JP4923888B2 - Paper detection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper detection device that detects a paper provided with a magnetic material, and more particularly, a planar antenna that generates a magnetic field that excites a magnetic material to detect the magnetic material applied to the paper in a non-contact manner, and an excitation The present invention relates to a paper detection device that prevents erroneous detection of a magnetic material due to the influence of a leakage magnetic field even when a planar antenna that receives a signal generated by the magnetic material is disposed close to each other.

 In recent years, an IC card equipped with an IC chip and a reader / writer as a technology of a detection element that detects non-contact and its detection device and a reader / writer thereof have become widespread. In particular, an RFID (= Radio Frequency IDentification) non-contact IC card Widely used.

  The information stored in the non-contact type IC card is read and transmitted by the reader / writer when the information is transmitted / received via the loop antennas respectively provided in the non-contact type IC card and the reader / writer. Can read the information of the non-contact type IC card in a non-contact manner even when the non-contact type IC card is located several cm to several tens of cm away from the reader / writer.

  Non-contact type IC cards are used in various fields such as entrance / exit management, factory production management, and distribution management because they are resistant to dirt and static electricity.

  In addition, a non-contact detection element and a magnetic element that causes a large Barghausen effect are applied to the product as an application technology of the detection apparatus, and the detection apparatus of the magnetic element is installed at the gate so that the detection apparatus passes through the gate. There is also provided an apparatus for detecting a magnetic element attached to a product and preventing the product from being stolen.

  A magnetic element that causes the large Barghausen effect is, for example, a magnetic wire of a Co-Fe amorphous soft magnetic material, and this magnetic element undergoes magnetization reversal when it receives an alternating magnetic field that exceeds the coercive force of the magnetic element. The magnetic field is generated by an exciting coil and applied to the magnetic element, and the steep magnetic pulse generated when the magnetic element is reversed is passed through a detection coil arranged in the vicinity of the magnetic element. The presence of the magnetic element can be detected.

  In addition, since the magnetic element is less expensive than a non-contact type IC card, it is suitable for application to a large amount of goods or media, or application to a disposable medium.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes an article monitoring system that prevents goods from being stolen in a store by detecting the movement of an identification mark attached to an article such as a product.

In the proposed article monitoring system, when a tag having a magnetic material attached to a product or the like moves in the detection area of the tag, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic material is changed by a signal generated from the transmission antenna, and the magnetic flux density is changed. In a detection device that detects a signal caused by a change in a reception antenna and detects a product with a tag attached based on the detection signal, a transmission antenna housing with a built-in transmission antenna and a reception antenna housing with a built-in reception antenna The display gate is fitted in a useless space of each antenna housing of the detection gate installed opposite to the display gate, and the product detection information is displayed on the display device, so that the detection capability of the tag is not reduced. It is configured to make effective use of space.
JP 2002-319077 A

  A detection gate as shown in Patent Document 1 is arranged in a copying machine or a printing apparatus, and the detection gate is detected by passing a medium such as recording paper provided with a magnetic element that causes a large Barghausen effect. When applied to the environment, the excitation coil and the detection coil are close to each other and are disposed to face each other, so that a magnetic element may be erroneously detected due to leakage of a magnetic field transmitted from the excitation coil to the detection coil.

  However, in Patent Document 1, no proposal is made to prevent erroneous detection of a magnetic element due to the influence of a leakage magnetic field even when the excitation coil and the detection coil are arranged close to each other.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a planar antenna that generates a magnetic field that excites a magnetic material to detect the magnetic material applied to a sheet in a non-contact manner and a planar antenna that receives a signal generated by the excited magnetic material are mutually connected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper detection device that prevents erroneous detection of a magnetic material due to the influence of a leakage magnetic field even when they are arranged close to each other.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the paper detection device of claim 1 is a paper detection device arranged in a transport path in which the paper in the image forming device that forms image information and prints out the paper is transported. A first conductor pattern that generates an alternating magnetic field that causes magnetization reversal in a magnetic material applied to a sheet and a second conductor pattern that detects a signal generated by the magnetization reversal of the magnetic material are stacked . A third conductor pattern that generates an alternating magnetic field that is disposed opposite to the first substrate so as to be spaced apart from the first substrate by a predetermined distance so as to sandwich the transport path and that causes magnetization reversal in the magnetic body. Between the first substrate and the second substrate along the transport path, and a second substrate in which a signal generated by magnetization reversal of the magnetic body is detected and a fourth conductor pattern is formed. Conveying means for conveying paper to The first first the second and the first conductor pattern of the first substrate by flowing an excitation current is switched alternately with the third conductor pattern of the second substrate and the conductor pattern of the substrate An alternating magnetic field is alternately generated from the third conductor pattern of the first substrate, and the magnetic material applied to the sheet conveyed by the conveying means by the alternating magnetic field generated from the first conductor pattern of the first substrate. The generated signal is detected by the fourth conductor pattern of the second substrate, and the signal generated from the magnetic material by the alternating magnetic field generated from the third conductor pattern of the second substrate is detected by the first conductor pattern. Switching control means for performing switching control so as to be detected by the second conductor pattern of one substrate, and detection by the second conductor pattern or the fourth conductor pattern by switching control of the switching control means. Characterized by comprising an information detecting means for detecting information formed by granted magnetic material the sheet based on a detection result of said signal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the first substrate and the second substrate have a length corresponding to a length perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper, and can be bent freely. It consists of a flexible substrate .

The invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 2, wherein the switching control means is
An excitation current that is alternately supplied to the first conductor pattern of the first substrate and the third conductor pattern of the second substrate is switched in synchronization with the frequency of the excitation current .

According to the paper detection device of the present invention, the paper detection device is disposed on a transport path in which the paper in the image forming apparatus that forms image information and prints out the paper is transported . A first substrate on which a first conductor pattern that generates an alternating magnetic field that causes magnetization reversal in a magnetic material and a second conductor pattern that detects a signal generated by magnetization reversal of the magnetic material are stacked; the first substrate by a predetermined distance is disposed opposite so as to sandwich the conveyance path, and the third conductor pattern that generates an alternating magnetic field to cause magnetization reversal in the magnetic member by the magnetization reversal of the magnetic A second substrate on which a fourth conductor pattern for detecting a signal to be generated is laminated, and a transport unit that transports a sheet between the first substrate and the second substrate along the transport path ; , first the first substrate By alternately switching between the conductor pattern and the third conductor pattern of the second substrate and passing an exciting current, the first conductor pattern of the first substrate and the third conductor pattern of the second substrate are alternately switched. An alternating magnetic field is generated, and a signal generated from the magnetic material applied to the paper conveyed by the conveying means by the alternating magnetic field generated from the first conductor pattern of the first substrate is transmitted to the second substrate. The second conductor pattern of the first substrate detects a signal generated from the magnetic body by an alternating magnetic field generated from the third conductor pattern of the second substrate. A switching control means for performing switching control so as to detect the signal, and a detection result of the signal detected by the second conductor pattern or the fourth conductor pattern by the switching control of the switching control means. Because and a Hazuki the paper information detecting means for detecting information formed by granted magnetic material, can be flexibly applied to various apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, the influence of the leakage magnetic field between the substrates It is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the magnetic material.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sheet detection apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of a copying machine 100 to which a paper detection device 30 according to the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a copying machine 100 performs predetermined image processing on image information read by optically scanning a document 1 pressed by a platen cover 2 on a platen glass 3 of the copying machine 100, and printing the image information. An image processing unit 20 that converts the image data to output image data, and an image forming unit 50 that forms the image data converted and output by the image processing unit 20 on the dedicated paper 10 fed from the paper tray 4 (in the drawing) A portion surrounded by a broken line) and a magnetic wire (not shown) attached to the special paper 10 from the special paper 10 on which the image data is printed, and paper for detecting identification information of the special paper 10 based on the detection result The control device 30, the database (not shown) that stores and manages the identification information of the special paper 10 detected by the paper detection device 30 and the image information printed on the special paper 10, and the entire copying machine 100 You And a control unit 40.

  The image forming unit 50 includes an exposure control unit 51 that performs scanning exposure control for irradiating the photosensitive drum 52 with laser light in accordance with image data output from the image processing unit 20, and a photosensitive drum that performs scanning exposure control of the exposure control unit 51. A developing unit 53 that develops the latent image formed on the surface with toner of each color, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 52 by the developing unit 53 is transferred onto the dedicated paper 10 fed from the paper tray 4. A transfer drum 54 and a fixing device 55 that fixes the toner image formed on the special paper 10 onto the special paper 10 are provided.

  The dedicated paper 10 stored and stored in the paper tray 4 is preliminarily provided with identification information expressed by being provided with a magnetic wire as described above. Document management is performed in association with image information printed on the paper 10.

  Further, in order to detect the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information is printed in a non-contact manner, a paper discharge path through which the special paper 10 on which the image information is printed is discharged from the image forming unit 50 to the paper discharge tray 5. In the middle of this, a planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and a planar antenna (for reception) 32 of the paper detection device 30 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction.

  The planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32 have a length corresponding to the size of the dedicated paper 10 in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the dedicated paper 10, can be bent, and are planar antennas. The dedicated paper 10 is transported between the (for transmission) 31 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32 so as to be spaced apart from each other by a distance slightly larger than the thickness of the dedicated paper 10 and opposed to each other.

  The dedicated paper 10 on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 55 of the image forming unit 50 is conveyed between the flat antenna (for transmission) 31 and the flat antenna (for reception) 32 and is discharged to the discharge tray 5. The

  The identification information of the special paper 10 is expressed with magnetic wires that cause at least one kind of large Barkhausen effect associated with the identification information in advance, and these magnetic wires are signaled by being excited. Has an emanating property.

  When the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information is printed is conveyed between the planar antennas, at least one or more types of magnetic wires applied to the dedicated paper 10 are sequentially generated by the magnetic field generated from the planar antenna (for transmission) 31. Excited and sequentially generated signals from the excited magnetic wire are detected by the paper detection device 30 via the planar antenna (for receiving) 32, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 is detected. .

  The dedicated paper 10 is transported between the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32 in a state where the surface of the dedicated paper 10 and the plane of each planar antenna are parallel to each other, and the planar antenna (transmission). The arrangement of the (credit) 31 and the planar antenna (for receiving) 32 may be opposed to the left and right in the direction sandwiching the dedicated paper 10 according to the conveyance path of the dedicated paper 10, and the planar antenna (for transmitting) It suffices that the magnetic wire passes between 31 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the sheet detection apparatus 30 according to the present invention applied to the copying machine 100 and an example of each planar antenna.

