Recording device and method for calculating density around recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording apparatus that can reduce frequencies at which a user contacts or approaches an individual, when the user goes for taking a medium recorded by the recording apparatus.SOLUTION: A recording apparatus 11 comprises: a receiving part 31 that receives recording data transmitted from a user; a recording part 20 that performs recording on a medium on the basis of the recording data; a storage part 33 that temporarily stores the recording data until the recording is performed; an ejection tray 17 to which the medium having the recording performed thereon is ejected. The recording apparatus 11 further has a control part 30 that controls the recording apparatus 11. The control part 30 calculates a density on the basis of information concerning the recording data stored in the storage part 33 and enables the user to refer to the density, where an index showing magnitude of values of the number of individuals who are predicted to gather around the recording apparatus 11 is defined as the density in the vicinity of the recording apparatus 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device that records on a medium, and a method for calculating density in the vicinity of the recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] The image forming device described in Patent Document 1 includes a print execution unit that performs printing based on print data, and a paper discharge unit to which printed matter is discharged. In the image forming device, printing is performed by multiple print executors, and the printed matter by the multiple print executors is discharged to the paper discharge unit. The image forming device is an example of a recording device, the print data is an example of recorded data, the print execution unit is an example of a recording unit, the paper discharge unit is an example of a discharge tray, the print executors are an example of a user, and the printed matter is an example of a medium on which recording is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-76383 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the recording is finished, the user takes the recorded medium out of the discharge tray and goes to the recording device to take it home. At that time, there is a risk of contact or closeness to other users. During an epidemic, contact or closeness to other users increases the risk of infection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A recording device that solves the above problem is a recording device that includes a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a storage unit that temporarily stores the recording data until the recording is performed, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output, wherein the recording device has a control unit that controls the recording device, and when an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device is taken as the density near the recording device, the control unit calculates the density based on information related to the recording data stored in the storage unit, and makes the density accessible to the user.

[0006] A recording device that solves the above problem is a recording device that includes a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a memory unit that stores a recording history in the recording unit, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output, wherein the recording device has a control unit that controls the recording device, and when an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device is taken as the density near the recording device, the control unit calculates the density based on the recording history stored in the memory unit and makes the density accessible to the user.

[0007] A method of calculating the density near a recording device that solves the above problem includes a recording device that includes a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a storage unit that temporarily stores the recording data until the recording is performed, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output.When the density near the recording device is defined as an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device, the recording device includes a computer that calculates the density, and includes a step of selecting the recording data by the computer based on information related to the user who sent the recording data, and a step of calculating the density by the computer based on information related to the selected recording data.

[0008] A method of calculating the density near a recording device that solves the above problem includes a recording device having a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a memory unit that stores a recording history in the recording unit, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output, and when the density near the recording device is defined as an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device, the recording device has a computer that calculates the density, and includes a step of selecting the recording history by the computer based on the time period when the recording data in the recording history was recorded, and a step of calculating the density by the computer based on the selected recording history. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a recording apparatus according to first and second embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus in first and second embodiments. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a method for calculating a density in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A subroutine showing how to calculate the number of people gathering to record the recorded data. [Diagram 5] A subroutine that shows how to select the data used to calculate the number of people. [Figure 6] A subroutine showing how to calculate the number of people. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a number of people table based on a first elapsed time and a first recorded time. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a number of people table based on the number of stored record data. [Figure 9] A subroutine showing how to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the discarded media. [Figure 10] A subroutine that shows how to select the output tray used to calculate the number of people. [Figure 11]A subroutine showing how to calculate the number of people. [Figure 12] 21 is an example of a number of people table based on a second elapsed time. [Figure 13] A subroutine showing how to calculate the number of people currently using the recording device. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a number of people table based on the second recording time. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for calculating a density in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] A subroutine showing how to select the record history to use in calculating the number of people. [Figure 17] A subroutine showing how to calculate the number of people. [Figure 18] 3 is an example of a number of people table based on recording time. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a headcount table based on the number of records in the record history. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a recording device and a method for calculating density around a recording device according to a first and second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording device performs an image forming process for recording characters or images on a medium such as paper by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium.

[0011] In the drawings, the recording device is placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, the direction along the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction along the Y axis as the depth direction Y, and the direction along the Z axis as the vertical direction Z.

[0012] (First embodiment) <Outline of the recording device> 1, the recording device 11 includes a recording unit 20. The recording unit 20 performs recording by ejecting liquid. The recording unit 20 performs recording on a medium M based on recording data. The recording device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink onto the medium M to print characters and images.

[0013] The recording device 11 includes a main body 12, a reading unit 13, and an automatic feed unit 14. The main body 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The reading unit 13 and the automatic feed unit 14 are attached to an upper portion of the main body 12. The recording device 11 has a configuration in which the main body 12, the reading unit 13, and the automatic feed unit 14 are stacked in this order from the bottom in the vertical direction Z.

[0014] The reading unit 13 is configured to be able to read images such as characters and photographs recorded on a document. The automatic feeding unit 14 is configured to be able to feed a document toward the reading unit 13. The reading unit 13 has an operation unit 15. When an instruction from a user who uses the recording device 11 is given to the recording device 11, the operation unit 15 is operated. The operation unit 15 has, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal screen, operation buttons, etc.

[0015] The operation unit 15 may be configured to include an authentication unit 15a. The authentication unit 15a is, for example, an IC card reader. The IC card reader reads information stored in an integrated circuit in an IC card 92 that is brought close to the IC card reader. If the IC card 92 belongs to the user of the recording device 11, the authentication unit 15a authenticates the IC card 92. In other words, once authentication is performed, operations on the operation unit 15 become possible.

[0016] After setting a document in automatic feeder 14, the user issues a reading instruction to recording device 11 via operation unit 15, thereby feeding the set document to automatic feeder 14. This allows the user to have the reading unit 13 read the image of the document. In addition, the user can issue a recording instruction to recording device 11 via operation unit 15, thereby ejecting medium M recorded by recording unit 20 from main body 12.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the main body 12 has multiple medium storage sections 16 capable of storing media M such as paper. In this embodiment, the main body 12 has a total of four medium storage sections 16. The medium storage sections 16 are configured to be removable from the main body 12. Furthermore, the main body 12 has a first discharge tray 17 at its upper portion as a discharge tray into which the medium M on which recording has been performed is discharged. It is noted that the number of medium storage sections 16 may be only one.

[0018] The medium M contained in the medium container 16 is transported to the first discharge tray 17. A feed roller (not shown) rotates in contact with the uppermost medium M among the multiple media M contained in the medium container 16, thereby sending the uppermost medium M from the medium container 16 to above the medium container 16. When the medium M passes through a liquid ejection head (not shown) of the recording unit 20, the liquid ejection head ejects liquid toward the medium M, thereby adhering the ejected liquid to the medium M and recording. The medium M on which recording has been performed is ejected from the main body 12 to the first discharge tray 17 by a pair of ejection rollers (not shown). The user can remove the medium M from the first discharge tray 17 and take it home.

[0019] The recording device 11 may include a post-processing device 90. For example, the recording device 11 may include a medium stacking device 50 that stacks the recorded media M in units of copies and then discharges them as a media stack. The medium stacking device 50 may perform post-processing such as stapling to bind the media stack.

[0020] The recording device 11 may include a transport device 70 that transports the medium M on which recording has been performed to the medium loading device 50. That is, the main body 12 and the medium loading device 50 may be directly connected to each other, or the main body 12 and the medium loading device 50 may be connected to each other via the transport device 70.

[0021] The recording device 11 may include one or more processing devices other than the medium loading device 50. For example, a folding device 80 may be further connected to the medium loading device 50. The folding device 80 may perform a folding process on the medium M transported to the medium loading device 50. The folding device 80 may also perform a folding process on a stack of media loaded by the medium loading device 50.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the recording device 11 may include multiple discharge trays 17, 57, and 58. The medium loading device 50 includes a stacker tray 58 capable of loading a large amount of media M, and a second discharge tray 57. The medium M is discharged from the first discharge tray 17 of the main body 12 with the recorded side facing downward. The medium M is discharged from the second discharge tray 57 of the medium loading device 50 with the recorded side facing upward. The user can remove the medium M from the second discharge tray 57 and the stacker tray 58 and take it home.

