JP5187125B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, and more particularly to a paper discharge destination of a recording medium on which an image is formed.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, when a user who uses a cane, a crutch, a wheelchair, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a “handicapped person”) to have a physical disorder such as a foot operates from the front of the apparatus, for example, a wheelchair It may be difficult to operate from the display operation unit because it is difficult to see the display operation unit because it is sitting on the body, etc. there were.

  For this reason, an image forming apparatus is disclosed in which the operation unit (display operation unit) is supported by a movable arm so that the operation unit can be moved (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique of this Patent Document 1, even when an operator who uses a wheelchair is seated from the front of the apparatus and operates the operation unit, the operation unit can be moved in accordance with the line of sight of the operator. The operator can easily operate from the operation unit. In addition, even when the operator operates while standing in front of the apparatus, the operation unit can be moved in accordance with the operator.

JP 2004-198475 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, even if an operation from the operation unit (display operation unit) can be performed, other operations may be difficult for an operator (handicapped person) sitting on a wheelchair or the like. . For example, if paper that has been printed according to an instruction from a disabled person and paper that has been printed according to an instruction from another user are discharged to the same paper discharge tray, the paper is selected from the discharged paper. Thus, it is necessary to obtain a printed matter according to the instructions of the user, and such work may be a burden on the disabled.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in a state where a specific user is in the vicinity of the front side and the side of the image forming apparatus, printing according to an instruction from the specific user and other users' It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus with improved convenience by allowing a specific user to easily obtain a recording medium that is a printed matter according to his / her instruction even when printing is performed according to an instruction.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, is positioned on the front side of the image forming apparatus, displays information, and from a user. A display operation unit that receives an input operation including an input of an image formation instruction that is an instruction to form an image on a recording medium, a scanner unit that is located on the upper surface side of the image forming apparatus and reads a document, and the image formation A paper feed tray that can be pulled out from the front side of the apparatus and that stores a recording medium, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium fed from the paper feeding tray, and a side surface of the image forming apparatus The input operation is performed by a discharge tray on which at least one recording medium on which an image is formed is discharged and a specific user who is allowed to move the display operation unit and the scanner unit. If the case and the first migration control unit for the specific user who is on the side surface side to move the display operation unit to operate easily operating position, where the input operation by the specific user is performed, the operation position A second movement control unit that moves the scanner unit, and after the movement of the display operation unit and the scanner unit to the operation position is completed, the specific operation is performed according to an input operation received by the display operation unit. A third movement control unit that performs control to pull out the paper feed tray so that a user can replenish the recording medium without moving, and after the movement of the display operation unit and the scanner unit to the operation position is completed, When the image forming instruction is received from another user other than the specific user, the first recording medium on which an image is formed according to the image forming instruction from the other user is discharged. A paper discharge tray is, the specific and the discharge tray is a discharge destination of the second recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming instruction from the user is the same, the discharge tray is provided with a plurality of If it has, characterized in that it comprises a paper discharge control unit for changing the sheet discharge destination of the first recording medium to another discharge tray different from the paper discharge tray is a discharge destination of the second recording medium .

  According to the present invention, even when a specific user is in the vicinity of the front side and in the vicinity of the side surface of the image forming apparatus, even when printing is performed according to an instruction from a specific user and printing is performed according to an instruction from another user. Thus, a specific user can easily obtain a recording medium which is a printed matter according to his / her instruction, and the convenience is improved.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral (MFP) in which a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printers are housed in one housing is shown. Without being limited thereto, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus having an image forming function such as a copying machine or a printer.

  The MFP according to the present embodiment forms (prints) an image on a sheet, and the disabled person (user) is in the vicinity of a paper discharge tray provided on the left side of the MFP. When an image is printed according to a print instruction from another user, the paper that is printed according to the print instruction from both users can be easily acquired so that the disabled can easily obtain the paper. It adjusts the paper tip and printing timing.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, the multifunction device 100 is viewed from the front side, and a scanner unit 22 that reads a document placed at a predetermined position is disposed on the upper surface side of the multifunction device 100. In addition, a display operation unit 7 that displays various kinds of information and accepts an input operation from a user is arranged at the upper part on the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100. In addition, a sheet feeding tray 12 that accommodates sheets in a state that can be pulled out from the front side is disposed at the lower part of the multifunction peripheral 100. Further, on the left side of the multi-function device 100, paper discharge trays 13a and 13b for discharging paper on which images are printed are arranged. Similarly, an authentication device 20 for receiving identification information for user authentication is disposed above the left side paper discharge trays 13a and 13b.

