JP2018080021A - Processing apparatus and processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce paper mis-setting and user's work burden compared with the case where paper information obtained from a storage location is not used.SOLUTION: The processing apparatus includes a reflection section that associates opening and closing of a paper feed tray with paper taken out from a storage place according to a time relation between the opening and closing and taking out, or associates according to an execution order of the opening and closing and taking out to reflect on management information of the paper accommodated in the paper feed tray.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a processing system.

  In Patent Document 1, when changing the type of a sheet stored in a sheet storage unit (corresponding to a “paper feed tray” described later), the sheet can be stored in the sheet storage unit according to the type of sheet received by the reception unit. A mechanism for notifying the user of the number of sheet packages is described.

JP2013-248805A

  When the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed, it is necessary to set the newly stored paper type and adapt the image forming method to the changed paper type. Many image forming apparatuses employ a method in which a user inputs a paper type.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce a sheet setting error and a user's work burden as compared with a case where information on a sheet obtained from a storage location is not used.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the paper taken out from the opening and closing of the paper feed tray and the storage location is associated according to the time relationship between the opening and closing and the take-out, or is associated according to the execution order of the opening and closing and the take-out. The processing apparatus includes a reflection unit that reflects the management information of the paper stored in the paper tray.
The invention according to claim 2 further comprises request means for requesting confirmation by the user when the type of paper input by the user and the type of paper taken out from the storage location do not match. Device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the processing device according to the second aspect, the processing device acquires the paper information identified from the image of the storage location of the paper imaged by the imaging unit. is there.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the processing apparatus is configured such that the color or pattern of the package of the stored paper, the code information printed on the package, or the identification member attached to the package. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the type of the paper is acquired based on the information or registration information of the storage section in which the reduction in the number of the packets is confirmed.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the paper taken out from the opening and closing of the paper feed tray and the storage location is associated according to the time relationship between the opening and closing and the take-out, or is associated according to the execution order of the opening and closing and the take-out. A reflection unit that reflects the management information of the paper stored in the paper tray, an imaging unit, an identification unit that identifies the type of the paper from the image of the storage location of the paper captured by the imaging unit, and a user The processing system includes request means for requesting confirmation by the user when the input paper type and the paper type identified by the identification means do not match.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a sheet setting error and a user's work burden as compared with a case where information on a sheet obtained from a storage location is not used.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, paper setting errors can be reduced as compared with the case where there is no request means for requesting confirmation by the user.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a sheet setting error and a user's work burden as compared with a case where an image obtained by imaging the storage location of the sheet is not used.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is easier to acquire the type of the paper as compared with the case where the information of the paper wrapping is not used.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the sheet setting mistake and the work burden on the user as compared with the case where the sheet information obtained from the storage location is not used.

It is a figure explaining the system configuration which this embodiment assumes. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the function structure of the control part which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of the method of identifying the kind of copy paper based on image data. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another method for identifying the type of paper from image data. The first paper feed tray is drawn in the direction of the arrow. It is a figure explaining an example of the detection method used by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the data table which shows the relationship between the paper feed tray registered into the memory | storage part etc. by the detection part, and the kind of paper accommodated. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a dialog box that is displayed when a paper type input by a user and a paper type managed by the apparatus do not match. 6 is a flowchart for describing copy sheet type registration processing autonomously executed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations executed when a user inputs the type of copy paper stored in a paper feed tray.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration assumed in the present embodiment. The system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 11 having a plurality of functions and a camera 13 or 14 that captures an image of a place (storage place) where a plurality of copy sheet bundles 20 are stored. System 10 is an example of a processing system.

  The image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment has a copy function, a scanner function, a fax transmission / reception function, and a printing function. However, the image forming apparatus 11 may be an apparatus specialized for one function, such as a scanner, a fax machine, a printer (including a three-dimensional printer), or an image editing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment is an example of an image processing apparatus and an example of a processing system.

  A plurality of pull-out paper feed trays 12 for storing copy sheets taken out from the copy sheet bundle 20 are provided at the lower part of the casing of the image forming apparatus 11. The copy sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray 12 are taken out one by one by a sheet feeding mechanism (not shown) and conveyed to the image forming area. The copy sheet is an example of a recording material used for image recording. Each of the paper feed trays 12 is a box-shaped container having an inner space that can accommodate a copy paper of the maximum size that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 11.

