JP4231811B2 - Paper order management method and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

      The present invention relates to a paper order management method and an image forming apparatus for managing ordering of paper used in an image forming apparatus.

  In order to use the image forming apparatus, it is indispensable that paper is prepared. For this reason, in order to prevent a situation where there is no sheet when performing printing or the like, it is common for a user to manage inventory and place an order with a certain margin.

In addition, a method in which the paper supplier remotely grasps the amount of paper used and supplies the paper to the user is generally used. For example, a general method is to manage paper stock on the user side and supply paper by automatic notification based on the paper end of the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus or based on the amount of paper in the paper feed tray. . A method in which the image forming apparatus counts the number of sheets used and reports the count value is also common. Furthermore, a method of reporting when the count value of the number of used sheets reaches the reference number is also disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the number of sheets used for each paper size is counted on the image forming apparatus side, and an automatic notification is made when the reference number is reached.
JP 2001-83847 A (page 9-11)

  However, on the user side, in order to effectively use resources, there is a case where a single-side printed paper is reused and printed on the back side. For this reason, in the simple paper end management and the used number management as described above, there is a case where the paper cannot be supplied at an accurate timing.

  In addition, in the notification for every fixed number of sheets used, the communication frequency increases, which causes a problem of communication traffic and a problem of communication cost. In addition, there is a problem that an error is likely to occur when the inventory on the user side is calculated on the host side.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paper order management method and an image for supplying paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the user's paper inventory management. It is to provide a forming apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 includes a storage element storing sheet identification information attached to at least one sheet group of sheets set collectively on a sheet feeding tray of an image forming apparatus. for each image formation on a sheet, an image having a sheet image formation count counting management unit for counting the number of times information of the image forming, and a paper feed tray reading means for reading the information of the memory element of the paper feed tray A method of managing ordering of sheets used in an image forming apparatus by using a forming apparatus and inventory management means, wherein the image forming apparatus uses the in-feed tray reading means to Reading the sheet identification information of the storage element of the sheet in the sheet feed tray and the number of sheets of the sheet group and recording them in the used sheet information storage means, and the image forming apparatus notifies from the sheet image formation number counting management unit Based on the collected data Te, paper recorded in the recording on the use the sheet information storage unit
The number of sheets is decremented and updated, and the image forming apparatus detects the end of use of the sheet group based on the fact that the storage element information recorded in the used sheet information storage unit cannot be read, and Notifying the managing means, the inventory managing means updating the inventory quantity of the inventory data storage means based on the notice of the end of use of the paper group, and the inventory managing means, wherein the inventory quantity is based on the ordering standard. The gist of the invention is that it includes an order processing step when the value is less than or equal to the value.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage element that stores paper identification information for identifying the start of use of the paper group attached to the paper in the paper group that is collectively set on a paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus; A storage element that stores paper identification information for identifying the end of use of the paper group, a paper image formation number count management unit that counts the number of times of image formation for each image formation on the paper, and a paper conveyance path and an image forming apparatus that includes a path on a reading means for reading the information of the memory element of the sheet, using the inventory management means, a method for managing orders paper to be used in the image forming apparatus, the image forming The apparatus reads the sheet identification information of the storage element of the sheet passing through the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets of the sheet group by the on-path reading unit, detects the start of use of the sheet group, Uses memory element information A step of recording the sheet information storage unit, the image forming apparatus, based on the notified data from the paper imaging count counting management unit, decrements the number of sheets recorded in the recording on the use the sheet information storage unit The image forming apparatus reads the information on the storage element of the sheet passing through the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus by the on-path reading unit, and stores the information on the storage element in the used sheet information storage unit. Detecting the end of use of the paper group in which the paper group is recorded and notifying the stock management means, and the stock management means updates the stock quantity of the stock data storage means based on the end of use of the paper group. The gist of the invention is that the stock management means comprises a step of performing an ordering process when the stock quantity is less than or equal to an order reference value.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage element storing paper identification information for identifying the start of use of the paper group attached to the paper in the paper group that is collectively set on the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus; A storage element that stores paper identification information for identifying the end of use of the paper group, a paper image formation number counting management unit that counts the number of times of image formation for each image formation on the paper, An image forming apparatus comprising: an in-feed tray reading unit that reads information on the storage element; and an on-path reading unit that reads information on the storage element on a sheet conveyance path; and an inventory management unit. A method for managing ordering of sheets used in the apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus uses a reading unit in the sheet feeding tray to store sheets of storage elements attached to sheets in the sheet feeding tray of the image forming apparatus. use of identification information and paper group Read the number, by reading the steps of recording the use sheet information storage unit, the image forming apparatus, the information of the memory element of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path of the image forming apparatus by the path on the reading means, wherein Detecting the start of use of the sheet group in which the information of the storage element is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit, and the image forming apparatus, based on the data notified from the sheet image formation count management unit, The used sheet information storage means updates the number of sheets recorded in the record by decrementing, and the image forming apparatus uses the on-path reading means to store information on the storage elements of the sheets that pass through the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus. Detecting the end of use of the sheet group in which the storage element information is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit, and notifying the inventory management unit; Updating the inventory quantity in the inventory data storage means based on the notice of the end of use of the paper group, and the inventory management means performs an ordering process when the inventory quantity falls below an order reference value. And the stage of performing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the paper order management method according to the second or third aspect, a storage element in which paper identification information of the paper group is recorded is attached to a paper at an arbitrary position in the paper group. The image forming apparatus reads the information of the storage element of the sheet at an arbitrary position in the sheet group by the on-path reading unit, and updates the information stored in the used sheet information storage unit based on the information. The gist is to do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the paper order management method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the used paper information storage means includes a plurality of paper groups set in the same paper feed tray. Each of the paper identification information is stored, and the image forming apparatus further includes the step of identifying the paper identification information of the paper group including the used paper among the paper identification information stored in the used paper information storage unit. The summary is provided.

The invention according to claim 6 is the paper order management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the order reference value can be set to an arbitrary value.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, for each image formation on a sheet, information on a sheet image formation number counting management unit that counts the number of image formation times and information on a storage element in a paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus is read. an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding tray reading unit, by the paper feed tray reading means, the number of sheets of paper identification information and the sheet group of storage elements of the paper in the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus Based on the data notified from the used paper information storage means and the data notified from the paper image formation number counting management section, the used paper information storage means decrements the number of sheets recorded in the record. update Te, the use sheet information based on that it is no longer taken to read information recorded the memory element in the memory means, means for detecting a use end of the sheet group, the use of the sheet group completion has been detected Based on, and summarized in that a section for outputting the data for updating the inventory amount to be used for determination of the execution of the order processing.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet image formation number counting management unit that counts the image formation number information for each image formation on the sheet, and information on a storage element of the sheet on the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus an image forming apparatus that includes a path on a reading means for reading, by the path on the reading means, the number of sheets of paper identification information and the sheet group of storage elements of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path of the image forming apparatus Means for reading and detecting the start of use of the sheet group, and recording the information of the storage element in the used sheet information storage means, and the image forming apparatus is configured to read the on-path reading means by the sheet conveying path of the image forming apparatus. And a means for detecting the end of use of the paper group in which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used paper information storage means, and a notification from the paper image formation number counting management section. The Was based on the data, the use paper information recorded number of sheets in the recording in the memory means by decremented to update, based on the use of the sheet group termination is detected, the judgment of the execution of the order processing And a means for outputting data for updating the inventory amount used for the above.

