Image forming apparatus, image forming system, state presentation method, and state presentation program

Abstract

To enhance effect of urging collection of a medium discharged to a medium discharge tray.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (10) includes: an image forming unit (14) that forms an image on a medium based on a received print job; a medium discharge tray (22) to which the medium on which the image is formed is discharged; a medium sensor (24) that outputs a detection signal indicating presence or absence of the medium on the medium discharge tray (22); a lighting unit (23) that presents a state of the medium discharge tray (22); a time measuring unit (15) that measures time; and a control unit (30) that controls the lighting unit (23) based on a preset lighting pattern. The control unit (30) changes a lighting pattern used for lighting of the lighting unit (23) based on medium standing time (T1) during which the detection signal continues to indicate presence of the medium and a source of the print job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that form an image on a medium, and a status display method and a status display program for displaying the status of a medium discharge tray of an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus (also called a "printing apparatus") that forms an image on a medium such as paper (also called a "printing medium") is provided with a medium ejection tray onto which the medium on which the image has been formed is ejected. When a print job is sent to the image forming apparatus from a terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone, the image is printed on the medium, and the medium as a printed matter is ejected onto the medium ejection tray.

[0003] When an image forming apparatus is installed in a location far from a terminal device, a user of the terminal device may forget to collect media that have been discharged into the media discharge tray. To address this issue, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that has a function to notify the user that there are uncollected media in the media discharge tray by lighting a lamp (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-70169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if a lamp is lit to indicate that there are uncollected media in the media output tray, the effect of encouraging users to collect the media is diminished for users who have become accustomed to seeing the lamp lit. This can lead to problems such as printed media for different users being piled up on the media output tray, media being collected by another user by mistake, or collected media being mixed with other users' printed media.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can enhance the effectiveness of encouraging the collection of media discharged into a media discharge tray, as well as a status presentation method and a status presentation program that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of encouraging the collection of media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming device disclosed herein comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium based on a received print job, a medium output tray into which the medium on which the image has been formed is output, a medium sensor that outputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of the medium in the medium output tray, a lighting unit that indicates the status of the medium output tray, a time measurement unit that measures time, and a control unit that controls the lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern, and is characterized in that the control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit based on the amount of time the medium is left unattended during which the detection signal continues to indicate the presence of the medium and the source of the print job.

[0008] The image forming system disclosed herein comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium based on a received print job, a medium output tray into which the medium on which the image has been formed is output, a medium sensor that outputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of the medium in the medium output tray, a lighting unit that indicates the status of the medium output tray, a time measurement unit that measures time, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern and changes the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit based on the amount of time the medium is left unattended during which the detection signal continues to indicate the presence of the medium and the source of the print job.

[0009] The status indication method disclosed herein is characterized by comprising the steps of forming an image on a medium based on a received print job and discharging the medium to a medium output tray; measuring the medium leaving time during which a detection signal output from a media sensor that detects the presence or absence of the medium in the media output tray continues to indicate the presence of the medium; controlling a lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern; and changing the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit that indicates the status of the media output tray based on the medium leaving time and the sender of the print job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] By using the image forming device, image forming system, status presentation method, and status presentation program disclosed herein, the effect of encouraging media collection can be enhanced by changing the lighting pattern of the lighting unit that indicates the status of the media output tray of the image forming device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment and a terminal device that transmits a print job. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a lighting pattern table including the light emission colors of the lamps and the light emission patterns of the lamps. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a lighting pattern table including a medium ejection tray, a lamp light color, and a lamp light pattern. FIG. [Figure 6] 10(a) to 10(f) are diagrams showing examples of administrator setting screens displayed on the operation display unit (display unit) of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to a first embodiment and a terminal device that transmits a print job. [Figure 8] 1 is an external view schematically illustrating an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an operation after a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation performed after a long time has elapsed since a print job was executed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern C1 of a lamp in an image forming apparatus of a comparative example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern C2 of the lamps in the image forming apparatus of the comparative example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp lighting pattern C3 of an image forming apparatus of a comparative example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp lighting pattern C4 of an image forming apparatus of a comparative example. [Figure 16] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E5 of a lamp in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E6 of a lamp in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E7 of a lamp in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E8 of a lamp in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment and a terminal device that transmits a print job. [Figure 21] 10 is an external view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus and a lost and found box according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of the state of a medium discharge tray and the screen of an operation display unit (display unit) of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of an operation display unit (display unit) of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] 10A to 10F are diagrams showing an example of a display of a left-behind screen on the operation display unit (display unit) of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment (when there is a printed medium and it is not in power saving mode). [Figure 25] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing an example of a display of a left-behind screen on the operation display unit (display unit) of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment (when a printed medium is present and power is being saved). [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation after a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E9 of lamps in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E10 of lamps in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 30] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting pattern E11 of a lamp in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a status display method, and a status display program according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and the embodiments can be appropriately combined and modified. In the following description, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0013] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is, for example, a printing apparatus (printer). The image forming system according to the embodiment generally includes an image forming apparatus and a lamp for displaying information. The status display method according to the embodiment is a method for displaying the status of a medium ejection tray of the image forming apparatus using a lamp. The status display program according to the embodiment is a software program that causes the image forming apparatus (or a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus) to display the status of the medium ejection tray of the image forming apparatus using a lamp.

[0014] 1. First embodiment 1-1 Overview of the First Embodiment The first embodiment relates to a technique that can effectively encourage a user to collect media after they have been ejected by indicating the state of the media ejection tray of an image forming device using a lamp (lighting unit).

[0015] The image forming device of embodiment 1 effectively notifies the user that there is uncollected media by changing the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp based on the media leaving time T1 (the time elapsed since the media was discharged into the media discharge tray) that the media remains in the media discharge tray and the sender of the print job.

[0016] The control unit of the image forming device uses a predetermined single job pattern (e.g., continuously lighting the light-emitting unit that emits light of a first color) as the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp when the media leaving time T1 (i.e., the time elapsed since the time t=0 when the printed media was discharged to the media discharge stacker) is less than or equal to a predetermined set time Tr and there is one sender of the print job, and uses a predetermined multiple job pattern (e.g., continuously lighting the light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color) as the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp when the media leaving time T1 is less than or equal to Tr and there are multiple senders.

[0017] In addition, the control unit of the image forming device uses a predetermined single long-term leaving pattern (for example, blinking of the light-emitting unit that emits light of a first color) as the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp when the media leaving time T1 is longer than a predetermined Tr and the number of senders of the print job is one, and uses a predetermined multiple long-term leaving pattern (for example, blinking of the light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color) as the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp when the media leaving time T1 is longer than the Tr and the number of senders is multiple.

[0018] The control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lamp by switching the color of light emitted from the lamp, and also changes the lighting pattern used to light the lamp by switching the lighting method of the lamp to either continuous lighting, flashing at a first cycle, or flashing at a second cycle longer than the first cycle.

[0019] The control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lamp, for example, by switching the color of light emitted from the lamp and switching the lighting method of the lamp to either continuous lighting, flashing at a first cycle, or flashing at a second cycle longer than the first cycle.

[0020] In addition, the image forming system of embodiment 1 effectively notifies the user that there is uncollected media by changing the lighting pattern used to turn on a lamp installed at a location away from the image forming device based on the media leaving time T1 that the media remains in the media output tray and the source of the print job.

