Image forming apparatus, warning method and warning program

Abstract

To eliminate fears of users before they use an apparatus.SOLUTION: An MFP 100 comprises: an operation detection unit 51 that detects an operation performed by an operator for one of a plurality of members to be operated by the operator; a cleaning detection unit 53 that detects that each of the plurality of members is cleaned; and a notification unit 55 that provides the state of cleaning of the plurality of members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a warning method, and a warning program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus used by multiple users, a warning method executed by the image forming apparatus, and a warning program that causes a computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute the warning method. [Background technology]

[0002] An image processing apparatus, such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that combines multiple functions such as a fax, copy, and scanner, may be used by multiple users.

[0003] With the recent global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there has been an increase in anxiety about operating MFPs that are used by multiple users. For this reason, disinfecting an MFP after use will alleviate anxiety for the next user, but there is no guarantee that it has been disinfected. For this reason, users must disinfect the MFP before operating it.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-164815 describes an electronic device that has an operation unit operated by a user and responds to the operation of this operation unit, characterized in that the electronic device is equipped with an ion generating means that generates and releases ions, and an ion release control means that starts releasing ions from the ion generating means toward the operation unit after the operation of the operation unit or the response operation to the operation has ended.

[0005] However, the electronic device described in JP 2010-164815 A releases ions after the operation is completed, but cannot accommodate a case where the next user operates the device before the ions are released. Furthermore, the electronic device described in JP 2010-164815 A releases ions only toward the operation unit, so it cannot alleviate the anxiety of users who operate parts other than the operation unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-164815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can eliminate the user's anxiety before using the apparatus.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a warning method that can alleviate the user's anxiety before using the device.

[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a warning program that can alleviate the user's anxiety before using the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: The operation of the operating member by the operator an operation detection means for detecting the Determine whether the operating parts have been cleaned Cleaning Judgment Means and a state change means for changing the cleaning state of the operating member based on the detection result of the operation detection means and the determination result of the cleaning determination means; and and a notification means for notifying the cleaning status of the cleaning device.

[0011] According to this aspect, it is detected that the operator has operated the operating member, and it is determined whether the operating member has been cleaned, Based on the detection result and the judgment result, the cleaning state of the operating member is changed, and based on the changed cleaning state, the operating member is The cleaning status of the members is notified to the user. Therefore, since the user is notified that the members have not been cleaned, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can alleviate the user's anxiety before using the apparatus.

[0012] Preferably, The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of operation members, and the operation detection means, cleaning determination means, and state change means individually detect, determine, and change the state of each of the plurality of operation members. .

[0014] Preferably, The state change means changes the state of the flag, and switches the flag between on and off based on the detection result of the operation detection means and the determination result of the cleaning determination means. .

[0016] Preferably, the cleaning device further includes a non-contact type human presence sensor that detects the operator, and the notification means notifies the cleaning status in response to switching from a non-operation state in which the operator is not detected by the human presence sensor to an operation state in which the operator is detected by the human presence sensor.

[0017] According to this aspect, the cleaning status is notified in response to switching from the non-operation status to the operation status, so that the cleaning status can be notified at an appropriate timing.

[0018] Preferably, the cleaning device further includes an operator identification means for identifying the operator, and when a first operator is identified by the operator identification means, the notification means does not notify the cleaning status if the first operator is the same as a second operator identified by the operator identification means immediately before the first operator was identified.

[0019] According to this aspect, if the current operator is the same as the immediately preceding operator, the cleaning status is not notified, so that unnecessary notifications can be avoided.

[0020] Preferably, the notification means transmits the cleaning status to an external device.

[0021] According to this aspect, the user can check the cleaning status on an external device.

[0022] Preferably, the notification means notifies the cleaning status by sound.

[0023] According to this aspect, the user can audibly confirm the cleaning status.

[0024] Preferably, the notification means notifies the cleaning status by light.

[0025] This allows the user to visually check the cleaning status.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a warning method includes: The operation of the operating member by the operator an operation detection step of detecting Determine whether the operating parts have been cleaned Cleaning Judgment Steps and a state changing step of changing the cleaning state of the operating member based on the detection result in the operation detection step and the determination result in the cleaning determination step; and and a notification step of notifying the cleaning status of the image forming apparatus.

[0035] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a warning method that can alleviate the user's anxiety before using the device.

[0036] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the warning program comprises: The operation of the operating member by the operator an operation detection step of detecting Determine whether the operating parts have been cleaned Cleaning Judgment Steps and a state changing step of changing the cleaning state of the operating member based on the detection result in the operation detection step and the determination result in the cleaning determination step; and and a notification step of notifying the cleaning status of the image forming apparatus.

[0037] According to this aspect, a warning program can be provided that can alleviate the user's anxiety before using the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a warning process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a contact flag control process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a notification process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0040] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110, a camera 170 that captures an image of a subject, a document reading unit 130 that reads a document, an automatic document feeder 120 that transports the document to document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140 that forms an image on paper or the like based on image data, a paper feed unit 150 that supplies paper to image forming unit 140, a post-processing device 155, and an operation panel 160 as a user interface.