  2A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the paper detection device 30, FIG. 2B is a plan view of each planar antenna of the paper detection device 30, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of each planar antenna. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the paper detection device 30 includes a planar antenna (for transmission) 31, a planar antenna (for reception) 32, an excitation unit 33, a detection unit 34, a timing control unit 35, And a signal processing unit 36.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 is formed of a conductor 312 on the surface of a bendable insulating substrate 310 formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the width of the paper. A spiral conductive pattern 311 is formed, and a film layer 313 is coated on the upper layer.

  Further, terminals 314 and 315 are formed at both ends of the conductor pattern 311 of the planar antenna (for transmission) 31, and are configured to be connected to the excitation unit 33 via these terminals.

  When an electric current flows through the conductor pattern 311, an alternating magnetic field corresponding to the shape of the conductor pattern 311 is generated. When this magnetic field is received by a magnetic wire that causes a large Barkhausen effect, the magnetization is reversed, and a steep magnetic pulse is generated when the magnetization is reversed. Occurs.

  Further, the planar antenna (for receiving) 32 is formed in a spiral shape formed of a conductor on the surface of a rectangular flexure substrate (not shown) formed corresponding to the width of the paper, like the planar antenna (for transmitting) 31. A conductor pattern is formed and coated with a coating layer on the upper layer, and terminals are formed on both ends of the conductor pattern.

The shape of the conductor pattern of each planar antenna is not limited, and may be a shape according to the application environment of each planar antenna. For example, the conductor pattern of the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 has a current flowing through the conductor pattern. Any shape of conductor pattern may be used as long as the alternating magnetic field generated from the conductor pattern by flowing flows in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar antenna (for transmission) 31.
Further, the conductor pattern of the planar antenna (for receiving) 32 may be any shape conductor pattern as long as it is formed so as to easily detect a change in magnetic field due to a signal generated from an excited magnetic wire.
As described above, the conductor pattern 311 and the excitation unit 33 of the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 are connected via the terminals 314 and 315 of the conductor pattern 311, and the detection unit 34 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32 are connected. The connection with the conductor pattern is made through each terminal of the conductor pattern of the planar antenna (for reception) 32.

  The exciter 33 generates an alternating current of a predetermined frequency, controls the generated alternating current to flow through the planar antenna (for transmission) 31, and generates an alternating magnetic field for exciting the magnetic wire applied to the dedicated paper 10 Let

  The timing control unit 35 performs timing control between the excitation unit 33 and the detection unit 34.

  Specifically, the time when the current value becomes 0 in the rising direction of the alternating current having the predetermined frequency generated by the excitation unit 33, that is, the time when the direction of the current reverses from negative to positive is detected. A reference signal is output to the detection unit 34 at a timing once in one cycle of the alternating magnetic field.

  The detection unit 34 detects an induced current flowing in the planar antenna (for reception) 32 by receiving a magnetic pulse applied to the special paper 10 from the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and receiving an alternating magnetic field generated at the time of magnetization reversal. Detection is performed based on the result and the timing of the reference signal output from the timing control unit 24, and the detection result is output to the signal processing unit 36.

The signal processing unit 36 amplifies the detection signal output from the detection unit 34, removes the alternating magnetic field and noise component generated from the planar antenna (for transmission) 31, and corresponds to the magnetic pulse at the time of magnetization reversal of the magnetic wire. A pulse signal is detected, and identification information 300 expressed in association with at least one type of magnetic wire based on the detection result and given to the special paper 10 is detected.
The copying machine 100 configured as described above reads the image information of the original 1 and copies and prints it on the dedicated paper 10, and then manages the document by associating the image information of the original 1 with the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information is printed. The processing operation up to will be briefly described.

  When the user opens the platen cover 2 of the copying machine 100 and places the document 1 on the platen glass 3 and then closes the platen cover 2 and presses a copy start button (not shown), the image processing unit 20 is instructed by the control unit 40. Scans the document 1 to read the image information of the document 1, performs predetermined image processing on the read image information to convert it into image data for print output, and outputs the image data to the exposure control unit 51 of the image forming unit 50. To do.

  The exposure control unit 51 controls scanning exposure that irradiates the photosensitive drum 52 with laser light based on the image data output from the image processing unit 20.

  An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 by the scanning exposure of the laser beam controlled by the exposure control unit 51, and each color toner corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 53. The toner image is formed.

  The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is fed from the paper tray 4 and transferred to the special paper 10 held on the transfer drum 54 by electrostatic force, and is conveyed to the fixing device 55 together with the special paper 10. Then, the image is fixed on the special paper 10 by the fixing device 55.

  The dedicated paper 10 on which the image information of the original 1 is printed is conveyed between the flat antenna (for transmission) 31 and the flat antenna (for reception) 32 of the paper detection device 30 on the way to the paper discharge tray 5. Is done.

  The paper detection device 30 causes an alternating current of a predetermined frequency generated by the excitation unit 33 to flow through the conductor pattern 311 of the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 to generate an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency from the planar antenna (for transmission) 31. The magnetic wire applied to the special paper 10 receives an alternating magnetic field generated from the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and reverses its magnetization, and a magnetic pulse is generated from the magnetic wire during the magnetization reversal.

  The detection unit 34 of the paper detection device 30 detects the magnetic pulse generated from the magnetic wire based on the induced current flowing in the conductor pattern of the planar antenna (for reception) 32, and the signal processing unit 36 detects the detection detected by the detection unit 34. Predetermined signal processing is performed based on the signal, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 is detected based on the detection result of the magnetic pulse generated from the magnetic wire.

