the printing process ( Step 104). Upon receiving this notification, the server 400 confirms whether there is a self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 that matches the print instruction.

  Thereafter, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 that moves to the host terminal (user 5) 100 to be printed is determined (step 106), the position information of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 and the position information of the user 5, and A travel route of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 is created based on the map information held by the server 400 (step 106). When the creation of the travel route is completed, the server 400 notifies the travel route to the autonomous travel device 260 of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 and instructs printing (step 107).

Upon receiving the instruction, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 processes the print data (step 108) and moves the device to be moved, that is, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 to the user 5, or the self-propelled finisher. It is determined whether to move 300 to the user 5 (step 109). Along with this, the timing for printing, that is,
It is determined whether to print before moving, to print while moving, or to print after moving to the user 5 (step 110).

  Note that when the device to be moved is determined to be the self-propelled finisher 300 in step 109, the printing timing is to print before moving.

  Then, according to the determined mobile device and the printing timing, the vehicle 5 moves to the user 5 while performing the traveling control with the autonomous traveling devices 260 and 350 of the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 and the self-propelled finisher 300, Printing is performed (step 118).

  In the activity diagram of FIG. 10, step 111 → step 112 is an example in which after moving (step 111), printing is performed under the user 5 (step 112), and the result is delivered to the user 5 (step 118).

  Step 113 → Step 116 → Step 117 is an example in which after printing (Step 113), the printed material is moved (Step 117) and delivered to the user 5 (Step 118). In step 113 → step 114 → step 115, printing is performed by the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 (step 113), and then the self-propelled finisher 300 moves in a state where the printed matter is held (step 114) (step 115). This is an example of delivering to the user (step 118).

  In the case of taking the process from step 113 to step 117, it is possible to print while moving, and if the printing is completed before the user 5 arrives, the printed matter can be delivered as it is. If the user arrives at the user 5 before the printing is finished, the printing is continued under the user 5, and the printed matter is delivered to the user 5 when the printing is finished.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for determining a target machine from print reception in the server according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, when the server 400 receives a print request, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 can receive a print instruction while the operating state is on standby based on a list of plural self-propelled image forming apparatuses managed by the server 400. It is confirmed whether it is in a state (steps 201, 202, 203). In response to the inquiry, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 that is waiting or receives a print instruction returns a print function held by itself to the server 400 (step 204). A device that cannot be printed, such as during delivery or maintenance, or a device that does not satisfy the functions required for the job to be printed is excluded from the candidates for the target device (step 205: NO). The self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 satisfying the function is set as a candidate for use target machine (step 206). This inquiry and candidate determination are repeated (step S207).

  It should be noted that the server 400 may hold information on whether it is in a standby state or is ready to receive a print instruction, or may be confirmed by making an inquiry to the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200. Similarly, the process of returning the possessed function to the server 400 may also make an inquiry to the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 on the server 400 side. The server 400 acquires information on all the self-propelled image forming apparatuses 200 (steps 201 to 207), and determines a target machine from the information (step 208).

In step 208, the determination “Can you receive a print instruction?”
-Accepts the next job even during printing.
-If it is within the preset time, the next job is accepted even during movement.
・ If the maintenance is almost complete, accept the job.
It is determined that a print instruction can be received even under such circumstances.

The process of “selecting a candidate for use machine” in step 206 is a use of processing a print job from candidates when there are a plurality of candidates for use machines as a result of an inquiry to each self-propelled image forming apparatus 200. It is a process to determine the target machine,
It is determined from the device closest to the user's position (movable to the user at the fastest speed), the device having a self-propelled finisher, the device with low frequency of use, the device with the most recent maintenance, etc.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for determining a device to be moved from print reception in the self-propelled image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  In this example, the device to be moved is determined in consideration of the security of the printed matter. In this example, when the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 receives a print instruction from the server 400, it starts data processing for printing. In the data processing, functions and information included in the print file are extracted, and analysis / drawing of the PDL language portion of the print file is executed. In data processing, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern function (prints a suppression character string on a print image to suppress unauthorized copying) and a copy guard function (embed a special pattern in the print image to guard unauthorized copying, If it is detected that the printing is not possible by detecting at the time of copying, it is determined that the printing should be focused on security for the user 5 (step 301: YES), and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 is controlled by the user 5 (Step 303), printing is executed (step 304).

  Even if the user 5 does not designate the security printing function (step 301: NO, if the confidential information (eg, personal information such as user ID, password, my number) is included in the print file ( Step 302: YES), it is determined that the printing should emphasize security, and the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 moves to the user 5 (step 303), and printing is executed (step 304).

  In the case of other printing (step 302: NO), the self-propelled finisher 300 receives the output printed by the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 (step 305), and moves the self-propelled finisher 300 to the user 5 ( In step 306, the printed matter is delivered.

