Positioning support system

Abstract

To provide a positioning support system that improves convenience in positioning work when connecting a first device and a second device.SOLUTION: A positioning support system includes assist means that supports positioning between a first device and a second device when the first device and the second device are connected. The assist means includes: a sensor provided on one of the first device or the second device; a detection member which is provided on the other of the first device or the second device and opposed to the sensor so as to enable detection of positions of the one device and the other device; and control means that determines a relative positional relationship between the sensor and the detection member and notifies a user of information indicating the relative positional relationship based on the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment assistance system. [Background technology]

[0002] Various systems that operate in conjunction with multiple devices are known, such as an image forming system that connects an image forming device that forms images on stored sheet-like media with a media supply device that increases the media capacity of the image forming device.

[0003] For example, in an image forming system, an image forming apparatus and a medium supplying device connected thereto are known that are connected in the direction of gravity (loading direction).

[0004] Also known is an image forming system in which the image forming device and the medium supply device are connected in the horizontal direction, which is the direction in which the medium is transported (horizontal direction).

[0005] In an image forming system in which multiple devices are connected, a technique for supporting the alignment of each device when the devices are connected is known. For example, in an image forming system in which devices are connected horizontally, an image forming system is disclosed in which a medium supply device is provided with a light-emitting unit mounting portion to which a light-emitting unit that emits light is attached, and the image forming system has a first surface facing the image forming device on the side farther from the image forming device, and a second surface facing the image forming device on the side closer to the image forming device, and a through-hole is formed to allow light irradiated from the light-emitting unit to pass through, and the image forming device has a surface facing a unit device on which an irradiation unit that irradiates light that has passed through the through-hole is provided (see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applicable to alignment adjustment in a system in which a medium supply device is connected in series in the horizontal direction to an image forming apparatus. However, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it cannot be applied to improving the efficiency of connection work in a system in which a medium supply device is connected and stacked below an image forming apparatus.

[0007] For example, in an image forming system in which a media supply device is placed below an image forming device and the image forming device is stacked on top of the media supply device and connected, a configuration is adopted in which a positioning pin provided on the top surface of the media supply device is fitted into a positioning hole provided on the bottom surface of the image forming device.

[0008] This conventional configuration requires personnel to hold the image forming apparatus and confirm that the positioning holes and pins are aligned. Therefore, approximately four personnel are required to align the image forming apparatus when connecting a medium supply device to the image forming apparatus. In other words, conventional technology poses a challenge in easily aligning multiple devices vertically.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an alignment support system that improves the convenience of alignment work when connecting a first device and a second device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is an alignment assistance system that includes an assisting means for assisting in the alignment of a first device and a second device when the first device and the second device are connected, wherein the assisting means includes a sensor provided on either the first device or the second device, a detecting member provided on the other of the first device or the second device that faces the sensor and enables detection of the position of the one device relative to the other device, and a control means that determines the relative positional relationship between the sensor and the detecting member and notifies a user of information indicating the relative positional relationship based on the determination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the alignment work when connecting the first device and the second device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a connection support mechanism provided in an apparatus constituting the image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a control configuration diagram of the image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control operations of a connection support mechanism provided in the image forming system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure for reporting the relative positional state of the device by the connection assistance mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an alignment support system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates the basic configuration of an image forming system 10 as an embodiment equipped with an alignment support system. The image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100 as a first device and a sheet feeding apparatus 200 as a second device, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet feeding apparatus are connected in a stacked state in the direction of gravity.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 101, a sheet storage unit 102 as a sheet storage device that stores paper P, which is an example of sheet-like media, and an operation display panel 103 that is used to display the operation and status of the image forming system 10. The operation display panel 103 includes a display section and an operation section.

[0015] The image forming unit 101 forms an image on paper P, which is a sheet-like medium that has been conveyed. The sheet storage unit 102 stores paper P and supplies paper P to the image forming unit 101. The operation display panel 103 is a user interface that has a display function that accepts operation instructions for the image forming system 10 and notifies (for example, displays) information in accordance with information notified from the control unit 150, which will be described later.