  The identification information of the special paper 10 detected by the paper detection device 30 is output to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 reads the identification information of the special paper 10 detected by the paper detection device 30 and the image processing unit 20. The image information of the original 1 is stored in a database (not shown) in association with the image information, and document management is performed.

  In this way, the paper detection device 30 generates an alternating magnetic field by the conductor pattern 311 of the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 with respect to the magnetic wire applied to the special paper 10 being conveyed, and magnetically reversed the magnetic wire. Is received and detected by the conductor pattern of the planar antenna (for reception) 32 arranged opposite to the planar antenna (for transmission) 31, so that the influence of the crosstalk of each conductor pattern is suppressed, and the magnetic material False detection can be prevented.

  By using the sheet detection device 30 operating in this way for the copying machine 100, document management is possible by associating the image information of the original 1 with the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information of the original 1 is copied and printed. it can.

  When copying a document-managed manuscript with a copier, the copier determines whether the manuscript is copyable or non-copyable based on the identification information given to the manuscript. By adopting a configuration that performs the prohibited operation, it is possible to prevent leakage of confidential information due to inadvertent copying or the like.

  When the document management is performed by associating the image information of the original 1 with the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information is copied and printed by the copying machine 100 shown in FIG. The special paper 10 to which at least one or more types of magnetic wires are applied in advance is used, and the identification information of the special paper 10 indicates that the magnetic wire applied to the special paper 10 has a predetermined magnetic field. The sheet detecting device 30 is configured to detect in a non-contact manner based on a detection result of a steep magnetic pulse generated when the magnetization is reversed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the special paper 10 to which the identification information 300 expressed in association with a plurality of magnetic wires is given.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of the three magnetic wires 301, the magnetic wires 302, and the magnetic wires 303 associated with the identification information given to the special paper 10, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing magnetization characteristics of each magnetic element.

  The identification information of the special paper 10 can be expressed by combining at least one type of magnetic wires. In FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience of description, the identification information expressed using three types of magnetic wires. An example of information is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, a magnetic wire 301, a magnetic wire 302, and a magnetic wire 303 of a Co—Fe amorphous soft magnetic material are arranged at equal intervals P on the special paper 10. Expressed identification information is given, and each magnetic wire has the same magnetization characteristics with the same length and wire diameter, and each magnetic wire has the same coercive force.

  Each magnetic wire has a magnetic characteristic of a magnetic hysteresis curve 305 as shown in FIG. 3B, for example, and has a coercive force H1.

  Note that the coercive force of the magnetic wire of the amorphous soft magnetic material varies depending on the size and shape of the magnetic wire.

  Each magnetic wire having a coercive force H1 has a characteristic of reversing magnetization when receiving a magnetic field exceeding the coercive force H1 from the outside, and generating a steep magnetic pulse at that time.

  The magnetic wires arranged and provided on the special paper 10 at equal intervals P are special papers so that the paper detection device 30 can sequentially detect the magnetic pulses generated when the magnetic wires are reversed in magnetization via the planar antenna (for reception) 32. 10 is provided on the dedicated paper 10 so that the distance S between the magnetic wires adjacent to each other in the direction parallel to the conveyance direction 10 is equal to or larger than the width W of the planar antenna (for reception) 32.

  As described above, since the magnetic wire 301, the magnetic wire 302, and the magnetic wire 303 associated with the identification information of the special paper 10 are arranged at equal intervals on the special paper 10, the special paper on which the image information is printed. Each of the magnetic wires 10 is transported between a planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and a planar antenna (for reception) 32 arranged in the middle of the image forming unit 50 and the paper discharge tray 5, and is planar antenna (for transmission). The magnetization is reversed by being sequentially excited by the alternating magnetic field generated from 31.

  The paper detection device 30 sequentially detects the magnetic pulses generated by the magnetic wires whose magnetization has been sequentially reversed via the planar antenna (for reception) 32, thereby identifying the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information is printed based on the detection result. It can be detected.

  An operation in which the paper detection device 30 detects the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 on which the image information is printed will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the state of the dedicated paper 10 passing between the planar antennas, and FIG. 4B is an example of a detection signal waveform detected by the detection unit 34 of the paper detection device 30. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a pulse signal waveform corresponding to the magnetic pulse detected by the signal processing unit 36.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the dedicated paper 10 is transported between the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32 at a predetermined transport speed V, the transport direction of the dedicated paper 10 The magnetic wire 301 formed on the forefront side of the dedicated paper 10 with respect to (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) first receives the alternating magnetic field 401 transmitted from the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and reverses its magnetization. A magnetic pulse due to the large Barkhausen effect is emitted.

  The detection unit 34 receives the alternating magnetic field 401 transmitted from the planar antenna (transmission unit) 31 and the magnetic pulse generated when the magnetization of the magnetic wire 301 is reversed via the planar antenna (reception unit) 32, and the received signal and Based on the reference signal output from the timing control unit 35, a detection signal waveform 402 as shown in FIG. 4B is detected.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, in the detection signal waveform 402, the pulse signal A and the pulse signal B corresponding to the magnetic pulse emitted from the magnetic wire 301 at the time of magnetization reversal are detected in addition to the waveform signal 401 of the alternating magnetic field. ing.

