JP2006110942A - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily print a monochrome page on inexpensive plain paper or recycled paper designated by a user when a document on which a color page and a monochrome page are mixed is copied or printed.
SOLUTION: The size and type of paper set in a plurality of paper cassettes are automatically recognized, whether a page to be printed is color or monochrome, and is set in a plurality of paper cassettes. The present invention is characterized in that the paper feed cassette in which the paper to be printed is set is changed according to the state of the paper type and the color state of the page to be printed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that can detect, for example, the type of paper.

  Conventionally, when copying or printing a document of a plurality of pages, all are printed on the same type of paper (plain paper / recycled paper / color paper).

In addition, it is necessary to manually set the paper type (plain paper / recycled paper / color-only paper, etc.) of each paper feed cassette from the operation unit of the printing apparatus.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-235579

  However, in the above-described conventional example, when a document on which color pages and black and white pages are mixed is copied or printed, there may be a problem that all pages are printed on expensive color dedicated paper.

  In addition, setting the paper type for each paper cassette not only takes time to input, but also supports input errors and cases where the paper type is unknown, and is blind even if the paper size and type are clear. For example, there is a possibility that input is very difficult.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to automatically recognize the type of paper set in a paper cassette and designate a monochrome page in a document by a user. It is possible to print on paper.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to the present application is directed to a sheet set in a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes through communication between a storage unit embedded in a sheet and storing sheet information and a reading unit in the printing apparatus. Paper type automatic recognition unit that automatically recognizes the size and type of paper, color state determination unit that determines whether the page to be printed is color or black and white, and different types of paper are set in different paper cassettes In this case, it is characterized by comprising a paper feed changing means for changing the cassette for feeding the print paper for color pages and black and white pages.

  According to the present invention, for example, when copying or printing a document in which color pages and black and white pages are mixed, the printing apparatus automatically recognizes the paper type set in each paper feed cassette or manual paper feed tray. Thus, it is possible to easily print black and white pages on inexpensive plain paper or recycled paper designated by the user.

[First Embodiment]
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a network system configured according to this embodiment.

  Reference numeral 200 in the figure denotes an Internet communication network. A web server 201 is connected to the Internet 200 and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 202 denotes an electronic money server that performs a settlement process between a financial institution and a consumer client. Reference numeral 204 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between a personal user terminal and the Internet 200. A firewall 203 connects the inside of the LAN 2011 shown below and an external communication network (Internet 200), and performs security management and the like. Reference numeral 210 denotes each of the device management servers 211 to 214 and 220 connected via the LAN 2011. Reference numeral 211 denotes a file server, which allows a plurality of users connected via a LAN to share data.

  Reference numeral 220 denotes a printing apparatus such as a digital copying machine, which mainly has an image input / output function. In this printing apparatus 220, 140 is an operation unit for a user to perform various operations, 10 is an image scanner for reading an image in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140 and the personal computers 212 and 213, and 20 is a personal computer 212, 213, This is a printer that prints data from the file server 211 on paper.

  A controller unit 30 controls input / output of image data to and from the scanner 10 and the printer 20 based on instructions from the operation unit 140 and the personal computers 212 and 213. For example, control is performed such that image data captured by the scanner 10 is stored in a memory inside the controller, output to the personal computers 212 and 213, or printed by the printer 20. Reference numerals 212 and 213 denote personal computers connected as terminal devices. Information provided from the web server 201 via the Internet 200 can be browsed, and image data can be output to the printing apparatus 220.

  The above configuration is configured such that the LAN 2011 is connected to the Internet via the firewall 203, but a configuration in which a firewall is connected via the service provider 204 may also be used.

