Paper jam prediction detection device, paper jam prediction detection method, and program

Abstract

A paper-jam-sign detection device (100) detects a sign of a paper jam occurring in a paper feed device (200) and includes: a sound pickup unit (112) that picks up paper friction sound produced when sheets (10) are fed from a holder (270) holding the plurality of sheets (10); a sign detection unit (114) that detects a sign of a paper jam occurring in the paper feed device (200) on the basis of a reduction in the friction sound picked up by the sound pickup unit (112); and a signal output unit (116) that outputs, to the paper feed device (200), a signal for stopping feeding of the sheets (10) from the holder (270) when the sign detection unit (114) detects the sign.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a paper jam预兆 detection device, a paper jam预兆 detection method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a paper feeding device that supplies paper to an image reading device such as a printer or an image copying device (so-called scanner), paper jams may occur due to, for example, double feeding of paper, skew feeding, or stapling. Depending on the degree of paper jam, not only may the work be delayed, but the paper may also be damaged and become unusable. Therefore, a technology for early detection of paper jams is required.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, based on the sound intensities respectively detected by a first sound detection unit provided in a conveyance path through which a medium such as paper is conveyed and a second sound detection unit provided outside a housing that includes the conveyance path inside, a technology for determining whether a jam (hereinafter also referred to as paper jam) of a medium such as paper has occurred is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although the technology described in Patent Document 1 can detect that a paper jam has occurred, it cannot detect the预兆 of a paper jam.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a paper jam预兆 detection device, a paper jam预兆 detection method, and a program that can detect the预兆 of a paper jam.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A paper jam prediction device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a paper jam prediction device for detecting signs of a paper jam in a paper feed device, comprising: a sound receiving unit that receives friction sounds between sheets of paper generated when paper is supplied from a holding unit that holds a plurality of sheets of paper; and the sound pressure of the friction sounds received by the sound receiving unit. Based on the decrease The device comprises: a warning detection unit that detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feeding device; and a signal output unit that outputs a signal to the paper feeding device to stop the paper from being supplied from the holding unit when the warning detection unit detects such signs. The warning detection unit determines whether the sound pressure of the friction sound is less than a predetermined first value, and if the sound pressure of the friction sound is less than the first predetermined value, it determines that the sound pressure of the friction sound has decreased, and based on the decrease in the sound pressure of the friction sound, it detects a warning of a paper jam, the first predetermined value being a value relating to the sound pressure of the friction sound between papers that occurs when paper is supplied from the holding unit when there is no warning of a paper jam. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides a paper jam prediction detection device, a paper jam prediction detection method, and a program that can detect signs of a paper jam. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a paper feed device to which the paper jam prediction device according to Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the transport section of the paper feed device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a paper jam prediction device and paper feeding device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a paper jam warning sign in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paper jam prediction detection device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of a paper jam prediction device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of a paper jam prediction device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the paper jam预兆 detection device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of protrusions provided in the paper jam预兆 detection device according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the results of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the results of Example 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the results of Comparative Example 3 and Example 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the results of Comparative Example 4. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the results of Example 4. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the results of Example 5.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] (SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE) A paper jam预兆 detection device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a paper jam预兆 detection device that detects a预兆 of paper jam in a paper feeding device, and includes a sound collection unit that collects the frictional sound between papers generated when papers are supplied from a holding unit that holds a plurality of papers, a预兆 detection unit that detects a预兆 of paper jam in the paper feeding device based on a decrease in the frictional sound collected by the sound collection unit, and a signal output unit that outputs a signal to stop the supply of paper from the holding unit to the paper feeding device when the预兆 is detected by the预兆 detection unit.

[0011] Thereby, the paper jam预兆 detection device can detect the lifting of the paper that occurs before the paper jam from the decrease in the frictional sound between the papers when the paper is supplied from the holding unit, so that it can detect the预兆 of the paper jam.

[0012] In the paper jam prediction detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the frictional sound is a sound in the ultrasonic frequency band generated by the friction between the paper supplied from the holding unit and the paper held by the holding unit, and the decrease in the frictional sound may be a decrease in the sound pressure of the frictional sound.

[0013] Thereby, the paper jam prediction detection device can detect the prediction of paper jamming based on the decrease in the sound pressure of the sound in the ultrasonic frequency band in the frictional sound between papers. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce false detection due to the influence of audible sound generated around the paper jam prediction detection device.

[0014] In the paper jam prediction detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sound collection unit collects the frictional sound using a microphone, and the prediction detection unit may detect the prediction of paper jamming when the frictional sound collected by the microphone decreases.

[0015] Thereby, the paper jam prediction detection device can detect the prediction of paper jamming based on the decrease in the frictional sound collected by the microphone.

[0016] In the paper jam prediction detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sound collection unit collects the frictional sound using a plurality of microphones, and the prediction detection unit may detect the prediction of paper jamming by taking the correlation of the frictional sounds collected by each of the plurality of microphones.

[0017] Thereby, the paper jam prediction detection device can detect the prediction of paper jamming based on the correlation of the frictional sounds collected by the plurality of microphones.

[0018] In the paper jam prediction detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the prediction detection unit may detect the prediction of paper jamming when the absolute value of the difference between the frictional sounds collected by each of the plurality of microphones increases.

[0019] This allows the paper jam prediction device to detect signs of a paper jam based on the increase in the absolute value of the difference between friction sounds picked up by multiple microphones.

[0020] In a paper jam prediction device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the paper feeding device further comprises a supply port for supplying the paper from the holding unit, and a separation roller for separating the paper supplied from the supply port one sheet at a time, wherein the microphone may be installed at a position closer to the holding unit than the position of the separation roller.

[0021] As a result, the paper jam detection device can more reliably capture friction sounds because the microphone is placed closer to the point where the friction sound between the papers is generated. Therefore, the paper jam detection device can more reliably detect signs of a paper jam.

[0022] A paper jam prediction device according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises two or more protrusions that contact the paper supplied from the holding unit, wherein the two or more protrusions are located on the supply port side of the position where the separation roller and the paper supplied from the holding unit come into contact.

[0023] As a result, the paper jam prediction device increases the sound pressure of the friction sound generated when paper is supplied from the holding unit, allowing it to more accurately detect the decrease in sound pressure of the friction sound associated with a paper jam.

[0024] In a paper jam prediction device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the microphone may be installed near the supply port.

[0025] As a result, the paper jam detection device can more reliably capture friction sounds because the microphone is placed near the point where friction sounds between sheets of paper are generated. Therefore, the paper jam detection device can more reliably detect signs of a paper jam.

[0026] In a paper jam prediction device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the paper feed device further comprises a paper feed roller that supplies the paper from the supply port, and the microphone may be installed above the supply port and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper is supplied from the holding unit, alongside the paper feed roller.

[0027] As a result, the paper jam prediction device can reliably capture the friction sound between the paper sheets because the microphone is positioned near the point where the friction sound between the sheets of paper occurs, without the paper being supplied from the feed port coming into contact with the microphone.

[0028] In a paper jam prediction device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of microphones may be installed so as to sandwich the paper feed roller in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper is supplied from the holding unit.