[0021] By using the status presentation method and status presentation program according to embodiment 1, the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp is changed based on the media leaving time T1 that the media remains in the media output tray and the sender of the print job, thereby effectively informing the user that there is uncollected media.

[0022] 1-2. Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment and terminal devices 41 to 43 that transmit print jobs. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to terminal devices 41 to 43, such as PCs, tablet terminals, and smartphones, via a network. FIG. 1 shows three terminal devices 41, 42, and 43 and users A, B, and C. However, any number of terminal devices may be connected. The network may be wired or wireless. When the terminal devices 41 to 43 transmit print jobs to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 receives the print jobs, prints an image based on the print job on a medium such as paper, and ejects the medium (also referred to as a "printed medium" or "printed matter") with the printed image onto the medium ejection tray 22. The image forming apparatus 10 has a lamp 23 that indicates the status of the medium ejection tray 22, and by changing the illumination pattern of the lamp 23, effectively encourages users to collect the printed medium M1.

[0023] 2 is a schematic external view of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a printing device (printer) having a printing function, but may also be a multifunction device having a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, an email function, a facsimile function, etc.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 10 also has an apparatus main body 2. The apparatus main body 2 has a document table 3 on which a document is placed, and an automatic document feeder 4 that automatically feeds the document onto the document table 3. The automatic document feeder 4 is provided on the top of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be openable and closable.

[0025] The device main body 2 has an operation display unit 18 (including a display unit 12 and an operation unit 13) on the front side of the upper part, an image forming unit 14 that forms images inside, and multiple paper feed cassettes that supply unused media M at the bottom. The device main body 2 also has a medium discharge tray 22 into which printed media M1 are discharged. The device main body 2 also has a lamp 23 that illuminates the medium discharge tray 22. The lamp 23 illuminates printed media M1 discharged into the media discharge tray 22, which tends to be dim. A media sensor 24 that detects printed media M1 discharged into the media discharge tray 22 is provided near the media discharge tray 22.

[0026] (Lamp configuration) Lamp 23 lights up in at least two lighting patterns. Lamp 23 has, for example, a plurality of light-emitting units. Lamp 23 includes, for example, a first light-emitting unit 23a (shown in FIG. 3 described later) that emits yellow light as a first color of light, a second light-emitting unit 23b (shown in FIG. 3 described later) that emits blue light as a second color of light different from the first color, and a lens (not shown) that collects the light emitted from first light-emitting unit 23a or second light-emitting unit 23b.

[0027] The first light-emitting unit 23a includes, for example, a blue LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits blue light and a phosphor that converts the blue light into yellow light. The second light-emitting unit 23b includes a blue LED that emits blue light. The lamp 23 may also include a third light-emitting unit that emits light of a third color (e.g., red light) that is different from both the first color and the second color. In other words, the colors of light emitted by the lamp 23 are not limited to the above two colors, and the lamp 23 may include a light-emitting unit that emits light of another color in addition to yellow and blue, or may include a light-emitting unit that emits light of another color instead of yellow and blue.

[0028] Furthermore, the lamp 23 emits light in a plurality of lighting patterns. For example, the lamp 23 may have only one light-emitting unit as long as it can emit light in two lighting patterns, such as continuous lighting in the same color and flashing in the same color. Alternatively, the lamp 23 may have three or more light-emitting units.

[0029] Lamp 23 is positioned to illuminate a certain range, for example, a diameter of about 10 cm, of media M discharged onto media discharge tray 22. Lamp 23 may be located elsewhere as long as the illuminated light is visible from outside image forming apparatus 10. Lamp 23 may also be located away from device main body 2, where it is connected to enable wired or wireless communication, for example, on the ceiling, or may be suspended from the ceiling.

[0030] (Media sensor configuration) The media sensor 24, which serves as a media detection unit, detects the presence or absence of printed media M1 discharged to the media discharge tray 22 and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 30. The media sensor 24 continues to transmit the detection signal while printed media M1 are present in the media discharge tray 22, and stops transmitting the detection signal when all media M are removed from the media discharge tray 22.

[0031] The medium sensor 24 may be, for example, a reflective light-emitting / receiving sensor using a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged in the same direction, or a transmissive light-emitting / receiving sensor using a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged to correspond to it.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 30 that controls each unit. The control unit 30 is connected to a storage unit 11, an operation / display unit 18, an image forming unit 14, a time measurement unit 15 that measures time, a communication unit 16, a lighting circuit 17, and a media sensor 24. However, a part or all of the control unit 30 may be a control unit of an external device (e.g., a control device such as a server computer) connected to the image forming apparatus 10 directly or via a network. The time measurement unit 15 may be a time measurement unit of an external device (e.g., a time measurement unit of a server computer) connected to the image forming apparatus 10 directly or via a network. The storage unit 11 may be a time measurement unit of an external device (e.g., a time measurement unit of a server computer) connected to the image forming apparatus 10 directly or via a network.

[0033] The control unit 30 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an interface, etc. The processor executes programs (including the status presentation program according to the first embodiment) stored in the storage unit 11, thereby functioning as a setting unit 300, a receiving unit 301, an executing unit 302, a display control unit 303, a lighting control unit 304, an updating unit 305, etc.

[0034] The storage unit 11 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk (HDD), etc., and stores various information such as programs, lighting patterns, etc. The lighting patterns include the lighting patterns of the first light-emitting unit 23a and the second light-emitting unit 23b that constitute the lamp 23.

[0035] The operation display unit 18 includes an operation unit 13 for inputting information and a display unit 12 for displaying information. The operation display unit 18 is, for example, a touch panel display, and has a configuration in which a touch panel is superimposed on a display panel such as a liquid crystal display.

[0036] The image forming unit 14 forms (i.e., prints) an image on the medium M fed from the paper feed cassette, for example, by electrophotography or inkjet, thereby creating a printed medium M1 (i.e., a printed matter).

[0037] The network is, for example, a local area network (LAN).

[0038] The communication unit 16 communicates with the terminal devices 41 to 43, which are user terminals, via a network in accordance with a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). The communication unit 16 receives print jobs from the terminal devices 41 to 43.

[0039] The lighting circuit 17 turns on the lamp 23 when a lighting signal is sent from the control unit 30, and turns off the lamp 23 when a lighting signal is sent from the control unit 30. Specifically, when a first lighting signal is sent from the control unit 30, the lighting circuit 17 lights the first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23 in a lighting pattern (also referred to as the "single job pattern") indicating that printed media M1 printed based on a print job related to a single user are being discharged to the medium discharge tray 22. Furthermore, when a second lighting signal is sent from the control unit 30, the lighting circuit 17 lights the second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23 in a lighting pattern (also referred to as the "multiple job pattern") indicating that printed media M1 printed based on print jobs related to multiple users are being discharged to the medium discharge tray 22. Here, the single job pattern is an example of a first lighting pattern, and the multiple job pattern is an example of a second lighting pattern. Similarly, if the lamp 23 has an Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 3) light-emitting element (for example, a third light-emitting element that emits red light), when the Nth lighting signal is sent from the control unit 30, the lighting circuit 17 lights up the Nth light-emitting element of the lamp 23 in a lighting pattern that indicates that printed media M1 printed based on a print job related to a single user is being discharged to the media discharge tray 22.

[0040] When a first lighting signal is transmitted, the lighting circuit 17 lights up the first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23 in yellow as a single job pattern, and when a second lighting signal is transmitted, the lighting circuit 17 lights up the second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23 in blue as a multiple job pattern.

