JPH08149239A - Notification device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] An object of the present invention is to provide an informing device and method capable of determining the usage status of a printer even from a remote location. [Configuration] Printer (1), protrusion (30) attached above the printer, notification means (3B, 3Y, 3R) attached above the protrusion, and detecting the usage status of the printer And a control means (21) for displaying the usage status detected by the detection means on the notification means. The notification unit may not be mechanically connected to the printer. In addition, the control unit may input the reservation of the printer from the operator and display the reservation status of the printer on the display device. The release time until the printer becomes usable may be displayed. The notification means is provided with means for displaying a plurality of colors, and the control means
The usage status may be displayed in color.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer notification device and method for displaying the usage status of a printing device such as a copying machine or a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, whether or not a facsimile or a copying machine is in use is only displayed on a small display device attached to the facsimile or the copying machine. I couldn't judge. Whether or not the printer is in use was only displayed on a small display device attached to the printer, so in particular,
Even when a printer is shared by a plurality of computers or the like, it was not possible to judge from a remote place when printing could be performed.

[0003]

When copying with a copying machine or transmitting with a facsimile, actually go to the side of the copying machine or facsimile, and when these are in use,
I had to start again. Further, when the printer is shared as a hard copy of a computer or the like, it is unclear at what time printing can be performed because the usage status of the printer is unknown, and there is a waste of labor for confirmation.

In order to solve such a problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide an informing device and method capable of discriminating the usage status from a remote place.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 detects an informing means connected to a printer through a signal transmitting means, and a usage status of the printer. It is characterized in that it is provided with a detection means and a control means for controlling the notification means to notify the usage status of the printer based on the detection by the detection means.

The invention according to claim 2 is the notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification means is attached above the printer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to the first or second aspect, the control means has means for inputting a printer reservation from an operator.

The invention described in claim 4 is based on claims 1 to 3.
In the notification device according to any one of items 1 to 3, the usage status includes a reservation status of the printer.

The invention according to claim 5 is based on claims 1 to 4.
In the notification device according to any one of items 1 to 3, the usage status includes a release time until the printer becomes usable.

The invention described in claim 6 is from claim 1 to claim 5.
In the notification device according to any one of the above 1 to 3, the notification unit includes a display unit that displays a plurality of colors, and the control unit displays the usage status on the display unit in colors.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to the sixth aspect, the display means has means for displaying blue, yellow, and red, and the control means is used by the printer. It is characterized in that blue is lit when possible, yellow is displayed when the printer is in use, and red is lit when the printer is unavailable.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to the seventh aspect, the control means further causes the red light to blink when the consumable supplies of the printer are insufficient. And

The invention described in claim 9 is from claim 1 to claim 7.
In the notification device according to any one of the items 1 to 3, the notification unit has a light source, and the control unit displays the usage status in a lighting state of the light source.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the notification means has a means for displaying characters, and the control means indicates the usage status. Characters are displayed on the notification means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the notifying means has a means for outputting a voice, and the control means indicates the use condition. It is characterized in that the notifying means outputs by using a voice.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the printer is a copying machine.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the printer is a facsimile.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to the thirteenth aspect, the detecting means further detects that the facsimile reception has been performed, and the control means detects that the detecting means has received the facsimile. If detected,
It is characterized in that the display means displays that the facsimile has been received.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the signal transmitting means is a cable.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the signal transmitting means is a wireless communication means.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the notification device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, a plurality of the display means are provided.

The invention according to claim 18 is the notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the notification means is connected to a plurality of printers via signal transmission means, and the display means is It is characterized in that the usage statuses of the plurality of printers are detected.

The invention described in claim 19 is a notification method using a notification means connected to a printer via a signal transmission means, wherein the usage status of the printer is detected, and the printer is detected based on the detection result. It is characterized in that the notifying means is controlled to display the usage status.

The invention according to claim 20 is the notification method according to claim 19, wherein the notification means is blue, yellow,
And a means for displaying red, lighting blue when the printer is available, displaying yellow when the printer is in use, and lighting red when the printer is unavailable. And

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the notification method according to the twentieth aspect, the red light is made to blink when the consumable supplies of the printer are insufficient.

[0026]

According to the present invention, the usage status of the printer is displayed above the protrusions attached above the printer. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the usage status of the printer is
Displayed on a display device that is not mechanically connected to the printer. Further, according to the present invention, when the use of the printer is reserved, the reservation status is displayed on the display device. Further, according to the present invention, the release time until the printer becomes usable is displayed on the display device.