[0016] For example, when the sheet storage unit 102 included in the image forming apparatus 100 is considered to be the first device, the sheet supplying device 200, which serves as the second device, is placed below (in the direction of gravity) the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet storage unit 102 is placed on top of this sheet supplying device 200. The sheet supplying device 200 has a storage space for storing paper P, and is a unit that not only supplies paper P from the sheet storage unit 102 to the image forming unit 101 included in the image forming apparatus 100, but also supplies paper P from an additional storage space.

[0017] 1, the image forming system 10 is provided with a connection assist mechanism 300 as an assist means for assisting in the alignment of the sheet storage unit 102 and the sheet supply device 200, at a position facing the sheet storage unit 102 and the sheet supply device 200. The connection assist mechanism 300 is configured by a combination of a sensor unit 310 provided in either the first device or the second device, and a reflecting member 320 provided in the other of the first device or the second device and disposed opposite the sensor unit 310.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first device is the image forming apparatus 100 (sheet storage unit 102), and the second device is the sheet supplying apparatus 200. That is, in this embodiment, the sensor unit 310 is provided in the sheet storage unit 102, and the reflecting member 320 is provided in the sheet supplying apparatus 200.

[0019] The installation positions of the sensor unit 310 and the reflecting member 320 are not limited to those described above, and it does not matter whether the sensor unit 310 and the reflecting member 320 are installed in the sheet storage unit 102 or in the sheet supply device 200. The connection assistance mechanism 300 may be configured so that the sensor units 310 operate as a pair and the sensor unit 310 and the reflecting member 320 are installed in positions facing each other.

[0020] It is also possible to add (expand) another sheet supply device 200 between the sheet storage unit 102 and the sheet supply device 200. In this case, the additional sheet supply device placed between the sheet storage unit 102 and the sheet supply device 200 has a reflecting member 320 on its upper surface and a sensor unit 310 on its bottom surface, and a connection assist mechanism 300 is disposed between the sheet storage unit 102 and the additional sheet supply device. In addition, the connection assist mechanism 300 is disposed between the additional sheet supply device and the sheet supply device 200.

[0021] Therefore, the connection assistance mechanism 300 according to this embodiment may include a configuration in which the sheet storage unit 102 and the sheet supply device 200 are provided with only the sensor unit 310 or only the reflecting member 320, or may include a device that is provided with both the sensor unit 310 and the reflecting member 320. The sensor unit 310 and the reflecting member 320 can be selected or removed depending on the system configuration of the sheet supply device 200 included in the image forming system 10, such as the number of sheet supply devices 200 (number of stages).

[0022] In other words, sensor unit 310, which is an optical sensor having light-emitting unit 311 and light-receiving unit 312, is installed on the bottom surface of the device to be connected (e.g., sheet storage unit 102). In this case, light emitted from light-emitting unit 311 of sensor unit 310 is reflected by reflective member 320, which serves as a reflector, installed on the top surface of the device to be connected (sheet supply device 200).

[0023] By receiving the reflected light reflected by the reflecting member 320 at the light receiving section 312 of the sensor unit 310, it becomes possible to easily determine whether the position (loading position) of the image forming device 100 relative to the sheet supply device 200 is in a predetermined positional relationship (a relative positional relationship in which the image forming device 100 can be loaded onto the sheet supply device 200).

[0024] [Embodiment of the connection support mechanism] Next, details of the connection support mechanism 300 provided in the image forming system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram illustrating the bottom surface of the sheet storage unit 102 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating the top surface of the sheet supply device 200 according to this embodiment. As already explained, when multiple sheet supply devices 200 are placed below the image forming apparatus 100, the bottom surfaces of the intermediate sheet supply devices 200 other than the sheet supply device 200 located at the bottom have the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0025] That is, the connection support mechanism 300 has a sensor unit 310 provided on the back side (bottom side) of the image forming apparatus 100 or the sheet supplying apparatus 200. The sensor unit 310 is a sensor that can detect the positions of the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supplying apparatus 200, and has a light-emitting unit 311 that emits light and a light-receiving unit 312 that receives light reflected by a reflecting member 320. Note that, while FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the sensor units 310 are installed at four locations on the outer edge of the bottom of the apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this and it is sufficient that the sensor units 310 are installed at at least one location.