  When multifunction device 100 according to the present embodiment accepts an input operation by the user from display operation unit 7, it performs processing according to the accepted content. For example, when the copy function is executed, the placed original is read by the scanner unit 22, the read original image is printed on the paper fed from the paper feed tray 12, and the paper on which the image is printed is discharged. The paper is discharged to the paper trays 13a and 13b. In the following embodiment, the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are movable when a handicapped person in the use position on the left side of the multifunction device 100 near the paper discharge trays 13a and 13b uses the multifunction device 100. (Refer to utilization position P in FIG. 4B).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a paper transport device 9, a transfer device 8, Authentication device 20, display operation unit 7, display operation unit drive motor 17, display operation unit angle detection sensor 6, scanner unit 22, scanner unit drive motor 19, scanner unit angle detection sensor 18, and paper feed A tray drive motor 4, a paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5, a paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 10, and a paper detection sensor 23 are mainly provided.

  The CPU 1 controls the entire multifunction device 100. The RAM 2 is a writable and readable memory used as a program and data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like. The ROM 3 is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data. In this embodiment, a ROM ID for uniquely identifying a disabled person who is permitted to move the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 is provided. Storing.

  The paper transport device 9 transports the paper stored in the paper feed tray 12 to the transfer device 8 that prints an image, and further determines the paper on which the image has been printed by a paper discharge control unit 108 described later. The paper is conveyed to one of the paper discharge trays (the paper discharge tray 13a or the paper discharge tray 13b) that is the discharged paper discharge destination. The transfer device 8 prints an image on the paper transported by the paper transport device 9.

  The authentication device 20 receives a handicapped ID from a handicapped person at a use position near the paper discharge trays 13a and 13b.

  The display operation unit 7 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit (not shown). The LCD display unit displays various input screens and operation buttons to the user. A user's input operation is accepted from the operation button. The display operation unit 7 is movable when a disabled person uses the multi-function device 100, and the LCD display unit after moving is used to instruct the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to move. A display operation unit / scanner unit moving button, a paper feed tray pull-out button for giving a paper feed tray pull-out instruction, and a paper feed tray storage button for giving a paper feed tray storage instruction are displayed. Further, when the display operation unit 7 does not move, the various buttons described above are not displayed.

  The display operation unit drive motor 17 is a motor that moves the display operation unit 7 by being driven. The display operation unit angle detection sensor 6 is a sensor that detects the position of the display operation unit 7, and is, for example, a rotary encoder that detects a mechanical displacement amount of rotation of the display operation unit 7.

  The scanner unit 22 scans and reads a document placed by a user using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

  The scanner unit drive motor 19 is a motor that moves the scanner unit 22 by being driven. The scanner unit angle detection sensor 18 is a sensor that detects the position of the scanner unit 22, and is a rotary encoder, for example, as described above.

  The paper feed tray drive motor 4 is a motor that pulls out the paper feed tray 12 from the multifunction peripheral 100 and stores it by moving the paper feed tray 12 by driving. The paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 10 are sensors that detect the position of the paper feed tray 12, and will be described in detail later (see FIG. 6-2).

  The paper detection sensor 23 is installed inside the paper feed tray 12 and detects whether paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12.

  Next, control by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 100 according to the embodiment.

  The MFP 100 includes an authentication unit 101, a first movement control unit 105, a second movement control unit 106, a display control unit 102, an input reception unit 103, a third movement control unit 107, and an image forming unit 104. And a paper discharge control unit 108. The ROM 3, the paper feed tray 12, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5, the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 10, the paper discharge tray 13a, 13b, the display operation unit 7, the display operation unit angle detection sensor 6, the scanner unit 22, the scanner unit angle detection sensor 18, the paper detection sensor 23, and the authentication device 20 are mainly connected. Here, the display operation unit 7, the display operation unit angle detection sensor 6, the scanner unit 22, the scanner unit angle detection sensor 18, the paper detection sensor 23, and the authentication device 20 have been described with reference to FIG. .

  As described above, the ROM 3 stores the handicapped person ID of the handicapped person permitted to move the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22.

  When the authentication unit 101 receives the handicapped ID from the authentication device 20, the authentication unit 101 authenticates the handicapped person by determining whether or not the received handicapped ID matches the handicapped ID stored in the ROM 3. Then, when the received ID of the disabled person and the stored ID of the disabled person match, the authentication unit 101 succeeds in authentication of the disabled person, so that a person who uses the multi-function device 100 uses the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22. Judged to be a disabled person who is allowed to move.

