JP6140571B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of counting the number of printed sheets.

  For copying services using copying machines installed in convenience stores, copy shops, etc. or MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) that include functions other than copying, a charging system that charges according to the number of printed pages is used. There is something that has been. When a paper jam occurs in such a billing system, it is generally not charged for the paper that has jammed.

  However, in recent years, there has been a problem of fraudulent action to avoid charging by exploiting such a charging system and intentionally generating a paper jam when a desired image is printed. As an example of an illegal act of taking out the data, for example, when printing an image of a license, when the image portion of the license is printed, a paper jam is intentionally generated to avoid charging, and the license There has been known a method of removing the waste by taking out the paper on which the image is printed.

  In order to prevent such fraudulent removal, a charge amount is calculated for each pass and for each post-processing operation, and a jam coefficient for each jam code is included. In such a case, an invention of a sheet processing system that does not perform charging cancellation processing has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-78747 A

However, there are various types of fraud removal actions depending on the usage environment such as the installation environment of the MFP, the operation environment of the copy service, or the user layer using the copy service.
For example, in the case of a paid copy service at a convenience store, a copy shop, etc., it is difficult to specify individual users because the range of user groups that use the copy service is wide and it is difficult to identify individual users. There are a lot of malicious users who are trying to get away with billing.

On the other hand, in the case of rental-based copying services such as offices, not only the scope of the user group is limited, but it is easy to identify individual users, and users themselves are not charged directly. Even if there are malicious users who try to escape billing by generating paper jams, it is considered that there are very few.
In the case of photocopying services at universities, libraries, etc., the proportion of malicious users can vary greatly depending on whether they are used by teachers, students, or outsiders, even in the same installation environment. is expected.

  As described above, in general, the manner of illegal fraud removal largely differs depending on the installation environment of the MFP, the operation environment, and the use environment such as the user layer. On the other hand, in the conventional copying service, it is normal that the manufacturer determines in advance the determination timing of the completion determination of image formation and the determination criterion of error due to fraud. Therefore, there has been a problem that it is not possible to perform setting flexibly and appropriately in accordance with various usage environments of the MFP.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of freely setting the timing of image formation completion determination according to the use environment. .

  The present invention relates to an image forming unit that forms an image by conveying a print medium, a plurality of paper passing sensors provided at a plurality of predetermined detection positions on a conveyance path through which the print medium is conveyed, and the detection A determination unit that determines completion of image formation based on a result; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the paper passing sensor, and the determination unit, wherein the control unit includes the plurality of paper passing sensors, It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that causes the determination unit to determine completion of the image formation based on a detection result of a paper passing sensor designated in advance by an administrator.

  According to this invention, the control unit causes the determination unit to determine completion of the image formation based on a detection result of a sheet passing sensor designated in advance by an administrator among the plurality of sheet passing sensors. An image forming apparatus that can freely set the timing of image formation completion determination according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus can be realized.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. (Embodiment 1) 3 is a flowchart illustrating a printing processing procedure of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of image formation on a sheet before and after passing through a sheet conveyance path that is a target of each sheet passing sensor. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit and a display unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for timing of completion of image formation displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 5. (Embodiment 1) 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention when a post-processing unit is mounted. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of image formation on a sheet before and after passing through each sheet passing sensor when the post-processing unit is mounted. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for determining the completion of image formation when the post-processing unit is mounted. (Embodiment 2) It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of this invention comprised from various units. (Embodiment 3) FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for timing of completion of image formation of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10. (Embodiment 3)

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description is an illustration in all the points, Comprising: It should not be interpreted as limiting this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 100 that reads an image from a document and generates image data, an image forming unit 200 that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a sheet that is supplied and conveyed to the image forming unit 200. A paper feed unit 300 is provided, and a paper discharge unit 400 that discharges paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 200 is provided.

  The image reading unit 100 includes an image reading unit 15 including a light source unit 110, a mirror unit 120, and a CCD reading unit 130 (CCD: Charge Coupled Device), and a document placed on a platen glass document table 101. Alternatively, an image of an original conveyed from an automatic original conveying apparatus 102 that separates and feeds originals one by one is optically read.

  The light source unit 110 is installed with a light source 111 that irradiates a document with irradiation light for reading, and a reflective surface inclined at 45 ° with respect to the surface of the document table 101 in order to change the optical path of reflected light from the document by 90 °. The mirror 112 is provided. The light source unit 110 is configured to move in parallel with the surface of the document table 101 by a stepping motor (not shown), and scans the reading surface of the document placed on the document table 101. I am doing so.

  The mirror unit 120 includes a pair of mirrors 121 and 122 arranged so that the reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other in order to further change the optical path of the reflected light changed by 90 ° by the mirror 112 of the light source unit 110 by 180 °. ing. The CCD reading unit 130 includes an imaging lens 131 and a CCD sensor 132, and the reflected light from the document passing through the light source unit 110 and the mirror unit 120 is imaged on the CCD sensor 132 via the imaging lens 131. .

  The image formed on the CCD sensor 132 is taken out as an analog electric signal and converted into a digital signal by an AD converter not shown in the figure. The converted digital signal is corrected for light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity unevenness of the CCD sensor 132, and the like, and then temporarily held as image data in a digital format in an image memory (not shown) to form an image. Sent to the unit 200.