[0026] Furthermore, a reflective member 320 is provided on the upper surface of the sheet supply device 200 as a detection member that reflects light emitted from the light emitting unit 311. The reflective member 320 is disposed to form a pair with the sensor unit 310, and therefore, it is sufficient that the reflective member 320 is provided in at least one location.

[0027] The sheet supply device 200 is equipped with a stacking unit 220 that stores paper sheets P and an electrical unit 210 that controls the operation of the sheet supply device 200. If the reflective member 320 were installed on top of the configuration of the stacking unit 220 and the electrical unit 210, it would be difficult to accurately adjust the position or it would interfere with the original function of stacking and transporting paper sheets P. Therefore, the reflective member 320 is installed outside the configuration of the stacking unit 220 and the electrical unit 210.

[0028] [Control configuration] Next, we will explain the control configuration that controls the operation of the image forming system 10. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control configuration of the image forming system 10. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of the control configuration when a sheet storage unit 102 and multiple sheet supply devices 200 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming control unit 105 that controls the image forming operation and the transport operation of the paper P, and the operation display panel 103 is connected to the image forming control unit 105. The sheet storage unit 102 included in the image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with a unit control unit 106 that controls the supply operation of the paper P. The unit control unit 106 is connected to a light emitting unit 311 and a light receiving unit 312 that configure a sensor unit 310.

[0030] The image formation control unit 105 is individually connected to be able to communicate with the unit control unit 106 and the supply control unit 205 that controls the operation of the sheet supply device 200. A sensor unit 310 is connected to the unit control unit 106. The unit control unit 106 is also configured to be able to communicate with the image formation control unit 105, and is configured to notify the image formation control unit 105 of the light detection state of the sensor unit 310.

[0031] The sheet supply device 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 includes a supply control unit 205 configured to be able to communicate with the image forming control unit 105. The supply control unit 205 is also connected to a sensor unit 310 included in the sheet supply device 200, and is configured to notify the image forming control unit 105 of the light detection state of the sensor unit 310.

[0032] Based on the detection state of reflected light (distinguished by the intensity of light, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "luminous intensity") notified from each sensor unit 310, the image formation control unit 105 determines the relative positional relationship between the sheet storage unit 102 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supply device 200 connected thereto, and notifies the operation display panel 103 of positional information based on that positional relationship. Based on the notification, the operation display panel 103 displays information that allows the user to determine the positional relationship.

[0033] [Hardware configuration] Next, a hardware configuration of the image forming control unit 105 that controls the operation of the image forming system 10 is illustrated. In Fig. 4, the image forming control unit 105 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 153, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) / SSD (Solid State Drive) 154, a media I / F (Interface) 155, an input / output I / F 156, a sound input / output I / F 157, and an external device connection I / F 158.

[0034] These are connected to each other via a system bus so that they can communicate with each other. The CPU 151 executes control processes including various types of arithmetic processes.

[0035] The ROM 152 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs used to drive the CPU 151, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader).

[0036] The RAM 153 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 151 .

[0037] The HDD / SSD 154 is a non-volatile memory that can store various information, programs, etc. used for control by the control device.

[0038] The media I / F 155 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a recording medium 159 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, an optical disk, or a flash memory.

[0039] The input / output I / F 156 is an interface for inputting and outputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc., to and from an operation panel of the image forming apparatus, etc. The input / output I / F 156 controls the display of various information, such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images, on an operation panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation display panel 103 may be a touch panel display equipped with an input means. In addition to the operation display panel 103, the input / output I / F 156 may be connected to input means, such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0040] The sound input / output I / F 157 is a circuit that processes input and output of sound signals between the microphone 104 and the speaker 107 under the control of the CPU 151. The microphone 104 is a type of built-in sound collection means that inputs sound signals under the control of the CPU 151. The speaker 107 is a type of playback means that outputs sound signals under the control of the CPU 151.