  The first movement control unit 105 is authenticated by the authentication unit 101 that the handicapped person who inputs the handicapped ID is a handicapped person that allows the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to move (when an input operation is performed by the handicapped person). By controlling the movement of the display operation unit 7 while specifying the position based on the detection signal from the display operation unit angle detection sensor 6, the display operation unit 7 is moved to the position on the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 (hereinafter referred to as “basic position” From the front side of the multifunction machine 100 and the side of the side where the paper discharge tray 13 is provided. The position to which the display operation unit 7 is moved is stored in advance in a memory or the like according to the received detection signal.

  The first movement control unit 105 receives a movement instruction for the display operation unit 7 by the input reception unit 103 when the display operation unit / scanner unit movement button displayed on the display operation unit 7 is pressed. By controlling the movement of the display operation unit 7, the display operation unit 7 is rotated to the basic position. Specifically, the first movement control unit 105 sends a drive command corresponding to the position to the display operation unit drive motor 17 (see FIG. 2) that moves the display operation unit 7, and the display operation unit drive motor 17 receives the drive command. The display operation unit 7 is moved according to the drive command.

  Here, a case where the display operation unit 7 is rotationally moved from the basic position to the operation position will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4A is a front view of the multifunction peripheral 100 in a state where the display operation unit 7 is rotated from the basic position. FIG. 4B is a top view of the multifunction peripheral 100 in a state where the display operation unit 7 is rotated from the basic position.

  The display operation unit 7 before the rotational movement is located on the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the display operation unit 7 moved by the first movement control unit 105 rotates approximately 90 degrees in the arrow R1 direction and moves to the operation position. As a result, the display operation unit 7 is moved to a position where the LCD display unit is easy to see and operate for a handicapped person in the vicinity of the paper discharge tray 13 and at the use position P on the left side of the multifunction machine 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the display operation unit 7 can be adjusted in the height direction by moving up and down as indicated by an arrow L. Furthermore, an angle of the display operation unit 7 can be adjusted by providing an axis at the upper part of the display operation unit 7 and moving it around the axis as indicated by an arrow A. Thereby, the display operation part 7 can be moved to the height and angle which are easy to see for the handicapped person etc. who are sitting on the wheelchair in the use position P, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the second movement control unit 106 recognizes that the handicapped person who inputs the handicapped ID by the authentication unit 101 is a handicapped person who allows the movement of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 (input operation by the handicapped person). When the movement of the display operation unit 7 by the first movement control unit 105 is started, the position is determined by a detection signal from the scanner unit angle detection sensor 18 almost simultaneously with the movement of the display operation unit 7. By controlling the movement of the scanner unit 22 while specifying, the scanner unit 22 is rotated from the basic position to the operation position in the vicinity of the use position P by the handicapped person.

  Further, when the display operation unit / scanner unit movement button displayed on the display operation unit 7 is pressed and the input reception unit 103 receives a movement instruction for the display operation unit 7, the movement of the scanner unit 22 is controlled. Thus, the scanner unit 22 is rotated and moved to the basic position. Specifically, the second movement control unit 106 sends a drive command corresponding to the position to the scanner unit drive motor 19 (see FIG. 2) that moves the scanner unit 22, and the drive command received by the scanner unit drive motor 19. Accordingly, the scanner unit 22 is moved. Further, the position where the scanner unit 22 is moved is stored in advance in a memory or the like according to the received detection signal.

  Here, a case where the scanner unit 22 is rotated from the basic position to the operation position will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5A is a front view of the multifunction peripheral 100 in a state where the scanner unit 22 is rotated from the basic position. FIG. 5B is a top view of the multifunction device 100 in a state where the scanner unit 22 is rotated from the basic position.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner unit 22 before being rotationally moved is installed on the upper surface side of the multifunction device 100, that is, above the main body portion of the multifunction device 100. Then, the scanner unit 22 moved by the second movement control unit 106 rotates about 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow R1 as shown in FIGS. As a result, the scanner unit 22 has moved to a position where it is easy for a person with a disability near the paper discharge tray 13 and at the use position P on the left side of the multifunction device 100 to place a document at a predetermined position above the scanner unit 22. become.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 have been moved to the operation positions, the display control unit 102 is a display operation unit for instructing the movement of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22. An LCD display unit of the display operation unit 7 includes a scanner unit moving button, a sheet feeding tray pull-out button for instructing to pull out the sheet feeding tray 12, and a sheet feeding tray storage button for instructing storing of the sheet feeding tray 12. Is displayed. In addition, the display control unit 102 detects that no paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12 by the paper detection sensor 23 and pulls out the paper feed tray 12. Is displayed on the LCD display unit of the display / operation unit 7.

