JPH0619932A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To dratically shorten the retrieving time of each image forming device to be used in an image forming system constituted of a card member and plural image forming devices. CONSTITUTION:While controlling the radio transmission of a card transmitting part by a card transmission/reception control part in a non-contact card 1, each of image forming devices 2-1 to 2-4 transmits selected required processing time data as selection data, and when the selection data are received by a body receiving part, the image forming device concerned collates the received data with the processing time data transmitted from itself. When both the data coincide with each other as a collated result, an informing means informs the selection of the image forming device as an image forming means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a non-contact card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a system is constructed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses, it is best to use an image forming apparatus that allows a user to execute a desired image forming mode from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Image forming apparatus, that is, an image forming apparatus suitable for the image forming mode used by the user is selected based on the knowledge of the user, and the user inserts an IC card into each image forming apparatus. After the identification, the image forming process can be executed.

Further, instead of a contact type card medium such as an IC card, wireless communication is performed with each image forming apparatus by a non-contact card to turn on / off the power of each image forming apparatus.
In addition, the wireless communication is used to search for an unused image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the search result is displayed on the display unit provided in the non-contact card. Therefore, a system for introducing an image forming apparatus that can be used by a user has also been proposed.

[0004]

Since the conventional image forming system is constructed as described above, when the image forming apparatus is in operation when the image forming apparatus is moved to a desired installation position of the image forming apparatus. Further, it takes time and labor for the user to search for a desired image forming apparatus, that is, an empty image forming apparatus capable of executing the desired image forming mode.

Further, in an apparatus capable of instructing the operation of the image forming apparatus by inserting a card, the friction and mechanical strength at the insertion opening of the main body are taken into consideration in consideration of the usage environment in which the card is frequently attached and detached. I had a design problem that I had to design a new one.

Further, in the image forming system capable of using the non-contact card medium, only the usable image forming apparatus is introduced. Therefore, if such a request is made one after another, Since the user near the installation position of the image forming apparatus can use it, the user who gave the search instruction cannot always use the image forming apparatus, and it is considered that the obtained information is incorrect. There were problems such as being done.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and when an image forming system is constructed by using a non-contact card, a request transmitted from the non-contact card. By interpreting the displayed image forming condition and returning the search result of the image forming apparatus matching the image forming condition to the non-contact card of the user and displaying the result, the optimum image forming condition satisfying the required image forming condition can be obtained. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of inquiring about an image forming apparatus and notifying the user.

[0008]

An image forming system according to the present invention has a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one non-contact type card member, and the card member is
A storage unit that stores a desired image forming mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus, an operation unit that sets the desired image forming mode stored in the storage unit, and main body transmission data transmitted from the image forming apparatus A card receiving unit for receiving
A card transmission unit that transmits card data corresponding to an image forming mode set from the operation unit or selection data selected based on main body transmission data received by the reception unit, and card transmission / reception control that controls data transmission / reception Each of the image forming apparatuses, a main body receiving section that receives the card data or the selection data transmitted from the card member, and a main body processing time is calculated based on the card data received by the main body receiving section. Calculating means, a main body transmitting section for transmitting processing time data based on the main body processing time calculated by the calculating means to the card member, selection data received by the main body receiving section, and main body processing time calculated by the calculating means A notification means for notifying the selection result by collating with the time data based on the above, and a main body transmission / reception control section for controlling data transmission / reception It is made of Te.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, when the selection data received by the main body receiving section and the time data based on the main body processing time calculated by the calculating means match, the image forming mode requested to be transmitted from the card member. It is provided with a mode setting means for automatically setting.

Further, the calculating means is configured to calculate the main body processing time per unit number of originals based on the card data received by the main body receiving section.

Further, the calculating means is configured to calculate the total main body processing time based on the card data received by the main body receiving section.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one or more non-contact type card members, and the card member includes a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus. A communication unit in which the image forming apparatus communicates with each image forming apparatus via a communication line;
A detection unit that detects a use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit, and another image forming apparatus that can be used from the card member based on the signal detection result of the detection unit and the main body use state are connected to the communication line. It comprises a search means for performing a communication search via the communication means, and a notification means for notifying the search result of the search means.

Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a storage section for storing position information indicating the arrangement positional relationship with other remaining image forming apparatuses, and the notifying means is the search result of the search means and the arrangement stored in the storage section. The image forming apparatus closest to the image forming apparatus is collated with the positional information indicating the positional relationship, and is notified as the next candidate.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one non-contact type card member, and the card member includes a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus. A communication unit in which the image forming apparatus communicates with each image forming apparatus via a communication line;
A detection unit that detects a use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit, and another image forming apparatus that can be used from the card member based on the signal detection result of the detection unit and the main body use state are connected to the communication line. Search means for performing a communication search via communication, reservation means for making a reservation for an image forming apparatus that is not operating based on the search result of the search means, and notification means for notifying the reservation status by the reservation means and the search result of the search means. It is equipped with.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one non-contact type card member, and the card member includes a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus. Each image forming apparatus sets identification means for analyzing each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member to identify each card member, and selection information for selecting invalid or effective use request from a specific card member. The setting means and the sorting control means for comparing and collating the sorting information by the setting means and the identification result of the identifying means to control the invalidation or validity of the use request from the specific card member.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one non-contact type card member, and the card member includes a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus. A detection unit that detects the output state of each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member by each image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus based on the use request signal detection elapsed time detected by the detecting unit. Power supply control means for controlling the turning on / off of the main body power is provided.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one non-contact type card member, and the card member includes a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus. A detection unit that detects the output state of each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member by each image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus based on the use request signal detection elapsed time detected by the detecting unit. Power supply control means for controlling on / off of the main body power, identification means for identifying each card member by analyzing each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member by each image forming apparatus, and a specific card member Setting means for setting selection information for selecting whether the use request is invalid or valid is compared with the selection information by the setting means and the identification result of the identification means, and the power control means It is made of and a power management unit for identification management dynamic.

