JP4424152B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to a technique for displaying a storage state of recording paper in a paper feed tray.

  In this type of image forming apparatus, various sensors are provided to try to grasp the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray. For example, a paper size sensor that detects the recording paper size at the position of the guide plate, a paper set sensor that detects the presence or absence of recording paper, a paper amount sensor that mechanically detects whether or not the remaining amount of recording paper exceeds a predetermined amount, etc. By using it together, the storage state of the recording paper in the paper feed tray is grasped (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-106352 A

  Sensors that have been used in the past to grasp the storage status of recording paper in the paper feed tray physically measure the bulk, weight, width, etc. of the recording paper. Due to the presence of paper, the number of recording papers could not be detected accurately. For this reason, it is impossible to accurately grasp when the recording sheet runs out, and when the printed matter is taken and viewed, the recording sheet is cut out in the middle of the printing operation, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of the printing work. In addition, a simple mechanical sensor cannot detect and display detailed information such as the color and quality of the recording paper.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of grasping in detail the storage state of the recording paper in the paper feed tray and accurately recognizing when the recording paper runs out. It is an object.

The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording sheet.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Based on the wireless tag reading information unit read, it has a display means for displaying the recording sheet storage status of the paper feed tray,
Based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, it is determined whether or not the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray is less than a predetermined number, and if it is less than the predetermined number, a warning to that effect is given to the user. The image forming apparatus is characterized.

According to the above invention, the information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording sheet in the sheet feeding tray is read, and the recording sheet storage status in the sheet feeding tray is displayed based on the read information. . The wireless tag attached to the recording paper stores unique identification information and attribute information such as the size, type, paper quality, and color of the recording paper. The displayed storage state of the recording paper depends on the information stored in the wireless tag. Not only the size and number of sheets, but also the detailed information such as the type, quality, color, etc. of the recording paper should be displayed. Even when a large number of wireless tags exist within the communication range, information can be read independently from each wireless tag by the collision avoidance technique (anti-collision technique).
The invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording sheet.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on information read by the wireless tag reading means;
Have
Whether or not different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in the same paper feed tray is determined based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, and if it is mixed, the user is warned to that effect.
An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.
The invention according to claim 3 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording sheet.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Detecting means for detecting the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means;
Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray;
Have
The recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reader is displayed in comparison with the recording paper storage status detected by the detection means.
An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.
The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording sheet.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Based on the information read by the RFID tag reading means, the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray is obtained, and the remaining time until the recording sheet runs out is calculated from the number and the printing speed. Time calculation means;
Display means for displaying the remaining time calculated by the remaining time calculating means;
Have
An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.
The invention according to claim 5 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording sheet.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Display means for displaying the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means;
Before the completion of the print job, the number of recording sheets consumed until completion of the requested print job is compared with the number of recording sheets in the paper feed tray obtained based on the information read by the RFID tag reading unit. Predicting means for predicting whether or not a recording sheet is cut out
Have
Notifying only the requester of a print job that is expected to run out of paper
An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

The invention according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording paper.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Detecting means for detecting the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means;
Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on information read by the wireless tag reading means or a detection result of the detection means;
The image forming apparatus is configured to be switchable based on a user's selection of which one of the wireless tag reading unit and the detection unit is used to detect a recording sheet storage state in a paper feed tray.

  According to the above invention, the user can select which one of the wireless tag reading unit and the other detection unit is used to detect the recording paper storage state in the paper feed tray. As the detection means, a conventional sensor that physically detects the bulk, weight, etc. of the recording paper can be used. The selection operation may be received by the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, or may be received from an external device via communication. For example, when the user uses the paper feed tray separately for setting a recording paper with a wireless tag and not using a recording paper with a wireless tag, the wireless tag reading means What is necessary is just to select another detection means.

  In addition, when the user determines that most of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray is recording paper with a wireless tag, the user selects the wireless tag reading unit, and includes a certain amount of recording paper without a wireless tag. If it is determined that the detection means is selected, the detection means may be selected. It is preferable to limit the users who can perform the selection operation to a part of an administrator or the like.

The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording paper.
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Detecting means for detecting the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means;
Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on information read by the wireless tag reading means or a detection result of the detection means;
The recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means is compared with the recording paper storage status detected by the detection means, and based on the comparison result, based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means. An image forming apparatus characterized by determining whether to use a recording paper storage status or a recording paper storage status detected by the detecting means.

  According to the above invention, it is determined which of the detected recording paper storage conditions is to be adopted based on the comparison result between the recording paper storage condition detected by the wireless tag reading means and the recording paper storage information detected by the detection means. Since the wireless tag reading means detects the recording paper storage state only for the recording paper with the wireless tag, if the recording paper with the wireless tag and the recording paper with the wireless tag are mixed in the paper feed tray, the recording paper The stored number cannot be accurately recognized. On the other hand, the detection means detects the recording paper storage status regardless of the presence or absence of the wireless tag. However, if a conventional sensor that physically detects the bulk, weight, etc. of the recording paper is used, the detection error of the stored number is large.