[0023] The first discharge tray 17 and the second discharge tray 57 are spaced apart. The recording device 11 may further include a third discharge tray 67 shown in FIG. 2. The third discharge tray 67 is spaced apart from the first discharge tray 17 and the second discharge tray 57. For example, a second conveying device is connected to the position of the folding device 80 shown in FIG. 1. A second medium loading device may be connected further downstream. The medium M may be discharged to the third discharge tray 67 included in the second medium loading device.

[0024] <Recording device configuration> As shown in FIG. 2, the recording device 11 is connected to the network NW by wire or wirelessly. A plurality of terminals 91 are connected to the network NW by wire or wirelessly. The terminal 91 is, for example, a personal computer, and includes an input unit 91a electrically connected to its main body, and a display unit 91b. In the following description, the personal computer is simply referred to as a PC. Note that the terminal 91 is not limited to a PC, and may be a tablet terminal or a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone. A recording driver program is installed in the terminal 91. As a result, the terminal 91 includes a recording driver consisting of software having a function of transmitting recording data to the recording device 11.

[0025] The recording device 11 includes a control unit 30 that controls the recording device 11. The control unit 30 includes a receiving unit 31 and a transmitting unit 32. The receiving unit 31 receives data transmitted via the network NW. The transmitting unit 32 transmits data via the network NW. The recording device 11 and the terminal 91 can transmit and receive data using a recording driver. A user who operates the terminal 91 transmits recording data to the recording device 11 by operating the input unit 91a. When the receiving unit 31 receives the recording data transmitted from the user who operates the terminal 91, the transmitting unit 32 transmits response data. By receiving the response data from the recording device 11, the user who operates the terminal 91 can check whether the recording data transmitted to the recording device 11 has been accepted by checking the display on the display unit 91b.

[0026] The transmission unit 32 transmits information related to the recording device 11 to the terminal 91. The recording driver may be configured so that the terminal 91 transmits recording data to the recording device 11 after the terminal 91 receives information related to the recording device 11 from the recording device 11. For example, when a user who operates the terminal 91 selects the recording device 11 shown in FIG. 2 as the output destination of the recording data with the input unit 91a, the recording device 11 may transmit information related to the recording device 11 to the terminal 91. Then, the information may be displayed on the display unit 91b to notify the user who operates the terminal 91. In other words, the recording device 11 may be configured to be able to detect that the user is about to transmit the recording data to the recording device 11, and when the user is about to transmit the recording data to the recording device 11, the control unit 30 may transmit information related to the recording device 11 to the terminal 91. Also, after the user transmits the recording data to the recording device 11, the recording device 11 may transmit information related to the recording device 11 to the terminal 91.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 includes a computer 40. The control unit 30 causes the computer 40 to calculate the density around the recording device 11, which will be described later. The computer 40 includes a storage unit 33. The storage unit 33 temporarily stores the recording data transmitted from the user until recording is performed. When the user who operates the terminal 91 transmits the recording data to the recording device 11, the recording data is stored in the storage unit 33. When the recording data is stored in the storage unit 33, information related to the recording data is also stored in the storage unit 33 together with the recording data.

[0028] The information related to the recording data includes, for example, the terminal 91 to which the recording data was sent, the user name that sent the recording data, the date and time when the recording data was sent, and the output tray to which the medium M is discharged when the medium M is recorded. The information related to the recording data includes information related to the user who sent the recording data that is stored in the storage unit 33. The information related to the recording data also includes information calculated from the information related to the recording data. For example, a first elapsed time, which is the elapsed time since the recording data was sent, can be calculated from the date and time when the recording data was sent and the current date and time. That is, the elapsed time since each piece of recording data was sent is included in the information related to the recording data. In the following description, the "elapsed time since each piece of recording data was sent" will simply be referred to as the "first elapsed time." It should be noted that the first elapsed time is included in the information related to the recording data.

[0029] When the user who transmitted the recording data brings the IC card 92 owned by the user close to the authentication unit 15a, the IC card 92 is authenticated. This enables the operation unit 15 to give a recording instruction to the recording device 11 for the recording data previously transmitted. The operation unit 15 is operated when recording the recording data stored in the storage unit 33. By operating the operation unit 15, recording is performed on the medium M based on the recording data. Note that the mobile information terminal owned by the user may have the function of the IC card 92. Also, authentication may be performed by the user inputting the user's ID and password on the operation unit 15. By performing authentication, the medium M recorded in front of the user is ejected from the main body unit 12, so that it is possible to prevent other users from mistakenly taking the medium M of the user home. The recording data that has been recorded is deleted from the storage unit 33.

[0030] A user who operates the terminal 91 may send recording data from the terminal 91 and simultaneously issue a recording instruction to cause the recording device 11 to immediately record on the medium M. In this case, the recording device 11 immediately starts recording on the medium M, and the recorded medium M is ejected from the main body 12. For example, the recorded medium M is ejected to the first ejection tray 17.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 40 has a first prediction unit 34 and a second prediction unit 35. The first prediction unit 34 predicts a first recording time. The first recording time is the time required for each piece of recording data to be recorded. In the following description, the "time required for each piece of recording data to be recorded" is simply referred to as the "first recording time". The second prediction unit 35 predicts a second recording time. The second recording time is the time required for recording to end when recording is being performed in the recording unit 20. In the following description, the "time required for recording to end when recording is being performed in the recording unit 20" is simply referred to as the "second recording time".

[0032] The first prediction unit 34 predicts the first recording time when the recording data is stored in the storage unit 33, and stores it in the storage unit 33. The first recording time is included in the information related to the recording data. The second prediction unit 35 predicts the second recording time, for example, by subtracting the time that has elapsed during actual recording from the first recording time. For example, when recording of the recording data starts, the first recording time is stored in the storage unit 33 as the second recording time, and as the recording progresses, the second prediction unit 35 continues to update the second recording time in the storage unit 33. The second recording time is also included in the information related to the recording data.

[0033] 2, the computer 40 has a storage unit 36 ​​that stores the recording history of the recording unit 20. When the recorded data is deleted from the storage unit 33 after recording, part of the information related to the recorded data is stored in the storage unit 36 ​​as the recording history of the recorded data. The information related to the recorded data that is stored in the storage unit 33 includes the terminal 91 that transmitted the recorded data, the user who transmitted the recorded data, the date and time when the recorded data was recorded on the medium M, the time required to record the recorded data, and the discharge tray to which the medium M was discharged.

[0034] The first recording time and the second recording time are predicted values ​​of the time required from now on, and therefore are unnecessary information after the record data is actually recorded and the time required for recording the record data is determined. Therefore, the first recording time and the second recording time are information related to the record data, but are not stored in the storage unit 36. The third recording time, which is the time required for recording the record data when it was actually recorded, is stored in the storage unit 36. The third recording time is included in the information related to the record data. In the following explanation, the "time required for recording the record data when it was actually recorded" will be simply referred to as the "third recording time."

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 40 has a calculation unit 37. The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the density near the recording device 11 based on information related to the recording data stored in the storage unit 33. The density near the recording device 11 is defined as an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11. The vicinity is, for example, a range within 2 meters around the recording device 11 in a planar view. The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11. In this specification, the density near the recording device 11 is also simply referred to as "density."

[0036] For example, when it is predicted that one person will gather near the recording device 11 with a probability of 1 / 2, the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11 is 0.5 people. The value of the predicted number of people is an expected value of the number of people gathering, so the value does not have to be an integer. The same value of 0.5 as the value of the predicted number of people may be set as the density, or a calculated value such as multiplying the value by 100 may be set as the density. In addition, the density may be classified into multiple divisions depending on the value, and the divisions may be set as the density. For example, the density may be classified into three divisions depending on the value, with the first division being high density, the second division being medium density, and the third division being low density. In other words, the density may be an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11. In this embodiment, the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11 is set as the density. In the following description, the "predicted number of people" is simply called the "number of people".

[0037] When the density around the recording device 11 is simply described without any mention of time, it means the current density around the recording device 11. The density around the recording device 11 is included in the information related to the recording device 11. A method for calculating the density around the recording device 11 will be described later.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the recording device 11 includes a transport unit 19 that transports the medium M stored in the medium storage unit 16 and discharges the recorded medium M from the main body unit 12 to the discharge tray 17. The recording device 11 includes a first detection unit 17a as a detection unit that detects the medium M on the first discharge tray 17 as a discharge tray. The first detection unit 17a constantly monitors the first discharge tray 17 and notifies the control unit 30 of the detection result of the medium M. That is, the first detection unit 17a can detect whether the medium M has been discharged onto the first discharge tray 17. The first detection unit 17a may be provided in the main body unit 12. For example, the first detection unit 17a may be provided on an exterior wall surface of the main body unit 12 located above the first discharge tray 17, and the first detection unit 17a may detect whether the medium M is on the first discharge tray 17 from above the first discharge tray 17.