Invention according to claim 9, each image forming on a sheet, and the sheet imaging count counting management unit for counting the number of times information of the image forming, the information of the serial憶素Ko paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus reading an image forming apparatus that includes a path on a reading means for reading the information of the serial憶素Ko on the paper conveyance path between the paper feed tray reading means and the image forming apparatus, by the sheet feed tray reading means, wherein The image forming apparatus reads the sheet identification information of the storage element attached to the sheet in the sheet feeding tray of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets in the sheet group, and records the information in the used sheet information storing unit. reads the information of the memory element of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path of the apparatus, and means for information of the memory element to the use the sheet information storage unit detects the start of use of the paper sheet group recording, the number of times image the paper work Count management department Based on the notified data, the use sheet information number of sheets recorded in the recording in the memory means by decremented update, storage of paper passing through the paper transport path of the image forming apparatus by the path on the reading means Based on the detection of the end of use of the paper group, the means for detecting the end of use of the paper group in which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used paper information storage means is read. And a means for outputting data for updating the inventory amount used for the determination of the execution of the process.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, a storage element that records sheet identification information of the sheet group is attached to a sheet at an arbitrary position in the sheet group, The gist of the present invention is that the information on the storage element of the paper at an arbitrary position in the paper group is read by the on-path reading means, and the information stored in the used paper information storage means is updated based on the information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the used paper information storage unit includes a plurality of paper groups set in the same paper feed tray. The gist further includes means for storing paper identification information, and specifying paper identification information of a paper group including the used paper among the paper identification information stored in the used paper information storage means. .

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, the inventory is based on data for updating a stock amount used for determination regarding execution of the ordering process. The gist of the invention is that it further comprises means for updating the stock quantity in the data storage means and means for performing an ordering process when the stock quantity falls below the order reference value.

The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the order reference value can be set to an arbitrary value.
(Function)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to review the stock quantity every time the paper group is used, and place an order when the stock quantity falls below the order reference value. Therefore, it is possible to supply paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the user's paper inventory management.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect the start and end of the paper in the paper group regardless of the vertical direction of the paper set in the paper feed tray. Each time the sheet group is used, the stock quantity is reviewed, and an order can be placed when the stock quantity is less than the order reference value. Therefore, the user does not have to be aware of the upper and lower sides when setting paper in the paper feed tray, which is convenient. In addition, paper can be supplied more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of paper inventory management.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to manage information related to the paper set in the paper feed tray. Further, the start and end of the paper in the paper group can be detected regardless of the direction of the paper set in the paper feed tray. Each time the sheet group is used, the stock quantity is reviewed, and an order can be placed when the stock quantity is less than the order reference value. Therefore, the user does not have to be aware of the upper and lower sides when setting paper in the paper feed tray, which is convenient. In addition, paper can be supplied more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of paper inventory management.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a sheet with a storage element on which sheet identification information is recorded at an arbitrary position in the sheet group is used, recording is performed on the storage element attached to the sheet. The information stored in the used paper information storage means can be updated based on the paper identification information thus made. For this reason, the information recorded in the used sheet information storage means can be adjusted when using a sheet at an arbitrary position with a storage element on which sheet identification information is recorded. Therefore, for example, even when the use of the sheet group is not recognized because the sheet with the sheet identification information for recognizing the start of use of the sheet group is not used, it is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit. Information can be adjusted. In addition, information specifying the number of sheets is recorded in a storage element attached to a sheet at an arbitrary position in the sheet group, and information on the number of sheets used is based on this information. By adjusting, inventory information can be managed more finely.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of paper groups are set in the same paper feed tray, the paper identification information of each paper group is stored, and the paper group includes the paper to be used. Paper identification information can be specified. For this reason, even when a plurality of paper groups are set in the same paper feed tray, it is possible to identify and manage the paper group including the paper to be used.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, any order reference value input from the input means can be recorded for use in determining whether to execute the order processing. Therefore, it is possible to place an order at a timing according to the user's request.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the end of use of the sheet group can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to place an order by managing the stock based on the end of use of the sheet group. Therefore, it is possible to supply paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the user's paper inventory management.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect the start and end of the paper in the paper group regardless of the vertical direction of the paper set in the paper feed tray. Therefore, it is possible to place an order by managing the stock based on the end of use of the sheet group. Therefore, it is possible to supply paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the user's paper inventory management.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to manage information relating to the paper set in the paper feed tray. Further, it is possible to detect the start and end of the paper in the paper group regardless of the vertical direction of the paper set in the paper feed tray. Therefore, it is possible to place an order by managing the stock based on the end of use of the sheet group. Therefore, it is possible to supply paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the user's paper inventory management.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when a sheet with a storage element on which sheet identification information is recorded at an arbitrary position in the sheet group is used, recording is performed on the storage element attached to the sheet. The information stored in the used paper information storage means can be updated based on the paper identification information thus made. For this reason, the information recorded in the used sheet information storage means can be adjusted when using a sheet at an arbitrary position with a storage element on which sheet identification information is recorded. Therefore, for example, even when the use of the sheet group is not recognized because the sheet with the sheet identification information for recognizing the start of use of the sheet group is not used, it is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit. Information can be adjusted. In addition, information specifying the number of sheets is recorded in a storage element attached to a sheet at an arbitrary position in the sheet group, and information on the number of sheets used is based on this information. By adjusting, inventory information can be managed more finely.

  According to the invention of claim 11, when a plurality of paper groups are set in the same paper feed tray, the paper identification information of each paper group is stored, and the paper group includes the paper to be used. Paper identification information can be specified. For this reason, even when a plurality of paper groups are set in the same paper feed tray, it is possible to identify and manage the paper group including the paper to be used.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to review the stock quantity every time the paper group is used, and to place an order when the stock quantity falls below the order reference value. Therefore, it is possible to supply paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the paper stock management of the user.