[0041] As the lighting pattern, either a single job pattern or a multiple job pattern is stored in the storage unit 11 by the lighting control unit 304, which will be described later.

[0042] The lighting patterns stored in the memory unit 11 include light colors and light emission patterns. Light colors include, for example, yellow and blue. Light emission patterns include continuous lighting (also simply referred to as "lighting"), blinking, lighting duration, light emission intensity, etc. Blinking patterns vary in the length of the lighting interval or lighting duration, such as "fast blinking" (i.e., a short blinking cycle) with a relatively short lighting interval (e.g., about 0.5 seconds), "slow blinking" (i.e., a long blinking cycle) with a relatively long lighting interval (e.g., about 1 second), and "breathing lighting" (i.e., a very long blinking cycle) with a lighting interval longer than "slow blinking" (e.g., about 2 seconds). In the first embodiment, the single job pattern is a pattern in which the light is lit in yellow, and the multiple job pattern is a pattern in which the light is lit in blue.

[0043] A printed medium M1, which has been created by forming an image on the medium M by the image forming unit 14 under the control of the control unit 30, is discharged to the medium discharge tray 22 by a medium transport mechanism (not shown).

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a lighting pattern table 111a including the light color and light pattern of the lamp 23. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a lighting pattern table 111b including the light color and light pattern of the lamp 23 and the medium ejection tray 22 and the light color and light pattern of the lamp 23. The lighting pattern table 111a in FIG. 4 has fields such as “user,” “color,” and “light pattern.” The “user” field records “single user,” which indicates a case where printed media M1 of a single user are ejected to the medium ejection tray 22, and “multiple users,” which indicates a case where printed media M1 of multiple users are ejected to the medium ejection tray 22. The “color” field records “yellow,” which is emitted by the first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23, and “blue,” which is emitted by the second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23. The “light pattern” field records a light pattern set by the setting unit 300, which will be described later, such as “on,” which means continuous lighting, “fast blinking,” “slow blinking,” or “breathing lighting,” which has different blinking intervals.

[0045] 5 allows for the setting of long-time left-on state. If "Yes" is selected for the long-time left-on state setting, the time is set and the setting unit 300 sets four patterns: "Single user," "Single user (long-time left-on state)," "Multiple users," and "Multiple users (long-time left-on state)." If "No" is selected for the long-time left-on state setting, the setting unit 300 sets two patterns: "Single user" and "Multiple users."

[0046] Next, the components 300 to 305 of the control unit 30 will be described. FIGS. 6A to 6F are diagrams showing examples of administrator setting screens displayed on the operation / display unit 18 (display unit 12) of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The setting unit 300 sets whether to enable the erroneous takeout prevention function and whether to enable the long-term leaving setting if the erroneous takeout prevention function is enabled, based on an administrator's operation on the administrator setting screens shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F. The erroneous takeout prevention function is a function that prevents erroneous takeout (recovery) of media using the lamp 23. To enable the long-term leaving setting, the administrator sets the Tr that determines a long period of time, and sets the lighting patterns for the single job pattern, the single (long-term leaving) job pattern (i.e., the single long-term leaving pattern), the multiple job pattern, and the multiple (long-term leaving) job pattern (i.e., the multiple long-term leaving pattern). To disable the long-term leaving setting, the administrator sets the lighting patterns for the single job pattern and the multiple job pattern.

[0047] The setting unit 300 records the lighting patterns of the single job pattern, single (left unattended for a long time) job pattern, multiple job pattern, and multiple (left unattended for a long time) job pattern selected on the administrator setting screen shown in Figures 6(a) to (f) as "lighting patterns" in the lighting pattern table.

[0048] In the first embodiment, there are four types of lighting patterns that can be set in the mistaken take-out prevention function: "single job pattern," "single (left for a long time) job pattern," "multiple job pattern," and "multiple (left for a long time) job pattern."

[0049] The reception unit 301 receives a print job transmitted from a terminal device via a network. Based on the received print job, the reception unit 301 acquires a user ID (User Identifier) ​​for identifying the terminal device or user that issued the print instruction, an email address, and the like. The reception unit 301 notifies the lighting control unit 304 of the acquired user ID, email address, and the like.

[0050] The execution unit 302 controls the image forming unit 14 to execute the print job accepted by the acceptance unit 301. When the image forming unit 14 ejects the medium M on which the image is printed onto the medium ejection tray 22, the execution unit 302 notifies the lighting control unit 304 of an ejection signal indicating that the medium M has been ejected.

[0051] The display control unit 303 controls the display of various screens such as a menu screen and a setting screen on the operation display unit 18 .

[0052] The lighting control unit 304 determines the identity of the user based on the user ID, email address, or telephone number of the user who is to receive the printed medium M1 notified by the reception unit 301. Furthermore, when a discharge signal is sent from the execution unit 302, if printed medium M1 of a single user has been discharged to the medium discharge tray 22, the lighting control unit 304 sends a first lighting signal corresponding to the single job pattern or the single (left unattended for a long time) job pattern to the lighting circuit 17, and if printed medium M1 of multiple users has been discharged to the medium discharge tray 22, the lighting control unit 304 sends a second lighting signal corresponding to the multiple job pattern or the multiple (left unattended for a long time) job pattern to the lighting circuit 17.

[0053] In this way, the administrator can select and customize (adjust) the lighting patterns shown in Figures 4 and 5. For example, in Figure 5, the administrator can select "yellow lighting" for "medium present (single user)", select "yellow flashing" for "medium present (single user) left unattended for a long time", select "blue lighting" for "medium present (multiple users)", and select "blue flashing" for "medium present (multiple users) left unattended for a long time".

[0054] Furthermore, the illumination colors used for lighting are not limited to two colors, and a three-color lighting pattern, such as red illumination when the device is left unused for a long time, can also be adopted. The reference time used to determine whether the device has been left unused for a long time is not limited to a time specified by the user, but may be set to a predetermined time (e.g., 60 minutes) by default. For example, the administrator can select "yellow lighting" for "media present (single user)," "red flashing" for "media present (single user) long-time unused," "blue lighting" for "media present (multiple users)," and "red flashing" for "media present (multiple users) long-time unused." The administrator can also select "yellow lighting" for "media present (single user)," "first red flashing" that flashes at a long interval for "media present (single user) long-time unused," "blue lighting" for "media present (multiple users)," and "second red flashing" that flashes more quickly than the first red flashing for "media present (multiple users) long-time unused."

[0055] Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to the first embodiment and a terminal device that transmits a print job. Fig. 8 is an external view that schematically shows the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The image forming device 10a shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is provided with a lamp 23 as a lighting unit that is capable of communicating with the image forming device 10b via a network, and communicates with the image forming device 10a via the network. In other respects, the image forming systems of Figs. 7 and 8 are the same as those of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0056] 1-3 Operation of the First Embodiment 1-3-1 Setting the function to prevent accidental removal When the administrator operates the operation display unit 18 to request the display of the administrator setting screen, the display control unit 303 displays the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(a) on the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12). On the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(a), either "Use" or "Do not use" the accidental removal prevention function can be selected using a radio button. The administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(a) has a "Close" button to close the screen and a "Confirm / Change" button to confirm or change the settings.

[0057] When the administrator selects "Use" as shown in Fig. 6(a), the setting unit 300 enables the function to prevent accidental removal. When the administrator operates the "Close" button in Fig. 6(a), the display control unit 303 displays the administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(b) on the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12).