  The image forming apparatus 11 in the present embodiment is provided with four paper feed trays 12. Hereinafter, when distinguishing the individual paper feed trays 12, the paper feed tray 12 positioned at the top is referred to as a paper feed tray 12A, and the paper feed tray 12 positioned second from the top is referred to as a paper feed tray 12B. The paper feed tray 12 located third from the top is designated as a paper feed tray 12C, and the paper feed tray 12 located fourth from the top is designated as a paper feed tray 12D.

  The camera 13 is mounted at any position on the housing constituting the image forming apparatus 11. In the case of the present embodiment, the camera 13 is used for monitoring the storage state of the copy sheet bundle 20. Accordingly, the shooting direction of the camera 13 is adjusted so that the storage location of the copy sheet bundle 20 is included in the shooting field of view 15. For this reason, it is desirable that the camera 13 is mounted on the housing of the image forming apparatus 11 via a movable mechanism. The camera 13 may be attached integrally with the housing of the image forming apparatus 11, but may be attached independently to the housing of the image forming apparatus 11. The use of the camera 13 is not limited to photographing the storage location of the copy sheet bundle 20.

  The camera 14 is used when the storage location of the copy sheet bundle 20 does not fit within the shooting field 15 of the camera 13. For example, the camera 14 is used when the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 exists in a different room from the image forming apparatus 11 or when the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 cannot be directly photographed from the camera 13 due to office furniture or the like.

  The camera 14 only needs to be arranged so that the storage location of the copy sheet bundle 20 can be accommodated in the photographing field 16. The camera 14 and the image forming apparatus 11 are connected by communication means. In the example of FIG. 1, the camera 14 represents an example of a camera that is fixedly attached to the ceiling. However, the attachment position is not limited to the ceiling, and the camera 14 may be detachably installed.

  The camera 14 does not need to be a photographing unit dedicated to photographing the copy sheet bundle 20 but is an imaging unit existing in the office, and includes a storage place of the copy sheet bundle 20 in the photographing field 16. I just need it.

  The copy sheet bundle 20 is a bundle of copy sheets packed with wrapping paper, and the copy sheet bundle 20 in this embodiment is composed of 500 copy sheets. In the case of the present embodiment, the copy sheet bundles 20 are stacked in a storage place, but the copy sheet bundles 20 may be stored in a state of being accommodated in a box. In many cases, five copy sheet bundles 20 are accommodated in one box. As will be described in detail later, when the sections to be stored for each type of copy sheet are determined, the copy sheets taken out from the copy sheet bundle 20 may be stacked in the corresponding sections.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 11. The image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 100 that controls the entire apparatus, a storage unit 104 that stores images used for copying and printing, and a camera 13 that captures the storage location of the copy sheet bundle 20. A paper feed tray sensor 105 that detects the opening and closing of the paper feed tray 12, a display unit 106 that is used to display an operation reception screen and a still image, an operation reception unit 107 that is used to receive user input operations, Communication between an image reading unit 108 that reads an image of a document set on the image reading surface, an image forming unit 109 that forms an image on copy paper, which is an example of a recording material, for example, by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, and an external device And an image processing unit 111 that performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on the image represented by the image data. Each unit described above is connected to the bus 112 and exchanges data via the bus 112.

  The control unit 100 is a so-called computer, and functions as an example of a processing device in the present embodiment. The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that executes programs, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 that stores programs and data such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and firmware, and a work area for the programs. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 is provided.

  The storage unit 104 includes a storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory. One sheet feeding tray sensor 105 is provided for each sheet feeding tray 12, and the detection result is notified to the control unit 100. The camera 13 (or 14) is a device that captures a moving image of the storage location of the copy sheet bundle 20. The camera 13 (or 14) is an example of an imaging unit. The display unit 106 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like.

  The operation reception unit 107 includes, for example, a one-touch button used for reading a registered destination, a numeric keypad used for inputting the number of copies and a password, and a start button for instructing execution of copying and faxing. The image reading unit 108 is configured by a so-called scanner device. The image forming unit 109 is a print engine that forms an image on copy paper, which is an example of a recording material. The image forming unit 109 corresponds to an example of an image forming unit. The communication unit 110 is configured by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface. The image processing unit 111 is configured by a dedicated processor that performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on image data, for example.