  The input receiving unit 103 receives the handicapped ID input from the authentication device 20 by the user. Further, when the display operation unit / scanner unit movement button displayed on the display control unit 102 is pressed by the user, the input reception unit 103 receives an instruction to move the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22. The input receiving unit 103 receives an input of a print instruction that is an instruction to print (image formation) on a sheet by the user. Further, the input receiving unit 103 receives an instruction to pull out the paper feed tray 12 when the user presses the paper feed tray pull-out button displayed on the display control unit 102. Further, the input receiving unit 103 receives an instruction to store the paper feed tray 12 when the user presses the paper feed tray storage button displayed on the display control unit 102.

  The paper feed tray 12 is provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 and accommodates paper on which an image is printed.

  The third movement control unit 107 authenticates the handicapped person by the authentication unit 101, and the first movement control unit 105 moves the display operation unit 7 and the second movement control unit 106 moves the scanner unit 22 to the operation position. When the input receiving unit 103 receives an instruction to pull out the paper feed tray 12 after the completion, the paper feed tray 12 is specified while the pull-out position is detected by the detection signals from the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 and the paper feed tray pull-out end detection sensor 10. By controlling the movement of the paper tray 12, the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out from the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the input accepting unit 103 accepts an instruction to store the paper feed tray 12, the third movement control unit 107 pulls out the detection signal from the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 10. By controlling the movement of the paper feed tray 12 while specifying the position, the paper feed tray 12 is accommodated in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The third movement control unit 107 detects that no paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12 by the paper detection sensor 23 after the movement of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to the operation position is completed. In this case, the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out from the multifunction peripheral 100 as described above. Specifically, the third movement control unit 107 sends a drive command corresponding to the position to the paper feed tray drive motor 4 (see FIG. 2) that moves the paper feed tray 12, and the paper feed tray drive motor 4 receives the drive command. The paper feed tray 12 is moved according to the drive command.

  Here, the drawer of the paper feed tray 12 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6A is a side view of the multifunction peripheral 100 in a state where the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction peripheral 100 in a state where the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out. 6B is a cross section when cut substantially parallel to the installation surface of the multifunction machine 100. FIG.

  The paper feed tray 12 before being pulled out is accommodated in the multifunction peripheral 100 as shown in FIG. Then, the sheet feed tray 12 moved in the direction of the arrow α by the third movement control unit 107 is pulled out from the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 as shown in FIGS. At this time, the handicapped person who uses the multifunction peripheral 100 is in the vicinity of the paper discharge tray 13 and is at the use position P on the left side of the multifunction peripheral 100, and therefore does not come into contact even if the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out. Further, the paper feed tray 12 is accommodated in the multifunction peripheral 100 by being pushed in the direction of the arrow β by the third movement control unit 107.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is provided on the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100 and is turned on when in contact with the handle portion 15 of the paper feed tray 12 and is not in contact with the handle portion 15. It is a sensor that is turned off in a state, and sends an ON or OFF detection signal to the third movement control unit 107. That is, when the paper feed tray 12 is stored in the multifunction peripheral 100, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is turned on because it is in contact with the handle portion 15 of the paper feed tray 12. Further, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is in a non-contact state with the handle portion 15 of the paper feed tray 12 when the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out from the multifunction peripheral 100 (see FIG. 6-2). become. In addition, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is turned off because the paper feed tray 12 is not in contact with the handle portion 15 while the paper feed tray 12 is housed in the multifunction peripheral 100 and is being pulled out.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the paper feed tray pull-out end position detection sensor 10 is provided inside the front side of the multifunction peripheral 100, and a protrusion provided at the end of the paper storage unit 14 of the paper feed tray 12. 16 is a sensor that is turned on when in contact with 16 and is in a non-contact state with projecting portion 16, and sends an ON or OFF detection signal to the third movement control unit 107. In other words, when the paper feed tray 12 is accommodated in the multi-function peripheral 100, the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 10 is in a non-contact state with the protruding portion 16 of the paper feed tray 12, and is turned off. Further, when the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out from the multi-function peripheral 100, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 10 is turned on because it is in contact with the protrusion 16 of the paper feed tray 12. Further, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 10 is turned off because the paper feed tray 12 is not in contact with the protruding portion 16 while the paper feed tray 12 is being housed in the multi-function peripheral 100 and while being pulled out.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 6B, the drawer of the paper feed tray 12 will be described in detail. When the input receiving unit 103 receives an instruction to pull out the paper feed tray 12, or when the paper detection sensor 23 detects that no paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12, the third movement control unit 107 Pull out the stored paper feed tray 12. First, when the drawer of the paper feed tray 12 from the storage position is started, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 and the handle portion 15 change from the contact state to the non-contact state, and the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 changes from ON to OFF. Become. At this time, the sheet feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 10 is in an OFF state because it is not in contact with the protrusion 16. When the paper feed tray 12 is moved until it is completely pulled out, the paper feed tray pull-out end position detection sensor 10 and the protrusion 16 change from the non-contact state to the contact state, and the paper feed tray pull-out end position detection sensor 10 is turned off. To ON. Based on this signal change, the third movement control unit 107 recognizes that the paper feed tray 12 has completely reached the drawer position. At this time, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is in a non-contact state with the handle portion 15 and remains OFF.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6B, storage of the paper feed tray 12 will be described in detail. When the input receiving unit 103 receives an instruction to store the paper feed tray 12, the third movement control unit 107 stores the paper feed tray 12 that has been pulled out. First, when the storage of the paper feed tray 12 from the drawer position is started, the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 10 and the protrusion 16 change from the contact state to the non-contact state. It turns from ON to OFF. At this time, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is in a non-contact state with the handle portion 15 and remains OFF. Then, when the paper feed tray 12 is pushed in completely, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 and the handle portion 15 are brought into contact with each other, and the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 5 is changed from OFF to ON. Become. By this signal change, the third movement control unit 107 recognizes that the paper feed tray 12 has completely reached the storage position. At this time, the sheet feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 10 is in an OFF state because it is not in contact with the protrusion 16.