[0018]

According to the present invention, when the desired image forming mode stored in the storage unit provided in the card member is set by the operation unit, the card transmission / reception control unit controls the wireless transmission of the card transmission unit to obtain the desired image formation mode. When the card data corresponding to the image forming mode is wirelessly transmitted to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the main body receiving unit receives the card data, the calculating means calculates the main body processing time, and the calculated processing time data. When the main body transmission unit controlled by the main body transmission / reception control unit transmits to each card member and the processing time data transmitted from each image forming apparatus is received by the card reception unit, the operation unit requests the data. Processing time data is selected and the selected desired processing time data is used as selection data by the card transmission / reception control unit while controlling the wireless transmission of the card transmission unit, and each image forming apparatus transmits the data. When the main body receiving unit receives the selection data, each image forming apparatus collates with the processing time data transmitted by itself, and if the collation results match, the notification means selects the image forming apparatus as an image forming target. It is possible to notify the user of the most suitable image forming apparatus candidate for executing the desired image forming mode by notifying the user of the fact.

Further, when the main body receiving section receives the above selection data, each image forming apparatus collates with the processing time data transmitted by itself, and when the collation result is coincident, the mode setting means from the card member. By automatically setting the transmitted image forming mode, it is possible to reduce the image forming mode setting load when the user moves to the selected image forming apparatus.

Further, the calculating means calculates a main body processing time per unit number of originals based on the card data received by the main body receiving section, so that a high-speed image capable of processing a small amount of image forming execution request in a minimum time. It is possible to select the forming device.

The calculating means selects a high-speed image forming apparatus capable of processing a large amount of image forming requests in a minimum time by calculating the total main body processing time based on the card data received by the main body receiving section. It is possible.

Further, when the detecting unit of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the searching unit detects the signal from the card member on the basis of the signal detection result of the detecting unit and the state of use of the main body. When another image forming apparatus that can be used is communication searched through the communication line, and the notification unit notifies the search result, when the image forming apparatus that has detected the use request happens to be in use,
It is possible to notify the user of the next available image forming apparatus candidate on the spot.

Further, the notifying means collates the search result of the search means with the position information indicating the arrangement positional relationship stored in the storage section, and notifies the image forming apparatus closest to the next as a next candidate, It is possible for the user to notify the image forming apparatus arranged at the position where the moving distance is the shortest from the current position as the next selection candidate.

Further, when the detecting unit of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the searching unit detects the signal from the card member based on the signal detection result of the detecting unit and the main body use state. The other available image forming apparatuses are searched by communication via the communication line, and the reservation means reserves the image forming apparatus which is not operating based on the search result, and the notifying means searches the reservation status and the searching means. By notifying the result, it is possible to secure on the spot the preferential use of the image forming apparatus in suspension by the user who is away from the image forming apparatus in suspension.

Further, when the detecting unit of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the identifying means of each image forming apparatus detects each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member. By analyzing and identifying each card member, the sorting information by the setting means and the identification result of the identifying means are compared and collated, and the sorting control means controls the invalidation or validity of the use request from the specific card member. It is possible to arbitrarily set a usage mode in which a user is specified for each image forming apparatus.

Further, when the detecting means of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting portion of the card member, the power supply control means forms an image based on the detected elapsed time of the use request signal detection. By controlling the on / off of the main body power to the device, the power supply energization time by the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the card member is optimized,
It is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

Further, when the detecting means of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting section of the card member, the identifying means of each image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member. Used by each image forming apparatus by analyzing and identifying each card member, comparing and collating the sorting information by the setting means and the identification result of the identifying means, and the power management means identifying and managing the activation of the power control means. It is possible to arbitrarily set a usage mode that specifies a person and suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0028]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining the structure of a card medium in an image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a non-contact type card body (card), and a liquid crystal display section 1-a,
Item arrow keys 1-b, 1-c, selection arrow keys 1-d, 1
-E, reset key (R key) 1-f, transmission key 1-g
And the like, and includes a microcomputer that executes a data processing function, a transmission / reception unit that executes wireless transmission / reception processing, a memory, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming system constructed from the card body 1 shown in FIG. 1 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In the figure, reference numerals 2-1 to 2-4 denote image forming apparatuses capable of executing various image forming modes. However, the respective image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 have common functional processing and unique functions. Although it is configured to be capable of executing the functional processing of (1), the user may appropriately determine whether to construct a system with the same specifications or construct a system in which the specification levels differ stepwise. Display lamps 2-1a to 2-4a inform that the image forming mode transmitted from the card 1 has been selected as a candidate that can be processed in a short time. The candidate selection process will be described later. Each of the image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 has a microcomputer that executes a data processing function, a transmission / reception unit that executes wireless transmission / reception processing, a memory, an image forming unit, etc., as will be described later. It is configured to be able to perform wireless data communication with each other.

The outline of the image forming apparatus candidate search / notification process suitable for the image forming mode requested by the card 1 will be described below. Note that (1) to (12) correspond to the operation procedure.

First, (1) the user operates various keys while watching the liquid crystal display 1-a of the card 1 to input a desired image forming mode. Next, (2) when the transmission key 1-g is pressed by the user, (3) the image forming mode is transmitted from the card 1. In this way, when the image forming mode is transmitted from the card 1, (4) each of the four image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 receives the transmitted image forming mode, and each image forming apparatus is received. When the 2-1 to 2-4 execute the image forming mode, (5) the microcomputer described later calculates how many seconds it takes for one document. Then, (6) each processing time (each image forming time) data individually calculated by each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-4 is transmitted. (7) The card 1 receives this, (8) the minimum processing time data is selected from the received processing time data, and (9) the card 1 receives the minimum processing time data from each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-1. Send to 2-4. (10) Each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-4 receives the minimum processing time data transmitted in this way, and (11) the received data and each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-4. Transmits to the card 1 and compares it with their own processing time data. If they match, the respective display lamps 2-1a to 2-4a are turned on, and the already received image forming mode is set. Next, (12) the user moves to the installation position of the image forming apparatus (selection candidate) whose display lamp is lit, and presses the copy start key arranged on the operation unit on the front surface of the image forming apparatus (not shown) to display the image. Start forming.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a schematic functional configuration of the card 1 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 3-a is a microcomputer, which performs communication processing while processing each key input shown in FIG. 1 based on the communication processing program and data processing program stored in the storage unit 3-d. ， Perform data processing. Reference numeral 3-b is a transmission unit, and each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-
A code signal converted into electromagnetic wave or sound energy of a specific frequency based on the usage request for No. 4 and desired image forming mode data is transmitted. A receiving unit 3-c receives response signals transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4, and stores processing data when processing time data corresponding to main body processing time described later is received. Store in part 3-d.

FIG. 4 shows the image forming apparatus 2-1 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram explaining a schematic functional configuration of ~ 2-4.

In the figure, reference numeral 4-a is a microcomputer, which performs communication processing, data processing, image forming processing based on the communication processing program, data processing program, and image forming processing program stored in the storage unit 4-d. I do. A transmission unit 4-b transmits a code signal converted into an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave energy of a specific frequency based on the main body processing time data calculated by the microcomputer 4-a of each image forming apparatus. A receiving unit 4-c receives electromagnetic waves or acoustic energy of a specific frequency based on the use request and desired image forming mode data. A storage unit 4-d temporarily stores the calculated image processing time data requested by the image forming apparatus. An image forming unit 4-e includes various devices for executing a known electrophotographic process.

In the image forming system configured as described above, when the desired image forming mode stored in the storage unit provided in the card member (card 1) is set by the operation unit, the card transmission / reception control unit (microcomputer) 3-a) controls the wireless transmission of the card transmitting unit (transmitting unit 3-b) and wirelessly transmits the card data corresponding to the desired image forming mode to the plurality of image forming apparatuses (2-1 to 2-4). When the card data is transmitted and the main body reception unit (reception unit 4-c) receives the card data, the calculation means (microcomputer 4-a) calculates the main body processing time, and the calculated processing time data is transmitted / received by the main body. The main body transmission unit (transmission unit 4-b) controlled by the unit (microcomputer 4-a) transmits to each card member (card 1) and is transmitted from each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-4. The above processing time data is received by the card. When parts (receiving section 3-c) receives,
A desired processing time data is selected from the operation unit, and the card transmission / reception control unit (microcomputer 3-a) uses the selected desired processing time data as selection data.
Each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-1 while controlling the wireless transmission of b).
2-4 transmits, and when the main body receiving unit receives the selection data, each image forming apparatus collates with the processing time data transmitted by itself, and if the collation results match, the notification means (main In the embodiment, the microcomputer 4-a uses the display lamps 2-1a to 2-4.
The user selects the optimum image forming apparatus candidate for executing the desired image forming mode by notifying that the image forming apparatus has been selected as an image forming target by lighting a. It is possible to notify.

Further, when the main body receiving unit receives the above selection data, each image forming apparatus collates with the processing time data transmitted by itself, and when the collation results match, the mode setting means causes the card member. By automatically setting the image forming mode transmitted from, it is possible to reduce the burden of setting the image forming mode when the user moves to the selected image forming apparatus.

Further, the calculating means calculates the main body processing time per unit number of originals based on the card data received by the main body receiving section, thereby processing a small amount of image forming execution request in the minimum time. It is possible to select a possible high-speed image forming apparatus.

The calculating means selects a high-speed image forming apparatus capable of processing a large amount of image forming requests in a minimum time by calculating the total main body processing time based on the card data received by the main body receiving section. It is possible.

The operation of the card 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the data communication processing procedure of the card 1 shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) to (15) show each step.

When the reset key (R key) 1-f is pressed after initial setting (1) (2), the reset image forming mode is initialized to the standard mode. In the present embodiment, the image forming mode has a plurality of items such as magnification, number of sheets, paper size, continuous page shooting, etc.
Stored in -d.

On the other hand, the item arrow keys 1-b, 1 of the card 1
When -c is pressed (3), items are sequentially changed on the liquid crystal display unit 1-a and scrolled up and down (4). When the selection arrow keys 1-d and 1-e are pressed (5), the setting contents of the item currently in the center change (6). For example, the item in the center of FIG. 1 is the paper size, and the current setting is A
When the size is 4 and the selection arrow keys 1-d and 1-e are pressed, the size becomes A3 size or B4 size. As described above, since the card 1 operates, the user can set the image forming mode he or she wants to use in the card 1.

After the image forming mode is set in this way, when the transmission key 1-g of the card 1 is pressed (7),
Send the image formation mode that is currently set (8). As a result, the user can transmit the image forming mode he / she wants to use from the card 1 to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4.

Next, the card 1 starts counting of the timer T1 in the microcomputer 3-a immediately after transmission (9), and until the timer value of the timer T1 reaches 1 sec (10), each image forming apparatus 2-1. To 2-4 wait for the reception of the image forming time data transmitted from (2) to (4), and if received, determine whether the image forming time data is the optimum value (12).
Returning to 0), if YES, the received image forming time data is updated as the optimum value (13) and stored in the storage unit 3-d.

When such a data receiving process is executed and the timer value of the timer T1 has passed 1 sec, the minimum value among the image forming time data transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 is reached. The optimum value is stored in the storage unit 3-d of the card 1. Then, the optimum value stored in the storage unit 3-d is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 (14), the pair of processes is executed (15), and the process returns to step (2).

FIG. 6 shows the image forming apparatus 2-1 shown in FIG.
2 is a flowchart showing an example of a data communication processing procedure of 2-4. It should be noted that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the microcomputer 4-a of each of the image forming apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 initializes each unit (1) and determines whether or not the image forming mode transmitted from the card 1 is received.
(2) If NO, proceed to step (5), and if YES, microcomputer 4-a of each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-4
The image forming time per document is calculated individually based on the received image forming mode (3), and the calculated image forming time is stored in the storage unit 4-d, and then the calculated image forming time is corresponded to. Send image formation time data to card 1
(Four) . Next, the CPU waits for reception of the optimum value data transmitted from the card 1 along with the execution of the process of step (14) shown in FIG. 5 (5), and if NO, returns to step (8).

On the other hand, when the optimum value data is received in step (5), it is determined whether the received optimum value data matches the image forming time data stored in the storage section 4-e.
(6) If NO, proceed to step (8), and if YES, turn on any of the display lamps 2-1a to 2-4a and set the received image forming mode (7). Next, other processing is executed (8), and the process returns to step (2).

In the above embodiment, each image forming apparatus 2
A case has been described in which the automatic document feeder ADF, the circulating document feeder RDF, or the like is not connected to -1 to 2-4, and the optimum image forming device for the image forming mode is assumed and notified. However, each image forming apparatus 2-1 to 2-1
If the automatic document feeder ADF or the circulating document feeder RDF is connected to any one of 2-4, the card
The setting items of the card 1 can be set including the mode for the automatic document feeder ADF or the circulating document feeder RDF, and when the image forming mode transmitted from the card 1 is analyzed, The image forming time may be accurately calculated based on the presence / absence of a mode setting related to document feeding. As a result, even when the image forming apparatus equipped with the automatic document feeder ADF or the circulation type document feeder RDF is selected, the image forming apparatus whose image forming time is shortened can be searched and notified.

However, for the image forming apparatus equipped with the automatic document feeder ADF or the circulation type document feeder RDF, during the image forming mode transmitted from the card 1, the mode setting relating to the document feeding is performed. If is not set, the image forming time is calculated in consideration of the standard time required for the user to manually replace the document.

In the above embodiment, each image forming apparatus 2
The image forming system in which the card 1 to 2-4 are arranged independently and the card 1 communicates with each of the image forming devices 2-1 to 2-4 has been described as an example. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming system in which is connected to a network and wirelessly communicates with the non-contact type card 1. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of an image forming apparatus and a non-contact card in an image forming system showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 11 is a non-contact ID card,
An image formation request signal is wirelessly transmitted from a transmission unit described later.
An image forming apparatus 12 includes a sequence control unit 21, a non-contact card detection unit 22, a non-contact card setting unit 23, a reservation unit 24, a display control unit 25, and a communication control retrieval unit 26.
Etc., and is network-connected to another image forming apparatus via the communication unit 13.

In the image forming system configured as described above, when the detecting unit (contactless card detecting unit 22) of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the searching unit (communication) Control search means 2
6) carries out a communication search through the communication line for another usable image forming apparatus from the card member (non-contact ID card 11) based on the signal detection result of the detecting means and the state of use of the main body. Based on the search result, the reservation unit 24 reserves the image forming apparatus that is not operating, and the notification unit (display control unit 2)
By notifying the reservation status and the search result of the search means, 5) secures on-the-spot preferential use of the image forming apparatus in suspension by the user who is away from the image forming apparatus in suspension. It is possible.

Further, when the detecting unit of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the identifying means of each image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member. By analyzing and identifying each card member, the sorting information by the setting means and the identification result of the identifying means are compared and collated, and the sorting control means controls the invalidation or validity of the use request from the specific card member. It is possible to arbitrarily set a usage mode in which a user is specified for each image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows the contactless ID card 1 shown in FIG.
It is an external view which shows an example of 1.

In the figure, 30 is a non-contact card (main body).
Then, turn on the switch 32 that sets transmission ON / OFF.
By setting the state, the image forming request signal is wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit 31.

FIG. 9 shows the contactless ID card 1 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram explaining the circuit structure of 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 33 is a battery serving as a power source, and the power supply to the oscillator 34 is controlled by turning on / off the switch 32. The oscillating unit 34 produces a signal of frequency f (image formation request signal) from the power supplied from the battery 33, and emits a radio wave from the antenna 36 through the transmitting unit 35. The reception range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna 36 is determined by the electric power supplied from the battery 33. [Third Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the schematic arrangement of an image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, PPC1 to PPCn are image forming apparatuses for performing original copy processing, and each is a wireless or wired L1.
.. L (n-1) are connected to the respective controllers 1b to nb, and necessary information is exchanged between the respective devices wirelessly or by wire. 1a to Na are detection devices,
Contactless ID card (contactless card) NCC1 to NCCm
The transmission signal from is detected. Each image forming device PPC
Normally, 1 to PPCn are turned on when the power switch (SW) of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPCn is turned off when detecting the signal from each non-contact card. Normal,
These image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPCn have the non-contact cards NCC1 to NPC1 even if the power switch SW is turned on.
When the NCCm signal is not detected, the standby state in which copying is impossible is set. And non-contact card NC
When the transmission signals from C1 to NCCm are detected, the image forming apparatus is set to the copy ready state.

In the image forming system configured as described above, the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member (non-contact ID card (non-contact card) NCC1 to NCCm) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (PPC1 to PPC1). PPCn) detector (card detectors 42, 45, 4 in FIG. 11 described later)
8), the search means (controller sections 43, 46, 49 of FIG. 11 described later) finds another usable image forming apparatus from the card member based on the signal detection result of the detection means and the usage status of the main body. By performing a communication search via the communication line, and informing means (by displaying in the operation panels 51 to 53 by the controller units 43, 46 and 49 of FIG. 11 described later in this embodiment) informing the search result, When the image forming apparatus that has detected the use request happens to be in use, it is possible to notify the user of the next available image forming apparatus candidate on the spot.

Further, the notifying means collates the search result of the search means with the position information indicating the arrangement positional relationship stored in the storage section, and notifies the image forming apparatus arranged closest to the next candidate as the next candidate. It is possible for the user to notify the image forming apparatus arranged at the position where the moving distance is the shortest from the current position as the next selection candidate.

Furthermore, when a non-contact card other than the user is detected while the image forming apparatus is copying, the nearest image forming apparatus that can be used is introduced and displayed on a part of the display portion of the copy. Below, regarding the case of performing wired communication,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system showing the third embodiment of the present invention. For example, a state in which three image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPC3 are connected via a line controller 54 is shown. Show.

As shown in this figure, the line controller 54 and the respective image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPC3 correspond to the corresponding connectors 44b, 47b, 50b and the main body connector 4.
The image forming apparatus PPC1 is provided with a card detector 42 and a controller unit 43, and is connected to the network via the image forming apparatus PPC4a, 47a, 50a.
2 includes a card detector 45 and a controller unit 46,
The image forming apparatus PPC3 includes a card detector 48 and a controller unit 49. In addition, the controller unit 43,
46 and 49 mutually transmit and receive communication signals via the respective connectors.

The image forming apparatus PPC1 is provided with an operation panel 51 and has display sections 51a and 51b, and the image forming apparatus PPC2 is provided with an operation panel 52 and a display section 52.
a, 52b, the image forming apparatus PPC3 is provided with an operation panel 53, and display sections 53a, 53b. Hereinafter, the non-contact card 41 and each of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PP
The data communication processing operation with C3 will be described.

FIG. 11 shows an example in which a person holding the non-contact card 41 approaches the image forming apparatus PPC1 which is activated by another non-contact card (not shown) other than the non-contact card 41 at present. Show. When the image forming apparatus PPC1 detects the signal of the non-contact card 41 by the card detector 42, the image forming apparatus PPC1 notifies the controller unit 43 of the signal. Since the controller unit 43 knows that the image forming apparatus PPC1 is in the process of copying, the unused image forming apparatus is controlled by the controller unit 4 through the line controller 54 as follows.
Search from 3.

That is, an inquiry signal for inquiring whether or not it is in use is sent from the controller section 43 to the signal receiving section of the image forming apparatus PPC2 through the transmission line of the line controller 54. In this case, the image forming apparatus PPC2
Since it is in standby, the controller unit 46 of the image forming apparatus PPC2 that has received the transmission signal from the image forming apparatus PPC1 sends a signal to the image forming apparatus PPC1 informing that it is available through the transmission line of the line. The image forming apparatus P that has received the signal from the image forming apparatus PPC2
The controller unit 43 of the PC 1 displays “PPC2 is usable” as the inquiry result on the display unit 51 b of the operation panel 51.
The display control for displaying is performed.

If the image forming apparatus PPC2 is copying, the controller unit 46 of the image forming apparatus PPC2 is
An inquiry result signal notifying that the image forming apparatus PPC1 cannot be used is sent to the image forming apparatus PPC1. The image forming apparatus PPC1 that has received this inquiry result signal performs the same transmission to the image forming apparatus PPC3, and if the image forming apparatus PPC3 is available, the result of the inquiry is displayed on the display unit 53b "image forming apparatus PPC3 is available". When the image forming apparatus PPC3 is also copying, the image forming apparatus PPC1 sends a signal notifying that the image forming apparatus PPC1 cannot be used, and the image forming apparatus PPC1 that has received the signal. Performs a control for displaying "in use" as the inquiry result on the display unit 51b.
The case where the standby image forming apparatus is searched based on the image forming apparatus PPC1 and the candidates thereof are notified has been described above, but the same applies when the image forming apparatuses PPC2 and PPC3 are used as the reference.

FIG. 12 is a detailed diagram showing a communication mechanism between the line controller 54 shown in FIG. 11 and each of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPC3. The same parts as those in FIG. 11 are designated by the same reference numerals. Note that this corresponds to the state in which the line controller 54 is currently connecting the image forming apparatus PPC1 and the image forming apparatus PPC2.

Hereinafter, a process of searching and notifying a standby image forming apparatus that is close to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus that has detected the instruction from the non-contact card 41 is in operation will be described. .

In this case, each of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PP
With respect to the nonvolatile memories of the controller units 43, 46, 49 of C3, information indicating the candidate selection order in order from the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPC3 that are close to each other (in this embodiment, the positional relationship is shown). Enter the data shown). It should be noted that this input updates the information when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are newly introduced or when they are sequentially replaced or rearranged.

By updating and managing the information indicating the candidate selection order in this way, when searching for an unused image forming apparatus similar to the above, a search process is performed when one unused image forming apparatus is found. Without finishing, a search for all unused image forming apparatuses is performed, information indicating the above candidate selection order for the searched image forming apparatuses is compared, and the nearest unused image forming apparatus is used as a candidate. Inform the person.

For example, each of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPC3
As shown in FIG. 13 (each of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PP
The distance relationship with C3 is indicated by the difference in the size of the main body in the drawing), the image forming apparatus PP
Data indicating the positional relationship is stored in C1 to PPC3 like a cycle.

Image forming apparatus PPC1: Image forming apparatus PPC3, Image forming apparatus PPC2 Image forming apparatus PPC2: Image forming apparatus PPC3, Image forming apparatus PPC1 Image forming apparatus PPC3: Image forming apparatus PPC1, Image forming apparatus PPC2 As shown in FIG. In the case where the system is built in, if the image forming apparatus PPC1 is taken as an example, the image forming apparatus PPC1
3 is installed closest to the image forming apparatus PPC2, and data indicating a positional relationship for determining that the image forming apparatus PPC2 is installed next is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the controller unit 43.

Here, when the image forming apparatus PPC1 is in operation and the user carrying the non-contact card 41 is the switch 32,
Assuming that the image forming apparatus PPC1 is approached with the ON state, the image forming apparatus PPC1 is in operation in this case, so the communication line is used to search for an unused image forming apparatus.
When the image forming apparatus PPC2 is accessed, the information is not available because the image forming apparatus PPC2 is unused.
Controller unit 43 of the image forming apparatus PPC1
Will be replied to. Next, when the image forming apparatus PPC3 is similarly accessed, the information is returned to the controller unit 43 of the image forming apparatus PPC1 via the line controller 54 because the image forming apparatus PPC3 is also unused.

Therefore, the controller unit 43 of the image forming apparatus PPC1 refers to the data indicating the positional relationship stored in advance, and the image forming apparatus PPC3 corresponding to the data is closer to the display unit 51b. "The image forming apparatus PPC3 can be used" is displayed.

In this way, the user starts moving the image forming apparatus PPC3 to the installation position by displaying "the image forming apparatus PPC3 can be used" on the display section 51b, but holds the contactless card in the meantime. Other users may start using interrupts. Therefore, it may be configured such that after the unused image forming apparatus is searched, the use reservation is made and the use after the movement can be ensured. The case will be described in detail below.

First, as described above, when the unused image forming apparatus is searched as described above and there is an unused image forming apparatus (for example, the image forming apparatus PPC2), the “image” is changed as before. As shown in FIG. 14 (a), the operation panel 5 displays the message "Are you sure to reserve the image forming device PPC2?"
No. 1 is displayed on the display unit 51b. If it is desired to make a reservation, the reservation key 51c is pressed to perform an operation for reservation. That is, the image forming apparatus PPC1 sends a signal for reservation to the controller unit 46 of the image forming apparatus PPC2 through the line controller 54. The image forming apparatus PPC2, which has received the signal, accepts the reservation if no other contactless card is detected during that time, and the display unit 52b of the operation panel 52 of the image forming apparatus PPC2.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 14B, “This copy is reserved” is displayed, and even if a signal from a contactless card other than the reserved contactless card is detected, the copy cannot be performed. Then, the signal notifying that the reservation has been accepted is sent to the image forming apparatus PPC1 through the line controller 54. Image forming signal PPC1 that has received the signal
Displays "Reserved image forming apparatus PPC2" on the display section 51b of the operation panel 51 as shown in FIG. 14 (c). The reserved contactless card 41
When the image forming apparatus PPC1 stops detecting the signal of
The display of "I made a reservation for the image forming apparatus PPC2" on the display unit 51b is turned off. When the user carries the reserved contactless card and approaches the image forming apparatus PPC2, the image forming apparatus PPC2 sets the copy reserved state to the copyable state. Then, when the image forming operation is completed, the reserved state is exited and the standby state is set.

The data communication processing operation in the image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the data processing procedure with the non-contact card 41 in the image forming system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step. Further, each of the image forming apparatuses PPC1 to PPC3 is backed up by a battery even when the power switch SW is turned off.

In this state, the transmission signal from the contactless card is constantly monitored (1), and when this transmission signal is received,
Turn on the power switch (power SW) (2). After that, the process proceeds to the process of the subroutine 1 (SUB1) shown in FIG. 16 (3), and when the subroutine 1 is finished, it is judged whether or not the reservation is made from another image forming apparatus (4),
If YES, the process proceeds to step (7), and the process proceeds to the process of subroutine 3 (SUB3) shown in FIG.
When is finished, it is judged whether or not a predetermined time has passed from the final operation (5). If NO, the process returns to step (3), and YES
If so, turn off the power switch SW (6) and step (1)
Return to.

FIG. 16 shows the subroutine 1 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of FIG. In addition,
(1) to (11) show each step.

First, it is judged whether or not the signal of the contactless card is still detected (1). If NO, the process returns and Y
If ES, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus (main body) is in operation (copying) (2), and if NO, an operation according to the operation of the operator is performed (3), and the routine is returned.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (2) is YES, it is judged whether or not a contactless card other than the operator is detected (4). If NO, the process returns, and if YES, an unused image is displayed. The forming device search processing is started (5), and it is determined whether or not there is an image forming device that can be used (6). If NO, the display "All in use" is displayed on the display unit of the image forming device. Then (7) and return.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (6) is YES, the image forming apparatus arranged at the closest point to the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit as a candidate (8), and the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. After shifting to the processing of the subroutine 2 (SUB2) shown (9) and ending the subroutine 2, it is judged whether or not a non-contact card other than the copy operation is detected (1
If 0) or NO, erase the display content displayed in step (8).
(11), the process ends.

FIG. 17 shows the subroutine 2 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of FIG. In addition,
(1) to (7) show each step.

In step (8) shown in FIG. 16, when the image forming apparatus arranged at the closest point is displayed on the display unit as a candidate for use, the image forming apparatus P searched in the preprocessing is searched.
A message "Do you want to reserve the image forming apparatus PPCx" is output to PCx (x indicates a selected candidate among a plurality of units) (1) and a timer is started (2). Then, it is determined whether or not the reservation key is pressed (3). If NO, the process proceeds to step (6). It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If NO, the process returns to step (3), and if YES. The message display "Do you want to reserve the image forming device PPCx?" Is erased (7), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (3) is YES, a signal for making a reservation waiting state for the image forming apparatus PPCx is sent to the image forming apparatus PPCx (4), and an identification signal for the reserved contactless card is sent. After that (5), the process ends.

FIG. 18 is a subroutine 3 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of FIG. In addition,
(1) to (10) show each step.

The determination in step (4) shown in FIG. 15 is YE.
When it becomes S, the message "Reservation in progress" is displayed and (1)
, Start the timer for the specified time (2). Then, it is judged whether or not the reserved contactless card is detected during the lapse of a predetermined time (3). If NO, after the lapse of the predetermined time (9), the process proceeds to step (7).

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (3) is YES, the timer is reset (4), and the message "Ready to copy" is displayed and the operation corresponding to the operator's operation is performed (5). Next, wait for the end of copying (6), and when the copying is completed,
Determine if you are detecting any contactless card
(7) If YES, the process proceeds to the execution of the subroutine 1 (SUB1) (10), and if NO, the image forming apparatus is set to the standby state (8), and the process ends.

In the above embodiment, in the image forming system composed of the non-contact card and the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the signal transmitted from the non-contact card is detected and the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. The search and reservation processing of various image forming apparatuses have been described in detail, but the transmission signal from the contactless card is identified and the power of the image forming apparatus is turned ON / OFF.
The control and copy execution control operation will be described in detail below.

FIG. 19 is an external view of an image forming apparatus equipped with a non-contact card detection unit. The content is the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11, and 100 is a main body, which is the non-contact type shown in FIG. A detection unit 101 that detects a transmission signal of the card 30 is provided.

FIG. 20 is a circuit block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the detector 101 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 110 is an AC input section, and 111
Is a relay that connects or disconnects the AC line based on a signal from the controller unit 114 of the image forming apparatus, and functions as a power switch. Reference numeral 112 denotes a DC power supply, which produces DC power supplied to various loads of the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 113 is a battery, and when the relay 111 is off, the microcomputer in the controller unit 114 and the contactless ID
It functions as a backup power supply that keeps the card detection circuit operating. A detection circuit 115 detects a signal of the contactless ID card received by the antenna 116.

In the image forming system thus configured, when the detecting means (detecting circuit 115) of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting portion of the card member (contactless card 30), the detection is performed. The power supply control unit (controller unit 114) controls the on / off of the main body power supply to the image forming apparatus based on the elapsed time of each use request signal detection, and the power supply by the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the card member. By optimizing the energization time,
It is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

When the detecting means of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting section of the card member, the identifying means (controller section 11) of each image forming apparatus.
4) analyzes each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member to identify each card member, compares and collates the selection information by the setting means and the identification result of the identifying means, and the power management means is the power control means. By identifying and managing startup,
It is possible to arbitrarily set a usage mode in which a user is specified for each image forming apparatus and suppress unnecessary power consumption.

First, when the switch 32 of the non-contact card 30 is turned on, the radio wave signal of the frequency f peculiar to the card is constantly radiated from the transmitting section 31. This contactless card 30
When the user holds the card and approaches the main body 100, the detection unit 101 detects a signal from the non-contact card 30.

Specifically, the signal received by the antenna 116 is detected by the detection circuit 115 and is notified to the controller 114. When this signal is received, the controller unit 11
4 starts the first timer 114a, and while the signal from the non-contact card 30 is being detected, the aging process is continuously performed, and the non-contact card 3 is operated before a predetermined time elapses.
When the signal from 0 is no longer detected, the controller unit 114 clears the first timer 114a. If a predetermined time has passed while the signal is detected, the controller unit 114 outputs a signal for turning on the relay 111. In response to this, the relay 111 is turned on and the DC power source 112, which is the main power source of the image forming apparatus, is turned on, and at the same time, the first timer 114a is cleared.

When the signal from the contactless card 30 is no longer detected except for the copy operation, the controller section 114
The second timer 114b is started, and when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, a signal for turning off the relay 111 is output. In response to this, the relay 111 is turned off.
Then, the DC power supply 112, which is the main power supply of the image forming apparatus, is turned off, and at the same time, the second timer 114b is cleared. If the second timer 114b detects the signal from the contactless card 30 before the predetermined time has elapsed, the second timer 114b is cleared.

By the way, when the signal of the non-contact ID card 30 is not detected after the DC power source 112 is turned on, the image forming operation is prohibited. And any non-contact I
When the signal from the D card is detected, the image forming operation is enabled.

It is also possible to operate only the contactless ID card set in advance. That is, from the operation unit (not shown) of the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus,
The code of a specific contactless card is input to the nonvolatile memory 114c of the controller unit 114 for management, and the image forming process can be executed only when a signal corresponding to the registered contactless card is detected. May be controlled as follows.

The main body power-on control operation and the like in the image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the main body power supply startup control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (15) indicate each step.

The controller section 114 uses the contactless card 3
The signal of 0 is constantly monitored, and when the signal of the contactless card 30 is detected (1), the first timer 114a is started (2),
It is determined whether or not the first timer 114a has passed a predetermined time (3), and if YES, the first timer 114a is cleared (4), and the DC power supply 112 as the main power supply is turned on.
(Five) .

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (3) is NO, it is judged whether or not the signal of the non-contact card 30 is still detected (12). If YES, the process returns to step (3).
If NO, the first timer 114a is cleared (13) and the process returns to step (1).

In this way, when the power is turned on, the processing shown in the main SUB1 which will be described later is executed (6).
. When the processing shown in the main SUB1 is completed, it is determined whether or not the signal of the contactless card 30 is still detected (7). If YES, the process returns to step (6). If NO, the controller unit 114 The second timer 114b is started (8), and it is judged whether or not the second timer 114b has passed a predetermined time (9). If YES, the second timer 114b is cleared (10) to become the main power source. The DC power supply 112 is turned off (11), and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, in the judgment of step (9), the contactless card 3 is set before the second timer 114b passes a predetermined time.
It is judged whether or not the signal of 0 is detected (14). If NO, the process returns to step (9), and if YES, the second timer 114
Clear b and return to step (6).

FIG. 22 shows the main SUB1 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of FIG. In addition,
(1) and (2) show each step.

First, it is judged whether or not the signal of the non-contact card 30 is currently detected (1). If NO, the process returns, and if YES, based on the image forming mode set by the operator on the operation unit. The image forming processing operation is executed (2) and the process returns.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the contactless card registration processing procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.
Further, this process is executed as an interrupt process.

First, it is monitored whether the registration switch arranged on the operation unit or the corresponding input operation is performed (1). If the registration switch or the like is pressed,
(2) The code corresponding to, for example, the transmission frequency of the contactless card 30 is stored in the non-volatile memory 114c (3), and the process ends.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the desired image forming mode stored in the storage unit provided in the card member is set by the operation unit, the card transmission / reception control unit operates as the card transmission unit. Wirelessly transmitting card data corresponding to a desired image forming mode to a plurality of image forming apparatuses while controlling wireless transmission, and when the main body receiving unit receives the card data, the calculating means calculates the main body processing time, The main body transmission unit controlled by the main body transmission / reception control unit transmits the calculated processing time data to each card member, and the card reception unit receives the processing time data transmitted from each image forming apparatus. Upon reception, the desired processing time data is selected from the operation unit, and the card transmission / reception control unit controls each image while controlling the wireless transmission of the card transmission unit by using the selected desired processing time data as selection data. Formation When the image receiving apparatus transmits the selected data and the main body receiving unit receives the selected data, each image forming apparatus collates with the processing time data transmitted by itself, and when the collation results match, the notifying means forms the image. Since the apparatus is configured to notify that the apparatus has been selected as an image forming target, it is possible to notify the user of the most suitable image forming apparatus candidate for executing the desired image forming mode.

When the main body receiving unit receives the above selection data, each image forming apparatus collates with the processing time data transmitted by itself, and if the collation result is coincident, the mode setting means outputs from the card member. Since the transmitted image forming mode is automatically set, it is possible to reduce the burden of setting the image forming mode when the user moves to the selected image forming apparatus.

Further, since the calculating means is configured to calculate the main body processing time per unit number of originals based on the card data received by the main body receiving section, a small amount of image forming execution request can be processed in the minimum time. A high-speed image forming apparatus can be selected.

Further, since the calculating means is configured to calculate the total main body processing time based on the card data received by the main body receiving section, a high-speed image forming apparatus capable of processing a large number of image forming requests in the minimum time. Can be selected.

Further, when the detecting unit of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the retrieving unit detects the signal from the card member based on the signal detection result of the detecting unit and the state of use of the main body. Since the other image forming apparatus that can be used is searched for communication through the communication line and the notification unit is configured to notify the search result, when the image forming apparatus that has detected the use request happens to be in use, Can notify the user of the next available image forming apparatus candidate on the spot.

Further, the notifying means collates the retrieval result of the retrieving means with the positional information indicating the arrangement positional relationship stored in the storage section, and informs the image forming apparatus arranged closest to the next candidate. Therefore, the user can notify the image forming apparatus arranged at the position where the moving distance is the shortest from the current position as the next selection candidate.

Further, when the detecting section of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting section of the card member, the retrieving means detects the signal from the card member based on the signal detection result of the detecting means and the usage state of the main body. The other available image forming apparatuses are searched by communication via the communication line, and the reservation means reserves the image forming apparatus which is not operating based on the search result, and the notifying means searches the reservation status and the searching means. Since it is configured to notify the result, it is possible to secure on the spot the preferential use of the image forming apparatus in suspension by the user who is away from the image forming apparatus in suspension.

