JP2017212619A - Paper processing apparatus, paper processing method, and paper processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper processing apparatus, a paper processing method, and a paper processing system that control switching on and off of a paper ejection lamp and mode shifting without deteriorating a paper ejection notification function and a power saving function.SOLUTION: A paper processing apparatus includes: a paper processing unit 36; a paper ejection detection unit 38 that detects a sheet of pager ejected into a paper ejection unit 37; an illumination unit 39; and a control unit 35 that controls mode shifting between a first mode 30 in which a predetermined supply amount of power is supplied and a second mode 31 in which a supply amount of power less than the predetermined supply amount is supplied. The control unit 35 turns off the illumination unit 39 in a case where the paper ejection detection unit 38 is a non-detection status, and turns on the illumination unit 39 in a case where the paper ejection detection unit 38 is in a detection status. After switching from the detection status to the non-detection status, in a case where the control unit 35 has switched from the non-detection status to the detection status again, the control unit 35 re-turns on the illumination unit 39, while maintaining a mode immediately before the detection status switches from the non-detection status again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper processing apparatus, a paper processing method, and a paper processing system.

  In a paper processing apparatus having a function of printing image data such as a facsimile apparatus, printed recording paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray, and whether or not there is paper discharge recording paper that is recording paper in the paper discharge tray. Depending on the housing shape of the paper processing apparatus, it may be difficult to see from the outside. In particular, in the in-body discharge type paper processing apparatus, it is often difficult to visually recognize the presence or absence of discharged recording paper from the outside. For this reason, the user often forgets to take out the discharged recording paper. Therefore, a conventional paper processing apparatus includes a paper discharge notification function that mounts a paper discharge lamp on the paper processing apparatus and notifies the user of the presence or absence of paper discharge recording paper by turning on and off the paper discharge lamp. However, there is a case where the user collects a bundle of discharged recording sheets, removes only the recording sheets related to the user, and returns the remaining recording sheets to the discharge tray. When the user returns the recording paper to the paper discharge tray, the paper discharge lamp remains off because the paper discharge recording paper is temporarily taken out, and there is a problem that the paper discharge notification function is not fully exhibited.

  Therefore, conventionally, a sheet processing apparatus that performs relighting control of the discharge lamp has been disclosed as an image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a part of paper is returned to the paper discharge tray after the facsimile reception paper bundle is taken out from the paper discharge tray, the user presses an information lamp lighting switch provided in the image forming apparatus. Press. By doing so, the information lamp is turned on again. Thus, even if the user temporarily takes out the facsimile reception paper bundle from the paper discharge tray, the information lamp can notify the presence of the facsimile reception paper.

  By the way, in recent years, attention has been paid to an energy saving function that enables an effect equivalent to a certain effect to be obtained with less energy. Therefore, the image forming apparatus is provided with an energy saving mode that does not supply power to some of the electronic components or apparatuses provided in the image forming apparatus, that is, the standby power amount is lower, apart from the normal mode. The image forming apparatus includes an energy saving function that accepts an instruction to change the mode and changes the mode between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. In the case of transition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, the request for controlling the mode transition is a direct request by the user such as pressing of the energy saving button. Further, the request for controlling the mode transition includes, for example, an internal request generated inside the image forming apparatus such as designation of a time for switching the mode, or an external request from an external device such as facsimile reception. .

JP 2006-180397 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the image forming apparatus such as the energy saving mode has a plurality of operation modes with different standby power amounts, the discharge control of the discharge lamp and the control for changing the mode are performed. It has not been studied to make it compatible.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a paper processing apparatus, a paper processing method, and a paper processing system that control the turning on or off of the paper discharge lamp and the mode transition without impairing the paper discharge notification function and the energy saving function.

  In order to achieve the above object, a paper processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a paper processing unit that processes paper, a paper discharge unit that discharges paper processed by the paper processing unit, and a paper discharge unit. A first mode in which power is supplied in a predetermined supply amount to the paper discharge detection unit that detects the discharged paper, the illumination unit, the paper processing unit, and the paper discharge detection unit; A control unit that controls transition between the second mode in which power is supplied with a smaller supply amount than the mode, and the control unit is in a non-detection state in which the paper discharge detection unit does not detect paper In the case of the detection state, the illumination unit is turned off, and in the detection state in which the paper discharge detection unit is detecting paper, the illumination unit is turned on and the non-detection state is switched from the detection state to the non-detection state. When switching from the state to the detected state again, the non-detected state Maintaining the mode immediately before again switched to the detection state, and relight the illumination unit.

  As a result, the transition between the first mode and the second mode and the control of turning on or off the illumination unit that notifies the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge unit are performed. The lighting unit is turned on or off and mode transition is controlled without loss.

  In addition, the control unit has a timer function, and when the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than a first time, when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, The illumination unit is turned on again from the non-detection state to the detection state when the time elapsed after the illumination unit is turned on again and the detection state is switched to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time. Need not be turned on again.

  As a result, the lighting unit is turned on or off as necessary, so that the user is notified of the paper in the paper discharge unit more efficiently.

  Further, when the control unit receives a request for transition from the first mode to the second mode when the time elapsed after switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than the first time, You may make a transition to the second mode while supplying power to the paper discharge detection unit.