  According to the invention of the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to set the order reference value with an arbitrary input value. Therefore, it is possible to place an order at a timing according to the user's request.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a paper can be supplied more appropriately, reducing the troublesomeness of a user's paper inventory management.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a sheet order management method and an image forming apparatus for supplying paper used in an image forming apparatus more appropriately will be described.

  In the present embodiment, for the paper set in the paper feed tray, an IC chip as a storage element in which a paper pack identification code is recorded is attached to one lowermost layer for each pack. The user sets all sheets (sheet group) contained in the pack in the sheet feed tray with the sheet with the IC chip attached as the bottom layer with the sheet tray emptied.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a main control unit 22 for image forming processing and a paper inventory information control management unit 23 in an image forming processing unit 21. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a paper feed tray 24 on which paper to be fed is set, and an IC chip reader / writer 25 as reading means in the paper feed tray is provided inside the paper feed tray 24. Yes. The image forming apparatus 20 also includes a paper inventory information input / display management unit 26.

  The main control unit 22 includes an image formation processing main control unit 31 and a sheet image formation count counting management unit 32. The paper inventory information control management unit 23 includes a set paper information management unit 33, a set paper information detection unit 34, an inventory paper information management unit 35, an inventory paper end determination unit 36, an inventory paper order report management unit 37, and an inventory paper information. A management unit operation logging unit 38 is provided. In this embodiment, the inventory sheet information management unit 35, the inventory sheet end determination unit 36, the inventory sheet order notification management unit 37, and the inventory sheet information management unit operation logging unit 38 constitute the inventory management means described in the claims. To do.

The image forming processing main control unit 31 controls processing for forming an image on a medium on a sheet or the like, as in a general image forming apparatus.
The paper image formation count management unit 32 manages the number of times of image formation (total counter information) on the paper provided in a general image forming apparatus. Management is performed, and the number of times (number of pieces) information is counted for each image formation on the paper of each size.

  When the IC chip reader / writer 25 reads the IC chip information attached to the paper set in the paper feed tray 24, the set paper information detection unit 34 sets the paper in the paper feed tray 24 based on the IC chip information. Detects information on the printed paper.

  The set sheet information management unit 33 records set sheet information in a fixed memory area 330 serving as a used sheet information storage unit provided for each sheet feed tray 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the set paper information includes tray paper set time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second), tray set paper use time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second), paper pack identification code (manufacturer name, paper type code, Pack manufacturing time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second), manufacturing pack identifier, and number of sheets in the pack).

  As will be described later, the set sheet information is written on a fixed memory corresponding to the tray on which the sheet is set when the sheet is set. Here, the number of sheets in the pack is decremented for each number of times counted for each image formation on the sheet by the sheet image formation count management unit 32 after being set once. The tray paper set paper use time is rewritten by the time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) when the number of paper sheets in the pack is decremented.

  The set sheet information management unit 33 turns on the last sheet determination flag in the pack when a sheet with an IC chip is used, and displays the tray set sheet use time, the sheet pack identifier code, and the like at that time. Data is transferred to the management unit 35.

  The stock paper information management unit 35 manages the user's stock paper for each paper size. The stock paper information management unit 35 includes a stock data storage area as stock data storage means for each paper size. As shown in FIG. 5, the inventory data storage area stores data relating to the inventory check time, the number of inventory boxes per sheet, and the number of packs per sheet. The inventory paper information management unit 35 includes an inventory paper identification data storage area. The stock paper identification data storage area stores a paper pack identification code of stock paper. Information relating to the delivered paper (paper size, number of boxes, number of packs per box, number of sheets per pack, paper pack identification code) is input using the paper inventory information input / display management unit 26, and inventory data and Inventory paper identification data is updated.

  The inventory data is updated based on data linked from the set paper information management unit 33. Further, data linked from the set sheet information management unit 33 is recorded in time series in the inventory sheet information management unit operation logging unit 38.

  The stock paper end determination unit 36 determines whether the stock quantity based on the stock data of the stock paper information management unit 35 has reached a stock management confirmation notification level as a preset order reference value. Here, data relating to the inventory management confirmation notification level is recorded in an inventory management confirmation notification level data storage area in the inventory paper end determination unit 36. The stock management confirmation notification level can be set to an arbitrary value by inputting from the input unit of the image forming apparatus 20. The stock paper end determination unit 36 notifies the stock paper order notification management unit 37 when the inventory amount has reached the inventory management confirmation notification level. Upon receipt of this notification, the stock form order report management unit 37 sends an order report to the host.

  A processing procedure in the case of carrying out paper order management using the image forming apparatus 20 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, description will be made separately on set sheet management processing (FIG. 2), set sheet information management data creation processing (FIG. 3), and inventory sheet management processing (FIG. 4).

  As described above, in this embodiment, for each pack, an IC chip is provided on the lowermost sheet in the pack. In this embodiment, the paper is delivered for each box (for example, 1 box = 5 packs (1 pack = 500 sheets) = 2,500 paper sheets) in which a predetermined number of packs containing a predetermined number of sheets are stored.

When an image forming command such as copying, printing, printing of a facsimile received document, or the like is input, the image forming apparatus 20 executes a set sheet management process shown in FIG. 2 for each sheet.
As shown in FIG. 2, when an image formation command is input, the image forming apparatus 20 first performs an image formation management operation (step S1-1). The image formation management operation is performed by an ordinary general image forming apparatus performed by the image formation processing main control unit 31, and the operation control of the image formation processing performed by the image formation processing main control unit 31 and the used number counter control by the sheet image formation number counting management unit 32 are performed. including. Further, in this embodiment, in this image formation management operation, reading processing of IC chip information (paper pack identification code) of paper set in the paper feed tray 24 and creation processing of set paper information management data are performed. This process is performed before the image forming process is executed. This process will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the tray set sheet information is read for the sheet set in the sheet feed tray 24 (step S2-1). Specifically, with respect to the paper feed tray 24 on which the paper of the paper size for which an image formation command has been issued is set, an IC chip reader / writer 25 is attached to the paper set in the paper feed tray 24. Read the paper pack identification code. The read paper pack identification code is linked to the set paper information detection unit 34, whereby the set paper information detection unit 34 detects the paper pack identification code of the paper set in the paper feed tray 24. This paper pack identification code is transferred to the set paper information management unit 33.