[0039] The recording device 11 may include a second detection unit 57a as a detection unit that detects medium M on the second discharge tray 57 serving as a discharge tray. The second detection unit 57a constantly monitors the second discharge tray 57 and notifies the control unit 30 of the detection result of medium M. In other words, the second detection unit 57a can detect whether medium M has been discharged onto the second discharge tray 57.

[0040] Recording device 11 may include a third detection unit 67a as a detection unit that detects medium M on third discharge tray 67 as a discharge tray. The third detection unit 67a constantly monitors the third discharge tray 67 and notifies the control unit 30 of the detection result of medium M. In other words, the third detection unit 67a can detect whether medium M has been discharged onto the third discharge tray 67. Furthermore, recording device 11 may include multiple discharge trays and a detection unit for each discharge tray that detects medium M on the discharge tray.

[0041] <How to calculate density> 3, the flow of the method for calculating the density around the recording device 11 is executed by the computer 40 of the control unit 30. First, the overall flow of the method for calculating the density around the recording device 11 will be described, and then the subroutine for calculating the number of people in each step will be described.

[0042] People gather near the recording device 11 for various purposes. People gather near the recording device 11 to record the recording data stored in the storage unit 33 by being transmitted from the terminal 91. People also gather near the recording device 11 to take home the medium M already discharged from the main body unit 12. People also gather near the recording device 11 to have the image of the document set in the automatic feed unit 14 read by the reading unit 13, or to copy the document set in the automatic feed unit 14 onto the medium M on the spot. The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people gathering near the recording device 11 by adding up the number of people gathering near the recording device 11 for each purpose. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 sets the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11 as the density near the recording device 11.

[0043] This flow includes a step of calculating the number of people who will gather to record the record data, a step of calculating the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M, and a step of calculating the number of people currently using the recording device 11. Furthermore, this flow includes a step of calculating the density around the recording device 11 by adding up these calculated numbers of people.

[0044] In step S200, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people who will gather to record the record data. More specifically, a subroutine is executed to calculate the number of users who will gather at the recording device 11 to record the record data stored in the storage unit 33 onto the medium M and take it home. When the subroutine ends, the control unit 30 transitions the process to step S300.

[0045] In step S300, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the ejected media M. More specifically, a subroutine is executed to calculate the number of users who will gather at the recording device 11 to take home the media M that have been ejected to the first ejection tray 17, the second ejection tray 57, and the third ejection tray 67. When the subroutine ends, the control unit 30 transitions the process to step S400.

[0046] In step S400, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of users currently using the recording device 11. The recording device 11 may be used by a user to have the reading unit 13 read an image of a document set in the automatic feed unit 14. The recording device 11 may also be used by a user to copy the document set in the automatic feed unit 14 onto a medium M on the spot. By performing these operations, a subroutine is executed to calculate the number of users currently using the recording device 11.

[0047] When the process in step S400 ends, in step S101, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the congestion degree around the recording device 11. The congestion degree around the recording device 11 is calculated by adding up the number of people gathering to record the record data, the number of people gathering to take home the discharged media M, and the number of people currently using the recording device 11. When the congestion degree has been calculated, the flow ends.

[0048] This flow is repeatedly executed by the control unit 30. For example, the number of people calculated in step S200 is calculated based on information related to the recorded data. Therefore, this flow is executed every time at least one piece of information related to the recorded data is updated. This flow is also executed when new recorded data is stored in the storage unit 33, or when recorded data that has been recorded is deleted from the storage unit 33. In other words, the density around the recording device 11 is always updated to the latest value by the control unit 30.

[0049] The control unit 30 calculates the density based on information related to the recording data stored in the storage unit 33, and makes the calculated density available for the user to refer to. For example, the recording device 11 may be configured to allow the terminal 91 to access information related to the recording device 11 using a recording driver, so that the user can refer to the density around the recording device 11 on the display unit 91b. The recording device 11 may also be configured to detect that the user is about to transmit recorded data to the recording device 11. Then, when the user is about to transmit recorded data to the recording device 11, the control unit 30 may notify the user of the current density.

[0050] In this flow, step S200 of calculating the number of people who will gather to record the record data may be omitted. In other words, this flow may be composed of steps S300, S400, and S101. For example, the operation unit 15 does not have an authentication unit 15a. When a user who operates the terminal 91 issues a recording instruction at the same time as transmitting the record data from the terminal 91, recording on the medium M is immediately started, and the recorded medium M is ejected from the main body unit 12. Therefore, people who use the recording device 11 and people who take home the ejected medium M gather at the recording device 11.

[0051] In this flow, step S300 of calculating the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged medium M may be omitted. That is, this flow may be composed of steps S200, S400, and S101. For example, recording device 11 may be configured so that a recording instruction is not given at the same time that recording data is transmitted from terminal 91, but a recording instruction is always given by authentication unit 15a, and the recorded medium M is discharged from main body unit 12. Therefore, people who record recording data and people who use recording device 11 gather at recording device 11.

[0052] In this flow, step S400 of calculating the number of people currently using recording device 11 may be omitted. In other words, this flow may be composed of steps S200, S300, and S101. For example, recording device 11 does not include reading unit 13 and automatic feed unit 14. Therefore, recording device 11 attracts people who record recording data and people who take home ejected media M.

[0053] This flow may be made up of steps S200 and S101. This flow may also be made up of steps S300 and S101. This flow may also be made up of steps S400 and S101.

[0054] <Calculation of the number of people gathering to record data> 4, a subroutine for calculating the number of people who will gather to record the record data is executed by the computer 40 of the control unit 30. This subroutine includes a step of selecting the record data based on information related to the user who transmitted the record data, and a step of calculating the magnitude of the value of the number of people who will gather to record the record data based on information related to the selected record data.

[0055] In step S500, the computer 40 of the control unit 30 executes a subroutine to select recorded data to be used in calculating the number of people. This subroutine is a step in which recorded data is selected based on information related to the user who transmitted the recorded data. When this subroutine ends, the control unit 30 transitions the process to step S600.

[0056] In step S600, the computer 40 of the control unit 30 executes a subroutine for calculating the number of people. This subroutine is a step in which the number of people who will gather to record the record data is calculated based on information related to the selected record data. In other words, this subroutine is a step in which the density is calculated based on information related to the selected record data. When this subroutine ends, the control unit 30 ends the subroutine for calculating the number of people who will gather to record the record data.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the computer 40 of the control unit 30 executes a subroutine for selecting recording data to be used for calculating the number of people gathering to record the recording data. This subroutine is a step in which recording data is selected based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data. The control unit 30 selects the recording data to be used for calculating the number of people gathering to record the recording data based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data. In other words, in the flow for calculating the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 selects the recording data to be used for calculating the density around the recording device 11 based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data.

[0058] In step S501, the control unit 30 excludes the record data for which the user who transmitted the record data is currently absent. That is, the record data excluding the record data for which the user who transmitted the record data is currently absent is selected. Even if the record data is stored in the storage unit 33, people do not necessarily gather to record the record data. For example, when the record data is transmitted from a distant user using a mobile information terminal, the record data may not be recorded immediately, and the record data may be recorded in the recording device 11 when the user returns from the distant location. That is, the record data may be selected based on the location information of the mobile information terminal of the user who transmitted the record data. For example, even if the record data is stored in the storage unit 33, if the user who transmitted the record data is absent today, the record data is not recorded today. That is, the record data may be selected based on information on whether the user who transmitted the record data is absent today. The location information of the mobile information terminal of the user who transmitted the record data and the information on whether the user who transmitted the record data is absent today are examples of information related to the user who transmitted the record data stored in the storage unit 33. When the process of step S501 is completed, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S502.

