Image forming apparatus with function of preventing secondary infection

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper includes a body surface temperature measuring sensor, a user interface, a communication interface, and a controller. The body surface temperature measuring sensor measures the body surface temperature of the operator in a non-contact manner. The user interface presents a message to the operator. The communication interface transmits a message to the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus. When access to the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus is required and the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, the controller transmits a message requesting to touch the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus to the administrator by the communication interface and presents a message requesting not to touch the image forming apparatus to the operator by the user interface.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image forming apparatus with the function of preventing a secondary infection.

BACKGROUND

The image forming apparatus forms an image on paper. In the related art, an input operation using a touch panel is required to operate the image forming apparatus. If a person with an infectious disease who has been infected with an infectious disease such as influenza or norovirus operates the touch panel, the virus adheres to the operated part. Therefore, if a person without an infectious disease who is not infected with an infectious disease subsequently operates the touch panel, the virus adheres to the finger of the person without an infectious disease, so that the person without an infectious disease is infected and the infectious disease is sometimes widespread.

For this reason, a technique has been proposed that enables a person without an infectious disease to operate without touching the touch panel area touched by a person with an infectious disease. For example, a technique has been proposed to prevent infection by identifying an area touched by a person with an infectious disease, setting it as a contaminated area, and moving the display of operation buttons to a non-contaminated area. In addition, a technique also has been proposed in which whether the operator is a person with an infectious disease or a person without an infectious disease is determined by the movement of the operator (sneezing, coughing, wearing a mask) by a surveillance camera and a person without an infectious disease is prevented from touching the operation button part contaminated by a person with an infectious disease.

However, the technique proposed in the related art is a countermeasure against virus adhesion to the operation input unit and is not able to deal with virus adhesion to the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus by touching the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus in the replenishment and replacement work of consumables.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG.2is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus;

FIG.3is a diagram showing a configuration example of a process unit;

FIG.4is a perspective view showing an example of a touch panel state of an operation unit;

FIG.5is a front view of the operation unit in the touch panel state;

FIG.6is a schematic diagram showing a state before rotation of the operation unit;

FIG.7is a schematic diagram showing a state after rotation of the operation unit;

FIG.8is a schematic diagram for illustrating the projection of an aerial touch panel on the operation unit;

FIG.9is a front view showing an example of an aerial touch panel state of the operation unit;

FIG.10is a perspective view of the operation unit in an aerial touch panel state;

FIG.11is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus;

FIG.12is a flowchart showing an example of operation processing of the image forming apparatus;

FIG.13is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of processing for a person without a fever processing inFIG.12;

FIG.14is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of the image forming processing for a person without a fever inFIG.13;

FIG.15is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of the image forming processing for a person without a fever inFIG.13;

FIG.16is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of processing for a person with a fever inFIG.12;

FIG.17is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of image forming processing for a person with a fever inFIG.16; and

FIG.18is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of image forming processing for a person with a fever in FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, the image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper includes a body surface temperature measuring sensor, a user interface, a communication interface, and a controller. The body surface temperature measuring sensor measures the body surface temperature of the operator in a non-contact manner. The user interface presents a message to the operator. The communication interface transmits a message to the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus. When access to the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus is required and the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, the controller transmits a message requesting to touch the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus to the administrator by the communication interface and presents a message requesting not to touch the image forming apparatus to the operator by the user interface.

FIG.1is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus1is connected to one or more user terminals2via a network3. Further, the image forming apparatus1is also connected to the administrator terminal4via the network3.

In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus1. The MFP is an apparatus having multiple functions such as a function of forming a desired image on a print medium which is a sheet-like paper such as paper or a resin sheet, that is, a function of printing, a function of reading an image formed on the print medium based on image information composed of electronic data, and the like. The MFP may further have the function of a facsimile machine.

The user terminal2is a personal computer or the like that generates image data to be printed and transmits the generated image data to the image forming apparatus1.

The network3is, for example, a wired Local Area Network (LAN) or a wireless LAN configured in-house.

The administrator terminal4is a terminal of an administrator who manages consumables in the image forming apparatus1and replenishes and replaces consumables to the image forming apparatus1. The administrator terminal4is a personal computer or the like. One of the user terminals2can also serve as the administrator terminal4.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus1has, for example, a configuration in which a low-temperature fixing toner using a crystalline polyester resin is replenished from a toner cartridge to form an image on a print medium. The toner is, for example, a toner selected from cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and the like. The image forming apparatus1can also select one toner and form a monochromatic image with that toner on a print medium. The toner may be a decolorizable toner.

The image forming apparatus1can mount a toner cartridge5C containing cyan toner which is a chromatic toner, a toner cartridge5M containing magenta toner, a toner cartridge5Y containing yellow toner, and a toner cartridge5K containing black toner. In other words, the toner cartridges5C,5M,5Y, and5K can be taken out from the image forming apparatus1and replaced. In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish between the toner cartridges5C,5M,5Y, and5K, the toner cartridges5C,5M,5Y, and5K are referred to as the toner cartridge5.

Further, the image forming apparatus1can mount spare toner cartridges5CR,5MR,5YR, and5KR as spares for these toner cartridges5. In other words, the spare toner cartridges5CR,5MR,5YR, and5KR can be taken out from the image forming apparatus1and replaced. In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish between the spare toner cartridges5CR,5MR,5YR, and5KR, the spare toner cartridges5CR,5MR,5YR, and5KR are referred to as the spare toner cartridge5R. The spare toner cartridge5R is used if the operator is a person with a fever and the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge5ran out. If the operator is a person without a fever, the toner contained in the spare toner cartridge5R is not used.

As shown inFIG.2, the image forming apparatus1includes a housing10, an image reading unit11, a communication interface12, a system controller13, an operation unit14, a paper cassette15, a spare paper cassette15R, a paper discharge tray16, a conveyance unit17, an image forming unit18, a fixing device19, and an infrared thermography camera20.

The housing10is the main body of the image forming apparatus1. The housing10houses the image reading unit11, the communication interface12, the system controller13, the operation unit14, the paper cassette15, the spare paper cassette15R, the paper discharge tray16, the conveyance unit17, the image forming unit18, the fixing device19, and the infrared thermography camera20.

The image reading unit11acquires characters, illustrations, photographs, or the like on the object to be read based on brightness and darkness, and generates image data corresponding to the brightness and darkness. The image reading unit11includes at least a document table (document glass), a lighting device, and an image sensor. The lighting device irradiates the document supported by the document table, that is, the object to be read, with illumination light. The image sensor receives the reflected light (image information) reflected by the document and performs photoelectric conversion to generate an image signal. The image sensor is, for example, a CCD sensor or a Complementary metal-oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The communication interface12is an interface for communicating with other devices. The communication interface12is used, for example, for communication with the user terminal2and the administrator terminal4, which are higher-level devices (external devices). The communication interface12is configured as, for example, a LAN connector for connecting to a wired LAN. The communication interface12may perform wireless communication with other devices directly or via a wireless LAN according to a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-fi (registered trademark).

The system controller13controls the image forming apparatus1. The system controller13includes, for example, a processor21and a memory22. Further, the system controller13is connected to the image reading unit11, the conveyance unit17, the image forming unit18, the fixing device19, the infrared thermography camera20, and the like via a bus or the like.

The processor21is an arithmetic element that executes arithmetic processing. The processor21is, for example, a microprocessor (MPU). The processor21performs various processes based on data such as a program stored in the memory22. The processor21functions as a control unit capable of executing various operations by executing a program stored in the memory22.