[0058] 6(b), when the administrator selects "Yes" on the setting screen for the setting time Tr for the media leaving time T1, the setting unit 300 enables the long-term leaving function. The media leaving time T1 is the time elapsed since the media was discharged to the media discharge tray 22 (t=0).

[0059] The administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(c) is related to the single job pattern. The administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(c) allows the user to select one of the following lighting patterns using radio buttons: "ON" (continuous lighting), "Fast blinking" (short blinking), "Slow blinking" (long blinking), or "Breathing light" (even longer blinking). It is desirable to provide a function that prevents the same radio button from being selected on the administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(c) and the administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(d) so that the radio buttons selected on the administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(c) are different buttons. For this reason, the administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(c) and the administrator setting screen in FIG. 6(d) may be displayed simultaneously.

[0060] When the administrator selects one of the illumination patterns on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(c), the setting unit 300 records the selected illumination pattern in the "illumination pattern" for the "user" alone in the lighting pattern table 111b. When the administrator operates the "close" button 122 on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(b), the display control unit 303 displays the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(d) on the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12).

[0061] The administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(d) is related to the single job pattern when the printer is left unused for a long period of time. The administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(d) allows the user to select one of the following lighting patterns using the radio buttons: "On," "Fast Flashing," "Slow Flashing," or "Breathing Light."

[0062] When the administrator selects one of the illumination patterns on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(d), the setting unit 300 records the selected illumination pattern in the "illumination pattern" for long-term neglect by a "user" alone in the lighting pattern table 111. When the administrator operates the "close" button 122 on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(d), the display control unit 303 displays the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(e) on the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12).

[0063] The administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(e) is related to multiple job patterns. On the administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(e), one of the light emission patterns, "ON," "Fast flashing," "Slow flashing," or "Breathing ON," can be selected using the radio buttons.

[0064] When the administrator selects one of the illumination patterns on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(e), the setting unit 300 records the selected illumination pattern in the "illumination patterns" for the "user" in the lighting pattern table 111. When the administrator operates the "close" button on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(e), the display control unit 303 displays the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(f) on the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12).

[0065] The administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(f) is related to the multiple job patterns when the printer is left unused for a long period of time. On the administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(f), one of the light emission patterns, "On," "Fast flashing," "Slow flashing," or "Breathing light," can be selected using the radio buttons.

[0066] When the administrator selects one of the lighting patterns on the administrator setting screen of Figure 6 (f), the setting unit 300 records the selected lighting pattern in the lighting pattern table 111 as one of the "lighting patterns" left unused for a long period of time by the "user."

[0067] When the administrator selects "No" on the administrator setting screen of FIG. 6(b), the setting unit 300 disables the long-time left-standing function.

[0068] The administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(c) is related to the single job pattern. On the administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(c), one of the light emission patterns, "ON," "Fast flashing," "Slow flashing," or "Breathing ON," can be selected using the radio buttons.

[0069] When the administrator selects one of the illumination patterns on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(c), the setting unit 300 records the selected illumination pattern in the "illumination pattern" for the "user" alone in the lighting pattern table 111. When the administrator operates the "close" button on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(b), the display control unit 303 displays the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(e) on the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12).

[0070] The administrator setting screen 120E in Fig. 6(e) is related to the multiple job pattern. As with the administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(c), the administrator setting screen in Fig. 6(e) allows the user to select one of the light emission patterns, "ON," "Fast Blinking," "Slow Blinking," or "Breathing ON," using the radio buttons.

[0071] When the administrator selects one of the lighting patterns on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(e), the setting unit 300 records the selected lighting pattern in the "user's multiple lighting patterns" in the lighting pattern table 111. If the long-time left-alone function is disabled, the long-time left-alone setting screen of Fig. 6(d) is not displayed on the administrator setting screen of Fig. 6(d). Also, the long-time left-alone setting screen of Fig. 6(f) is not displayed on the administrator setting screen 120F of Fig. 6(f).

[0072] 1-3-2 Operation when a print job is executed 9 is a flowchart showing the operation when a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 1. The print job to be executed is a print job.

[0073] When the reception unit 301 receives a print job from a terminal device via a network, it acquires a user ID from the print job and notifies the lighting control unit 304 of the user ID.

[0074] The execution unit 302 starts executing the print job accepted by the acceptance unit 301. That is, the execution unit 302 controls the image forming unit 14 to print and output the image data included in the print job on the medium M. The image forming unit 14 prints an image based on the image data on the medium M and ejects the printed medium M1 to the medium ejection tray 22.

[0075] The lighting control unit 304 determines whether or not a printed medium M1 is present in the medium discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal output from the medium sensor 24 (step S01).

[0076] If the printed medium M1 is present (YES in step S01), the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the printed medium M1 has been left standing for a long period of time (step S02).

[0077] If the printed medium M1 has not been left for a long time (YES in step S02), the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user of the printed medium M1 is the same as the user of the running print job (step S03). That is, the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user ID notified last time by the reception unit 301 is the same as the user ID notified this time.

[0078] If it is determined that the users are the same (YES in step S03), lighting control unit 304 stores the single job pattern as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S04).

[0079] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the discharge signal from the execution unit 302, it transmits a first lighting signal corresponding to the individual job pattern stored as the lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the individual job pattern corresponding to the first lighting signal (step S05). The first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23 lights up in yellow.

[0080] In step S03, if it is determined that the users are not the same (NO in step S03), lighting control unit 304 stores the multiple job patterns as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S06).

[0081] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the discharge signal from the execution unit 302, it transmits a second lighting signal corresponding to the multiple job pattern stored as the lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the multiple job pattern corresponding to the second lighting signal (step S07). The second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23 lights up in blue.

[0082] In step S02, if the printed medium M1 has been left for a long time (NO in step S02), the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user of the printed medium M1 is the same as the user of the running print job (step S08). That is, the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user ID notified last time by the reception unit 301 is the same as the user ID notified this time.

[0083] If it is determined that the user is the same (YES in step S08), lighting control unit 304 stores the single long-time unused pattern as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S09).

[0084] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the discharge signal from the execution unit 302, it transmits a first lighting signal corresponding to the single long-time unused pattern stored as lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the single long-time unused pattern corresponding to the first lighting signal (step S10). The first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23 lights up in yellow.

[0085] In step S08, if it is determined that the users are not the same (NO in step S08), lighting control unit 304 stores the plurality of long-time unused patterns as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S11).

[0086] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the discharge signal from the execution unit 302, it transmits a second lighting signal corresponding to the multiple long-time unused patterns stored as lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the multiple long-time unused patterns corresponding to the second lighting signal (step S12). The second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23 lights up in blue.

[0087] If the detection signal is not transmitted (NO in step S01), measurement of the long-term unused time (medium unused time T1) is started (step S13). After the measurement is started, the lamp 23 is turned on in the single job pattern (steps S04 and S05).

[0088] When the reception unit 301 receives an email print job, it acquires an email address from the print job. When the reception unit 301 receives a facsimile print job, it acquires a phone number from the print job. The reception unit 301 notifies the lighting control unit 304 of the email address or phone number. The lighting control unit 304 determines the identity of the user based on the email address or phone number.

[0089] 1-3-3 Actions after a print job is executed 10 is a flowchart showing the operation after execution of a print job in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. The lighting control unit 304 determines the state of the medium discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S21).