  The image forming unit 200 includes an image forming unit 16 including a laser writing unit 201, a photosensitive drum 202, a charger 203, a developing device 204, a transfer device 205, a cleaner 206, a charge eliminator 207, and the like. The image data generated by 100, the image data obtained by developing a print job from the external information processing apparatus 2 (not shown), or the facsimile data from the external facsimile apparatus 3 (not shown) are decoded. Based on the obtained image data, the paper is supplied and conveyed from a paper feed cassette 210 provided inside itself, a manual feed tray 211 provided on the side surface portion, or a paper feed unit 300 provided below the image forming unit 200. An image is formed on a sheet.

  The paper feed unit 300 includes paper cassettes 301 and 302 that accommodate a large amount of paper of various sizes. The sheets accommodated in the sheet cassettes 301 and 302 are separated and supplied one by one by the drawing rollers 301a and 302a according to an instruction from the image forming unit 200, and the image forming unit 16 of the image forming unit 200 through the sheet conveying paths 303 and 212. It is conveyed to.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming unit 200 will be described. The image data described above is sent to the storage unit 18 (see FIG. 2) and stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 18. The stored image data is sequentially read out at the timing indicated by the control unit 10 (see FIG. 2) and transferred to the laser writing unit 201 which is an optical writing device.

  The laser writing unit 201 includes a semiconductor laser light source that emits a laser beam in accordance with image data transferred from the storage unit 18, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at an equal angular velocity, and a laser beam deflected at an equal angular velocity to a photosensitive drum. It is composed of an f-θ lens that corrects the light to be deflected at a constant angular velocity on 202.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the laser writing unit 201 is used as the optical writing device, but a fixed scanning type using a light emitting element array such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an EL (Electro Luminescence). An optical writing head unit may be used.

  Around the photosensitive drum 202, a charger 203 that charges the photosensitive drum 202 to a predetermined potential, and a developer 204 that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 202 to make it visible. The transfer unit 205 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 202 onto the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding cassette 210, the manual feed tray 211, or the sheet feeding unit 300, the sheet on which the toner image is transferred. A static eliminator 207 for removing charges from the photosensitive drum 202 and a cleaner 206 for collecting toner remaining after transferring the toner image are disposed.

  The sheet on which the image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 208, and the image is fixed on the sheet by the fixing unit 208. The paper on which the image is fixed is sent to the paper discharge unit 400 by the paper discharge roller 209.

Further, the image forming unit 200 can perform double-sided printing by performing image formation again on the back side of the image-formed paper. Therefore, a switchback path 220 and a duplex unit 221 are provided for reversing the front and back of the sheet on which the image has been formed and transporting the sheet to the image forming unit 16. The switchback path 220 is provided on the upstream side of the paper discharge roller 209. When the paper is turned upside down, when the paper is sent to the paper discharge unit 400, the edge of the paper is temporarily discharged from the paper discharge roller 209. Then, the paper discharge roller 209 is reversely driven and conveyed to the switchback path 220. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 16 via the duplex unit 221 and the sheet conveyance path 212, and image formation is performed on the back surface of the sheet.
Note that the switchback path 220 is used not only when forming an image on both sides of a sheet but also when discharging with the image-formed side down.

  The paper discharge unit 400 is provided on the side surface of the image forming unit 200. The paper discharge unit 400 includes a paper discharge tray 404 for discharging paper on which an image is formed by a normal print job, and a confidential tray 421 for discharging paper on which an image is formed by a print job related to confidential printing. ing.

  When a print job designating a normal print that is not a confidential print is received and image formation is performed by the image forming unit 200, the paper fed from the paper discharge roller 209 of the image forming unit 200 is discharged through the paper transport path 401. The paper is discharged from the paper discharge roller 403 of the paper unit 400 onto the paper discharge tray 404.

  On the other hand, when a print job designating confidential printing is received and image formation is performed by the image forming unit 200, the sheet fed from the sheet discharge roller 209 is guided to the sheet conveyance path 405 by switching the switching gate 402. The paper is discharged onto the confidential tray 421 by the paper discharge roller 406. In addition, a confidential box 420 is installed so as to surround the confidential tray 421, and an image on the sheet discharged to the confidential tray 421 cannot be easily seen from the outside. Further, a switching gate 410 is provided on the downstream side of the paper transport path 405, and the paper to be discharged to the confidential tray 421 is once guided to the switchback path 411, and the paper is reversed and then the paper is placed on the confidential tray 421. You may make it discharge | emit to.

  In addition, the paper discharge unit 400 includes an elevating / lowering mechanism (not shown) that moves the confidential tray 421 up and down. After the paper is discharged to the confidential tray 421, the paper discharge unit 400 is removed from an outlet 422 provided in the confidential box 420. When a predetermined time elapses without taking out the sheet, the elevating / lowering mechanism unit moves the confidential tray 421 downward and stops the movement when the predetermined position is reached. The sheets on the confidential tray 421 that have reached a predetermined position are taken one by one by the drawing roller 408 and conveyed to the sheet feeding unit 300 through the sheet conveying path 409. The sheet conveyed to the sheet feeding unit 300 is guided to the switchback path 305 by the switching gate 304 and then conveyed to the image forming unit 200 by switching the conveying direction. Then, it is guided to the image forming unit 16 through the duplex unit 221 of the image forming unit 200 and the paper transport path 212, and an image forming pattern for overwriting is overwritten by the image forming unit 16.