The processor21controls the conveyance unit17, the image forming unit18, the fixing device19, and the infrared thermography camera20by executing the program stored in the memory22. The processor21executes a program stored in the memory22to generate a print job for forming an image on a print medium P. For example, the processor21generates a print job based on an image acquired from the user terminal2via the communication interface12. The processor21may generate a print job based on the image read by the image reading unit11, for example. The processor21stores the generated print job in the memory22.

The print job includes image data indicating an image formed on the print medium P. The image data may be data for forming an image on one print medium P or may be data for forming an image on a plurality of print media P. In addition, the print job contains information indicating whether it is a color print or a monochrome print.

The operation unit14includes a liquid crystal touch panel23. The liquid crystal touch panel23includes a liquid crystal display that displays a screen in response to a video signal input from a display control unit such as the system controller13or a graphic controller (not shown). For example, the liquid crystal display of the liquid crystal touch panel23displays screens for various settings of the image forming apparatus1. Further, the liquid crystal touch panel23includes a touch sensor arranged on the liquid crystal display. The touch sensor supplies an operation signal corresponding to the touch position of the operator to the system controller13.

The paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R are cassettes that accommodate the print medium P, respectively. The paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R are configured so that the print medium P can be supplied from the outside of the housing10. For example, the paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R are configured to be retractable from the housing10. The spare paper cassette15R is used if the operator is a person with a fever and the print medium P of the paper cassette15ran out. If the operator is a person without a fever, the print medium P contained in the spare paper cassette15R is not used. Although only one paper cassette15is shown inFIG.2, the image forming apparatus1may include a plurality of paper cassettes15.

The paper discharge tray16is a tray that supports the print medium P discharged from the image forming apparatus1.

The conveyance unit17is a mechanism for conveying the print medium P in the image forming apparatus1. As shown inFIG.2, the conveyance unit17includes a plurality of conveyance paths. For example, the conveyance unit17includes a paper feed conveyance path24and a paper discharge conveyance path25.

The paper feed conveyance path24and the paper discharge conveyance path25are each composed of a plurality of motors, a plurality of rollers, and a plurality of guides (not shown). The plurality of motors rotate the shaft under the control of the system controller13to rotate the rollers linked to the rotation of the shaft. The plurality of rollers move the print medium P by rotating. The plurality of guides control the conveyance direction of the print medium P.

The paper feed conveyance path24picks up the print medium P from the paper cassette15or the spare paper cassette15R and supplies the picked-up print medium P to the image forming unit18. The paper feed conveyance path24includes a pickup roller26corresponding to each paper cassette. Each pickup roller26introduces the print medium P of the paper cassette15or the spare paper cassette15R into the paper feed conveyance path24.

The paper discharge conveyance path25is a conveyance path for discharging the print medium P on which the image was formed from the housing10. The print medium P discharged by the paper discharge conveyance path25is supported by the paper discharge tray16.

Next, the image forming unit18will be described. The image forming unit18is configured to form an image on the print medium P based on the control of the system controller13. Specifically, the image forming unit18forms an image on the print medium P based on the print job generated by the processor21. The image forming unit18includes a plurality of process units27, a transfer mechanism28, and a temperature and humidity sensor29.

First, the configuration related to the image formation of the image forming unit18will be described. The plurality of process units27correspond to cyan toner, magenta toner, yellow toner, and black toner, respectively. The toner cartridges5(toner cartridges5C,5M,5Y, and5K) and the spare toner cartridges5R (spare toner cartridges5CR,5MR,5YR, and5KR) having toners of different colors are connected to each process unit27. Since the plurality of process units27have the same configuration except for the developer to be filled, one process unit27will be described.

FIG.3is a diagram showing a configuration example of the process unit27. The process unit27includes a photosensitive drum30, a charging charger31, and a developing device32.

Further, the image forming unit18includes a plurality of exposure devices33, a plurality of toner cleaners34, a plurality of drum temperature sensors35, a plurality of toner cartridge rotating motors36, and a plurality of spare toner cartridge rotating motors36R. The exposure device33, the toner cleaner34, the drum temperature sensor35, the toner cartridge rotating motor36, and the spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R are provided for each process unit27.

The photosensitive drum30is a photosensitive member including a cylindrical drum and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum. The photosensitive drum30is rotated at a constant speed by a drive mechanism including a photosensitive drum driving motor (not shown).

The charging charger31uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum30. For example, the charging charger31charges the photosensitive drum30to a uniform negative potential (contrast potential) by applying a voltage (developing bias voltage) to the photosensitive drum30using a charging roller. The charging roller is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum30in a state where a predetermined pressure is applied to the photosensitive drum30.

The developing device32is a device for adhering toner to the photosensitive drum30. The developing device32includes a developer container37, a developing roller38, a doctor blade39, an auto toner control sensor (ATC sensor)40, and the like.

The developer container37is a container that stores a developer containing toner and a carrier. Toner is replenished from the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R. The developing roller38is rotated in the developer container37by a drive mechanism including a developing roller driving motor (not shown). Due to this rotation, the developing roller38carries the developer on its surface. The doctor blade39is a member disposed at a predetermined distance from the developing roller38. The doctor blade39adjusts the thickness of the developer carried on the developing roller38.

The ATC sensor40is, for example, a magnetic sensor having a coil and detecting a voltage value (ATC sensor detection voltage) generated in the coil. The ATC sensor40detects the toner density in the developer in the developer container37of the developing device32. That is, the ATC sensor40detects the change in the magnetic flux accompanying the change in the toner density in the developer container37as the ATC sensor detection voltage generated in the coil. The ATC sensor40supplies the ATC sensor detection voltage to the system controller13. The amount of toner in the developer container37is reflected in the ATC sensor detection voltage. That is, the system controller13can determine the density of the toner remaining in the developer container37based on the ATC sensor detection voltage and can perform the determination process of whether or not the toner replenishment is necessary. Toner is replenished from the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R to the developer container37based on the ATC sensor detection voltage.

The exposure device33includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements. The exposure device33forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum30by irradiating the photosensitive drum30with light from the light emitting element under the control of the system controller13. The light emitting element is a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. One light emitting element is configured to irradiate one point on the photosensitive drum30with light. The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in the main scanning direction, which is a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum30. The exposure device33forms a latent image for one line on the photosensitive drum30by irradiating the photosensitive drum30with light by the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the exposure device33forms a latent image by continuously irradiating the rotating photosensitive drum30with light.

The toner cleaner34removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum30after the toner image is transferred to the primary transfer belt41, which is an intermediate transfer belt, which will be described later. The toner cleaner34has a blade42that comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum30. The toner cleaner34removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum30so as to peel off the toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum30by the blade42.

The drum temperature sensor35is arranged in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum30and the developer container37and detects the atmospheric temperature of the surroundings including the photosensitive drum30and the developer container37. The drum temperature sensor35supplies the temperature detection value to the system controller13.

The toner cartridge rotating motor36rotates the screw of the toner cartridge5to supply toner from the toner cartridge5to the developing device32. The toner cartridge rotating motor36rotates a drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism is connected to a screw described later of the toner cartridge5if the toner cartridge5is mounted on the image forming apparatus1. The screw rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive mechanism.

Similarly, the spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R rotates the screw of the spare toner cartridge5R to supply toner from the spare toner cartridge5R to the developing device32. The spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R rotates a drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism is connected to the screw described later of the spare toner cartridge5R if the spare toner cartridge5R is mounted on the image forming apparatus1. The screw rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive mechanism.