  As a result, the sheet processing apparatus shifts the mode to the energy saving mode while maintaining the function of notifying that there is a sheet in the sheet discharge unit. Therefore, functions that are not used can be stopped, so that standby power is further suppressed.

  In addition, when the control unit receives a request for transition from the first mode to the second mode when the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time, The supply of power to the paper discharge detection unit may be stopped and the mode may be shifted to the second mode.

  Thereby, functions that are not used in the sheet processing apparatus can be stopped, so that the standby power amount is further suppressed.

  Further, the control unit may turn off the illumination unit when a time elapsed since the paper processing unit has finished processing is equal to or longer than a second time longer than the first time.

  Thereby, functions that are not used in the sheet processing apparatus can be stopped, so that the standby power amount is further suppressed.

  Further, the control unit controls the mode transition to the third mode in which power is not supplied to the paper processing unit, the paper discharge detection unit, and the illumination unit, and in the state of the second mode. When the request for transition to the third mode is received when the illumination unit is lit, the transition to the third mode may not be performed.

  Thereby, even when the user erroneously attempts to make a transition from the current mode to the third mode, the mode change is prevented by the control unit, and thus the illumination unit is prevented from being turned off.

  Further, the paper processing method according to the present invention provides illumination when the paper discharge detection unit that detects the paper of the paper discharge unit that discharges the paper processed by the paper processing unit is in a non-detection state where no paper is detected. In the detection state in which the illumination unit that emits light is turned off and the paper discharge detection unit is detecting paper, the lighting control step of turning on the illumination unit, and after switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, A relighting control step of maintaining the mode immediately before switching from the non-detected state to the detected state again when the non-detected state is switched to the detected state, and relighting the illumination unit.

  As a result, transition between modes of the paper processing device and control of turning on / off the illumination unit that notifies the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge unit are performed, so that the paper discharge notification function and the energy saving function are not impaired. The lighting or extinguishing of the paper lamp and the mode transition are controlled.

  The paper processing system according to the present invention includes a paper processing unit that processes paper, a paper discharge unit that discharges the paper processed by the paper processing unit, and a paper that is discharged to the paper discharge unit. A first mode in which power is supplied with a predetermined supply amount to the paper discharge detection unit to be detected, the paper processing unit and the paper discharge detection unit, and power is supplied with a supply amount smaller than that in the first mode. A sheet processing apparatus having a control unit that controls transition between modes in the second mode, and an external device that can communicate with the sheet processing apparatus, wherein the control unit includes: When the paper discharge detection unit is in a non-detection state where no paper is detected, a first signal indicating the non-detection state is output to the external device, and the paper discharge detection unit detects the paper. A second signal indicating that the detection state is present. When output from the non-detection state to the non-detection state after switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state is maintained. And outputting the second signal indicating the detection state to the external device, and the external device detects the detection state or the non-detection state according to the received first signal or the second signal. Present that.

  Thereby, the user can confirm the presence or absence of the paper in the paper discharge unit even at a location away from the paper processing apparatus.

  Note that the present invention can be realized not only as a paper processing apparatus but also as a method in which processing units constituting the paper processing apparatus are used as steps. Further, the present invention may be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute these steps. The present invention may also be realized as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM that can be read by a computer recording the program. Further, the present invention may be realized as information, data, or a signal indicating the program. These programs, information, data, and signals may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

  According to the present invention, the paper processing apparatus and the paper processing method perform lighting control of the paper discharge lamp and control of mode transition without impairing the paper discharge notification function and the energy saving function.

The figure which shows the structure of the system containing the paper processing apparatus which concerns on this invention Perspective view showing the appearance of the paper processing apparatus The perspective view which shows an external appearance when the paper supply tray, ADF, and FBS of a paper processing apparatus are removed. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the paper processor Diagram showing transition of mode of paper processing device The figure which shows one specific example of the conditions which change the mode of a paper processing apparatus Block diagram showing the characteristic functional configuration of the paper processing apparatus Flowchart showing a procedure for controlling lighting of a paper discharge lamp in a paper processing apparatus

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connecting forms of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The invention is limited only by the claims. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system including a sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a sheet processing apparatus 1 is connected to a partner sheet processing apparatus 2 that is a partner of transmission / reception of information such as image data via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks). Is done. Further, the sheet processing apparatus 1 is connected to the terminal device 3 via the LAN 7. Further, the sheet processing apparatus 1 is connected to the terminal device 4 via a LAN 7 and a router 5 that can communicate via the Internet 8.

  The terminal device 3 and the terminal device 4 are computers that give various instructions to the paper processing device 1 or perform transmission / reception of image data. In this embodiment, personal computers used by users who use the paper processing device 1 are used. It is a computer.

  The router 5 functions as a gateway that interconnects the LAN 7 and the Internet 8.

  The paper processing device 1 is an example of the paper processing device 1 according to the present invention. The paper processing device 1 receives information such as image data, prints the image data, and after printing, is the paper in the paper discharge tray 13 (see FIG. 2)? It is characterized by having a function for notifying the user of whether or not. The sheet processing apparatus 1 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral); a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, a printer, or a finisher.