  Therefore, the accuracy of the detection result of the wireless tag reading unit is verified by comparing the detection results of both. For example, the determination is based on the difference in the number of stored sheets indicated by both detection results, the ratio of the stored number indicated by both detection results, the ratio of the difference in the stored number indicated by both detection results and the number of stored sheets by the wireless tag method, etc. be able to. As a result of comparison, if the two do not exceed the allowable value and do not differ, the recording paper storage status based on the information read by the RFID tag reading means is adopted, and if both exceed the allowable value, the recording paper storage detected by the detecting means is adopted. Adopt the situation. Thereby, the more reliable means is automatically adopted. It is further preferable that the automatic mode in which the wireless tag detection unit or the detection unit is used is automatically selected and the manual mode selected by the user can be switched.

In the invention according to claim 8 , the recording paper storage status is the number of recording paper stored,
When the difference between the number of stored recording sheets based on the wireless tag reading means and the number of stored recording sheets detected by the detecting means is equal to or less than the detection error of the detecting means, the recording paper based on the wireless tag reading means The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the number of stored images is adopted.

  According to the above invention, when the difference between the number of stored recording sheets detected by the wireless tag reading unit and the number of stored recording sheets detected by the detecting unit is equal to or smaller than the detection error of the detecting unit, the detection of the wireless tag reading unit is performed. The number of recording sheets to be stored is adopted. Even when the stored number of recording sheets detected by the wireless tag reading means indicates an accurate number, there may be a difference in the stored number detected by both of them within a range equal to or less than the detection error of the detecting means. Therefore, when at least the difference between them is equal to or smaller than the detection error of the detection means, the detection result of the wireless tag reading means is adopted.

  For example, when the maximum detection error of the detection unit is 100 and the detection unit detects that the number of stored recording sheets is about 200, storage of the recording sheet based on information read by the wireless tag reading unit is performed. If the number of sheets is 150, there is no difference beyond the detection error range, and therefore 150 sheets detected by the wireless tag reading unit may be adopted as the number of recording sheets. On the other hand, if the number of storage sheets of recording paper based on the information read by the RFID tag reading means is 50, the difference exceeds the detection error range, so about 200 sheets detected by the detection means are detected as the number of storage sheets of recording paper. Adopt it.

The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 , characterized in that the criteria for the determination can be changed.

  According to the above invention, the determination criterion for determining which of the recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reading unit and the recording paper storage status detected by the detection unit is to be adopted is changed. Can do. The determination reference value may be set according to the detection error of the detection means and the user's preference. The change may be performed by a user operation, or may be performed at the time of manufacture or at the time of factory shipment. Moreover, you may comprise so that a criterion may be changed automatically according to an operation condition.

The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the number of recording sheets is displayed as the recording sheet storage status.

  According to the above invention, the number of recording sheets can be obtained by counting how many pieces of identification information unique to the wireless tag attached to each recording sheet is read by the wireless tag reading means. The number of sheets can be displayed in units of one sheet.

The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the information read from the wireless tag attached to the recording sheet is attribute information of the recording sheet.

  According to the above-described invention, the attribute information of the recording paper can be read from the wireless tag attached to the recording paper, and the information related to the attribute of the recording paper can be displayed. The attributes include the type, size, color, paper quality, paper thickness, date of manufacture, etc. of the recording paper.

The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , further comprising recording sheet information transmitting means for transmitting the recording sheet storage status to the outside.

  According to the above invention, the recording paper storage status is transmitted to the outside and displayed on an external terminal device or the like. Transmission to the outside may be transmission by local connection or transmission via a network such as a LAN (local area network). Further, the recording paper storage status may be transmitted to the outside by electronic mail.

The invention according to claim 13 determines whether or not the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray is less than a predetermined number based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein a warning to the effect is given to the user.

  According to the above invention, when the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray is less than the predetermined number, the user is warned to that effect. The warning may be given by sound in addition to displaying a message. In addition to the direct warning on the display unit and sound generation unit of the image forming apparatus, the warning may be transmitted to an external device such as a user terminal device. When the predetermined number is set to “1”, a warning is generated when the recording sheet runs out. If the predetermined number of sheets is set to a certain number, a warning is given as a notice before the recording sheet actually runs out. The number of sheets may be set as appropriate. For example, the number of sheets can be determined from how many minutes before the recording sheet runs out and a printing speed per minute. If a plurality of types of the predetermined number of sheets are prepared, it is possible to warn in a stepwise manner that the remaining amount of recording paper is reduced. Further, it is preferable that the predetermined number of values can be set and changed.

The invention according to claim 14 determines whether or not different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in the same paper feed tray based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, and if this is the case, this fact is indicated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein a warning is given to a user.

  According to the above invention, when different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in the same paper feed tray, the user is warned to that effect. When recording paper attribute information such as recording paper size, color, and paper quality can be acquired from the wireless tag, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of mixing. It is preferable that the number and type of attributes (size, color, paper quality, etc.) of the recording paper to be determined as to whether mixed or not can be selected. It is advisable to warn the user that recording paper is mixed in real time.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided detection means for detecting a recording paper storage state in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means,
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein a recording paper storage status based on information read by the wireless tag reading unit and a recording paper storage status detected by the detection unit are displayed in comparison. It is.