[0029] As a result, the paper jam detection device can more reliably capture the friction sound between papers, regardless of whether the paper is lifted on the left or right side of the paper feed roller, because multiple microphones are positioned on both sides of the paper feed roller, flanking it.

[0030] Furthermore, a paper jam precursor detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a paper jam precursor detection method for detecting precursors to a paper jam in a paper feed device, comprising: a sound collection step of collecting friction sounds between papers generated when paper is supplied from a holding unit that holds a plurality of papers; a precursor detection step of detecting precursors to a paper jam in the paper feed device based on a decrease in the friction sounds collected by the sound collection step; and a signal output step of outputting a signal to the paper feed device to stop the supply of paper from the holding unit when the precursor is detected by the precursor detection step.

[0031] As a result, the paper jam prediction method can detect the lifting of paper that occurs before a paper jam occurs by detecting a decrease in the friction sound between the papers when paper is supplied from the holding unit, thus enabling the detection of signs of a paper jam.

[0032] Furthermore, a program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described paper jam prediction detection method.

[0033] This allows a computer to be used to achieve the same effect as the paper jam prediction method described above.

[0034] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, methods, apparatus, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media such as computer-readable CD-ROMs, or as any combination of systems, methods, apparatus, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components. In addition, the figures are not necessarily strictly illustrative. In each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0036] Furthermore, in this disclosure, terms indicating relationships between elements such as parallel and perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of elements such as rectangles, and numerical values ​​do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent.

[0037] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0038] [Paper feeder] First, the paper feeding device will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feeding device 200 to which the paper jam prediction detection device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is applied. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the transport section 210 of the paper feeding device 200 in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the paper jam prediction detection device 100 and the paper feeding device 200 according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] The paper feeder 200 supplies paper to, for example, a paper processing device (not shown) that processes paper. The processing device may be a processing device that processes the supplied paper itself or processes the paper, a copying device that copies information such as characters, symbols, and diagrams printed on the supplied paper to another recording medium, or an output device that reads the information and outputs it as an analog image signal.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the paper feeder 200 includes, for example, a supply port 260 that supplies paper 10 from a holding unit 270 that holds multiple sheets of paper 10 (see Figure 2), a paper feed roller 212 that supplies paper 10 from the supply port 260, a separation roller 214 that separates the paper 10 supplied from the supply port 260 one sheet at a time, and a retard roller 216 that rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the separation roller 214. In Figure 1, the multiple sheets of paper 10 shown in Figure 2 are shown as a paper stack 20 and are shaded for clarity. The dashed circles indicate the points where a portion of the supplied paper 10 floats when a paper jam occurs while paper 10 is being supplied from the holding unit 270. Hereafter, these points will also be referred to as paper floating points 30. Paper floating during supply will be described later.

[0041] Next, the transport unit 210 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In Figure 2, for the sake of clarity, the supply port 260 and the holding unit 270 are not shown, but multiple sheets of paper 10 are held in the holding unit 270 as a paper bundle 20, and the paper 10 is supplied from the supply port 260.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the paper feed roller 212, the separation roller 214, and the retard roller 216 are each components of the transport unit 210. The transport unit 210 separates and transports the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 one sheet at a time. Hereinafter, the paper feed rollers 212a and 212b may be collectively referred to as the paper feed roller 212, the separation rollers 214a and 214b may be collectively referred to as the separation roller 214, and the retard rollers 216a and 216b may be collectively referred to as the retard roller 216.

[0043] The paper feed rollers 212a and 212b are installed to move up and down so as to contact the uppermost sheet of paper 10 among the multiple sheets of paper 10 in the stack of paper 20 held in the holding section 270, and pick up the uppermost sheet of paper 10 and supply it from the supply port 260. The paper feed roller 212 is configured to easily change its position in accordance with the change in the thickness of the stack of paper 20 in the holding section 270 as paper 10 is supplied. Alternatively, the paper feed roller 212 may be installed so as to contact the lowest sheet of paper 10 among the multiple sheets of paper 10 in the stack of paper 20. In this case, the supply port 260 is located below the stack of paper 20.

[0044] Separation rollers 214a and 214b separate the paper 10 supplied by the paper feed roller 212 one sheet at a time. Here, separation rollers 214a and 214b function as a separation unit that separates the paper 10 one sheet at a time, together with retard rollers 216a and 216b which are positioned opposite to separation rollers 214a and 214b. The retard roller 216 returns the paper 10 that has been supplied overlapping with the paper 10 that is in contact with the separation roller 214 to the holding unit 270 side.

[0045] Next, the specific operation of the transport unit 210 will be explained. First, the paper feed roller 212 rotates in the direction of arrow A, picking up the topmost sheet of paper 10 from among the multiple sheets of paper 10 held in the holding unit 270 and supplying it from the supply port 260 in the direction of arrow D. Subsequently, the separation roller 214 rotates in the direction of arrow B, supplying the paper 10 that is in contact with the separation roller 214 in the direction of arrow D. At this time, the retard roller 216 rotates in the direction of arrow C, returning the paper 10 that is in contact with the retard roller 216 in the opposite direction to arrow D. Because the torque of the retard roller 216 is limited, if only one sheet of paper 10 is supplied, the movement of the separation roller 214 will supply the paper 10 in the direction of arrow D. Furthermore, for example, if two sheets of paper 10 are supplied from the paper feed roller 212 in a stacked state, the paper 10 that comes into contact with the separation roller 214 is supplied in the direction of arrow D, and the paper 10 that comes into contact with the retard roller 216 is returned in the direction opposite to arrow D.

[0046] Through the above operation, the transport unit 210 can separate the paper 10 supplied from the supply port 260 one sheet at a time by the paper feed roller 212 and supply it to the processing device. As a result, the transport unit 210 can reduce double feeding of the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270, and thus reduce paper jams in the paper feed device 200.

[0047] Next, the functional configuration of the paper feeder 200 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Here, the configurations described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 will be omitted or simplified in the explanation.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the paper feeder 200 includes, for example, a transport unit 210, a drive unit 220, a control unit 230 that controls the movement of the drive unit 220, a storage unit 240, and a communication unit 250.

[0049] The drive unit 220 drives the paper feed roller 212, the separation roller 214, and the retard roller 216 of the transport unit 210, respectively. For example, the drive unit 220 includes one or more motors and rotates the paper feed roller 212, the separation roller 214, and the retard roller 216 according to control signals from the control unit 230.

[0050] As described above, the control unit 230 performs information processing to control the operation of the transport unit 210. The control unit 230 may be implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, a processor, or a dedicated circuit.

[0051] The memory unit 240 is a storage device that stores control programs and other data executed by the control unit 230. The memory unit 240 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0052] The communication unit 250 is a communication module (communication line) for the paper feed device 200 to communicate with the paper jam prediction detection device 100 and the processing device (not shown) via a local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 250 may be, for example, wireless communication or wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

[0053] [Paper jam prediction device] [1. Overview, etc.] Next, an overview of the paper jam prediction detection device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a paper jam prediction in Embodiment 1. As with Figure 2, the holding part 270 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 4 for the sake of clarity.