  Next, the set sheet information management unit 33 reads the data recorded in the fixed memory area 330 of the set sheet information management unit 33 (step S2-2). Specifically, the data recorded in the fixed memory area 330 for the paper size corresponding to the paper feed tray 24 is read. Then, the set sheet information management unit 33 compares the sheet pack identification code notified from the set sheet information detection unit 34 with the sheet pack identification code of the data read from the fixed memory area 330 (step S2-3). This comparison is performed for portions other than the number of sheets in the pack of the sheet pack identification code. If the paper pack identification code notified from the set paper information detection unit 34 is not recorded in the selected fixed memory area 330 (NO in step S2-3), the set paper information management unit 33 The set sheet information management data is recorded in the fixed memory area 330 (step S2-4). Specifically, the manufacturer name, the paper type code, the pack manufacturing time, the manufacturing pack identifier, and the data relating to the number of sheets in the pack read from the IC chip of the paper are recorded in the fixed memory area 330. On the other hand, if the paper pack identification code notified from the set paper information detection unit 34 is recorded in the selected fixed memory area 330 (YES in step S2-3), this process ends.

When the image formation management operation in step S1-1 ends, the set paper information management unit 33 confirms the output paper size information based on the data notified from the paper image formation count management unit 32 (step S1- 2). Note that the paper image formation count management unit 32 is notified of data relating to the paper size for which the number of used sheets has been counted. Further, the set paper information management unit 33 confirms the output paper tray information based on the output paper size information (step S1).
-3). For example, when A4 size paper is output, if the paper tray 24 is set with A4 size, the tray 1 is specified as output paper tray information. Then, the set sheet information management unit 33 selects the fixed memory area 330 in the set sheet information management unit 33 based on the output sheet tray information (step S1-4). For example, in the above case, the fixed memory area 330 corresponding to the tray 1 is selected.

  Then, the set sheet information management unit 33 updates the tray set sheet use time data in the selected fixed memory area 330 (step S1-5). Specifically, the current time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) acquired by the clocking means (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 20 is overwritten on the tray set sheet use time data area of the selected fixed memory area 330. To do. Further, the set sheet information management unit 33 updates the number of sheets in the pack recorded in the fixed memory area 330 (step S1-6). Specifically, the number of sheets in the pack in the fixed memory area 330 is decremented.

  On the other hand, the set paper information detection unit 34, after executing the image forming process, reads the IC chip information (paper pack identification code) read by the IC chip reader / writer 25 provided in the paper feed tray 24 that fed the used paper. ) Is detected. This paper pack identification code is transferred to the set paper information management unit 33.

  The set sheet information management unit 33 determines whether the output sheet is the final sheet in the pack based on the data notified from the set sheet information detection unit 34 (step S1-7). Specifically, if the paper pack identification code recorded in the fixed memory area 330 has not been read by the IC chip reader / writer 25, the final paper in the pack has been output. When the final sheet in the pack is output (YES in step S1-7), the set sheet information management unit 33 turns on the final sheet determination flag in the fixed memory area 330 (step S1-8).

  Then, the set paper information management unit 33 first reads the tray paper set time data from the selected fixed memory area 330 (step S1-9). Further, the set sheet information management unit 33 reads tray set sheet use time data from the fixed memory area 330 (step S1-10). Further, the set paper information management unit 33 reads the paper pack identification code from the fixed memory area 330 (step S1-11).

  Then, the set sheet information management unit 33 transfers the link data generated based on these data to the inventory sheet information management unit 35 (step S1-12). Here, the link data transferred to the stock paper information management unit 35 includes a report time, a tray paper set time, a paper size, a total counter value, a paper end flag confirmation time, a paper pack identification code (other than the number of sheets in the pack), and Contains data related to the in-pack paper counter value. The notification time is the link data transfer time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) to the inventory paper information management unit. As the tray paper setting time, data extracted from the tray paper setting time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) data area of the fixed memory area 330 corresponding to the fed paper feeding tray 24 is used. As the paper size, the paper size of the fed paper is used. As the total counter value, the total counter value for the fed paper size notified from the paper image formation number counting management unit 32 is used. As the paper end flag confirmation time, data extracted from the tray set paper use time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) data area of the fixed memory area 330 corresponding to the fed paper feed tray 24 is used. Data extracted from the paper pack identification code data area of the fixed memory area 330 is used as the paper pack identification code (other than the number of sheets in the pack) and the paper counter value in the pack. Therefore, the in-pack sheet counter value uses the number of sheets in the pack stored in the fixed memory area 330, not the number of sheets in the pack of the IC chip information.

  When this link data is received, the stock paper information management unit 35 records the received link data in the stock paper information management unit operation logging unit 38 and executes a stock information management process. This inventory information management process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Upon receipt of this data, the stock paper information management unit 35 determines stock paper based on the notified data (step S3-1). Specifically, first, the inventory sheet information management unit 35 searches the inventory sheet identification data based on the sheet pack identification code of the received data. Here, when there is no corresponding inventory sheet identification data (NO in step S3-2), the inventory sheet information management unit 35 ends the inventory information management process.

  If there is the corresponding inventory sheet identification data (YES in step S3-2), the inventory sheet information management unit 35 decrements the inventory management information (step S3-3). Specifically, the stock paper information management unit 35 first specifies stock paper management data for each paper size based on the paper size in the link data. If the number of inventory packs is not 0 for the inventory paper management data, the inventory pack count is decremented by one. On the other hand, when the number of inventory packs is 0, the number of inventory boxes is decremented by 1, and the number of packs stored in one preset box (for example, 5 packs) is set as the number of inventory packs.

  Next, the stock paper information management unit 35 activates the stock paper end determination unit 36. The stock paper end determination unit 36 first reads data relating to the inventory management confirmation notification level from the stock management confirmation notification level data storage area in the stock paper end determination unit 36 (step S3-4). Then, the stock paper end determination unit 36 checks whether or not the current stock quantity based on the stock paper management data has reached the stock management confirmation notification level (step S3-5). Specifically, the stock paper end determination unit 36 extracts the stock paper management data of the paper size corresponding to the stock paper information management unit 35, the number of stock boxes and the number of stock papers of the stock paper management data, the notification level Compare with For example, when the number of inventory packs “5 packs” is recorded as the notification level, the inventory management confirmation notification level is set when the number of inventory packs in the inventory paper management data is 5 and the number of inventory boxes is 0. (The inventory management confirmation report level has been reached).

  When the notification level is reached (YES in step S3-6), the stock paper end determination unit 36 activates the stock paper order notification management unit 37 and notifies the paper size. The stock paper order notification management unit 37 performs notification processing for requesting paper supply for the paper size and automatically notifies the host (step S3-7). Further, the stock paper order notification management unit 37 transmits an e-mail describing that an automatic notification of a paper supply request has been made to the paper stock manager. Then, the paper inventory information control management unit 23 ends this inventory information management process. On the other hand, if the notification level has not been reached (NO in step S3-6), the paper stock information control management unit 23 ends this stock paper information management processing.

  Next, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, a total counter state 101 indicates a state transition of the total counter. The set sheet information management unit state 102 indicates a state transition of the fixed memory area 330 of the set sheet information management unit 33. The inventory sheet management data state 103 indicates a state transition of the inventory sheet management data of the inventory sheet information management unit 35.