[0059] In step S502, the control unit 30 excludes the recording data of the user who is notified of the density. That is, the recording data excluding the recording data of the user who is notified of the density is selected. The recording data used to calculate the number of people who gather to record the recording data may differ depending on the user. Since the people who gather to record the recording data stored in the storage unit 33 by a certain user are the user himself / herself, the recording data excluding the recording data stored in the storage unit 33 by the user who is notified of the density is selected. That is, the control unit 30 calculates the density that can be referred to by each user based on information related to the recording data excluding the recording data of each user. When the process of step S502 is completed, the control unit 30 ends this subroutine.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6, a subroutine for calculating the number of people who will gather to record the record data is executed by the computer 40 of the control unit 30. The control unit 30 predicts the number of people who will gather to record each piece of record data selected in the subroutine shown in Fig. 5, and adds up the predicted numbers of people to cause the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people who will gather to record the record data. This subroutine is a step in which the density is calculated based on information related to the selected record data.

[0061] In step S601, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate a first elapsed time for each selected record data. The first elapsed time is calculated from the date and time when the record data was transmitted and the current date and time. When the process of step S601 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S602.

[0062] In step S602, the control unit 30 causes the first prediction unit 34 to predict the first recording time for each selected recording data. For example, the first prediction unit 34 predicts the first recording time based on the recording density when the recording data is printed, the size of the medium M, whether double-sided recording or single-sided recording is used, and the like. The first recording time is included in the information related to the recording data. The first recording time may be an approximate value, and may be a prediction in minutes, for example. When the process of step S602 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S603.

[0063] In step S603, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people for each record data based on a number of people table based on the first elapsed time and the first recorded time. The table shown in Fig. 7 is an example of a number of people table based on the first elapsed time and the first recorded time. When the process of step S603 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S604.

[0064] In step S604, the control unit 30 adds up the number of people who will gather to record each piece of record data. The sum of these numbers is the number of people who will gather at the recording device 11 to record the record data.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data is calculated based on the first elapsed time. Also, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data is calculated based on the first recording time. Note that the values ​​described in the table shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples, and the values ​​may be set as appropriate. Also, time divisions may be set as appropriate. Also, a calculation formula may be used that calculates the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data when the first elapsed time and the first recording time are substituted.

[0066] Based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data, the value described in the table shown in FIG. 7 may be adjusted. That is, the control unit 30 may calculate the density based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data by adjusting the value described in the number-of-people table based on the first elapsed time and the first recording time. For example, in the recording data of users who gather at the recording device 11 immediately after transmitting the recording data, the value described in the table shown in FIG. 7 may be adjusted so that the number-of-people value becomes larger when the first elapsed time is small. For example, by analyzing the recording history for several days, it is possible to identify users who gather at the recording device 11 immediately after transmitting the recording data.

[0067] As the first elapsed time is longer, the frequency of gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data decreases, so it is desirable to set the value smaller as the first elapsed time is longer. Also, as the first recording time is longer, the time that the recording device 11 spends gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data increases, so it is desirable to set the value larger as the first recording time is longer.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the first elapsed time and the first recorded time may not be used, and the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data may be calculated based on the number of record data stored in the storage unit 33. In other words, in the flow of calculating the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 may calculate the density based on the number of record data stored in the storage unit 33. Note that the values ​​described in the table shown in FIG. 8 are examples, and the values ​​may be set appropriately. In addition, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data may be calculated based on the number of users who transmitted the record data stored in the storage unit 33. In other words, in the flow of calculating the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 may calculate the density based on the number of users in the record data stored in the storage unit 33.

[0069] <Calculating the number of people gathering to take home discarded media> 9, a subroutine for calculating the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M is executed by computer 40 of control unit 30. This subroutine includes a step of selecting an output tray to be used for calculating the number of people, based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data of the media M discharged to output tray 17, 57, 67. This subroutine also includes a step of calculating the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M, based on information related to the media M discharged to the selected output tray.

[0070] In step S700, the control unit 30 executes a subroutine to select a discharge tray to be used in calculating the number of people. This subroutine is a step in which a discharge tray to be used in calculating the number of people is selected based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data of the medium M discharged to the discharge tray 17, 57, or 67. The recording device 11 shown in FIG. 2 includes three discharge trays 17, 57, and 67. The three discharge trays are the first discharge tray 17, the second discharge tray 57, and the third discharge tray 67. In step S700, the control unit 30 selects one or more discharge trays from the first discharge tray 17, the second discharge tray 57, and the third discharge tray 67. All of the discharge trays may be selected. When this subroutine ends, the control unit 30 transitions the process to step S800.

[0071] In step S800, the control unit 30 executes a subroutine for calculating the number of people. This subroutine is a step for calculating the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M based on information related to the media M discharged to the selected discharge tray. When this subroutine ends, the control unit 30 ends the subroutine for calculating the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M.

[0072] 10, the computer 40 of the control unit 30 executes a subroutine to select a discharge tray to be used to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M. The control unit 30 selects the discharge tray to be used to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M, based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data of the media M discharged to that discharge tray. In other words, in the flow to calculate the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 selects the recording data to be used to calculate the density around the recording device 11, based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data.

[0073] In step S701, the control unit 30 excludes the discharge tray in which the user who discharged the medium M is not currently present. That is, a discharge tray other than the discharge tray in which the user who discharged the medium M is not currently present is selected. Even if the medium M is discharged to the discharge tray, people do not necessarily gather to take the medium M home. For example, when the user is not in the office where the recording device 11 is installed, the medium M may not be taken home immediately, and may be taken home when the user returns to the office. For example, the discharge tray may be selected based on the location information of the mobile information terminal owned by the user who transmitted the recording data of the medium M discharged to the discharge tray. For example, when the user who transmitted the recording data of the medium M is not present today, the medium M will not be taken home today. That is, the discharge tray may be selected based on information on whether the user who transmitted the recording data of the medium M discharged to the discharge tray is not present today. The location information of the mobile information terminal of the user who transmitted the recording data and the information on whether the user who transmitted the recording data is not present today are examples of information related to the user who transmitted the recording data of the medium M discharged to the discharge tray. When the process of step S701 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S702.

[0074] In step S702, the control unit 30 excludes the discharge tray into which the user who is notified of the density has discharged the medium M. That is, discharge trays excluding the discharge tray into which the user who is notified of the density has discharged the medium M are selected. The discharge tray used to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged medium M may differ depending on the user who is notified of the calculated density near the recording device 11. Since the people who will gather to take home the medium M that a certain user has discharged into the discharge tray are that user himself, discharge trays excluding the discharge tray into which the user who is notified of the density has discharged the medium M are selected. When the process of step S702 ends, the control unit 30 ends this subroutine.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 11, the computer 40 of the control unit 30 executes a subroutine to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M. The control unit 30 predicts the number of people who will gather to take home the media M discharged to each discharge tray selected in the subroutine shown in Fig. 10. The control unit 30 then adds up these numbers of people to cause the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M.

[0076] In step S801, the control unit 30 refers to the detection results of the detection units 17a, 57a, 67a provided in the selected discharge trays 17, 57, 67. The detection results of the detection units 17a, 57a, 67a are included in information related to the medium M discharged to the selected discharge trays 17, 57, 67. When the process of step S801 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S802.

[0077] In step S802, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate a second elapsed time, which is the time that has elapsed since the medium M was discharged onto each selected discharge tray. In the following description, the "time that has elapsed since the medium M was discharged onto the discharge tray" will be simply referred to as the "second elapsed time." The second elapsed time is calculated from the date and time that the medium M was discharged onto that discharge tray and the current date and time. When the processing of step S802 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the processing of step S803.

[0078] In step S803, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people in each discharge tray based on the number of people table based on the second elapsed time. The table shown in Fig. 12 is an example of the number of people table based on the second elapsed time. When the process of step S803 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S804.

[0079] In step S804, the control unit 30 adds up the number of people who will gather to take home the discharged media M from each discharge tray. The sum of these numbers of people is the number of people who will gather at the recording device 11 to take home the discharged media M.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 12, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to take home the discharged medium M is calculated based on the detection results of the detection units 17a, 57a, and 67a. In other words, in a flow for calculating the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 calculates the density around the recording device 11 based on the detection results of the medium M by the detection units 17a, 57a, and 67a. In addition, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to take home the discharged medium M is calculated based on a second elapsed time. In other words, in a flow for calculating the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 calculates the density around the recording device 11 based on the second elapsed time. The second elapsed time is the elapsed time since the medium M was discharged onto the discharge tray 17, 57, and 67. Note that the values ​​described in the table shown in FIG. 12 are merely examples, and the values ​​may be set as appropriate. In addition, the time divisions may also be set as appropriate. Also, a calculation formula may be used in which, when the second elapsed time and the value of the detection result of the detection units 17a, 57a, 67a are substituted, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to take home the discharged media M may be calculated. For example, the value of the detection result of the detection units 17a, 57a, 67a may be set to 1 when there is detection, and to zero when there is no detection.

