JP6880667B2 - Processing equipment and processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a processing system.

In Patent Document 1, when the type of sheet to be stored in the sheet storage unit (corresponding to the “paper feed tray” described later) is changed, it can be stored in the sheet storage unit according to the type of sheet received by the receiving means. A mechanism for notifying the user of the number of seat packages is described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-248805

When there is a change in the type of paper stored in the input tray, it is necessary to set the type of newly stored paper and adapt the image formation method to the changed paper type. Many image forming devices employ a method in which a user inputs a paper type.

An object of the present invention is to reduce a paper setting error and a user's workload as compared with the case where the paper information obtained from the storage location is not used.

The invention according to claim 1 has a reflecting means realized through execution of a program, and the reflecting means has a time difference between the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location. If is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the information on the taken-out paper is reflected in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, and the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the paper from the storage location. When the time difference from the timing at which the paper is taken out is larger than the threshold value , the processing apparatus is characterized in that the information on the paper taken out is not reflected in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray.
The process according to claim 1, wherein the invention according to claim 1 has a requesting means for requesting confirmation by the user when the type of the paper input by the user and the type of the paper taken out from the storage location do not match. It is a device.
The invention according to claim 3, wherein the reflecting means, the processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that to obtain the information of the paper sheet which is identified from the image storage location of the sheet which is captured by the imaging means Is.
In the invention according to claim 4, the reflecting means is the color or pattern of the package of the stored paper, the code information printed on the package, or the identification member attached to the package. The processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the information on the paper is acquired based on the information or the registration information of the storage section in which the decrease in the number of packages is confirmed.
The invention according to claim 5 is a reflection means realized through execution of a program, and the time difference between the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. In the case of, the information of the taken-out paper is reflected in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, and the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location. When the time difference between the two is larger than the threshold value, the reflecting means that does not reflect the information of the taken-out paper in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, the imaging means, and the storage of the paper imaged by the imaging means. A process having an identification means for identifying the type of paper from an image of a place, and a requesting means for requesting confirmation by the user when the type of paper input by the user and the type of paper identified by the identification means do not match. It is a system.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a paper setting error and a user's work load as compared with the case where the paper information obtained from the storage location is not used.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, paper setting mistakes can be reduced as compared with the case where there is no requesting means for requesting confirmation by the user.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a paper setting error and a user's work load as compared with the case where an image of a paper storage location is not used.
According to the invention of claim 4, it becomes easier to obtain the type of the paper as compared with the case where the information of the paper wrapping is not used.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, a paper setting error and a user's workload can be reduced as compared with the case where the paper information obtained from the storage location is not used.

It is a figure explaining the system configuration assumed by this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the functional configuration example of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which showed an example of the functional structure of the control part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of the method of identifying the type of copy paper based on image data. It is a figure explaining another method for identifying a paper type from image data. It shows the state in which the first paper feed tray is pulled out in the direction of the arrow. It is a figure explaining an example of the detection method used in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the data table which shows the relationship between the paper feed tray registered in the storage part by the detection part, and the type of the stored paper. It is a figure which shows the display example of the dialog box which is displayed when the type of the paper input by the user and the type of the paper managed by the apparatus side do not match. It is a flowchart explaining the registration process of the type of copy paper which the image forming apparatus autonomously executes. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation executed when the user inputs the type of the copy paper accommodated in the paper feed tray.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration assumed by the present embodiment. The system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 11 equipped with a plurality of functions, and a camera 13 or 14 that captures a place (storage place) in which a plurality of copy paper bundles 20 are stored. The system 10 is an example of a processing system.

The image forming apparatus 11 in the present embodiment is equipped with a copy function, a scanner function, a fax transmission / reception function, and a printing function. However, the image forming apparatus 11 may be an apparatus specialized for one function, for example, a scanner, a fax transmitter / receiver, a printer (including a three-dimensional printer), or an image editing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 11 in the present embodiment is an example of an image processing apparatus and also an example of a processing system.

A plurality of drawer-type paper feed trays 12 for storing the copy paper taken out from the copy paper bundle 20 are provided in the lower part of the housing of the image forming apparatus 11. The copy papers housed in the paper feed tray 12 are taken out one by one by a paper feed mechanism (not shown) and conveyed to the image forming area. Copy paper is an example of a recording material used for recording an image. Each paper feed tray 12 is a box-shaped container having an inner space capable of accommodating the maximum size copy paper that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 11.

The image forming apparatus 11 in the present embodiment is provided with four paper feed trays 12. In the following, when distinguishing individual paper feed trays 12, the paper feed tray 12 located at the top is referred to as a paper feed tray 12A, and the paper feed tray 12 located second from the top is referred to as a paper feed tray 12B. The paper feed tray 12 located third from the top is referred to as the paper feed tray 12C, and the paper feed tray 12 located fourth from the top is referred to as the paper feed tray 12D.

The camera 13 is mounted at any position on the housing constituting the image forming apparatus 11. In the case of this embodiment, the camera 13 is used to monitor the storage state of the copy paper bundle 20. Therefore, the shooting direction of the camera 13 is adjusted so that the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 is included in the shooting field of view 15. Therefore, it is desirable that the camera 13 is mounted on the housing of the image forming apparatus 11 via a movable mechanism. The camera 13 may be integrally attached to the housing of the image forming apparatus 11, but may be attached independently to the housing of the image forming apparatus 11. The use of the camera 13 is not limited to the shooting of the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20.

The camera 14 is used when the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 does not fit within the shooting field of view 15 of the camera 13. For example, the camera 14 is used when the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 exists in a room different from that of the image forming apparatus 11, or when the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 cannot be directly photographed from the camera 13 due to office furniture or the like.

The camera 14 may be arranged so that the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20 fits within the shooting field of view 16. The camera 14 and the image forming apparatus 11 are connected by communication means. In the example of FIG. 1, the camera 14 represents an example of a camera fixedly mounted on the ceiling, but the mounting position is not limited to the ceiling and may be detachably mounted.

Further, the camera 14 does not have to be a shooting means dedicated to shooting the copy paper bundle 20, but is an imaging means existing in the office and includes a storage place for the copy paper bundle 20 in the shooting field of view 16. All you need is.

The copy paper bundle 20 is a bundle of copy paper packed with wrapping paper, and the copy paper bundle 20 in the present embodiment is composed of 500 sheets of copy paper. In the case of the present embodiment, the copy paper bundles 20 are piled up in bulk at the storage location, but the copy paper bundles 20 may be stored in a box. In many cases, one box contains five bundles of copy paper 20. Further, as will be described in detail later, when the compartments to be stored are determined for each type of copy paper, the copy papers taken out from the copy paper bundle 20 may be stacked in the corresponding compartments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 11. The image forming apparatus 11 in the present embodiment includes a control unit 100 that controls the entire apparatus, a storage unit 104 that stores images used for copying and printing, and a camera 13 that captures a storage location of the copy paper bundle 20. , A paper feed tray sensor 105 that detects the opening and closing of the paper feed tray 12, a display unit 106 used for displaying an operation reception screen and a still image, and an operation reception unit 107 used for accepting a user's input operation. Communication between an image reading unit 108 that reads an image of a document set on an image reading surface, an image forming unit 109 that forms an image on copy paper, which is an example of a recording material by, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, and an external device. Includes a communication unit 110 used in the above and an image processing unit 111 that performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on the image represented by the image data. Each of the above-mentioned parts is connected to the bus 112, and data is exchanged via the bus 112.

The control unit 100 is a so-called computer, and functions as an example of a processing device in the present embodiment. The control unit 100 provides a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 for executing a program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 for storing programs and data such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and firmware, and a work area for the program. It is composed of a given RAM (Random Access Memory) 103.

The storage unit 104 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory. One paper tray sensor 105 is provided for each paper tray 12, and the detection result is notified to the control unit 100. The camera 13 (or 14) is a device that captures a moving image of the storage location of the copy paper bundle 20. The camera 13 (or 14) is an example of an imaging means. The display unit 106 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like.

The operation reception unit 107 includes, for example, a one-touch button used for reading a registered destination, a numeric keypad used for inputting the number of copies and a password, a start button for instructing execution of copying or faxing, and the like. The image reading unit 108 is composed of a so-called scanner device. The image forming unit 109 is a printing engine that forms an image on copy paper, which is an example of a recording material. The image forming unit 109 corresponds to an example of the image forming means. The communication unit 110 is composed of, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface. The image processing unit 111 is composed of a dedicated processor that performs image processing such as color correction and gradation correction on image data, for example.

<Functional configuration of control unit>
Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 100 according to the present embodiment. This function is realized through the execution of the program. The control unit 100 associates the open / close of the paper feed tray 12 with the copy paper taken out from the storage location according to the time relationship between the open / close of the paper feed tray 12 and the take-out, or in the execution order of opening / closing the paper feed tray 12 and taking out. It functions as a reflection unit 201 that is associated accordingly and reflected in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 12.

Here, the output of the paper feed tray sensor 105 is used to detect the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12. As will be described later, the detection of opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12 may be not only the detection of the change from the closed state to the open state, but also the detection of the change from the open state to the closed state, or both. Further, the removal of the copy paper from the storage location is detected by using the image taken by the camera 13 or 14. For example, when the number of copy paper bundles 20 shown in the image is reduced or the thickness (height) of the copy papers stacked separately is reduced, it is determined that the copy paper has been taken out.

The method of determining the take-out of the copy paper bundle 20 or the copy paper from the storage location is not limited to the method of using the image taken by the camera 13 or 14. For example, when the distance to the top surface of the copy paper bundle 20 or the top surface of the copy paper is measured with a laser measuring device and the measured distance becomes longer than the immediately preceding value, the copy paper bundle 20 or the copies stacked separately It may be determined that the paper has been taken out. Further, when the copy paper bundle 20 or the copy paper is stored on the weight sensor, when the weight reduction is detected, it is determined that the copy paper bundle 20 or the copy paper stacked in bulk has been taken out. You may.

Next, an event that appears when the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12 will be described. When the copy paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12, the user pulls out the paper feed tray 12 from the image forming apparatus 11 to open it, the user takes out the copy paper from the storage location, and the user takes out the copy paper from the storage location. The work of storing the paper tray 12 in the paper feed tray 12 and the work of closing the paper feed tray 12 after the storage is performed within a predetermined time or in order. The work of taking out the copy paper from the storage location may be performed before the work of pulling out the paper feed tray 12.

Details will be described later, but in the present embodiment, when all or part of these operations are executed within a predetermined time or in order, when the user stores the copy paper in the paper feed tray 12. Treat as if an event that appears has occurred. In the event of the user accommodating the copy paper in the paper feed tray 12, the copy paper temporarily stored in the empty space in the paper feed tray 12 is transferred in the same paper feed tray 12. Work is also included. In this case, the empty space in the paper feed tray 12 is an example of a storage place for copy paper.

Further, although the details will be described later, when the opening / closing event of the paper feed tray 12 and the take-out event satisfy a predetermined time relationship, the reflection unit 201 associates the paper feed tray 12 with the taken-out copy paper, or When the opening / closing event of the paper tray 12 and the take-out event satisfy a predetermined execution order, the paper feed tray 12 is associated with the taken-out copy paper. When the association is made here, the reflection unit 201 reflects the information of the associated copy paper in the management information of the copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12. By the reflection process of the reflection unit 201, the image forming apparatus 11 acquires information about the copy paper accommodated in the paper feed tray 12 independently of the input operation of the user.

The reflection unit 201 serves as a display control unit 205 that notifies the user when the detection unit 202 used for detecting the above-mentioned event and the type of copy paper input by the user do not match the type of copy paper managed internally. Includes the functions of. The detection unit 202 here is an example of the detection means, and the display control unit 205 is an example of the request means. The display control unit 205 is also an example of a notification means for notifying the user of information.

The detection unit 202 in the present embodiment includes a function as an identification unit 203 for identifying the type of copy paper accommodated in the paper feed tray 12, and a function as an open / close detection unit 204 for detecting the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12. .. The identification unit 203 here is an example of the identification means.

First, the identification unit 203 will be described. The identification unit 203 in the present embodiment performs image processing on the image data acquired by photographing the storage location with the camera 13 or 14, and identifies the type of copy paper accommodated in the paper feed tray 12. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, the image data of the storage location is input to the detection unit 202.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of identifying a type of copy paper based on image data. FIG. 4 shows an example of the appearance of the copy paper bundle 20. The copy paper bundle 20 is, for example, a bundle of 500 sheets of copy paper wrapped in wrapping paper. On the surface of the wrapping paper, a pattern 21 that combines unique colors and patterns for each manufacturer and vendor is printed. The identification unit 203 extracts the pattern 21 from the image data and identifies the manufacturer and vendor information, and if possible, the type of paper.

Further, a product name 22 expressed in alphanumeric characters is printed on a part of the wrapping paper. The identification unit 203 extracts the product name 22 from the image data and identifies the type of paper. Further, a product code 23 represented by a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark), which is a bar code or a two-dimensional bar code, is printed on a part of the wrapping paper. The identification unit 203 extracts the product code 23 from the image data and identifies the type of paper. The product code 23 here is an example of code information.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the electronic tag 24 in which the product code information is electronically written is attached to a part of the wrapping paper, the identification unit 203 is subjected to an electronic tag reader (not shown). The type of paper is identified based on information such as a product code read from the electronic tag 24. When the electronic tag 24 is used, it is not necessary to use the image data to identify the type of paper.

Further, when the copy paper or the wrapping paper taken out from the wrapping paper has a sticky note containing information that enables identification of the type of paper, the identification unit 203 is printed or described on the color of the sticky note or the sticky note. The type of paper is identified by extracting the characters such as sticky notes from the image data. The correspondence between the colors and alphanumeric characters appearing on the sticky note and the type of paper needs to be given to the identification unit 203 in advance. The sticky note here is an example of an identification member.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another method for identifying the type of paper from the image data. In the case of FIG. 5, the inside of the storage shelf 300 is divided into three spaces in the vertical direction by two shelf boards, and the inside of each space is managed by two sections. In FIG. 5, a total of 6 compartments are represented as storage compartments 301-306. Each of the storage compartments 301 to 306 is used as a dedicated storage place for a predetermined type of copy paper. In the case of the present embodiment, the relationship between the individual storage compartments 301 to 306 and the corresponding paper type is registered in the identification unit 203 as registration information.

The identification unit 203 in the present embodiment identifies the type of copy paper taken out from the storage location by specifying the storage section in which the number of copy paper bundles 20 is reduced by image processing. When the height of the copy papers stacked separately is detected by image processing, it is possible to specify the type of copy papers taken out from the storage location even if they are not stored as the copy paper bundle 20. Become.

The method for specifying the type of copy paper in the present embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned method. For example, an image taken by the camera 13 or 14 or an existing sensor (a paper brand identification reader that detects the type of paper from one copy paper set in the identification area) may be used.

Returning to the description of FIG. The open / close detection unit 204 inputs output signals from four paper feed tray sensors 105 provided corresponding to the paper feed trays 12A to 12D, and detects the opened / closed paper feed tray 12. As described above, the paper feed tray sensor 105 detects the change from the closed state to the open state and the change from the open state to the closed state for each paper feed tray 12. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first paper feed tray 12A is pulled out in the direction of the arrow. In this case, the open / close detection unit 204 supplies a detection signal indicating that the paper feed tray 12A has been pulled out to the identification unit 203 (see FIG. 3).

Next, an example of a processing operation to be executed when the detection unit 202 detects the occurrence of an event that appears when the copy paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection method used in the present embodiment. The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 is time.

The detection unit 202 in the present embodiment uses the functions of the identification unit 203 and the open / close detection unit 204 described above to pull out the paper tray 12 (timing when it changes from the closed state to the open state) and at the storage location. It is determined whether or not the copy paper reduction event has occurred in a predetermined order within a predetermined time, and if the determination condition is satisfied, the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12 drawn out. It is determined that it will be done.

In FIG. 7, the timing at which the withdrawal event of the paper feed tray 12 is detected is indicated by t2, and the timing at which the copy paper reduction event at the storage location is detected before the withdrawal of the paper feed tray 12 is indicated by t1. Further, t3 indicates the timing at which the copy paper reduction event at the storage location is detected after the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out.

In the present embodiment, when a reduction event of copy paper at the storage location is detected within a predetermined period before and after the detection timing of the withdrawal event of the paper feed tray 12, two events are performed. Recognize the relevance between them. Specifically, when the time difference between t1 and t2 is equal to or less than the determination threshold value T1, the detection unit 202 determines that the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12 drawn out. Further, even when the time difference between t2 and t3 is equal to or less than the determination threshold value T2, the detection unit 202 determines that the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12 drawn out.

Here, the determination threshold values T1 and T2 may be the same value or may be different values. In any case, when the two events to be determined exceed the determination threshold value T1 and the determination threshold value T2, the detection unit 202 determines that it is highly possible that these two events were performed independently.

Further, the detection unit 202 determines that the decrease in the copy paper is irrelevant to the storage in the paper feed tray 12 when the time difference between the paper feed tray 12 being pulled out and the paper feed tray 12 being closed is shorter than the determination threshold value T3. This is because the withdrawal event when the user temporarily opens and closes the paper feed tray 12 to confirm the remaining number of the paper feed tray 12 is not associated with the copy paper taken out from the storage location. In FIG. 7, the timing at which the event of closing the paper feed tray 12 is detected is indicated by t4. Therefore, when the time difference between t2 and t4 exceeds the determination threshold value T3, the detection unit 202 considers that the copy paper taken out from the storage location is stored in the paper feed tray 12.

Further, even when the timing t3 when the decrease of the copy paper is detected is after the timing t4 when the event of closing the paper feed tray 12 is detected, the detection unit 202 keeps the copy paper taken out from the storage location in the paper feed tray. It is determined that the material is not contained in 12. If a decrease in copy paper is detected after the paper feed tray 12 is closed, it is highly probable that the reduced copy paper has been used for another purpose.

Therefore, the detection unit 202 detects the withdrawal event of the paper feed tray 12 within the determination threshold T1 after the reduction of the copy paper from the storage location is detected, and pulls out the paper feed tray 12 until it is closed. When the time difference is longer than the determination threshold value T3, the information on the type of copy paper whose decrease has been confirmed is reflected in the management information of the copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12 whose drawer has been confirmed.

Further, the detection unit 202 detects a decrease in copy paper in the storage location within the determination threshold T2 after the withdrawal event of the paper feed tray 12 is detected, and pulls out the paper feed tray 12 until it is closed. If the time difference is longer than the determination threshold T3 and the detection of the decrease in copy paper at the storage location is before closing the paper feed tray 12, the information on the type of copy paper in which the decrease has been confirmed and the withdrawal have been confirmed. It is associated with the paper tray 12, and then reflected in the management information of the copy paper stored in the paper tray 12.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data table 400 showing the relationship between the paper feed tray 12 registered in the storage unit 104 or the like by the detection unit 202 and the type of the stored paper. In the example of FIG. 8, the paper feed tray 1 (that is, the first paper feed tray 12A) has a size of A4, a basis weight of 70 g / m ² , and a paper thickness of 89 μm, and is ISO (International Organization for Standardization). A copy paper having a whiteness of 84% specified in is registered in association with the copy paper. Here, "basis weight" is a unit representing the thickness and weight of paper, and is represented by the number of grams per ^{1 m 2.} In the data table 400, other information may be registered in addition to or replaced with the above-mentioned information. For example, a product code, a product name, or the like may be registered.

Returning to the description of FIG. If the registered contents of the copy paper type input by the user and the copy paper type information detected by the detection unit 202 by the above method do not match, the display control unit 205 notifies the user of the mismatch and confirms the mismatch. Display the requesting dialog box. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the dialog box 500 displayed when the type of paper input by the user and the type of paper managed on the device side do not match. The dialog box 500 is displayed, for example, on the display unit 106 provided on the operation panel. In the example of FIG. 9, the dialog box 500 contains the text "The paper you are preparing may be different from the paper type entered for Paper Tray 1. Please check." There is.

<Processing operation>
Hereinafter, the processing operation of the image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. The series of processing operations is executed through the execution of the program by the control unit 100. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a copy paper type registration process autonomously executed by the image forming apparatus 11.

First, the control unit 100 uses the function of the detection unit 202 to determine whether or not it has detected an event in which the copy paper is stored in the paper feed tray 12 (step 101). The determination here is made based on whether or not an event satisfying the above-mentioned time relationship and execution order is detected. This determination process is continued as long as a negative result is obtained.

When an affirmative result is obtained in step 101, the control unit 100 detects the type of copy paper taken out from the storage location (step 102). The control unit 100 uses the function of the identification unit 203 to identify the type of copy paper based on information such as an image of the wrapping paper of the copy paper bundle 20 confirmed to be taken out.

Next, the control unit 100 sets the detected copy paper type for the paper feed tray 12 associated with the taken-out copy paper (step 103). As described above, in the present embodiment, since the user does not need to set the copy paper, the mistake of setting the paper by the user and the work load of the user are reduced.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation executed when the user inputs the type of copy paper stored in the paper feed tray 12. First, the control unit 100 accepts the input of the type of copy paper by the user (step 201). The input here is performed by designating the paper feed tray 12. For example, the user specifies the paper feed tray 1 (first paper feed tray 12A) and inputs the type of copy paper.

Upon receiving the input of the copy paper type by the user, the control unit 100 identifies the type of copy paper to be stored in the paper feed tray 12 to be input (step 202). Here, the control unit 100 identifies the type of copy paper by using the function of the identification unit 203. The identification of the copy paper type by the identification unit 203 may be executed after waiting for the user to input the copy paper type as shown in FIG. 11, but is executed when a decrease in the copy paper is detected from the storage location. May be done.

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the type of copy paper input by the user matches the type of copy paper identified by the identification unit 203 (step 203). When an affirmative result is obtained, the control unit 100 ends the present process activated by the input of the user. On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained, the control unit 100 displays a dialog box 500 (see FIG. 9) requesting confirmation from the user on the display unit 106 (step 204). This feature reduces paper misloading by the user.

<Summary>
The present embodiment includes the following concepts.
・ Examples of events that give judgment timing
(1) When the paper tray opens after a decrease in the number of paper wraps stored is detected.
(2) When a decrease in the number of paper wraps stored is detected after the paper tray is opened-Example of a method for determining the type of paper
(1) Color and pattern of wrapping
(2) Code printed on the package (bar code, QR code, alphanumeric number)
(3) Color of identification paper attached to the package
(4) Registration information of shelves (storage compartments) where the number of packages has been confirmed to decrease-Example of operation after judgment
(1) Register the judgment result in association with the paper feed tray
(2) Display of confirmation dialog
(3) Warning in case of inconsistency with the previous registration information
(4) Warning when the type determined to be the type entered by the user does not match
(5) Display of confirmation dialog when there are multiple types of reduced paper and there are multiple input trays whose open status has been confirmed.

<Other Embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of types of copy paper for which a decrease from the storage location is detected is one and the number of paper feed trays 12 that are opened and closed is one has been described. When one paper feed tray 12 is opened / closed when a decrease is detected, or when there are a plurality of paper feed trays 12 which are opened / closed when a decrease of a plurality of types of copy paper is detected. A plurality of types of copy paper detected by the identification unit 203 may be displayed in a dialog box, and the user may be allowed to select in which paper tray 12 the identified types of copy paper are to be registered. By adopting such a selection method, paper setting mistakes and the work load of the user are reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 11 is equipped with the identification means for identifying the paper taken out from the storage location and the function of associating the identified paper type with the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12 has been described. , A server, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like. Further, the identification means for identifying the paper taken out from the storage location is installed in, for example, a processing device for controlling the imaging means, in addition to the processing device equipped with the function of associating the identified paper type with the opening / closing of the paper feed tray 12. You may.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that the above-described embodiment with various modifications or improvements is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

10 ... System, 11 ... Image forming device, 12 ... Paper tray, 13, 14 ... Camera, 15, 16 ... Shooting field of view, 20 ... Copy paper bundle, 21 ... Pattern, 22 ... Product name, 23 ... Product code, 24 ... Electronic tag, 100 ... Control unit, 105 ... Paper feed tray sensor, 201 ... Reflection unit, 202 ... Detection unit, 203 ... Identification unit, 204 ... Open / close detection unit, 205 ... Display control unit, 300 ... Storage shelf, 301- 306 ... Storage compartment, 400 ... Data table, 500 ... Dialog box

Claims (5)

It has a means of reflection that is realized through the execution of the program,
The reflection means
If the time difference between the timing when the opening of the paper tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the information of the paper taken out is input to the paper stored in the paper tray. Reflect in management information
When the time difference between the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location is larger than the threshold value, the information of the taken out paper is input to the paper stored in the paper feed tray. Not reflected in management information
A processing device characterized by the fact that. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a requesting means for requesting confirmation by the user when the type of the paper input by the user and the type of the paper taken out from the storage location do not match. It said reflecting means, the processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that to obtain the information of the paper sheet which is identified from the image storage location of the sheet which is captured by the imaging means. The reflecting means is the color or pattern of the package of the stored paper, the code information printed on the package, the information of the identification member attached to the package, or the number of the packages. The processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the information on the form is acquired based on the registration information of the storage area where the decrease is confirmed. It is a reflection means realized through the execution of the program, and when the time difference between the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location is less than a predetermined threshold, the information on the taken out paper Is reflected in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, and when the time difference between the timing when the opening of the paper feed tray is detected and the timing when the paper is taken out from the storage location is larger than the threshold value, Reflecting means that does not reflect the information of the taken-out paper in the management information of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, and
Imaging means and
An identification means for identifying the type of paper from an image of a storage location of the paper captured by the imaging means, and
A processing system having a requesting means for requesting confirmation by the user when the type of the paper input by the user and the type of the paper identified by the identifying means do not match.

Images