  Assume that when the total counter is 100, A4 size, 1 pack = 500 sheets of paper are set in the paper feed tray 24 (tray 1). As a result, when the IC chip information is read, each data is set in the fixed memory area 330 of the set sheet information management unit 33 as shown in the state (a). When the image forming apparatus 20 is used and the count value of the total counter advances, the number of sheets in the pack and the time when the tray 1 is used in the fixed memory area 330 as in the state (b), the state (c), and the state (d). Only is rewritten sequentially.

  When the last sheet in the tray is used, the IC chip information of this sheet is not detected. Therefore, it is detected that the last sheet has been used, the last sheet determination flag in the pack is turned on, and the link data is transferred to the inventory sheet information management unit 35.

  The stock sheet information management unit 35 that has received the link data decrements the number of stock packs. Here, the decrement is made from 15 packs to 14 packs. Furthermore, the received information is written in time series in the inventory paper information management unit operation logging unit 38.

  On the other hand, the stock paper end determination unit 36 sequentially determines whether it has reached a preset stock management confirmation notification level (here, 5 packs) for each size. When it is determined that the inventory quantity has reached the inventory management confirmation notification level, the inventory form order notification management unit 37 automatically notifies the host.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
In the above embodiment, it is detected that the final sheet in the pack has been used based on the fact that the wireless IC chip information attached to the sheet in the sheet feed tray 24 of the image forming apparatus 20 cannot be read. Then, based on the use of the final sheet in the pack, the inventory amount of the inventory sheet information management unit 35 is updated, and when the inventory amount reaches the inventory management confirmation notification level, an order notification is sent to the host. For this reason, every time the final sheet in the pack is used, the inventory quantity is reviewed, and an order can be placed when the inventory quantity reaches the inventory management confirmation notification level. Therefore, it is possible to supply paper more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of the user's paper inventory management.

  In the embodiment described above, the counted number of sheets in the pack is included in the data recorded in the inventory sheet information management unit operation logging unit 38 in time series. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the sheets in the same pack based on the number of sheets in the pack. For example, if the number of sheets in the pack is 0, all sheets in the same pack are used, and other sheets such as the back sheet are not used. On the other hand, if the number of sheets in the pack is a positive value, there is a sheet that has not been used, and if the number of sheets in the pack is a negative value, other sheets such as a backing sheet have been used. It becomes. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the paper supply by grasping these situations.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, with respect to the sheets in the pack, an IC chip is attached only to the lowermost sheet, and a bundle of sheets is set in the paper feed tray 24 so that the IC chip-attached sheet is the lowermost layer. did. In the first embodiment, the IC chip reader / writer 25 is provided in the paper feed tray 24, and the IC chip information cannot be read by reading the IC chip information in the paper feed tray 24. Detected that was used.

  In the second embodiment described below, wireless IC chips are respectively attached to the uppermost sheet and the lowermost sheet in the pack. In this IC chip, in addition to the information of the paper pack identifier code in the first embodiment, an in-pack paper start flag (start flag) or an in-pack paper end flag (end flag) is recorded. In the present embodiment, the user sets all the sheets (sheet group) taken out from the pack in the sheet feeding tray in a state where the sheet feeding tray is empty.

In this embodiment, the IC tray reader / writer 25 is provided in the paper feed tray 24, and the on-path reading is performed at any position on the path from immediately after paper feeding from the paper feed tray 24 to paper discharge. An IC chip reader / writer 46 (see FIG. 6) is provided as means. The IC chip reader / writer 46 reads the paper pack identification code of the IC chip attached to the paper when the paper is conveyed. For this reason, when the IC chip reader / writer 46 reads the same sheet pack identification code for the portion other than the start flag or the end flag for the second time, the last sheet is used.

The configuration and processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below.
As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 40 according to the present exemplary embodiment has an IC chip reader / writer for reading the IC chip information of the paper transported on the transport path of the paper fed from the paper feed tray 24. 46. The paper stock information control management unit 43 provided in the image forming apparatus 40 includes a paper feed paper information detection unit 45. The paper feed paper information detection unit 45 detects the IC chip information read by the IC chip reader / writer 46. The set sheet information management unit 33 is provided with a fixed memory area 331 as used sheet information storage means corresponding to each tray. In the fixed memory area 331, as shown in FIG. 8, set sheet information including a tray sheet set time, a tray set sheet use time, and a sheet pack identification code is recorded. In this embodiment, the paper pack identification code includes a manufacturer name, a paper type code, a pack manufacturing time, a manufacturing pack identifier, the number of sheets in the pack, a start flag, and an end flag. Other configurations are the same as in the case of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the processing procedure of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIG.7 and FIG.8. In FIG. 8, a total counter state 111 indicates a state transition of the total counter. The set sheet information management unit state 112 indicates a state transition of the fixed memory area 331 of the set sheet information management unit 33. The stock paper management data state 113 indicates a state transition of stock paper management data of the stock paper information management unit 35.

  In the present embodiment, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed in the set sheet information management data creation processing in FIG. 2 executed in the image formation management operation in step S1-1 in FIG. That is, when new set sheet information management data is created in step S2-4, the data is recorded in the fixed memory area 331 as in the first embodiment. Specifically, data relating to the manufacturer name, paper type code, pack manufacturing time, manufacturing pack identifier, and number of sheets in the pack are recorded in the fixed memory area 331 of the set paper information management unit 33. Further, the current time is acquired and recorded in the tray paper set time data area. However, the end flag area and the start flag area of the fixed memory area 331 are blank. That is, at this stage, the fixed memory area 331 is in a state where the end flag is not set yet in the pack (a).

Then, in the image formation management operation in step S1-1, when paper is fed from the paper feed tray 24, the supplied paper management process shown in FIG. 6 is performed.
As shown in FIG. 6, when a sheet is supplied when the image forming apparatus 40 is used (step S4-1), the IC chip reader / writer 46 disposed on the sheet conveyance path 47 is loaded on the sheet. The attached IC chip information is read (step S4-2). The IC chip information (paper pack identification code) is transferred to the paper feed paper information detection unit 45. Based on this data, the paper feed paper information detection unit 45 detects that the supplied paper is the first paper or the last paper in the pack. The IC chip information (paper pack identification code) is transferred to the set paper information management unit 33.

Next, the set paper information management unit 33 checks whether the same paper pack identification code has already been read (step S4-3). Specifically, the paper pack identification code recorded in the fixed memory area 331 of the set paper information management unit 33 is collated with the received paper pack identification code. This collation is performed for the portion of the paper pack identification code excluding the number of sheets in the pack, the start flag, and the end flag. Here, if the matching sheet pack identification code is not recorded in the fixed memory area 331, the same sheet pack identification code has not yet been read.