When the detecting unit of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit of the card member, the identifying unit of each image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member. Each card member is analyzed and identified, and the selection information by the setting means and the identification result of the identification means are compared and collated so that the selection control means controls invalidity or validity of the use request from the specific card member. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily set the usage mode in which the user is specified for each image forming apparatus.

Further, when the detecting means of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting portion of the card member, the power supply controlling means forms an image based on the detected elapsed time of the use request signal detection. Since it is configured to control the turning on / off of the main body power supply to the device, the power supply energization time by the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the card member can be optimized and wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

Further, when the detecting means of the image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting portion of the card member, the identifying means of each image forming apparatus detects the use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member. Since each card member is analyzed and identified, and the selection information by the setting means and the identification result of the identification means are compared and collated, the power management means identifies and manages the activation of the power control means. It is possible to arbitrarily set the usage mode in which the user is specified for each and to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

Therefore, the search time of the image forming apparatus to be used in the image forming system composed of the card member and the plurality of image forming apparatuses can be greatly shortened, and the identification and use situation according to the use mode of the user is managed. It is also possible to achieve such an effect that the moving efficiency of the system can be remarkably improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a card medium in an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming system constructed from the card main body shown in FIG. 1 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the card shown in FIG.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an example of a data communication processing procedure of the card shown in FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing an example of a data communication processing procedure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus and a contactless card in an image forming system showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is an external view showing an example of the non-contact ID card shown in FIG.

9 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the contactless ID card shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration block diagram showing an example of an image forming system showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a detailed diagram showing a communication mechanism between the line controller shown in FIG. 11 and each image forming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the respective image forming apparatuses are arranged close to each other.

14 is a diagram showing a reservation display state on the display panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure with a non-contact card in the image forming system according to the present invention.

16 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a subroutine 1 shown in FIG.

17 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a subroutine 2 shown in FIG.

18 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a subroutine 3 shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is an external view of an image forming apparatus including a non-contact card detection unit.

20 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a detection unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a main body power supply startup control procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention.

22 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the main SUB 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a contactless card registration processing procedure in the image forming system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Non-contact card 2-1 Image forming apparatus 2-2 Image forming apparatus 2-3 Image forming apparatus 2-4 Image forming apparatus

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A memory having a plurality of image forming apparatuses and at least one non-contact type card member, wherein the card member stores a desired image forming mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus. Section, an operation section for setting a desired image formation mode stored in the storage section, a card reception section for receiving main body transmission data transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and an image formation set by the operation section. Each image forming apparatus includes a card transmission unit that transmits selection data selected based on card data corresponding to a mode or main unit transmission data received by the reception unit, and a card transmission / reception control unit that controls transmission / reception of data. A main body receiving unit that receives the card data or the selection data transmitted from the card member, and a main body based on the card data received by the main body receiving unit. Calculating means for calculating the processing time, a main body transmitting section for transmitting the processing time data based on the main body processing time calculated by the calculating means to the card member, the selection data received by the main body receiving section and the calculating means An image forming system comprising: an informing unit for informing a selection result by collating with time data based on the main body processing time, and a main body transmission / reception control unit for controlling data transmission / reception. 2. The image forming mode requested to be transmitted from the card member when the selection data received by the main body receiving unit and the time data based on the main body processing time calculated by the calculating unit match the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a mode setting means for automatically setting. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the calculating means calculates the main body processing time per unit number of originals based on the card data received by the main body receiving section. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the calculating unit calculates the total main body processing time based on the card data received by the main body receiving unit. 5. A plurality of image forming apparatuses, and at least one or more non-contact type card members, wherein the card member includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus, A communication unit that allows the image forming apparatus to communicate with each image forming apparatus via a communication line, a detection unit that detects a use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit, a signal detection result of the detection unit, and a main body. A search means for performing a communication search for another usable image forming apparatus from the card member via the communication line based on a usage state; and a notification means for notifying a search result of the search means. Image forming system. 6. The image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores position information indicating a positional relationship between the other image forming apparatus and the remaining image forming apparatus, and the notification unit is a search result of the search unit and the arrangement stored in the storage unit. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus arranged closest to the image forming apparatus is notified as a next candidate by collating with position information indicating a positional relationship. 7. A plurality of image forming apparatuses, and at least one or more non-contact type card members, wherein the card member includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus, A communication unit that allows the image forming apparatus to communicate with each image forming apparatus via a communication line, a detection unit that detects a use request signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit, a signal detection result of the detection unit, and a main body. Retrieval means for performing communication search through the communication line for another usable image forming apparatus from the card member based on the state of use, and reserving the idle image forming apparatus based on the retrieval result of the retrieving means. An image forming system comprising: a reservation unit; and an informing unit for informing a reservation state by the reservation unit and a search result of the search unit. 8. A plurality of image forming apparatuses, and at least one or more non-contact type card members, wherein the card member includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus. Each image forming apparatus sets identification means for analyzing each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member to identify each card member, and selection information for selecting invalid or effective use request from a specific card member. Setting means, and sorting control means for comparing and collating the sorting information and the identification result of the identifying means by the setting means, and controlling the invalidation or validity of the usage request from the specific card member. Image forming system. 9. A plurality of image forming apparatuses, and at least one or more non-contact type card members, wherein the card member includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a use request signal to the image forming apparatus, A detection unit that detects the output state of each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member by each image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus based on the use request signal detection elapsed time detected by the detecting unit. An image forming system comprising: a main body power supply control means for controlling power on / off. 10. A plurality of image forming apparatuses, and at least one image forming apparatus.
One or more non-contact type card members, wherein the card member includes a transmitter that wirelessly transmits a use request signal to the image forming apparatus, and each image forming apparatus wirelessly transmits from each card member. Detection means for detecting a use request signal output state; power supply control means for controlling on / off of the main body power supply to the image forming apparatus based on each use request signal detection elapsed time detected by the detection means; The image forming apparatus sets identification means for identifying each card member by analyzing each use request signal wirelessly transmitted from each card member, and selection information for selecting invalid or effective use request from a specific card member. By comparing and collating the setting means, the selection information by the setting means and the identification result of the identification means,
An image forming system comprising: a power management unit for identifying and managing activation of a power control unit.