The display is performed by color, characters, or voice.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a copying machine as an example of the display device of the present invention. This copying machine can also be used as a printer by being connected to a host (not shown). In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a copying machine main body, and 20 and 21 are detection means and control means provided inside the copying machine main body 1, respectively. Reference numeral 30 denotes a support rod fixed to the main body 1 of the copying machine and extending upward. 3B, 3Y, and 3R are blue attached to the upper portion of the support rod 30 as a notification means.
Yellow and red lighting. The detection means 20 detects the usage status of the copying machine. Control means 2 based on the detected information
1 turns on or off the blue, yellow, and red illumination lamps 3B, 3Y, and 3R. When the copying machine is usable, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned on, when the copying operation is completed, the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned on, and when the copying operation is not possible, the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on. In this way, the usage status of the copying machine is displayed by the illumination lights of three different colors. Since the blue, yellow, and red illumination lamps 3B, 3Y, and 3R are provided above the main body 1 of the copying machine, the notification means can be easily seen even from a place away from the main body of the copying machine. Therefore, the usage of the copying machine can be discriminated from a distant place by the color tone of the illumination lamp.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the control of the illumination lamps 3B, 3Y, 3R. When the power of the main body of the copying machine is turned on, the control means 21 operates. The control unit 21 determines whether the copying machine is operating normally (S210), and if the copying machine is abnormal, stops the operation of the copying machine, lights the red illumination lamp 3R (S220), and returns to S210. At this time, the illumination lights other than red, that is, the illumination lights 3B and 3Y of blue and yellow remain off. If the copying machine is operating normally, it is determined whether it is in a standby state (S230). If it is not in the standby state, the process returns to S210, and the determination is continued until it becomes the standby state. If the copying machine becomes abnormal, the copying machine is stopped and the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on (S230). In the case of the standby state in S230, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned on (S240). At this time, illumination lights other than blue, that is, yellow and red illumination lights 3Y and 3R
Remains off. Next, it is determined whether or not copying has started (S250). If the copying is not started, the process returns to S240 and the determination is continued until the copying is started. At this time, the blue illumination lamp 3B is on. When copying is started, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned off and the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned on (S260). Further, it is determined whether or not the copying operation is in progress until the copying operation is completed (S27).
0). When the copying operation is completed, it is determined whether the copying machine is operating normally (S280), and if it is operating normally, the process proceeds to S240, the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned off, and the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned on. It is again determined whether the copying operation is in operation (S250). If the copying machine is not operating normally, the copying machine is stopped, the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned off, and the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on (S220). In this case, S21
The determination is continued until it returns to 0 and the copier operates normally, and when the copier operates normally, the process proceeds to the judgment whether it is in the standby state or not (S230). By the above control, as shown in Table 1, (1) When the copying machine is usable, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned on.

(2) When the copying machine is operating normally and copying is in progress, the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned on.

(3) When the copying machine is not operating normally, the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on.

As described above, the usage status of the copying machine is classified into three types, and three types of colors are displayed.

[0034]

[Table 1]

In the conventional copying machine, in order to make a copy, it is necessary to go to the side of the actual copying machine, and if these are in use, they have to come out again, which is a waste of labor. Then, the usage status of the copying machine can be discriminated from a distant place by the color of the illumination lamp mounted above the copying machine body. When the copier is stopped and maintenance is required, the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on, so that it is possible to determine that copying cannot be performed and the person in charge can immediately perform maintenance.

(Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the illumination lamp 3B,
The control methods of 3Y and 3R are different. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, not only is the illumination lamp turned on or off, but blinking control is also performed.

Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the blue illumination light 3B is turned on when the copying machine is usable, and the yellow illumination light 3Y is used when copying is in progress (usable after the copying operation is completed). Lights up, and if the consumables such as copy paper and toner are exhausted and it is unusable (it can be used if the consumables are replenished), the red illumination lamp 3R blinks, and the copier breaks down and is unusable (maintenance is In the case of (necessary), the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on. In this manner, the usage status of the copying machine is identified and displayed in four types by the illumination lights of three types of colors.