[0090] If the detection signal of the media sensor 24 indicates that the media output tray 22 has changed from no media present to media present, for example, if the user collects all of the printed media M1 from the media output tray 22 and then returns the printed media M1 other than the user's own printed media M1 to the media output tray 22, or if a new print job occurs and printed media M1 are output to the media output tray 22, the lighting control unit 304 controls the lamp 23 to light up using the lighting pattern information 112 stored in the memory unit 11 (step S22).

[0091] After turning on lamp 23, it is determined whether it has been left for a long time (step S23). If it has been left for a long time (YES in step S23), the process returns to determining the state of media discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal of media sensor 24 (step S01).

[0092] If the medium has not been left unused for a long time (NO in step S23), the process restarts measuring the long-time unused time (step S24). After restarting measuring the long-time unused time (media unused time T1), the process returns to determining the state of the medium discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S01).

[0093] If the state of the media discharge tray 22 changes from media present to media absent based on the detection signal of the media sensor 24, for example, if the user collects the printed media M1 from the media discharge tray 22, the lighting control unit 304 controls the lighting circuit 17 to turn off the lamp 23 (step S25).

[0094] After the lamp is turned off, the measurement of the long-term standing time (media standing time T1) is stopped (step S26), and the process returns to determining the state of the media discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal of the media sensor 24 (step S01).

[0095] 1-3-4 Long-term 11 is a flowchart showing the operation after a long time has elapsed since the execution of a print job in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. Next, an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 after a long time has elapsed will be described.

[0096] When "Yes" is selected on the administrator setting screen and the set time has elapsed, measurement of the long-term leaving time (medium leaving time T1) ends (step S31).

[0097] It is determined whether the print job is a single job pattern or a multiple job pattern (step S32). If it is a single job pattern (YES in step S32), a single long-time unused pattern is stored as lighting pattern information (step S33), and the lamp is turned on in the single long-time unused pattern (step S34). The image forming device 10 notifies the user of the ejected printed medium M1 by email using a user table (i.e., information showing the correspondence between user ID, email address, and telephone number) that the printed medium M1 has been left behind (step S35).

[0098] In the case of a multiple job pattern (NO in step S32), multiple long-time unused patterns are stored as lighting pattern information (step S36), and the lamp is turned on in accordance with the multiple long-time unused patterns (step S37).The image forming device 10 notifies the user of the ejected printed medium M1 by email from the user table that the printed medium M1 has been left behind (step S35).

[0099] 《1-3-5》Specific actions 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing lamp lighting patterns C1 to C4 of an image forming apparatus of a comparative example. The image forming apparatus of the comparative example is the same as the image forming apparatus of embodiment 1 except for the operation content. Figs. 16 to 19 are schematic diagrams showing lamp lighting patterns E5 to E8 of image forming apparatus 10 of embodiment 1.

[0100] Hereinafter, the job IDs of the print jobs will be referred to in the order in which they were received as Job1, Job2, Job3, etc. The lighting pattern information will be assumed to store a single job pattern as the initial value. The printed medium M1a will be Mr. A's printed medium M1, and the printed medium M1b will be Mr. B's printed medium M1.

[0101] <Lighting patterns C1 to C4 in comparison examples> 12, the print jobs Job1, Job2, and Job3 are printed in order, the printed media M1 are piled up on the media output tray 22, the lamp 23 lights up continuously in yellow, and when the user A collects the printed media M1, the lamp 23 goes out.

[0102] Lighting pattern C2 is a lighting pattern for a comparative example. In Fig. 13, printing of print job Job1 by person A is performed, and lamp 23 lights up continuously in yellow, and then printing of print job Job2 by person B is performed, and lamp 23 lights up continuously in blue. After that, person A collects the printed media for Job1, and then person B collects the printed media for Job2, and lamp 23 goes out.

[0103] Lighting pattern C3 is a lighting pattern for a comparative example. In Fig. 14, printing of print job Job1 by person A is performed, lamp 23 lights continuously in yellow, person A collects the printed media for Job1, and lamp 23 goes out. After that, printing of print job Job2 by person B is performed, lamp 23 lights continuously in yellow, person B collects the printed media for Job2, and lamp 23 goes out.

[0104] Lighting pattern C4 is a lighting pattern for a comparative example. In FIG. 15, printing of print job Job1 by person A is performed, and lamp 23 lights up continuously in yellow. Then, printing of print job Job2 by person B is performed, and lamp 23 lights up continuously in blue. After that, person A collects the printed media for Job1 and Job2, and lamp 23 goes out. Next, when person A returns the printed media for Job2 to the media output tray, lamp 23 lights up continuously in blue. After that, person B collects the printed media for Job2, and lamp 23 goes out.

[0105] <Lighting pattern E5> 16 is the lighting pattern of the first embodiment. Lighting pattern E5 shows the case where the same user's print jobs are running consecutively and left unattended for a long period of time. In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E5, when the printed medium M1a of the first print job (Job 1) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern, and when the printed medium M1a of the second print job (Job 2) is ejected, and further when the printed medium M1a of the third print job (Job 3) is ejected, lamp 23 also lights up in yellow.

[0106] If measurement of media leaving time T1 is set to "Yes" on the administrator setting screen and a set time Tr is set, the lamp 23 will switch to the light emission pattern for when the media is left alone for a long time after the set time Tr has elapsed from t=0. This light emission pattern for when the media is left alone for a long time is, for example, a flashing light (in FIG. 16, a flashing yellow light, which is the first color of light). Furthermore, a forgotten pickup notification is sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID. The light emission pattern for when the media is left alone for a long time may also be a flashing light of a third color (for example, red).

[0107] When person A notices that he has forgotten to pick up the printed medium M1a, he collects the printed medium M1a from the medium discharge tray 22. If the detection signal from the medium sensor 24 indicates that the medium discharge tray 22 is empty, the lamp 23 goes out.

[0108] <Lighting pattern E6> 17 is the lighting pattern of embodiment 1. Lighting pattern E6 occurs when, after two users have performed consecutive print jobs, a portion of the printed medium M1 is removed and then left for a long period of time.

[0109] In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E6, if a print job (Job1) by Person A occurs and then a print job (Job2) by Person B occurs, lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern when printed medium M1a of the first print job (Job1) is ejected, and lamp 23 lights up in blue in the multiple job pattern when printed medium M1b of the second print job (Job2) is ejected.

[0110] When Mr. A sees the blue light indicating that printed media M1 from multiple users have been discharged, he collects only his own printed media M1a out of the two printed media M1a and M1b.

[0111] At this point, since not all of the printed media M1 have been collected, the lamp 23 remains lit in blue.

[0112] If measurement of media leaving time T1 is set to "Yes" on the administrator setting screen and a set time Tr is set, the lamp 23 will switch to the light emission pattern used when the set time Tr has elapsed from t = 0. Furthermore, a forgotten media notification will be sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID.

[0113] When person B notices that he has forgotten to pick up his printed medium M1b, all of the printed medium M1 is removed from the medium discharge tray 22, and the lamp 23 goes out.

[0114] <Lighting pattern E7> Lighting pattern E7 shown in Fig. 18 is the lighting pattern of embodiment 1. Lighting pattern E7 occurs when two users' print jobs are performed consecutively and then the printer is left unused for a long period of time. In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E7, if a print job (Job1) by person A occurs followed by a print job (Job2) by person B, lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern when printed medium M1a of the first print job (Job1) is ejected, and lamp 23 lights up in blue in the multiple job pattern when printed medium M1b of the second print job (Job2) is ejected.