  Next, a specific configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an MFP that is an example of the sheet processing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance when a paper feed tray, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and an FBS (Flat Bed Scanner) as an example of the paper processing apparatus 1 are removed. .

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper processing apparatus 1 includes a paper feed tray 9, a paper cassette 10, an ADF 11, an FBS 12, a paper discharge tray 13, a paper discharge lamp 14, an operation panel 15, A display 16 and a paper discharge sensor 17 are provided.

  The paper feed tray 9 and the paper cassette 10 are installation units on which a user installs paper when the paper processing apparatus 1 performs printing. The paper processing apparatus 1 executes printing using paper set in the paper feed tray 9 or the paper cassette 10.

  The ADF 11 is a device that automatically feeds a plurality of sheets and reads an image on the sheets collectively.

  The FBS 12 is a scanner that installs a sheet on a transparent table such as a glass table and applies light from below to move a sensor to read an image on the sheet.

  The paper discharge tray 13 is a tray from which paper printed by the paper processing apparatus 1 is discharged.

  The paper discharge lamp 14 is a light source that turns on when there is paper in the paper discharge tray 13 and turns off when there is no paper within a predetermined time after printing is completed in the paper processing apparatus 1.

  The operation panel 15 is a panel that accepts an operation from the user, and accepts an instruction to start printing, for example.

  The display 16 is a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays the operation status of the sheet processing apparatus 1.

  The paper discharge sensor 17 detects whether or not there is paper in the paper discharge tray 13. The paper discharge sensor 17 may be, for example, a photoelectric sensor, although it is not limited as long as it can detect whether or not there is paper in the paper discharge tray 13.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 1. Specifically, this is an example of a component or apparatus to which power is supplied when the sheet processing apparatus 1 is operating. As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet processing apparatus 1 further includes an ADF motor 18, an FBS motor 19, a scanner 20, a printer 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, an energy saving microcomputer 23, and a memory 24. Prepare. The sheet processing apparatus 1 further includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host 25, a modem 27, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 28, and a LAN I / F (LAN interface) 29.

  The ADF motor 18 is provided in the ADF 11 and is a motor that is driven when feeding paper.

  The FBS motor 19 is a motor that is provided in the FBS 12 and is driven to move a scanner 20 that reads an image on a sheet.

  The scanner 20 is an image reading apparatus that is provided in the ADF 11 and the FBS 12 and that reads the contents of a sheet using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or the like to generate image data.

  The printer 21 is a printing device, and prints out, for example, image data transmitted from the terminal device 3 via the LAN 7 or contents read from the scanner 20.

  The CPU 22 is a processor that executes a control program stored in the memory 24. Further, the CPU 22 has a timer function for measuring the current time or the time from a certain time to another certain time.

  The energy saving microcomputer 23 is a processor, and has a function of holding a control program, a function of executing the control program, and a timer function of measuring the current time or a time from a certain time to another certain time. Further, the energy saving microcomputer 23 performs control to change the mode according to a predetermined program when the sheet processing apparatus 1 is in the third mode 32 with a smaller standby power amount. The predetermined program is not limited as long as the mode transition is controlled. For example, when the mode transitions at a predetermined time, the mode control time is monitored and the mode is changed at the predetermined time. It is a program for controlling transition. The predetermined program is, for example, a program for performing control to change modes when a facsimile is received.

  The memory 24 stores a control program executed by the CPU 22 or the energy saving microcomputer 23. The memory 24 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The USB host 25 is an adapter that connects the external USB device 26 and the paper processing apparatus 1.

  The modem 27 is a fax modem that modulates image data transmitted by facsimile or demodulates image data transmitted from the outside by facsimile.

  The NCU 28 is a line terminating device connected to the PSTN 6.

  The LAN I / F 29 is an adapter that connects the paper processing apparatus 1 and the LAN 7.

  Next, each mode in which the sheet processing apparatus 1 indicates the state of the standby power amount will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a mode transition of the sheet processing apparatus 1. In addition to the normal mode in which power is supplied to all the components and devices that make up the paper processing device 1, the paper processing device 1 supplies power to some components or devices that make up the paper processing device 1. There is a mode that does not. That is, an energy saving mode is provided in which the standby power amount, which is the power consumption amount when the paper processing apparatus 1 is on standby, is lower. Upon receiving a request for mode transition from the user, the control unit 35 (see FIG. 7) controls mode transition between the normal mode and the energy saving mode.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet processing apparatus 1 is in the first mode 30, the second mode 31, or the third mode 32.

  The first mode 30 is a normal mode in which power is supplied to all the electronic components and devices constituting the sheet processing apparatus 1, and an active state 30a in which an operation such as printing or scanning is being performed and an immediate active state 30a. The standby state 30b that can be shifted to is included. Therefore, when the sheet processing apparatus 1 is in the first mode 30, operations such as printing or scanning are immediately executed.