[0041] Camera 170 is an imaging device that captures an image of a subject and outputs image data. Camera 170 is fixedly attached to the main body of MFP 100 above operation panel 160. Camera 170 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element, and focuses light collected by the lens onto the photoelectric conversion element, which photoelectrically converts the received light and outputs image data to CPU 111. The photoelectric conversion element is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, or the like. The lens of camera 170 is preferably a wide-angle lens.

[0042] The automatic document feeder 120 automatically transports multiple documents set on the document tray 125 one by one to a document reading position of the document reading unit 130, and discharges the documents after the images formed on them have been read by the document reading unit 130 to the post-processing device 155. The automatic document feeder 120 is equipped with a document detection sensor that detects documents placed on the document tray 125. The automatic document feeder 120 has an LED 120A that is a light-emitting member.

[0043] Document tray 125 is used to place a variety of documents of different sizes. Document tray 125 includes a document size adjustment plate that aligns the documents according to their respective sizes, and a size detection sensor that detects the position of the document size adjustment plate. The size detection sensor is, for example, a photoelectric sensor, and is arranged at a variety of predetermined positions relative to the document size adjustment plate. Document tray 125 also includes LED 125A, which is a light-emitting element.

[0044] The document reading unit 130 has a rectangular reading surface for reading a document. The reading surface is formed by, for example, a platen glass. The automatic document feeder 120 is connected to the main body of the MFP 100 so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to one side of the reading surface, and is openable and closable. The document reading unit 130 is disposed below the automatic document feeder 120. When the automatic document feeder 120 is rotated and opened, the reading surface of the document reading unit 130 is exposed. This allows a user to place a document on the reading surface of the document reading unit 130. The automatic document feeder 120 can be switched between an open state in which the reading surface of the document reading unit 130 is exposed and a closed state in which the reading surface is covered. The automatic document feeder 120 is equipped with an open / close detection sensor that detects the open state of the automatic document feeder 120. The open / close detection sensor is, for example, a contact switch that is ON when the automatic document feeder 120 is closed and OFF when it is open.

[0045] The document reading unit 130 includes a light source that emits light and a photoelectric conversion element that receives the light, and scans an image formed on a document placed on the reading surface. When a document is placed in the reading area, the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the document, and the reflected light forms an image on the photoelectric conversion element. When the photoelectric conversion element receives the light reflected by the document, it converts the received light into an electrical signal to generate image data. The document reading unit 130 outputs the image data to the CPU 111.

[0046] The paper feed unit 150 includes paper feed trays 150A and 150B and a manual feed tray 150C. Paper feed tray 150A has LED 151A, which is a light-emitting member. Paper feed tray 150B has LED 151A, which is a light-emitting member. Manual feed tray 150C has LED 151C, which is a light-emitting member. Each of paper feed trays 150A and 150B is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the device body. Each of paper feed trays 150A and 150B has a different relative position relative to the device body during operation when paper can be supplied to image forming unit 140 and during replenishment when the user replenishes paper. Each of paper feed trays 150A and 150B is located in a storage position that is positioned in the housing of the device body during operation, and in an open position where a portion of the tray is exposed from the device body during replenishment. Since the relative positional changes of paper feed trays 150A and 150B with respect to the device body are the same, paper feed tray 150A will be used as an example. When paper feed tray 150A is in the retracted position, if the user pulls paper feed tray 150A out from the rear to the front, paper feed tray 150A slides to the open position. When paper feed tray 150A is in the open position, if the user pushes paper feed tray 150A in from the front to the rear, paper feed tray 150A slides to the retracted position. Position detection sensors that detect the positions of paper feed trays 150A and 150B are provided for each of paper feed trays 150A and 150B. The position detection sensors are, for example, contact switches that are ON when paper feed trays 150A and 150B are in the retracted position and OFF when paper feed trays 150A and 150B are in the open position.

[0047] When not in use, the manual feed tray 150C is folded by the user to a stored state with the paper loading surface vertical, and when in use, the user pulls it out to a usage state with the paper loading surface inclined toward the main body. The MFP 100 is equipped with a state detection sensor that detects whether the manual feed tray 150C is in the stored state or the usage state. The state detection sensor is, for example, a contact switch that is OFF when the manual feed tray 150C is in the stored state and ON when it is in use.

[0048] Paper feed unit 150 transports the sheets stored in two paper feed trays 150A and 150B and manual feed tray 150C to image forming unit 140. Image forming unit 140 is controlled by CPU 111 and forms images by a well-known electrophotographic method, forming images on sheets transported by paper feed unit 150 based on image data input from CPU 111, and ejecting the sheets with the images formed to post-processing device 155. The image data that CPU 111 outputs to image forming unit 140 includes image data input from document reading unit 130 as well as image data such as print data received from the outside.