  If the same paper pack identification code has not been read (NO in step S4-3), the set paper information management unit 33 includes the read IC chip information in the received IC chip information. It is checked whether the flag being started is a start flag or an end flag (step S4-4).

  Here, the received IC chip information includes the start flag because the sheet with the IC chip on which the start flag is recorded is used first, and a bundle of sheets is set in the sheet feeding tray 24. This is the case. In this case, the start of use of the paper pack is identified by the start flag. In this case, the end of use of the paper pack is identified by the end flag. On the other hand, the received IC chip information includes the end flag because the sheet with the IC chip recorded with the end flag is used first, and a bundle of sheets is set in the sheet feeding tray 24. This is the case. That is, the end flag is included when the paper is set on the paper feed tray 24 upside down. In this case, the start of use of the paper pack is identified by the end flag. In this case, the end of use of the paper pack is identified by the start flag.

  When the received IC chip information includes a start flag (YES in step S4-4), the set sheet information management unit 33 records the start flag in the fixed memory area 331 (step S4-5). In this case, the set sheet information management unit 33 sets the end flag to be used as the final sheet determination flag (step S4-6).

  On the other hand, when the received IC chip information does not include the start flag (NO in step S4-4), the set sheet information management unit 33 records the end flag included in the IC chip information in the fixed memory area 331. (Step S4-7). In this case, the set sheet information management unit 33 sets the start flag to be used as the final sheet determination flag (step S4-8).

Therefore, for example, when a sheet with an IC chip including an end flag is used first, the end flag is set as in the state (a) based on the IC chip information.
Also in the present embodiment, the set sheet management process is executed according to the flow of FIG. 2 as in the case of the first embodiment.

  That is, following the copy management operation (step S1-1), first, processing of step S1-2 to step S1-6 is performed. As a result, the tray set sheet use time and the number of sheets in the pack in the fixed memory area 331 are updated.

  However, in step S1-7, whether or not it is the final sheet in the pack is determined based on a start flag or an end flag included in the IC chip information read by the IC chip reader / writer 46 on the sheet path. Specifically, the paper feed paper information detection unit 45 links the read IC chip information to the set paper information management unit 33. Here, when the end flag is included in the IC chip information, it is determined by the end flag that it is the final sheet in the pack. On the other hand, when the start flag is included in the IC chip information, it is determined by the start flag that the sheet is the last sheet in the pack.

In step S1-8, the set sheet information management unit 33 records the start flag or the end flag included in the IC chip information in the fixed memory area 331 as the final sheet determination flag in the pack. As a result, the flag is set in both the start flag and end flag data areas of the fixed memory area 331.

  Then, the set sheet information management unit 33 performs the processing from step S1-9 to step S1-12 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In other words, when the flag is set in both the start flag and end flag data areas of the fixed memory area 331, the link data for notifying the use of the final sheet in the pack is transferred to the inventory sheet information management unit 35. To do.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 40 is used and the count value of the total counter advances, the number of sheets in the pack and the tray 1 in the fixed memory area 331 as in the state (b), the state (c), and the state (d). Only the use time is sequentially rewritten. When the IC chip information with the start flag set as the final sheet in the pack is read, the start flag is set in the fixed memory area 331. Accordingly, when both the start flag and the end flag are set in the fixed memory area 331 as in the state (d), the set sheet information management unit 33 displays the link data for notifying the use of the final sheet in the pack as the inventory sheet information. Transfer to the management unit 35.

Based on this link data, the inventory paper management process shown in FIG. 4 is performed as in the first embodiment.
As mentioned above, according to 2nd Embodiment, in addition to the effect which 1st Embodiment show | plays, the effect shown below can be acquired.

  In the above embodiment, the wireless IC chip information attached to the paper in the paper feed tray 24 is read. Further, the wireless IC chip information of the paper passing through the paper conveyance path 47 of the image forming apparatus 40 is read, and the use of the paper in the paper pack is performed based on the start flag or end flag in the paper pack of the wireless IC chip information. Detect start. Further, the end of use of the paper in the paper pack is detected based on the start flag in the paper pack or the end flag in the paper pack in the wireless IC chip information of the paper used last in the paper pack. When the use of the last sheet in the pack is detected, the inventory amount managed by the inventory sheet information management unit 35 is updated, and the ordering process is performed when the inventory amount reaches the inventory management confirmation notification level. For this reason, it is possible to manage information relating to the paper set in the paper feed tray 24. Further, the start and end of the sheets of the same sheet pack can be detected regardless of the direction of the sheets set in the sheet feeding tray 24. Each time the use of the paper in the paper pack is completed, the stock quantity is reviewed, and an order can be placed when the stock quantity reaches the inventory management confirmation notification level. Therefore, the user does not have to be aware of the upper and lower sides when setting paper in the paper feed tray 24, which is convenient. In addition, paper can be supplied more appropriately while reducing the troublesomeness of paper inventory management.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment into the following aspects.
In the second embodiment, the IC chip is attached to the uppermost layer and the lowermost layer in the paper pack, and the IC chip information of both is respectively obtained by the IC chip reader / writer 46 provided on the paper path. When it was read, it was determined that the last sheet in the pack was used.

  Instead of this, an IC chip on which a paper pack identification code is recorded may be attached not only to the lowermost layer and the uppermost layer in the paper pack but also to more paper. For example, for every 100 sheets, a sheet with an IC chip recorded with a sheet pack identification code and a sheet number flag (“100 sheet flag”, “200 sheet flag”, “300 sheet flag”, “400 sheet flag”) is attached. Use. Then, as in the second embodiment, the IC chip information of the paper fed by the IC chip reader / writer 46 on the paper path is read.

  When the IC chip information including the number flag is read and a code different from the paper pack identification code of the IC chip information is recorded in the fixed memory area 331, the fixed memory area 331 is stored by the read IC chip information. Update. Then, the number of sheets in the pack is updated based on the number flag. For example, when the number of sheets in the IC chip information is “500 sheets” and the “100 sheets flag” is read, “400 sheets” is set as the number of sheets in the pack. Further, if neither the start flag nor the end flag is set for the recorded fixed memory area 331, data for notifying the use of the final sheet in the pack is sent to the inventory sheet information management unit 35 at this time. Forward.

  As a result, even when the lowermost layer or the uppermost layer of the paper pack is not set in the paper feed tray 24, the usage status of the paper pack can be managed and appropriate automatic ordering can be performed.

  Further, when the IC chip information including the number flag is read, the number of sheets in the fixed memory area 331 is compared with the number of sheets based on the number flag. The number of sheets may be reset.