  The paper discharge trays 13a and 13b are provided on the side surface on the left side when the multifunction machine 100 is viewed from the front, and discharge paper on which an image is printed. In this embodiment, an example in which two discharge trays are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which one or three or more are provided may be used.

  The paper discharge control unit 108 determines that any one of the paper discharge trays is a paper discharge destination of the sheet on which the image is printed. Then, after the movement of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to the operation position is completed, the paper discharge control unit 108 issues a print instruction from a user other than the handicapped person (hereinafter referred to as “other user”). When the input is received, a paper discharge tray that is a discharge destination of paper (first paper) printed by a print instruction from another user, and paper (second paper) printed by a print instruction from a handicapped person ) Is the same as the paper discharge tray that is the paper discharge destination of the second paper, and controls to change the paper discharge destination of the first paper to another paper discharge tray that is different from the paper discharge tray that is the paper discharge destination of the second paper. . That is, for example, when both the first and second papers printed according to print instructions from the handicapped and other users are discharged to the paper discharge tray 13a, the first printed according to print instructions from other users. The discharge destination of one sheet is changed to a discharge tray 13b that is a different discharge destination from the discharge tray 13a, so that the second sheet and the first sheet are not discharged in a mixed state.

  When the input receiving unit 103 receives an input of a print instruction from the user, the image forming unit 104 feeds a scanner onto a sheet fed from the sheet feeding tray 12 and conveyed by the sheet conveying device 9 (see FIG. 2). An image of a document read by the unit 22 or an image acquired from an external device is printed.

  Further, the image forming unit 104 cannot change the paper discharge destination of the paper discharge tray because the paper discharge control unit 108 does not include another paper discharge tray to which the paper discharge destination is to be changed. Then, after the movement of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to the basic position by accepting the input of the movement instruction is completed, printing is performed according to a printing instruction from another user. That is, for example, when both sheets printed according to print instructions from the disabled and other users are discharged to the discharge tray 13a, the discharge control unit 108 sets the discharge destination of the first sheet to the discharge tray. If a paper discharge tray other than the paper discharge tray 13a is not provided, printing according to the print instruction of the handicapped person ends, and the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 move to the basic position. Printing in response to a print instruction from another user is started, and the printed first sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 13a. As a result, the first sheet and the second sheet are discharged to the same discharge tray. However, since the first sheet is discharged after the second sheet is discharged, the second sheet and the first sheet are separated. Paper is not ejected in a mixed state.

