Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus that enable efficient copying of original documents. [Solution] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of this technology is an image forming apparatus for copying an original document onto a sheet of paper, and comprises a reading unit, a calculation unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit. The reading unit reads one or more pages of the original document. The calculation unit calculates the required number of sheets of paper based on the number of pages of the original document read by the reading unit. The determination unit makes a shortage determination if the current number of sheets of paper stocked in the image forming apparatus does not reach the required number calculated by the calculation unit. The notification unit notifies the user when the determination unit makes the shortage determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an image forming apparatus applicable to a copying machine or the like and a control method for the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In the facsimile transmission / reception system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when it is determined that the remaining amount of paper or the storage capacity on the receiving side is insufficient, the transmission of print data by the transmitting side is stopped, and a message indicating that reception is impossible is displayed on the receiving side. Thereby, when printing is impossible on the receiving side, it becomes possible to reduce communication costs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a printing machine, there is a need for a technology that enables efficient copying of originals.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus that enable efficient copying of originals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present technology is an image forming apparatus that copies an original onto single sheets of paper, and includes a reading unit, a calculation unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit. The reading unit reads the original of one or more pages. The calculation unit calculates the required number of single sheets of paper based on the number of pages of the original read by the reading unit. The determination unit performs a shortage determination if the current number of sheets of paper stocked in the image forming apparatus does not reach the required number calculated by the calculation unit. The notification unit notifies the user when the determination unit determines that there is a shortage.

[0007] This image forming apparatus calculates the required number of sheets of paper based on the number of pages in the scanned original document, and notifies the user if the current number of sheets does not meet the required number. This makes it possible to copy original documents efficiently.

[0008] The notification unit may also provide the notification to a face-to-face user if such a user is present facing the image forming apparatus.

[0009] The image forming apparatus may further include a search unit that searches for nearby users who are to receive the notification, other than the face-to-face user, and who are located near the image forming apparatus, when the face-to-face user is not present.

[0010] The notification unit may, if the search unit does not detect the nearby user, send the notification to the user who issued the copy instruction.

[0011] The search unit may perform the search via wireless communication and gradually expand the search range until a nearby user is detected.

[0012] The notification to the nearby user may include a message prompting the image forming apparatus to replenish the sheets. In this case, the image forming apparatus may further include a receiving unit for receiving a notification from the nearby user acknowledging acceptance of the replenishment.

[0013] The reception unit may manage the nearby users to whom the acceptance notice was sent.

[0014] The upper limit of the number of the sheet papers that can be copied may be provided for each user. In this case, when the nearby user who has sent the acceptance notice is a non-instructing user who has not given an instruction for the copying, the reception unit may increase the upper limit for the non-instructing user.

[0015] A control method of an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present technology includes reading one or more original manuscripts for a sheet paper in an image forming apparatus that copies the original manuscript on the sheet paper. Based on the number of pages of the read original manuscript, the required number of the sheet papers is calculated. When the current number of the sheet papers stocked in the image forming apparatus has not reached the calculated required number, a shortage determination is made. When the shortage determination is made, a notification is given to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram showing the content of the present technology. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of notification processing. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing a state of searching for nearby users.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the content of the present technology. Figure 1 shows an image forming apparatus 1 and a user 2. The image forming apparatus 1 is a copier, which can read a document and copy (duplicate) the read document onto single sheets of paper. The image forming apparatus 1 may be a multi-functional peripheral (MFP) equipped with other functions in addition to the function as a copier. For example, it may be equipped with a printer for printing image data or a facsimile function.

[0019] After the user 2 sets a document on the image forming apparatus 1, the user inputs the number of copies via the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 1 and selects the start of copying. As a result, the document is copied the number of copies onto single sheets of paper and discharged onto the discharge tray.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 has a display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a communication unit 5, a storage unit 6, a reading unit 7, and a controller 8, which are interconnected via a bus 9. Instead of the bus 9, each block may be connected using a communication network or a non-standardized proprietary communication method, etc.