  For the pulse signal A and the pulse signal B, for example, the magnetic wire 301 having the coercive force H1 that has received the alternating magnetic field 401 whose magnetic field strength exceeds approximately H1 at the time ta based on the reference signal output from the timing control unit 35 is reversed in magnetization. Magnetic pulse signal B (at time ta) and magnetic pulse signal B generated by reversing the magnetization of magnetic wire 301 that received alternating magnetic field 401 having a magnetic field strength exceeding approximately −H1 at time tb based on the reference signal. It is a detection signal waveform at time tb).

  The detection signal waveform 402 detected by the detection unit 34 is output to the signal processing unit 36, and the signal processing unit 36 removes the signal waveform 401 of the alternating magnetic field component from the detection signal waveform 402 and outputs the pulse signals A and B. After the pulse signal A, which is a positive signal component, is amplified and subjected to signal processing for removing the noise component, the pulse signal A as shown in FIG. 4C is detected.

  In this way, the special paper 10 is conveyed between the planar antenna (transmission unit) 31 and the planar antenna (reception unit) 32 at the conveyance speed V, so that the magnetic wire 301, the magnetic wire 302, The magnetic wire 303 sequentially receives an alternating magnetic field emitted from the planar antenna (transmitting unit) 31 and reverses its magnetization. At that time, magnetic pulses sequentially emitted from the magnetic wires are detected via the planar antenna (receiving unit) 32. 34 and the signal processing unit 36 sequentially detect them.

  FIG. 5 shows the sheet detection device 30 in which each magnetic wire attached to the dedicated paper 10 conveyed at the conveyance speed V sequentially moves between the planar antenna (transmission unit) 31 and the planar antenna (reception unit) 32. It is the figure which showed the detection signal waveform detected in time series.

  5A to 5C, the magnetic wire 301, the magnetic wire 302, and the magnetic wire 303 formed on the special paper 10 sequentially pass between the planar antenna (transmitting unit) 31 and the planar antenna (receiving unit) 32. FIG. 5D to FIG. 5F are diagrams showing respective detection signal waveforms respectively detected in the states of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the special paper 10 is equidistantly spaced P in the order of the magnetic wire 301, the magnetic wire 302, and the magnetic wire 303 from the foremost side in the conveyance direction of the special paper 10 (the arrow direction in the figure). Since the special paper 10 is transported at the transport speed V between the planar antenna (transmitter) 31 and the planar antenna (receiver) 32, the magnetic wire 301 is first planar antenna (transmitter) 31. In response to the alternating magnetic field generated from the magnetic field 301, the magnetic reversal of the magnetic wire 301 and the detection signal of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic wire 301 reversed are detected signal waveforms 402 (in the detection unit 34) as shown in FIG. Detection signal) and the pulse signal A (detection signal (time ta) in the signal processing unit 36).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic wire 302 from the planar antenna (transmitting unit) 31 at time tc after Δt time from detection of the magnetic pulse generated by the magnetic wire 301. In response to the magnetization reversal, the detection signals of the magnetic pulse and the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic wire 302 that has undergone the magnetization reversal are the detection signal waveform 403 (detection signal at the detection unit 34) and the pulse signal as shown in FIG. C (detection signal (time tc) in the signal processing unit 36).

  Δt is a time determined from the interval P between the magnetic wire 301 and the magnetic wire 302 and the conveyance speed V of the special paper 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic wire 303 from the planar antenna (transmitting unit) 31 at time td after Δt time after detecting the magnetic pulse emitted by the magnetic wire 302. In response to the magnetization reversal, the magnetic pulse generated by the magnetized magnetic wire 303 and the detection signal of the alternating magnetic field are a detection signal waveform 404 (detection signal at the detection unit 34) and a pulse signal as shown in FIG. D (detection signal (time td) in the signal processing unit 36).

  Δt is a time determined from the interval P between the magnetic wire 302 and the magnetic wire 303 and the conveyance speed V of the special paper 10.

  A method of detecting the identification information given to the dedicated paper 10 based on the pulse signal detected by the signal processing unit 36 of the paper detection device 30 and the detection operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information detected by the signal processing unit 36 from the dedicated paper 10 provided with the three magnetic wires 301, the magnetic wires 302, and the magnetic wires 303.
As shown in FIG. 6A, each magnetic wire applied to the dedicated paper 10 conveyed between the planar antenna (transmitting unit) 31 and the planar antenna (receiving unit) 32 is composed of the magnetic wire 301 as described above. The magnetic wire 302 and the magnetic wire 303 are excited in this order to reverse their magnetization, and a magnetic pulse generated by each magnetic wire whose magnetization has been reversed is detected as a pulse signal pattern 600.

  The pulse signal pattern 600 includes three pulse signals. The three pulse signals are generated by the magnetic wire 301, the magnetic wire 302, and the magnetic wire 303 in the order of the detection times ta, tc, and td, respectively. This is a pulse detection signal.

  The signal processing unit 36 is configured to recognize with values of “1” and “0” according to the presence / absence of pulse signals at the detection times ta, tc, and td, and in the vicinity of the detection time ta of the pulse signal pattern 600. The presence / absence of a pulse signal at 1 is recognized as the first bit information, the presence / absence of the pulse signal near the detection time tc is recognized as the second bit information, and the presence / absence of the pulse signal near the detection time td is recognized as the third bit information.