[0054] The paper jam prediction detection device 100 is a device that detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200. The paper jam prediction detection device 100 collects the friction sound generated when the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270 that holds multiple sheets of paper 10 by the paper feed device 200, and detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 based on the decrease in the collected friction sound. When signs of a paper jam are detected, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 outputs a signal to the paper feed device 200 to stop the supply of paper 10 from the holding unit 270.

[0055] The friction sound is a friction sound generated by the friction between the paper 10 being supplied from the holding part 270 and the paper 10 held by the holding part 270 when the paper 10 is supplied from the holding part 270. The paper 10 held by the holding part 270 includes paper 10 in which only a portion is held by the holding part 270. The friction sound is not an audible sound that can be heard by the human ear, but an inaudible sound that cannot be heard by the human ear. More specifically, the friction sound is a sound with a frequency in the ultrasonic band. For example, the frequency band of the friction sound may be 60 kHz or more and 95 kHz or less, more particularly 75 kHz or more and 95 kHz or less, and especially 85 kHz or more and 90 kHz or less. The reduction of the friction sound is a reduction in the sound pressure of the friction sound, and more specifically, a reduction in the sound pressure of the ultrasonic band frequencies mentioned above.

[0056] The paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 may be one sheet or several sheets. The paper 10 is separated one sheet at a time by the separation roller 214 and retard roller 216, which will be described later, and supplied to the processing device. The paper 10 held in the holding unit 270 that creates friction with the supplied paper 10 may be the paper 10 located at the top of the plurality of papers 10 held in the holding unit 270, or it may be a plurality of papers 10 including the paper 10 located at the top. The paper jam prediction detection device 100 collects the friction sound generated by the friction between these papers 10 and detects an indication of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 based on the decrease in the friction sound.

[0057] The warning signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 are precursors to a paper jam, occurring immediately before a paper jam occurs due to the cause of the jam. For example, as shown in Figure 4, let's consider the case where the cause of the paper jam is that the supplied paper 10 is stapled together with a stapler 15 (hereinafter also referred to as stapling). For example, when multiple stapled papers 10 are fed in the direction of arrow D by the paper feed roller 212, only the paper 10 that comes into contact with the separation roller 214 is fed in the direction of arrow D by the separation roller 214. At this time, the paper 10 lifts up around the stapled area. This phenomenon occurs at the paper lifting location 30 shown in Figures 1 and 4. Then, when the paper 10 is further fed in the direction of arrow D by the separation roller 214, the paper 10 rotates and distorts around the stapled area. If the paper 10 continues to be fed in the direction of arrow D by the separation roller 214, a paper jam will occur. Thus, the phenomenon of a portion of the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 floating is a sign of an impending paper jam. The paper jam prediction detection device 100 detects the signs of an impending paper jam based on the decrease in frictional noise generated by the friction between the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 and the multiple pieces of paper 10 held by the holding unit 270.

[0058] Here, staples were used as an example to explain the cause of a paper jam, but the causes of a paper jam are not limited to this. Causes of a paper jam also include, for example, when a portion of the supplied paper 10 is bent, when sticky notes or the like are attached to the supplied paper 10, when a portion of the supplied paper 10 is glued to another piece of paper 10, or when the paper quality of the supplied paper 10 differs from that of the other pieces of paper 10, such as when the surface of the paper 10 is rough.

[0059] When paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270, a portion of the supplied paper 10 floats near the separation roller 214, and particularly between the separation roller 214 and the paper feed roller 212. For example, the portion of the supplied paper 10 that floats may be on the front side of the point where the separation roller 214 contacts the topmost sheet of paper 10 when two or more sheets of paper 10 are fed together by the paper feed roller 212. Here, the front side refers to the direction opposite to the paper supply direction (direction of arrow D in the figure). In other words, the front side refers to the side of the holding unit 270 when looking at the supply opening 260 from the holding unit 270.

[0060] As described above, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 can detect when a portion of the supplied paper 10 floats (paper floating) based on a decrease in friction noise between the paper 10 when the separation roller 214 separates only the paper 10 that is in contact with the separation roller 214 from the two or more sheets of paper 10 that have been double-fed by the paper feed roller 212 and sends it to the processing device.Therefore, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 can stop the supply of paper 10 before the paper 10 that has floated rotates or is supplied at an angle to the supply direction.In order to do this, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 can not only reduce the occurrence of paper jams, but also suppress damage to the supplied paper 10 such as bending, wrinkling, or tearing.

[0061] The friction sound between the paper 10 is produced by the supplied paper 10 and the paper 10 held in the holding unit 270. to The noise is caused by friction. The paper 10 held by the holding section 270 includes paper 10 in which only a portion is held by the holding section 270. Therefore, the friction noise between the paper 10 is, for example, the noise caused by friction between the paper 10 that is in contact with the separation roller 214 and the other paper 10 that is not in contact with the separation roller 214, when two or more sheets of paper 10 are fed together towards the separation roller 214 by the paper feed roller 212 and paper lifting occurs near the separation roller 214.

[0062] Furthermore, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 does not need to irradiate the multiple sheets of paper 10 held in the holding unit 270 with ultrasonic waves and detect the reflected waves of the irradiated ultrasonic waves in order to detect the cause of a paper jam. Instead, it picks up the friction sound between the sheets of paper 10, which is a sound in the ultrasonic frequency band. In other words, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 only needs to be equipped with a passive ultrasonic sensor instead of an active ultrasonic sensor, so it can detect signs of a paper jam with a simpler configuration.

[0063] [2. Structure] Next, the configuration of the paper jam prediction detection device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0064] The paper jam prediction detection device 100 comprises an information processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The following describes each of these components.

[0065] [Information Processing Department] The information processing unit 110 performs information processing related to the detection of paper jam precursors. The information processing unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer or processor. Specifically, the information processing unit 110 comprises a sound collection unit 112, a precursor detection unit 114, and a signal output unit 116.

[0066] [Sound recording section] The sound-collecting unit 112 collects the frictional sound generated when the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270, which holds multiple sheets of paper 10. More specifically, the sound-collecting unit 112 collects the frictional sound generated by the friction between the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 and the paper 10 held by the holding unit 270. The sound-collecting unit 112 is, for example, a microphone. In this case, the sound-collecting unit 112 converts the collected frictional sound into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the predictive detection unit 114.

[0067] Furthermore, if the sound-collecting unit 112 is a microphone, it is installed in a position where it can pick up the friction sound of the papers 10 together. For example, the sound-collecting unit 112 may be installed closer to the holding unit 270 than the position of the separation roller 214, that is, closer to the separation roller 214 when viewed from the holding unit 270. More specifically, the sound-collecting unit 112 may be installed above the holding unit 270. In particular, the sound-collecting unit 112 may be installed near the supply port 260. Near the supply port 260 means, for example, from the midpoint between the supply port 260 and the separation roller 214 to the top of the paper feed roller 212. In particular, the sound-collecting unit 112 may be installed above the supply port 260 and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270, alongside the paper feed roller 212. More specifically, the sound-collecting unit 112 may be installed above the supply opening 260 and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270, at the same height as the paper feed roller 212. The sound-collecting unit 112 only needs to be installed at a height that does not come into contact with the supplied paper 10, and for example, it may be installed at the same height as the rotation axis of the paper feed roller 212, and installed alongside the paper feed roller 212.