[0049] The image forming unit 140 forms a toner image on paper using a well-known electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 140 includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner, and a toner bottle that stores toner and supplies toner to the developing device. The MFP 100 is provided with a front door 141 that can be opened and closed at the front of the portion of the main body that houses the image forming unit 140. When the front door 141 is opened by a user, the image forming unit 140 is exposed to the outside. In this state, the user can replace the toner bottle, the developing device, or the photosensitive drum. When the front door 141 is closed by a user, the image forming unit 140 is hidden by the front door 141. The MFP 100 is provided with a front sensor that detects whether the front door 141 is open or closed. The front sensor is, for example, a contact switch that is turned OFF when the front door 141 is open and turned ON when the front door 141 is closed. The front door 141 has an LED 141A which is a light emitting member.

[0050] The MFP 100 has a paper transport path for transporting paper through the paper feed unit 150 and the image forming unit 140. The MFP 100 has a side door 153 that can be opened and closed on the side of the main body where the paper transport path is located. When the user opens the side door 153, the paper transport path is exposed to the outside. In this state, the user can remove paper that has become jammed in the paper transport path. When the user closes the side door 153, the paper transport path is hidden by the side door 153. Note that the side door 153 may form part of the paper transport path. The MFP 100 has a side sensor that detects whether the side door 153 is open or closed. The side sensor is, for example, a contact switch that is turned off when the side door 153 is open and turned on when the side door 153 is closed. The side door 153 has an LED 153A that is a light-emitting element.

[0051] Main circuit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that controls the entire MFP 100, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, an HDD 115 as a large-capacity storage device, a facsimile unit 116, a motion sensor 117, a microphone 118A, a speaker 118B, and a drug sensor 119. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feed unit 150, operation panel 160, camera 170, and external storage device 180, and controls the entire MFP 100.

[0052] ROM 113 stores programs executed by CPU 111 or data required to execute the programs. RAM 114 is used as a work area when CPU 111 executes the programs. RAM 114 also temporarily stores image data continuously sent from document reading unit 130.

[0053] Operation panel 160 is provided on the top surface of MFP 100. Operation panel 160 includes display unit 161 and operation unit 163. Display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information related to acquired image data, and the like. Note that instead of an LCD, any device that displays images, such as an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, can be used.

[0054] The operation unit 163 includes a touch panel 165, a hard key unit 167, and a non-contact sensor 169. The touch panel 165 is of a capacitance type. However, the touch panel 165 is not limited to the capacitance type, and other types such as a resistive film type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, or an electromagnetic induction type can be used.

[0055] Touch panel 165 is provided with its detection surface superimposed on the upper or lower surface of display unit 161. Here, the size of the detection surface of touch panel 165 is the same as the size of the display surface of display unit 161. Therefore, the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same. Touch panel 165 detects, on the detection surface, a position indicated by a user on the display surface of display unit 161, and outputs the coordinates of the detected position to CPU 111. Because the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same, the coordinates output by touch panel 165 can be converted into coordinates of the display surface.

[0056] Hard key unit 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard keys are, for example, contact switches. Touch panel 165 detects a position on the display surface of display unit 161 designated by the user. Since users often operate MFP 100 in an upright position, the display surface of display unit 161, the operation surface of touch panel 165, and hard key unit 167 are arranged facing upward. This is to allow the user to easily view the display surface of display unit 161 and to easily designate operation unit 163 with their fingers.

[0057] Non-contact sensor 169 is a sensor that detects heat emitted by the user without contact. For example, an infrared sensor is used as non-contact sensor 169. When the user brings their hand close to non-contact sensor 169, non-contact sensor 169 detects the heat emitted from the hand. Non-contact sensor 169 may also be a photoelectric sensor. In this case, non-contact sensor 169 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light irradiated from the light emitting unit. When the user inserts their hand between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, it is detected that the light receiving unit no longer receives the light irradiated from the light emitting unit.

[0058] The communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to a network. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with other computers or data processing devices connected to the network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The network to which the communication I / F unit 112 is connected is a local area network (LAN), and the connection type may be wired or wireless. The network is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

[0059] Facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. Facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in HDD 115, converts it into print data that can be printed by image forming unit 140, and outputs it to image forming unit 140. As a result, image forming unit 140 forms an image of the facsimile data received by facsimile unit 116 on paper. Facsimile unit 116 also converts the data stored in HDD 115 into facsimile data and transmits it to a facsimile device connected to the PSTN.

[0060] Human presence sensor 117 detects a person within a predetermined range from MFP 100 and outputs the result to CPU 111. Human presence sensor 117 is a non-contact sensor that detects a user without contact. In the present embodiment, an infrared sensor is used as human presence sensor 117. Note that a pyroelectric sensor may be used as human presence sensor 117 instead of an infrared sensor, as long as it can detect a person. Furthermore, an image output by camera 170 may be analyzed to detect a person within a predetermined range from MFP 100. In this case, human presence sensor 117 is not necessary.

[0061] Microphone 118A collects sound, converts the collected sound into audio data, which is electronic data, and outputs it to CPU 111. Speaker 118B is controlled by CPU 111 and outputs sound according to the audio data output from CPU 111. Drug sensor 119 is a sensor that detects drugs for disinfection, such as alcohol. Drug sensor 119 is arranged on the exterior of MFP 100, and detects drugs that are sprayed or applied to the exterior of MFP 100. Therefore, when a user disinfects MFP 100 by spraying or applying a drug such as alcohol to it, drug sensor 119 detects the drug. Drug sensor 119 outputs the result of drug detection to CPU 111.