  According to the above invention, the storage status of each recording sheet may be displayed at the same time so as to be directly compared, or displayed at the back and forth to be indirectly compared. May be. Each recording sheet storage status may be displayed on the image forming apparatus, or may be displayed on a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network or a cable.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remaining time calculating means for calculating the remaining time until the recording sheet runs out from the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray and the printing speed.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the remaining time calculated by the remaining time calculating unit is displayed.

  According to the above invention, the remaining time until the recording sheet runs out is calculated and displayed from the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray and the printing speed. When printing continuously, the printing speed is maintained almost constant. By dividing the number of stored recording sheets by the printing speed (number of printed sheets per unit time), the quotient is the time until the recording sheet runs out. The remaining time is calculated.

The invention according to claim 17 compares the number of recording sheets consumed until completion of the requested print job with the number of recording sheets in the sheet feeding tray obtained based on the information read by the wireless tag reading unit. And predicting means for predicting whether or not a recording sheet runs out before completion of the print job,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein when the recording paper is predicted to be cut, a notice to that effect is given to the user.

  According to the above-described invention, it is predicted whether or not a recording sheet runs out before completion of the print job requested by the user, and when the recording sheet runs out is predicted, the user is notified in advance. The number of recording sheets consumed until the newly requested print job is completed is calculated including the number of recording sheets used in the preceding print job if there is a preceding print job. If the calculated number exceeds the stored number of recording sheets detected using the wireless tag reading means, it is predicted that the recording sheet will run out before the print job requested this time is completed. The notice may be a notice by display or a notice by sound. The notice content may include the time when the occurrence of the recording sheet is predicted and the number of sheets in which print job the recording sheet will occur. The notice may be executed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, or the notice may be transmitted to an external device such as a user terminal.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, only a requester of a print job that is predicted to run out of recording paper is notified of the recording paper running out.

  According to the above invention, only the requester of the print job that is predicted to run out of recording paper is notified of the running out of recording paper. Even if there is a preceding print job, the preceding print job does not cause the recording paper to run out, so no advance notice of the recording paper is necessary. If the notice of running out of recording paper is performed by communication specifying the other party, it is possible to notify only the requester of running out of recording paper. For example, when a print job request is received from a user terminal, it is predicted whether or not a recording sheet will be cut out before the completion of the print job. The system may be configured so that the user terminal is notified of the recording paper shortage and the user terminal is notified of the recording paper shortage.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the information stored in the wireless tag of each recording sheet stored in the sheet feeding tray is read, and the recording sheet storage in the sheet feeding tray is performed based on the read information. Since the status is displayed, the storage status of the recording paper in the paper feed tray can be grasped in detail.

  By displaying the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray, it is possible to grasp the exact number of recording sheets in the sheet feeding tray. In the case of acquiring the recording paper attribute information from the wireless tag of the recording paper, the user can grasp the color and quality of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray and notify the user.

  In the case of having a function of transmitting the recording paper storage status to the outside, it is possible to notify the user at a remote location of the recording paper storage status of the paper feed tray.

  If it is determined whether different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in the same paper feed tray and the user is warned about the mixed case, printing will be erroneously performed on an unintended type of recording paper. Printing errors can be prevented.

  In a configuration in which the user can select which of the wireless tag reading means and the detection means is used to detect the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray, a plurality of paper feed trays are provided with a wireless tag and without a wireless tag. The user's usage mode, or when the user knows the mixed state of recording paper with a wireless tag and recording paper without a wireless tag in the paper feed tray. In addition, it is possible to detect the recording paper storage status in a manner that matches the user's intention.

  A user who selects a detection method is used to automatically determine which recording paper storage status is to be used based on the comparison result between the recording paper storage status detected by the wireless tag reading means and the recording paper storage information detected by the detection means. Can be saved. In addition, it is possible to prevent an artificial judgment error related to selection of the detection method and forgetting to switch.

  When the difference between the number of stored recording sheets detected by the wireless tag reading means and the number of stored recording sheets detected by the detecting means is equal to or smaller than the detection error of the detecting means, the number of stored recording sheets detected by the wireless tag reading means In this case, the detection result of the wireless tag reading unit is prevented from being unnecessarily unacceptable.

  In the configuration in which the criterion for determining whether to adopt the wireless tag reading unit or the detection unit can be changed, the determination according to the detection error of the detection unit and the user's preference can be made.

  In the case where the recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means and the recording paper storage status detected by the detection means are displayed in comparison, this comparative display improves the reliability of detection by the wireless tag reading means. Judgment can be made. That is, when the user selects which means should detect the recording paper storage status, it becomes a judgment material for the selection. When which means is automatically selected, the selection result The validity can be judged, and the certainty of the displayed number of stored recording sheets can be confirmed.

  When the remaining time until the recording paper breakage occurs is calculated from the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray and the printing speed, the remaining time is displayed. Can improve the convenience.