[0068] Furthermore, the sound-collecting unit 112 only needs to be installed in a position where it can pick up the friction sound between the papers 10, and is not limited to being located above the supply port 260. For example, the sound-collecting unit 112 may be installed below the supply port 260, and the supply mouth It may be installed on the side of 260.

[0069] In Figure 3, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 is shown as having one sound-collecting unit 112, but it may also have two or more sound-collecting units 112. For example, multiple (i.e., two or more) sound-collecting units 112 may be installed around the paper feed roller 212 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270.

[0070] [Predictive detection unit] The precursor detection unit 114 detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 based on a decrease in friction noise picked up by the sound pickup unit 112. More specifically, the precursor detection unit 114 acquires an electrical signal including friction noise output from the sound pickup unit 112, determines from the acquired electrical signal whether the friction noise has decreased, and if it determines that the friction noise has decreased, it detects signs of a paper jam (e.g., paper floating). As described above, the friction noise is a sound with an ultrasonic frequency band generated by friction between the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 and the paper 10 held by the holding unit 270, and a decrease in friction noise is a decrease in the sound pressure of the friction noise. The ultrasonic frequency band of the friction noise has been described above, so an explanation is omitted here.

[0071] For example, the precursor detection unit 114 may detect a paper jam if the friction sound picked up by the sound pickup unit 112 decreases, determining that the friction between the papers 10 has decreased. In this case, the decrease in friction sound is a decrease in the sound pressure of the ultrasonic frequency band in the friction sound. The precursor detection unit 114 may also detect a paper jam if the friction sound picked up by the sound pickup unit 112 is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, the precursor detection unit 114 may detect a precursor to a paper jam by determining that the friction between the papers 10 has decreased when the absolute value of the difference in friction sounds collected by each of the multiple sound collection units 112 increases. increase This is an increase in the absolute value of the difference in sound pressure of frequencies in the ultrasonic band in the friction sound. The precursor detection unit 114 may also detect a paper jam precursor when the absolute value of the difference in friction sound collected by the sound collection unit 112 is greater than a predetermined value.

[0073] [Signal output section] When the predictive detection unit 114 detects an indication of a paper jam, the signal output unit 116 outputs a signal to the paper feed device 200 to stop the supply of paper 10 from the holding unit 270.

[0074] [Storage] The memory unit 120 is a storage device that stores computer programs and other data executed by the information processing unit 110. The memory unit 120 is implemented using semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0075] [g section] The communication unit 130 is a communication path for the paper jam prediction detection device 100 to communicate with the paper feed device 200. Communication between the communication unit 130 and the paper feed device 200 may be performed directly or via a relay device such as a wireless router (not shown). The communication unit 130 may be, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, or a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication unit 130.

[0076] [3. Operation] Next, the operation of the paper jam prediction detection device 100 will be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the paper jam prediction detection device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, the sound-collecting unit 112 collects the friction sound generated when the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270 (S101). Here, the sound-collecting unit 112 is, for example, a microphone, which converts the collected friction sound into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal to the predictive detection unit 114. The friction sound is an ultrasonic frequency sound generated by the friction between the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 and the paper 10 held by the holding unit 270, and is inaudible. For example, the sound-collecting unit 112 may convert the ultrasonic frequency sound from the collected friction sound into an electrical signal and output the converted electrical signal to the predictive detection unit 114.

[0078] Next, the precursor detection unit 114 acquires the electrical signal output from the sound collection unit 112 and detects a precursor to a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 based on the decrease in the friction sound between the papers 10 that was collected by the sound collection unit 112 in step S101 (S102). For example, the decrease in friction sound is a decrease in the sound pressure of the ultrasonic frequency band in the friction sound. For example, if the sound collection unit 112 outputs an electrical signal converted from the friction sound, the precursor detection unit 114 may extract an electrical signal indicating the sound of the ultrasonic frequency band from the acquired electrical signal.

[0079] Next, when the predictive detection unit 114 detects a paper jam in step S102, the signal output unit 116 outputs a signal to the paper feed device 200 to stop the paper 10 from being supplied from the holding unit 270 (S103).

[0080] The paper jam prediction detection device 100 repeatedly executes the above processing flow each time paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270.

[0081] The details of step S102 are described below.

[0082] [Example 1] First, let's describe the first example. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the first example of the paper jam prediction detection device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 shows the first example of the detailed operation of step S102 in Figure 5. The first example shows an example of operation when the paper jam prediction detection device 100 is equipped with one sound receiving unit 112.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6, when the predictive detection unit 114 acquires the electrical signal output from the sound collection unit 112, it determines whether or not the friction sound between the papers 10 has decreased (S1021). For example, the predictive detection unit 114 may determine whether or not the friction sound between the papers 10, which was collected by the sound collection unit 112 in step S101 shown in Figure 5, is smaller than a predetermined value. More specifically, the predictive detection unit 114 may determine whether or not the sound pressure of the ultrasonic frequency band in the friction sound is smaller than a predetermined value when the sound pressure decreases. The predetermined value may be a value set at the time of factory shipment, a value updated based on past history such as the history of the previous operation, or a value set by the user.

[0084] If the predictive detection unit 114 determines that the friction sound between the papers 10 has not decreased (No in S1021), it returns to the process in step S101.

[0085] On the other hand, if the precursor detection unit 114 determines that the friction sound between the papers 10 has decreased (Yes in S1021), it detects a precursor to a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 (S1023).

[0086] [Second example] Next, we will describe the second example. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the second example of the detailed operation of step S102 in Figure 5. The second example shows an example of operation when the paper jam prediction detection device 100 is equipped with multiple sound-collecting units 112. In the second example, the explanations of the contents described in the first example will be simplified or omitted.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, when the prediction detection unit 114 acquires the electrical signals output from each of the multiple sound-receiving units 112, it determines whether the absolute value of the difference in frictional sounds between the papers 10, which were picked up by each sound-receiving unit 112 in step S101 shown in Figure 5, has increased (S1022). More specifically, the prediction detection unit 114 determines whether the difference in sound pressure of the ultrasonic frequency band in the frictional sounds picked up by each sound-receiving unit 112 has increased.

[0088] For example, if the paper jam prediction detection device 100 is equipped with two sound-receiving units 112, the prediction detection unit 114 acquires electrical signals including friction sounds picked up by each of the two sound-receiving units 112, and derives the absolute value of the difference between the acquired electrical signals including friction sounds. The prediction detection unit 114 may then determine that the absolute value of the difference in friction sounds has increased if the derived absolute value of the difference is greater than, for example, a predetermined value.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, if the paper jam prediction detection device 100 is equipped with three or more sound-collecting units 112, the prediction detection unit 114 acquires electrical signals including friction sounds collected by each of the three or more sound-collecting units 112, derives any combination of two sound-collecting units 112 from the three or more sound-collecting units 112, and derives the absolute value of the difference in friction sounds between the derived combination of two sound-collecting units 112. For example, in the case of three sound-collecting units 112, there are three combinations of two sound-collecting units 112. The prediction detection unit 114 may then determine that the absolute value of the difference in friction sounds has increased if at least one of the derived absolute values ​​is greater than, for example, a predetermined value.