[0038]

[Table 2]

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the control of the illumination lamps 3B, 3Y, 3R. When the power of the main body of the copying machine is turned on, the control means 21 operates. The control means determines whether the copying machine is operating normally (S310), and if the copying machine is abnormal, stops the copying machine and turns on the red illumination lamp 3R (S3).
20). The blue and yellow illumination lamps 3B and 3Y other than red remain off. If the copying machine is operating normally in S310, it is determined whether it is in standby (S33).
0). If not in standby, the process returns to S310. If it is on standby, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned on (S340). The yellow and red illumination lamps 3Y and 3R other than blue light remain off. Next, it is determined whether or not copying is in progress (S350), and if copying is not in progress, the process returns to S340. When copying is in progress, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned off and the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned on (S360). Further, it is determined whether or not copying is in progress (S370). When the copying operation is completed, it is determined whether or not the consumables are not exhausted (S38).
0). When the consumable item is used up, the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned off, the red illumination lamp 3R blinks (S390), and the process returns to S380. If the consumables are not exhausted, it is determined whether the copying machine is operating normally (S395), and if it is operating normally, the process returns to S340. If the copying machine is not operating normally, the process returns to S320.

By controlling the lighting / blinking of one illuminating lamp, more information can be obtained regarding the usage status of the copying machine. Moreover, since the number of illumination lights can be reduced, the cost can be reduced.

In the case of a facsimile, the lighting lamps 3B, 3
Y and 3R can be controlled as shown in Table 3. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to save the labor of visiting the facsimile machine and checking the usage status of the facsimile machine. Further, when the reception of the facsimile is displayed, the person in charge can immediately go to pick up the received sentence and distribute it to the recipient.

[0042]

[Table 3]

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a copying machine as an example of the display device of the present invention in a third embodiment. In this embodiment, there is only one illuminating lamp that indicates the usage status of the copying machine. Along with this, the control method of the illumination lamp 4 is the first embodiment.
Is different from. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. The illumination lamp is controlled to blink in addition to the lighting / extinguishing control.

Specifically, as shown in Table 4, when the copying machine is usable, the illumination lamp 3W blinks for a long period and copying is in progress (when the copying operation is completed, the copying machine can be used).
Blinks the illumination lamp 3W in a short cycle. If the consumables such as copy paper and toner run out, it cannot be used, but if the consumables are replenished, it can be used and the illumination lamp 3W is turned on, and the copier breaks down and cannot be used (maintenance required. If)
Turns off the illumination lamp 3W. In this way, the status of use of the copying machine is identified and displayed in one of four types with one illumination lamp.

[0045]

[Table 4]

The control method of the illuminating lamp 4 is different only in the display form of the illuminating lamp, and the control is the same as the flowchart of FIG. According to the configuration of the present embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, it is possible to easily determine the usage status of the copying machine from the location away from the copying machine body by the lighting state of the illumination lamp. Furthermore, since the usage status of the copying machine can be determined by one illumination lamp, the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. (Embodiment 4) FIG. 5 shows the configuration of a copying machine system as an example of the display device of the present invention in this embodiment. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 is a main body of the copying machine, 51 and 52 are notifying means for displaying the use status of the copying machine at a location apart from the main body 1 of the copying machine, and 4 is a cable as a signal transmitting means. It is also possible to provide a transmitting / receiving means in the copying machine main body 1 and the notifying means 51, 52 to wirelessly transmit a signal. The detection means 20 inside the copying machine main body 1 detects the usage status of the copying machine.
Based on the detected information, the display control means 21 displays the usage status of the copying machine in characters on the notification means 51, 52 via the cable 4. By disposing a plurality of notification means at a plurality of places, a wide range of people can easily see the notification means in the immediate vicinity. When the power of the copying machine main body is turned on, the detecting means 20 detects the usage status of the copying machine.

The pattern of characters displayed on the notification means 51 will be described with reference to FIG. At the upper part of the notification means 51, a display for identifying the main body of the copying machine, such as "3rd machine", is displayed. This display makes it easy to see which copier is being displayed even if there are multiple copiers. When the copying machine is in the standby state and is usable, it is understood that it is possible to use it because a large message "Available!" Is displayed as shown at 51a. If the copier is printing, it also detects the number of print settings and the number of remaining prints, and as shown in 51b, "In use! Number of prints ** sheets Print remaining ** sheets" is displayed. It turns out that can be used as soon as is completed. When it is detected that the consumables such as copy paper and toner of the copying machine are out, "print paper supply!" Is displayed as indicated by 51c or "toner supply!" Is displayed as indicated by 51d. It can be seen that it can be used by replenishing consumable items such as copy paper and toner.