  Predicting whether or not the recording paper will run out before the requested print job is completed, and if the recording paper is predicted to be cut off, will notify the user of that fact. Therefore, the replenishment operation of the recording paper is reduced to the minimum number of times, and a waste of time due to the recording paper being cut out and the printing being stopped is prevented.

  In the case of notifying only the requester of the print job that the recording paper is expected to run out, only the requester of the print job that wants to know the first information of the recording paper can be notified accurately and in a timely manner. There is no need for each user to determine whether or not the noticed recording sheet breakage occurs in a print job requested by the user, and convenience is improved.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a printing system 10 including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 10 includes a multifunction machine 20 as an image forming apparatus and a host computer 13 (such as a user terminal device) that is a request source of a print job. The multifunction machine 20 and the host computer 13 are connected by a LAN (local area network) 14. The network connecting the multifunction machine 20 and the host computer 13 may be other types.

  The multifunction machine 20 has a scanner function for reading an original image, a copy function for reading an original image and forming a duplicate image on the recording paper, a printer function for forming an image corresponding to print data on the recording paper, and a facsimile for transmitting the original image. It has functions.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the multifunction machine 20. The multifunction machine 20 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 23 as main parts as a control unit that performs overall control of the operation. It consists of a circuit. The ROM 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 21 and various fixed data. The RAM 23 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 21 executes a program, and a page memory that stores at least one page of image data for performing a rotation process.

  The reading unit 24 has a function of reading a document image and taking in corresponding image data. The reading unit 24 includes a light source that irradiates the document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in the width direction thereof, a moving unit that moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and reflected light from the document. And an optical path made up of a lens and a mirror for guiding the light to a line image sensor. The line image sensor is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D converted and captured as digital image data.

  The display unit 25 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of guidance information and status information. The operation unit 26 includes a touch panel and other switches provided on the screen of the display unit 25. The facsimile unit 27 performs a function of compressing / decompressing image data by a compression method corresponding to the facsimile, and a function of controlling various communication procedures for facsimile transmission / reception.

  The external memory unit 28 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device for accumulating a large amount of image data, and here, a hard disk device is used. The input / output buffer 29 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing input / output data. The bitmap image / development transfer unit 30 performs a function of developing print data into a bitmap image and transferring it to a printing unit 40 described later. The network I / F unit 31 functions to communicate with the host computer 13 and other external devices through the LAN.

  The printing unit 40 has a function of forming and outputting an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process in accordance with input bitmap format image data. The printing unit 40 is configured as a so-called laser printer having a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. ing. The engine control unit 41 performs overall control of the operation of the printing unit 40. The printing unit 40 includes a paper supply unit 42 that stores recording paper before printing, and a paper discharge unit 43 that stacks recording paper discharged after printing.

  The paper feed unit 42 includes a plurality of paper feed trays capable of storing several hundreds of recording sheets. In addition, a wireless tag reading unit 44 that reads information from a wireless tag attached to the recording paper stored in each paper feed tray, and a detection unit 47 that detects the recording paper storage status are provided. The wireless tag reading unit 44 and the detection unit 47 are provided for each paper feed tray.

  The wireless tag reading unit 44 includes an antenna 46 for communicating with the wireless tag, and an RFID communication unit 45 that performs communication control for transmitting / receiving data to / from the wireless tag and supplying power to the wireless tag through the antenna 46. Composed. The wireless tag is an electronic tag having a wireless communication function, and incorporates an IC chip and an antenna that operate by receiving electric power electromagnetically from the outside. The wireless tag uses an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) method. An IC chip of a wireless tag has a function of reading out data (tag information) stored in the nonvolatile memory and wirelessly transmitting the data.

  Here, the wireless tag reading means 44 is used for recognizing the storage state of the recording paper in the paper feed tray, and the wireless tag added to the recording paper has unique ID information (identification information) as tag information. And the attribute information of the recording paper are stored in advance. The recording paper attribute information includes, for example, information such as recording paper size (A3, A4, B4, B5), color (white, blue, yellow), and classification (plain paper, high-quality paper).

  The detection unit 47 is a sensor that detects the recording paper storage state by a detection method different from that of the wireless tag reading unit 44. For example, a sensor that detects the remaining amount of recording paper based on the bulk and weight of the recording paper, a sensor that detects the recording paper size based on the position of the recording paper partition plate in the paper feed tray, and the like are used.

  Based on the detection results of the wireless tag reading means 44 and the detection means 47, the CPU 21 recognizes the recording paper storage status in each paper feed tray, and displays the recording paper storage status and warns that the recording paper has run out. The ROM 22 stores a program for causing the CPU 21 to function as the number calculation unit 22a, the mixture determination unit 22b, the automatic selection unit 22c, and the remaining time calculation unit 22d.

  The sheet number calculating unit 22a calculates the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray. The mixing determination unit 22b determines whether different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in one paper feed tray. The automatic selection unit 22c automatically selects which of the wireless tag reading unit 44 and the detection unit 47 (to be described later) is used to detect the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray. The remaining time calculating means 22d calculates the remaining time until the recording sheet runs out from the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray and the printing speed.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the paper feed tray 50. The antenna 46 is installed inside the paper feed tray 50 so that it can communicate with the wireless tag 61 attached to the recording paper 60 stored in the paper feed tray 50. Here, the partition plate 51 is internally provided.

  FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing for recognizing the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on detection by the wireless tag reading means 44. This process is executed not only when the paper feed tray is set in the paper feed unit 42 of the multifunction machine 20, but also based on the establishment of a user operation or other activation conditions.

  The wireless tag reading unit 44 attempts to read information from the wireless tag (step S101). When the data cannot be read (step S102; N), this processing is terminated (end) as a reading error (step S103). If it is readable (step S102; Y), an attempt is made to read information stored in the wireless tag from one new wireless tag (step S104). Since the information read from the wireless tag includes unique ID information for each wireless tag, register the ID information of the wireless tag read in advance and compare this with the ID information read this time Thus, it is determined whether or not it is a new wireless tag, and duplicate reading is avoided.

  When information can be read from the new wireless tag (step S105; Y), it is determined whether or not the wireless tag read this time is the first recording sheet in this process (step S106). In the case of the first sheet (step S106; Y), the attributes of the read recording sheet are registered in a predetermined storage area (step S107). After the registration or when the wireless tag read this time is the second or later in this process (step S106; N), the count value of the number of recording sheets is incremented by 1 (step S108), and the process returns to step S104. Continue processing. When all the wireless tags have been read and cannot be read from the new wireless tag (step S105; N), the reading is completed and this processing is ended (END).

  As a result, the number of wireless tag-added recording sheets stored in one sheet feeding tray is accurately formed. Also, detailed attribute information such as the size and color of the recording paper is recognized by the multi-function device 20. Here, it is assumed that different types of recording paper are not mixed in one paper feed tray.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a tray information screen (wireless tag system) 200 displayed on the display unit 25 of the multifunction machine 20. This screen 200 shows the recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means 44 by the processing shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 4 is executed at the time (immediately before) when the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 200 is displayed. For example, when the paper feed tray 50 is set in the paper feed unit 42, the process shown in FIG. 4 is executed for the paper feed tray, and the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 200 shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  At the top of the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 200 is a guidance information column 201 in which an operation guidance message is displayed. Below the guide information column 201, a tray selection column 202, a tray storage status display column 203, and an input column 204 are displayed in order from the left. In the tray selection field 202, a multifunction machine symbol schematically showing the front of the multifunction machine 20 is displayed. Here, a multi-function apparatus design having four stages of paper feed trays is displayed. A portion of the paper feed tray in this multifunction machine design functions as a “tray selection” button for selecting a paper feed tray for which the recording paper storage status is to be checked. Further, the selected paper feed tray is displayed in a different mode (shaded in the figure) from the other paper feed trays.

  The tray storage status display field 203 includes a recording paper pattern 210 schematically showing the recording paper stored in the selected paper feeding tray, and the size and number of recording papers stored in the selected paper feeding tray. , Color, and division (quality) are displayed. In the recording paper pattern 210, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the recording paper are numerically displayed, and the standard size name (A4, etc.) of the recording paper is displayed. In addition, when the recording paper stored in the selected paper feed tray has a wireless tag, a tag design 211 schematically showing the wireless tag is displayed in the recording paper design 210.

  In the input column 204, an “all trays” button 205, a “unit conversion” button 206, and a “return” button 207 are displayed. The “all trays” button 205 is an operation button for displaying a list of recording sheet storage statuses of all the sheet feeding trays of the multifunction machine 20. The “unit conversion” button 206 is an operation button for converting the unit of the recording paper size displayed in the tray storage status display field 203 in the order of mm, inch, and pixel. When the “return” button 207 is operated, the screen displayed before this screen 200 is returned.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the all tray information screen (wireless tag method) 220 displayed when the “all trays” button 205 is operated on the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 200 of FIG. When this screen 220 is displayed, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed for all the paper feed trays at that time. The multi-function device symbol displayed in the tray selection field 222 of the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 220 shows a state where all four paper feed trays are selected. The storage status list display field 223 displays information about the size of the recording paper, the number of stored recording papers, the color, and the classification (quality) for each tray number of the paper feed tray. In addition, when a document is set in the reading unit 24, the document size is displayed as a reference above the storage status list display field 223, for example, “document size is A4”. In the lower right portion of the screen 220, there is a “return” button 224 for returning to the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 220 of FIG.

  Next, a flow of paper out notice processing executed when a print job request is received from the host computer 13 such as a user terminal device will be described with reference to FIG. The multi-function device 20 repeatedly determines whether or not a print job has been received (step S301). When a print job is received (step S301; Y), the number of recording sheets (A) necessary to complete this print job is obtained (step S302). The number of recording sheets (A) is the number of recording sheets required to complete all print jobs that have been requested first and have not yet been printed, and are necessary for printing the print job that has been requested this time. Obtained as the sum of the number of recording sheets. Note that only the recording paper of the same size as the recording paper used in the print job that has been requested this time is subject to calculation.

  Next, the current remaining number (B) of recording sheets of the corresponding recording sheet size is obtained (step S303). When recording paper of a corresponding size is stored in a plurality of paper feed trays and the paper feed trays are automatically selected, the total number of those sheets is obtained.