[0062] Post-processing device 155 receives sheets of paper on which images have been formed by image forming unit 140 and performs post-processing on the sheets. Post-processing includes, but is not limited to, a process of sorting multiple sheets of paper by transporting the multiple sheets of paper to one of multiple paper output trays, a process of punching holes in the sheets of paper, and a process of driving staples into the sheets of paper. When post-processing device 155 is started up to switch the operating mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode, it rotates a screw shaft to raise or lower the multiple paper output trays until they move to their initial positions.

[0063] External storage device 180 is controlled by CPU 111, and is equipped with CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118AA or a semiconductor memory. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which CPU 111 executes a program stored in ROM 113, but CPU 111 may also control external storage device 180 to read a program to be executed by CPU 111 from CD-ROM 180A, store the read program in RAM 114, and execute it.

[0064] The recording medium for storing the program to be executed by CPU 111 is not limited to CD-ROM 180A, but may be a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or other semiconductor memory.

[0065] Furthermore, the CPU 111 may download a program from a computer connected to the network and store it in the HDD 115, or the computer connected to the network may write the program to the HDD 115, and the program stored in the HDD 115 may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed by the CPU 111. The program here includes not only programs that can be directly executed by the CPU 111, but also source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, etc.

[0066] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the present embodiment. The functions shown in Fig. 3 are realized by CPU 111 included in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes a warning program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 180A. Referring to Fig. 3, CPU 111 includes an operation detection unit 51, a cleaning detection unit 53, a notification unit 55, and a timing detection unit 57.

[0067] Operation detection unit 51 detects an operation performed by an operator of MFP 100 on at least one of a plurality of members included in MFP 100. Operation detection unit 51 includes an operator identification unit 61, a sensor detection unit 63, and a job detection unit 65.

[0068] The operator identifying unit 61 identifies the operator who operates the MFP 100. When a user operates the touch panel 165 to input a user ID, the operator identifying the user identified by the input user ID is identified as the operator. When performing face authentication using an image captured by the camera 170, the operator identifying unit 61 analyzes an area in the image that includes the user's face to identify the user whose face has been authenticated as the operator. When a card reader, fingerprint authentication device, or vein reading device is attached to the MFP 100, the operator identifying unit 61 identifies the user who has been authenticated using the card ID, fingerprint information, or vein pattern as the operator.

[0069] Sensor detection unit 63 detects operations by an operator on multiple components of MFP 100 based on the outputs of various sensors included in MFP 100. The multiple components included in MFP 100 include touch panel 165, hard key unit 167, automatic document feeder 120, document tray 125, paper feed trays 150A and 150B, and manual tray 150C. In addition, if MFP 100 is equipped with a card reader, fingerprint authentication device, or vein reading device, the authentication device is included in the multiple components.

[0070] When detecting an instruction from the operator via touch panel 165, sensor detection unit 63 detects an operation on the touch panel by the operator. When the operator instructs one of the multiple hard keys of hard key unit 167, sensor detection unit 63 detects an operation on hard key unit 167 by the operator. When an open / close detection sensor provided in automatic document feeder 120 detects the open state or closed state of automatic document feeder 120, sensor detection unit 63 detects an operation on automatic document feeder 120 by the operator. When a size detection sensor provided in document tray 125 of automatic document feeder 120 detects movement of a document size adjustment plate of document tray 125, sensor detection unit 63 detects an operation on document tray 125 by the operator.

[0071] When a change in the position of paper feed trays 150A and 150B is detected by a position detection sensor provided for each of paper feed trays 150A and 150B, sensor detection unit 63 detects an operation on paper feed trays 150A and 150B by the operator. When a change in the state of manual feed tray 150C is detected by a state detection sensor provided for manual feed tray 150C, sensor detection unit 63 detects an operation on manual feed tray 150C by the operator.

[0072] Job detection unit 65 detects a component to be operated by a user based on a job executed by MFP 100. When a job specifies an image forming process, job detection unit 65 detects an operation on post-processing device 155. Jobs that specify an image forming process include a print job for forming an image from print data, a copy job for forming an image from image data obtained by scanning a document, and a fax reception job for forming an image from facsimile data received by facsimile. When a job specifies a document reading process, job detection unit 65 detects an operation on automatic document feeder 120. Jobs that specify a document reading process include a copy job, a scan job for storing image data obtained by scanning a document in HDD 115 or the like, and a fax transmission job for transmitting image data obtained by scanning a document by facsimile.

[0073] The error detection unit 67 detects a component to be operated by the user based on an error that occurs in the MFP 100. An error table in which the component to be operated by the user in response to each error type is predetermined and stored in the HDD 115. When an error occurs, the error detection unit 67 references the error table and detects an operation on a component corresponding to the type of error that has occurred. The error types include a document jam error, a paper jam error, and a low toner error. In the error table, a document jam error is associated with the automatic document feeder 120, a paper jam error is associated with the side door 153, and a low toner error is associated with the front door 141. When a document jam error is detected, the error detection unit 67 detects an operation on the automatic document feeder 120. When a paper jam error is detected, the error detection unit 67 detects an operation on the side door 153. When a low toner error is detected, the error detection unit 67 detects an operation on the front door 141.