  Next, the movement process from the basic position of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of movement processing of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, when a handicapped person in the vicinity of the paper discharge trays 13a and 13b and at the use position P on the left side of the multifunction peripheral 100 inputs a handicapped ID to the authentication device 20, the authentication unit 101 stores the received handicapped person ID and the ROM 3 in the ROM 3. The handicapped person is authenticated by judging whether or not the handicapped person ID matches (step S10). If the received handicapped ID does not match the stored handicapped ID (step S10: No), the authentication of the handicapped person is unsuccessful, and the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the received disabled person ID matches the stored disabled person ID (step S10: Yes), the authentication of the disabled person is successful, and the first movement control unit 105 moves the display operation unit 7 from the basic position to the disabled person. The second movement control unit 106 rotates and moves the operation unit to the operation position, and substantially simultaneously with the movement, the second movement control unit 106 rotates the scanner unit 22 from the basic position to the operation position by the handicapped person (step S11).

  Next, when the rotational movement of the display operation unit 7 by the first movement control unit 105 and the rotational movement of the scanner unit 22 by the second movement control unit 106 are completed, the display control unit 102 performs various buttons, that is, paper feeding. A tray drawer button, a paper feed tray storage button, and a display operation unit / scanner unit movement button are displayed on the LCD display unit of the display operation unit 7 (step S12).

  Next, a process of moving the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to the basic position by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. This process is performed when returning the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to their original positions after the disabled person has finished using the multifunction device 100, for example. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of movement processing of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, the input receiving unit 103 determines whether or not an instruction to move the display operation unit 7 / scanner unit 22 when the display operation unit / scanner unit movement button is pressed is received (step S20). When the movement instruction of the display operation unit 7 / scanner part 22 is not received (step S20: No), the process is repeated until the movement instruction is received.

  On the other hand, when the movement instruction of the display operation unit 7 / scanner unit 22 is received (step S20: Yes), the first movement control unit 105 rotates and moves the display operation unit 7 from the operation position by the handicapped person to the basic position. At substantially the same time as the movement, the second movement control unit 106 rotates the scanner unit 22 from the operation position by the handicapped person to the basic position (step S21).

  When the rotation movement of the display operation unit 7 by the first movement control unit 105 and the rotation movement of the scanner unit 22 by the second movement control unit 106 are completed, the display control unit 102 displays various buttons, that is, a paper feed tray. The drawer button, the paper feed tray storage button, and the display operation unit / scanner unit movement button are hidden from the LCD display unit of the display operation unit 7 (step S22).

  Next, the drawing process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. This processing is performed, for example, when the disabled person replenishes the paper feed tray 12 after the display operation unit 7 has moved. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the pull-out process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, the input receiving unit 103 determines whether or not an instruction for pulling out the paper feed tray 12 when the paper feed tray pull-out button is pressed has been received (step S30). If an instruction for pulling out the paper feed tray 12 has not been received (step S30: No), the process is repeated until an instruction for pulling out the paper feed tray 12 is received.

  On the other hand, when an instruction to pull out the paper feed tray 12 is received (step S30: Yes), the third movement control unit 107 pulls out the paper feed tray 12 from the inside of the multifunction machine 100 (step S31).

  Next, the storing process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. This processing is performed, for example, after the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out and the handicapped person replenishes the paper feed tray 12 as described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the storage process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, the input receiving unit 103 determines whether or not an instruction to store the paper feed tray 12 when the paper feed tray storage button is pressed is received (step S40). When the storage instruction for the paper feed tray 12 is not received (step S40: No), the processing is repeated until the storage instruction for the paper feed tray 12 is received.

  On the other hand, when an instruction to store the paper feed tray 12 is received (step S40: Yes), the third movement control unit 107 stores the paper feed tray 12 in the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S41).

  Next, with reference to the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, a description will be given of a pull-out process when the paper in the paper feed tray 12 is insufficient. This process is performed, for example, when the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 move and the sheet runs out during printing on the sheet. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the pull-out process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, the third movement control unit 107 determines whether or not the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 have moved from the basic position (step S50). When the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are not moved from the basic position (step S50: No), the process is ended as it is.

  When the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are moved from the basic position (step S50: Yes), the third movement control unit 107 indicates that the paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12 by the paper detection sensor 23. It is determined whether or not is detected (step S51). When it is detected that the sheet is contained (step S51: No), that is, when there is a sheet in the sheet feed tray 12, the process is repeated until the sheet runs out.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the sheet is not stored (step S51: Yes), that is, when there is no sheet in the sheet feed tray 12, the third movement control unit 107 determines whether there is a sheet being conveyed. (Step S52). If it is determined that there is a sheet being conveyed (step S52: No), the process is repeated until there is no sheet being conveyed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no sheet being conveyed (step S52: Yes), the third movement control unit 107 pulls out the paper feed tray 12 from the inside of the multifunction machine 100 (step S53). Then, the display control unit 102 displays on the LCD display unit of the display operation unit 7 that the paper feed tray 12 is being pulled out from the front surface of the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S54).