[0090] If the prediction detection unit 114 determines that the absolute value of the difference between the friction sounds picked up by the multiple sound pickup units 112 has not increased (No in S1022), it returns to the process in step S101.

[0091] On the other hand, if the precursor detection unit 114 determines that the absolute value of the difference in friction sounds between the papers 10 has increased (Yes in S1022), it determines that the friction between the papers 10 has decreased and detects a precursor to a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 (S1023).

[0092] [4. Effects, etc.] As described above, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 is a paper jam prediction detection device that detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200, and comprises: a sound receiving unit 112 that receives friction sounds between the papers 10 that are generated when the papers 10 are supplied from a holding unit 270 that holds a plurality of papers 10; a prediction detection unit 114 that detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device 200 based on the decrease in friction sounds received by the sound receiving unit 112; and a signal output unit 116 that outputs a signal to the paper feed device 200 to stop the supply of paper 10 from the holding unit 270 when a prediction is detected by the prediction detection unit 114.

[0093] This type of paper jam prediction device 100 can detect the lifting of the paper 10 that occurs before a paper jam occurs by detecting the decrease in frictional sound between the paper 10 when the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270, thus enabling the detection of signs of a paper jam.

[0094] Furthermore, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 can detect a decrease in sound pressure in the ultrasonic frequency range due to friction between the papers 10. Therefore, unlike conventional technologies that detect audible sounds when a paper jam occurs, it is less susceptible to the influence of audible sounds generated around the paper jam prediction detection device. As a result, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 can reliably detect a decrease in sound pressure in the ultrasonic frequency range.

[0095] Furthermore, while conventional technology detects the sound produced when a paper jam occurs, it cannot prevent paper jams from occurring in the first place. However, in this embodiment, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 detects the floating of the supplied paper 10 by reducing the friction sound, thus not only preventing paper jams from occurring but also suppressing damage to the paper 10.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, it is not necessary to irradiate the multiple sheets of paper 10 held in the holding unit 270 with ultrasound to check the condition of the supplied paper 10, such as stapled paper. In other words, in this embodiment, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 does not need to have an ultrasonic irradiation unit, and only needs to have a sound receiving unit 112 that picks up sound in the ultrasonic frequency band of friction noise. Therefore, the paper jam prediction detection device 100 can detect signs of a paper jam more easily with fewer components than a configuration that includes an ultrasonic irradiation unit.

[0097] (Embodiment 2) [Paper jam prediction device] Next, the paper jam prediction detection device 100a according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the paper jam prediction detection device 100a according to Embodiment 2. In the following, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be the main focus of the explanation, and redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted.

[0098] [1. Structure] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the sound-collecting unit 112 is a microphone. However, in Embodiment 2, the sound-collecting unit 112a differs from Embodiment 1 in that it acquires an electrical signal including frictional sound output from the microphone 300. The information processing unit 110a comprises the sound-collecting unit 112a, the predictive detection unit 114, and the signal output unit 116.

[0099] The sound-collecting unit 112a acquires, for example, frictional sound picked up by at least one microphone 300 as an electrical signal and outputs the acquired electrical signal to the predictive detection unit 114. The microphone 300 and the sound-collecting unit 112a are connected by wired or wireless communication.

[0100] [2. Operation] In Embodiment 2, the sound-collecting unit 112a acquires an electrical signal including the friction sound picked up by the microphone 300, so the process of step S101 in Figure 5, which was referenced in Embodiment 1, is different.

[0101] For example, in step S101 of Figure 5, in Embodiment 2, an electrical signal including frictional sound picked up by the microphone 300 is acquired. The sound pickup unit 112a then outputs the acquired electrical signal to the predictive detection unit 114.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, in step S101 of Figure 5, in Embodiment 2, an electrical signal including frictional sound picked up by multiple microphones 300 is acquired. The sound pickup unit 112a then outputs the acquired electrical signal to the predictive detection unit 114.

[0103] As described above, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the paper jam prediction detection device 100a acquires an electrical signal including friction sound picked up by the microphone 300 and processes information related to prediction detection.

[0104] [3. Effects, etc.] Since the paper jam prediction detection device 100a according to Embodiment 2 is configured separately from the microphone 300, the installation position and number of microphones 300 can be appropriately changed according to the design, and the paper jam prediction detection device 100a can be mounted on a single integrated circuit.

[0105] (Variation 1) [Paper jam prediction device] Next, the paper jam prediction detection device according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of multiple protrusions 280 provided in the paper jam prediction detection device according to Modification 1. In the example in Figure 9, the prediction detection device is provided with two protrusions 280, but it may be provided with one protrusion 280 or three or more. The paper jam prediction detection device according to Modification 1 differs from Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 in that, in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, it is provided with two or more protrusions 280 that come into contact with the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270. In the following, the differences from Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will be the main focus of the explanation, and redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted.

[0106] [1. Structure] The paper jam prediction detection device according to Modification 1 further comprises two or more protrusions 280 that come into contact with the paper supplied from the holding unit 270. For example, the two or more protrusions 280 are Paper feed The two or more protrusions 280 are positioned on the side of the supply port 260 that is closer to the contact point (hereinafter referred to as contact point P1) where the roller 212 and the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 come into contact. Paper feed The roller may be positioned on the side of the supply port 260 that is closer to the contact point (so-called contact position P1) where the roller 212 and the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 come into contact, and in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270 (hereinafter referred to as the supply direction D1).

[0107] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the two protrusions 280 may be arranged in a direction intersecting the supply direction D1, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the supply port 260, flanking the contact position P1. In this case, the two protrusions 280 may each be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the supply port 260, flanking the contact position P1, at equal distances from the contact position P1.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, the two protrusions 280 may be arranged in different directions, intersecting the supply direction D1, with the contact position P1 in between. In this case, the two protrusions 280 are arranged in directions intersecting the supply direction D1, with the contact position P1 in between, and the distances from the contact position P1 to each protrusion 280 may be different. They may also be arranged in directions intersecting the longitudinal direction of the supply port 260, or in the longitudinal direction of the supply port 260.

[0109] Furthermore, the four protrusions 280 may be arranged, for example, in pairs of two, with each pair of protrusions 280 positioned on either side of the contact position P1 in a direction intersecting the supply direction D1. In this case, the distance from the contact position P1 to each pair of protrusions 280 is equal, and each pair of protrusions 280 may be positioned in the longitudinal direction of the supply port 260, or in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the supply port 260.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, the four protrusions may be arranged in different directions, with each pair of protrusions 280 in a direction intersecting the supply direction D1, and with the contact position P1 in between. In this case, the four protrusions 280 are arranged with the contact position P1 in a direction intersecting the supply direction of each pair of protrusions 280, and the distance from the contact position P1 to each pair of protrusions 280 may be different or the same. Also, the other pair of protrusions 280 of the four protrusions 280 may be arranged in the same direction as the arrangement of the above pair of protrusions 280, or in a different direction.