  The second mode 31 is a state in which power is not supplied to some of the electronic components or devices that make up the sheet processing apparatus 1. In the second mode, for example, power is not supplied to the ADF motor, the FBS motor 19, the scanner 20, the printer 21, and the like. That is, the second mode 31 is a state in which the standby power amount is smaller than that of the first mode 30. Therefore, when the paper processing apparatus 1 is in the second mode 31, some electronic components and apparatuses that are not supplied with power cannot be immediately executed when the user instructs to use the paper processing apparatus. State. When executing an operation such as printing or scanning, the sheet processing apparatus 1 executes each operation after changing the mode to the first mode.

  The third mode 32 does not supply power to all the electronic components and devices constituting the sheet processing apparatus 1 other than the components that control the transition from the third mode 32 to the first mode 30 or the second mode 31. State. In the third mode 32, for example, power is not supplied to all electronic components and devices other than the energy saving microcomputer 23. That is, the third mode 32 is a state in which the standby power amount is smaller than that of the second mode 31. Therefore, when the paper processing apparatus 1 is in the third mode 32, when the user gives an instruction to use the paper processing apparatus 1, electronic parts and devices to which power is not supplied cannot be immediately executed. is there. When executing operations such as printing or scanning, the sheet processing apparatus 1 executes each operation after transitioning to the first mode 30. Since the time required for the transition from the third mode 32 to the first mode 30 is longer than the time required for the transition from the second mode 31 to the first mode 30, the user determines the frequency of use of the sheet processing apparatus 1. Set each mode accordingly.

  That is, when summarizing each mode, the first mode 30 is a normal mode in which the standby power amount is larger than that in the second mode 31 and the third mode 32, and an operation such as printing or scanning can be executed immediately. . The second mode 31 is a “shallow energy-saving mode” that has a larger amount of standby power than the third mode 32 and requires a short time to transition to the first mode 30. The third mode 32 is a “deep energy saving mode” in which the standby power amount is small and the time required for transition to the first mode 30 is long as compared with the second mode 31.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of conditions for changing the mode of the sheet processing apparatus 1. Specifically, an example of which mode the current mode changes to when there is a request event such as when the paper processing apparatus 1 receives an instruction from the user or when there is an instruction of a set control program FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the current mode is the third mode 32, when the user connects the USB device 26 to the USB host 25, the energy saving microcomputer 23 changes the mode to the second mode 31. When the current mode is the first mode 30 or the second mode 31, when the user connects the USB device 26 to the USB host 25, the CPU 22 does not change the mode. For example, when the current mode is the first mode 30, when the user presses the energy saving key on the operation panel 15, the CPU 22 makes a transition to the second mode 31.

  The sheet processing apparatus 1 may be provided with a function that can change the mode from the second mode 31 to the third mode 32 in response to a direct request from the user. For example, the sheet processing apparatus 1 may further include a sleep key on the operation panel 15 so that the mode can be changed from the second mode 31 to the third mode 32. The user may be able to change the mode of the sheet processing apparatus 1 from the second mode 31 to the third mode 32 by pressing a sleep key. Further, the request event as a condition for changing the mode is not limited to a direct request from the user, but may be a control program held in the memory 24 or the energy saving microcomputer 23. For example, a time may be set in advance in the CPU 22 as a sleep timer, and the mode may be changed when the time comes. When the current mode is the first mode 30, the CPU 22 transitions to the second mode 31 when the set time comes. Further, for example, a time may be set in advance in the CPU 22 as the energy saving time, and the mode may be changed when the time comes. When the current mode is the first mode 30, the CPU 22 transitions to the second mode 31 when the energy saving start time is reached. Furthermore, when the current mode is the second mode 31, the CPU 22 transitions to the first mode 30 when the energy saving cancellation time comes.

  Next, a characteristic functional configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 1. That is, it is a block diagram showing functions according to the present invention among the functions of the sheet processing apparatus 1 exhibited by the hardware configuration shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, the sheet processing apparatus 1 functionally includes an input unit 33, a storage unit 34, a control unit 35, a sheet processing unit 36, a paper discharge unit 37, and a paper discharge detection unit 38. And an illumination unit 39.

  The input unit 33 corresponds to the operation panel 15 in FIG. 4 and is a processing unit that receives an instruction from the user such as execution of printing or execution of mode transition.

  The storage unit 34 corresponds to the memory 24 in FIG. 4 and stores a control program executed by the CPU 22.

  The paper processing unit 36 corresponds to the ADF motor 18, the FBS motor 19, the scanner 20, the printer 21, and the like in FIG. 4, and is a processing unit that reads an image on a paper or prints image data on a paper.

  The paper discharge unit 37 corresponds to the paper discharge tray 13 in FIG. 2 and is a tray on which paper printed by the printer 21 is discharged.

  The paper discharge detection unit 38 corresponds to the paper discharge sensor 17 in FIG. 4 and is a detection unit that detects whether or not there is paper in the paper discharge unit 37.

  The illumination unit 39 corresponds to the paper discharge lamp 14 in FIG. 4 and is a light source that is turned on or off according to an instruction from the control unit 35.

  The control unit 35 corresponds to the CPU 22 or the energy saving microcomputer 23 in FIG. 4, and is a processing unit that causes the electronic components and apparatus included in the sheet processing apparatus 1 to execute printing or the like in accordance with an instruction received by the input unit 33.