<Functional configuration of control unit>
Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 100 according to the present embodiment. This function is realized through program execution. The control unit 100 associates copy sheets taken out from the opening and closing of the paper feed tray 12 and the storage location according to the time relationship between the opening and closing of the paper feed tray 12 and the take-out, or the execution order of opening and closing of the paper feed tray 12 and the take-out. Correspondingly, it functions as a reflection unit 201 that associates and reflects the management information on the paper stored in the paper feed tray 12.

  Here, the output of the paper feed tray sensor 105 is used to detect opening and closing of the paper feed tray 12. As will be described later, the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12 may be detected not only by detecting a change from the closed state to the open state, but also by detecting a change from the open state to the closed state, or both. Also, taking out copy paper from the storage location is detected using an image taken by the camera 13 or 14. For example, when the number of copy sheet bundles 20 appearing in the image is reduced or when the thickness (height) of the copy sheets stacked in bulk is reduced, it is determined that the copy sheets have been taken out.

  The method for determining whether the copy paper bundle 20 or the copy paper is taken out from the storage location is not limited to the method using an image photographed by the camera 13 or 14. For example, when the distance to the uppermost surface of the copy paper bundle 20 or the uppermost surface of the copy paper is measured with a laser measuring instrument, and the measured distance becomes longer than the previous value, the copy paper bundle 20 or the stacked copies It may be determined that the paper has been taken out. Further, when the copy sheet bundle 20 or the copy sheet is stored on the weight sensor, it is determined that the copy sheet bundle 20 or the stacked copy sheet is taken out when the weight reduction is detected. May be.

  Next, an event that occurs when a copy sheet taken out from a storage location is stored in the sheet feed tray 12 will be described. When the copy paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12, the user pulls out the paper feed tray 12 from the image forming apparatus 11 and opens it, the user takes out the copy paper from the storage location, and the user takes the copy paper taken out from the storage location. Is stored in the paper feed tray 12 and the user closes the paper feed tray 12 that has been accommodated within a predetermined time or in order. Note that the operation of taking out the copy paper from the storage location may be performed before the operation of pulling out the paper feed tray 12.

  Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, when all or part of these operations are executed within a predetermined time or in order, when the user stores copy paper in the paper feed tray 12, Treat the event as it appears. In the event that the user appears when the copy paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12, the copy paper temporarily stored in the empty space in the paper feed tray 12 is transferred in the same paper feed tray 12. Work is also included. In this case, the empty space in the paper feed tray 12 is an example of a copy paper storage location.

  Although the details will be described later, the reflection unit 201 associates the paper feed tray 12 with the taken copy paper when the opening / closing event of the paper feed tray 12 and the take-out event satisfy a predetermined time relationship, or When the opening / closing event and take-out event of the paper feed tray 12 satisfy a predetermined execution order, the paper feed tray 12 is associated with the taken copy paper. When the association is performed here, the reflection unit 201 reflects the information of the associated copy sheet in the management information of the copy sheet accommodated in the sheet feeding tray 12. Through the reflection process of the reflection unit 201, the image forming apparatus 11 acquires information on the copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12 independently of the user input operation.

  The reflection unit 201 is a detection unit 202 used for detecting the above-described event, and a display control unit 205 that notifies the user when the type of copy paper input by the user and the type of copy paper managed internally do not match. Includes functions. Here, the detection unit 202 is an example of a detection unit, and the display control unit 205 is an example of a request unit. The display control unit 205 is also an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of information.

  The detection unit 202 in the present embodiment includes a function as an identification unit 203 that identifies the type of copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12 and an open / close detection unit 204 that detects the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12. . The identification unit 203 here is an example of an identification unit.

  First, the identification unit 203 will be described. The identification unit 203 in the present embodiment performs image processing on image data acquired by photographing the storage location with the camera 13 or 14 and identifies the type of copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12. For this reason, in the example of FIG. 3, image data of the storage location is input to the detection unit 202.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for identifying the type of copy paper based on image data. FIG. 4 shows an example of the appearance of the copy sheet bundle 20. The copy sheet bundle 20 is a bundle of, for example, 500 copy sheets wrapped with wrapping paper. On the surface of the wrapping paper, a pattern 21 is printed which is a combination of colors and patterns having special colors for each manufacturer and vendor. The identification unit 203 extracts the pattern 21 from the image data, and identifies the manufacturer and vendor information and, if possible, the paper type.