  Next, it is determined whether the remaining number (B) is equal to or greater than the required number of recording sheets (A) (step S304). If the remaining number (B) is equal to or greater than the number of recording sheets (A) (step S304; Y ) Since the recording paper does not run out, the processing is ended as it is (end). On the other hand, if the remaining number (B) is less than the required number of recording sheets (A) (step S304; N), the remaining number (B) is divided by the printing speed (for example, the number of printed sheets per minute). Then, the remaining time until a paper break occurs is obtained (step S305).

  Next, the remaining time is displayed on the display unit 25 of the multifunction machine 20 (step S306). Further, notice information about the occurrence of running out of paper is sent (transmitted) to the request source of the print job received this time (step S307). This notice information is notified only to the requester of the print job that actually runs out of recording paper. The host computer 13 that has received the advance notice information displays a paper out notice screen. If it is known that the recording paper will run out in one's own print job, the recording paper will be replenished even if it is troublesome, and printing stagnation is prevented.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a paper out notice screen 320 displayed on the display unit 25 of the multifunction machine 20 in step S306 of FIG. A paper out message 321 is displayed on the upper part of the paper out notice screen 320 indicating how many sheets are out of printing. In the detail display field 322 below, the position of the paper feed tray where the paper runs out, the user name of the requester of the print job where the paper runs out, and the remaining time until the paper runs out are displayed. The remaining time may be recalculated sequentially and the display updated in real time.

  FIG. 9 shows a flow of recording sheet storage status recognition processing when it is detected that different types of recording sheets are mixed in the same paper feed tray. First, an attempt is made to read information from the wireless tag (step S401). If it cannot be read (step S402; N), it is determined as a reading error (step S403), and this process ends (end). If it is readable (step S402; Y), an attempt is made to read information stored in the wireless tag from one new wireless tag (step S404).

  When the information can be read from the new wireless tag (step S405; Y), whether or not the recording paper attribute indicated by the information read from the current wireless tag is the same as the registered recording paper attribute (complete match). Is determined (step S406). That is, it is determined whether or not the attribute of the recording sheet read this time is the same as the attribute of other recording sheets read in advance. If the same recording sheet attribute is not registered (step S406; Y), the attribute of the recording sheet read this time is additionally registered in a predetermined storage area (step S407). After the additional registration or when the recording paper attribute read this time is the same as that already registered (step S406; N), the number counter of the corresponding recording paper attribute is incremented by "+1" (step S408), and the step Returning to S404, the processing is continued.

  If all the wireless tags have been read and cannot be read from the new wireless tag (step S405; N), it is checked whether or not a plurality of recording sheet attributes are registered in this process (step S409). In this case (step S409; Y), the fact that a plurality of types of recording sheets are mixed in one paper feed tray is registered, displayed, and warned (step S410), and the process is terminated (END). If not registered (step S409; N), no mixing is registered (step S411), and the process ends (end).

  For the mixed display / warning, for example, in the tray storage status display field 203 of the tray information screen (wireless tag system) 200 in FIG. 5, the recording sheet attribute with the largest number of recording sheets is displayed and “mixed” is displayed. . Further, when displaying the mixed status in detail, the recording paper attributes and the number of sheets acquired in the process of FIG. 9 may be displayed as a list. Furthermore, it may be configured to notify the user of mixing by voice or warning sound.

  Next, detection of the recording paper storage status by the detection unit 47 and switching between the wireless tag reading unit 44 and the detection unit 47 will be described.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a tray information screen (physical method) 500 that displays the recording paper storage status detected by the detection means 47. On the tray information screen (physical method) 500, a guide information column 501, a tray selection column 502, a tray storage status display column 503, and an input column 504 are displayed. Among these, the guidance information column 501, the tray selection column 502, and the input column 504 are the same as those in the tray information screen (wireless tag system) 200 shown in FIG.

  In the tray storage status display field 503, a recording paper pattern 510 schematically showing the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray selected in the tray selection field 502 and the recording stored in the selected paper feed tray. A remaining amount display section 511 that displays the remaining amount of paper in four levels is displayed. In the recording paper symbol 510 of this screen 500, the “tag symbol” displayed on the recording paper symbol 210 of the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 200 of FIG. 5 is not displayed.

  As described above, when the detection unit 47 is used as a sensor for recognizing the recording sheet storage status, the number of stored recording sheets cannot be accurately grasped, and the remaining amount is displayed in a plurality of stages. . However, a range with a small remaining amount is divided into stages more finely than a range with a large remaining amount.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a detection method selection screen 600 for selecting which one of the RFID tag reading unit 44 and the detection unit 47 is used as a sensor for detecting the recording paper storage status. This screen 600 is displayed by performing a predetermined operation from, for example, an environment setting screen (not shown) of the multi-function device 20.