[0111] Furthermore, the three protrusions 280 may be arranged such that, for example, the other two protrusions 280 intersect the supply direction D1 with respect to one of the three protrusions 280, and the one protrusion 280 and the other two protrusions 280 are arranged in different directions from each other, with the contact position P1 in between.

[0112] For example, two or more protrusions 280 are each placed on a supply surface 290 that forms a supply path for supplying paper 10 from the holding section 270 to the separation roller 214 by the paper feed roller 212.

[0113] The shape and size of the projection 280 can be designed arbitrarily and are not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the projection 280 may be tapered or pillar-shaped. Examples of tapered shapes include hemispherical, semi-ellipsoidal, frustoconical, or pyramidal pyramidal shapes. Examples of pillar shapes include cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal prism shapes. In the example in Figure 9, the two projections 280 each have a square upper surface 280a and lower surface 280b, and the height of the side surface 280c is 5 mm. The upper surface 280a and lower surface 280b may be the same size, or the upper surface 280a may be smaller than the lower surface 280b.

[0114] Here, two or more protrusions 280 Paper feedAn example has been described in which the protrusions 280 are positioned on the side of the supply port 260 beyond the contact position P1 where the roller 212 and the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 come into contact, but the example is not limited to this. For example, two or more protrusions 280 may be positioned on the side of the supply port 260 beyond the contact position where the separation roller 214 and the paper 10 supplied from the holding unit 270 come into contact.

[0115] [2. Operation] The paper jam prediction detection device according to Modification 1 performs the operations described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 depending on the configuration of the sound collection unit. Since the specific operations were described in Embodiments 1 and 2, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0116] [3. Effects, etc.] The paper jam prediction detection device according to Modified Example 1 is equipped with two or more protrusions 280, thereby increasing the sound pressure of the friction sound between the papers that occurs when the paper 10 is supplied from the holding unit 270. This allows for more accurate detection of the decrease in sound pressure of the friction sound associated with signs of a paper jam, such as paper floating. [Examples]

[0117] The paper jam prediction device and paper jam prediction method of this disclosure will be specifically described below in the following examples, but the following examples are just examples and this disclosure is not limited in any way to the following examples.

[0118] The following describes the results of the following tests: (1) the frequency at which a decrease in friction sound pressure is observed; (2) the accuracy of predictive detection depending on the microphone placement; (3) the sound pressure of friction sound when a protrusion is placed near the supply port; (4) the accuracy of predictive detection with and without the protrusion; and (5) the correlation between the sound pressure of friction sound picked up by two microphones.

[0119] In (1) to (4) below, one microphone was used.

[0120] (1) Regarding the frequency at which a decrease in the sound pressure of frictional sounds is observed. In Comparative Example 1 and Example 1, the frequency range at which the reduction in friction noise between sheets of paper during feeding was observed was investigated. The microphone was placed above the feed opening and next to the paper feed roller. The frequency range of the recorded friction noise was between 60 kHz and 100 kHz.

[0121] [Comparative Example 1] In Comparative Example 1, ordinary paper was used, and the friction sound between the sheets of paper as they were supplied from the holding unit was recorded. The results are shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows the results for Comparative Example 1 and Example 1. The friction sound recorded in Comparative Example 1 is shown by the solid line.

[0122] [Example 1] In Example 1, the friction sound between stapled papers was recorded when the paper was supplied from the holding unit. The results are shown in Figure 10. The friction sound recorded in Example 1 is indicated by the dashed line.

[0123] (result) As shown in Figure 10, when comparing the sound pressure of friction noise when ordinary paper is supplied as shown in Comparative Example 1 with the sound pressure of friction noise when stapled paper is supplied as shown in Example 1, the sound pressure of Example 1 was lower than that of Comparative Example 1 in the frequency band from 60 kHz to 95 kHz. In particular, the sound pressure of Example 1 was lower than that of Comparative Example 1 in the frequency band from 75 kHz to 95 kHz, and especially in the frequency band from 85 kHz to 90 kHz, the sound pressure of Example 1 was even lower than that of Comparative Example 1.

[0124] Therefore, it was found that by detecting a decrease in the friction noise when paper is supplied from the holding unit, specifically in the frequency range of 85kHz to 90kHz within the sound pressure of the friction noise, it is possible to reliably detect signs of a paper jam.

[0125] (2) Accuracy of predictive detection due to differences in microphone placement In Comparative Example 2 and Example 2, the difference in detection accuracy depending on the microphone placement was verified for the decrease in sound pressure in the frequency band between 85kHz and 90kHz, which was examined in (1) above.

[0126] [Comparative Example 2] In Comparative Example 2, a microphone was placed next to the separation roller to capture the friction sound between sheets of paper as they were fed from the holding unit. The first three sheets of paper fed from the holding unit were regular paper, while the fourth sheet was two sheets of paper stapled together. The first four sheets were fed continuously, and the friction sound during feeding was captured with the microphone. This operation was repeated three times. The results are shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows the results for Comparative Example 2.

[0127] In Figure 11, the vertical axis represents the time-averaged sound pressure, and the horizontal axis represents the time the sound was captured by the microphone. The solid line shows the sound pressure of the friction sound when the second sheet of paper is supplied, the dashed line shows the sound pressure of the friction sound when the third sheet of paper is supplied, and the dotted dashed line shows the sound pressure of the friction sound when the fourth stapled sheet of paper is supplied.

[0128] As shown in Figure 11, the fourth stapled sheet of paper jammed, resulting in a higher sound pressure than the other two sheets in the latter half of the graph. Furthermore, Figure 11 did not show a significant decrease in frictional noise between the second and fourth sheets of paper.

[0129] Therefore, Comparative Example 2 confirmed that when the microphone is placed next to the separation roller, it is difficult to detect a decrease in friction noise before a paper jam occurs.

[0130] [Example 2] In Example 2, the procedure was the same as in Comparative Example 2, except that the microphone was installed above the feed port and next to the paper feed roller. The results are shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 shows the results of Example 2.

[0131] As shown in Figure 12, the fourth stapled sheet of paper showed a significant decrease in time-averaged sound pressure compared to the other two sheets (the second and third sheets).

[0132] Therefore, in Example 2, it was confirmed that when the microphone is installed above the feed port and next to the paper feed roller, a decrease in the sound pressure of the friction noise can be detected before a paper jam occurs, thus enabling the detection of signs of a paper jam.

[0133] (summary) From the results of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1, a difference of almost double the sound pressure was observed, particularly in the frequency band between 85 kHz and 90 kHz, within the ultrasonic frequency range of frictional noise. Therefore, it is possible to set a threshold for the sound pressure of frictional noise for predictive detection.