  Next, in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, a paper discharge destination determination process when a print instruction is received from a disabled person or another user will be described. This process is performed, for example, when the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are moved to the operation position and an input of a print instruction from another user is received while an input operation is being performed by a handicapped person. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a paper discharge destination determination process by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  First, when a print instruction is received from another user, the paper discharge control unit 108 determines whether or not the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 have moved from the basic position to the operation position (step S60). . When the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are not moved from the basic position to the operation position (step S60: No), the process is ended as it is.

  When the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are moved from the basic position to the operation position (step S60: Yes), the paper discharge control unit 108 is a sheet of paper on which an image has been printed according to a print instruction from another user ( Whether or not the paper discharge tray that is the discharge destination of the first paper is the same as the paper discharge tray that is the discharge destination of the paper (second paper) on which an image is printed in accordance with a print instruction from the disabled person. Judgment is made (step S61). If the paper discharge trays of the two paper discharge destinations are different (step S61: No), the processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the paper discharge trays of both the paper discharge destinations are the same (step S61: Yes), it is determined whether or not another paper discharge tray is provided (step S62). When another paper discharge tray is provided (step S62: Yes), the paper discharge control unit 108 sets another paper discharge destination different from the paper discharge tray that is the second paper discharge destination. The paper tray is changed (step S63). As a result, the second sheet printed according to the print instruction from the handicapped person and the first sheet printed according to the print instruction from the other user are discharged to different discharge trays. Paper is not mixed in the paper tray.

On the other hand, if no other paper discharge tray is provided (step S62: No), the image forming unit 104 stands by without starting printing in response to a print instruction from another user. Then, after the printing by the handicapped person's printing instruction is finished and the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 are moved to the basic position,
After the movement of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 by accepting the input of the movement instruction is completed, printing according to a printing instruction from another user is started (step S64). As a result, the second sheet printed according to the print instruction from the disabled person and the first sheet printed according to the print instruction from another user are discharged to the same discharge tray, but the second sheet Since the first sheet is discharged after being discharged, the second sheet and the first sheet are not discharged in a mixed state.

  As described above, when the authentication of the handicapped person at the use position P is successful, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment rotates the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 to the operation position near the use position P where the handicapped person is present. To do. Therefore, in a state where the authenticated disabled person is at the use position P in the vicinity of the paper discharge trays 13a and 13b, the original is placed at a predetermined position of the scanner unit 22, and the operation from the display operation unit 7 is performed, and the paper discharge tray A series of operations on the multifunction peripheral 100 can be easily performed, such as taking sheets discharged from 13a and 13b.

  Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 allows the paper feed tray 12 to be pulled out and stored by using the paper feed tray pull-out button and the paper feed tray storage button displayed on the display operation unit 7. Accordingly, the handicapped person can pull out and store the paper feed tray 12 while staying at the use position P in the vicinity of the paper discharge tray 13 without moving when the paper is supplied to the paper feed tray 12. .

  Further, when printing cannot be continued due to a shortage of paper in the paper feed tray 12 during printing, the multifunction peripheral 100 pulls out the paper feed tray 12 and displays that fact on the display operation unit 7. Then, the handicapped person can grasp that the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out. Therefore, the handicapped person can easily grasp the shortage of paper and can save the trouble of pulling out the paper feed tray 12.

  Further, when the display operation unit 7 is not moved, the multifunction peripheral 100 does not display the paper feed tray pull-out button or the like on the display operation unit 7 and does not pull out the paper feed tray 12 by the button. Further, when the display operation unit 7 is not moved, the multi-function device 100 does not pull out the paper feed tray 12 when there is a shortage of paper. Therefore, it is possible to provide the same operability as in the past to a user who performs an input operation or the like from the front of the multifunction peripheral 100 without moving the display operation unit 7.

  In addition, when the disabled person is in the use position P, the MFP 100 receives a print instruction from the disabled person or another user after the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 move from the basic position to the operation position. The paper printed according to the print instruction of the other user is discharged to a different paper discharge tray from the paper discharge destination of the paper printed according to the print instruction of the disabled person, or printing according to the print instruction of the disabled person is finished. After that, printing is performed according to the printing instruction of another user. As a result, paper printed by the handicapped person's print instructions and paper printed by other users' print instructions are not mixed, and the handicapped person can easily obtain the paper that is his / her printed matter, improving convenience Can be made.