[0041] The external device connection I / F 158 is an interface for connecting other devices to the control device. The bus lines are address buses, data buses, etc. for electrically connecting the above components, and transmit address signals, data signals, various control signals, etc.

[0042] The CPU 151, ROM 152, RAM 153, HDD / SSD 154, media I / F 155, input / output I / F 156, sound input / output I / F 157, and external device connection I / F 158 are interconnected via a bus line.

[0043] Furthermore, a drive motor 201 provided in the sheet supply device 200 is connected to the image forming control unit 105 via an external device connection I / F 158. The drive motor 201 drives a sheet supply mechanism 202 based on a command from the CPU 151 to supply paper P to the image forming device 100.

[0044] The sensor unit 310 assists in the alignment work when the sheet supplying device 200 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 based on a command from the CPU 151 .

[0045] [Control function block] 5 is a functional block diagram of a connection support mechanism between the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supplying apparatus 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 150 serving as a control unit includes a reception unit 1501, a display control unit 1502, a lighting control unit 1503, a determination unit 1504, a voice information control unit 1505, and a storage / readout unit 1506. Each of these units is a function or a means for performing the function, which is realized when any of the components shown in FIG. 4 operates in response to an instruction from the CPU 151 in accordance with a control device program loaded on the RAM 153. The control unit 150 also includes a storage unit 1507 configured by the ROM 152, HDD / SSD 154, etc. shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] The reception unit 1501 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 151 on the operation display panel 103, and receives various selections or inputs from the operator. The display control unit 1502 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 151, and displays various screens on a display unit such as the operation display panel 103. The lighting control unit 1503 as lighting control means is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 151, and controls how the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 lights up (switching between off state, blinking state, on state, and / or switching the blinking interval, etc.) during alignment when connecting the sheet feeding device 200 to the image forming apparatus 100. The determination unit 1504 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 151, and makes various determinations.

[0047] The audio information control unit 1505 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 151, and controls the audio for navigating the positions of the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supplying apparatus 200 when aligning the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supplying apparatus 200 when connecting the image forming apparatus 100 to the sheet supplying apparatus 200. The storage / reading unit 1506 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 151, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 1507 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 1507.

[0048] Each of the above functions can also be realized by one or more processing circuits. The term "processing circuit" here includes devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the above functions. Some of the above functions of the control device can also be realized by external devices, such as an external PC or an external server, communicatively connected to the control device. Some of the above functions of the control device can also be realized by distributed processing between the control device and these external devices. The sheet supply device 200 includes a position information acquisition unit 251. The position information acquisition unit 251 is primarily implemented by a sensor unit 310, and acquires position information by receiving light emitted by a light-emitting unit 311 and received by a light-receiving unit 312.

[0049] [Control processing flow] Next, a flow of the alignment support process performed when the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supply apparatus 200 constituting the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment are connected as a control process by the connection support mechanism 300 will be described. As shown in the flowchart in Fig. 6, when the alignment support process is performed, first, position information is acquired as information indicating the relative positional relationship of the image forming apparatus 100 or the sheet supply apparatus 200 to be aligned (S601).

[0050] The relative position information acquired in step S601 refers to information that can be acquired based on the sensor output signal of the sensor unit 310, which has already been described, in a state where the sensor unit 310 faces the reflecting member 320. In other words, if the sensor unit 310 is disposed at the bottom of the sheet storage unit 102 included in the image forming apparatus 100 and the reflecting member 320 is disposed on the top surface of the sheet supplying apparatus 200, the relative position information corresponds to information indicating the position of the image forming apparatus 100 with respect to the sheet supplying apparatus 200.