  There is a guidance information column 601 at the top of the detection method selection screen 600, and a detection method selection list 602 is displayed below it. In the leftmost tray number column 603 of the detection method selection list 602, tray numbers (1 to 4) of all the paper feed trays of the multi-function device 20 are displayed vertically. On the right side of each tray number, an automatic mode selection button 604, a wireless tag method selection button 605, and a conventional method selection button 606 are displayed. Each of the buttons 604 to 606 is displayed in a mode different from the other buttons in the currently selected state. In FIG. 11, the selected button is displayed by shading. The user can select a detection method for each paper feed tray by operating a button of a desired detection method.

  When the automatic mode selection button 604 is selected, an automatic mode is set in which the MFP 20 automatically determines which of the RFID tag reading means 44 and the detection means 47 should detect. When the wireless tag method selection button 605 is selected, a wireless tag method using the wireless tag reading unit 44 is adopted for the paper feed tray. When the conventional method selection button 606 is selected, the conventional method using the detecting means 47 is adopted. When the “return” button 607 is operated, the selection state at that time is fixed.

  FIG. 12 shows the flow of determination processing in the automatic mode. In the automatic mode, the number of recording sheets (A1) detected by the detecting means 47 is calculated (step S621). This number is detected in a plurality of steps (here, four steps). Next, the number of recording sheets (A2) based on the information read by the wireless tag reading unit 44 is calculated (step S622). This process is performed, for example, in the same manner as shown in FIG.

  It is determined whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the number (A2) based on the RFID tag reading means 44 from the number (A1) based on the detection means 47 exceeds a predetermined allowable value (step S623). When the allowable value is exceeded (step S623; Y), the number (A1) detected by the detecting means 47 is adopted (step S624). In this case, for example, the remaining amount of recording paper is displayed on the tray information screen (physical method) 500 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the allowable value is not exceeded (step S623; N), the number (A2) based on the detection by the wireless tag reading means 44 is adopted (step S625). In this case, for example, the remaining number of print sheets and attributes are displayed on the tray information screen (wireless tag method) 200 of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the allowable value is a detection error of the number of recording sheets detected by the detection unit 47. The allowable value may be configured to be changeable. For example, an allowable value may be set on the detection method selection screen 600 in FIG.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  Although the multifunction device 20 has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus, a copying machine or a printer may be used as long as it has a printing function. Further, although the antenna 46 is built in the partition plate 51 of the paper feed tray 50, the antenna 46 may be mounted on the main body side of the paper feed tray 50 or the main body side of the multifunction device 20 at a position where the recording paper 60 falls within the communicable range. Good. In order to enable independent detection for a plurality of paper feed trays, it is preferable to shield the electric field between the paper feed trays. If the bottom plate of the paper feed tray is a metal plate, its function is satisfied.

  The recording paper attributes stored in the wireless tag 61 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment, and may include information such as the thickness of the recording paper and the pattern type, for example.

  In the determination process in the automatic mode, the difference between the number (A1) detected by the detection unit 47 and the number (A2) based on the wireless tag reading unit 44 is compared with an allowable value, but the number (A1) and the number ( The ratio of A2) may be compared with an allowable value. Further, a difference (A3) between the number (A1) and the number (A2) is obtained, and a ratio between the difference (A3) and the number (A2) or a ratio between the difference (A3) and the number (A1) and an allowable value You may determine by comparing. For example, when the difference (A3) between the number (A1) and the number (A2) is less than 20% (allowable value) of the number (A2) based on the wireless tag reading means 44, the detection by the wireless tag reading means 44 is performed. If it is 20% or more, the conventional detection means 47 is selected.

  In addition, the recording paper storage status based on the detection by the wireless tag reading unit 44 and the recording paper storage status detected by the detection unit 47 may be displayed in comparison. For example, as shown in the tray information screen 700 of FIG. 13, the number of sheets detected by the wireless tag reading means 44 is displayed in the same display as the storage status list display field 223 of the all tray information screen (wireless tag system) 220 of FIG. A display column 701 is preferably added. Further, if the detection method selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 11 can be directly shifted to the above comparison screen by a user operation, the detection mode can be selected with reference to the number of contrast displayed.