[0134] Furthermore, from the results of Comparative Example 2 and Example 2, it was found that the accuracy of detecting the reduction in friction noise is improved because the microphone is installed closer to the point where friction noise is generated, thus allowing for more reliable pickup of the friction noise. For example, the microphone is better installed on the holding side than the separation roller. More specifically, the microphone is better installed above the holding section. In particular, it was found that the microphone is better installed near the feed opening (for example, from a position midway between the separation roller and the feed opening to the top of the paper feed roller), and especially above the feed opening, and positioned alongside the paper feed roller in a direction intersecting the direction in which paper is supplied from the holding section.

[0135] Furthermore, the results from Comparative Example 2 and Example 2 show that the paper jam prediction detection device of this disclosure can detect a decrease in sound pressure in the ultrasonic frequency band of friction noise. Therefore, it is less susceptible to the influence of audible sounds generated around the paper jam prediction detection device compared to the detection of audible sounds when a paper jam occurs, as in the prior art. As a result, the paper jam prediction detection device of this disclosure can reliably detect a decrease in sound pressure in the ultrasonic frequency band.

[0136] Furthermore, while conventional technology detects the sound produced when a paper jam occurs, it cannot prevent paper jams from occurring in the first place. However, in this disclosure, the paper jam prediction detection device detects the floating of the supplied paper by reducing the friction sound, thus not only preventing paper jams from occurring but also suppressing paper damage.

[0137] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is not necessary to irradiate multiple sheets of paper held in the holding unit with ultrasound to check the condition of the supplied paper, such as stapled paper. In other words, in this disclosure, the paper jam prediction detection device does not need to have an ultrasonic irradiation unit, but only needs to have a sound receiving unit that picks up sound in the ultrasonic frequency band of friction noise. Therefore, the paper jam prediction detection device of this disclosure can detect signs of a paper jam more easily and with fewer components than a configuration that includes an ultrasonic irradiation unit.

[0138] (3) Sound pressure of friction noise when a protrusion is installed near the supply port In Comparative Example 3 and Example 3, we investigated whether the sound pressure of friction noise between sheets of paper when paper is supplied from the holding unit to the separation roller increases when two protrusions are installed near the supply port. The two protrusions were installed on the supply port side of the point where the supply roller and the paper supplied from the holding unit come into contact, similar to the example in Figure 9. The two protrusions were, rectangle The device has an upper and lower surface (15 mm vertically, 25 mm horizontally) and a projection on the side with a height of 5 mm. A microphone is installed above the supply port, in a direction intersecting the direction in which paper is supplied from the holding unit. The frequency range of the frictional sound picked up by the microphone is between 20 Hz and 100 kHz.

[0139] [Comparative Example 3] In Comparative Example 3, the two protrusions were not installed near the supply port, and ordinary paper was used to record the friction sound between the sheets of paper as they were supplied from the holding unit. The results are shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows the results for Comparative Example 3 and Example 3. The friction sound recorded in Comparative Example 3 is shown by the solid line. In Figure 13, the vertical axis shows the sound pressure at each frequency of the friction sound recorded by the microphone.

[0140] [Example 3] In Example 3, the procedure was the same as in Comparative Example 3, except that two protrusions were installed near the supply port. The results are shown in Figure 13. The frictional sound recorded in Example 3 is indicated by the dashed line.

[0141] (result) As shown in Figure 13, the sound pressure of the friction sound collected in Example 3 was greater than that of the friction sound collected in Comparative Example 3, particularly in the ultrasonic range (i.e., frequency band of 2 kHz or higher), and especially in the frequency band of 3 kHz to 95 kHz. From this result, it was found that by installing two protrusions near the feed port, more specifically on the feed port side of the contact point between the feed roller and the paper supplied from the holding unit (the so-called contact point), the sound pressure of the friction sound between the papers is increased compared to when the protrusions are not installed.

[0142] As a result, when two protrusions are placed near the feed opening, the sound pressure of the friction noise increases compared to when no protrusions are placed. Therefore, the decrease in the sound pressure of the friction noise when paper floats is thought to become more pronounced. Consequently, it is thought that the decrease in friction noise associated with signs of paper jams such as paper floating can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0143] (4) Accuracy of detecting signs of paper jams based on the presence or absence of protrusions In Comparative Example 4 and Example 4, the difference in detection accuracy due to the presence or absence of protrusions was examined for the reduction in sound pressure in the frequency band from 85 kHz to 90 kHz. The microphone was installed in the same position as in (3) above.

[0144] [Comparative Example 4] In Comparative Example 4, the friction sound between sheets of paper as they were fed from the holding unit was recorded without installing any protrusions. Similar to Comparative Example 2, the first three sheets of paper supplied from the holding unit were regular paper, while the fourth sheet consisted of two sheets stapled together. The first four sheets were supplied continuously, and the friction sound during feeding was recorded using a microphone. This operation was repeated five times. The results are shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 shows the results for Comparative Example 4.

[0145] In Figure 14, the vertical axis represents time-averaged sound pressure (simply called average sound pressure), and the horizontal axis represents the time recorded by the microphone. The solid line shows the sound pressure of friction when the second sheet of paper is supplied, the dashed line shows the sound pressure of friction when the third sheet of paper is supplied, and the dotted dashed line shows the sound pressure of friction when the fourth stapled sheet of paper is supplied.

[0146] As shown in Figure 14, the fourth stapled sheet of paper jammed, resulting in a higher sound pressure than the other two sheets (second and third) in the latter half of the graph. Furthermore, Figure 14 shows that the fourth stapled sheet exhibits a decrease in frictional sound pressure, a precursor to a paper jam, at the time indicated by the dashed circle.

[0147] [Example 4] In Example 4, the procedure was the same as in Comparative Example 4, except that two protrusions were installed near the supply port and the operation was repeated three times. The installation positions of the two protrusions were the same as in Example 3. The results are shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 shows the results of Example 4.

[0148] As shown in Figure 15, the sound pressure of the friction noise increased when the second and third sheets of ordinary paper were supplied, as well as when the fourth sheet of stapled paper was supplied. However, the sound pressure increased more with the second and third sheets of ordinary paper than with the fourth sheet of stapled paper.

[0149] Furthermore, comparing the average sound pressure during the time periods enclosed by dashed circles in Figures 14 and 15, in Example 4, the reduction in frictional sound pressure was more pronounced for the fourth stapled sheet of paper compared to Comparative Example 4.

[0150] (summary) The results from Comparative Example 3 and Example 3 showed that by providing two protrusions near the paper feed opening so as to contact the supplied paper, the sound pressure of the friction sound between the papers when they are supplied from the holding unit increases. As a result, it is thought that the difference between the sound pressure when no paper jam occurs and the sound pressure when a paper jam occurs may be more pronounced than in the configuration without protrusions. In other words, it was suggested that providing two or more protrusions near the paper feed opening may improve the accuracy of detecting signs of a paper jam.

[0151] Therefore, in order to verify the above possibility, Comparative Example 4 and Example 4 were performed, and the results showed that by providing two protrusions near the feed opening, the difference between the sound pressure when no paper jam occurred (second and third images) and the sound pressure when a paper jam occurred (fourth image) was more pronounced than in the configuration without protrusions (Comparative Example 4). Thus, it was confirmed that providing two or more protrusions near the feed opening improves the accuracy of detecting signs of a paper jam.