[0051] In step S601, under the control of the control unit 150, light is emitted from the light emitting unit 311 provided in the sensor unit 310, the reflected light reflected by the reflective member 320 is received by the light receiving unit 312, and the control unit 150 acquires an output signal from the sensor unit 310.

[0052] Based on the output signal acquired in step S601, the control unit 150 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 is within a predetermined range (within a predetermined distance) of the sheet supplying apparatus 200 (S602). For example, if the output signal from the sensor unit 310 is acquired with an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 100 is within the predetermined range, and if the output signal is acquired with an intensity below the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 100 is not within the predetermined range.

[0053] In the following process, the degree of distance between the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supplying apparatus 200 may be determined in stages, such as "far," "intermediate," and "close." In order to determine the distance in stages in this way, a plurality of threshold values ​​for determining the strength of the output signal from the sensor unit 310 in stages are set in advance and stored in the storage means of the control unit 150.

[0054] For example, a first threshold "Th1" and a second threshold "Th1" that is greater than the first threshold are set in advance. A value indicating the strength of the output signal from the sensor unit 310 is set as a sensor output value Sv. In the determination process executed by the control unit 150, if "sensor output value Sv>Th2", it is determined that the distance between the devices has become shorter and that they are in "proximity."

[0055] If "Th1>sensor output value Sv", it is determined that the distance between the devices is long and is determined as "remote". If "Th1≦sensor output value Sv≦Th2", the distance between the devices is between close and remote and is determined as "intermediate".

[0056] In addition, if the determination in step S602 shows that the relative positional relationship is not within a predetermined range for a certain period of time (S602 / NO), the operation display panel 103 displays that the position of the image forming device 100 is not within a range in which it can be connected to the sheet supply device 200 (S603), and acquisition of position information is resumed.

[0057] When it is determined that the relative positional relationship is within a predetermined range (S602 / YES), the operation display panel 103 displays that the position of the image forming apparatus 100 is within a range where it can be connected to the sheet supplying apparatus 200 (S604).

[0058] Next, when it is determined that the relative positional relationship is within a predetermined range, the control unit 150 acquires information on the strength of the output signal (luminosity of the reflected light) from the sensor unit 310 (S605). Next, the process branches based on the luminosity information notified to the control unit 150 from the sensor unit 310 in step S605.

[0059] The control unit 150 determines whether the distance between the image forming device 100 and the sheet supply device 200 calculated from the luminous intensity information is "close," "medium," or "far" (S606). Note that the recognition patterns for the distance between the devices do not necessarily have to be three, so more patterns may be implemented to make it easier for the user to recognize.

[0060] First, if the distance between the devices is "close" (S606: close), the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 is caused to flash rapidly to indicate that the distance between the devices is close (S607). Then, it is determined whether the distance between the devices has become close and linking between the devices has been completed (S608). The fast flashing in step S607 continues until it is confirmed that linking between the devices has been completed (S607: NO).

[0061] If it is confirmed that the connection between the devices is complete (S607: YES), that is, if the distance between the sensor unit 310 and the reflective member 320 is very close, it is recognized that the connection is complete and the sensor unit 310 is turned off (S608).

[0062] Furthermore, in step S606, if the distance between the devices is "medium" (S606: medium), the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 is caused to blink to indicate that the distance is medium (S610). Next, it is determined whether the distance between the devices is "close" (S611). Step S610 is continued until it is determined to be "close" (S611: NO).

[0063] If the distance between the devices becomes "close" (S611: YES), the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 is caused to flash rapidly to indicate that the distance between the devices has become closer (S612). Thereafter, it is determined whether the distance between the devices has become closer and linking between the devices has been completed (S613). The fast flashing of step S612 is continued until it is confirmed that linking between the devices has been completed (S613: NO).

[0064] If it is confirmed that the connection between the devices is complete (S613: YES), that is, if the distance between the sensor unit 310 and the reflective member 320 is very close, it is recognized that the connection is complete and the sensor unit 310 is turned off (S614).