  The control unit 35 turns off the illumination unit 39 when the paper discharge detection unit 38 is not detecting the paper, and turns off the illumination unit 39. When the paper discharge detection unit 38 is detecting the paper, The part 39 is turned on. Further, when the paper discharge detection unit 38 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state after the paper discharge detection unit 38 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state, the control unit 35 maintains the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again. Then, the illumination unit 39 is turned on again. That is, when the paper processing apparatus 1 is switched from the non-detection state to the detection state when the first mode 30 is in effect, the paper processing apparatus 1 maintains the first mode 30 and turns on the illumination unit 39 again. When the sheet processing apparatus 1 switches from the first mode 30 to the second mode 31 and then switches from the non-detection state to the detection state, the sheet processing apparatus 1 maintains the second mode 31 and restarts the illumination unit 39. Light up. As a result, the transition between the first mode 30 and the second mode 31 and the control of turning on or off the illumination unit 39 for notifying the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge unit 37 are performed. Therefore, the sheet processing apparatus 1 controls the lighting section 39 to be turned on or off and the mode transition without impairing the paper discharge notification function and the energy saving function.

  In the second mode 31, the total power supply amount to the components or devices corresponding to the paper discharge detection unit 38 and the paper processing unit 36 is the total amount supplied to the paper discharge detection unit 38 and the paper processing unit 36 in the first mode 30. Any state that is less than the amount of power supply is acceptable. For example, the second mode 31 may be a state in which power is supplied to the printer 21 and power is not supplied to the FBS motor 19 and the scanner 20. Further, for example, power may be supplied to the paper discharge detection unit 38 and power may not be supplied to the paper processing unit 36.

  In addition, when the illumination unit 39 is lit in the state of the second mode 31, the control unit 35 does not control the transition to the third mode 32 when a request for transition to the third mode 32 is received. That is, when the illumination unit 39 is lit, the control unit 35 does not transition to the third mode 32. As a result, even when the user accidentally requests the transition to the third mode 32 or when the sleep timer requests the transition to the third mode 32, the control unit 35 prevents such a mode transition. Therefore, the illumination unit 39 is prevented from being turned off.

  It should be noted that when there is a transition from the third mode 32 to the first mode 30 or when the paper processing apparatus 1 is turned on, there is a sheet in the sheet discharge unit 37 and the sheet discharge detection unit 38 is in the detection state. When it becomes, the control part 35 may control not to make the illumination part 39 light.

  Moreover, the control part 35 may change a mode on condition that the illumination part 39 is not lighted, when the request | requirement of mode change is received (for example, request event of FIG. 6). Further, the control unit 35 may change the mode on condition that the paper discharge detection unit 38 does not detect.

  The control unit 35 further includes an “OFF timer” that is a timer function for measuring time when the lighting control of the illumination unit 39 is performed in time. The user stores the first time set in the OFF timer in the storage unit 34 in advance.

  When the paper discharge detection unit 38 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state again when the time elapsed since the paper discharge detection unit 38 switched from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than the first time, the control unit 35 The illumination unit 39 is turned on again. Further, when the time elapsed after the discharge detection unit 38 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time, when the discharge detection unit 38 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state again, the control unit 35 does not relight the illumination unit 39.

  For example, the first time is 1 minute. First, the control unit 35 turns on the illumination unit 39 when the paper discharge detection unit 38 detects a sheet, that is, when the paper discharge sensor 17 is ON. Next, when the user removes the paper from the paper discharge unit 37, the paper discharge detection unit 38 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state, that is, the paper discharge sensor 17 switches from ON to OFF. When the paper discharge sensor 17 is switched from ON to OFF, the control unit 35 turns off the illumination unit 39, starts an OFF timer, and starts measuring time. When the paper extracted by the user is returned to the paper discharge unit 37, the paper discharge sensor 17 is switched from OFF to ON again. Here, when the time elapsed since the paper discharge sensor 17 was switched from ON to OFF, that is, when the time measured by the OFF timer is less than 1 minute, the control unit 35 causes the illumination unit 39 to be turned on again and the OFF timer is ended. To do. Further, when the time elapsed since the paper discharge sensor 17 is switched from ON to OFF is 1 minute or longer, the control unit 35 does not relight the illumination unit 39.

  In addition, when the time measured by the OFF timer is less than the first time, the control unit 35 receives power to the paper discharge detection unit 38 when receiving a request for transition from the first mode 30 to the second mode 31. The transition to the second mode 31 is performed with the supply of. In addition, when the time measured by the OFF timer is equal to or longer than the first time, the control unit 35 receives power to the paper discharge detection unit 38 when a request for transition from the first mode 30 to the second mode 31 is received. And the transition to the second mode 31 is made. That is, in the second mode 31, it may be set not to supply power to the paper discharge detection unit 38, but the time elapsed since the paper discharge detection unit 38 switched from the detection state to the non-detection state If it is less than one hour, the power supply to the paper discharge detection unit 38 is kept performed. Thereby, the control unit 35 shifts the mode to the energy saving mode while maintaining the function of notifying the paper discharge unit 37 that there is a sheet. Therefore, the standby power amount is further suppressed by stopping the unused functions.