[0021] Note that the image forming apparatus 1 has other functions necessary as a copier, such as a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, a printing unit, etc., but descriptions of those functions are omitted, and here the main configuration in this technology will be mainly described.

[0022] The display unit 3 is a display device using, for example, liquid crystal, EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. The operation unit 4 is a touch panel and is integrally configured with the display unit 3. The operation unit 4 may be a keyboard, a pointing device, or other operating devices.

[0023] The communication unit 5 is a communication module for communicating with other devices via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). In particular, in this embodiment, the communication unit 5 is equipped with Bluetooth®, a communication module for short-range wireless communication. In addition, other communication devices such as modems and routers may be used.

[0024] The storage unit 6 is a storage device such as non-volatile memory, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, any non-transient storage medium readable by a computer may be used. The storage unit 6 stores a control program for controlling the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0025] The reading unit 7 is, for example, an image scanner, and acquires an image of the document as data by scanning the document with its head. When user 2 places one or more pages of documents together in the document tray, the documents are fed out one by one by the feed roller and read one by one by the reading unit 7. In this way, all the placed documents are read.

[0026] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 may be equipped with functions such as a speaker, and the specific configuration of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited.

[0027] The controller 8 controls the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 1. The controller 8 has hardware circuits necessary for a computer, such as a CPU and memory (RAM, ROM). Various processes are executed by the CPU executing the program related to this technology stored in the storage unit 6 and memory. As the controller 8, a device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) may be used.

[0028] In this embodiment, the CPU of the controller 8 executes a program related to this technology (for example, an application program), thereby realizing the following functional blocks: a calculation unit 10, a determination unit 11, a notification unit 12, a search unit 13, and a reception unit 14. These functional blocks then execute the information processing method according to this embodiment. Dedicated hardware such as ICs (integrated circuits) may be used as appropriate to realize each functional block.

[0029] Furthermore, these functional blocks may be configured on the cloud, and the control method relating to this technology may be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 communicating with the cloud via the communication unit 5. Below, a typical configuration in which the functional blocks are configured on the controller 8 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0030] The calculation unit 10 calculates the required number of sheets of paper. The determination unit 11 determines if the current number of sheets of paper does not reach the required number. The notification unit 12 notifies user 2 if a shortage is determined. The search unit 13 searches for the user to whom the notification should be sent. The reception unit 14 receives the notification from user 2 accepting the request for replenishment of sheets of paper. The specific processing details of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0031] [Processing flow] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the image forming apparatus 1. The print command from User 2 is received (Step 101). User 2 places the document in the document tray. User 2 also inputs the User ID and the number of copies via the control panel 4. The User ID is a symbol or number assigned to each User 2 to identify them. The User ID may be automatically obtained by facial recognition or the like.

[0032] The reading unit 7 reads each and every page of the placed document (step 102). Next, the required number of sheets is calculated (step 103). The calculation unit 10 calculates the required number of sheets based on the number of pages in the document read by the reading unit 7. Specifically, the required number is calculated by multiplying the number of pages in the document by the number of copies. For example, if the number of pages is 100 and the number of copies is 20, the required number is calculated to be 2000 sheets. If double-sided printing is performed, the number of pages may be halved and rounded up.

[0033] The current number of sheets is detected (step 104). For example, an optical sensor installed in the paper tray detects the current number of sheets stocked in the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the detection of the current number may be performed simultaneously with the scanning of the original document (step 102).

[0034] It is determined whether the current number has reached the required number (step 105). The determination unit 11 obtains the current number detected by an optical sensor or the like, and also obtains the required number from the calculation unit 10, and compares these.

[0035] If the current number does not reach the required number (No. in step 105), a shortage determination is performed (step 106). In other words, the determination unit 11 performs a shortage determination if the current number is less than the required number, but does not perform a shortage determination if the current number is equal to or greater than the required number. A shortage determination can also be described as a state in which it is not possible to print all the documents in the specified number of copies.

[0036] If a shortage is detected (Yes in step 107), the notification process described later (step 108) is performed, and then printing is executed (step 109). The notification process may be performed in parallel with printing. On the other hand, if a shortage is not detected (No in step 107), printing is executed without the notification process (step 109).