[0074] Cleaning detection unit 53 detects that multiple components have been cleaned by a user. Cleaning detection unit 53 includes contact detection unit 71, voice detection unit 73, command detection unit 75, drug detection unit 77, and action detection unit 79. Contact detection unit 71 detects that cleaning of multiple components has been completed in response to non-contact sensor 169 detecting the user's hand. After completing cleaning to disinfect MFP 100, the user can input to MFP 100 that cleaning has been completed without touching MFP 100 by bringing their hand close to non-contact sensor 169.

[0075] Voice detection unit 73 controls microphone 118A and acquires voice information by performing voice recognition on voice data output from microphone 118A. Voice detection unit 73 detects that cleaning of multiple components has been completed when the acquired voice information includes a predetermined command. The command is, for example, "cleaning completed" or "cleaning finished." By uttering a command after completing cleaning to disinfect MFP 100, the user can input to MFP 100 that cleaning has been completed without touching MFP 100. The command may include information identifying one of the multiple components. In this case, voice detection unit 73 detects that cleaning of each of the multiple components has been completed.

[0076] The command detection unit 75 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to communicate with an external device. The external device may be a computer connected to the MFP 100 via a network, or a smartphone connected via a wireless communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The command detection unit 75 detects that cleaning of multiple components has been completed in response to the communication I / F unit 112 receiving a predetermined cleaning command from the external device. The cleaning command may be, for example, "cleaning completed" or "cleaning finished." After completing cleaning to disinfect the MFP 100, the user can operate the external device to have the external device send a cleaning command to the MFP 100, thereby inputting to the MFP 100 that the cleaning has been completed without touching the MFP 100. The command may include information identifying one of the multiple components. In this case, the command detection unit 75 detects that cleaning of each of the multiple components has been completed.

[0077] The drug detection unit 77 controls the drug sensor 119 to detect the drug. When the drug sensor 119 detects the drug for disinfection, it detects that cleaning of the multiple components has been completed. Therefore, when a user disinfects the MFP 100 by spraying or applying a drug such as alcohol to the MFP 100, the drug sensor 119 detects the drug. The drug sensor 119 may be provided for each of the multiple components. In this case, the drug detection unit 77 detects that cleaning of each of the multiple components has been completed.

[0078] Action detection unit 79 controls camera 170 and analyzes the moving image output by camera 170. Action detection unit 79 detects the user's actions included in the moving image and detects the cleaning action for each of the multiple components of MFP 100. In response to detecting the cleaning action of the user on a component, action detection unit 79 detects that cleaning of that component has been completed.

[0079] The notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status of the plurality of components. The notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status of each component for which an operation by the operation detection unit 51 has been detected among the plurality of components. The notification unit 55 determines the cleaning status of a component for which an operation by a user has been detected by the operation detection unit 51 to be an uncleaned state. Furthermore, when the cleaning detection unit 53 detects that cleaning has been completed for a component that has been uncleaned, the notification unit 55 determines the cleaning status of the component for which cleaning has been detected to be completed to be a cleaned state.

[0080] The timing detection unit 57 detects the timing at which the notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status. The timing detection unit 57 outputs a notification instruction to the notification unit 55 in response to detecting the timing at which the notification of the cleaning status is to be made. The timing detection unit 57 outputs the notification instruction when the motion sensor 117 detects a person within a predetermined range from the MFP 100. Specifically, the timing detection unit 57 outputs the notification instruction in response to a switch from a non-operation state in which the motion sensor 117 does not detect an operator to an operation state in which the motion sensor 117 detects an operator. The timing detection unit 57 also outputs the notification instruction in response to the operator being identified by the operator identification unit 61. The timing detection unit 57 also determines the timing based on the voice uttered by the user. For example, the timing detection unit 57 controls the microphone 118A and acquires voice information by performing voice recognition on the voice data output from the microphone 118A. The timing detection unit 57 outputs the notification instruction to the notification unit 55 in response to the acquired voice information including a predetermined notification command. The notification command is, for example, "Notify cleaning status", "Cleaning status", etc.

[0081] The notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status in response to a notification instruction input from the timing detection unit 57. However, when a first operator is identified by the operator identification unit 61, and the second operator identified by the operator identification unit 61 immediately before the first operator is identified is the same as the first operator, the notification unit 55 does not notify the cleaning status even when a notification instruction is input from the timing detection unit 57.

[0082] The notification unit 55 includes a display control unit 81, a light emission control unit 83, a sound control unit 85, and a communication control unit 87. The display control unit 81 controls the display unit 161 to display a message or image notifying that the components are uncleaned. The message may include the name of the component that is uncleaned. Furthermore, if any of the components is uncleaned and the component that is uncleaned cannot be identified, the message may include a character string notifying that the component is uncleaned without identifying the component. The image may include, for example, an oblique view showing the exterior of the MFP 100, in which the uncleaned component is colored in a warning color such as red. If any of the components is uncleaned and the component that is uncleaned cannot be identified, an image in which the entire exterior of the MFP 100 is colored black may be displayed.