[0115] If measurement of media leaving time T1 is set to "Yes" on the administrator setting screen and a set time Tr is set, the lamp 23 will switch to the light emission pattern for multiple long-time leaving after the set time Tr has elapsed from t=0. This light emission pattern for multiple long-time leaving is, for example, blinking (in FIG. 18, blinking blue light, which is the second color of light). Furthermore, a forgotten pickup notification is sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID. The light emission pattern for multiple long-time leaving may also be blinking light of a third color (for example, red).

[0116] Person A notices that he / she left the printed media M1a behind and collects his / her printed media M1a. At this point, because not all of the printed media M1 have been collected, the lamp 23 remains lit in the lighting pattern for when the device has been left unused for a long period of time.

[0117] Next, when person B notices the forgotten medium notification and collects his / her printed medium M1b, all of the printed medium M1 is removed from the medium discharge tray 22, and the lamp 23 goes out.

[0118] <Lighting pattern E8> Lighting pattern E8 shown in FIG. 19 is the lighting pattern of embodiment 1. Lighting pattern E8 occurs when, after two users' consecutive print jobs, all of the printed media M1 are removed, some of the printed media M1 are then returned, and the device is left unused for a long period of time. In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E8, if a print job (Job1) by Person A occurs followed by a print job (Job2) by Person B, the lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern when the printed media M1a of the first print job (Job1) is ejected, and lights up in blue in the multiple job pattern when the printed media M1b of the second print job (Job2) is ejected. Person A collects the two printed media M1a and M1b. At this point, all of the printed media M1 are removed from the media ejection tray 22, so the lamp 23 goes out.

[0119] The user notices that printed media M1 other than his own printed media M1 are mixed in with the collected printed media M1, and returns the printed media Mb other than his own printed media M1 to the media discharge tray 22. As the printed media M1 have been returned to the media discharge tray 22, the lamp 23 lights up in blue, the same color as the multiple job pattern before it was turned off.

[0120] If measurement of media leaving time T1 is set to "Yes" on the administrator setting screen and a set time Tr is set, the lamp 23 will switch to the light emission pattern for multiple long-term leaving after the set time Tr has elapsed from t=0. This light emission pattern for multiple long-term leaving is, for example, blinking (in FIG. 19, blinking blue light, which is the second color of light). Furthermore, a forgotten pickup notification is sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID. The light emission pattern for multiple long-term leaving may also be blinking light of a third color (for example, red).

[0121] When person B notices that he has forgotten to pick up his printed medium M1b, all of the printed medium M1 is removed from the medium discharge tray 22, and the lamp 23 goes out.

[0122] 1-4. Effects of the First Embodiment The image forming device 10 of embodiment 1 can effectively notify the user that there is uncollected media by changing the lighting pattern (e.g., color, and continuous lighting or blinking, etc.) used to light the lamp 23 based on the media leaving time T1 that the media remains in the media output tray 22 and the sender of the print job.

[0123] The image forming system according to the first embodiment can effectively notify the user that there are uncollected media by changing the lighting pattern (for example, color, and whether to light continuously or flash) used to light the lamp 23 based on the source of the print job and the media leaving time T1 that the media have been left in the media discharge tray 22. In addition, the installation position of the lamp 23 can be set to a desired position, so the user can be effectively notified.

[0124] By using the status presentation method and status presentation program according to embodiment 1, the lighting pattern used to turn on the lamp can be changed based on the media leaving time T1 that the media remains in the media output tray and the sender of the print job, thereby effectively informing the user that there is uncollected media.

[0125] Furthermore, since the image forming apparatus 10 sends a notification to the user's terminal device, it is easy to notice that the user has forgotten to collect the media.

[0126] Furthermore, since the overlapping of media from multiple users on the media discharge tray 22 is reduced, the number of printed media M1 taken out by mistake is reduced.

[0127] 2. Second Embodiment 2-1 Overview of the Second Embodiment The second embodiment relates to a technology that can effectively encourage users to collect media after they have been ejected by displaying the status of the media ejection tray of the image forming device using a lamp (illumination unit). The second embodiment also relates to a technology that improves the convenience of the image forming device by utilizing a lost and found box, which is a storage unit for temporarily storing media ejected to the media ejection tray of the image forming device. In the second embodiment, when media in the media ejection tray are moved to the lost and found box for temporarily storing media, information indicating the storage location of the media is input from the operation display unit (including the operation unit).

[0128] The image forming device, image forming system, status presentation direction, and status presentation program according to the second embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment in that the image forming device, image forming system, status presentation direction, and status presentation program according to the second embodiment use a lost and found box 50, which is a storage unit for temporarily storing media discharged to the media discharge tray. If the lost and found box 50 is not used in the second embodiment, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0129] 2-2 Configuration of the Second Embodiment FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus 10b according to the second embodiment and terminal devices 41 to 43 that transmit print jobs. FIG. 21 is an external view that schematically shows an image forming apparatus 10b and a lost and found box 50. As shown in FIG. 21, the second embodiment uses a lost and found box 50, which is a storage unit for temporarily storing media. The lost and found box 50 has multiple storage compartments. When a user collects media from the media discharge tray of the image forming apparatus 10b and finds media belonging to another user, the user can move the media to the lost and found box 50 and input this information via the operation display unit 18. Note that the diagrams used in the description of the first embodiment will also be referenced in the description of the second embodiment.

[0130] 2-3 Operation of the Second Embodiment FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of the medium discharge tray 22 of the image forming apparatus 10b according to the second embodiment and an example of the screen of the operation and display unit 18 (display unit 12). FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the screen display of the operation and display unit 18 (display unit 12) of the image forming apparatus 10b. Also, FIGS. 24(a) to 24(f) are diagrams showing an example of the left-to-remove screen display of the operation and display unit 18 (display unit 12) of the image forming apparatus 10b (when printed media are present and not in power saving mode). FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b) are diagrams showing an example of the left-to-remove screen display of the operation and display unit 18 (display unit 12) of the image forming apparatus 10b (when printed media are present and in power saving mode).

[0131] 2-3-1 Setting the function to prevent accidental removal The operation for setting the function for preventing erroneous removal is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f)).

[0132] 2-3-2 Operation when a print job is executed 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10b according to Embodiment 2 when a print job is executed. The print job is a print job.

[0133] When the reception unit 301 receives a print job from a terminal device via the network, it acquires a user ID from the print job and notifies the lighting control unit 304 of the user ID.

[0134] The execution unit 302 starts executing the print job accepted by the acceptance unit 301. That is, the execution unit 302 controls the image forming unit 14 to print and output the image data included in the print job on the medium M. The image forming unit 14 prints the image data on the medium M and ejects it to the medium ejection tray 22 as printed medium M1.

[0135] The lighting control unit 304 determines whether or not printed medium M1 is present in the medium discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal output from the medium sensor 24 (step S01). If printed medium M1 is present (YES in step S01), the lighting control unit 304 determines whether printed medium M1 has been left unattended for a long period of time (step S02).

[0136] If the printed medium M1 has not been left for a long time (YES in step S02), the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user of the printed medium M1 is the same as the user of the running print job (step S03). That is, the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user ID notified last time by the reception unit 301 is the same as the user ID notified this time.