The following four types of paper passing sensors are provided on the transport path.
In FIG. 1, the position where the paper passing sensor is provided is indicated by a triangle. The numbers in the triangles indicate the types of paper passing sensors. Reference numeral 1 denotes a paper feed sensor, 2 denotes a developing unit passage sensor, 3 denotes a fixing unit passage sensor, and 4 denotes a paper discharge sensor.
Hereinafter, each paper passing sensor will be described.

(1) Paper Feed Sensor The paper feed sensor is a sensor that detects that paper is carried out from the paper feed cassette 210, the manual feed tray 211, and the paper cassette 301 or 302.
(2) Development unit passage sensor The development unit passage sensor is a sensor that detects that a development unit (developing device 204) that draws an image on a sheet has passed.
(3) Fixing Unit Passing Sensor The fixing unit passing sensor is a sensor that detects passing through the fixing unit 208 that fixes an image on a sheet by heating.
(4) Paper Discharge Sensor The paper discharge sensor is a sensor that detects that paper is discharged from the paper discharge trays 404 and 407 or the confidential tray 421.
Details of the detection operation of the paper passing sensor will be described later in the description of FIG.

Next, each component of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, an image processing unit 13, a communication unit 14, an image reading unit 15, an image forming unit 16, a counter 17, and a storage unit 18. , A sheet transport unit 19, a first sheet passing sensor 171, a second sheet passing sensor 172, and a third sheet passing sensor 173 to an nth sheet passing sensor 17n.
The determination unit of the present invention is realized by the cooperation of the control unit 10 and the counter 17.

  In the following description, a user who uses the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as “user”, a person who has management authority for the image forming apparatus 1 and performs settings for the user is “administrator”. To distinguish. It is assumed that the management authority of the image forming apparatus 1 includes setting of the timing for determining completion of image formation. Note that the administrator itself may be a user, or administrator authority may be given to a specific user.

The control unit 10 is a part that controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 1. It is mainly realized by a microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O controller, timer and the like. The control unit 10 operates each hardware organically based on a control program stored in advance in a ROM or the like, and executes a detection function or a determination function of the present invention as described later.
Note that the peripheral circuit may include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that is an integrated circuit designed and manufactured for a specific application, or a circuit having other arithmetic functions.

  The operation unit 11 is an interface for operating the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a keyboard and a mouse can be mentioned. In the case of a touch panel, it may be operated through the display unit 12. A user or an administrator executes an instruction to the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the operation unit 11.

  The display unit 12 is a part that displays various types of information to the user or administrator of the image forming apparatus 1. The display unit 12 includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, and the like, and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as a processing state by an operating system or application software.

  The image processing unit 13 converts the read document image into an appropriate electrical signal, generates image data, and outputs the image data input from the image reading unit 15 according to an instruction from the operation unit 11 such as enlargement / reduction. This is the part that performs processing so as to suit the requirements.

  The communication unit 14 is a part that communicates with an external information processing apparatus 2, facsimile apparatus 3, etc., such as a computer or a portable information terminal, via a network or the like. That is, the communication part 14 is a part which transmits / receives various information, such as a mail and FAX, with respect to these external communication apparatuses.

The image reading unit 15 is a part that detects and reads a document placed on the document table 101 or a document conveyed from the document tray by the light source 111 and generates image data. In addition, the image data generated by the external information processing apparatus 2 or the facsimile apparatus 3 is acquired.
Note that when image data is acquired from an external information processing device 2 or the like, or even when image data is acquired from an external facsimile device 3 or the like via a wired or wireless network, or recorded on a USB or the like. The image data may be acquired. A combination of these may also be used.

The image forming unit 16 is a part that prints out the image data generated by the image processing unit 13 on a sheet.
The counter 17 is a part that counts the number of sheets to be charged.

The paper passing sensor is a sensor that detects whether or not the paper has passed through a predetermined paper conveyance path without causing paper jam. FIG. 2 shows n sheet passing sensors, that is, a first sheet passing sensor 171, a second sheet passing sensor 172, and a third sheet passing sensor 173 to an nth sheet passing sensor 17n.
The sheet passing sensor is, for example, a flat plate sensor that rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction of each roller in the image forming apparatus 1 and is normally biased toward the sheet conveyance path (sheet not detected) position).
Here, when the paper passes through the paper conveyance path targeted by the paper passage sensor, the paper passage sensor contacts the paper, rotates around the rotation axis, and is pushed outward from the paper conveyance path (paper detection position). .
Further, the sensor is not limited to a physical sensor, and an optical sensor or the like may be used.

Here, the timing of counting whether or not the sheet has passed is the time when the sheet passing sensor rotates from the undetected position to the detected position.
If the paper does not reach the paper passing sensor within a predetermined period (that is, if the paper passing sensor does not rotate to the detection position), it is determined that a paper jam has occurred. Even when the paper reaches the paper passing sensor within a predetermined period, if the paper does not pass through the paper passing sensor within a predetermined period thereafter (that is, the paper passing sensor must return to the undetected position again). It is determined that a paper jam has occurred.