[0152] (5) Correlation of sound pressure of frictional sounds picked up by two microphones In Example 5, as shown in Figure 9, two microphones were placed on either side of the paper feed roller to capture the friction sound between sheets of paper as they were supplied from the holding unit. The correlation between the sound pressure of the friction sound captured by the two microphones was then verified. The paper supplied from the holding unit was the same as in Examples 2 and 4: the first three sheets were regular paper, and the fourth sheet was two sheets of paper stapled together. The first four sheets were supplied continuously, and the friction sound during supply was captured by the two microphones. This operation was repeated three times. An example of the results is shown in Figure 16. Figure 16 shows an example of the results in Example 5.

[0153] As shown in Figure 16, the sound pressure of the friction sound decreases before a paper jam occurs with the fourth stapled sheet of paper. In this case, the correlation between microphones can be determined, for example, by calculating the difference in sound pressure of the friction sound picked up by two microphones. One microphone picks up the friction sound on the stapled side of the paper, and the other microphone picks up the friction sound on the opposite side, i.e., the unstapled side. When the absolute value of the difference in sound pressure of the friction sound picked up by these two microphones is taken, it was confirmed that the absolute value of the difference in sound pressure of the friction sound increases with stapled paper. This suggests that it is possible to detect signs of a paper jam by correlating microphones in this way.

[0154] (Other embodiments) The above description has explained a paper jam prediction device and a paper jam prediction method relating to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the above embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or configurations that combine components from different embodiments, may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0155] For example, some or all of the components of the paper jam prediction detection device according to the above embodiment may be composed of a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). For example, the paper jam prediction detection device may consist of a system LSI having a sound collection unit, a prediction detection unit, and a signal output unit. Note that the system LSI does not necessarily include a microphone.

[0156] A system LSI is a highly functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components onto a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and other components. The ROM stores the computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by operating according to the computer program, with the microprocessor working accordingly.

[0157] Here, we refer to it as a system LSI, but depending on the degree of integration, it may also be called an IC, LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. After LSI manufacturing, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed, or a reconfigurable processor that allows for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI, may also be used.

[0158] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or related technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, these technologies can be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possible possibility.

[0159] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be not only a paper jam prediction detection device, but also a paper jam prediction detection method in which characteristic components included in the device are used as steps. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic step included in the paper jam prediction detection method. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded. [Industrial applicability]

[0160] According to this disclosure, by reducing the friction noise between sheets of paper when feeding paper, it is possible to detect signs of paper jams, such as paper floating, and therefore it can be applied to paper supply devices for various paper processing devices, making it applicable to a wide range of fields, including household, industrial, and research use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10 Paper 15 staplers 20 stacks of paper 30. Locations where paper lifting occurs. 100, 100a Paper Jam Prediction Device 110, 110a Information Processing Unit 112, 112a Sound collection section 114 Predictive detection unit 116 Signal Output Section 120 Storage section 130 Communications Department 200 Paper feeder 210 Conveying section 212, 212a, 212b Paper feed roller 214, 214a, 214b Separation rollers 216, 216a, 216b Retard Rollers 220 Drive unit 230 Control Unit 240 Storage section 250 Communications Department 260 supply ports 270 Holding part 280 Protrusion 290 Supply side 300 microphones P1 contact position D1 Supply direction

Claims

1. A paper jam detection device that detects signs of a paper jam in a paper feed device, A sound-collecting unit that captures the friction sound between sheets of paper that occurs when paper is supplied from a holding unit that holds multiple sheets of paper, A precursor detection unit detects signs of a paper jam in the paper feed device based on the decrease in sound pressure of the friction sound picked up by the sound pickup unit, A signal output unit outputs a signal to the paper feed device to stop the paper from being supplied from the holding unit when the aforementioned warning detection unit detects the warning, Equipped with, The aforementioned precursor detection unit determines whether the sound pressure of the friction sound is less than a predetermined first value, and if the sound pressure of the friction sound is less than the first predetermined value, it determines that the sound pressure of the friction sound has decreased, and based on the decrease in the sound pressure of the friction sound, it detects the precursor of a paper jam. The first predetermined value is a value relating to the sound pressure of the friction sound between sheets of paper that occurs when paper is supplied from the holding unit in a state where there are no signs of a paper jam. Paper jam warning device.

2. The friction sound is a sound with a frequency in the ultrasonic band generated by friction between the paper supplied from the holding part and the paper held in the holding part. The paper jam prediction device according to claim 1.

3. The sound-collecting unit uses a microphone to collect the friction sound, The aforementioned precursor detection unit detects a paper jam precursor when the sound pressure of the friction sound picked up by the microphone is less than the first predetermined value. A paper jam prediction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sound-collecting unit uses multiple microphones to collect the friction sound, The aforementioned precursor detection unit detects a paper jam precursor when the absolute value of the difference in sound pressure of the friction sound picked up by each of the multiple microphones is greater than a predetermined second value. A paper jam prediction device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned paper feeding device further includes, A supply port for supplying the paper from the holding portion, A separation roller that separates the paper supplied from the supply port one sheet at a time, Equipped with, The microphone is installed in a position closer to the holding part than the position of the separation roller. The paper jam prediction device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The paper jam prediction device further comprises two or more protrusions that come into contact with the paper supplied from the holding unit, The two or more protrusions are positioned on the side of the supply port that is closer to the point where the separation roller and the paper supplied from the holding part come into contact. The paper jam prediction device according to claim 5.

7. The microphone is installed near the supply port. The paper jam prediction device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The paper feeding device further includes a paper feeding roller that supplies the paper from the supply port, The microphone is installed above the supply port and in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper is supplied from the holding unit, alongside the paper feed roller. A paper jam prediction device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. Multiple microphones are installed so as to sandwich the paper feed roller in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper is supplied from the holding unit. The paper jam prediction device according to claim 8.

10. A paper jam detection method for detecting signs of a paper jam in a paper feed device, A sound collection step that captures the friction sound between sheets of paper that occurs when paper is supplied from a holding unit that holds multiple sheets of paper, A precursor detection step for detecting a paper jam in the paper feed device based on the decrease in sound pressure of the friction sound collected in the sound collection step, A signal output step which outputs a signal to the paper feed device to stop the supply of paper from the holding unit when the aforementioned warning is detected by the aforementioned warning detection step, Includes, In the aforementioned precursor detection step, it is determined whether the sound pressure of the friction sound is less than a predetermined first value, and if the sound pressure of the friction sound is less than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the sound pressure of the friction sound has decreased, and based on the decrease in the sound pressure of the friction sound, the precursor of a paper jam is detected. The first predetermined value is a value relating to the sound pressure of the friction sound between sheets of paper that occurs when paper is supplied from the holding unit in a state where there are no signs of a paper jam. A method for detecting signs of a paper jam.

11. To cause a computer to execute the paper jam prediction detection method described in claim 10. program.

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