In the above configuration, if the surface of the photosensitive drum30charged by the charging charger31is irradiated with light from the exposure device33, an electrostatic latent image is formed. If the developer layer formed on the surface of the developing roller38is close to the photosensitive drum30, the toner contained in the developer adheres to the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. As a result, the process unit27forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum30.

Further, according to the above configuration, the processor21of the system controller13calculates the toner density in the developer container37of the developing device32based on the preset reference value (ATC sensor reference value) and the output of the ATC sensor detection voltage supplied from the ATC sensor40. Based on the calculated toner density, the processor21performs a toner replenishment necessity determination process for determining the necessity of replenishing the toner from the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R.

If the processor21determines in the toner replenishment necessity determination process that the amount of toner in the developer container37of the developing device32is decreasing, the operation of the toner cartridge rotating motor36or the spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R is controlled to supply the toner from the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R to the developing device32.

The transfer mechanism28has a configuration in which the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum30is transferred to the print medium P. The transfer mechanism28includes, for example, a primary transfer belt41which is an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer opposed roller43, a plurality of primary transfer rollers44, and a secondary transfer roller45.

The primary transfer belt41is an endless belt wound around the secondary transfer opposed roller43and a plurality of driven rollers. In the primary transfer belt41, the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) is in contact with the secondary transfer opposed roller43and the plurality of driven rollers, and the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) faces the photosensitive drum30of the process unit27.

The secondary transfer opposed roller43is rotated by a motor (not shown). The secondary transfer opposed roller43rotates to transfer the primary transfer belt41in a predetermined conveyance direction. The plurality of driven rollers are configured to be freely rotatable. The plurality of driven rollers rotate according to the movement of the primary transfer belt41by the secondary transfer opposed roller43.

The plurality of primary transfer rollers44have a configuration in which the primary transfer belt41is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum30of the process unit27. The plurality of primary transfer rollers44are provided so as to correspond to the photosensitive drums30of the plurality of process units27. Specifically, the plurality of primary transfer rollers44are provided at positions facing each other with the photosensitive drum30of the corresponding process unit27and the primary transfer belt41interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roller44comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface side of the primary transfer belt41and displaces the primary transfer belt41toward the photosensitive drum30side. As a result, the primary transfer roller44brings the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41into contact with the photosensitive drum30.

The secondary transfer roller45is provided at a position facing the secondary transfer opposed roller43with the primary transfer belt41interposed therebetween. The secondary transfer roller45comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41and applies pressure. As a result, a transfer nip is formed in which the secondary transfer roller45and the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41are in close contact with each other. If the print medium P passes through the transfer nip, the secondary transfer roller45presses the print medium P passing through the transfer nip against the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41.

The secondary transfer roller45and the secondary transfer opposed roller43rotate to convey the print medium P supplied from the paper feed conveyance path24in a sandwiched state. As a result, the print medium P passes through the transfer nip.

The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum30is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41. If the image forming unit18includes the plurality of process units27, the primary transfer belt41receives the toner image from the photosensitive drums30of the plurality of process units27. The toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41is conveyed by the primary transfer belt41to the transfer nip in which the secondary transfer roller45and the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41are in close contact with each other. If the print medium P is present in the transfer nip, the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt41is transferred to the print medium P in the transfer nip.

The processor21forms toner pattern images having different densities on the primary transfer belt41for each toner by each process unit27. A density sensor (not shown) detects the density of the toner pattern image, and the processor21can adjust the image formation conditions based on the detection result.

The temperature and humidity sensor29measures the entire atmospheric temperature and atmospheric humidity in the image forming unit18. The temperature and humidity sensor29is arranged between the process unit27arranged at the most downstream in the sub-scanning direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction of the image forming unit18and the transfer nip. The temperature and humidity sensor29supplies the detected values of temperature and humidity to the system controller13. The temperature and humidity sensor29may be arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. Further, the temperature and humidity sensor29may be arranged in the vicinity of each of the plurality of process units27to measure the atmospheric temperature and the atmospheric humidity around each process unit27. A temperature sensor may be used instead of the temperature and humidity sensor29.

Next, the configuration related to the fixing of the image forming apparatus1will be described. The fixing device19fixes the toner image on the print medium P on which the toner image was transferred. The fixing device19operates under the control of the system controller13. The fixing device19includes a heating member that applies heat to the print medium P and a pressurizing member that applies pressure to the print medium P. For example, the heating member is a heat roller46. Further, for example, the pressurizing member is a press roller47.

The heat roller46is a fixing rotating body that is rotated by a drive mechanism including a heat roller motor (not shown). The heat roller46includes a core metal formed of hollow metal and an elastic layer formed on the outer periphery of the core metal. The heat roller46is heated to a high temperature by a heater arranged inside the hollow core metal. The heater is, for example, a halogen heater. Further, the heater may be an induction heating (IH) heater that heats the core metal by electromagnetic induction.

The press roller47is provided at a position facing the heat roller46. The press roller47includes a core metal formed of metal with a predetermined outer diameter and an elastic layer formed on the outer periphery of the core metal. The press roller47applies pressure to the heat roller46by the stress applied from a tension member (not shown). If pressure is applied from the press roller47to the heat roller46, a nip in which the press roller47and the heat roller46are in close contact, that is, a so-called fixing nip is formed. The press roller47is rotated by a motor (not shown). The press roller47rotates to move the print medium P that entered the fixing nip and presses the print medium P against the heat roller46.

With the above configuration, the heat roller46and the press roller47apply heat and pressure to the print medium P passing through the fixing nip. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the print medium P that passed through the fixing nip. The print medium P that passed through the fixing nip is introduced into the paper discharge conveyance path25and discharged to the outside of the housing10.

Next, the configurations of the toner cartridge5and the spare toner cartridge5R will be described. The toner cartridge5includes the toner cartridge5C containing cyan toner, the toner cartridge5M containing magenta toner, the toner cartridge5Y containing yellow toner, and the toner cartridge5K containing black toner. Similarly, the spare toner cartridge5R contains the spare toner cartridge5CR containing cyan toner, the spare toner cartridge5MR containing magenta toner, the spare toner cartridge5YR containing yellow toner, and the spare toner cartridge5KR containing black toner.

As shown inFIG.3, the toner cartridge5includes a storage container501and a screw502. Further, the spare toner cartridge5R also includes the same hardware configuration as the toner cartridge5. Here, the toner cartridge5will be described.

The storage container501is connected to the developer container37of the developing device32if the toner cartridge5is mounted on the image forming apparatus1.

The screw502is a delivery mechanism that is provided in the storage container501and sends out the toner in the storage container501to the developing device32by rotating. The screw502is driven by the toner cartridge rotating motor36of the process unit27.

The infrared thermography camera20is oriented in the direction of detecting the operator and is equipped at a position where the body surface temperature of the operator of the housing10can be measured. The output of the infrared thermography camera20is input to the system controller13, and the processor21of the system controller13determines the body surface temperature of the operator based on the output of the infrared thermography camera20.

Next, the operation unit14will be described. The operation unit14is configured to be able to switch between a touch panel state, which is a state if the operator is a person without a fever, and an aerial touch panel state, which is a state if the operator is a person with a fever.

FIG.4is a perspective view showing an example of the touch panel state of the operation unit14, andFIG.5is a front view of the operation unit14in the touch panel state. The operation unit14is supported by a support arm49extending from the housing10so as to be rotatable around a rotary shaft48fixed to the operation unit14. If the operator is a person without a fever, the liquid crystal touch panel23is arranged on one surface of the operation unit14so that the liquid crystal touch panel23faces the operator. The liquid crystal display constituting the liquid crystal touch panel23can display various button images for the operator to perform a touch operation, input contents corresponding to the operator's touch operation, a message to be presented to the operator, and the like.