[0083] The light-emission control unit 83 controls LEDs 120A, 125A, 140A, 141A, 151A, 151B, 151C, 153A, and 155A to emit light. The light-emission control unit 83 causes the LEDs provided on the uncleaned components to emit light. When any of the multiple components is uncleaned and the uncleaned component cannot be identified, the light-emission control unit 83 causes all of LEDs 120A, 125A, 140A, 141A, 151A, 151B, 151C, 153A, and 155A to emit light. Furthermore, the light-emission control unit 83 may cause the uncleaned components and the cleaned components among the multiple components to emit light in different colors.

[0084] The sound control unit 85 controls the speaker 118B to output a synthesized voice message notifying the user that the cleaning state is uncleaned. The message may include the name of the uncleaned component. If any of the components is uncleaned and the uncleaned component cannot be identified, the message may include a character string notifying the user that the component is uncleaned without identifying the component.

[0085] The communication control unit 87 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to send a message to an external device. The message may include the name of the uncleaned component. Furthermore, if any of the multiple components is uncleaned and the uncleaned component cannot be identified, the message may include a character string notifying that the component is uncleaned without identifying the component. The external device is one or more predetermined devices. Furthermore, if the operator is identified by the operator identification unit 61, the external device is a device previously assigned to the operator, such as a portable information device.

[0086] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of warning processing. The warning processing is processing that is executed by CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes a warning program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 180A. Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 determines whether a nearby user has been detected (step S01). When human presence sensor 117 detects a person within a predetermined range from MFP 100, it is determined that a nearby user has been detected. If human presence sensor 117 detects a person, the processing proceeds to step S01; otherwise, the processing proceeds to step S02.

[0087] In step S02, it is determined whether a login operation has been accepted. If a user ID and password are input via operation unit 163 included in operation panel 160, it is determined that the login operation has been accepted. Furthermore, if MFP 100 is equipped with a card reader, a fingerprint authentication device, or a vein reading device, it is determined that the login operation has been accepted if the card ID, fingerprint information, or vein pattern is read. If the login operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S05; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S03. In step S03, it is determined whether a notification command has been detected. If a notification command uttered by the user has been detected, the process proceeds to step S05; otherwise, the process returns to step S01. The notification command is acquired by performing voice recognition on voice data uttered by the user and output from microphone 118A.

[0088] In step S05, it is determined whether the contact flag is set to ON. A contact flag is set for each member and indicates the cleaning status of that member. The contact flag is set to ON when the member is operated by the user, and is set to OFF when the member is cleaned. Details regarding the setting of the contact flag will be described later. If the contact flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S06, but if not, the process returns to step S01.

[0089] In step S06, it is determined whether the operator is the same as the previous operator. If there is an operator logged in to MFP 100 at the time step S06 is executed, it is determined whether that operator is the same as the operator who logged in to MFP 100 immediately before that operator. If the operator is not the same as the operator, the process proceeds to step S07, but if the operator is the same, the process returns to step S01. If the operator is the same as the previous operator, even if the MFP has not been cleaned, the situation is the same as if the MFP is being used continuously, so no notification is issued. If there is no operator logged in to MFP 100 at the time step S06 is executed, the process proceeds to step S07, just as if the operator is not the same as the previous operator.

[0090] In step S07, a notification process is executed, and the process returns to step S01.

[0091] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of contact flag control processing. The contact flag control processing is processing that is executed by CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes a warning program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 180A. The notification processing, which will be described in detail later, is processing that notifies the operator of uncleaned members.

[0092] 5, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 sets the contact flag to OFF (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S11, the contact flag is initialized. Here, step S11 is executed when MFP 100 is powered on. It is assumed that cleaning of multiple members included in MFP 100 has been completed before MFP 100 is powered on. Note that, without initializing the contact flag, the contact flag may be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as HDD 115 even when MFP 100 is powered off, and MFP 100 may read the contact flag stored in HDD 115 when power is turned on.

[0093] In step S12, it is determined whether an operation has been detected. If an operation has been detected, the process proceeds to step S13; if not, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S13, the operator is identified, and the process proceeds to step S14. At the stage when step S13 is executed, the user who is logged in to MFP 100 is identified as the operator. In step S14, the member that is the target of the operation detected in step S12 is identified, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, a contact flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S16. The contact flag corresponding to the member identified in step S14 is set to ON.

[0094] In step S16, it is determined whether cleaning by the user is detected. If cleaning by the user is detected, the process proceeds to step S17; if not, the process returns to step S12. In step S17, the member detected in step S16 as having been cleaned by the user is identified, and the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the contact flag is set to OFF, and the process returns to step S12. If the member detected in step S16 as having been cleaned by the user is not identified, all of the contact flags corresponding to the multiple members are set to OFF.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of notification processing. Notification processing is processing executed in step S07 of warning processing. Referring to FIG. 6, notification is made by displaying the cleaning status (step S31), and processing proceeds to step S32. The cleaning status is information indicating whether each of a plurality of components has been cleaned or not. Specifically, CPU 111 displays a message or image on display unit 161 notifying that the components are not cleaned. The image includes, for example, an oblique view showing the exterior of MFP 100, with uncleaned components marked in a warning color such as red.