  In the case of the dedicated paper 10 from which the pulse signal pattern 600 is detected, the pulse signal is “1” when the pulse signal pattern 600 is near the detection time ta and “1”, and “1” when the pulse signal is “Yes” near the detection time tc. In the vicinity of the detection time td, the pulse signal is “present” and recognized as “1”, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 10 is detected as “111”.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information detected by the signal processing unit 36 from the dedicated paper 11 provided with the two magnetic wires 301 and the magnetic wires 302.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the dedicated paper 11 is given identification information expressed by arranging only the magnetic wires 301, 302 of the three magnetic wires 301, 302, 303 of the dedicated paper 10. ing.

  Each magnetic wire of the special paper 11 conveyed between the planar antenna (transmission unit) 31 and the planar antenna (reception unit) 32 is excited in the order of the magnetic wire 301 and the magnetic wire 302 to reverse the magnetization, and the magnetization reversed. A magnetic pulse emitted from the magnetic wire is detected as a pulse signal pattern 601.

  The pulse signal pattern 601 includes two pulse signals. The two pulse signals are detection signals of magnetic pulses emitted from the magnetic wire 301 and the magnetic wire 302 in the order of detection times ta and tc. .

  In the pulse signal pattern 601, the pulse signal is “Yes” and “1” near the detection time ta, the pulse signal is “Yes” and “1” near the detection time tc, and the pulse signal is “No” near the detection time td. It recognizes “0”, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 11 from which the pulse signal pattern 601 is detected is detected as “110”.

  FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of identification information detected by the signal processing unit 36 from the dedicated paper 12 to which two magnetic wires 301 and 303 are attached.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (c), the special paper 12 is given identification information expressed by arranging only the magnetic wires 301, 303 of the three magnetic wires 301, 302, 303 of the special paper 10. ing.

  Each magnetic wire of the special paper 12 conveyed between the planar antenna (transmission unit) 31 and the planar antenna (reception unit) 32 is excited in the order of the magnetic wire 301 and the magnetic wire 303 to reverse the magnetization, and each magnetization reversed. A magnetic pulse emitted from the magnetic wire is detected as a pulse signal pattern 602.

  The pulse signal pattern 602 includes two pulse signals. The two pulse signals are detection signals of magnetic pulses emitted from the magnetic wire 301 and the magnetic wire 303 in the order of detection times ta and td. .

  In the pulse signal pattern 602, the pulse signal is “Yes” and “1” near the detection time ta, the pulse signal is “No” and “0” near the detection time tc, and the pulse signal is “Yes” near the detection time td. It recognizes “1”, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 12 from which the pulse signal pattern 602 is detected is detected as “101”.

  FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information detected by the signal processing unit 36 from the dedicated paper 13 provided with two magnetic wires 302 and 303.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (d), the special paper 13 is given identification information expressed by arranging only the magnetic wires 302, 303 of the three magnetic wires 301, 302, 303 of the special paper 10. ing.

  Each magnetic wire of the special paper 13 conveyed between the planar antenna (transmission unit) 31 and the planar antenna (reception unit) 32 is excited in the order of the magnetic wire 302 and the magnetic wire 303, and the magnetization is reversed. A magnetic pulse emitted from the magnetic wire is detected as a pulse signal pattern 603.

  The pulse signal pattern 603 includes two pulse signals. The two pulse signals are detection signals of magnetic pulses emitted from the magnetic wire 302 and the magnetic wire 303 in the order of detection times tc and td. .

  In the pulse signal pattern 603, the pulse signal is “None” and “0” near the detection time ta, the pulse signal is “Yes” and “1” near the detection time tc, and the pulse signal is “Yes” near the detection time td. “1” is recognized, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 13 from which the pulse signal pattern 603 is detected is detected as “011”.

  FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information detected by the signal processing unit 36 from the dedicated paper 14 to which one magnetic wire 301 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (e), the dedicated paper 14 is given identification information expressed by arranging only the magnetic wires 301 of the three magnetic wires 301, 302, 303 of the dedicated paper 10. .

  The magnetic wire 301 of the special paper 14 conveyed between the planar antenna (transmitting unit) 31 and the planar antenna (receiving unit) 32 is excited to reverse the magnetization, and the magnetic pulse generated by the magnetized magnetic wire 301 is a pulse signal pattern. 604 is detected.

  The pulse signal pattern 604 is one pulse signal, and this pulse signal is a detection signal of a magnetic pulse emitted from the magnetic wire 301.

  In the pulse signal pattern 604, the pulse signal is “present” and “1” near the detection time ta, the pulse signal is “none” and “0” near the detection time tc, and the pulse signal is “none” near the detection time td. “0” is recognized, and the identification information of the dedicated paper 14 is detected as “100”.

  In addition, although an example of the detection method of the identification information by matching with the multi-bit information according to the presence / absence of the detection pulse signal at each detection time ta, tc, td is shown here, the signal processing unit 36 converts the pulse signal pattern into the pulse signal pattern. The identification information may be detected in association with the number of included pulse signals based on the detection interval between the pulse signals.

  Moreover, although the example in which the identification information given to the special paper is associated with one type of magnetic wire is shown here, the identification information is expressed by a plurality of types of magnetic wires and given to the special paper. It may be.