[0065] Furthermore, if the distance between the devices is "remote" in step S606 (S606: remote), the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 is turned on to indicate that the distance is remote (S615). Next, it is determined whether the distance between the devices is shorter than when determined in step S606, that is, whether the distance between the devices has become closer (S616). Step S615 is continued until the distance between the devices is closer than determined in step S606 (S616: NO). That is, the light emitting unit 311 continues to be turned on until the distance between the devices becomes closer.

[0066] When the distance between the devices has decreased (S616: YES), the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 is caused to blink to indicate that the distance between the devices has decreased (S617). Thereafter, the distance between the devices has decreased further, and it is determined whether the distance between the devices has reached a distance corresponding to "close" (S618). When the distance between the devices has reached a distance corresponding to "close" (S618: close), the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 is caused to blink rapidly to indicate that the distance between the devices is close (S619). Thereafter, it is determined whether the distance between the devices has decreased and linking between the devices has been completed (S620). The rapid blinking of step S619 is continued until it is confirmed that linking between the devices has been completed (S620: NO).

[0067] When it is confirmed that the connection between the devices is complete (S620: YES), that is, when the distance between the sensor unit 310 and the reflecting member 320 is very close, it is recognized that the connection is complete and the sensor unit 310 is turned off (S621).

[0068] As in the above process, by changing the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 311 of the sensor unit 310 depending on the distance between the devices, it is possible to notify the user of the status and change of the distance between the devices. Note that instead of the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 311, the display color of the LED (Light Emitting Diode) mounted on the operation display panel 103 may be changed in accordance with the distance between the devices and the degree of change in the distance, so that the user can easily grasp the distance between the devices by checking only the operation display panel 103.

[0069] [Distance between devices and operation of light-emitting parts, etc.] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correlation between the magnitude (luminous intensity) of the output signal from sensor unit 310 and the operation of the notification mechanism for notifying the user of the relative distance status, which is executed in the connection support process for supporting the connection between image forming apparatus 100 and sheet supply apparatus 200. Operation control data corresponding to FIG. 7 is stored as table data in storage unit 1507 provided in control unit 150.

[0070] FIG. 7 shows an example of a table data structure that associates the light-emitting operation (light-emitting pattern) of the light-emitting unit 311, the coordinated display operation (display pattern) of the operation display panel 103, and the device status (distance distinction between devices) with the magnitude of the output signal from the light-receiving unit 312 provided in the sensor unit 310.

[0071] 7, a lighting information management database (DB) is constructed and stored in the storage unit 1507. In the lighting information management table, for example, the output of the light receiving unit 312 of the sensor unit 310 and the operation of the light emitting unit 311 are linked.

[0072] 7, the lighting information management table is set so that the operation of light-emitting unit 311 changes from off to flashing, fast flashing, and on as the output of light-receiving unit 312 increases. That is, during alignment when connecting sheet supply device 200 to image forming apparatus 100, light-emitting unit 311 is on when the positions of the two do not match, and light-emitting unit 311 is off when the positions match, thereby notifying the user that the positions of image forming apparatus 100 and sheet supply device 200 are aligned.

[0073] The device also has a means for informing the user of the device status by switching the display color of the LED display on the operation display panel 103 in coordination with the operation of the light-emitting unit 311. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the LED display displays different colors, such as red when the device status is remote, yellow when it is intermediate, and blue when it is close, to improve user visibility. Note that the lighting information management table shown in FIG. 7 is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the light-emitting unit 311 may be switched between off and on without flashing. Furthermore, the display color of the operation display panel 103 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7, and a different color may be used.

[0074] As described above, the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a connection assistance mechanism 300 that assists in connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supply apparatus 200. The connection assistance mechanism 300 serves to assist in alignment when connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supply apparatus 200 in the stacking direction.