  The storage unit 18 stores information and programs necessary for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1, and a storage element such as a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, or a flash memory is used.

  The paper transport unit 19 is a part that transports the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 210 and the manual feed tray 211 and the paper cassettes 301 and 302 to the image forming unit 16 via the paper transport paths 212 and 303. Further, the image forming unit 16 is a part that transports a sheet carrying a toner image to the fixing unit 208. Further, the sheet on which the toner image is fused by the fixing unit 208 is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 404 or the confidential tray 421 via the sheet conveyance paths 401, 405, and 409. In the case of duplex printing, after the image formation on the front side of the sheet is completed after passing through the fixing unit 208, the front and back sides of the sheet are reversed via the switchback path 220 or 411.

<Print Processing Procedure of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, a printing process procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a printing processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

The control unit 10 follows the procedure shown in the following steps.
In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control unit 10 sets the print count number Cn of the counter 17 to 0 and starts printing with n = 1 (step S1).
Here, Cn is 0 or a positive integer, and n is a positive integer.
n is a number indicating the order of the paper passing sensors through which the paper passes when being conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance path. n corresponds to the triangle number in FIG.

Next, in step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the nth sheet passing sensor has detected a sheet being conveyed (step S2).
When the nth sheet passing sensor detects a sheet being conveyed (when the determination in step S2 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S3 (step S3).
On the other hand, when the nth sheet passing sensor does not detect the sheet being conveyed (when the determination in step S2 is No), the control unit 10 repeats the determination in step S2 until the sheet is detected.

Next, in step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the nth sheet passing sensor is set as a print count target (step S3).
Details of the print count target setting will be described later with reference to FIG.
When the nth sheet passing sensor is set as a print count target (when the determination in step S3 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S4 (step S4).
On the other hand, when the n-th sheet passing sensor is not set as a print count target (when the determination in step S3 is No), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S5 (step S5).

  Next, in step S4, the control unit 10 causes the counter 17 to increment the print count number Cn by one (step S4).

  Thereafter, in step S6, the control unit 10 controls the paper transport unit 19 so that the paper is transported through the remaining paper transport path (step S6), and the printing process is ended.

Next, in step S5, the control unit 10 determines whether n = N (the maximum value of the number of paper passing sensors) (step S5).
Here, the maximum number of sheet passing sensors is the maximum number of sheet passing sensors through which a sheet can pass during conveyance, and N = 4 in FIG.
When n = N (when the determination in step S5 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S4 (step S4).
On the other hand, when n = N is not satisfied (when the determination in step S5 is No), the control unit 10 replaces n with n + 1 (step S7).

  In the following step 8, the control unit 10 causes the paper transport unit 19 to transport the paper to the next process (step S8), and performs the processing after step S2.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of image formation on a sheet before and after passing through a sheet conveyance path targeted by each sheet passing sensor.
In FIG. 4, whether or not an image is formed on the paper before and after passing through the paper transport path that is the target of the paper feed sensors of the paper feed sensor, the developing unit passage sensor, the fixing unit passage sensor, and the paper discharge sensor. The relationship between image fixing and paper ejection is shown.

  When the time before and after the paper passes the paper feed sensor is designated as the completion timing of image formation, the printing operation is started and the printing is counted when the paper is conveyed from the paper feed unit 300. In this case, even if an image is not formed on the paper, the printing process related to the paper is charged.

When the image formation completion determination timing is designated after the sheet has passed the developing unit passage sensor, the sheet passes through the image forming unit 200 and an image is formed on the sheet, and before the image on the sheet is fixed. Printing is counted at this stage. In this case, even if the image is not fixed on the paper, the printing process related to the paper is charged.
Here, the state in which the image is formed on the paper is a state in which the toner image is transferred onto the paper. At this stage, since the toner image is not fixed on the paper, when the hand touches the image, the toner image may come off from the paper and adhere to the hand.

  When the image formation completion determination timing is designated before and after the sheet passes through the fixing unit passage sensor, printing is counted when the sheet passes through the fixing unit 208 and the image is fixed on the sheet. In this case, even if the paper is not discharged, the printing process related to the paper is charged.

When the image formation completion determination timing is specified before and after the paper passes the paper discharge sensor, the printing count is performed when the paper passes through the paper discharge unit 400 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 404 or the confidential tray 421. Will be charged.
In a situation where an illegal tampering action cannot be performed when the paper is not discharged, such as when it is prohibited to open the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 without permission, after the paper passes the paper discharge sensor. Can be effectively prevented from being taken out.

<Specific Example of Setting Procedure of Image Formation Completion Determination Timing of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, based on FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a specific example of a procedure for setting the timing of completion of image formation of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 11 and the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the administrator sets the timing for determining completion of image formation by operating the operation unit 11 while referring to the display unit 12 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. If the display unit 12 has a touch panel function, the display unit 12 is touched to set the timing for determining completion of image formation.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen for determining the completion of image formation displayed on the display unit 12 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, a message “Please specify the timing of image formation completion determination” is displayed on the image formation completion determination timing setting screen. Under the message, a list 123 of image formation completion determination timing options corresponding to the position of the paper passing sensor is displayed, and the administrator selects a desired image formation completion determination timing from these options. .