Inside the operation unit14, a rotation mechanism for rotating the operation unit14is provided. The rotation mechanism includes an operation unit rotating motor50, a first rotary gear51, and a second rotary gear52.FIG.6is a schematic diagram showing a state before rotation of the operation unit14, andFIG.7is a schematic diagram showing a state after rotation likewise. The operation unit rotating motor50is fixed inside the operation unit14, and the first rotary gear51is fixed to the rotation shaft of the operation unit rotating motor50. Further, the second rotary gear52is fixed to the rotary shaft48inside the operation unit14. The first rotary gear51and the second rotary gear52are in mesh with each other.

Therefore, if the rotary shaft of the operation unit rotating motor50, that is, the first rotary gear51rotates as shown by an arrow inFIG.6, the second rotary gear52meshed with the first rotary gear51rotates in the opposite direction to that of the first rotary gear51. Along with the rotation of the second rotary gear52, the rotary shaft48rotates, and as a result, the operation unit14itself rotates. As shown inFIG.7, this rotation is continued until the liquid crystal touch panel23faces the housing10.

FIG.8is a schematic diagram for illustrating the projection of the aerial touch panel on the operation unit14, andFIG.9is a front view showing an example of the aerial touch panel state of the operation unit14. Further,FIG.10is a perspective view of the operation unit14in the aerial touch panel state. Inside the operation unit14, an aerial liquid crystal display53for implementing an aerial touch panel, an aerial touch panel 3 D plate54, an aerial touch detection sensor (not shown), and the like are arranged. As shown by the arrows inFIG.8, the image projected on the aerial liquid crystal display53is polarized through the aerial touch panel3D plate54in the middle and imaged on the target surface to be projected as a display floating in the air. That is, an aerial touch panel projection image55facing the operator is formed on the operation unit14. For example, an aerial touch detection sensor made of an ultrasonic sensor detects where the operator touches on the aerial touch panel projection image55. This enables display and touch position detection equivalent to those of the liquid crystal touch panel23. The aerial touch detection sensor may be, for example, a two-dimensional infrared camera disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,019,115 B2, an optical sensor two-dimensionally arranged on the display surface disclosed in US 2018/0011605 A1, and the like.

As described above, in the operation unit14, the operation unit rotating motor50rotates from the touch panel state in which the liquid crystal touch panel23, which is of a contact input method, is on the front side, so that the operation unit14itself is rotated by the first rotary gear51and the second rotary gear52and the liquid crystal touch panel23is rotated to the back side. Thereby, the operation unit14can put the operation surface into the aerial touch panel state in which the aerial touch panel projection image55that implements the non-contact input method appears on the front side. Further, in the operation unit14, the operation unit rotating motor50rotates in the reverse direction from the aerial touch panel state, so that the operation unit14itself is rotated in the reverse direction by the first rotary gear51and the second rotary gear52and the liquid crystal touch panel23can be returned to the front side. The operation unit14is not limited to such a rotation configuration. For example, the configuration can be any configuration such as that the liquid crystal touch panel23evacuates from the front of the operation unit14to form the aerial touch panel projection image55in the vacant space, or the evacuated liquid crystal touch panel23can be used as the aerial liquid crystal display53.

Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus1will be described.FIG.11is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus1. As described above, the system controller13includes the processor21and the memory22.

The memory22includes a ROM221which is a program memory, a RAM222used by the processor21as a work memory, a non-volatile memory (NVM)223which stores various control parameters even if the image forming apparatus1is not turned on, and the like. The NVM.223can store administrator contact information such as the network address of the administrator terminal4and the email address of the administrator, for example.

The processor21is connected to the ROM221, the RAM222, and the NVM223of the memory22via a bus56.

The RAM222as a work memory stores an image signal generated by the image reading unit11or image data from the communication interface12. The processor21performs predetermined image processing in order to convert the image signals or image data stored in the RAM222into image data suitable for image formation by the image forming unit18. The predetermined processing includes, for example, for the output image (printout), processing, for example, such as character identification, contour correction, color tone correction (color conversion, RGB→CMY, density), halftone (gradation), γ characteristic (input density value to output density). The image signal and image data that have undergone image processing can be stored in the NVM223or a storage device (not shown), for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). Further, the image signal and the image data can be stored in a semiconductor memory (not shown) that can be taken out from the image forming apparatus1. In addition to the processor21, the system controller13may include an image processing unit including a CPU that exclusively performs such image processing.

The processor21further converts the image data that has undergone image processing into a modulated signal, that is, an exposure signal for use as exposure light by each exposure device33, and supplies the image data to the image forming unit18. Therefore, the processor21is connected to the image forming unit18via the bus56.

Further, the processor21accesses the image reading unit11, the communication interface12, the infrared thermography camera20, the liquid crystal touch panel23, the ATC sensor40of each process unit27, and the aerial liquid crystal display53via the bus56. InFIG.11, the “infrared thermography camera” is abbreviated as “thermography camera”.

Further, the processor21is connected to a speaker57, an audio input microphone58, an aerial touch detection sensor59, a paper cassette paper feed motor driver60, a paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor61, a spare paper cassette paper feed motor driver62, a spare paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor63, a toner cartridge rotating motor driver64, a spare toner cartridge rotating motor driver65, and an operation unit rotating motor driver66via the bus56. InFIG.11, the “audio input microphone” is referred to as “microphone”, the “paper cassette paper feed motor driver” is referred to as “paper feed motor driver”, the “paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor” is referred to as “paper remaining amount sensor”, the “spare paper cassette paper feed motor driver” is referred to as “spare paper feed motor driver”, the “spare paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor” is referred to as “spare paper remaining amount sensor”, the “toner cartridge rotating motor driver” is referred to as “rotating motor driver”, and the “spare toner cartridge rotating motor driver” is referred to as “spare rotating motor driver”.

The speaker57outputs an operation sound and outputs various voice messages. That is, the processor21can not only display the message on the liquid crystal touch panel23or the aerial touch panel projection image55but also present the message to the operator by audio from the speaker57.

The audio input microphone58acquires the voice of the operator. The processor21can receive the operation control of the image forming apparatus1by the voice instruction of the operator by recognizing the voice acquired by the audio input microphone58. Therefore, in the case of a person with a fever, it is also possible to configure only the aerial touch panel projection image55instead of the aerial touch panel to be switched and to accept an operation instruction by voice without detecting the aerial touch operation of the operator.

The aerial touch detection sensor59detects where on the aerial touch panel projection image55the operator touches. The processor21can determine the operation instruction content of the operator based on the image position of the operation button or the like displayed on the aerial touch panel projection image55and the position detected by the aerial touch detection sensor59.

A paper cassette paper feed motor67is connected to the paper cassette paper feed motor driver60. The paper cassette paper feed motor driver60controls the rotation of the paper cassette paper feed motor67according to the instructions of the processor21. The paper cassette paper feed motor67rotates the pickup roller26corresponding to the paper cassette15to pick up the paper, that is, the print medium P contained in the paper cassette15into the paper feed conveyance path24.

The paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor61detects the remaining amount of the print medium P contained in the paper cassette15. Based on the detection result of the paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor61, the processor21can determine whether or not the print medium P contained in the paper cassette15was used up, that is, whether or not the paper cassette15needs to be replenished with the print medium P.