  Thereby, for example, even when the IC chip on which the start flag is recorded is not set in the paper feed tray 24, the number of sheets in the pack in the fixed memory area 331 can be adjusted based on the number of sheets flag. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately manage the number of unused sheets among the number of sheets in the pack.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the automatic notification to the host is performed in units of inventory paper packs, but the inventory management confirmation notification level is set in units of the number of sheets flag (in the above case, every 100 sheets). Also good. Then, when the number flag is detected, the set sheet information management unit 33 notifies the stock sheet information management unit 35 of the use of the flag unit sheet. Then, the stock paper end determination unit 36 confirms whether the number of sheets used has reached the inventory management confirmation notification level for each flag, and the stock paper order notification management unit 37 automatically notifies the host.

Thereby, it is possible to check the inventory information and perform automatic ordering in units of flags (in the above case, every 100 sheets). Therefore, automatic notification can be performed under more detailed conditions.
In the second embodiment, a fixed memory area 331 is prepared for each paper feed tray 24 and only one piece of paper pack information is managed. Instead, when a paper pack management information storage unit for recording a plurality of paper pack information is prepared and a plurality of paper packs are set in the same paper feed tray 24, each IC chip information (paper Each pack information) may be managed. In this case, each paper pack information is set in the paper pack management information storage unit. The paper pack management information storage unit has a start flag, an end flag, and a paper usage count management flag in the pack. When the IC chip reader / writer on the paper transport path 47 reads the IC chip information, the used paper pack is determined based on the paper pack identification code, and the inside of the pack corresponding to the paper pack is determined. Turn on the paper usage count management flag. Then, for the paper pack management information in which the in-pack paper usage number management flag is ON, the number of papers in the pack and the tray set paper usage time are updated.

As a result, when sheets are simultaneously set from a plurality of sheet packs to the sheet feed tray 24, it is possible to identify which sheet pack is used.
In the first and second embodiments, the stock paper information management unit 35 and the like are provided in the image forming apparatuses 20 and 40. However, the paper stock information control in which the external paper order management server has a similar function. A management unit may be provided. This case will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 60 is connected to a paper inventory information control management host 70. The image forming apparatus 60 includes a main control unit 62 and a set sheet stock information control management unit 63 in the image formation processing unit 61. The main control unit 62 includes an image forming process main control unit 31 and a sheet image formation number counting management unit 32. The set sheet inventory information control management unit 63 includes a set sheet information management unit 33, a set sheet information detection unit 34, and a final sheet determination / notification unit 64 in the pack. On the other hand, the paper inventory information control management host 70 includes an inventory paper information management unit 35, an inventory paper end determination unit 36, an inventory paper order notification management unit 37, and an inventory paper information management unit operation logging unit 38.

  When the final paper in the pack is used, the final paper in pack determination / notification unit 64 notifies the use of the final paper in the pack to the paper inventory information control management host 70. Upon receipt of this notification, the paper inventory information control management host 70 performs order management, and when the inventory paper reaches the notification level, it automatically notifies the host of the order.

Thereby, since the image forming apparatus 60 does not need to have a function for inventory management, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 60 can be simplified and the processing load can be reduced.
In this case, the stock paper information management unit 35 may manage the stock of paper used in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 60. Accordingly, it is possible for a user company or the like having a plurality of image forming apparatuses 60 to collectively manage the stock of sheets used in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 60 and place an order at an appropriate timing.

  In the first and second embodiments, the number of sheets in the pack is counted, but the number of sheets in the pack may not be counted. Also in this case, since it can be confirmed that the final sheet in the pack has been used, automatic ordering in units of the number of packs is possible.

  In the second embodiment, the IC chip reader / writers 25 and 46 are provided in the paper feed tray 24 and on the paper transport path 47, respectively. Alternatively, the IC chip reader / writer 46 may be provided only on the paper transport path 47. When either the start flag or the end flag is read, if the same paper pack identification code is not recorded in the fixed memory area 331, the fixed memory area 331 is also used for the paper pack identification code and the tray paper set time. May be recorded. As a result, the number of IC chip readers / writers to be used can be reduced, and the processing can be simplified.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the stock management confirmation notification level is reached, the stock paper order notification management unit 37 automatically orders the host and notifies the paper stock manager by e-mail. Instead of this, only automatic ordering or notification to the paper inventory manager by e-mail or the like may be performed. Note that when only the notification to the paper inventory manager is made, an order is placed at the discretion of the paper inventory manager.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case has been described in which a new sheet is set while the inside of the sheet feed tray 24 is empty. Alternatively, the paper order management may be performed even when additional paper may be set while the paper is present in the paper feed tray 24. In this case, it is necessary to record all the IC chip information in the paper feed tray 24. For example, a saving area is provided in addition to the fixed memory areas 330 and 331, and in addition to the paper set in the paper feed tray 24, when further paper is set, the previously set paper is set. Paper information management data is recorded in the save area. For the added paper, when the last paper in the pack is used, the set paper information management data saved in the save area may be returned to the fixed memory areas 330 and 331. At this time, the set sheet information management data for the sheet pack set later is returned to the fixed memory areas 330 and 331.

  Note that a plurality of set sheet information management data may be stored without using the save area, and the set sheet information management data for the currently used sheet may be selected based on the flag or the tray sheet set time.

  As a result, even when a paper in another paper pack is added before the paper in the paper feed tray 24 is finished, the use of the paper in the added paper pack and the use of the paper that has been previously set are used. Can be managed individually. In addition, the number of sheets in the pack for the previously set paper is saved, and decrement is resumed when the use of the paper in the pack is resumed. It is also possible to grasp the usage status of the used paper.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the specific example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the specific example of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the system of another example.

Explanation of symbols

  20, 40, 60 ... image forming apparatus, 24 ... paper feed tray, 25 ... IC chip reader / writer as paper feed tray reading means, 47 ... paper conveyance path, 46 ... IC chip reader / writer as on-path reading means , 330, 331... Fixed memory area as used paper information storage means.