[0081] As the second elapsed time becomes longer, the frequency of people gathering at recording device 11 to record the record data decreases, so it is desirable to set the value smaller as the second elapsed time becomes longer. For example, a user may be busy with other tasks and forget that they have stored the record data in storage unit 33. In addition, since the detection accuracy of the sensors used in detection units 17a, 57a, and 67a is high, it is desirable to set the value of the number of people gathering at recording device 11 to take home the discharged media M when there is no detection.

[0082] <Calculating the number of people currently using recording devices> As shown in Fig. 13, a subroutine for calculating the number of people currently using the recording device 11 is executed by the computer 40 of the control unit 30. This subroutine includes a step of calculating the number of people currently using the recording device 11 for each unit of the recording device 11 based on whether or not the unit is in operation. In this embodiment, the units of the recording device 11 include, for example, the operation unit 15, the reading unit 13, and the recording unit 20. Note that this subroutine may also include a step of calculating the number of people currently using the recording device 11 based on whether or not the post-processing device 90 including the medium loading device 50 and the folding device 80 is in operation.

[0083] In step S401, the control unit 30 determines whether the operation unit 15 is in operation. If the operation unit 15 is in operation, step S401 becomes YES, and the control unit 30 shifts the process to step S402. If the operation unit 15 is not in operation, step S401 becomes NO, and the control unit 30 shifts the process to step S403.

[0084] In step S402, the control unit 30 sets the value of the number of people currently using the recording device 11 to 1. In other words, in the flow for calculating the congestion degree around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 calculates the congestion degree around the recording device 11 based on the operating status of the operation unit 15. When the value of the number of people currently using the recording device 11 is 1, the recording device 11 is in a state where the operation unit 15 is being used by one user. The control unit 30 ends this subroutine.

[0085] In step S403, the control unit 30 determines whether the reading unit 13 or the automatic feed unit 14 is operating. If the reading unit 13 or the automatic feed unit 14 is operating, step S403 becomes YES, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S404. If either the reading unit 13 or the automatic feed unit 14 is not operating, step S403 becomes NO, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S405.

[0086] In step S404, the control unit 30 sets the value of the number of people currently using the recording device 11 to 1. In other words, in the flow for calculating the congestion degree around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 calculates the congestion degree around the recording device 11 based on the operating status of the reading unit 13 or the automatic feed unit 14. When the value of the number of people currently using the recording device 11 is 1, the recording device 11 is in a state where the reading unit 13 or the automatic feed unit 14 is being used by one user. For example, this is a state where an operation to read images such as characters and photographs recorded on a document is being performed by one user. The control unit 30 ends this subroutine.

[0087] In step S405, the control unit 30 determines whether the recording unit 20 or the transport unit 19 is operating. If the recording unit 20 or the transport unit 19 is operating, step S405 becomes YES, and the control unit 30 shifts the process to step S406. If neither the recording unit 20 nor the transport unit 19 is operating, step S405 becomes NO, and the control unit 30 shifts the process to step S409.

[0088] In step S409, the control unit 30 sets the value of the number of people currently using the recording device 11 to zero. That is, since none of the parts of the recording device 11 are in operation, the number of people currently using the recording device 11 is zero. The control unit 30 then ends this subroutine.

[0089] In step S406, while the recording unit 20 or the transport unit 19 is operating, the control unit 30 determines whether the recording device 11 is operating in response to a recording instruction from the terminal 91. If the recording device 11 is operating in response to a recording instruction from the terminal 91, step S406 becomes YES, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S407. If the recording device 11 is operating in response to a recording instruction from the operation unit 15 or the authentication unit 15a, step S405 becomes NO, and the control unit 30 proceeds to step S410.

[0090] In step S410, control unit 30 sets the value of the number of people currently using recording device 11 to 1. That is, the person who started recording on recording device 11 using operation unit 15 or authentication unit 15a is waiting for recording to finish, so the number of people using recording device 11 is 1. Control unit 30 then ends this subroutine.

[0091] In step S407, the control unit 30 causes the first prediction unit 34 to predict the second recording time for the currently being recorded data. The second recording time is included in the information related to the recording data. When the process of step S407 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S408.

[0092] In step S408, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people currently using the recording device 11 based on the number-of-people table based on the second recording time. The table shown in FIG. 14 is an example of the number-of-people table based on the second recording time. For example, after the first recording time is stored in the storage unit 33 as the second recording time when recording of the record data is started, the second prediction unit 35 subtracts the time that has elapsed in the recording from the second recording time as the recording progresses. That is, the second prediction unit 35 continues to update the second recording time in the storage unit 33. Therefore, the control unit 30 continues to update the number of people currently using the recording device 11 as the recording progresses.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 14, the number of people currently using the recording device 11 is calculated based on the second recording time. Note that the values ​​listed in the table shown in FIG. 14 are merely examples, and the values ​​may be set as appropriate. Time divisions may also be set as appropriate. A calculation formula may be used in which the number of people currently using the recording device 11 is calculated when the second recording time is substituted. Note that the shorter the second recording time, the higher the frequency of people immediately going to retrieve the medium M discharged to the recording device 11. Therefore, it is desirable to set the value to a larger value as the second recording time becomes shorter.

[0094] <Calculating the density for each area where the output trays are placed> The control unit 30 may divide the vicinity of the recording device 11 into a plurality of areas and calculate the density for each of the areas. For example, the control unit 30 may calculate the density for each area in which each discharge tray is arranged. In the recording device 11 shown in FIG. 1, there are people who gather near the main body unit 12 including the first discharge tray 17 and people who gather near the post-processing device 90 including the second discharge tray 57. Since the first discharge tray 17 and the second discharge tray 57 are distant from each other, there is little risk of infection due to contact or closeness between them. Therefore, both the density of the area in which the first discharge tray 17 is arranged and the density of the area in which the second discharge tray 57 is arranged may be calculated. For example, the density of the area in which the first discharge tray 17 is arranged is set as the first density near the recording device 11, and the density of the area in which the second discharge tray 57 is arranged is set as the second density near the recording device 11.

[0095] The first density near the recording device 11 is calculated based on information related to the recording data to be discharged to the first discharge tray 17 and the operating status of each part of the main body 12 including the first discharge tray 17. The second density near the recording device 11 is calculated based on information related to the recording data to be discharged to the second discharge tray 57 and the operating status of each part of the post-processing device 90 including the second discharge tray 57.

[0096] When a user operating terminal 91 selects recording device 11 shown in FIG. 2 as the output destination of recorded data using input unit 91a, recording device 11 may transmit the density near recording device 11 to terminal 91. At this time, recording device 11 may also transmit the density of the area in which each output tray of recording device 11 is arranged to terminal 91. That is, a first density near recording device 11 and a second density near recording device 11 may be notified to the user operating terminal 91. The user can select the output tray as the output destination by referring to these density values.

[0097] 2 as the output destination of the recorded data by the input unit 91a, the output tray arranged in the least dense area among the areas in which the respective output trays are arranged may be automatically selected as the output destination. In other words, after the recorded data is transmitted from the terminal 91 to the recording device 11, the recording device 11 may select the output tray arranged in the least dense area among the areas in which the respective output trays are arranged as the output destination and discharge the medium M.

[0098] <Operation of the embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. When a user operating terminal 91 transmits recording data to recording device 11, the recording data is stored in storage unit 33. At this time, information related to the recording data, such as the terminal 91 from which the recording data was transmitted, the user name that transmitted the recording data, the date and time when the recording data was transmitted, and the output tray into which medium M is discharged, is stored in storage unit 33 together with the recording data. Storage unit 33 accumulates recording data transmitted from multiple users and information associated with the recording data. Recording data that has been recorded is deleted from storage unit 33.

[0099] When a user who has an IC card 92 among the users who have transmitted the recording data brings the IC card 92 close to the authentication unit 15a, the IC card 92 is authenticated. This enables an operation to give a recording instruction to the recording device 11 using the recording data that was previously transmitted, using the operation unit 15. A user whose IC card 92 has been authenticated can operate the operation unit 15 to perform recording on the medium M based on the recording data transmitted by that user.