  A product name 22 expressed in alphanumeric characters is printed on a part of the wrapper. The identification unit 203 extracts the product name 22 from the image data and identifies the paper type. Further, a product code 23 expressed by a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) which is a barcode or a two-dimensional barcode is printed on a part of the wrapping paper. The identification unit 203 extracts the product code 23 from the image data, and identifies the paper type. The product code 23 here is an example of code information.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the electronic tag 24 on which the product code information is electronically written is attached to a part of the wrapping paper, the identification unit 203 is operated by an electronic tag reader (not shown). The paper type is identified based on information such as a product code read from the electronic tag 24. When the electronic tag 24 is used, it is not necessary to use image data to identify the type of paper.

  In addition, when a sticky note including information that makes it possible to identify the type of paper is attached to the copy paper or the wrapping paper taken out from the wrapper, the identification unit 203 is printed or written on the sticky note color or the sticky note. The alphanumeric characters are extracted from the image data and the paper type is identified. The correspondence between the colors and alphanumeric characters appearing on the sticky note and the paper type needs to be given to the identification unit 203 in advance. The tag here is an example of an identification member.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another method for identifying the paper type from the image data. In the case of FIG. 5, the interior of the storage shelf 300 is divided into three spaces in the vertical direction by two shelf boards, and the interior of each space is managed in two sections. In FIG. 5, a total of six sections are represented as storage sections 301-306. Each of the storage sections 301 to 306 is used as a place dedicated to a predetermined type of copy paper. In the case of the present embodiment, the relationship between the individual storage sections 301 to 306 and the corresponding paper type is registered in the identification unit 203 as registration information.

  The identification unit 203 in the present embodiment identifies the type of copy paper taken out from the storage location by specifying the storage section where the number of copy paper bundles 20 is reduced by image processing. When the height of copy sheets stacked by image processing is detected, the type of copy paper taken out from the storage location can be specified even when the copy paper bundle 20 is not stored. Become.

  Note that the method of specifying the type of copy paper in the present embodiment is not limited to the method described above. For example, an image taken by the camera 13 or 14 or an existing sensor (a paper brand identification reader that detects the type of paper from one copy paper set in the identification area) may be used.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The open / close detection unit 204 receives output signals from four paper feed tray sensors 105 provided corresponding to each of the paper feed trays 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D, and detects the open / closed paper feed tray 12. As described above, the paper feed tray sensor 105 detects a change from the closed state to the open state and a change from the open state to the closed state for each paper feed tray 12. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first paper feed tray 12A is pulled out in the arrow direction. In this case, the open / close detection unit 204 supplies a detection signal indicating that the paper feed tray 12A has been pulled out to the identification unit 203 (see FIG. 3).

  Next, an example of processing operation executed when the detection unit 202 detects the occurrence of an event that appears when the copy paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection method used in the present embodiment. The horizontal axis in FIG. 7 is time.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 202 uses the functions of the identification unit 203 and the open / close detection unit 204 described above, and pulls out the paper feed tray 12 (timing when the paper tray 12 changes from the closed state to the open state) and the storage location. It is determined whether or not a copy sheet reduction event has occurred in a predetermined order within a predetermined time, and if the determination condition is satisfied, the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12 that has been pulled out. It is determined that

  In FIG. 7, the timing at which the pullout event of the paper feed tray 12 is detected is indicated by t2, and the timing at which the copy paper decrease event at the storage location is detected before the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out is indicated by t1. In addition, a timing at which a copy paper decrease event at the storage location is detected after the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out is indicated by t3.

  In the present embodiment, two events are detected when a copy sheet decrease event at the storage location is detected within a predetermined period before and after the detection timing of the pull-out event of the paper feed tray 12. Recognize the relationship between them. Specifically, when the time difference between t1 and t2 is equal to or smaller than the determination threshold value T1, the detection unit 202 determines that the copy sheet taken out from the storage location is stored in the sheet feed tray 12 that has been pulled out. In addition, when the time difference between t2 and t3 is equal to or smaller than the determination threshold T2, the detection unit 202 determines that the copy sheet taken out from the storage location is stored in the sheet feed tray 12 that has been pulled out.

  Here, the determination threshold values T1 and T2 may be the same value or different values. In any case, when the two events to be determined exceed the determination threshold T1 or the determination threshold T2, the detection unit 202 determines that there is a high possibility that these two events have been performed independently.