  In the description so far, an example of the copying machine 100 to which the sheet detection device 30 in which the planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and the planar antenna (for reception) 32 are arranged so as to face each other with the conveyance path of the dedicated paper 10 interposed therebetween is applied. However, the copier 100 has a planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and a planar antenna (for reception) 32 that form a pair of planar antennas arranged vertically opposite to each other across the conveyance path of the dedicated paper 10. The detection device 60 may be applied.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the copying machine 101 to which the paper detection device 60 is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the copying machine 101 includes a sheet detection device 30 of the copying machine 100, a planar antenna (for transmission) 31 and a planar antenna (for reception) 32 as its antenna, and a sheet detection device 60 and its antenna. The configuration and control operation of the sheet detection device 60 are shown because the configuration is the same as each component of the copier 100 except that the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61 and the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62 are replaced. To do.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the sheet detection device 60 of the copying machine 101 and an example of each planar antenna. FIG.

  8A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the paper detection device 60, FIG. 8B is a plan view of each planar antenna of the paper detection device 60, and FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of each planar antenna. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the paper detection device 60 includes a planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61, a planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62, an excitation unit 63, a detection unit 64, a timing control unit 65, and a signal processing unit. 66 and a switching control unit 67.

  As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61 has a spiral shape formed with a conductor 616 on the surface of a rectangular flexible substrate 610 formed corresponding to the width of the paper. A conductor pattern (not shown) of FIG. 1 is formed (for convenience of explanation, referred to as “conductor pattern (for reception)”), and is coated with a coating layer 317 on the upper layer, and a spiral conductor pattern formed with a conductor 612 on the upper layer. 611 (referred to as a “conductor pattern (for transmission)”) is formed, and a film layer 613 is formed on the upper layer.

  In addition, terminals 614 and 615 are formed at both ends of the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611, and terminals not shown are also formed at both ends of the spiral conductor pattern (for reception) formed of the conductor 616. The conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 and the excitation unit 63 are connected via the terminals 614 and 615 of the conductor pattern (for transmission), and the detection unit 64 and the conductor pattern (for reception) are connected to this conductor pattern. It is connected to both ends of (for reception) via each terminal.

  The conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 generates an alternating magnetic field corresponding to the shape of the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 when a current flows through the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611, and this alternating magnetic field has a large Barkhausen effect. When the magnetic wire is raised, the magnetization is reversed, and a steep magnetic pulse is generated when the magnetization is reversed.

  A conductor pattern (for reception) below the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 detects a change in magnetic field due to a signal generated from a magnetic wire that has received an alternating magnetic field generated from the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611.

  The arrangement relationship between the upper layer and the lower layer of the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 and the conductor pattern (for reception) is not limited, and the conductor pattern (for reception) is placed on the upper layer of the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611. It may be arranged.

  The excitation unit 63 generates an alternating current of a predetermined frequency, performs control to flow the generated alternating current through each conductor pattern of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61 or the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62, and is applied to the dedicated paper 10. An alternating magnetic field is generated to excite the magnetic wire.

  The timing control unit 65 performs timing control between the excitation unit 63 and the detection unit 64.

  Specifically, the time when the current value becomes 0 in the rising direction of the alternating current of the predetermined frequency generated by the excitation unit 63, that is, the time when the current direction reverses from negative to positive is detected, and this detection is performed. A reference signal is output to the detection unit 64 at a timing once per period of the alternating magnetic field.

  The detection unit 64 generates an alternating magnetic field generated from each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62 or at least one type of magnetic wire applied to the dedicated paper 10. The detection result of the induced current flowing in each conductor pattern (for reception) of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62 or the magnetic pulse generated upon magnetization reversal and the reference signal output from the timing control unit 24 The detection result is output to the signal processing unit 66.

  The signal processing unit 66 amplifies the detection signal output from the detection unit 34, and alternating magnetic field and noise generated from each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61 or the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62. The pulse signal corresponding to the magnetic pulse at the time of magnetization reversal of the magnetic wire is removed by removing the component, and the identification given to the dedicated paper 10 expressed in association with at least one type of magnetic wire based on the detection result Information 300 is detected.

  The switching control unit 67 is connected to the excitation unit 63 and each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61 and the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62, and the detection unit 64 and the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61. Further, control is performed to switch and connect the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62 to each conductor pattern (for reception) in a time-sharing manner based on a preset connection condition.

  In the sheet detecting device 60 configured in this way, each alternating magnetic field generated from each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of each planar antenna (for transmission / reception) is arranged in proximity to each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611. In order to prevent false detection of the magnetic wire attached to the dedicated paper 10 by leaking to each conductor pattern (for reception) of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception), the conductor pattern (for transmission) of one planar antenna (for transmission / reception) ) An alternating magnetic field is transmitted from 611, and a magnetic pulse generated by the magnetic wire excited by the alternating magnetic field is received by the conductor pattern (for reception) of the other planar antenna (for transmission / reception) to detect the magnetic wire. It is configured.

  Specifically, the switching control unit 67 of the paper detection device 60 connects the excitation unit 63 with each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of each planar antenna (for transmission / reception) based on a preset connection combination, and a detection unit. 64 and connection with each conductor pattern (for reception) of each planar antenna is realized by switching connection in a time division manner.

  Specifically, the preset connection combination connects the excitation unit 63 and the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61, and the conductor pattern of the detection unit 64 and the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62. The combination for connecting (for reception) (referred to as “mode 1” for convenience of explanation), the excitation unit 63 and the conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 62 are connected, and the detection unit 64 is connected. And a conductor pattern (for reception) of the planar antenna (for transmission / reception) 61 (for convenience of explanation, referred to as “mode 2”).