When it is detected that the copying machine is stopped, "Stop! Paper jam" or 5 as shown in 51e.
As shown in 1f, "Stop! Failure" is displayed.
You will find that you need to clear the paper jam and repair the malfunction. According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to easily determine the usage status of the copying machine even from a place away from the copying machine body. Further, since the plurality of notification means are arranged at positions that are easy to see, each person may look at the nearby notification means. Specifically, if “Available!” Is displayed, it can be printed. In addition, "in use!
When "Print ** sheets print remaining ** sheets" is displayed, it is understood that the print can be used as soon as it is finished, and since the approximate time of the print can be estimated, other work can be performed in accordance with it.

In the example of printing, after setting the copy operation of the copying machine, returning to one's own seat and doing other work, seeing the notification means from one's seat and displaying "Usable!" When you are done, you can go to the copier and get the finished copy, which has the effect of improving work efficiency. Also, by looking at the "copy set number of sheets and remaining number of copies" of the notification means, the end time of the print can be estimated. Work efficiency is improved because other work can be done according to the end time. Also, when you see the notification means and see "Replenish print paper!" Or "Replenish toner!", You can replenish consumables such as copy paper and toner, and then "Stop! Paper jam" or "Stop! Failure.""Is displayed, remove the paper jam. The work efficiency is improved because the breakdown can be repaired.

When the operator in charge of the copying machine looks at the notification means from his / her seat during the normal work and displays "Replenish print paper!" Or "Replenish toner!", The copy paper, toner, etc. Consumables can be replenished and "Stop!
If the display of "paper jam" continues, the paper jam can be removed, and if "Stop! Failure" is displayed, the failure can be repaired, so that the copying machine can be used efficiently.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fifth embodiment. In FIG. 7, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1
Reference numeral d is a main body of the copying machine as a printer, 6 is a notification means for displaying the usage status of the copying machine at a location remote from the main body of the copying machine, and 7 is a control means for controlling the display of the notification means.
Is a cable as a signal transmission means for connecting the table control means 7 and the copying machine main bodies 1a to 1d and the control means 7 and the notification means 6 with a signal. The notification means 6 is used for each of the copying machines 1a-1.
a display unit 6a for displaying the usage status of the copying machine corresponding to d.
It is composed of 6b, 6c and 6d.

A detection means (not shown) inside each of the copying machine main bodies 1a to 1d detects the usage status of the copying machine, and based on the detected information, the control means 7 causes the notification means 6 to operate. The usage status of the copying machine is displayed in characters on the display units 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. Display portions 6a, 6b, 6 of the notification means 6
In c and 6d, the character patterns shown in FIG. 6 are switched and displayed. This display method is the same as that in the fourth embodiment. The method of detecting the usage status of the copying machine and the control method of controlling the display of the usage status of the copying machine based on the detected information are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.
According to this embodiment, since the usage statuses of a plurality of copying machines are collectively displayed on one notification means, the copying machines that can be used are immediately understood, and the copying operation can be performed efficiently.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display device of the display device of the present invention. In FIG. 8, 1a, 1
b, 1c and 1d are printers, 7 is a printer 1a
~ 1d, a control means connected to the communication cable 4, 8a,
Reference numerals 8b, 8c and 8d denote personal computers connected to the control means 7 by the communication cable 4 and serving as notification means. Printer 1
a to 1d personal computers 8a to 8d are connected via a network via the table control means 7.

In the above configuration, each printer 1a
1d detects the usage state of the printer by a detection means (not shown), and the information controlled by the control means 7 based on the detected information is transmitted via the communication cable 4 to the personal computers 8a to 8d. It is transmitted to and the usage status of the printer is displayed in characters. Further, it is possible to input information to the personal computers 8a to 8d as terminals of the network and control the operation of the printers 1a to 1d by the control means 7.

Regarding the display of the printer usage status on the personal computers 8a to 8d, the usage statuses of a plurality of printers are combined into one as shown in FIG. 9A by the same method as in the fifth embodiment. Can be displayed. Further, by using a known means such as clicking on a specific printer, it is possible to display the usage status of the specific printer together with the "use release time" as shown in FIG. 9B. it can. In addition, when the printer is stopped, as shown in FIG. 6, “Stop! Paper jam”, “Stop! Failure”, “Print paper supply!”,
"Toner supply!" Is displayed.