  Further, the detection unit 202 determines that the reduction of the copy paper is unrelated to the storage in the paper feed tray 12 when the time difference from when the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out until it is closed is shorter than the determination threshold T3. This is because the pull-out event when the user temporarily opens and closes the paper feed tray 12 to check the remaining number of paper feed trays 12 is not associated with the copy paper taken out from the storage location. In FIG. 7, the timing at which the event of closing the paper feed tray 12 is detected is indicated by t4. Accordingly, when the time difference between t2 and t4 exceeds the determination threshold T3, the detection unit 202 considers that the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12.

  The detection unit 202 also detects that the copy sheet taken out from the storage location is in the paper feed tray even when the timing t3 when the reduction of the copy paper is detected is after the timing t4 when the event of closing the paper feed tray 12 is detected. 12 is determined not to be accommodated. This is because when the decrease in copy paper is detected after the paper feed tray 12 is closed, it is highly likely that the reduced copy paper has been used for another purpose.

  Accordingly, the detection unit 202 detects the pull-out event of the paper feed tray 12 within the determination threshold T1 after the detection of the decrease in copy paper from the storage location, and after the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out until it is closed. When the time difference is longer than the determination threshold T3, the copy sheet type information confirmed to decrease is reflected in the management information of the copy sheet stored in the paper feed tray 12 confirmed to be pulled out.

  The detection unit 202 detects a decrease in copy paper at the storage location within the determination threshold T2 after the detection of the pull-out event of the paper feed tray 12, and after the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out until it is closed. When the time difference is longer than the determination threshold T3 and the detection of the decrease in the copy paper at the storage location is before the paper feed tray 12 is closed, the information on the copy paper type in which the decrease is confirmed and the supply in which the drawer is confirmed. After associating with the paper tray 12, it is reflected in the management information of the copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data table 400 that shows the relationship between the paper feed tray 12 registered in the storage unit 104 and the like by the detection unit 202 and the type of paper stored. In the example of FIG. 8, the paper feed tray 1 (that is, the first paper feed tray 12A) has an A4 size, a basis weight of 70 g / m ² , a paper thickness of 89 μm, and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). A copy sheet having a whiteness level of 84% defined in the above is registered in association with each other. Here, “basis weight” is a unit representing the thickness and weight of paper, and is expressed in grams per 1 m ² . In the data table 400, other information may be registered in addition to or in addition to the information described above. For example, a product code, a product name, etc. may be registered.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the registered content of the copy paper type input by the user and the information on the copy paper type detected by the detection unit 202 using the above-described method do not match, the display control unit 205 notifies the user of the mismatch and confirms the confirmation. Displays the requested dialog box. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a dialog box 500 that is displayed when the paper type input by the user does not match the paper type managed by the apparatus. The dialog box 500 is displayed on the display unit 106 provided on the operation panel, for example. In the example of FIG. 9, the dialog box 500 includes the text “The prepared paper may be different from the paper type entered for the paper tray 1. Please check.” Yes.

<Processing operation>
Hereinafter, the processing operation of the image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. A series of processing operations are executed through execution of a program by the control unit 100. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining copy sheet type registration processing autonomously executed by the image forming apparatus 11.

  First, the control unit 100 uses the function of the detection unit 202 to determine whether or not an event of storing copy paper in the paper feed tray 12 has been detected (step 101). This determination is made based on whether or not an event satisfying the above-described time relationship or execution order is detected. This determination process is continued while a negative result is obtained.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step 101, the control unit 100 detects the type of copy paper taken out from the storage location (step 102). The control unit 100 uses the function of the identification unit 203 to identify the type of copy paper based on information such as the wrapping paper image of the copy paper bundle 20 that has been confirmed to be taken out.

  Next, the control unit 100 sets the type of the detected copy paper for the paper feed tray 12 associated with the taken copy paper (step 103). As described above, in this embodiment, the user does not need to set the copy paper, so that the paper setting mistake by the user and the work burden on the user are reduced.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations executed when the user inputs the type of copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12. First, the control unit 100 receives an input of the type of copy paper by the user (step 201). The input here is performed by designating the paper feed tray 12. For example, the user designates the paper feed tray 1 (first paper feed tray 12A) and inputs the type of copy paper.