[0037] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification process (step 108). It is determined whether or not a face-to-face user exists (step 201). A face-to-face user is a user 2 facing the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a user 2 standing in a position facing the front of the image forming apparatus 1 (the side on which the display unit 3 is located) is included as a face-to-face user. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1, a user 2 located at a very close distance (within a radius of 1 m, etc.) from the position where the image forming apparatus 1 is located may also be considered a face-to-face user.

[0038] For example, a human presence sensor (not shown) is used to determine whether or not a user is present. Typically, the user facing the device is the same as the user who issued the print command in step 101, but this is not limited to this case. If a non-instructing user who has not issued a print command is facing the image forming apparatus 1, that non-instructing user may also be determined to be the user facing the device.

[0039] If a face-to-face user is present (Yes in step 201), a notification is sent to that face-to-face user (arrow in Figure 1). Specifically, for example, the display on the display unit 3 is controlled by the notification unit 12 to display a message such as "Please replenish the paper" to the face-to-face user. Alternatively, an audio message may be sent via a speaker or the like. Upon receiving the notification, the face-to-face user replenishes the paper tray with sheets of paper. This allows the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing normally.

[0040] If no face-to-face user exists (No. in step 201), a search for a nearby user is performed (step 203). A nearby user refers to user 2 who is not a face-to-face user, should receive a notification, and is located near the image forming apparatus 1.

[0041] In this technology, for example, each user 2 holds a device such as a smartphone, and a dedicated application is installed on that device. The search unit 13 then searches for nearby users by obtaining the location information of the device via wireless communication such as Bluetooth through the communication unit 5.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state of searching for nearby users. Figure 5 shows nearby users 17 (17a, 17b) and the instructing user 18 who has returned to his seat. With the image forming apparatus 1 as the reference point, nearby user 17b is located further away than nearby user 17a, and instructing user 18 is located further away than nearby user 17b.

[0043] The search unit 13 gradually expands the search range until a nearby user 17 is detected. Specifically, when the process in step 203 is executed for the first time, the search unit 13 performs the search within an initial search range such as a radius of 3m. If a nearby user 17 is not detected (No. in step 204), the search range is slightly expanded (step 206), and the search is performed again (step 203).

[0044] As a result, the search range gradually expands, with a radius of 4m in the second search, 5m in the third search, and so on, until a nearby user 17 is detected. On the other hand, the search unit 13 has a search range limit set. For example, a value such as a radius of 10m is set as the limit, and the search unit 13 performs the search with this range as the limit. In other words, if the search unit 13 reaches the search range limit, the search ends even if a nearby user 17 has not been detected.

[0045] The values ​​for each of the search ranges mentioned above are merely examples, and the specific values ​​are not limited. Furthermore, the individual search ranges may not be circular in shape.

[0046] In Figure 5, ranges R1 and R2 are shown by dashed lines. Range R2 is wider than range R1. The search unit 13 performs the search by gradually expanding the range from the initial search range. In this example, when the search range reaches range R1, the nearby user 17a is detected (Yes in step 204).

[0047] In this case, a notification is sent to the nearby user 17a (step 207). Specifically, the notification unit 12 sends a notification that prompts the image forming apparatus 1 to replenish the sheets of paper. The notification unit 12 sends the notification to the terminal held by the nearby user 17a via the communication unit 5. As a result, the terminal's application is activated, and options such as "Please replenish the paper... Yes / No" are displayed on the terminal's display.

[0048] If nearby user 17a selects "yes," that is, accepts the replenishment, the terminal sends an acceptance notification and the user ID of nearby user 17a to the image forming apparatus 1. The reception unit 14 receives the acceptance notification and user ID via the communication unit 5. On the other hand, if nearby user 17a selects "no," that is, does not accept the replenishment, no acceptance notification is sent. In this case, the user ID may or may not be sent.