  By determining the device to be moved in this way and determining the printing timing, it is possible to eliminate the security risk when the output is unintentionally dropped from the paper discharge mechanism during delivery or when it is taken out by another user. In addition, it is possible to optimize the waiting time when other users print using the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a procedure for determining a device to be moved from print acceptance in the self-propelled image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In this example, a device to be moved is determined in accordance with the job reception timing. In this example, when the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 receives a print instruction from the server 400, it starts data processing for printing. Thereafter, whether to move the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 or the self-propelled finisher 300 is determined. At this time, a device is determined based on whether there is a next job print instruction from the server 400.

  That is, a grace time for a job that can be received by the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 is set in advance and returned to the server 400. The next job is received by replying “printing instruction can be accepted” in step 203 of FIG.

  When the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 receives a print instruction for the next job after executing printing (step 401) (step 402: YES), the self-propelled finisher 300 holds the printed matter of the current job and the self-propelled finisher. 300 self-runs with the user 5 while holding the printed matter (step 403). If there is no instruction for printing the next job (step 402: NO), the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 is moved to the user 5 (step 404, step 405: NO). If there is (step 405: YES), data processing of the next received next job is started, and the printed matter printed in step 401 is sent to the user 5 by the self-propelled finisher 300.

  In step 405, the print instruction for the next job may be received during data processing of the current job, paper discharge, or movement. Further, not only one job but also a plurality of jobs can be received.

  By determining the device to be moved and determining the printing timing in this way, it is possible to effectively use the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 and the self-propelled finisher 300 and reduce the waiting time for printing by a plurality of users.

  When a plurality of finishers 300 are connected to one self-propelled image forming apparatus 200, or when there is a sharable self-propelled finisher 300, the self-propelled finisher 300 is shown in FIG. After self-running, it is also possible to connect a new self-running finisher 300 to the self-running image forming apparatus 200 and then continue the processing procedure of FIG. 14 for the subsequent jobs. .

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing still another example of the procedure for determining the device to be moved from the print acceptance in the self-propelled image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

  This example is an example of determining a device that moves in accordance with the position of the user or the movement of the user. In this example, when the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 receives a print instruction from the server 400, it starts data processing for printing. Thereafter, whether to move the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 or the self-propelled finisher 300 is determined. At that time, the device is determined based on whether or not the user 5 is likely to move from the location instructed to print.

  That is, after printing (step 501), when printing from the mobile terminal (step 502: YES) or a user logoff is detected (step 502: NO, step 503: YES), the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 The printed product is received by the self-propelled finisher 300, and the self-propelled finisher 300 is moved to the user 5 (step 504). Otherwise (step 503: NO), the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 is moved to the user 5 (step 505).

  By determining the device to be moved in this way and determining the printing timing, when the user 5 moves to a position different from the print instruction position, the self-propelled image forming apparatus 200 enters a standby state and cannot be used by other users. It has the effect of preventing the situation.

In addition, although the example of a mobile terminal and logoff information was demonstrated about whether the user 5 is likely to move,
The position information of the user 5 who has instructed printing may be periodically inquired, whether the user is moving, or may be determined in cooperation with the schedule management system when the user 5 is going out or planning a meeting.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the following description, each component in the claims corresponds to each part of the present embodiment, and when the terms are different, the latter is shown in parentheses to clarify the correspondence between the two.

  (1) According to this embodiment, a communication unit (image forming apparatus communication unit 2101) that receives data from the outside, a drawing unit (image generation unit 2106) that draws an image based on the received data, and the drawing In an image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) including an image forming unit (printing unit 2107) that forms a recorded image on a recording medium (paper), the recording medium on which the image is formed A delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) that autonomously travels (printed material) and delivers, an autonomous traveling unit (autonomous traveling device 260) that autonomously travels the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200), and A determination unit (data processing) that determines whether the delivery unit (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) delivers or the delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) delivers based on the reception timing of the received data. 2102: S109), the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) and the delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) can be efficiently moved even when a plurality of received data are duplicated. An image-formed recording medium (printed material) can be delivered. As a result, even when the use of a plurality of users 5 is duplicated, the waiting time of the users 5 can be shortened.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, the determination unit (data processing unit 2102) either forms an image before moving, forms an image while moving, or forms an image after moving. (Step 110 to step 117), appropriate delivery processing can be performed according to the image formation (printing) content of the recording medium (printed material) on which the image is formed, the position of the user 5, and the like.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, when the determination unit (data processing unit 2102) determines to form an image before the movement (step 110, step 113), it further (self-running image formation) It is determined whether the apparatus 200) is moved (step 113 → 116 → 117) or the delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) is moved (step 113 → 114 → 115). The delivery process can be optimized according to the image formation (printing) content of the medium (printed material), the position of the user 5, and the like.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, in the case of printing that places importance on security, the determination unit (data processing unit 2102) determines to form an image after moving, so that it is not intended during delivery. It is possible to eliminate the security risk when the recording medium (printed material) on which the image is formed falls or is taken out by another user 5. Further, it is possible to optimize the waiting time when another user 5 forms an image using the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200).