[0096] In step S32, this notification is made by lighting up the LED, and the process proceeds to step S33. CPU 111 causes the LEDs provided on the uncleaned components among LEDs 120A, 125A, 140A, 141A, 151A, 151B, 151C, 153A, and 155A to emit light. Note that if any of the multiple components is uncleaned and the uncleaned component cannot be identified, all of LEDs 120A, 125A, 140A, 141A, 151A, 151B, 151C, 153A, and 155A are caused to emit light.

[0097] In step S33, the cleaning status is notified by voice, and the process proceeds to step S34. CPU 111 controls speaker 118B to output a synthesized voice message notifying that the cleaning status is uncleaned. The message may include the name of the uncleaned component. Furthermore, if any of the multiple components is uncleaned and the uncleaned component cannot be identified, the message may include a character string notifying that the component is uncleaned without identifying the component.

[0098] In step S34, the cleaning status is notified by being transmitted to the external device, and the process returns to the warning process. CPU 111 controls communication I / F unit 112 to send a message to the external device. The message may include the name of the uncleaned component. Furthermore, if any of the multiple components is uncleaned and the uncleaned component cannot be identified, the message may include a character string notifying that the component is uncleaned without identifying the component. The external device is one or more predetermined devices. Furthermore, if the operator is identified by operator identification unit 61, the external device is a device previously assigned to the operator, for example, a portable information device.

[0099] <First Modification> In this embodiment, the operation detection unit 51 includes a sensor detection unit 63, a job detection unit 65, and an error detection unit 67, but it is sufficient to include at least one of the sensor detection unit 63, the job detection unit 65, and the error detection unit 67. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 51 may not include the operator identification unit 61. In this case, the operation detection unit 51 detects that an operation is being performed by an arbitrary user without identifying the operator.

[0100] In addition, the cleaning detection unit 53 includes a contact detection unit 71, a voice detection unit 73, a command detection unit 75, a drug detection unit 77, and an action detection unit 79, but may also include at least one of the voice detection unit 73, the command detection unit 75, the drug detection unit 77, and the action detection unit 79.

[0101] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 includes a display control unit 81, a light-emitting control unit 83, a sound control unit 85, and a communication control unit 87, but may also include at least one of the display control unit 81, the light-emitting control unit 83, the sound control unit 85, and the communication control unit 87.

[0102] As described above, MFP 100 in this embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus, and includes operation detection unit 51 that detects an operation by an operator on any of a plurality of components that the operator operates, cleaning detection unit 53 that detects that each of the plurality of components has been cleaned, and notification unit 55 that notifies the cleaning status of the plurality of components. As a result, the user is notified that the component has not been cleaned, which can alleviate the user's anxiety before using the device.

[0103] The cleaning state includes an uncleaned state from when the operation detection unit 51 detects an operation until the cleaning detection unit 53 detects that the component has been cleaned, and a cleaned state other than the uncleaned state, and the notification unit 55 distinguishes between the uncleaned state and the cleaned state for each of the multiple components and notifies the user accordingly. This allows the user to be notified of whether each of the multiple components has been cleaned.

[0104] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status of only those components for which operation has been detected by the operation detection unit 51. This allows the user to be notified of only those components that have not been cleaned.

[0105] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status in response to switching from a non-operation state in which the operator is not detected by the human presence sensor 117 to an operation state in which the operator is detected. Therefore, the cleaning status can be notified at an appropriate timing.

[0106] Furthermore, when a first operator is identified by the operator identifying unit 61, the notification unit 55 does not notify the cleaning status if the first operator is the same as a second operator identified by the operator identifying unit 61 immediately before the first operator was identified. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary notifications.

[0107] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 transmits the cleaning status to an external device, so that the user can check the cleaning status on the external device.

[0108] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status by sound, so that the user can confirm the cleaning status by hearing it.

[0109] Furthermore, the notification unit 55 notifies the cleaning status by light, so that the user can visually check the cleaning status.

[0110] Furthermore, cleaning detection unit 53 detects that multiple components have been cleaned in response to detecting a predetermined operation input by the operator. For example, cleaning is detected when an operation of bringing a hand close to non-contact sensor 169 is detected. This allows the user to input to the device that multiple components have been cleaned without touching them.

[0111] Furthermore, cleaning detection unit 53 detects that cleaning has been performed in response to detection of a predetermined drug by drug sensor 119. Therefore, cleaning can be automatically detected.

[0112] Furthermore, when the image forming unit 140 executes multiple types of jobs for forming images on paper, the operation detection unit 51 detects an operation performed on a predetermined member among the multiple members corresponding to the type of job executed by the image forming unit 140. Therefore, it is possible to automatically detect an operation on a member each time a job is executed.

[0113] Furthermore, the operation detection unit 51 detects operations on predetermined members among the plurality of members corresponding to the type of error detected by the error detection unit 67. Therefore, it is possible to automatically detect operations on members every time an error occurs.