[0049] The reception unit 14 manages the nearby users 17a that sent the acceptance notification. Specifically, by storing the user ID of the nearby user 17a that sent the acceptance notification in the storage unit 6, the reception unit 14 ensures that the nearby users 17a that sent the acceptance notification are always known. Similarly, the reception unit 14 manages the user ID of the instructing user 18 entered in step 101.

[0050] If the acceptance notification is received by the reception unit 14 (Yes in step 208), it is determined whether the nearby user 17a who sent the acceptance notification is a non-instructing user or not (step 209). The reception unit 14 compares the user IDs of nearby user 17a and instructing user 18. If they match, it determines that nearby user 17a is not a non-instructing user (i.e., is an instructing user). On the other hand, if they do not match, it determines that nearby user 17a is a non-instructing user.

[0051] In this example, since user 18 is at their own desk, nearby user 17a is not a user who gives instructions. In a different case, nearby user 17a could be user 18. For example, in such a case, user 18 who is returning to their desk from the image forming apparatus 1 might be detected by the search.

[0052] If the nearby user 17a who sent the acceptance notification is a non-instructing user (Yes in step 209), a reward is given to that non-instructing user. In this embodiment, an upper limit is set for the number of sheets that can be copied for each user 2, and the reception unit 14 gives a reward to the non-instructing user by increasing this upper limit for the non-instructing user. Specifically, the reception unit 14 performs a change to the upper limit stored in the storage unit 6.

[0053] One example of a situation where such a limit might be imposed is when universities or other institutions set a limit on the number of pages each student can print (e.g., 100 pages per year).

[0054] Points may be initially awarded to User 2, and User 2 may receive rewards by spending these points. In addition, any other rewards that can serve as an incentive for non-directed users, such as the provision of goods, may be given. Furthermore, the content of the rewards may be changed according to the distance between nearby user 17a and the image forming apparatus 1, the number of sheets of paper replenished, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, the reward may be granted after a predetermined period has elapsed since printing. In other words, the processes in steps 209 and 210 may be performed separately. Since the nearby user 17a who sent the acceptance notification is managed by the reception unit 14, it is possible to implement this process of granting the reward retroactively.

[0056] If the nearby user 17a who sent the acceptance notification is the instructing user 18 (No. in step 209), no reward is given. In other words, in this embodiment, based on the assumption that the instructing user 18 who issued the print order is responsible for replenishing the sheets, a reward is given only when a non-instructing user accepts the replenishment on their behalf.

[0057] In the example in Figure 5, a neighboring user 17a exists within range R1. However, if a neighboring user 17a does not exist, it will not be detected when the search range is R1. Subsequently, steps 203 to 206 are repeatedly executed, and when the search range reaches range R2, a neighboring user 17b is detected. In this case, similar processing, such as notification and reward, is performed on the neighboring user 17b.

[0058] Furthermore, even if a nearby user 17 is detected but does not accept the request (No. in step 208), the search continues in the same way as if no nearby user 17 had been detected.

[0059] If the search range reaches its upper limit (Yes in step 205), the search ends and a notification is sent to the instructing user 18 (step 211). In Figure 5, the instructing user 18 has returned to their seat and is located outside the upper limit of the search range. Therefore, if there are no nearby users 17a and 17b in Figure 5, the search range will reach its upper limit and a notification will be sent to the instructing user 18 in step 211.

[0060] The notification unit 12 refers to the instruction user 18 managed by the reception unit 14 and sends a notification to the instruction user 18's terminal via the communication unit 5. As a result, a notification such as "Please replenish the paper" is displayed on the display of the instruction user 18's terminal.

[0061] The above process will result in a notification prompting the user to replenish paper, prioritizing the following order: face-to-face user > nearby user 17 > instructing user 18. However, notifications based on other priorities may also be issued. For example, a notification with options may be sent to the distant instructing user 18, and if the instructing user 18 does not accept, the search for nearby users 17 may be initiated.

[0062] Furthermore, the nearby user 17 does not need to be rewarded. In this case, the notification to the nearby user 17 does not need to include options such as "Please replenish the paper."