[0100] By excluding from the recording data for which the density is calculated the recording data of the user who sent the recording data who is currently absent and the recording data of the user who is to be notified of the density, the calculation accuracy of the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the recording data can be improved.

[0101] The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate a first elapsed time from the date and time when the record data was transmitted and the current date and time for each record data stored in the storage unit 33. The calculation unit 37 continues to update the value of the first elapsed time as time passes.

[0102] The control unit 30 calculates the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data based on the first elapsed time, which is the time elapsed since each record data was transmitted. Therefore, when the record data has just been transmitted, the density value can be increased. In other words, when the frequency of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data is high, the density value can be increased.

[0103] The control unit 30 calculates the density based on the first recording time, which is the time required to record the record data. Therefore, when the time required to record the record data is long, the density value can be increased. In other words, when the frequency of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data is high, the density value can be increased.

[0104] Among the users who have transmitted the recording data, a user who does not possess an IC card 92 can cause the recording device 11 to immediately record the data on the medium M by issuing a recording instruction at the same time as transmitting the recording data from the terminal 91. Then, the medium M on which the data has been recorded can be ejected from the main body unit 12. For example, the medium M on which the data has been recorded is ejected to the first ejection tray 17, and the medium M ejected to the first ejection tray 17 is detected by the first detection unit 17a.

[0105] The control unit 30 excludes from the output trays to be calculated output trays in which the user who has output the media M is not currently present and output trays into which the user who has been notified of the congestion level has output the media M. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the calculation of the number of people who will gather at the recording device 11 to take home the output media M.

[0106] The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the second elapsed time from the date and time when the medium M was discharged onto each discharge tray and the current date and time. The calculation unit 37 continues to update the value of the second elapsed time as time passes.

[0107] The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people who will gather at the recording device 11 to take home the ejected media M, based on the detection results of the media M by the detection units 17a, 57a, and 67a. The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people who will gather at the recording device 11 to take home the ejected media M, based on a second elapsed time, which is the time elapsed since the media M was ejected onto the ejection tray 17, 57, and 67. Therefore, when the media M has just been ejected onto the ejection tray 17, 57, and 67 of the recording device 11, the value of the density can be increased. In other words, when the frequency of people gathering at the recording device 11 to take home the ejected media M is high, the value of the density can be increased.

[0108] By operating the operation unit 15, the user can cause the reading unit 13 to read an image of the document set in the automatic feed unit 14. In addition, by operating the operation unit 15, the user can copy the document set in the automatic feed unit 14 onto the medium M on the spot.

[0109] The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people currently using the recording device 11 based on whether each part of the recording device 11 is in operation. This makes it possible to increase the value of the number of people currently using the recording device 11 when each part of the recording device 11 is being used.

[0110] The calculation unit 37 calculates the congestion degree around the recording device 11 by adding up the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to record the recording data, the number of people gathering at the recording device 11 to take home the ejected medium M, and the number of people currently using the recording device 11.

[0111] When a user is about to send recording data from a terminal 91, the control unit 30 notifies the terminal 91 of the current congestion level. This allows the user to know the congestion level around the recording device 11. The control unit 30 divides the area around the recording device 11 into multiple areas and calculates the congestion level for each area. Then, the control unit 30 notifies the terminal 91 of these congestion levels. This makes it possible to avoid using the recording device 11 in areas with high congestion levels.

[0112] <Effects of the embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. The recording device 11 and the method for calculating the density in the vicinity of the recording device 11 according to this embodiment provide the following advantages.

[0113] (1) When the density around the recording device 11 is used as an index showing the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 calculates the density based on information related to the recorded data stored in the storage unit 33. Then, the control unit 30 makes the density available for the user to refer to. By referring to the density around the recording device 11, the user can determine whether to head to the recording device 11 with reference to the density value, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity with people gathering around the recording device 11.

[0114] (2) The information related to the recorded data includes information related to the user who transmitted the recorded data stored in the storage unit 33. By calculating the density based on the information related to the user who transmitted the recorded data stored in the storage unit 33, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people who are likely to come to the recording device 11 to pick up the medium M.

[0115] (3) The control unit 30 selects the recording data used to calculate the density based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of calculating the density by excluding the recording data of people who are unlikely to come to the recording device 11 to pick up the medium M when the density is calculated based on information related to the recording data.

[0116] (4) The control unit 30 calculates the density that can be referenced by each user based on information related to the recorded data excluding the recorded data of that user. When the density for each user is calculated based on information related to the recorded data, the accuracy of the calculation of the density can be improved by excluding the recorded data transmitted by that user.

[0117] (5) When a user is about to send recording data, the control unit 30 transmits the current congestion level to the user. By notifying the user of the current congestion level, the user who is about to record on the recording device 11 can determine whether or not he or she should immediately send the recording data to the recording device 11. In addition, by notifying the user of the current congestion level, when the user has sent the recording data, the user can determine whether or not he or she should immediately go to the recording device 11 to record the data on the medium M.

[0118] (6) The information related to the recording data includes a first elapsed time, which is the time that has elapsed since each piece of recording data was transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with a person who comes to the recording device 11 to record the recording data on the medium M immediately after transmitting the recording data to the recording device 11.

[0119] (7) The information related to the record data includes a first recording time, which is the time required for the record data to be recorded. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with a person who has been recording the record data on the medium M for a long time using the recording device 11.

[0120] (8) The control unit 30 calculates the density based on the number of pieces of recording data stored in the storage unit 33. This allows the recording device 11 to be used while avoiding times when the recording device 11 is likely to be used multiple times.

[0121] (9) The control unit 30 calculates the density based on the operating status of the operation unit 15 that is operated when recording the record data stored in the storage unit 33. This makes it possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with a person operating the operation unit 15 of the recording device 11.

[0122] (10) The control unit 30 calculates the density based on the detection result of the medium M by the detection unit 17a, 57a, 67a and the second elapsed time, which is the time elapsed since the medium M was discharged onto the discharge tray 17, 57, 67. This can reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people who come to immediately pick up the medium M on the discharge tray 17, 57, 67 of the recording device 11.

[0123] (11) The information related to the recorded data includes a second recording time, which is the time required for the recording to finish while recording is being performed in recording unit 20. Therefore, the recording being performed in recording device 11 can reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people who come to pick up medium M that is about to be discharged.

[0124] (12) The control unit 30 divides the area around the recording device 11 into multiple areas and calculates the density for each area. This makes it possible to avoid using the recording device 11 in areas with high density.

[0125] (13) The control unit 30 calculates the density for each area in which the discharge trays 17, 57, 67 are arranged, and selects the discharge tray arranged in the least crowded area as the discharge destination for discharging the medium M. This reduces the frequency of contact or proximity with people gathered around the recording device 11 when the user goes to pick up the medium M from the discharge tray.

[0126] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted.

[0127] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 calculates the density around the recording device 11 based on the recording history stored in the storage unit 36, and makes the calculated density available to the user. For example, the density around the recording device 11 is calculated based on yesterday's recording history.

[0128] <How to calculate density> 15, a flow of a method for calculating the density near the recording device 11 is executed by the computer 40 of the control unit 30. This flow includes a step of selecting a recording history to be used for calculating the density near the recording device 11, and a step of calculating the density near the recording device 11 based on the selected recording history.

[0129] In step S1100, the control unit 30 executes a subroutine to select a recording history to be used in calculating the density. This subroutine is a step in which a recording history is selected based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data in the recording history and the time period when the recording data in the recording history was recorded. When this subroutine ends, the control unit 30 transitions the process to step S1200.

[0130] In step S1200, the control unit 30 executes a subroutine to calculate the number of people gathering near the recording device 11. In this embodiment, the number of people gathering near the recording device 11 is taken as the density. This subroutine is a step in which the density near the recording device 11 is calculated based on the selected recording history. When this subroutine ends, the control unit 30 ends the flow for calculating the density near the recording device 11.

[0131] 16, a subroutine for selecting a recording history to be used in calculating the density is executed by the computer 40 of the control unit 30. The control unit 30 selects the recording history to be used in calculating the density based on information related to the user who transmitted the recording data in the recording history and the time period when the recording data in the recording history was recorded.

[0132] In step S1101, the control unit 30 excludes the memory histories of the users whose congestion levels are to be notified. That is, the memory histories excluding the memory histories of the users whose congestion levels are to be notified are selected. This step is a step in which the recording history is selected based on information related to the users who transmitted the recording data in the recording history. When the process of step S1101 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S1102.