  (5) According to the present embodiment, when a grace period in which a plurality of jobs can be accepted is set in advance in the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200), and there is a job accepted within the grace period, Since the determination unit (data processing unit 2102) determines that the delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) moves, the user 5 does not wait until the grace period elapses, so that the user 5 can record the recording medium (printed material) ) Can be received, and the waiting time of the user 5 can be shortened.

  (6) According to the present embodiment, when it is predicted that the position where the image formation instruction is received from the outside and the position where the image is delivered after the image formation is predicted to be different, the determination unit (data processing unit 2102) Since it is determined that the self-propelled finisher 300) moves, it is possible to share only the delivery with the delivery section (self-propelled finisher 300) and execute other jobs. That is, when the delivery destination is absent, the image forming apparatus cannot be used for the time until receipt, and the waiting time of the other user 5 becomes longer, but the delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) moves, so that image formation is performed. The apparatus can be used by other users 5 and efficient operation becomes possible.

  (7) According to the present embodiment, the autonomous traveling unit (autonomous traveling device 260) includes the traveling control unit 2606 that controls traveling based on the traveling route received from the outside. Type image forming apparatus 200) can be autonomously moved along the travel route.

  (8) According to this embodiment, the delivery unit (self-propelled finisher 300) includes the travel control unit (finisher controller 320) that controls travel based on the travel route received from the outside. The (self-propelled finisher 300) can be moved autonomously along the travel route.

  (9) According to the present embodiment, the autonomous traveling image forming system (autonomous traveling system 1) including the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) of any one of (1) to (8) and the server 400. ), The server 400 determines the operating state of the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) and the image forming reception availability state (steps 202 and 203) (moving apparatus determining unit 4005); An apparatus determination unit (data processing unit 4002, step 109) that determines an available image forming apparatus based on the determination of the determination unit (moving apparatus determination unit 4005), destination position information, and information on the image forming apparatus to be used. A travel route of the image forming apparatus is created from the position information and map data (travel route calculation unit 4006, step 106), and the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image formation) A transmission unit (server communication unit 4001) that transmits to the device 200) and an instruction unit (data processing unit 4002) that transmits the image formation file to the image forming apparatus (self-propelled image forming apparatus 200) and instructs image formation. 107), it is possible to provide an autonomous traveling system that achieves the effects described in (1) to (8) above.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, and all technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are included. The subject of the present invention. The above embodiment shows a preferable example, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, and improvements from the contents disclosed in this specification, These are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

Japanese Patent No. 4557257

1 Autonomous driving system (autonomous driving image forming system)
200 Self-propelled image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus)
2101 Image forming apparatus communication unit (communication unit)
2102 Data processing unit (decision unit)
2106 Image generation unit (drawing unit)
2107 Printing section (image forming section)
260 Autonomous traveling device (autonomous traveling unit)
2606 Travel control unit 300 Self-propelled finisher (delivery unit)
320 Finisher controller (travel controller)
400 server 4001 server communication unit (transmission unit)
4002 Data processing unit (device determination unit, instruction unit)
4005 Mobile device determination unit (determination unit)
4006 Travel route calculation unit

Claims (9)

A communication unit for receiving data from the outside;
A drawing unit for drawing an image based on the received data;
An image forming unit for forming the drawn image on a recording medium;
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
A delivery unit that autonomously travels and delivers the recording medium on which the image is formed;
An autonomous traveling unit that autonomously travels the image forming apparatus;
A determination unit that determines whether the delivery is to be delivered by the delivery unit based on the reception timing of the received data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The determination unit determines whether to form an image before moving, to form an image while moving, or to form an image after moving. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the determining unit determines to form an image before moving, the determining unit further determines whether to move itself or to move the delivery unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that an image is to be formed after moving when printing is to be performed with a focus on security. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
An image in which a grace period during which a plurality of jobs can be received is set in advance in the image forming apparatus, and the determination unit determines that the delivery unit moves when there is a job received within the grace period. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the delivery unit moves when it is predicted that a position from which an image formation instruction is received from the outside is different from a position to be delivered after image formation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the autonomous traveling unit includes a traveling control unit that controls traveling based on a traveling route received from outside. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the delivery unit includes a travel control unit that controls travel based on a travel route received from outside. In the autonomous running image forming system including the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a server,
The server is
A determination unit that determines an operation state of the image forming apparatus and an image formation reception availability state;
An apparatus determining unit that determines an available image forming apparatus based on the determination of the determination unit;
A transmission unit that creates a travel route of the image forming apparatus from position information of the destination, position information of the image forming apparatus to be used, and map data, and transmits the travel route to the image forming apparatus;
An instruction unit for transmitting an image forming file to the image forming apparatus and instructing image formation;
An autonomous running image forming system comprising: