JP4419482B2 - Image writing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to images writing device and an image forming apparatus, in particular, for Presentation recording images writing device and an image forming apparatus Ru can detect various setting error of the medium.

  In recent years, various display recording media that can rewrite an image from the viewpoint of reducing environmental load and can be used repeatedly are proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  The display recording medium described in Patent Document 1 is obtained by pasting a circular magnetic sheet on the surface of a rewritable display tag in which the direction of the microcapsule in the plastic fluid changes due to magnetism, and a circular seal on the back surface. Front / back discrimination can be performed based on the difference in light reflectance between the magnetic sheet and the seal.

  The display recording medium described in Patent Document 2 is provided with a semicircular front / back detection cut on the surface of a rewritable IC card having a reversible thermosensitive recording layer, and detects the presence / absence of the front / back detection cut. Thus, front / back discrimination can be performed.

  The display recording medium described in Patent Document 3 is provided with rectangular light reflecting surfaces at different positions on the front and back surfaces of an electric field driving type or magnetic driving type reversible display recording medium. By using the corresponding light-emitting element and light-receiving element, front / back discrimination can be performed.

The display recording medium described in Patent Document 4 has a rectangular notch provided at one end at the rear end in the conveyance direction of a single-side reversible thermosensitive recording film, and a passage sensor provided at a position corresponding to both ends of the film. Thus, the front and back of the film can be determined depending on whether or not the passage sensor has detected a notch.
JP-A-8-77309 ([0027], [0032], FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-245666 (FIGS. 1 and 3) JP 2001-347727 A ([0039] to [0051], [0162], [0163], FIG. 25) Japanese Patent No. 3254253 ([0035], [0040], FIG. 8)

  However, in the conventional display recording medium, the mark for detecting the set abnormality has a simple shape such as a circle or a rectangle, so that even if the display recording medium is designed, the design is damaged by the mark. is there. In addition, even if the front / back determination can be performed, it is not possible to determine a setting mistake in the insertion direction, so that an image is written upside down.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a Viewing images writing device Ru can detect various setting error of the recording medium and an image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a thin rectangular rewritable display recording medium having first and second long sides and first and second short sides , on the first surface. In the vicinity of the first long side of the first and second short sides with a longer interval than the first and second short sides, the first and second detection regions of a predetermined light reflectance, and the first Third and fourth detections having a light reflectance different from the predetermined light reflectance, provided in the vicinity of the second long side on the surface with the same interval as the first and second detection regions. A fifth light detection region having a predetermined light reflectance and a sixth light detection region on the second surface in the vicinity of the first short side on the second surface opposite to the first surface; wherein the second short side near the image writing device that writes an image on a display recording medium having a detection region of the predetermined seventh and eighth light reflectance different light reflectivity, Serial provided corresponding to the spacing of the first and second detection regions, wherein when the display recording medium is set at a predetermined position, the light irradiating the detection area, receives light reflected by the detection region A pair of photosensors for outputting a detection signal, and a discriminating means for discriminating the orientation of the display recording medium based on a combination of light reflectances of the detection area based on the detection signals from the pair of photosensors. And a writing unit for writing an image to the display recording medium when the direction of the display recording medium is determined to be normal by the determination unit of the detecting unit. Providing equipment.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a thin rectangular rewritable display recording medium having first and second long sides and first and second short sides , on the first surface. In the vicinity of the first long side of the first and second short sides with a longer interval than the first and second short sides, the first and second detection regions of a predetermined light reflectance, and the first Third and fourth detections having a light reflectance different from the predetermined light reflectance, provided in the vicinity of the second long side on the surface with the same interval as the first and second detection regions. A fifth light detection region having a predetermined light reflectance and a sixth light detection region on the second surface in the vicinity of the first short side on the second surface opposite to the first surface; wherein the second short side near the display recording medium having a detection region of the predetermined seventh and eighth light reflectance different light reflectivity, the distance between the first and second detection regions Provided response, when the display recording medium is set in position, light is irradiated to the detection region, a pair of light sensor that outputs a detection signal by receiving the light reflected by the detection region A detecting unit that determines a direction of the display recording medium based on a combination of light reflectances of the detection region based on the detection signals from the pair of optical sensors; and the determination of the detecting unit There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: writing means for writing an image on the display recording medium when the orientation of the display recording medium is determined to be normal by the means .

According to the onset bright, by setting the position of the different detection regions of the light reflectance on the surface and the back surface of the predetermined display recording medium, it is possible to detect different sets mistake.

  1A and 1B show an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a front view. This image forming apparatus has a space 3b between a rewritable display recording medium 100 and a lower casing 2 and an upper casing 3, and writes an image on the display recording medium 100 inserted into the insertion port 3a. And an image writing apparatus 1.

  The lower housing 2 is provided on the upper surface thereof, and includes a message display unit 5 for displaying a message such as a set abnormality of the display recording medium 100 on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the display recording medium 100 inserted into the insertion port 3a. A medium moving unit that moves to a writing position in the space 3b.

  The upper housing 3 is provided on both sides of the center of the insertion port 3a, and first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B for detecting the light reflectance of the display recording medium 100, and a medium ID (unique ID of the display recording medium 100). An ID reading unit 7 that reads (Identification) from the wireless ID tag 103 and a writing unit (to be described later) that writes an image on the display recording medium 100 are provided. Each of the first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B includes a light emitting element that irradiates light to a detection area of the display recording medium 100 and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the detection area. The upper housing 3 is provided on the lower housing 2 by a hinge 4 so as to be opened and closed in case of an abnormality such as a jam in the display recording medium 100 or maintenance.

  2 shows the medium moving unit accommodated in the lower housing 2. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. The medium moving unit 8 includes a medium conveying unit 80 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A that conveys the display recording medium 100 inserted into the set position from the insertion port 3a into the space 3b, and the display recording medium 100 upward. And a medium pressing portion 81 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3B that moves to the writing position. Here, the “set position” refers to a position where the light reflectance of the display recording medium 100 is detected.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the medium transport unit 80 includes a pair of transport belts 800 provided so as to slightly protrude from a pair of openings 2 a formed on both sides of the upper surface of the lower housing 2. A plurality of conveying rollers 801 on which a pair of conveying belts 800 are stretched, and a motor (not shown) that drives the conveying rollers 801.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, the medium pressing portion 81 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from an opening 2b formed at the center of the lower housing 2, and a pressing plate 810 on which the display recording medium 100 is placed. And an electromagnetic solenoid 811 that pushes the pressing plate 810 upward. Since the image display area 101 needs to be in close contact with the LCD panel 91 at the time of image writing, the pressing plate 810 has at least the same size as the image display area 101. It may be equal to or larger than the recording medium 100.

  FIG. 3B shows the writing unit accommodated in the upper housing 3. The writing unit 9 has a size equivalent to that of the image display area 101 of the display recording medium 100, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 91 that irradiates the image display area 101 with image writing pattern light, and an LCD panel 91. And a backlight 90 that irradiates backlight light from the back surface.

  FIG. 4 shows a control system of the image writing apparatus 1. The image writing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the entire apparatus 1, and the control unit 10 includes the message display unit 5, the first and second optical sensors 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B, the ID reading unit 7, and the like. The medium transport unit 80 and the medium pressing unit 81 are connected. The control unit 10 includes an image data storage unit 12 that stores image data to be written on the display recording medium 100, an LCD panel drive unit 13 that supplies a drive signal corresponding to the image data to the LCD panel 91, and a writing position. A pulse power supply unit 14 for applying a pulse voltage from a power supply point to the display recording medium 100 located in the network, a communication interface (I / F) 15 connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and a backlight 90 And a backlight lighting unit 16 for performing the above operation.

  5A shows the front surface of the display recording medium 100, and FIG. 5B shows the back surface thereof. The display recording medium 100 has a thin rectangular shape, and the surface 100a is irradiated with write pattern light as shown in FIG. 5A, and an image that displays an image on the surface 100a side after writing. A display area 101, an advertisement area 102 on which a logo mark or the like is written, a wireless ID tag 103 from which a medium ID is read, and a first color formed in the vicinity of one long side with a low light reflectance (for example, black). Design pattern 110A and a second design pattern 120A formed of a color having a high light reflectance (for example, white).

  Also, on the back surface 100b, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first design pattern 110B formed with a color having a low light reflectance (for example, black) in the vicinity of one short side and a high light reflectance. A second design pattern 120B formed by a color (for example, white) is provided, and a mark 104 indicating the insertion direction of the display recording medium 100 is formed in the second design pattern 120B.

  Detection areas 111a, 111b, 112a, 112b, 121a, 121b, 122a, and 122b for discriminating the orientation of the front and back surfaces and the insertion direction are included in part of the first and second design patterns 110A, 110B, 120A, and 120B. Is set. The first and second design patterns 110A, 110B, 120A, 120B may all be formed on the surface layer of the display recording medium 100 by printing or pasting, one being formed by printing or pasting and the other being a display. The ground color of the surface layer of the recording medium 100 may be used. Here, the “design pattern” refers to a pattern applied to the display recording medium 100 for the purpose of both design and light reflectance detection, and is different from a conventional mark intended only for light reflectance detection. . Further, the correct “direction” of the display recording medium 100 is that the advertisement area 102 and the wireless ID tag 103 are positioned on the upper side as shown in FIG. 5A, and the display recording medium 100 is shown in FIG. The direction in which the front surface 100a of 100 is inserted sideways into the insertion port 3a.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of the display recording medium 100. The display recording medium 100 includes a pair of substrates 150A and 150B made of PET films arranged to face each other, and a pair of transparent electrodes 151A and 151B made of ITO (indium tin oxide) provided inside the pair of substrates 150A and 150B. A photoconductive layer 154 that is provided on the back surface 100b side of the pair of transparent electrodes 151A and 151B, the resistance value of which decreases when irradiated with the write pattern light 92, and an isolation layer 153 provided above the photoconductive layer 154. And a display layer 152 made of cholesteric liquid crystal whose reflectance (transmittance) changes according to the applied voltage, and a light absorption layer 155 formed on the lower surface of the substrate 150B on the back side.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. When the display recording medium 100 is inserted into the set position from the insertion port 3a, the light emitted from the light emitting elements of the first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B is detected in the detection areas 111a, 112a, 121a, and the like on the surface 100a of the display recording medium 100. The light is reflected at 122a, and the light receiving element receives the reflected light, and transmits a voltage detection signal corresponding to the light reflectance to the control unit 10. The medium orientation determination unit 11 determines the orientation of the display recording medium 100 based on detection signals from the first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B.

  Here, the determination of the orientation of the display recording medium 100 by the medium orientation determination unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of insertion of the display recording medium 100, and Table 1 shows determination conditions stored in the memory in the medium orientation determination unit 11. In Table 1, cases indicate the cases of FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (f).

When the display recording medium 100 is inserted in the correct orientation (the surface 100a is front and side) as shown in FIG. 7A, the first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B are Since both detect high light reflectances of the detection areas 121a and 121b, that is, white (W), the medium orientation determination unit 11 determines that the set is correct from the stored contents of the memory, and the display recording medium 100 as will be described later. The image is written to the.

  In cases other than FIG. 7A, the medium orientation determination unit 11 determines that the set is abnormal from the stored contents of the memory. That is, in the case of FIG. 7B, the first and second photosensors 6A and 6B detect the low light reflectance (B) of the detection regions 111a and 112a, and in the case of FIG. The first optical sensor 6A detects the high light reflectance (W) of the detection region 121b, the second optical sensor 6B detects the low light reflectance (B) of the detection region 111b, and in the case of FIG. The first optical sensor 6A detects a low light reflectance (B) of the detection region 112b, and the second optical sensor 6B detects a high light reflectance (W) of the detection region 122b. In the case of FIG. The first optical sensor 6A detects the low light reflectance (B) of the detection region 111a, and the second optical sensor 6B detects the low light reflectance (B) because it cannot receive the reflected light from the display recording medium 100. In the case of FIG. 7F, the first optical sensor 6A receives reflected light from the display recording medium 100 by receiving light. Light reflectance (B) was detected low for no second photosensor 6B detects a high light reflectivity of detection area 121a (W). In the case of FIGS. 7B to 7F, the medium orientation discriminating unit 11 judges that the set is abnormal, and the control unit 10 displays “The media orientation is incorrect. Please indicate that a set error has occurred, and an error message prompting the user to insert again, and the display recording medium 100 is not transported. When an error message is displayed, the content of the error such as “the medium is upside down” may also be displayed.

  When the display recording medium 100 is inserted in the correct orientation, the control unit 10 detects that the display recording medium 100 has been inserted by the first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B, and the medium transport unit 80 is not shown. The display recording medium 100 is conveyed by driving the motor. When the display recording medium 100 is transported to a predetermined position on the pressing plate 810, the control unit 10 drives the electromagnetic solenoid 811 of the medium pressing unit 81 to lift the pressing plate 810 so that the surface 100a of the display recording medium 100 is moved. It is brought into close contact with the LCD panel 91 of the writing unit 9. Note that the insertion of the display recording medium 100 may be detected by using a sensor such as a microswitch or a photosensor separately provided without using the first and second optical sensors 6A and 6B.

  When the display recording medium 100 is in close contact with the LCD panel 91, the ID reading unit 7 reads the medium ID from the wireless ID tag 103. This medium ID is used as management information for the display recording medium 100. Instead of the wireless ID tag 103, another ID such as a barcode or a non-contact IC may be used.

  In addition, the control unit 10 drives the LCD panel driving unit 13, the pulse power supply unit 14, and the backlight lighting unit 16 to perform an image writing operation on the display recording medium 100. That is, the control unit 10 causes the backlight lighting unit 16 to irradiate backlight light from the backlight 90 to the LCD panel 91, and the pulse power supply unit 14 connects the transparent electrodes 151 </ b> A and 151 </ b> B of the display recording medium 100 via a feeding point. While applying a pulse voltage, the LCD panel drive unit 13 causes the LCD panel 91 to output a drive signal based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 12. The LCD panel 91 irradiates the image writing area 101 on the surface 100a of the display recording medium 100 with the writing pattern light 92 based on the drive signal. The writing pattern light 92 irradiates the photoconductive layer 154 through the substrate 150A on the surface 100a side of the display recording medium 100, the transparent electrode 151A, the display layer 152, and the isolation layer 153. When the write pattern light 92 is irradiated, the resistance value of the photoconductive layer 154 decreases, and as a result, the partial pressure of the display layer 152 determined by the impedance ratio with the photoconductive layer 154 increases, and light reflection in the display layer 152 occurs. The rate increases. Therefore, when the image writing area 101 is viewed from the front surface 100a, the area irradiated with the writing pattern light 92 is reflected by the display layer 152 and appears white, and the area not irradiated with the writing pattern light 92 passes through the display layer 152. Since it is absorbed by the light absorption layer 155, it looks black. Note that image data to be written to the display recording medium 100 may be fetched from an external device via the communication I / F 15.

  When the image writing is completed, the control unit 10 controls the medium pressing unit 81 to retract the pressing plate 810 to the original position, and controls the medium conveying unit 80 to rotate the conveying belt 800 in the reverse direction. The recording medium 100 is discharged from the insertion port 3a.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) Since the light reflectance is detected using a part of the design patterns 110A, 110B, 120A, 120B, the design of the display recording medium 100 is not impaired.
(B) Since the detection regions 111a, 111b, 112a, 112b, 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b having different light reflectivities are provided at eccentric positions (four corners) of the front surface 100a and the rear surface 100b of the display recording medium 100, the display Various set mistakes of the recording medium 100 can be detected.
(C) Since the image writing operation is performed after detecting that the display recording medium 100 is correctly inserted, it is possible to prevent the writing failure and the writing mistake.
(D) When the orientation of the display recording medium 100 is wrong, the image writing apparatus 1 does not carry out the transport operation of the display recording medium 100, so that the display recording medium 100 can be prevented from being damaged, damaged, or poorly transported.
(E) Since the direction of the insertion direction is detected, correct writing can be performed even on a display recording medium in which the image writing area 101 is provided at an eccentric position with respect to the display recording medium 100. In addition, a space such as the advertisement area 102 and the wireless ID tag 103 can be secured on one side of the image writing area 101.
(F) Since the surface on which the write pattern light 92 is irradiated and the surface on which the image is displayed are the same surface, characters, symbols, figures, etc. such as the direction mark 104 can be written on the back surface of the display recording medium 100.
(G) Image data can be rewritten at a high speed by surface irradiation with the writing pattern light 92.

  In the first embodiment, the case shown in FIG. 7A has been described as the correct orientation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the design pattern and image of the display recording medium are set so that all orientations are correct. An optical sensor of the writing device can be configured.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a layer structure of a display recording medium according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this display recording medium 100, a light absorption layer 155 is provided at the position of the isolation layer 153 with respect to the display recording medium 100 shown in FIG. 6, and the writing pattern light 92 is irradiated from the back surface 100b. In this case, FIG. 7C is the correct orientation. According to the second embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 7 and Table 1, the orientation shown in FIG. 7 (c) is the same as the other FIG. 7 (a), (b), (d), (e). , (F) can be distinguished from each other, so that various setting errors of the display recording medium 100 can be detected without impairing the design of the display recording medium 100, as in the first embodiment. it can.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the rewritable display recording medium has been described with respect to the optical writing display recording medium that writes by irradiating the writing pattern light. However, the electric field driving type and magnetic driving for writing by electric field, magnetism, heat, etc. Other display recording media such as a mold, a thermosensitive recording type, and the like may be used.

  In the first embodiment, when both the first and second optical sensors detect high light reflectance (white), it is determined to be the correct orientation, but one is low light reflectance (black) and the other is However, the design pattern of the display recording medium may be determined so as to be in the correct orientation when a high light reflectance (white) or a low light reflectance (black) is detected.

  Further, the colors of the first and second design patterns may be other colors than white and black as long as a difference in light reflectance that can be identified by the optical sensor occurs. In addition, the region other than the detection region may use a color different from that of the detection region, or may be provided with a pattern.

  Further, instead of the design pattern, a seal for detecting the light reflectance may be provided at a position corresponding to the detection region.

1 shows an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view. It is a top view which shows the lower housing | casing of the image writing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is the sectional view on the AA line in FIG. 2, (b) is the sectional view on the BB line in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the image writing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is the surface of the display recording medium which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a figure which shows the back surface. It is a schematic diagram which shows the layer structure of the display recording medium which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A)-(f) is a figure which shows the example of insertion of the display recording medium which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the layer structure of the display recording medium which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image writing apparatus 2 Lower housing | casing 3 Upper housing | casing 3a Insertion slot 3b Space 4 Hinge 5 Message display part 6A, 6B Photosensor 7 ID reading part 8 Medium moving part 9 Writing part 10 Control part 11 Medium direction determination part 12 Image data Storage unit 13 LCD panel drive unit 14 Pulse power supply unit 15 Communication interface (I / F)
16 Backlight lighting section 80 Medium transport section 81 Medium pressing section 90 Backlight 91 LCD panel 92 Writing pattern light 100 Display recording medium 100a Front surface 100b Back surface 101 Image writing area 102 Advertising area 103 Wireless ID tag 104 Direction mark 110A, 110B First Design pattern 120A, 120B Second design pattern 111a, 112a, 121a, 122a Detection area 111b, 112b, 121b, 122b Detection area 150A, 150B Substrate 151A, 151B Transparent electrode 152 Display layer 153 Isolation layer 154 Photoconductive layer 155 Light Absorbing layer 800 Conveying belt 801 Conveying roller 810 Pressing plate 811 Electromagnetic solenoid

Claims (5)

A thin, rectangular rewritable display recording medium having first and second long sides and first and second short sides , in the vicinity of the first long side on a first surface, Provided with an interval longer than the first and second short sides, in the vicinity of the first and second detection regions having a predetermined light reflectance and the second long side on the first surface The third and fourth detection regions having the same interval as the first and second detection regions and having a light reflectance different from the predetermined light reflectance, and the side opposite to the first surface In the vicinity of the first short side on the second surface, the fifth and sixth detection regions of a predetermined light reflectance and in the vicinity of the second short side on the second surface In an image writing apparatus for writing an image on a display recording medium having seventh and eighth detection regions having a light reflectance different from the light reflectance of
Provided corresponding to the interval between the first and second detection areas, and when the display recording medium is set at a predetermined position, the detection area is irradiated with light and the light reflected by the detection area is received. A pair of photosensors for outputting a detection signal, and a discriminating means for discriminating the orientation of the display recording medium based on a combination of light reflectances of the detection area based on the detection signals from the pair of photosensors. Detecting means having
An image writing apparatus comprising: a writing unit that writes an image on the display recording medium when the determination unit of the detection unit determines that the orientation of the display recording medium is normal . It said detecting means, when detecting the set abnormality by the orientation of the display recording medium by the determination means, an image writing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display means for displaying to that effect. The detection means includes display means for displaying the contents of the set abnormality by a combination of light reflectances of the detection area when the set abnormality is detected by the direction of the display recording medium by the determination unit. The image writing apparatus according to claim 1 . It said pair of optical sensors, the display recording medium is image writing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that arranged on both sides of the center of the insertion opening to be inserted into the predetermined position. A thin, rectangular rewritable display recording medium having first and second long sides and first and second short sides , in the vicinity of the first long side on a first surface, Provided with an interval longer than the first and second short sides, in the vicinity of the first and second detection regions having a predetermined light reflectance and the second long side on the first surface The third and fourth detection regions having the same interval as the first and second detection regions and having a light reflectance different from the predetermined light reflectance, and the side opposite to the first surface In the vicinity of the first short side on the second surface, the fifth and sixth detection regions of a predetermined light reflectance and in the vicinity of the second short side on the second surface a display recording medium having a seventh and detection area of the eighth optical reflectance and different light reflectance,
Provided corresponding to the interval between the first and second detection areas, and when the display recording medium is set at a predetermined position, the detection area is irradiated with light and the light reflected by the detection area is received. A pair of photosensors for outputting a detection signal, and a discriminating means for discriminating the orientation of the display recording medium based on a combination of light reflectances of the detection area based on the detection signals from the pair of photosensors. Detecting means having
An image forming apparatus comprising: a writing unit that writes an image on the display recording medium when the determination unit of the detection unit determines that the orientation of the display recording medium is normal .