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the timing “when paper discharge from the main body ends” is selected.
Below the options, a “Register” button for registering the timing of image formation completion determination and a “Cancel” button for canceling the settings are displayed. The administrator can select one of these buttons. Thus, registration of the timing for determining completion of image formation can be confirmed or cancelled.

<Setting example of image formation completion determination timing in consideration of usage environment of image forming apparatus>
Finally, an example of setting the timing for determining completion of image formation in consideration of the usage environment of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
Although there are various MFP users depending on the installation location, the following two examples are given as the most typical examples.

(1) For users who use paid photocopying services at convenience stores and copy shops Some of the users who use paid photocopying services at convenience stores and copy shops are listed in magazines and maps in the store. There is a person who conducts fraudulent actions for the purpose of obtaining For such malicious users, it is sufficient that information can be taken out of the store even when the image is not fixed on the paper. Therefore, if the image is formed on the paper, the print quality and image In many cases, it doesn't matter if it is preserved. Therefore, it is assumed that these users may perform an illegal tampering action by intentionally generating a paper jam immediately after the image is formed on the paper.
In this case, by designating the timing after completion of the sheet passing through the developing unit passage sensor as the image formation completion determination timing, it is possible to effectively prevent such a fraud removal action.

  In addition, in the case where illegal fraud removal acts frequently occur, it is possible to effectively prevent illegal fraud removal acts by specifying the time point upstream of the printing process as the timing of the print count up as much as possible. For example, if the “paper feed sensor” is designated as the completion timing of image formation, a malicious user forcibly causes a paper jam to occur at the timing when a desired image is formed at the leading edge of the paper. Even in such a case, since the printing process related to the paper has already been charged, it is possible to effectively prevent such an unauthorized action for removing the waste.

(2) For users who use rental-based copying services such as offices For users who use rental-based copying services such as offices, the importance of image quality and storability is important for printing business documents. The image before fixing is often insufficient. Therefore, for malicious users aiming at obtaining business documents in offices, etc., it is considered unlikely that fraudulent actions will be taken by generating paper jams at the image formation stage. It is assumed that illegal printing is performed at the timing when the image is fixed on the paper.
In this case, by designating the timing after completion of the sheet passing through the fixing unit passage sensor as the completion determination of the image formation, it is possible to effectively prevent such an improper action for removing the waste.

  In addition, if the time point at which the paper discharge is completed is designated as the timing for determining the completion of image formation, even if jams occur frequently due to the malfunction of the image forming apparatus 1, the printing process is not charged. A company with a contract that pays in response to the situation will not make unnecessary payments.

  As described above, the administrator can set an image formation completion determination timing in accordance with the use environment of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby making it possible to deal with an improper fraud removal act on a case-by-case basis.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention when the post-processing unit 500 is mounted.
7 is similar to the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Here, a configuration not described in FIG. 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes an image reading unit 100, an image forming unit 200, a paper feeding unit 300, and a post-processing unit 500. The paper feeding unit 300 includes an optional large capacity cassette 306.

  The large capacity cassette 306 can be used as a fifth tray of the image forming apparatus 1 by being added as an option. The large-capacity cassette 306 has an elevator urged upward, and sheets are accumulated in the elevator. The uppermost sheet contacts the sheet feeding roller, and the sheet is rotated by rotating the sheet feeding roller. The separated paper is sent out and joined to the paper conveyance path 212 of the image forming apparatus 1 main body. Since the large-capacity cassette 306 is a large-capacity tray, it is preferable to accommodate standard paper, for example, A4 size that is used most frequently.

  In FIG. 7, the post-processing unit 500 is disposed on the left side of the image forming unit 200. In the image forming unit 200, the image-formed paper is fixed by the fixing unit 208 and then sent to the post-processing unit 500 or selectively conveyed to the switchback path 411 for duplex copying.

  The sheets sent to the post-processing unit 500 are subjected to predetermined processing such as sorting, stapling, and punching as necessary, and are stacked on the paper discharge tray 404 or the paper discharge tray 407.

  Two types of paper discharge trays 404 and 407 are provided on the left side of the post-processing unit 500. The paper discharge tray 404 receives the paper on which the image discharged from the image forming unit 200 is formed by a receiving paper transport path 401 provided at the upper side of the post-processing unit 500, and passes through the paper transport path 412. Is a discharge part which is discharged as it is.

The finisher 501 is used when punching punch holes and binding a plurality of sheets on the paper discharge tray 407 to bind. Accordingly, the paper discharge tray 407 accommodates sorted paper and bookbinding. A paper discharge tray 407 accommodates sorted paper.
A paper discharge tray 407 is a discharge unit that discharges a sheet that has been post-processed by a finisher 501 capable of performing post-processing such as stapling and punching (hole punching).

  If the sort process is not specified, the discharge tray 404 may be used, and if the sort process is specified, the discharge tray 407 may be used.

  In FIG. 7, the meaning of the triangle mark is the same as that described in FIG. The fifth triangle symbol corresponds to the finisher.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image formation on a sheet before and after passing through each sheet passing sensor when the post-processing unit 500 is mounted.
In FIG. 8, a post-processing sensor is added in addition to the four types of paper passing sensors (paper feeding sensor, developing unit passage sensor, fixing unit passage sensor and paper discharge sensor) shown in FIG. In addition to the presence / absence of image formation on the paper before and after passing through the paper, the relationship between the presence / absence of image fixing on the paper and the presence / absence of paper discharge, the relationship with the presence / absence of post-processing is also shown.