[0137] If it is determined that the users are the same (YES in step S03), lighting control unit 304 stores the single job pattern as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S04).

[0138] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the ejection signal from the execution unit 302, it sends a first lighting signal corresponding to the individual job pattern stored as the lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the individual job pattern corresponding to the first lighting signal (step S05). The first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23 lights up in yellow. Thereafter, the panel 25 displays a message that the printed medium M1 has been ejected (step S14).

[0139] In step S03, if it is determined that the users are not the same (NO in step S03), lighting control unit 304 stores the multiple job patterns as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S06).

[0140] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the ejection signal from the execution unit 302, it sends a second lighting signal corresponding to the multiple job pattern stored as the lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in accordance with the multiple job pattern corresponding to the second lighting signal (step S07). The second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23 lights up in blue. Thereafter, the panel 25 displays a message that the printed medium M1 has been ejected (step S14).

[0141] In step S02, if the printed medium M1 has been left for a long time (NO in step S02), the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user of the printed medium M1 is the same as the user of the running print job (step S08). That is, the lighting control unit 304 determines whether the user ID notified last time by the reception unit 301 is the same as the user ID notified this time.

[0142] If it is determined that the user is the same (YES in step S08), lighting control unit 304 stores the single long-time unused pattern as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S09).

[0143] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the ejection signal from the execution unit 302, it sends a first lighting signal corresponding to the single long-term unused pattern stored as lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the single long-term unused pattern corresponding to the first lighting signal (step S10). The first light-emitting unit 23a of the lamp 23 lights up in yellow. Thereafter, the panel 25 displays a message that the printed medium M1 has been ejected (step S14).

[0144] In step S08, if it is determined that the users are not the same (NO in step S08), lighting control unit 304 stores the plurality of long-time unused patterns as lighting pattern information 112 in storage unit 11 (step S11).

[0145] When the lighting control unit 304 receives the ejection signal from the execution unit 302, it transmits a second lighting signal corresponding to the multiple long-term unused patterns stored as lighting pattern information 112 to the lighting circuit 17. The lighting circuit 17 lights up the lamp 23 in the multiple long-term unused patterns corresponding to the second lighting signal (step S12). The second light-emitting unit 23b of the lamp 23 lights up in blue. Thereafter, the panel 25 displays a message that the printed medium M1 has been ejected (step S14).

[0146] If the detection signal is not transmitted (NO in step S01), measurement of the long-term unused time (medium unused time T1) is started (step S13). After the measurement is started, the lamp 23 is turned on in the single job pattern (steps S04 and S05).

[0147] The panel 25 displays a message that the printed medium M1 has been discharged (step S14).

[0148] When the reception unit 301 receives an email print job, it acquires an email address from the print job. When the reception unit 301 receives a facsimile print job, it acquires a phone number from the print job. The reception unit 301 notifies the lighting control unit 304 of the email address or phone number. The lighting control unit 304 determines the identity of the user based on the email address or phone number.

[0149] 2-3-3 Actions after a print job is executed FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10b according to the second embodiment after a print job is executed. The lighting control unit 304 determines the state of the medium discharge tray 22 based on the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S21). When the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 changes from "no medium M" to "medium M present"—for example, when a user removes all printed media M1 from the medium discharge tray 22 and returns printed media M1 other than the user's own printed media M1 to the medium discharge tray 22—or when a new print job is generated and printed media M1 are discharged to the medium discharge tray 22—the lighting control unit 304 controls the lamp 23 to light up using the lighting pattern information 112 stored in the memory unit 11 (step S22). After lighting the lamp 23, it is determined whether the device has been left unused for a long time (step S23). If the device has been left unused for a long time (YES in step S23), the process returns to determining the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S01).

[0150] If the medium has not been left unused for a long time (NO in step S23), the measurement of the long-time unused time (medium left unused time T1) is resumed (step S24). After the measurement of the long-time unused time (medium left unused time T1) is resumed, the process returns to determining the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S01).

[0151] If the detection signal of the media sensor 24 changes from media M present to media M absent, for example, if the user collects the printed media M1 from the media discharge tray 22, the lighting control unit 304 controls the lighting circuit 17 to turn off the lamp 23 (step S25).

[0152] After the lamp is turned off, measurement of the long-term leaving time (medium leaving time T1) is stopped (step S26). 6, the fact that the printed medium M1 has been collected is set on the panel 25 (step S27). If multiple printed media M1 are in the media discharge tray 22, it is determined whether printed media M1 other than the user's own have been stored in the lost and found box 50 (step S28).

[0153] If a printed medium M1 other than the user's own is stored in the lost and found box 50 (YES in step S28), as shown in Fig. 6, the fact that the printed medium M1 has been stored in the lost and found box 50 is input, and the user of the printed medium M1 stored in the lost and found box 50 is notified that they have left it behind (step S29). After the notification, the process returns to determining the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S01).

[0154] If the user has not stored the printed medium M1 other than the user's own in the lost and found box 50 (NO in step S28), the process returns to determining the detection signal of the medium sensor 24 (step S01).

[0155] 2-3-4 Operation after a long period of time The operation after a long time has elapsed in step S13 in FIG. 26 is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 11).

[0156] 2-3-5 Example of operation Specific operations will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 30. The job IDs of the print jobs are assumed to be Job1, Job2, Job3, ... in the order in which they are received. An example will be described in which a single job pattern is stored as the initial value of the lighting pattern information. Furthermore, printed medium M1a is assumed to be person A's printed medium M1, and printed medium M1b is assumed to be person B's printed medium M1.

[0157] In the second embodiment, an example of operation when the lost and found box 50 is not used is the same as the lighting patterns E5 to E8 (FIGS. 16 to 19) described in the first embodiment. Below, lighting patterns E9 to E11 (FIGS. 28 to 30) will be described as an example of operation when the lost and found box 50 is used.

[0158] <Lighting pattern E9> As shown in Figure 28, lighting pattern E9 occurs when, after two users' print jobs are completed in succession, Person A's printed medium M1a is collected and Person B's printed medium M1b is stored in the lost and found box 50.

[0159] In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E9, if a print job (Job2) by B occurs after a print job (Job1) by A occurs, when printed medium M1a of the first print job (Job1) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern and the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12) displays a message that there is a forgotten medium M. When printed medium M1b of the second print job (Job2) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in blue in the multiple job pattern.

[0160] When Mr. A sees the blue light indicating that printed media M1 of multiple users have been discharged, he collects only his own printed media M1a out of the two printed media M1a and M1b, and stores the printed media M1b in the lost and found box 50.

[0161] At this point, all of the printed media M1 have been collected, so the lamp 23 is turned off. 6, the fact that printed medium M1a of person A has been collected and printed medium M1b of person B has been stored in the lost and found box 50 is entered on the panel of the operation display unit 18. Then, a forgotten item notification is sent from the user table to the email address registered in correspondence with the relevant user ID.

[0162] Person B notices the notice and retrieves his / her printed medium M1b from the lost and found box 50. Since there is no printed medium M1 left in the medium discharge tray 22, the lamp 23 remains off.

[0163] <Lighting pattern E10> As shown in Figure 29, lighting pattern E10 occurs when two users' print jobs are performed in succession, the printed medium M1 is left unattended for a long time, and then person A's printed medium M1 is collected and person B's printed medium M1 is stored in the lost and found box 50.