[0075] The connection assist mechanism 300 includes a sensor unit 310 and a reflecting member 320. The connection assist mechanism 300 assists the connection using light emitted from the sensor unit 310, which has a light-emitting unit 311 and a light-receiving unit 312 and is installed in either the image forming apparatus 100 or the sheet supplying apparatus 200. The connection assist mechanism 300 reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 311 using a reflecting member 320 installed in either the image forming apparatus 100 or the sheet supplying apparatus 200. The connection assist mechanism 300 identifies the positions of the image forming apparatus 100 and the sheet supplying apparatus 200 and notifies the user of the positions by receiving the reflected light with the light-receiving unit 312 in the apparatus equipped with the sensor unit 310. The connection assist mechanism 300 also displays information for identifying the positions on the operation display panel 103 and changes the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit 311, such as blinking, lighting, or turning off, to assist the connection work, thereby improving user convenience and work efficiency.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0077] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <Aspect 1> An alignment assistance system including an assist means for assisting in alignment of a first device and a second device when the first device and the second device are coupled, The assist means is a sensor provided in either the first device or the second device; a detection member provided in the other of the first device or the second device, facing the sensor and enabling detection of the position of the other device and the one device; a control means for determining a relative positional relationship between the sensor and the detection member and notifying a user of information indicating the relative positional relationship based on the determination; The alignment support system is characterized by including: <Aspect 2> the sensor has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, the detection member is a reflecting member that reflects light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit, The control means determining a positional relationship between the first device and the second device based on a luminous intensity when the light receiving unit receives light that is irradiated from the light emitting unit provided in one of the devices and reflected by the reflecting member; displaying information on the relative positional relationship according to the distance on a display unit; 1 is a registration support system according to embodiment 1. <Aspect 3> The control means a lighting control means for controlling the lighting state of the light emitting unit; switching the light emitting unit to an off state, a flashing state, or a lighting state based on the information; 10 is a registration support system according to aspect 2. <Aspect 4> The first device and the second device are devices that are connected in a stacked state. 4 is an alignment support system according to any one of aspects 1 to 3. <Aspect 5> The second device is disposed below the first device in a stacked state. 10 is a registration support system according to embodiment 4. <Aspect 6> the first device is an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium, or a sheet storage device that stores and supplies a medium on which the image is formed in the image forming device; The alignment support system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10: Image forming system 100: Image forming device 101: Image forming unit 102: Seat storage unit 103: Operation display panel 105: Image formation control unit 200: Sheet feeding device 201: Drive motor 202: Sheet supply mechanism 205: Supply control unit 210: Electrical Equipment Department 220: Loading section 251: Location information acquisition unit 300:Connection support mechanism 310: Sensor unit 311: Light-emitting part 312: Light receiving part 320: Reflective material 1501: Reception 1502: Display control unit 1503: Lighting control unit 1504:Judgment Department 1505: Audio information control section 1506:Reading section 1507: Storage section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0079] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-059229

Claims

1. An alignment assistance system including an assist means for assisting in alignment of a first device and a second device when the first device and the second device are coupled, The assist means is a sensor provided in either the first device or the second device; a detection member provided in the other of the first device or the second device, facing the sensor and enabling detection of the position of the other device and the one device; a control means for determining a relative positional relationship between the sensor and the detection member and notifying a user of information indicating the relative positional relationship based on the determination; An alignment support system comprising:

2. the sensor has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, the detection member is a reflecting member that reflects light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit, The control means determining a positional relationship between the first device and the second device based on a luminous intensity when the light receiving unit receives light that is irradiated from the light emitting unit provided in one of the devices and reflected by the reflecting member; displaying information on the relative positional relationship according to the distance on a display unit; The alignment assistance system according to claim 1 .

3. The control means a lighting control means for controlling the lighting state of the light emitting unit; switching the light emitting unit to an off state, a flashing state, or a lighting state based on the information; The alignment support system according to claim 2 .

4. The first device and the second device are devices that are connected in a stacked state. The alignment support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second device is disposed below the first device in a stacked state. The alignment support system according to claim 4 .

6. the first device is an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium, or a sheet storage device that stores and supplies a medium on which the image is formed in the image forming device; The alignment assistance system according to claim 1 .

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