  The control unit 35 further includes an automatic turn-off timer, which is a timer function for measuring time, separately from the OFF timer when performing lighting control of the illumination unit 39 by time. The user causes the storage unit 34 to store a second time longer than the first time set in the automatic turn-off timer. When the time that has elapsed since the paper processing unit 36 finished processing is the second time, the control unit 35 turns off the illumination unit 39 and measures the time.

  For example, the second time is 2 minutes. When printing is performed by the paper processing unit 36, the control unit 35 turns on the illumination unit 39, starts an automatic turn-off timer, and starts measuring time. When the time elapsed since the paper processing unit 36 finished printing is 2 minutes, the control unit 35 turns off the illumination unit 39 and ends the automatic turn-off timer. Note that the time measurement by the automatic turn-off timer is continued even when the paper discharge detection unit 38 is in a non-detection state during the measurement. Further, the time set for the OFF timer and the automatic turn-off timer is not limited as long as the time set for the OFF timer is shorter than the time set for the automatic turn-off timer.

  Moreover, in order to show the division | segmentation of time in 1st time and 2nd time, although described in the case where it is more than 1st time and the case where it is less than 1st time, for example, it is not specifically limited. For example, the description divided into the case where it is 1st time or more and the case where it is less than 1st time may be the case where it exceeds 1st time and the case where it is 1st time or less.

  Next, the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for controlling the lighting of the paper discharge lamp 14 in the paper processing apparatus 1. First, the sheet processing apparatus 1 receives an instruction from the user through the input unit 33 and starts printing. The control unit 35 activates an automatic turn-off timer when printing is completed (S100) (S101). Next, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the automatic turn-off time set in the automatic turn-off timer has elapsed (S102). When the automatic turn-off time has not elapsed, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the OFF timer time set in the OFF timer has elapsed (S103). When the OFF timer time has not elapsed or when the OFF timer has not been activated, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the paper discharge detection unit 38 is in a detection state (S104). When the paper discharge detection unit 38 is in the detection state, that is, when the paper discharge sensor 17 is ON, the control unit 35 turns on the paper discharge lamp 14 as the illumination unit 39 (S108). Further, when the OFF timer is activated, the control unit 35 stops the OFF timer (S109). When the paper discharge sensor 17 remains ON, the control unit 35 repeats the determination and operation of S102, S103, S104, S108, and S109. The controller 35 turns off the paper discharge lamp 14 when the automatic turn-off time set in the automatic turn-off timer is reached (S110). Even after S110, even when the paper is extracted from the paper discharge tray 13 or when the paper is returned to the paper discharge tray 13, the control unit 35 does not turn on the paper discharge lamp 14.

  By doing so, the paper discharge lamp 14 can be turned off when the time elapsed since the paper processing unit 36 finished the processing is longer than the second time longer than the first time. Therefore, by stopping the functions that are not used, the sheet processing apparatus 1 can further suppress the standby power amount.

  Further, when the paper discharge detection unit 38 becomes a non-detection state within the automatic turn-off time, that is, when the paper discharge sensor 17 changes from ON to OFF (S106), the control unit 35 starts an OFF timer ( S107). Next, after determining in S102 and S103, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the paper discharge detection unit 38 is in a detection state (S104). The control unit 35 turns off the paper discharge lamp 14 when the paper discharge detection unit 38 is in a non-detection state, that is, when the paper discharge sensor 17 is OFF (S105). If the paper discharge sensor 17 remains OFF after the paper discharge lamp 14 is turned off, the control unit 35 repeats the determination and operation of S102, S103, S104, S105, and S106. The controller 35 turns off the paper discharge lamp 14 when the automatic turn-off time comes (S102) or when the OFF timer time comes (S103) (S110).

  In addition, when the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time, when the request for transition from the first mode 30 to the second mode 31 is received, the control unit 35 detects the paper discharge sensor The power supply to 17 is stopped and the mode is changed to the second mode 31. By doing so, functions that are not currently used can be stopped, so that the standby power amount of the sheet processing apparatus 1 is further suppressed.

  Further, when the paper discharge sensor 17 is turned from OFF to ON within the automatic turn-off time and within the OFF timer time (S104), the control unit 35 turns on the paper discharge lamp 14 (S108). Further, when the OFF timer is activated, the control unit 35 stops the OFF timer (S109). The control unit 35 repeats the above-described procedure every time printing is performed by the paper processing apparatus 1, and controls the lighting of the discharge lamp 14 according to the detection state of the discharge sensor 17 until the automatic turn-off time is reached.

  That is, when the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than the first time, the control unit 35 relights the paper discharge lamp 14 when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again. When the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time, the sheet processing apparatus 1 does not relight the paper discharge lamp 14 when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again. By doing so, the discharge lamp 14 is turned on or off as necessary, so that the user is notified of the sheets in the discharge tray 13 more efficiently.

  In addition, when the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than the first time, when the request for transition from the first mode 30 to the second mode 31 is received, the control unit 35 detects the paper discharge sensor. Continue to supply power to 17. Further, the control unit 35 transitions from the first mode 30 to the second mode 31. In this way, the sheet processing apparatus 1 shifts to a mode having an energy saving function while maintaining a function of notifying that there is a sheet in the sheet discharge tray 13. Therefore, the sheet processing apparatus 1 can stop functions that are not being used, so that the standby power consumption is further suppressed.