A spare paper cassette paper feed motor68is connected to the spare paper cassette paper feed motor driver62. The spare paper cassette paper feed motor driver62controls the rotation of the spare paper cassette paper feed motor68according to the instructions of the processor21. The spare paper cassette paper feed motor68rotates the pickup roller26corresponding to the spare paper cassette15R and introduces the paper, that is, the print medium P contained in the spare paper cassette15R into the paper feed conveyance path24.

The spare paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor63detects the remaining amount of the print medium P contained in the spare paper cassette15R. Based on the detection result of the spare paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor63, the processor21can determine whether or not the print medium P contained in the spare paper cassette15R was used up, that is, whether or not the spare paper cassette15R needs to be replenished with the print medium P.

The toner cartridge rotating motor36described above is connected to the toner cartridge rotating motor driver64. The toner cartridge rotating motor driver64controls the rotation of the toner cartridge rotating motor36according to the instructions of the processor21. The toner cartridge rotating motor36rotates a screw502provided in the storage container501of the toner cartridge5to send out the toner in the storage container501to the developing device32.

The spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R described above is connected to the spare toner cartridge rotating motor driver65. The spare toner cartridge rotating motor driver65controls the rotation of the spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R according to the instruction of the processor21. The spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R rotates the screw502provided in the storage container501of the spare toner cartridge5R and sends out the toner in the storage container501to the developing device32.

The processor21controls the toner cartridge rotating motor36by the toner cartridge rotating motor driver64or controls the spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R by the spare toner cartridge rotating motor driver65to supply toner to the developing device32from the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R. Then, the processor21can detect the occurrence of toner shortage in the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R depending on the presence or absence of the output change of the ATC sensor40at that time. The processor21can determine whether or not the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R needs to be replaced based on whether or not the toner shortage occurred in the toner cartridge5or the spare toner cartridge5R.

The operation unit rotating motor50described above is connected to the operation unit rotating motor driver66. The operation unit rotating motor driver66controls the rotation of the operation unit rotating motor50according to the instruction of the processor21. The operation unit rotating motor50rotates the operation unit14itself by the first rotary gear51and the second rotary gear52, and switches between the liquid crystal touch panel23, which is of a contact input method, and the aerial touch panel projection image55, which implements a non-contact input method, as an operation surface facing the operator.

The operation of the image forming apparatus1will be described below. The contents of the process described below are examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

FIG.12is a flowchart showing an example of the operation processing of the image forming apparatus1according to an embodiment. The processor21performs the control process shown inFIG.12according to the control program stored in the ROM221.

If the power of the image forming apparatus1is turned on, the processor21determines whether the image data from the user terminal2via the communication interface12was received after performing initial settings such as preheating of the image forming unit18and the fixing device19(ACT1). If it is determined that the image data was not received (ACT1, NO), the processor21determines whether or not an operator is detected, that is, an operator is in front of the image forming apparatus1, based on the output of the infrared thermography camera20(ACT2). If it is determined that no operator is detected (ACT2, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT1.

If it is determined that the image data was received (ACT1, YES), the processor21stores the image data in the RAM222(ACT3). After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT1.

If it is determined that an operator is detected (ACT2, YES), the processor21determines whether or not the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, 38° C. or higher in the present embodiment, based on the output of the infrared thermography camera20(ACT4). If it is determined that the body surface temperature of the operator is less than 38° C. (ACT4, NO), the processor21forms an image on the print medium P by a subroutine of processing for a person without a fever as described later (ACT5). After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT1.

Further, if it is determined that the body surface temperature of the operator is 38° C. or higher (ACT4, YES), the processor21forms an image on the print medium P by a subroutine of processing for a person with a fever as described later (ACT6). After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT1.

FIG.13is a flowchart showing an example of the subroutine of processing for a person without a fever of ACT5. The processor21determines whether or not the operation unit14is in the aerial touch panel state in which the aerial touch panel projection image55is on the front side (ACT51). If another operator who used the image forming apparatus1immediately before the operator, that is, the previous operator is a person with a fever, the operation unit14is in the aerial touch panel state.

If it is determined that the operation unit14is not in the aerial touch panel state (ACT51, NO), the processor21determines whether or not the toner cartridge was switched to the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT52). If the previous operator was a person with a fever and there is no remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5, the toner cartridge was switched to the spare toner cartridge5R. Even if the previous operator was a person with a fever, if there was a remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5, the toner cartridge was not switched to the spare toner cartridge5R.

If it is determined that the toner cartridge was not switched to the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT52, NO), the processor21determines whether or not the paper cassette was switched to the spare paper cassette15R (ACT53). If the previous operator was a person with a fever and there was no print medium P of the paper cassette15, the paper cassette was switched to the spare paper cassette15R. Even if the previous operator was a person with a fever, if the print medium P contained in the paper cassette15remained, the paper cassette15was not switched to the spare paper cassette15R.

If it is determined that the paper cassette was not switched to the spare paper cassette15R (ACT53, NO), the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of spare toner contained in the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT54). Therefore, if the processor21determines the remaining amount of toner in the spare toner cartridge5R in the subroutine of processing for a person with a fever described later, the determination result is stored in the NVM223, and this determination result is used in the process of ACT54. Alternatively, the processor21may temporarily switch the toner cartridge to the spare toner cartridge5R, determine the remaining amount of spare toner in the spare toner cartridge5R based on the output of the ATC sensor40, and return to the toner cartridge5after the determination is completed.

If it is determined that there is a remaining amount of the spare toner in the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT54, YES), the processor21determines whether or not the spare print medium P which is the spare paper contained in the spare paper cassette15R is remained (ACT55).

If it is determined that there is spare paper in the spare paper cassette15R (ACT55, YES), the processor21actually forms an image on the print medium P by a subroutine of image forming processing for a person without a fever as described later (ACT56). After that, the processor21ends the subroutine of processing for a person without a fever and shifts to the process of ACT1.

If it is determined that the operation unit is in the aerial touch panel state (ACT51, YES), the processor21controls the operation unit rotating motor50by the operation unit rotating motor driver66to rotate and switch the operation unit14to the touch panel state in which the liquid crystal touch panel23is on the front side (ACT57). After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT52.

If it is determined that the toner cartridge was switched to the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT52, YES), the processor21switches to the normal toner cartridge5(ACT58). After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT53.

If it is determined that the paper cassette was switched to the spare paper cassette15R (ACT53, YES), the processor21switches to the normal paper cassette15(ACT59). After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT54.

If it is determined that there is no remaining amount of the spare toner in the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT54, NO), the processor21presents a replacement message requesting replacement of the spare toner cartridge5R to the operator (ACT510). For example, the processor21may display a replacement message such as “The spare toner has run out. Please replace it with a new toner cartridge.” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or cause the speaker57to output such a replacement message in audio. After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT55. It is not essential for the operator to replace the spare toner cartridge5R in response to this replacement message, and therefore, the processor does not determine or wait for the replacement here.

Further, if it is determined that there is no spare paper in the spare paper cassette15R (ACT55, NO), the processor21presents, to the operator, a replenishment message requesting the replenishment of the print medium P to the spare paper cassette15R (ACT511). For example, the processor21may display a replenishment message such as “There is no paper in the spare cassette. Please replenish the paper.” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or cause the speaker57to output such a replenishment message in audio. After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT56. It is not essential for the operator to replenish the print medium P to the spare paper cassette15R in response to this replenishment message, and therefore, the processor does not determine or wait for the replenishment here.