  The recording paper storage information may be transmitted to the external apparatus in response to a request from the host computer 13.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a paper feed tray of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention recognizes a storage state of a recording sheet in a sheet feeding tray based on detection by a wireless tag reading unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a tray information screen (wireless tag method) displayed on a display unit of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an all tray information screen (wireless tag method) displayed on a display unit of a multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a paper-out notice process executed when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a request for a print job. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a paper out notice screen displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a recording sheet storage state recognition process in which the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention detects that different types of recording sheets are mixed in the same sheet feeding tray. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a tray information screen (physical method) displayed on a display unit of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a detection method selection screen displayed on a display unit of the multifunction machine. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process performed in automatic mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the tray information screen by which the recording paper storage condition based on the detection of a wireless tag reading means and the recording paper storage condition detected by the detection means are displayed in comparison.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Printing system 13 ... Host computer 14 ... LAN
20. Multifunction machine (image forming device)
21 ... CPU
22 ... ROM
22a ... Number of sheets calculating means 22b ... Mixing judgment means 22c ... Automatic selection means 22d ... Remaining time calculating means 23 ... RAM
24: Reading unit 25 ... Display unit 26 ... Operation unit 27 ... Facsimile unit 28 ... External memory unit 29 ... Input / output buffer 30 ... Bitmap image / development transfer unit 31 ... Network I / F unit 40 ... Printing unit 41 ... Engine control Unit 42 ... Paper feed unit 43 ... Paper discharge unit 44 ... RFID tag reading means 45 ... RFID communication part 46 ... Antenna 47 ... Detection means 50 ... Paper feed tray 51 ... Partition plate 60 ... Recording paper 61 ... Radio tag 200 ... Tray information Screen (wireless tag method)
201: Guidance information column 202 ... Tray selection column (multifunction device design)
203 ... Tray storage status display field 204 ... Input field 205 ... "All trays" button 206 ... "Unit conversion" button 207 ... "Back" button 210 ... Recording paper pattern 211 ... Tag pattern 220 ... All tray information screen (wireless tag system) )
222 ... Tray selection field 223 ... Storage status list display field 224 ... "Back" button 320 ... Paper out notice screen 321 ... Paper out message 322 ... Detailed display field 500 ... Tray information screen (physical method)
501 ... Guide information column 502 ... Tray selection column 503 ... Tray storage status display column 504 ... Input column 510 ... Recording paper pattern 511 ... Remaining amount display unit 600 ... Detection method selection screen 601 ... Guidance information column 602 ... Detection method selection list 603 ... Tray number field 604 ... Automatic mode selection button 605 ... Wireless tag system selection button 606 ... Conventional system selection button 607 ... "Return" button 700 ... Tray information screen 701 ... Detection number display field

Claims (18)

In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Based on the wireless tag reading information unit read, it has a display means for displaying the recording sheet storage status of the paper feed tray,
Based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, it is determined whether or not the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray is less than a predetermined number, and if it is less than the predetermined number, a warning to that effect is given to the user. An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
  Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
  Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on information read by the wireless tag reading means;
  Have
  Whether or not different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in the same paper feed tray is determined based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, and if it is mixed, the user is warned to that effect.
An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
  Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
  Detecting means for detecting the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means;
  Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray;
  Have
  The recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reader is displayed in comparison with the recording paper storage status detected by the detection means.
  An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
  A wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
  Based on the information read by the RFID tag reading means, the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray is obtained, and the remaining time until the recording sheet runs out is calculated from the number and the printing speed. Time calculation means;
  Display means for displaying the remaining time calculated by the remaining time calculating means;
  Have
  An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
  A wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
  Display means for displaying the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means;
  Before the completion of the print job, the number of recording sheets consumed until completion of the requested print job is compared with the number of recording sheets in the paper feed tray obtained based on the information read by the wireless tag reading unit. Predicting means for predicting whether or not a recording sheet is cut out
  Have
  Notifying only the requester of a print job that is expected to run out of paper
  An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Detecting means for detecting the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means;
Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on information read by the wireless tag reading means or a detection result of the detection means;
An image forming apparatus characterized in that it can be switched based on a user's selection which of the wireless tag reading means and the detection means is used to detect the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray. In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on recording paper,
Wireless tag reading means for reading information stored in the wireless tag attached to each recording paper stored in the paper feed tray;
Detecting means for detecting the recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray by a method different from the wireless tag reading means;
Display means for displaying a recording paper storage status in the paper feed tray based on information read by the wireless tag reading means or a detection result of the detection means;
The recording paper storage status based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means is compared with the recording paper storage status detected by the detection means, and based on the comparison result, based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means. An image forming apparatus comprising: determining whether to use a recording paper storage status or a recording paper storage status detected by the detection unit. The recording paper storage status is the number of recording paper stored,
When the difference between the number of stored recording sheets based on the wireless tag reading means and the number of stored recording sheets detected by the detecting means is equal to or less than the detection error of the detecting means, the recording paper based on the wireless tag reading means The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the number of stored images is adopted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the determination criterion is changeable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the number of recording sheets is displayed as the recording sheet storage status. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the information read from the wireless tag attached to the recording paper is attribute information of the recording paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a recording sheet information transmission unit configured to transmit the recording sheet storage status to the outside. Based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, it is determined whether or not the number of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray is less than a predetermined number, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the user is warned to that effect. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Whether or not different types of recording paper are mixedly stored in the same paper feed tray is determined based on the information read by the wireless tag reading means, and if it is mixed, the user is warned to that effect The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 . 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein a recording paper storage status based on information read by the wireless tag reading unit and a recording paper storage status detected by the detection unit are displayed in comparison. . A remaining time calculating means for calculating the remaining time until the recording paper runs out from the number of recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray and the printing speed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the remaining time calculated by the remaining time calculating unit is displayed. Before the completion of the print job, the number of recording sheets consumed until completion of the requested print job is compared with the number of recording sheets in the paper feed tray obtained based on the information read by the RFID tag reading unit. Including a predicting means for predicting whether or not the recording paper will be cut off,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein when the recording paper is predicted to be cut off, a notice to that effect is given to the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein only a requester of a print job predicted to run out of recording paper is notified of the running out of recording paper.

Images