[0114] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0115] <Additional Notes>

[0116] (1) The device further includes a light-emitting means provided on each of the plurality of members, 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit notifies the cleaning state by causing the light emitting unit to emit light for each of the plurality of members.

[0117] (2) The cleaning state includes an uncleaned state from when the operation is detected by the operation detection means until when the cleaning detection means detects that the member has been cleaned, and a cleaned state other than the uncleaned state, The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the notification means emits light in different colors depending on whether the state is uncleaned or cleaned.

[0118] (3) The cleaning state includes an uncleaned state from when the operation is detected by the operation detection means until when the cleaning detection means detects that the member has been cleaned, and a cleaned state other than the uncleaned state, The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the notification means emits light in the uncleaned state and does not emit light in the cleaned state.

[0119] (4) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of members includes a touch panel.

[0120] (5) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of members include hard keys.

[0121] (6) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of members includes an exterior part that opens and closes a part of the exterior.

[0122] (7) The image forming apparatus according to (6), wherein the exterior part includes a paper tray that accommodates recording media.

[0123] (8) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of members includes an automatic document feeder that feeds a document set to a document reading unit that reads the document.

[0124] (9) The image forming apparatus described in (8), wherein the operation detection means detects the operation in response to detection that a document has been set in the automatic document feeder or that a document set in the automatic document feeder is no longer detected.

[0125] (10) The image forming apparatus described in (8), wherein the operation detection means includes a guide member whose position is changed depending on the size of the document set in the automatic document feeder, and detects the operation in response to detection of a change in the position of the guide member.

[0126] (11) A voice recognition means for recognizing a voice uttered by an operator and outputting text information; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning detection unit detects that the plurality of members have been cleaned when the text information output by the voice recognition unit includes a predetermined command.

[0127] (12) The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning detection unit detects that the plurality of members have been cleaned in response to receiving a predetermined command from an external device. (13) In the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, the cleaning detection unit detects that the plurality of members have been cleaned in response to a non-contact sensor detecting an operator.

[0128] (14) An imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and outputting the image; and an action detection unit that detects a predetermined cleaning action performed by an operator based on the image output by the imaging unit. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning detection unit detects that the plurality of members have been cleaned in response to the cleaning operation being detected by the operation detection unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100 MFP, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 human sensor, 118A microphone, 118B speaker, 119 drug sensor, 120 automatic document feeder, 125 document tray, 130 document reading unit, 140 image forming unit, 141 front door, 150 paper feed unit, 150A, 150B paper feed tray, 150C manual feed tray, 120A, 125A, 140A, 141A, 151A, 151B, 151C, 153A, 155A LED, 153 side door, 155 post-processing unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display unit, 163 operation unit, 165 touch panel, 167 Hard key section, 169 non-contact sensor, 170 camera, 177 human presence sensor, 180 external storage device, 180A CD-ROM, 51 operation detection section, 53 cleaning detection section, 55 notification section, 57 timing detection section, 61 operator identification section, 63 sensor detection section, 65 job detection section, 67 error detection section, 71 non-contact detection section, 73 voice detection section, 75 command detection section, 77 drug detection section, 79 action detection section, 81 display control section, 83 light emission control section, 85 sound control section, 87 communication control section.

Claims

1. An operation detection means for detecting an operation of an operating member by an operator; a cleaning determination means for determining whether the operating member has been cleaned; a state changing means for changing the cleaning state of the operating member based on the detection result of the operation detecting means and the determination result of the cleaning determining means; and a notification unit that notifies the user of the cleaning state of the operation member based on the cleaning state changed by the state change unit.

2. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of operating members, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation detecting means, said cleaning determining means, and said state changing means perform said detection, said determination, and said change individually for each of a plurality of operating members.

3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the state change means changes the state of a flag and switches the flag on and off based on the detection result of the operation detection means and the judgment result of the cleaning judgment means.

4. It is further equipped with a non-contact human presence sensor that detects the operator, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means notifies the cleaning status in response to switching from a non-operation state in which an operator is not detected by the human presence sensor to an operation state in which an operator is detected by the human presence sensor.

5. further comprising an operator identification means for identifying an operator, An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a first operator is identified by the operator identification means, the notification means does not notify the cleaning status if the first operator is the same as a second operator identified by the operator identification means immediately before the first operator is identified.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit transmits the cleaning status to an external device.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the cleaning state by sound.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the cleaning state by light.

9. An operation detection step of detecting that an operator has operated an operating member; a cleaning determination step of determining whether the operation member has been cleaned; a state changing step of changing a cleaning state of the operating member based on a detection result in the operation detecting step and a determination result in the cleaning determining step; a notification step of notifying the cleaning state of the operation member based on the cleaning state changed in the state change step, and the image forming apparatus executes the warning method.

10. An operation detection step of detecting that an operator has operated an operating member; a cleaning determination step of determining whether the operation member has been cleaned; a state changing step of changing a cleaning state of the operating member based on a detection result in the operation detecting step and a determination result in the cleaning determining step; a notification step of notifying the cleaning state of the operation member based on the cleaning state changed in the state change step, and a warning program that causes a computer that controls the image forming apparatus to execute the warning program.

Images