  Further, the control unit 35 does not transition to the third mode 32 when the paper discharge lamp 14 is lit in the state of the second mode 31. By doing so, even if the user mistakenly makes a transition from the second mode 31 to the third mode 32, the control unit 35 prevents the mode from being changed, and thus the discharge lamp 14 is prevented from being turned off. .

  The paper discharge lamp 14 may be turned off and the automatic turn-off time may elapse (S102) or the OFF timer time may elapse (S103). In the case where the paper discharge lamp 14 is turned off, the control unit 35 maintains the state where the paper discharge lamp 14 is turned off in S110. In S110, the control unit 35 may stop supplying power to the paper discharge sensor 17, or may turn off the paper discharge sensor even when the paper is in the paper discharge tray 13, and is not limited. In addition, when printing is interrupted due to an error due to insufficient paper during printing, the control unit 35 does not have to start measuring the automatic turn-off time. Further, when printing is performed again within the time set in the automatic light-off timer, the control unit 35 stops measuring the time by the automatic light-off timer, and measures the time by the automatic light-off timer from the time when the printing is finished. May be started again. In addition, when printing is performed again within the time set in the OFF timer, the control unit 35 stops measuring the time using the OFF timer, and restarts measuring the time using the OFF timer from the time when the printing is finished. May be.

  As described above, according to the paper processing device of the present embodiment, the paper processing device 1 turns off the illumination unit 39 and discharges paper when the paper discharge detection unit 38 is not detecting paper. In the detection state in which the detection unit 38 detects the paper, the illumination unit 39 is turned on. When switching from the non-detection state to the detection state after switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, the sheet processing apparatus 1 maintains the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, and restarts the illumination unit 39. Light up.

  By doing so, the paper processing apparatus 1 controls the lighting or extinguishing of the paper discharge lamp 14 and the mode transition without impairing the paper discharge notification function and the energy saving function. That is, even when the paper is temporarily removed from the paper discharge tray 13 by the user and the paper is returned to the paper discharge tray 13 again during the energy saving mode, the paper discharge lamp 14 is lit again while maintaining the energy saving effect. Is done. Therefore, the paper processing apparatus 1 can improve energy saving efficiency and notify the user of the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13.

  Further, according to the paper processing method in the present embodiment, the paper processing apparatus 1 detects that the paper discharge detection unit 38 that detects the paper in the paper discharge unit 37 does not detect the paper, and the paper discharge detection unit. 38 is discriminated from the detection state in which the sheet is detected. The sheet processing apparatus 1 includes a lighting control step that turns off the illumination unit 39 that emits illumination light in the non-detection state and turns on the illumination unit 39 in the detection state. Further, when the sheet processing apparatus 1 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state and then switches from the non-detection state to the detection state again, the sheet processing apparatus 1 maintains the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, and the illumination unit 39 A relighting control step for relighting is included.

  Thus, in the paper processing apparatus 1, the discharge lamp 14 is turned on or off and the mode transition is controlled without impairing the discharge notification function and the energy saving function.

  The paper processing apparatus and the paper processing method of the present invention have been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention, the form which carried out the various deformation | transformation which those skilled in the art conceived to this Embodiment, and the structure constructed | assembled combining the component in a different embodiment is also contained in this invention.

  For example, in this embodiment, the user is notified by the paper discharge lamp 14 of the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13. However, for example, the paper processing apparatus 1 further includes a speaker so that an alarm can be notified to the user. Good. The presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13 may be displayed on the display 16.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 1 includes the paper discharge lamp 14. However, the sheet processing apparatus 1 may include the paper discharge lamp 14 or may not include the paper discharge lamp 14. For example, the paper processing apparatus 1 outputs a signal for notifying the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13 to an external device capable of communication. The external device includes a notification unit that emits illumination light or sound, and notifies the user of the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13 by the notification unit. In this way, the user can check the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13 even at a location away from the paper processing apparatus 1.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of the sheet processing system of the sheet processing apparatus 1 and the external apparatus will be described. Note that description overlapping with the above-described embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  The sheet processing apparatus 1 includes a sheet processing unit 36 that processes sheets, a sheet discharge unit 37 that discharges sheets processed by the sheet processing unit 36, and a discharge that detects sheets discharged to the sheet discharge unit 37. A paper detection unit 38 and a control unit 35 are provided. Further, the sheet processing apparatus 1 is connected to an external device via the LAN 7 or the like.

  The control unit 35 supplies power to the paper processing unit 36 and the paper discharge detection unit 38 in a first mode 30 in which power is supplied with a predetermined supply amount, and in a supply amount smaller than that in the first mode 30. The transition between the modes with the second mode 31 is controlled.

  The control unit 35 further outputs a first signal indicating the non-detection state to the external device when the paper discharge detection unit 38 is in the non-detection state where the paper is not detected. Further, when the paper discharge detection unit is in the detection state where the paper discharge detection unit is detecting paper, the control unit 35 outputs a second signal indicating the detection state to the external device. In addition, when the control unit 35 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state and then switches from the non-detection state to the detection state again, the control unit 35 maintains the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, and is in the detection state. A second signal indicating this is output to the external device.