  The appearance of the printing apparatus of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

  The scanner unit 10 as an image input device irradiates a document image with a lamp, reads it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal to process it as image data. The original paper is set on the original feeder 146, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 140, the feeder 146 feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer unit 20 that is an image output device is a part that converts image data into an image on paper. In the specification of this patent, the electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt will be described. An ink jet system that prints an image directly on a sheet by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from a controller (described later) inside the apparatus. The printer unit 20 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes can be selected, and has paper feed cassettes 122, 124, 142, 144 and a manual paper feed tray 120 corresponding to the paper feed stages. Further, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 132.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Details of the operation will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes an original platen glass on which originals fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101. Reference numerals 103, 104, and 105 denote scanning mirrors, which are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown), and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 139. Reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110. Reference numeral 117 denotes an exposure unit, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on image data processed by the controller unit 139 that controls image formation and the entire apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. . Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a sheet. Reference numerals 120, 122, 124, 142, and 144 denote paper feed cassettes (120 is a manual paper feed tray), and the transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the paper feed rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. Then, the operation is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and the writing start timing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is taken and the paper is fed again. A transfer charger 127 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a transfer sheet to be fed. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111. Reference numeral 129 denotes a conveyance belt which conveys the transfer sheet on which the transfer process has been completed to the fixing device 130 and is fixed by heat, for example. Reference numeral 131 denotes a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer sheet after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 132 and the intermediate tray 137. Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 by being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 138 denotes a re-feed roller that transports the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed again.

  The controller unit 139 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and performs the above-described image forming operation in accordance with an instruction from the man-machine interface device 140.

  The configuration of the operation unit 140 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 1032 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits position information to the controller unit 30 when a displayed key is pressed. This will be described later with reference to FIG. The numeric keypad 1028 is used when inputting numbers such as the number of copies. A start key 1029 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A stop key 1030 is used to stop an operation in operation. A reset key 1031 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Reference numeral 1023 denotes a guide key. When the key function is not understood, an explanation of the key is displayed. Reference numeral 1024 denotes a copy mode key which is pressed when copying. Reference numeral 1025 denotes a fax key which is pressed to make settings related to fax. A file key 1026 is pressed to output file data. Reference numeral 1027 denotes a printer key, which is used to make settings relating to print output from an external device such as a computer.

  FIG. 6 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel 140.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes an extended function key. When this key is pressed, a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erasing setting, or the like is entered. An image mode key 1002 enters a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copy image. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a user mode key, which can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen for each user. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an applied zoom key, which enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. Reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 denote an M1 key, an M2 key, and an M3 key, which are pressed when calling each mode memory. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a call key, which is pressed to call the copy mode that was previously set. An option key 1009 sets an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from a film. Reference numeral 1010 denotes a sorter key for setting modes such as sort output and group output. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a document mixed loading key which is pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an equal magnification key which is pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. Reference numerals 1014 and 1015 denote a reduction key and an enlargement key, respectively, which are pressed when performing regular reduction or enlargement. Reference numeral 1016 denotes a zoom key which is pressed when performing non-standard reduction or enlargement in increments of 1%. Reference numeral 1013 denotes a paper selection key which is pressed when selecting a printing paper. The density keys 1018 and 1020 are darkly copied every time 1018 is pressed, and lightly copied every time 1020 is pressed. Reference numeral 1017 denotes a density display. When the density key is pressed, the display changes to the left and right. Reference numeral 1019 denotes an AE key which is pressed when a document having a dark background such as a newspaper is copied for automatic density adjustment. Reference numeral 1021 denotes a HiFi key, which is pressed when copying a document having a large halftone density such as a photographic document. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a character emphasis key which is pressed when it is desired to make a character stand out when copying a character document.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the scanner 10 and the printer 20 in the printing apparatus.

  A CPU 751 controls the entire scanner 10 and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 753 (ROM) storing a control program. The CPU address bus and data bus are connected to each load via a circuit comprising a bus driver and an address decoder 752. Further, it is connected to the CPU of the controller unit 30 and performs communication.

  Reference numeral 754 denotes a random access memory (RAM) as a main storage device used as input data storage, a working storage area, or the like. Reference numeral 755 denotes an I / O interface, and each load of devices such as a motor 756, a lamp 757, and a paper detection sensor 758 for detecting a sheet to be conveyed is driven. Connected to.

  The image data read by the CCD unit 106 is transferred to the controller 30.

  Next, reference numeral 701 denotes a CPU that controls the printer 20, and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 703 (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program). The address bus and data bus of the CPU 701 are connected to each load through the bus driver circuit and address decoder circuit 702. Reference numeral 704 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data, a working storage area, or the like. Reference numeral 705 denotes an I / O interface, and motors 707, clutches 708, solenoids 709 for driving the paper feed system, transport system, and optical system, and paper detection sensors 710 for detecting the transported paper. Etc. are connected to each load. The developing device 118 is provided with a toner residual detection sensor 711 that detects the amount of toner in the developing device, and its output signal is input to the I / O port 705. A high voltage unit 715 outputs a high voltage to the above-described primary charger 113, developing device 118, pre-transfer charger 119, transfer charger 127, and separation charger 128 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 701.

  The image signal output from the CCD unit 106 is subjected to image processing, which will be described later, by the controller unit 30 and outputs a control signal 117 of the laser unit according to the image data. Laser light output from the laser unit 117 irradiates and exposes the photosensitive drum 110, and a light emission state is detected by a beam detection sensor 713 serving as a light receiving sensor in a non-image area. 705 is input.

  Reference numerals 718, 719, 720, 721, and 722 are RF-ID readers for the respective paper feed cassettes and manual paper feed trays, and are set in the respective paper feed cassettes 122, 124, 142, and 144 and the manual paper feed tray 120. It communicates with the RF-ID chip embedded in the paper and reads the information stored therein.

  A block diagram of the controller unit is shown in FIG. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner 10 which is an image input device and the printer 20 which is an image output device, and on the other hand, is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to input / output image information and device information. It is a controller. A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2002, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, and the like. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 140 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Further, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 140 to the CPU 2001. The NIC 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. A scanner / printer communication I / F 2009 is an I / F for communicating with the CPUs of the scanner 10 and the printer 20. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  An Image Bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 10 and the printer 20 which are image input / output devices to the controller 30 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / decompression processing of JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  FIG. 9 shows a printing paper 7001 in which an RF-ID chip 7002 is embedded. The RF-ID chip 7002 stores an ID code storing paper type and size information as shown in FIG. ing.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an operation of a printing apparatus 220 that performs printing by appropriately selecting printing sheets for color pages and black and white pages, which is a feature of this embodiment. The operations and functions of the printing apparatus 220 are described with reference to FIG. explain.

  After the power is turned on or the paper cassette is mounted, the printing apparatus 220 accesses the RF-ID chip 7002 embedded in the paper set in the paper cassette 122 by the RF-ID reader 718, and the ID code in which the paper information is stored. Is read (S301).

  According to the read ID code, the paper type set in the paper feed cassette 122 is registered in the RAM 2002 of the controller unit 30 (S302).

  Similarly, for the other paper feed cassettes 124, 142, 144 and the manual paper feed tray 120, each RF-ID reader reads the ID code and automatically registers the set paper type (304 to 310).

  When registration of all the paper feed cassettes and manual paper feed trays is completed, it is determined from the registered state whether plain paper or recycled paper is set (S311).

  If plain paper or recycled paper is not set, printing is performed using all-page color dedicated paper (S312).

  When plain paper or recycled paper is set, when the user sets an original to be copied on the scanner 10, the LCD display unit 1032 displays a “monochrome printing paper selection setting” screen as shown in FIG. Then, the user is prompted to select (S313). FIG. 11 shows a case where plain paper and recycled paper are set in addition to the color dedicated paper. For example, when recycled paper is not set, recycled paper cannot be selected as shown in FIG. It is like that.

  According to the “black and white printing paper selection setting” (S314), when color paper is designated, monochrome pages are also printed on color paper (S312), and when plain paper is designated, color pages are color only. Printing on paper and monochrome pages is printed on plain paper (S315). If recycled paper is designated, the color page is printed on color-only paper, and the monochrome page is printed on recycled paper (S316).

  In this way, the type of paper set in each paper feed cassette and manual paper feed tray can be automatically determined, and it is possible to arbitrarily select the paper on which the monochrome page is to be printed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, copying of a document has been described, but a case of printing from a personal computer or the like will be described. The basic operation flow is the same as that in FIG. 1, but instead of “display a black and white printing paper selection setting screen as shown in FIG. 11 on the LCD display section 1032 and prompt the user to select” in S 313, FIG. It is set by a printer driver operating on the personal computer shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, when a printing apparatus for printing a document is selected by the printer selection unit 602 and the property button 607 is clicked, a property screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. When the printing paper type tag 612 is clicked, a printing paper designation screen for monochrome pages is displayed. Here, the user selects an arbitrary button and clicks an OK button 613 to complete the setting. Note that paper that is not set in the paper feed cassette of the printing apparatus cannot be selected.

  As described above, even when printing from a personal computer or the like, it is possible to arbitrarily select a sheet for printing a monochrome page.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the ID code is read and the paper type is registered. However, since communication between the RF-ID chip and the RF-ID reader is performed wirelessly, there is a case where radio interference occurs or paper is used. When the RF-ID chip is not embedded in the device, there is a problem that a correct ID code is not read out. Therefore, in the third embodiment, these issues are taken into consideration.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 220 according to the third embodiment, which will be described in order.

  The printer 220 reads the ID code from the RF-ID chip 7002 embedded in the paper set in the paper feed cassette 122 by the RF-ID reader 718 after the power is turned on or the paper feed cassette is mounted (S401).

  If the reading of the ID code is successful, the type of paper that is being set is registered in the RAM 2002 of the controller unit 30 (S402).

  If reading of the ID code is not successful, the paper type is registered as unknown.

  In the same manner, the paper types set for the other paper feed cassettes 124, 142, 144 and the manual paper feed tray 120 are registered (403 to 406).

  When registration of all paper feed cassettes and manual paper feed trays is completed, a “feed cassette registration confirmation” screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the paper feed cassette C is unknown.

  When there is a change in the paper feed cassette registration contents, when the user touches the change button 3003 in FIG. 16 and the registration button 3004 in the case of newly registering an unknown cassette, the “paper cassette registration” screen shown in FIG. It is displayed and can be changed and registered (S409). In FIG. 17, the paper size can be selected, and in FIG. 18, the paper type can be selected.

  If there is no change or unknown cassette registration, the OK button 3005 is touched on the “feed cassette registration confirmation” screen of FIG. 16 to proceed to the next step.

  Since the steps after S410 are the same as the steps after S311 of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  In this way, by displaying the “Paper Cassette Registration Confirmation” screen and prompting the user to confirm the paper size / paper type, even when reading of the correct ID code fails, the paper for printing the monochrome page can be arbitrarily set It becomes possible to select.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when copying or printing a document in which color pages and black and white pages are mixed, the printing apparatus automatically sets the paper type set in each paper feed cassette or manual paper feed tray. By recognizing, it is possible to easily print a monochrome page on inexpensive plain paper or recycled paper designated by the user.

6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the network system containing the printing apparatus of this invention. 1 is an external view of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an operation part. It is a figure which shows a LCD display. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a scanner 10 and a printer 20 in the printing apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a controller unit. It is a figure which shows the printing paper in which RF-ID chip | tip was embedded. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of ID code stored in RF-ID chip. It is a figure which shows the "black-and-white printing paper selection setting" screen displayed on a LCD display part. It is a figure which shows the "black-and-white printing paper selection setting" screen displayed on the LCD display part when the recycled paper is not set. It is a figure which shows the print setting display displayed on a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the printer property display displayed on a personal computer. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a “paper cassette registration confirmation” screen displayed on an LCD display unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a “paper cassette registration: paper size selection” screen displayed on the LCD display unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a “paper cassette registration: paper type selection” screen displayed on the LCD display unit.

Explanation of symbols

220 Printer 122, 124, 142, 144 Paper Feed Cassette 120 Manual Feed Tray 140 Operation Unit 718, 719, 720, 721, 722 RF-ID Reader 7002 RF-ID Chip

Claims (6)

A paper type automatic recognition means for automatically recognizing the size and type of paper set in a plurality of paper cassettes;
Color state determination means for determining whether the page to be printed is color or black and white;
A paper feed changing means for changing the paper feed cassette in which the paper to be printed is set according to the state of the paper type set in the plurality of paper cassettes and the color state of the page to be printed;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet type automatic recognition unit reads the stored contents through communication between a readable storage unit built in the sheet and a reading unit in the printing apparatus. .   3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the readable storage means is a wireless tag (RF-ID chip), and the reading means is a wireless tag reader (RF-ID reader).   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein information capable of determining a paper size and type is stored in a readable storage unit built in the paper.   2. The paper feeding change unit, wherein different types of paper are set in different paper feeding cassettes, change a cassette for feeding printing paper for color pages and black and white pages. Printing device.   6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when printing a monochrome page, the printing apparatus is changed to a sheet that is less expensive than a sheet on which a color page is printed.

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