  The switching control unit 67 may alternately switch and connect the connection state of the above-described mode 1 and mode 2 corresponding to the wave number of the frequency of the alternating current generated by the excitation unit 63, or alternately switch and connect at regular intervals. May be.

  When switching alternately between the mode 1 and the mode 2 in accordance with the wave number of the alternating current frequency generated by the excitation unit 63, for example, the n wave number of the alternating current frequency (n = 1, 2,... For example, when the mode 1 and the mode 2 are alternately connected every predetermined time), and the mode is switched alternately at regular intervals, the mode 1 and the mode 2 are alternately connected at a predetermined time interval. To do.

  In addition, each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 of each planar antenna (for transmission / reception) is connected to the excitation unit 63 via a terminal of each conductor pattern (for transmission) 611, and each of the planar antennas (for transmission / reception). The conductor pattern (for reception) is connected to the detection unit 36 via the terminal of each conductor pattern (for reception) formed of the conductor 616.

  In this way, the switching control unit 67 switches and connects the preset connection combination (mode 1, mode 2) at a preset timing (every wave number of the alternating magnetic field or every fixed time), so one planar antenna (for transmission and reception) ) Conductor pattern (for transmission) 611 transmits an alternating magnetic field, and the magnetic pulse generated by the magnetic wire excited by this alternating magnetic field is received by the conductor pattern (for reception) of the other planar antenna (for transmission and reception). Therefore, the erroneous detection of the magnetic wire due to the leakage of the magnetic field can be prevented.

  The method for detecting the magnetic wire attached to the special paper 10 by the paper detection device 60 and detecting the identification information given to the special paper 10 based on the detection result is the same as in the case of the paper detection device 30 and is therefore omitted. .

  The present invention is applicable to a technique for detecting a magnetic material and applying the detection result.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a copying machine 100 to which a paper detection device 30 according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of a paper detection device 30 according to the present invention. The figure which shows the characteristic of the special paper 10 to which the magnetic wire was given, and the magnetic wire The figure which shows the magnetic pulse which a magnetic wire emits at the time of magnetization reversal, and its detection signal Time series diagram of detection pulse signals detected by the information reader 30 from the dedicated paper 10 Explanatory drawing which shows the detection operation | movement of the identification information of exclusive paper based on the detected pulse signal FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a copying machine 101 to which a paper detection device 60 is applied. The block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the paper detection apparatus 60.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Document 2 Platen cover 3 Platen glass 4 Paper tray 5 Paper discharge tray 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Dedicated paper 20 Image processing unit 30, 60 Paper detection device 31 Planar antenna (for transmission)
311, 611 Conductor pattern 312, 613, 617 Conductor 313, 612, 616 Coating layer 314, 315, 614, 615 Terminal 32 Planar antenna (for reception)
33, 63 Excitation unit 34, 64 Detection unit 35, 65 Timing control unit 36, 66 Signal processing unit 40 Control unit 50 Image forming unit 51 Exposure control unit 52 Photosensitive drum 53 Developer 54 Transfer drum 55 Fixing device 67 Switching control unit 61 62 Planar antenna (for transmission and reception)
100, 101 Copier 300 Identification information 305 Magnetic history curve 301, 302, 303 Magnetic wire 401, 402, 403, 404 causing large Barkhausen effect Detection signal waveform

Claims (3)

A paper detection device disposed in a transport path for transporting the paper in an image forming apparatus that forms image information and prints it on paper;
A first conductor pattern that generates an alternating magnetic field that causes magnetization reversal in a magnetic material applied to a sheet and a second conductor pattern that detects a signal generated by the magnetization reversal of the magnetic material are stacked . A substrate,
A third conductor pattern that is arranged to face the first substrate at a predetermined distance so as to sandwich the transport path, and generates an alternating magnetic field that causes magnetization reversal in the magnetic material, and magnetization of the magnetic material A second substrate on which a fourth conductor pattern for detecting a signal generated by inversion is stacked;
Transport means for transporting paper between the first substrate and the second substrate along the transport path ;
The first conductor pattern of the first substrate and the second conductor are switched by alternately switching between the first conductor pattern of the first substrate and the third conductor pattern of the second substrate and passing an exciting current. An alternating magnetic field is alternately generated from the third conductor pattern of the substrate, and is generated from the magnetic material applied to the paper conveyed by the conveying means by the alternating magnetic field generated from the first conductor pattern of the first substrate. The detected signal is detected by the fourth conductor pattern of the second substrate, and the signal generated from the magnetic material by the alternating magnetic field generated from the third conductor pattern of the second substrate is detected by the first conductor pattern. Switching control means for performing switching control so as to be detected by the second conductor pattern of the substrate;
Information detection for detecting information formed by the magnetic material applied to the paper based on the detection result of the signal detected by the second conductor pattern or the fourth conductor pattern by the switching control of the switching control means. Means and
A sheet detection apparatus comprising: The first substrate and the second substrate are:
The paper detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper detection apparatus includes a flexible substrate having a length corresponding to a length perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the paper. The switching control means includes
3. The paper detection apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an excitation current that is alternately supplied to the first conductor pattern of the first substrate and the third conductor pattern of the second substrate is switched in synchronization with the frequency of the excitation current .

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