  The external apparatus presents to the user that the sheet processing apparatus 1 is in a detection state or a non-detection state in accordance with the received first signal or second signal. A method of presenting to the user that the paper processing apparatus 1 is in a detection state or a non-detection state by an external device is not limited. For example, illumination light output, sound output, or image display may be used. But you can.

  The external device may be, for example, a device having only a notification function by the notification unit, or may be the counterpart paper processing device 2, the terminal device 3, or the terminal device 4 having a notification unit. The notification unit may be, for example, a lamp that emits illumination light or a speaker that emits sound. The notification unit may be a display such as the terminal device 3 or the terminal device 4. As a method for notifying the user by the display, for example, the terminal device 3 receives the first signal or the second signal from the paper processing device 1, and the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge tray 13 is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 3. You may make it do. In this way, the user can check the presence or absence of paper in the paper discharge unit 37 even at a location away from the paper processing apparatus 1.

  The present invention, as a paper processing apparatus, for example, as a MFP or the like, as a paper processing apparatus having a function of controlling turning on and off of a paper discharge lamp and mode transition without impairing a paper discharge notification function and an energy saving function. Can be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper processing apparatus 2 Counterpart paper processing apparatus 3, 4 Terminal apparatus 5 Router 6 PSTN
7 LAN
8 Internet 9 Paper feed tray 10 Paper cassette 11 ADF
12 FBS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Paper discharge tray 14 Paper discharge lamp 15 Operation panel 16 Display 17 Paper discharge sensor 18 ADF motor 19 FBS motor 20 Scanner 21 Printer 22 CPU
23 Energy saving microcomputer 24 Memory 25 USB host 26 USB device 27 Modem 28 NCU
29 LAN I / F
30 First mode 30a Active state 30b Standby state 31 Second mode 32 Third mode 33 Input unit 34 Storage unit 35 Control unit 36 Paper processing unit 37 Paper discharge unit 38 Paper discharge detection unit 39 Illumination unit

Claims (8)

A paper processing unit for processing paper;
A paper discharge unit for discharging the paper processed by the paper processing unit;
A paper discharge detection unit for detecting paper discharged to the paper discharge unit;
An illumination unit;
Between the first mode in which electric power is supplied to the paper processing unit and the paper discharge detection unit with a predetermined supply amount and the second mode in which electric power is supplied with a smaller supply amount than the first mode. A control unit for controlling the transition of
With
The controller is
When the paper discharge detection unit is in a non-detection state where no paper is detected, the illumination unit is turned off. When the paper discharge detection unit is in a detection state where paper is detected, the illumination unit is turned on.
After switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again is maintained, and the illumination unit is restarted. The paper processing device to be lit. The control unit has a timer function,
When the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than a first time, when the non-detection state is switched again to the detection state, the lighting unit is turned on again,
The lighting unit is not relighted when the time has elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time and when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again. The paper processing apparatus as described. The controller is
When the time elapsed after switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is less than the first time, when a request for transition from the first mode to the second mode is received, The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet processing apparatus transitions to the second mode while supplying power. The controller is
When the time elapsed since switching from the detection state to the non-detection state is equal to or longer than the first time, when a request for transition from the first mode to the second mode is received, The paper processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein power supply is stopped and the mode is changed to the second mode. The controller is
The paper processing according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the lighting unit is turned off when a time elapsed since the paper processing unit finished processing is a second time or longer than the first time. apparatus. The controller is
Controlling the mode transition to the third mode in which power is not supplied to the paper processing unit, the paper discharge detection unit, and the illumination unit;
The state of the second mode, when the request for transition to the third mode is received when the illumination unit is lit, does not transition to the third mode. The paper processing apparatus according to 1. If the paper discharge detection unit that detects the paper of the paper discharge unit that discharges the paper processed by the paper processing unit is in a non-detection state where no paper is detected, the illumination unit that emits illumination light is turned off and the discharge unit In a detection state where the paper detection unit is detecting paper, a lighting control step of lighting the illumination unit;
After switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again is maintained, and the illumination unit is restarted. And a re-lighting control step for turning on the paper. A paper processing unit for processing paper;
A paper discharge unit for discharging the paper processed by the paper processing unit;
A paper discharge detection unit for detecting paper discharged to the paper discharge unit;
Between the first mode in which electric power is supplied to the paper processing unit and the paper discharge detection unit with a predetermined supply amount and the second mode in which electric power is supplied with a smaller supply amount than the first mode. A sheet processing apparatus having a control unit for controlling the transition of
An external device capable of communicating with the paper processing device;
A paper processing system comprising:
The controller is
When the paper discharge detection unit is in a non-detection state where no paper is detected, a first signal indicating the non-detection state is output to the external device, and the paper discharge detection unit detects the paper. In the detection state, the second signal indicating the detection state is output to the external device,
After switching from the detection state to the non-detection state, when switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again, the mode immediately before switching from the non-detection state to the detection state again is maintained, and is in the detection state. Output the second signal indicating that to the external device,
The external device presents the detection state or the non-detection state according to the received first signal or the second signal.

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