  If the timing before and after the sheet passes the post-processing sensor is designated as the image formation completion determination timing, printing is counted at the stage of post-processing, and is charged.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for the timing for determining completion of image formation when the post-processing unit 500 is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the post-processing unit 500 is mounted, the image formation completion determination corresponding to the positions of the four types of paper passing sensors, that is, the paper feed sensor, the developing unit passage sensor, the fixing unit passage sensor, and the paper discharge sensor. In addition to the timing option list 123, an image formation completion timing list 124 corresponding to the position of the post-processing sensor provided in the post-processing unit 500 is additionally displayed. The user selects a desired image formation completion determination timing from the list of options 123 and 124 displayed together.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention composed of various units.
10 is similar to the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Here, configurations not described in FIGS. 1 and 7 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment includes a first image forming unit 1a, a second image forming unit 1b, a post-processing unit 500, a bypass unit 600, and a bypass unit 700.

The first image forming unit 1a is a unit for printing a monochrome image.
The second image forming unit 1b is a unit for printing a color image.

  The bypass units 600 and 700 are for conveying paper between the units. The bypass unit 600 is disposed between the first image forming unit 1a and the second image forming unit 1b. The bypass unit 700 is disposed between the second image forming unit 1b and the post-processing unit 500.

  In the second image forming unit 1b, the four sets of visible image forming units 230K, 230C, 230M, and 230Y, the intermediate transfer unit 230, and the fixing unit 208 form a color image on the paper that is transported on the transport path.

  The bypass unit 600 includes a sheet conveyance path 601 inside the casing, and communicates the first image forming unit 1a with the bypass unit 700. The paper transport path 601 transports the paper fed from the first image forming unit 1a to the bypass unit 700.

  The bypass unit 700 includes paper conveyance paths 702 to 705 and a paper discharge tray 701 inside the housing. The paper discharge tray 701 is a tray that stores paper on which a monochrome image is formed by the first image forming unit 1a. The paper transport path 705 transports the paper fed from the bypass unit 600 to the paper discharge tray 701 via the paper transport path 702. The conveyance of the sheet to the sheet conveyance path 705 or the sheet conveyance path 702 is selectively performed. The selection of the transport destination is performed by the first image forming unit 1a. The paper transport path 704 transports the paper fed from the paper transport path 703 or the second image forming unit 1b to the post-processing unit 500.

  In FIG. 10, the meaning of the triangle mark is the same as in the description of FIGS. 1 and 7.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen for determining the completion of image formation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 configured from various units, various image formation completion determination timings corresponding to combinations of units are realized.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a setting screen for printing a monochrome image. When a setting screen for printing a color image is selected, a setting screen corresponding to the setting screen is displayed.

(Other embodiments)
1. The setting for changing the timing for determining completion of image formation may be hidden, or the setting change authority may be given only to a user with administrator authority. (Embodiment 4)
In this way, it is possible to prevent a malicious user from changing the setting of the image formation completion determination timing.

2. In the first exemplary embodiment, a setting pattern of timing for determining completion of image formation assumed according to the usage mode of the image forming apparatus 1 may be prepared in advance and may be selected by an administrator. (Embodiment 5)
For example, a setting pattern suitable for use in a convenience store or a copy shop, a setting pattern suitable for use on a rental basis in an office, etc. are presented in advance by default, and the administrator selects them. Even an administrator who is unfamiliar with the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 can realize the image forming apparatus 1 capable of easily and appropriately setting the timing for determining completion of image formation without causing a burden.

3. In the second or third embodiment, two or more paper passing sensors corresponding to a plurality of processes of the image forming apparatus 1 may be set as timings for determining completion of image formation. (Embodiment 6)
In this way, for example, more flexible billing settings such as adding billing as necessary based on the detection results of two or more paper passing sensors corresponding to a plurality of processes such as image formation processing and post-processing. Is possible.

4). In the second or third embodiment, not only the “post-processing unit” but also optional units such as “pre-processing unit” and “intermediate processing unit” are attached to the image forming unit, and the paper passing sensors in those units are also installed. It may be made possible to specify by an administrator. (Embodiment 7)
In this way, even when a unit having various optional functions is mounted on the image forming unit, it is possible to realize the image forming apparatus 1 capable of freely setting the timing for determining completion of image formation.

Here, the “pre-processing unit” is a unit that processes sheets before image formation, and has, for example, a function that counts the number of sheets in advance or a function that applies predetermined markings to sheets. Stuff and additional paper feed units.
The “intermediate processing unit” is a unit that performs intermediate processing of paper after image formation and before post-processing. For example, a function that performs processing such as paper gloss processing and paper strengthening processing such as coating. Is included.

As mentioned above,
(I) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image by conveying a print medium, and a plurality of predetermined detection positions on a conveyance path along which the print medium is conveyed. A sheet passing sensor; a determination unit that determines completion of image formation based on the detection result; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the sheet passing sensor, and the determination unit. The determination unit causes the determination unit to determine completion of the image formation based on a detection result of a sheet passing sensor designated in advance by an administrator.