FIGS.14and15are flowcharts showing an example of the subroutine of the image forming processing for a person without a fever of ACT56. First, the processor21accepts an image forming operation from the liquid crystal touch panel23by an operator who is a person without a fever (ACT5601). This image forming operation includes a print operation, a scanning operation, a copy operation, an end operation, and the like. The print operation is an operation of designating a print operation which is an image formation based on the image data stored in the RAM222as an operation of the image forming apparatus1, an operation of selecting image data to be image-formed from the image data stored in the RAM222, an operation of designating the number of sheets to be printed, an operation of instructing the start of the print operation, and the like. The scanning operation includes an operation of designating a document reading operation using the image reading unit11, an operation of designating a user terminal2for transmitting the scanned document image data, an operation of instructing the start of the scanning operation, and the like. The copy operation includes an operation of designating a copy operation of reading a document and forming an image based on the read document image data, an operation of designating the number of copies, an operation of instructing the start of the copy operation, and the like. The end operation includes an operation of instructing the end of the use of the image forming apparatus1.

Hereinafter, only the operations related to image formation according to the print operation or the copy operation will be described.

The processor21determines whether or not the received operation is an end operation (ACT5602). If it is an end operation (ACT5602, YES), the processor21ends the subroutine of the image forming processing for a person without a fever and shifts to the process of ACT1. Even if there is no operation by the liquid crystal touch panel23for a predetermined period such as 3 minutes, the processor21may end the subroutine of image forming processing for a person without a fever and shift to the process of ACT1.

If it is determined that the received operation is not an end operation, that is, if it is determined that the operation instructing the start of the operation in the print operation or the copy operation was performed (ACT5602, NO), the processor21starts the image forming operation by the image forming unit18(ACT5603).

During this image forming operation, the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge5based on the output of the ATC sensor40(ACT5604).

If it is determined that the toner cartridge5has a remaining amount of toner (ACT5604, YES), the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of the print medium P which is the paper contained in the paper cassette15(ACT5605).

If it is determined that there is paper in the paper cassette15(ACT5605, YES), the processor21determines whether or not a paper jam of the conveyed paper, that is, the print medium P occurred somewhere in the conveyance unit17including the paper feed conveyance path24and the paper discharge conveyance path25(ACT5606).

If it is determined that no paper jam occurred (ACT5606, NO), the processor21determines whether or not the image formation was completed (ACT5607). If it is determined that the image formation was not completed yet (ACT5607, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5604.

If it is determined that the toner cartridge5has no remaining amount of toner (ACT5604, NO), the processor21stops the image forming operation (ACT5608). Then, the processor21presents a replacement message requesting the replacement of the toner cartridge5to the operator (ACT5609). For example, the processor21displays a replacement message such as “The toner has run out. Please replace it with a new toner cartridge” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or causes the speaker57to output such a replacement message in audio. In response to the presentation of this replacement message, the operator opens the cover for the toner replacement provided on, for example, the front surface of the housing10and replaces the toner cartridge5. Then, the operator touches the “start” key display on the liquid crystal touch panel23to instruct the restart of the image forming operation.

The processor21again determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge5based on the output of the ATC sensor40(ACT5610). The processor21can determine whether or not the toner cartridge5was replaced, for example, by the output of a cartridge sensor (not shown) provided exclusively. If it is determined that there is no remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5(ACT5610, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5609. If it is determined that there is a remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5(ACT5610, YES), the processor21resumes the image forming operation (ACT5611). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5605.

If it is determined that there is no paper in the paper cassette15(ACT5604, YES), the processor21stops the image forming operation (ACT5612). Then, the processor21presents a replenishment message requesting the replenishment of the print medium P to the paper cassette15to the operator (ACT5613). For example, the processor21displays a replenishment message such as “There is no paper in the paper cassette. Please replenish the paper.” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or causes the speaker57to output such a replenishment message in audio. In response to the presentation of this replenishment message, the operator pulls out the paper cassette15from the housing10, replenishes the print medium P, and then returns the paper cassette15. Then, the operator touches the “start” key display on the liquid crystal touch panel23to instruct the restart of the image forming operation.

The processor21again determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of the print medium P contained in the paper cassette15(ACT5614). If it is determined that there is no remaining amount of paper (ACT5614, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5613. If it is determined that there is paper in the paper cassette15(ACT5614, YES), the processor21resumes the image forming operation (ACT5615). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5606.

Further, if it is determined that a paper jam occurred (ACT5606, YES), the processor21stops the image forming operation (ACT5616). Then, the processor21presents, to the operator, a paper removal message requesting the removal of the jammed print medium P from the conveyance unit17(ACT5617). For example, the processor21displays a paper removal message such as “A paper jam has occurred. Please remove the jammed paper.” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or causes the speaker57to output such a removal message in audio. At this time, the liquid crystal touch panel23may schematically indicate where the paper jam occurred in the conveyance unit17. In response to this paper removal message, the operator opens the front door and the side door of the housing10for accessing the conveyance unit17in the housing10and removes the jammed print medium P from the conveyance unit17. Then, the operator touches the “start” key display on the liquid crystal touch panel23to instruct the restart of the image forming operation.

The processor21determines whether or not the paper jam was cleared (ACT5618). If it is determined that the print medium P is still jammed in the conveyance unit17and the paper jam was not cleared (ACT5618, YES), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5617. If it is determined that the paper jam was cleared (ACT5618, YES), the processor21resumes the image forming operation (ACT5619). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5607.

Then, if it is determined that the image formation is completed (ACT5607, YES), the processor21presents the operator with an end inquiry asking whether to end the operation (ACT5620). For example, the processor21displays an end inquiry such as “Do you want to end the operation?” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or causes the speaker57to output such an end inquiry in audio. After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT5601.

FIG.16is a flowchart showing an example of the subroutine of processing for a person with a fever of ACT6. The processor21determines whether or not the operation unit14is in the aerial touch panel state in which the aerial touch panel projection image55is on the front side (ACT61). If another operator who used the image forming apparatus1immediately before the operator, that is, the previous operator is a person with a fever, the operation unit14is in the aerial touch panel state.

If it is determined that the operation unit is not in the aerial touch panel state (ACT61, NO), the processor21presents, to the operator, a person-with-fever detection message indicating that the operator is a person with a fever (ACT62). For example, the processor21displays a person-with-fever detection message such as “The body temperature is detected to be high. The operation method will be changed to prevent infection.” on the liquid crystal touch panel23of the operation unit14, or causes the speaker57to output such a person-with-fever detection message in audio. After that, the processor21controls the operation unit rotating motor50by the operation unit rotating motor driver66to rotate and switch the operation unit14to the aerial touch panel state (ACT63). Then, the processor21presents operation guidance indicating the operation method of the aerial touch panel to the operator (ACT64). For example, the processor21displays the operation method guidance of the aerial touch panel projection image55by displaying “The operation has been switched to the aerial touch panel. You can operate by placing your finger on the button display unit” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such an operation method guidance in audio. Then, the processor21actually forms an image on the print medium P by a subroutine of image forming processing for a person with a fever as described later (ACT65). After that, the processor21ends the subroutine of processing for a person with a fever and shifts to the process of ACT1.

If it is determined that the operation unit is already in the aerial touch panel state (ACT61, YES), the processor21presents the operation guidance indicating the operation method of the aerial touch panel to the operator (ACT66). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT64.

FIGS.17and18are flowcharts showing an example of the subroutine of image forming processing for a person with a fever of ACT65. First, the processor21accepts an image forming operation from the aerial touch panel by the operator who is a person with a fever (ACT6501). This image forming operation is as described above in the description of the subroutine of image forming processing for a person without a fever. In this ACT6501, the processor21determines the operation content of the operator based on the display content of the aerial liquid crystal display53and the aerial touch position by the aerial touch detection sensor59. Hereinafter, only the operations related to image formation according to the print operation or the copy operation will be described.