[0164] In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E10, if a print job (Job 2) by B occurs after a print job (Job 1) by A occurs, when printed medium M1a of the first print job (Job 1) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern and the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12) displays a message that there is a forgotten medium M. When printed medium M1b of the second print job (Job 2) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in blue in the multiple job pattern.

[0165] If measurement of media leaving time T1 is set to "Yes" on the administrator setting screen and a set time Tr is set, the lamp 23 will switch to the light emission pattern for multiple long-time leaving after the set time Tr has elapsed from t=0. This light emission pattern for multiple long-time leaving is, for example, blinking (in FIG. 29, blinking blue light, which is the second color of light). Furthermore, a forgotten pickup notification is sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID. The light emission pattern for multiple long-time leaving may also be blinking light of a third color (for example, red).

[0166] Person A notices that he has left his printed medium M1a behind and collects his printed medium M1a. Person A collects only his printed medium M1a out of the two printed mediums M1a and M1b, and stores printed medium M1b in the lost and found box 50.

[0167] At this point, all printed media M1a and M1b have been collected, so lamp 23 is turned off. Collection of printed media M1a for Person A and storage of printed media M1b for Person B in lost and found box 50 are entered from operation display unit 18, as shown in FIG. 28. A forgotten print media notification is then sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID. Person B, notifying the forgotten print media notification, collects his / her printed media M1b from lost and found box 50. There are no more printed media in media output tray 22, so lamp 23 remains off.

[0168] <Lighting pattern E11> As shown in FIG. 30, lighting pattern E11 occurs when a third person places printed media M1a and M1b of users A and B in the lost and found box 50 after two users have performed consecutive print jobs.

[0169] In this case, as shown in lighting pattern E11, if a print job (Job 2) by B occurs after a print job (Job 1) by A occurs, when printed medium M1a from the first print job (Job 1) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in yellow in the single job pattern and the operation display unit 18 (display unit 12) displays a message that there is a forgotten medium M. When printed medium M1b from the second print job (Job 2) is ejected, lamp 23 lights up in blue in the multiple job pattern.

[0170] A third person discovers that the printed medium M1 has been discharged to the medium discharge tray 22 and stores the printed mediums M1a and M1b of Mr. A and Mr. B in the lost and found box 50.

[0171] At this point, all of the printed media M1 have been collected, so the lamp 23 is turned off. As shown in Figure 30, the fact that Mr. A and Mr. B's printed media M1a and M1b have been stored in the lost and found box 50 is input from the operation display unit 18. Then, a forgotten item notification is sent from the user table to the email address registered for the corresponding user ID.

[0172] Persons A and B, who have noticed the notice that they have left their printed media M1a and M1b behind, collect their printed media M1a and M1b from the lost and found box 50. Since the printed media M1 is no longer in the media discharge tray 22, the lamp 23 remains off.

[0173] 2-4. Effects of the Second Embodiment According to the second embodiment, by notifying the user that the medium has been moved to the lost and found box 50, the user is more likely to realize that he or she has left the printed medium M1 behind.

[0174] In addition, if the lost and found box 50 has multiple storage compartments, placing the printed medium M1 in an empty storage compartment of the lost and found box 50 can prevent the printed medium M1 of another user from being mistakenly collected.

[0175] Furthermore, by moving the printed media M1 to the lost and found box 50, the printed media M1 disappears from the media discharge tray 22, and the lamp 23 is turned off for a longer period of time, thereby saving power. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 10, 10a, 10b Image forming device, 12 Display unit, 13 Operation unit, 14 Image forming unit, 15 Time measurement unit, 18 Operation display unit, 22 Media output tray, 23 Lamp (lighting unit), 23a First light-emitting unit, 23b Second light-emitting unit, 24 Media sensor, 30 Control unit, 41-43 Terminal device, 50 Lost and found box (storage unit), M Media, M1, M1a, M1b Printed media (printed matter).

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium based on a received print job; a medium ejection tray onto which the medium on which the image is formed is ejected; a media sensor that outputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of the media in the media discharge tray; a lighting unit that indicates the state of the medium ejection tray; a time measurement unit that measures time; a control unit that controls the lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern; and The control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit based on the amount of time the detection signal continues to indicate the presence of the medium and the source of the print job. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The control unit When the medium leaving time is equal to or less than a preset time and the number of the senders is one, a preset single job pattern is used as the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit, When the medium leaving time is equal to or less than the set time and the number of the senders is plural, a preset multiple job pattern is used as the lighting pattern used for lighting the lighting unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The control unit When the medium leaving time is longer than a preset time and the number of the transmission sources is one, a preset single long-time leaving pattern is used as the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit, When the medium leaving time is longer than the set time and the number of the senders is plural, a plurality of preset long-time leaving patterns are used as the lighting pattern used for lighting the lighting unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The control unit When the medium leaving time is longer than the set time and the number of the transmission sources is one, a preset single long-time leaving pattern is used as the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit, When the medium leaving time is longer than the set time and the number of the senders is plural, a plurality of preset long-time leaving patterns are used as the lighting pattern used for lighting the lighting unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the lighting unit has a plurality of light-emitting units that emit light of different colors, the control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit by switching the color of the light emitted from the lighting unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. the plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit that emits light of a first color, a second light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color, and a third light-emitting unit that emits light of a third color; The control unit When the medium standing time is equal to or less than a preset time and the number of the transmitters is one, a first lighting pattern that emits light of the first color is used as the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit, When the medium leaving time is equal to or less than the set time and the number of the transmitters is plural, a second lighting pattern that emits light of the second color is used as the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit, When the medium standing time is longer than the set time, a third lighting pattern that emits light of the third color is used as the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit by switching the lighting method of the lighting unit to either continuous lighting, blinking at a first cycle, or blinking at a second cycle longer than the first cycle.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. the lighting unit has a plurality of light-emitting units that emit light of different colors, The control unit changes the lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit by switching the color of the light emitted from the lighting unit and by switching the lighting method of the lighting unit to one of continuous lighting, blinking at a first cycle, or blinking at a second cycle longer than the first cycle.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The device further includes an operation unit for inputting information indicating a storage location of the media when the media in the media discharge tray is moved to a storage unit for temporarily storing the media, The control unit notifies the storage location based on the information input from the operation unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium based on a received print job; a medium ejection tray onto which the medium on which the image is formed is ejected; a media sensor that outputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of the media in the media discharge tray; a lighting unit that indicates the state of the medium ejection tray; a time measurement unit that measures time; A control unit; and The control unit Controlling the lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern; The lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit is changed based on the time period during which the detection signal continues to indicate the presence of the medium and the source of the print job. An image forming system comprising:

11. forming an image on a medium based on the received print job and discharging the medium to a medium discharge tray; a step of measuring a time during which a detection signal output from a media sensor that detects the presence or absence of the media in the media discharge tray continues to indicate the presence of the media; controlling the lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern; changing a lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit that indicates the status of the media ejection tray based on the media leaving time and the sender of the print job; A state presentation method comprising:

12. a control unit that controls an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium based on a received print job and discharges the medium to a medium discharge tray; a step of measuring a time during which a detection signal output from a media sensor that detects the presence or absence of the media in the media discharge tray continues to indicate the presence of the media; controlling the lighting unit based on a preset lighting pattern; changing a lighting pattern used to light the lighting unit that indicates the status of the media ejection tray based on the media leaving time and the sender of the print job; A status presentation program characterized by executing the above.

Images