Claims (13)

A storage element storing sheet identification information attached to at least one sheet group collectively set on a sheet feeding tray of the image forming apparatus, and the number-of-images count information for each image formation on the sheet. a paper imaging count counting management unit, and the image forming apparatus having a paper feed tray reading means for reading the information of the memory element of the paper feed tray, by using the inventory management means, is used in the image forming apparatus A method for managing the ordering of paper,
The image forming apparatus reads the sheet identification information of the storage element of the sheet in the sheet feeding tray of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets in the sheet group by the reading unit in the sheet feeding tray, and records it in the used sheet information storing unit. And the stage of
The image forming apparatus updates the used paper information storage unit by decrementing the number of sheets recorded in the record based on the data notified from the sheet image formation count counting management unit,
The image forming apparatus detects the end of use of the sheet group based on the fact that the storage element information recorded in the used sheet information storage unit cannot be read, and notifies the inventory management unit;
The stock management means updating the stock quantity of the stock data storage means based on the notice of the end of use of the paper group;
A paper order management method comprising: a step of performing an ordering process when the stock quantity is equal to or less than an order reference value. A storage element storing paper identification information for identifying the start of use of the paper group attached to the paper in the paper group set together on the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus, and the end of use of the paper group are identified. A storage element that stores paper identification information, a paper image formation number counting management unit that counts the number of times of image formation for each image formation on the paper, and a path for reading information on the storage element of the paper on the paper transport path A method for managing ordering of sheets used in an image forming apparatus using an image forming apparatus having an upper reading unit and an inventory management unit,
The image forming apparatus detects the start of use of the sheet group by reading the sheet identification information of the storage element of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets of the sheet group by the reading unit on the path. And recording the storage element information in the used paper information storage means;
The image forming apparatus updates the used paper information storage unit by decrementing the number of sheets recorded in the record based on the data notified from the sheet image formation count counting management unit,
The image forming apparatus reads information on a storage element of a sheet passing through a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus by the on-path reading unit, and the sheet on which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit Detecting the end of use of the group and notifying the inventory management means;
The stock management means updating the stock quantity of the stock data storage means based on the notice of the end of use of the paper group;
A paper order management method comprising: a step of performing an ordering process when the stock quantity is equal to or less than an order reference value. A storage element storing paper identification information for identifying the start of use of the paper group attached to the paper in the paper group set together on the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus, and the end of use of the paper group are identified. A storage element that stores paper identification information, a paper image formation number counting management unit that counts the number of times of image formation for each image formation on paper, and a supply that reads information on the storage element in the paper feed tray An order for paper to be used in the image forming apparatus is provided using an image forming apparatus provided with an in-paper tray reading means and an on-path reading means for reading information on the storage element on a paper transport path, and an inventory management means. A method of managing,
The image forming apparatus reads the sheet identification information of the storage element attached to the sheet in the sheet feeding tray of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets in the sheet group by the reading unit in the sheet feeding tray, and stores used sheet information. Recording on means,
The image forming apparatus reads information on a storage element of a sheet passing through a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus by the on-path reading unit, and the sheet on which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit Detecting the start of use of the group;
The image forming apparatus updates the used paper information storage unit by decrementing the number of sheets recorded in the record based on the data notified from the sheet image formation count counting management unit,
The image forming apparatus reads information on a storage element of a sheet passing through a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus by the on-path reading unit, and the sheet on which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit Detecting the end of use of the group and notifying the inventory management means;
The stock management means updating the stock quantity of the stock data storage means based on the notice of the end of use of the paper group;
A paper order management method comprising: a step of performing an ordering process when the stock quantity is equal to or less than an order reference value. A storage element that records paper identification information of the paper group is attached to a paper at an arbitrary position in the paper group,
The image forming apparatus reads information on a storage element of a sheet at an arbitrary position in the sheet group by the on-path reading unit, and updates the information stored in the used sheet information storage unit based on the information. The paper order management method according to claim 2 or 3, The used paper information storage means stores paper identification information of a plurality of paper groups set in the same paper feed tray,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step of identifying sheet identification information of a sheet group including a used sheet among the sheet identification information stored in the used sheet information storage unit. The paper order management method according to any one of 1 to 4. The order reference value, the paper order management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is set at an arbitrary value. For each image formation on a sheet, comprising a sheet image formation count counting management unit for counting the number of times information of the image forming, and a paper feed tray reading means for reading the information of the memory element of the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus,
Means for reading the sheet identification information of the storage element of the sheet in the sheet feed tray of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets of the sheet group by the reading means in the sheet feeding tray, and recording them in the used sheet information storing means;
Based on the data notified from the paper image formation number counting management unit, the used paper information storage means decrements and updates the number of sheets recorded in the record,
Means for detecting the end of use of the paper group based on the fact that the information on the storage element recorded in the used paper information storage means cannot be read;
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for outputting data for updating an inventory amount used for determination on execution of an ordering process based on detection of the end of use of the sheet group. A sheet image formation number counting management unit that counts the number of times of image formation for each image formation on the sheet, and an on-path reading unit that reads information on the storage element of the sheet on the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus,
The path reading unit reads the sheet identification information of the storage element of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path of the image forming apparatus and the number of sheets of the sheet group, detects the start of use of the sheet group, Means for recording information in a used paper information storage means;
The image forming apparatus reads information on a storage element of a sheet passing through a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus by the on-path reading unit, and the sheet on which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used sheet information storage unit Means for detecting the end of use of the group;
Based on the data notified from the paper image formation number counting management unit, the used paper information storage means decrements and updates the number of sheets recorded in the record,
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for outputting data for updating an inventory amount used for determination on execution of an ordering process based on detection of the end of use of the sheet group. For each image formation on the paper, and the paper imaging count counting management unit for counting the number of times information of the image forming, the paper feed tray reading means for reading the information of the serial憶素Ko paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus wherein an image forming apparatus that includes a path on a reading means for reading the information of the serial憶素Ko the paper transport on the route of the image forming apparatus,
Means for reading the paper identification information of the storage element attached to the paper in the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus and the number of paper sheets of the paper group by the reading means in the paper feed tray and recording them in the used paper information storage means; ,
The information on the storage element of the paper passing through the paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus is read by the on-path reading means, and the start of use of the paper group on which the information on the storage element is recorded in the used paper information storage means is detected. Means to
Based on the data notified from the paper image formation number counting management unit, the used paper information storage means decrements and updates the number of sheets recorded in the record,
Reads the information of the memory element of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path of the image forming apparatus by the previous SL route on reading means, the end of use of the sheet group information in the storage device is recorded in the used paper information storage means Means for detecting;
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for outputting data for updating an inventory amount used for determination on execution of an ordering process based on detection of the end of use of the sheet group. A storage element that records paper identification information of the paper group is attached to a paper at an arbitrary position in the paper group,
The information stored in the used sheet information storage unit is updated based on the information read from the storage element of the sheet at an arbitrary position in the sheet group by the path reading unit. Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to Item 8 or 9. The used paper information storage means stores paper identification information of a plurality of paper groups set in the same paper feed tray,
11. The apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising means for specifying sheet identification information of a group of sheets including used sheets among the sheet identification information stored in the used sheet information storage unit . the image forming apparatus according to one. Means for updating the inventory quantity in the inventory data storage means based on data for updating the inventory quantity used for the determination on execution of the ordering process;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a unit that performs an ordering process when the stock quantity is equal to or less than an order reference value.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the order reference value can be set as an arbitrary value.

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