  When receiving the input of the copy paper type by the user, the control unit 100 identifies the type of copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12 that is the input target (step 202). Here, the control unit 100 identifies the type of copy paper using the function of the identification unit 203. The identification of the copy paper type by the identification unit 203 may be executed after waiting for the user to input the copy paper type as shown in FIG. 11, but it is executed when a decrease in the copy paper is detected from the storage location. May be.

  Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the type of copy paper input by the user matches the type of copy paper identified by the identification unit 203 (step 203). When an affirmative result is obtained, the control unit 100 ends the process started by the user input. On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained, the control unit 100 displays a dialog box 500 (see FIG. 9) requesting confirmation from the user on the display unit 106 (step 204). This function reduces paper set mistakes by the user.

<Summary>
The following concept is included in this embodiment.
-Examples of events that give judgment timing
(1) When the paper tray is opened after a decrease in the number of stored paper packets is detected
(2) When a decrease in the number of stored paper packets is detected after the paper feed tray is openedExample of a method for determining the paper type
(1) Packaging color and pattern
(2) The code printed on the package (bar code, QR code, alphanumeric number)
(3) Color of identification paper attached to the package
(4) Example of registered information and operation after judgment of shelf (storage section) confirmed to have a reduced number of packets
(1) Register judgment results in association with paper feed trays
(2) Display confirmation dialog
(3) Warning when there is a discrepancy with the previous registration information
(4) Warning when the type entered by the user does not match the judged type
(5) Confirmation dialog displayed when the number of reduced paper types is multiple and the open state is confirmed for multiple paper trays

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the number of copy sheets detected from the storage location is one and the number of the input tray 12 that is opened and closed is one. When a decrease is detected, the number of paper feed trays 12 to be opened and closed is one, or when a decrease in a plurality of types of copy paper is detected and the number of paper feed trays 12 to be opened and closed is plural, A plurality of copy paper types detected by the identification unit 203 may be displayed in a dialog box, and the user may select which paper feed tray 12 to register the identified copy paper types to. Employing such a selection method reduces paper setting errors and user workload.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 11 is equipped with the identification unit that identifies the sheet taken out from the storage location and the function of associating the identified sheet type with the opening / closing of the sheet feeding tray 12 has been described. , A server, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or a processing device such as a smartphone. In addition, the identification means for identifying the sheet taken out from the storage location is mounted on, for example, a processing apparatus that controls the imaging means, in addition to a processing apparatus having a function of associating the identified sheet type with the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12. May be.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the scope of the claims that various modifications or improvements added to the above embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... System, 11 ... Image forming apparatus, 12 ... Paper feed tray, 13, 14 ... Camera, 15, 16 ... Shooting view field, 20 ... Copy paper bundle, 21 ... Pattern, 22 ... Product name, 23 ... Product code, 24 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Electronic tag 100 ... Control part 105 ... Paper feed tray sensor 201 ... Reflection part 202 ... Detection part 203 ... Identification part 204 ... Opening / closing detection part 205 ... Display control part 300 ... Storage shelf 301- 306 ... Storage section, 400 ... Data table, 500 ... Dialog box

Claims (5)

The paper taken out from the opening and closing of the paper feed tray and the storage location is associated with the time relationship between the opening and closing and the take-out, or is associated according to the execution order of the opening and closing and the take-out, and the paper stored in the paper feed tray A processing device that has a reflection unit that is reflected in management information. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus includes request means for requesting confirmation by a user when the type of the sheet input by the user and the type of the sheet taken out from the storage location do not match. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing apparatus obtains paper information identified from an image of a storage location of the paper imaged by the imaging unit. The processing device stores the color or pattern of the package of the stored paper, the code information printed on the package, the information of the identification member attached to the package, or the number of packages The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the type of the paper is acquired based on the registration information of the storage section in which the decrease is confirmed. The paper taken out from the opening and closing of the paper feed tray and the storage location is associated with the time relationship between the opening and closing and the take-out, or is associated according to the execution order of the opening and closing and the take-out, and the paper stored in the paper feed tray A reflection part to be reflected in the management information;
Imaging means;
Identification means for identifying the type of the paper from the image of the storage location of the paper imaged by the imaging means;
A processing system comprising: requesting means for requesting confirmation by a user when the paper type input by a user does not match the paper type identified by the identifying means.

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