1 is a schematic diagram of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the multifunction machine 100 in a state where the display operation unit 7 is rotated from a basic position. 3 is a top view of the multifunction peripheral 100 in a state where the display operation unit 7 is rotated from a basic position. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the multifunction machine 100 in a state where the scanner unit 22 is rotated from a basic position. FIG. 3 is a top view of the multifunction machine 100 in a state where the scanner unit 22 is rotated from a basic position. FIG. 3 is a side view of the multifunction machine 100 in a state where a paper feed tray 12 is pulled out. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 100 in a state where the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of movement processing of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of movement processing of the display operation unit 7 and the scanner unit 22 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a pulling-out process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of storage processing of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a pulling-out process of the paper feed tray 12 by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a paper discharge destination determination process by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP 1 CPU
2 RAM
3 ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Paper feed tray drive motor 5 Paper feed tray opening / closing detection sensor 6 Display operation part angle detection sensor 7 Display operation part 8 Transfer apparatus 9 Paper conveyance apparatus 10 Paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 12 Paper feed tray 13a, 13b Paper discharge tray DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Paper storage part 15 Handle part 16 Projection part 17 Display operation part drive motor 18 Scanner part angle detection sensor 19 Scanner part drive motor 20 Authentication apparatus 22 Scanner part 23 Paper detection sensor 101 Authentication part 102 Display control part 103 Input reception part 104 Image Forming unit 105 First movement control unit 106 Second movement control unit 107 Third movement control unit 108 Paper discharge control unit

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A display operation unit that is positioned on the front side of the image forming apparatus, displays information, and receives an input operation including an input of an image forming instruction that is an instruction to form an image on a recording medium from a user;
A scanner unit that is located on the upper surface side of the image forming apparatus and reads a document;
A paper feed tray that is provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the front side of the image forming apparatus, and that contains a recording medium;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium fed from the paper feed tray;
A paper discharge tray provided on at least one side surface of the image forming apparatus, on which a recording medium on which an image is formed is discharged;
When the input operation is performed by a specific user who is allowed to move the display operation unit and the scanner unit, the display operation unit is moved to an operation position on the side surface where the specific user can easily operate. A first movement control unit,
A second movement control unit configured to move the scanner unit to the operation position when the input operation is performed by the specific user;
After the movement of the display operation unit and the scanner unit to the operation position is completed, the recording medium can be replenished without the specific user moving according to an input operation received by the display operation unit. A third movement control unit for performing control to pull out the paper feed tray;
After the movement of the display operation unit and the scanner unit to the operation position is completed, an input of the image forming instruction is received from another user other than the specific user, and the other use A discharge tray that is a discharge destination of the first recording medium on which an image is formed according to the image formation instruction from the user, and a second recording medium on which an image is formed according to the image formation instruction from the specific user. When the discharge tray that is the discharge destination is the same and there are a plurality of discharge trays , the discharge destination of the first recording medium is different from the discharge tray that is the discharge destination of the second recording medium. A paper discharge control unit to change to another paper discharge tray,
An image forming apparatus comprising: A display control unit for displaying a movement button for instructing movement of the display operation unit and the scanner unit on the display operation unit when movement of the display operation unit and the scanner unit to the operation position is completed; In addition,
The display operation unit further receives an input of the movement instruction by the movement button ,
The first movement control unit, when receiving the input of the movement instruction, moves the display operation unit to the front side of the image forming apparatus,
When the second movement control unit receives the movement instruction, the second movement control unit moves the scanner unit to the upper surface side of the image forming apparatus;
When the image forming unit is not provided with the other paper discharge tray, and it is impossible to change the paper discharge tray by the paper discharge control unit, the display by receiving the input of the movement instruction is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the movement of the operation unit and the scanner unit is completed, an image is formed according to the image forming instruction from the other user. An input accepting means for accepting an input of user identification information for uniquely identifying the particular user,
Storage means for storing the user identification information;
An authentication unit that authenticates the specific user by determining whether or not the received user identification information matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit;
The first movement control unit moves the display operation unit to the operation position when the user who has input the user identification information is authenticated as the specific user,
The said 2nd movement control part moves the said scanner part to the said operation position, when it is authenticated that the user who input the said user identification information is the said specific user. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2; A recording medium detection sensor for detecting whether a recording medium is contained in the paper feed tray ;
The third movement controller is
After moving to the operating position of the display operation unit and the scanner unit has been completed, if the fact that not recorded medium accommodated in the paper feed tray is detected, and a score pull out the paper feed tray The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   When the display control unit detects that the recording medium is not stored in the paper feed tray and the paper feed tray is pulled out, the display control unit displays the fact that the paper feed tray has been pulled out. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

Images