[0133] In step S1102, recording histories other than a predetermined time period are excluded. For example, a day is divided into 24 time periods, each hour. For example, when the current time is 9:30, the current time belongs to the time period "from 9:00 to 10:00". Time divisions may be set appropriately. In other words, when calculating the density in the current time period, a recording history in which the time period when the recording data in the recording history was recorded matches the time period to which the current date and time belongs is selected. The time period when the recording data was recorded is included in the recording history. This step is a step in which a recording history is selected based on the time period when the recording data in the recording history was recorded. When the process of step S1102 ends, the control unit 30 ends this subroutine.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 17, a subroutine for calculating the density is executed by computer 40 of control unit 30. Control unit 30 predicts the number of people gathering near recording device 11 for each of the recording histories selected in the subroutine shown in Fig. 16, and adds these numerical values ​​to cause calculation unit 37 to calculate the density near recording device 11. This subroutine is a step in which the density is calculated based on the selected recording histories.

[0135] In step S1201, the control unit 30 refers to the third recording time in each of the selected recording histories. The third recording time is included in the recording history. When the process of step S1201 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S1202.

[0136] In step S1202, the control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the number of people gathering near the recording device 11 based on the number-of-people table based on the third recording time in each recording history. The table shown in Fig. 18 is an example of the number-of-people table based on the third recording time. When the process of step S1202 ends, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S1203.

[0137] In step S1203, the control unit 30 adds up the number of people gathering near the recording device 11 in each recording history. The value obtained by adding up these numbers is the density near the recording device 11, which is an index showing the magnitude of the value of the number of people gathering near the recording device 11. In other words, the control unit 30 calculates the density near the recording device 11 based on a third recording time in the recording history whose time period matches the time period to which the current date and time belongs. The control unit 30 may also calculate the density near the recording device 11 in a specified time period based on a third recording time in the recording history whose time period in the recording history matches the specified time period.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 18, the number of people gathering near the recording device 11 in the recording history is calculated based on the third recording time. Note that the values ​​described in the table shown in Fig. 18 are merely examples, and the values ​​may be set as appropriate. Furthermore, time divisions may also be set as appropriate. Furthermore, a calculation formula may be used in which the density is calculated when the third recording time is substituted.

[0139] The longer the third recording time, the longer the time required for recording data to be recorded in the recording device 11. Therefore, it is desirable to set the value to a larger value as the third recording time is longer.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 19, the third recording time may not be used, and the density around the recording device 11 may be calculated based on the number of records in the selected recording history. That is, the control unit 30 may calculate the density based on the number of records in the recording history whose time period matches the current time period. The control unit 30 may also calculate the density around the recording device 11 in a predetermined time period based on the number of records in the recording history whose time period matches the predetermined time period in the recording history. Note that the values ​​described in the table shown in FIG. 19 are merely examples, and the values ​​may be set appropriately. The density around the recording device 11 may also be calculated based on the number of users in the selected recording history.

[0141] The control unit 30 may calculate the density around the recording device 11 in a specific time period. The control unit 30 may also calculate the density around the recording device 11 for each time period. For example, a day may be divided into 24 time periods, and the density around the recording device 11 may be calculated for each of the 24 time periods. The control unit 30 may then make the density around the recording device 11 for each time period available to the user.

[0142] <Operation of the embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. The control unit 30 causes the calculation unit 37 to calculate the density from the recording history. First, the control unit 30 excludes the recording history of the user to whom the density is to be notified and the recording history other than the current time period from the recording history to be calculated. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the calculation of the density.

[0143] Next, the control unit 30 calculates the density based on the third recording time for each storage history. Therefore, when the time required to record the record data is long, the density value can be increased. In other words, when the frequency of gathering at the recording device 11 to record the record data is high, the density value can be increased.

[0144] When a user is about to send recording data from a terminal 91, the control unit 30 notifies the terminal 91 of the current congestion level. This allows the user to know the congestion level around the recording device 11. The control unit 30 calculates the congestion level for each time period. Then, the control unit 30 notifies the terminal 91 of these congestion levels. This makes it possible to avoid using the recording device 11 during times of high congestion.

[0145] <Effects of the embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (14) When the index showing the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device 11 is the density around the recording device 11, the control unit 30 calculates the density based on the recording history stored in the memory unit 36. Then, the control unit 30 makes the density available for the user to refer to. By referring to the density around the recording device 11, the user can determine whether to head to the recording device 11, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity with people gathering around the recording device 11.

[0146] (15) The control unit 30 calculates the degree of congestion for each time period when the recorded data in the recording history was recorded. By referring to the degree of congestion around the recording device 11 for each time period, the user can adjust the time period when he or she travels to the recording device 11, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity with people congregating around the recording device 11.

[0147] (16) The control unit 30 calculates the density in a specific time period based on a third recording time in the recording history where the time period when the record data was recorded coincides with the specific time period. This allows the user to use the recording device 11 while avoiding time periods when the recording device 11 is used for recording for a long time.

[0148] (17) The control unit 30 calculates the density of a specific time period based on the number of records in the recording history in which the time period when the recorded data was recorded matches the specific time period. This allows the user to use the recording device 11 while avoiding time periods in which the recording device 11 is used frequently.

[0149] <Modifications of the embodiment> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0150] The recording method for recording on the medium M in the recording device 11 is not limited to the inkjet method. The recording device 11 may be, for example, an electrophotographic or thermal transfer recording device. The recording device 11 may include a detection unit that detects that the medium accommodation unit 16 has been pulled out. The control unit 30 may then calculate the density of the area around the recording device 11 based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0151] The recording device 11 may be equipped with a human presence sensor that detects whether there is a person near the recording device 11. The control unit 30 may then calculate the density of people near the recording device 11 based on the output result of the human presence sensor.

[0152] The recording device 11 may calculate the congestion degree around the recording device 11 based on the authentication status of the authentication unit 15a. For example, when a certain user has been authenticated by the authentication unit 15a, the control unit 30 may determine that the user is currently using the recording device 11.

[0153] The distance from the terminal 91 to the recording device 11 may be registered in the recording device 11. The control unit 30 may estimate the density taking into account the time it takes for the user of the terminal 91 to reach the vicinity of the recording device 11, and may notify the user of the terminal 91 of the density.

[0154] There may be cases where media M of a certain user are discharged onto a discharge tray onto which media M of another user have already been discharged. If the detection units 17a, 57a, 67a are sensors that detect the presence or absence of media M, in such a case, the detection units 17a, 57a, 67a cannot determine which user's media M remains. For this reason, the second elapsed time may be the time that has elapsed since the last media M was discharged onto the discharge tray.

[0155] When a user has sent multiple pieces of recording data to the recording device 11, if the number of people is calculated based on information relating to the second or subsequent pieces of recording data by that user, the control unit 30 may calculate the number to be low.

[0156] The control unit 30 may calculate the density for several days from the recording history for each day. The control unit 30 may then calculate the average value of these densities. The control unit 30 may then use this average value as the density around the recording device 11.

[0157] In the second embodiment, the time period is not limited to one hour, but may be in 30 minute or 10 minute increments. Also, the time unit may be in two hour increments. The user may refer to the density level through voice guidance on the terminal 91.

[0158] <Technical ideas and effects understood from the embodiments and modified examples> The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0159] (A) A recording device comprising a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a storage unit that temporarily stores the recording data until the recording is performed, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output, wherein the recording device has a control unit that controls the recording device, and when an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device is taken as the density near the recording device, the control unit calculates the density based on information related to the recording data stored in the storage unit and makes the density accessible to the user.

[0160] According to this configuration, a user can refer to the density around the recording device and use that density value as a reference to determine whether or not to head to the recording device, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity to people gathered around the recording device.

[0161] (B) In the above-mentioned recording device, the information related to the recording data may include information related to a user who transmitted the recording data stored in the storage unit. According to this configuration, the density is calculated based on information relating to the user who sent the recording data to be stored in the storage unit, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or proximity with people who are likely to come to the recording device to retrieve media.

[0162] (C) In the above recording device, the control unit may select the recording data used to calculate the density based on information related to a user who transmitted the recording data.

[0163] According to this configuration, when the density is calculated based on information related to the recorded data, the accuracy of the density calculation can be improved by excluding the recorded data of people who are unlikely to come to the recording device to pick up media.

[0164] (D) In ​​the above-mentioned recording device, the control unit may calculate the density accessible to each of the users based on information related to recorded data excluding the recorded data of each of the users.