In the present invention, the “sheet passing sensor” is a sensor that detects whether or not a sheet has passed a predetermined point on the transport path. As the sheet passing sensor, for example, a sheet feeding sensor that detects whether or not the sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit, a developing unit passage sensor that detects whether or not the sheet has passed through the image forming unit, and a fixing unit that has the sheet Examples include a fixing unit passage sensor that detects whether or not a sheet has passed, or a sheet discharge sensor that detects whether or not a sheet has passed through a sheet discharge unit. These sheet passing sensors are provided in advance at positions suitable for detecting whether or not a sheet has passed on a conveyance path provided with a unit to be detected.
The “manager” is a person who manages the image forming apparatus of the present invention and allows the user to use it. For example, in the case of a convenience store, it is a store clerk who sets and uses an image forming apparatus for a convenience store user. In this case, the “user” is a customer who uses the image forming apparatus in a convenience store.
In addition, the administrator may be a user, and an administrator may be an image forming apparatus, a supplier that provides a copy service using the image forming apparatus, a maintenance agent, or the like.
“Preliminarily designated by the administrator” means that the administrator sets a paper passing sensor that serves as a reference for setting the timing of image formation completion determination according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus.
In the flow of paper transport in the image forming apparatus, assuming that the paper feed unit side is the upstream side and the paper discharge unit side is the downstream side, the paper passing sensor on the transport path close to the upstream side is specified. Since the determination is made regardless of the presence or absence of image formation or fixing, the determination of completion of image formation becomes strict.
On the other hand, when a sheet passing sensor on the transport path close to the downstream side is designated, the determination of completion of image formation becomes relatively gentle because determination is not made even after a while after image formation or fixing on the sheet. . The administrator can freely set the timing of image formation completion determination by adjusting the designation of the paper passing sensor.
“Image forming device” refers to a copier or multifunction device having a copying (copying) function, such as a printer, or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) including a function other than copying. It is a device that outputs.
Note that the image forming apparatus may have a coin vendor function. Further, charging may be performed via a network connected to the image forming apparatus.

Furthermore, the preferable aspect of this invention is demonstrated.
(Ii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a post-processing unit that transports the print medium and performs post-processing, and a post-processing sensor that detects whether or not the print medium has passed through the post-processing unit. A connection unit to which a unit can be mounted is further provided, and when the post-processing unit is mounted on the connection unit, the control unit can also specify the sheet passing sensor by an administrator. (Embodiment 8)

  In this way, when the post-processing unit is installed as an option in the image forming apparatus, the sheet passing sensor in the post-processing unit can also be designated as the target of the image formation completion determination timing. An image forming apparatus capable of freely setting the timing of completion of image formation including the paper passing sensor can be realized.

  The “post-processing unit” is a portion where a bundle of sheets is subjected to predetermined processing such as sorting or stapling processing or punching processing as necessary. Some post-processing units are connected to the image forming unit from the beginning, and some post-processing units can be used by being attached to the image forming unit as an option.

  (Iii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when an error occurs during the conveyance of the print medium, the control unit completes the image formation in the determination unit based on the detection result at the time of occurrence of the error. May be determined. (Embodiment 9)

  In this way, even if a malicious user who intends to remove fraud is intentionally generating an error when image formation is completed and taking away the paper remaining in the image forming apparatus, an error will occur. Since the detection result of the paper passing sensor at the time of occurrence of this is immediately reflected, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of preventing an unauthorized action for removing the waste.

  The “error” is not limited to an error caused by a paper jam (paper jam) in the conveyance path in the image forming apparatus, but an error other than a paper jam, for example, during operation of the image forming apparatus. Also included are errors caused by turning off the power or opening the front cover of the image forming apparatus.

  (Iv) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit detects the print medium from a state in which the paper passing sensor has not detected the print medium at a timing for causing the determination unit to determine completion of the image formation. The administrator may be able to designate either the time when the print medium is detected or the time when the print medium is not detected from the state where the paper passing sensor detects the print medium. (Embodiment 10)

  In this way, it is possible to specify the timing for determining completion of image formation as either “at the start of paper passing” or “at the end of paper passing” at the detection position of each paper passing sensor. It is possible to specify the timing.

For example, in the development unit passage sensor, it is in a state at the time of passing paper (no image is formed on the paper) or at the end of paper passing (when the image is not fixed on the paper) Since it can be specified in detail, even if there is a problem in image quality and storability, it is possible to effectively prevent an unauthorized action by a malicious user that an image should be formed on a sheet.
In this way, in a certain sheet passing sensor, the time point when the sheet is detected from the state where the sheet is not detected is designated as the timing for determining completion of image formation, or the sheet is not detected when the sheet is detected. Depending on whether or not the designated time is designated as the timing for determining completion of image formation, it is possible to set accurately according to the use environment.

  (V) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a display unit that displays a screen for designating the sheet passing sensor and receives an operation from an administrator, and the control unit includes the plurality of sheet passing sheets on the display unit. The position of the sensor may be shown and designated by the administrator. (Embodiment 11)

  In this way, setting can be made while referring to the positions of a plurality of sheet passing sensors shown on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, so that it is easy to specify the positions of the sheet passing sensors.

In particular, when the display unit has a touch panel function, it is possible to more easily specify the timing for determining completion of image formation by touching the position of the paper passing sensor to be specified.
In this case, it is possible to prevent the malicious user from knowing the setting contents by enabling the setting to be hidden with the administrator authority.