The processor21determines whether or not the received operation is an end operation (ACT6502). In the case of the end operation (ACT6502, YES), the processor21ends the subroutine of the image forming processing for a person with a fever and shifts to the process of ACT1. Even if there is no operation on the aerial touch panel for a predetermined period such as 3 minutes, the processor21may end the subroutine of image forming processing for a person with a fever and shift to the process of ACT1.

If it is determined that the received operation is not an end operation, that is, if it is determined that the operation instructing the start of the operation in the print operation or the copy operation was performed (ACT6502, NO), the processor21starts the image forming operation by the image forming unit18(ACT6503).

During this image forming operation, the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge5based on the output of the ATC sensor40(ACT6504).

If it is determined that the toner cartridge5has a remaining amount of toner (ACT6504, YES), the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of the print medium P which is the paper contained in the paper cassette15(ACT6505).

If it is determined that there is paper in the paper cassette15(ACT6505, YES), the processor21determines whether or not a paper jam of the conveyed paper, that is, a print medium P occurred somewhere in the conveyance unit17including the paper feed conveyance path24and the paper discharge conveyance path25(ACT6506).

If it is determined that no paper jam occurred (ACT6506, NO), the processor21determines whether or not the image formation was completed (ACT6507). If it is determined that the image formation was not completed yet (ACT6507, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6504.

If it is determined that there is no remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5(ACT6504, NO), the processor21stops the image forming operation (ACT6508). Then, the processor21presents, to the operator, a spare switching message for notifying the switch to the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT6509). For example, the processor21displays a spare switching message on the aerial touch panel projection image55by displaying such as “The toner has run out. Please wait as the toner will be switched to spare toner. ★★ Please do not touch the machine ★★” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such a spare switching message in audio.

Then, the processor21switches the toner cartridge to the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT6510). That is, the processor21controls the spare toner cartridge rotating motor36R by the spare toner cartridge rotating motor driver65to supply the toner of the spare toner cartridge5R to the developer container37.

Here, the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of toner contained in the spare toner cartridge5R based on the output of the ATC sensor40(ACT6511). If it is determined that there is a remaining amount of toner in the spare toner cartridge5R (ACT6511, YES), the processor21resumes the image forming operation (ACT6512). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6505.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no remaining amount of toner in the switched spare toner cartridge5R (ACT6511, NO), the processor21performs a call-out of the administrator to the administrator terminal4by the communication interface12according to the contact information of the administrator stored in the NVM223(ACT6513). This administrator call includes a message requesting the replacement of the toner cartridge5and the spare toner cartridge5R.

Then, the processor21presents a calling message to the operator to notify that the administrator is being called out because there is no spare toner (ACT6524). For example, the processor21displays a calling message on the aerial touch panel projection image55by displaying such as “The spare toner has run out. Please wait for a while as the administrator will replace it. ★★ Please do not touch the machine ★★” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such a calling message in audio. In response to this administrator call, the administrator opens the cover for the toner replacement provided, for example, on the front surface of the housing10, and replaces the toner cartridge5and the spare toner cartridge5R. Then, the administrator or the operator touches the “start” key display on the aerial touch panel in the air to instruct the restart of the image forming operation.

If the toner cartridge5and the spare toner cartridge5R are replaced in this way, the processor21switches the toner cartridge to the replaced normal toner cartridge5(ACT6515). That is, the processor21controls the toner cartridge rotating motor36by the toner cartridge rotating motor driver64to supply the toner of the toner cartridge5to the developer container37. After that, the processor21determines whether or not there is a remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge5based on the output of the ATC sensor40(ACT6516). If it is determined that there is a remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5(ACT6516, YES), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6512. If it is determined that there is no remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5(ACT6516, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6514.

Basically, the administrator replaces both the toner cartridge5and the spare toner cartridge5R. In many cases, the toner cartridge5whose replacement frequency is higher than that of the spare toner cartridge5R is stocked in advance for replacement. On the other hand, the spare toner cartridge5R, which is less frequently replaced, may be out of stock. In such a case, only the toner cartridge5is replaced, and the spare toner cartridge5R is replaced at a later date. Therefore, in the above-mentioned processing for a person without a fever of ACT5, the operator is presented with an opportunity to replace the spare toner cartridge5R so that the spare toner cartridge5R can be replaced if the spare toner cartridge5R is in stock.

If it is determined that there is no paper in the paper cassette15(ACT6505, NO), the processor21stops the image forming operation (ACT6517). Then, the processor21presents, to the operator, a spare switching message for notifying the switch to the spare paper cassette15R (ACT6518). For example, the processor21displays a spare switching message on the aerial touch panel projection image55by displaying such as “The paper has run out. Please wait as it is to switch to a spare cassette. ★★ Please do not touch the machine ★★” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such a spare switching message in audio.

Then, the processor21switches to the spare paper cassette15R (ACT6519). That is, the processor21controls the spare paper cassette paper feed motor68by the spare paper cassette paper feed motor driver62to supply the print medium P contained in the spare paper cassette15R to the conveyance unit17.

Here, the processor21determines whether or not the spare paper cassette15R has a remaining amount of the spare paper, that is, the print medium P, based on the output of the spare paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor63(ACT6520). If it is determined that the spare paper cassette15R has a remaining amount of spare paper (ACT6520, YES), the processor21resumes the image forming operation (ACT6521). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6506.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no spare paper remaining in the switched spare paper cassette15R (ACT6520, NO), the processor21performs a call-out of the administration to the administrator terminal4by the communication interface12according to the contact information of the administrator stored in the NVM223(ACT6522). This administrator call includes a message requesting replenishment of the print medium P to the paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R.

Then, the processor21presents a calling message to the operator to notify that the administrator is being called because there is no spare paper (ACT6523). For example, the processor21displays a calling message on the areal touch panel projection image55by displaying such as “The paper in the spare cassette has run out. Please wait for a while as the administrator will replenish it. ★★ Please do not touch the machine ★★” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such a calling message in audio. In response to this call, the administrator holds the opening and closing operation unit of the paper cassette15provided on the front surface of the housing10, pulls out the paper cassette15, replenishes the print medium P, and then returns the paper cassette15. Further, the administrator holds the opening and closing operation unit of the spare paper cassette15R, pulls out the spare paper cassette15R from the housing10, replenishes the print medium P, and then returns the spare paper cassette15R. Then, the administrator or the operator touches the “start” key display on the aerial touch panel in the air to instruct the restart of the image forming operation.

If the print medium P is replenished to the paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R by the administrator in this way, the processor21switches to the normal paper cassette15to which the print medium P is replenished (ACT6524). That is, the processor21controls the paper cassette paper feed motor67by the paper cassette paper feed motor driver60to supply the print medium P contained in the paper cassette15to the conveyance unit17. After that, the processor21determines whether or not the paper cassette15has a remaining amount of paper based on the output of the paper cassette remaining amount detection sensor61(ACT6525). If it is determined that the paper cassette15has a remaining amount of paper (ACT6525, YES), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6521. If it is determined that there is no remaining amount of paper in the paper cassette15(ACT6525, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6523.

Basically, the administrator supplies the print medium P to both the paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R. However, there may be a case where the print medium P is replenished only to the paper cassette15and the spare paper cassette15R is not replenished with paper. Therefore, in the above-mentioned processing for a person without a fever of ACT5, the operator is presented with an opportunity to replenish the spare paper cassette15R so that the spare paper cassette15R can be replenished with the print medium P.

Further, if it is determined that a paper jam occurred (ACT6506, YES), the processor21stops the image forming operation (ACT6526). Then, the processor21performs a call-out of the administrator to the administrator terminal4by the communication interface12according to the contact information of the administrator stored in the NVM223(ACT6527). This administrator call includes a message requesting to clear the paper jam.

Then, the processor21presents a calling message to the operator to notify that the administrator is being called due to a paper jam (ACT6528). For example, the processor21displays a calling message on the aerial touch panel projection image55by displaying such as “A paper jam has occurred. Please wait for a while as the administrator will remove it. ★★ Please do not touch the machine ★★” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such a calling message in audio. In response to this call, the administrator opens the conveyance unit access cover provided, for example, on the front surface or the side surface of the housing10to remove the jammed print medium P from the conveyance unit17. Then, the administrator or the operator touches the “start” key display on the liquid crystal touch panel23to instruct the restart of the image forming operation.

The processor21determines whether or not the paper jam was cleared (ACT6529). If it is determined that the print medium P is still jammed in the conveyance unit17and the paper jam was not cleared (ACT6529, NO), the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6528. If it is determined that the paper jam was cleared (ACT6529, YES), the processor21resumes the image forming operation (ACT6530). Then, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6507.

Then, if it is determined that the image formation was completed (ACT6507, YES), the processor21presents the operator with an end inquiry asking whether to end the operation (ACT6531). For example, the processor21displays an end inquiry on the aerial touch panel projection image55by displaying such as “Do you want to end the operation?” on the aerial liquid crystal display53, or causes the speaker57to output such an end inquiry in audio. After that, the processor21shifts to the process of ACT6501.

As described above, the image forming apparatus1according to the embodiment includes the infrared thermography camera20as a body surface temperature measuring sensor that measures the body surface temperature of the operator in a non-contact manner, the operation unit14as a user interface that presents a message to the operator, the communication interface12for transmitting a message to the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus1, and the processor21as a controller. Then, when access to the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1is required and the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, the processor21transmits, via the communication interface12, a message requesting the administrator to contact the surface or the inside of the image forming apparatus1, for example, to the administrator terminal4operated by the administrator, and presents, on the operation unit14, a message requesting not to touch the image forming apparatus1to the operator.

According to such a configuration, if a state in which access to the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1is required occurs and the operator has a fever, since a message is presented to the operator so as not to touch the image forming apparatus1, it is possible to prevent virus adhesion to the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1due to the touch to the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1during the replenishment or replacement work of consumables. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the secondary virus adhesion to a person without an infectious disease who uses the image forming apparatus1after an operator who has a high fever due to an infectious disease.

The message presented to the operator by the processor21can include a message requesting not to contact the image forming apparatus1since the administrator was already requested to contact the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the operator from walking around in search of the administrator by presenting a message that the administrator was already requested, in addition to requesting the administrator to contact the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1, for example, to the administrator terminal4operated by the administrator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operator who has a high fever due to an infectious disease from walking around and spreading the virus.

Further, the state in which access to the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1is required includes a state in which consumables need to be replaced or replenished, and if the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, the processor21transmits a message requesting the administrator to replace or replenish the consumables via the communication interface12.

Therefore, if it is necessary to replace or replenish consumables such as toner and the print medium P, it is possible to prevent the operator who has a high fever due to an infectious disease from contacting the cover for the toner replacement for taking out the toner cartridge5housed in the housing10of the image forming apparatus1and the opening and closing operation unit of the paper cassette15exposed on the surface of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1.

The image forming apparatus1according to the embodiment further includes the toner cartridge5and the paper cassette15which are normal containers for storing consumables, and the spare toner cartridge5R and the spare paper cassette15R which are spare containers for storing spare consumables. Then, if the remaining amount of consumables held in the toner cartridge5or the paper cassette15reaches the remaining amount requiring replacement or replenishment, the processor21switches the container to be used from the toner cartridge5or the paper cassette15to the spare toner cartridge5R or the spare paper cassette15R if the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature.

According to such a configuration, if the toner of the toner cartridge5or the print medium P of the paper cassette15runs out and the operator is a person with a fever, since the toner cartridge or the paper cassette is switched to the spare toner cartridge5R or the spare paper cassette15R, it is possible to prevent a person with a fever from touching the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1for the replacement or replenishment work of consumables. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the secondary infection to a person without an infectious disease who uses the image forming apparatus1thereafter.

The processor21determines that the consumables need to be replaced or replenished if the remaining amount of the consumables held in the spare container switched from the normal container reaches the remaining amount requiring replacement or replenishment, and transmits, to the administrator, a message requesting to replace or replenish the consumables by the communication interface12.

Therefore, even if the operator has a fever, it is possible to wait until the consumables held in the spare container run out without transmitting the message to the administrator if the consumables held in the normal container ran out. Thus, the work frequency of the administrator can be reduced.

Here, if the body surface temperature of the operator is lower than the threshold temperature, the processor21presents, to the operator, a message urging to replace the spare container or replenish the spare container with consumables by the operation unit14if the remaining amount of consumables held in the spare container reaches the remaining amount requiring replacement or replenishment.

Therefore, the work frequency of the administrator can be reduced by requesting the operator who has no fever to replace the spare container or replenish the consumables with the spare container.

Further, if the normal container was switched to the spare container, if the body surface temperature of the operator is lower than the threshold temperature, the processor21switches the spare container to the normal container and the operation unit14presents, to the operator, a message urging to replace the switched container or replenish the container with consumables.

Therefore, after the image formation operation using the spare container for a person with a fever is completed, the operator who has no fever is requested to replace the spare container or replenish the consumables to the spare container. Thus, the work frequency of the administrator can be reduced.

Further, a state in which access to the surface or the inside of the housing10of the image forming apparatus1is required includes a state in which a paper jam occurs in the middle of the conveyance unit17including the paper feed conveyance path24and the paper discharge conveyance path25, which are conveyance paths of the print medium P, which is paper on which an image is formed, and if the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the processor21transmits a message requesting the administrator to remove the jammed paper by the communication interface12.

Therefore, if a paper jam occurs, it is possible to prevent the operator who has a high fever due to an infectious disease from contacting the conveyance unit access cover provided, for example, on the front surface or the side surface of the housing10for accessing the conveyance unit17.

Further, in the image forming apparatus1according to the embodiment, the operation unit14includes the liquid crystal touch panel23that displays a message to the operator and detects a touch position by the operator, and the aerial touch panel which is composed of, for example, the aerial liquid crystal display53, the aerial touch panel3D plate54, the aerial touch detection sensor59, and the like, projects a message to an operator in the air and detects an aerial touch position by the operator. Then, if the body surface temperature of the operator is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the processor21switches the operation unit14from the liquid crystal touch panel23to the aerial touch panel.

Therefore, an operator who has a high fever due to an infectious disease can input the operation without touching the normal liquid crystal touch panel23and it is possible to prevent the next operator from a secondary infection.

If the operation unit14is the aerial touch panel which was switched from the liquid crystal touch panel23, the processor21switches the operation unit14from the aerial touch panel to the liquid crystal touch panel23if the body surface temperature of the operator is lower than the threshold temperature.

In this way, if the next operator has no fever, it is possible to return to the original liquid crystal touch panel23.

In the above-described embodiment, the ATC sensor40is used to detect the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge5and the spare toner cartridge5R, but each of the toner cartridges5and5R may have a dedicated toner remaining amount sensor to allow the processor21to detect the remaining amount of toner by communicating with those toner remaining amount sensors.

Further, the function described in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the configuration using hardware and can be implemented by loading a program describing each function into a computer using software. Further, each function may be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.