[0165] According to this configuration, when the density for each user is calculated based on information related to the recorded data, the accuracy of the calculation of the density can be improved by excluding the recorded data sent by that user.

[0166] (E) In the above-mentioned recording device, the recording device is configured to be able to detect that the user is about to send the recording data to the recording device, the recording device includes a transmitting unit that transmits information related to the recording device, and the control unit may transmit the current congestion level to the user when the user is about to send the recording data.

[0167] According to this configuration, by notifying the user of the current congestion level, the user who is about to record on the recording device can determine whether or not he or she should immediately send the recording data to the recording device. Also, by notifying the user of the current congestion level, when the user has sent the recording data, the user can determine whether or not he or she should immediately go to the recording device to record it on the medium.

[0168] (F) In the above-mentioned recording device, the information related to the recording data may include a first elapsed time that is an elapsed time since each of the recording data was transmitted. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with a person who comes to the recording device to record the record data on a medium immediately after transmitting the record data to the recording device.

[0169] (G) In the above-mentioned recording device, the recording device may have a first prediction unit that predicts a first recording time, which is the time required for each of the recording data to be recorded, and the information relating to the recording data may include the first recording time.

[0170] According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people who spend a long time recording data onto a medium using a recording device. (H) In the above recording device, the control unit may calculate the density based on the number of pieces of recording data stored in the storage unit.

[0171] According to this configuration, the recording device can be used while avoiding times when it is likely to be used repeatedly. (I) The above recording device may have an operation unit that is operated when recording the recording data stored in the storage unit, and the control unit may calculate the density based on an operating status of the operation unit.

[0172] This configuration can reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with a person operating the operation unit of the recording device. (J) The recording device may have a detection unit that detects the medium on the discharge tray, and the control unit may calculate the density based on the detection result of the medium by the detection unit and a second elapsed time, which is the elapsed time since the medium was discharged onto the discharge tray.

[0173] This configuration can reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people who come immediately to retrieve the media from the discharge tray of the recording device. (K) The recording device may have a second prediction unit that predicts a second recording time, which is a time required for recording to be completed while recording is being performed in the recording unit, and the information relating to the recording data may include the second recording time.

[0174] According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people who come to pick up media that are about to be discharged due to recording being performed by the recording device. (L) A recording device comprising a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a memory unit that stores a recording history in the recording unit, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output, wherein the recording device has a control unit that controls the recording device, and when an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device is taken as the density near the recording device, the control unit calculates the density based on the recording history stored in the memory unit and makes the density accessible to the user.

[0175] According to this configuration, a user can refer to the density of people around the recording device to determine whether or not to head to the recording device, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity to people gathered around the recording device.

[0176] (M) In the above-mentioned recording device, the recording history may include a time period when the record data was recorded, and the control unit may calculate the density for each of the time periods. With this configuration, a user can refer to the density of people around the recording device during each time period and adjust the time period during which they head to the recording device, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity to people gathering near the recording device.

[0177] (N) In the above recording device, the recording history may include a third recording time, which is the time required to record the recording data, and the control unit may calculate the density in a specified time period based on the third recording time in the recording history where the time period coincides with a specified time period.

[0178] According to this configuration, the user can use the recording device while avoiding time periods when the recording device is being used for recording for a long time. (O) In the above recording device, the control unit may calculate the density in a specified time period based on the number of recordings in the recording history in which the time period coincides with a specified time period.

[0179] According to this configuration, the user can use the recording device while avoiding times when the recording device is used frequently. (P) In the above-mentioned recording device, the control unit may divide the vicinity of the recording device into a plurality of areas and calculate the density for each of the areas.

[0180] This configuration makes it possible to avoid using the recording device in highly crowded areas. (Q) The recording device may be provided with a plurality of the discharge trays, and the control unit may calculate the density for each area in which each of the discharge trays is located, and select the discharge tray located in the area with the least density as the discharge destination and discharge the medium.

[0181] According to this configuration, when a user goes to retrieve media from the discharge tray, it is possible to reduce the frequency of contact or proximity with people gathered near the recording device. (R) A method of calculating the density near a recording device includes a recording device having a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a storage unit that temporarily stores the recording data until the recording is performed, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output. When the density near the recording device is defined as an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device, the recording device includes a computer that calculates the density, and includes a step of selecting the recording data by the computer based on information related to the user who sent the recording data, and a step of calculating the density by the computer based on information related to the selected recording data.

[0182] According to this method, a user can refer to the calculated density value to determine whether or not to head toward the recording device, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity with people congregating near the recording device.

[0183] (S) A method of calculating the density near a recording device, in which a recording device includes a receiving unit that receives recording data sent from a user, a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data, a memory unit that stores a recording history in the recording unit, and an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output, when the density near the recording device is an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device, the recording device includes a computer that calculates the density, and includes a step of selecting the recording history by the computer based on the time period when the recording data in the recording history was recorded, and a step of calculating the density by the computer based on the selected recording history.

[0184] According to this method, the user can adjust the time period when he or she heads to the recording device by referring to the calculated density value, thereby reducing the frequency of contact or close proximity with people congregating near the recording device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 11...recording device, 12...main body, 13...reading unit, 14...automatic feed unit, 15...operation unit, 15a...authentication unit, 16...media storage unit, 17...first discharge tray as discharge tray, 17a...first detection unit as detection unit, 20...recording unit, 30...control unit, 31...receiving unit, 32...transmitting unit, 33...storage unit, 34...first prediction unit, 35...second prediction unit, 36...memory unit, 37...calculation unit, 40...computer, 50...media loading device , 57...second discharge tray as discharge tray, 57a...second detection section as detection section, 58...stacker tray, 67...third discharge tray as discharge tray, 67a...third detection section as detection section, 70...conveying device, 80...folding device, 90...post-processing device, 91...terminal, 91a...input section, 91b...display section, 92...IC card, M...medium, NW...network, X...width direction, Y...depth direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. A receiving unit for receiving the record data transmitted from a user; a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data; a storage unit for temporarily storing the recording data until the recording is performed; an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output; a detection unit that detects the medium on the discharge tray, The recording device has a control unit that controls the recording device, When an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device is defined as the density near the recording device, A recording device characterized in that the control unit calculates the density based on information related to the recording data stored in the storage unit and the detection results of the medium by the detection unit, and makes the density available to the user.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit calculates the density based on a second elapsed time that is an elapsed time from when the medium is discharged onto the discharge tray.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the record data includes information relating to a user who has transmitted the record data stored in the storage unit.

4. 4. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects the recording data used to calculate the density based on information related to a user who transmitted the recording data.

5. The recording device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit calculates the density accessible to each of the users based on information relating to the recording data excluding the recording data of each of the users.

6. the recording device is configured to be capable of detecting that the user is about to transmit the recording data to the recording device; the recording device includes a transmission unit that transmits information related to the recording device; 6. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the current congestion level to the user when the user is about to transmit the recording data.

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the recording data includes a first elapsed time that is an elapsed time since each of the recording data was transmitted.

8. the recording device includes a first prediction unit that predicts a first recording time that is a time required for recording each of the record data, 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the recording data includes the first recording time.

9. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the density based on the number of pieces of recording data stored in the storage unit.

10. an operation unit that is operated when recording the recording data stored in the storage unit, 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the density based on an operation status of the operation unit.

11. the recording device has a second prediction unit that predicts a second recording time that is a time required until the recording is completed while the recording is being performed by the recording unit, 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the recording data includes the second recording time.

12. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit divides an area around the recording apparatus into a plurality of areas and calculates the density for each of the areas.

13. the recording device includes a plurality of the discharge trays, The recording device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit calculates the density for each area in which each of the ejection trays is arranged, and selects the ejection tray arranged in the area among the areas with the least density as the ejection destination to eject the medium.

14. A receiving unit for receiving the record data transmitted from a user; a recording unit that records on a medium based on the recording data; a storage unit for temporarily storing the recording data until the recording is performed; an output tray to which the medium on which the recording has been performed is output; a detection unit that detects the medium on the discharge tray, When an index indicating the magnitude of the value of the number of people predicted to gather near the recording device is defined as the density near the recording device, The recording device includes a computer that calculates the density, selecting the recorded data by the computer based on information related to a user who transmitted the recorded data; a step of calculating the density by the computer based on information relating to the selected recording data and the detection result of the medium by the detection unit.

Images