[0063] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the required number of sheets of paper is calculated based on the number of pages in the scanned original document, and if the current number does not reach the required number, the user 2 is notified. This makes it possible to copy the original document efficiently.

[0064] The sheet shortage detection is performed after the document scanning is complete and the number of pages in the document is determined. Therefore, there is a time lag between the start of scanning and the detection of insufficient sheets. Consequently, if User 2 leaves the copier immediately after pressing the scan start button, the insufficient sheet detection will be performed after User 2 has left the copier.

[0065] In such cases, when user 2 returns to the copier after the printing is complete, they find that printing has paused due to a paper shortage. This creates a problem where user 2 must add more paper before resuming printing the remaining copies. This reduces the efficiency of the copying process.

[0066] This technology prevents paper shortages by notifying user 2 in advance that paper should be replenished if a paper shortage is detected. As a result, delays in completing copies are less likely, and copying can be performed more efficiently.

[0067] Furthermore, this technology notifies the face-to-face user if one is present. This makes it possible to efficiently notify the user, for example, when the instructing user 18 is still at the side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0068] Furthermore, this technology searches for nearby users 17 when no face-to-face user is present. This makes it possible to notify users 2 who are not near the image forming apparatus 1, thus reducing delays in paper replenishment.

[0069] Furthermore, this technology notifies the instructing user 18 if no nearby user 17 is detected. This ensures that paper runs out reliably.

[0070] Furthermore, this technology gradually expands the search range until a nearby user 17 is detected. This makes it possible to efficiently detect nearby users 17 that are located closer to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0071] Furthermore, this technology allows for the acceptance of replenishment requests from nearby users 17. Nearby users 17 who send acceptance requests are also managed. This allows nearby users 17 to choose whether or not to replenish according to their own circumstances, and it is possible to reward nearby users 17 who accept replenishment.

[0072] Furthermore, this technology increases the maximum number of sheets of paper that a non-instructing user can copy when they send an acceptance notification. This provides an incentive for non-instructing users to replenish their copies. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] R1, R2... range 1…Image forming apparatus 2…User 3...Display section 5… Communications Department 8…Controller 10...Calculation section 11...Judgment section 12…Notification section 13…Exploration Department 14…Reception Department 17…Nearby users 18…Instructing User

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for copying an original onto a single sheet of paper, A reading unit that reads the aforementioned document of one page or more, A calculation unit calculates the required number of sheets of paper based on the number of pages of the document read by the reading unit, A determination unit that determines if the current number of sheets of paper stocked in the image forming apparatus does not reach the required number calculated by the calculation unit, When the determination unit makes the deficiency determination, the notification unit notifies the user. An image forming apparatus comprising the following:

2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The notification unit provides the notification to a user facing the image forming apparatus if such a user is present. Image forming apparatus.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further, If the aforementioned face-to-face user does not exist, the system includes a search unit that searches for nearby users other than the aforementioned face-to-face user who should receive the notification and who are located near the image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus.

4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The notification unit, if the search unit does not detect the nearby user, provides the notification to the user who issued the copy instruction. Image forming apparatus.

5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, The search unit performs the search wirelessly and gradually expands the search range until a nearby user is detected. Image forming apparatus.

6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 5, The notification to the nearby user includes a message prompting the image forming apparatus to replenish the sheets of paper, The image forming apparatus further includes a reception unit for receiving acceptance notifications for replenishment from nearby users. Image forming apparatus.

7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The reception unit manages the nearby users who sent the acceptance notice. Image forming apparatus.

8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 7, An upper limit is set for each user on the number of sheets of paper that can be copied. The receiving unit increases the upper limit for non-instructing users if the nearby user who sent the acceptance notice is a non-instructing user who has not given the instruction to copy. Image forming apparatus.

9. In an image forming apparatus that copies an original onto a single sheet of paper, Read the aforementioned document, which is one page or more in length. Based on the number of pages of the scanned original document, the required number of sheets of paper is calculated. If the current number of sheets of paper stocked in the image forming apparatus does not reach the calculated required number, a shortage determination is made. If the aforementioned shortage is detected, the user will be notified. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

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