  (Vi) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may further include a communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, and the control unit may designate the sheet passing sensor from the terminal. Embodiment 12

  In this way, it is possible to designate a paper passing sensor from an external terminal without directly operating the image forming apparatus.

  Also, batch designation can be realized from the management terminal via the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, the network, or via the network. In particular, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are operated on a large scale, efficient setting can be performed by simultaneously specifying paper passing sensors for a plurality of image forming apparatuses from a management terminal.

  (Vii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a user information acquisition unit that acquires information for specifying a user, and the control unit is configured to control the sheet passing sensor based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The position may be changeable. (Embodiment 13)

  In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine completion of image formation in accordance with the characteristics of the user who uses the image forming apparatus.

  A “user” is a person who uses a copy service using an image forming apparatus. Further, the administrator may be a user.

  (Viii) In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the user information acquisition unit reads information on the IC card by a contact method or a non-contact method, and the control unit reads the user information from the information held in the IC card. You may acquire. (Embodiment 14)

  In this way, it is possible to set an appropriate image formation completion determination according to the user layer of the image forming apparatus based on the user information held on the employee ID card or copy card.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include combinations of any of the above-described plurality of embodiments.
In addition to the above-described embodiments, there can be various modifications of the present invention. These modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

1: image forming apparatus, 1a: first image forming unit, 1b: second image forming unit, 2: information processing apparatus, 3: facsimile apparatus, 10: control unit, 11: operation unit, 12: display unit, 13: Image processing unit, 14: communication unit, 15: image reading unit, 16: image forming unit, 17: counter, 18: storage unit, 19: paper transport unit, 100: image reading unit, 101: document table, 102: automatic 110: light source unit, 111: light source, 112, 121, 122: mirror, 120: mirror unit, 123, 124: list of options, 130: CCD reading unit, 131: imaging lens, 132: CCD sensor 171, 172, 173 to 17 n: first, second, third to n-th sheet passing sensors , 200: image forming unit, 201: laser writing unit, 202: photoconductor drum, 203: charging unit, 204: developing unit, 205: transfer unit, 206: cleaner, 207: static eliminator, 208: fixing unit, 209 , 403: paper discharge roller, 210: paper feed cassette, 211: manual feed tray, 212, 215, 303, 401, 405, 409, 412, 413, 601, 702, 703, 704, 705: paper transport path, 213 , 304, 402, 410: switching gate, 220: switchback path, 221: duplex unit, 230: intermediate transfer unit, 230C, 230K, 230M, 230Y: visible image forming unit, 231: tension roller, 300: paper feed Unit, 301, 302: paper Cassette, 301a, 302a, 408: Call-in roller, 305, 411: Switchback path, 306: Large capacity cassette, 400: Paper discharge unit, 404, 407, 701: Paper discharge tray, 406: Paper discharge roller, 420: Mailbox, 421: Mailbox, 422: Exit, 500: Post-processing unit, 501: Finisher, 600, 700: Bypass unit, Cn: Print count

Claims (8)

A paper feeder for feeding print media;
An image forming unit that conveys the print medium and forms an image;
A fixing unit for fixing an image on the print medium;
A discharge unit for discharging the print medium;
A plurality of paper passing sensors provided at a plurality of predetermined detection positions on a conveyance path along which the print medium is conveyed;
A determination unit that determines whether to count up the number of printed sheets based on the detection result;
A control unit that controls the paper feeding unit, the image forming unit, the fixing unit, the discharge unit, the paper passing sensor, and the determination unit;
The plurality of paper passing sensors include a paper feed sensor that detects whether or not the print medium is conveyed from the paper feed unit, a fixing unit passage sensor that detects whether or not the print medium has passed through the fixing unit, and A paper discharge sensor that detects whether or not the print medium has passed through the discharge unit;
The control unit causes the determination unit to determine whether to count up the number of printed sheets based on a detection result of a sheet passing sensor designated in advance by an administrator among the plurality of sheet passing sensors. . A post-processing unit that transports the print medium and performs post-processing; and a connection unit that can be mounted with a post-processing unit having a paper passing sensor that detects whether or not the print medium has passed through the post-processing unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the post-processing unit is attached to the connection unit, the control unit enables an administrator to specify the sheet passing sensor. 3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when an error occurs in the middle of transporting a print medium, the control unit causes the determination unit to determine to count up the number of printed sheets based on the detection result at the time of occurrence of the error. Image forming apparatus. The control unit determines the timing at which the determination unit determines to count up the number of printed sheets at a time when the paper passing sensor detects the printing medium from a state in which the printing medium is not detected, or the paper passing sensor detects the printing medium. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to allow an administrator to designate one of the time points when the print medium is changed from a detected state to an undetected state. 5. A display unit that displays a screen for designating the paper passing sensor and receives an operation from an administrator;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to indicate positions of the plurality of paper passing sensors and to designate an administrator. 6. A communication unit that can communicate with an external terminal is further provided.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enables the sheet passing sensor to be designated from the terminal. A user information acquisition unit that acquires information for identifying the user;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change a position of the sheet passing sensor based on user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The user information acquisition unit reads information on the IC card by a contact method or a non-contact method,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit acquires the user information from information held in the IC card.