Printer 1a from personal computers 8a to 8d
Regarding the control of 1d, when the printer model is selected and "Print" is selected by a known method, if the corresponding printer is "enabled", printing is performed via the control means 7 by the network. be able to. Further, when the corresponding printer is "in use", it is possible to reserve the print of the corresponding printer via the control means 7 by the network. For example, if the display of the usage status of the corresponding printer is displayed as “In use! Available from 13:00” as shown in FIG. , “In use! 13:
From 05, it is displayed as “Available.” Furthermore, when the reserved print is completed, “Print completed” is displayed as shown in FIG. 9D.

With the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to reserve prints, so that the printer can be used efficiently. In addition, since the user knows the use reservation status and the use release time of the printer, he / she can perform other work in accordance with it.

(Embodiment 7) In this embodiment, the use status of the copying machine is indicated by voice instead of color. Therefore, there are no lights and support rods. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. Table 5 shows the correspondence between the types of voice and the usage status of the copying machine. The voice control method is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, “blue lighting” is changed to “beep, beep sound”, “yellow light” is changed to “beep, beep sound”, and “red light” is changed to “beep”.
It was changed to "continuation of".

[0059]

[Table 5]

According to the present embodiment, when the copying machine is usable, a long beep is repeated, and when the copying operation is completed, the beeping is repeated, and when it is not usable, it is repeated. Continues a long tone with "beep". Since it is possible to determine the usage status of the copying machine from the voice, it is possible to determine the usage status of the copying machine even when the copying machine cannot be seen due to a fence or the like.

As the type of voice, not "sound" but "ready to print", "printing", "jammed", "broken", "paper out", "toner out", etc. "Voice" may be used. In this case, the usage status of the copying machine can be reliably determined.

(Embodiment 8) In the present embodiment, the use status of the printer is displayed on the notification means 51 by characters and also by voice. Other configurations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment. For example, the message "Available!" Is displayed and the message "Printable" is issued. The message "In use!" Is displayed and a sound is output saying "Printing in progress". "Print paper supply!" Is displayed, and "No paper" is sounded. "Toner supply!" Is displayed and "Toner is out"
Make a phonetic call. “Stop! Paper jam” is displayed and “Jam” is displayed. “Stop! Malfunction” is displayed and “Missed” is sounded. According to this embodiment, it is possible to surely determine the usage status of the copying machine.

(Embodiment 9) In this embodiment, the personal computer 8a-
The difference is that the usage status of the printer by 8d is not only displayed in characters but also phonetic sounds are also performed.
The other structure is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. According to the present embodiment, for example, the printers 1a to 1d are operated via the network by the operation from the personal computers 8a to 8d via the table control means 7.
When you print at or when you reserve a copy, a beeping sound or a "copying completed" sound is emitted when copying is completed. You can certainly see when the copy is finished, even when you're doing other work.

(Embodiment 10) This embodiment is a printer 1
The other configurations are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, except that a and 1b are compound devices with a facsimile and the control method for the facsimile is different. Specifically, when "facsimile reception contact" is selected on the personal computer 8a or 8b to 8d as shown in FIG. 10A, the screen of FIG. 10B is displayed. For example, when the facsimile multifunction peripheral 1a is selected and the facsimile multifunction peripheral 1a receives it, the information is displayed on the personal computer 8a or 8b to 8d as shown in FIG. 10 (c).
4:00 Destination 03-oooo-5678 Receiver 03-xxxx-1111 ”is displayed. In addition, on the screen of FIG.
If "fax number" is selected and the fax number is input, the information is displayed on the personal computer 8a or 8b to 8d when the facsimile having the corresponding number is received. Figure 10 (b)
When "Voice ON" is selected on the screen, a beeping sound is generated together with the above display. When "Do not display" is selected on the screen of FIG. 10B, the facsimile reception information is not displayed on the screen of the personal computer, and only voice is generated. According to this embodiment, the reception of the facsimile can be immediately known, so that the work can be performed efficiently.

It is also possible to give an ID number to an individual and display the ID number on the terminal of the corresponding individual when the ID number is received. For example, if the ID number is entered in the facsimile transmission sentence, the ID number in the facsimile reception sentence is read and displayed on the terminal of each individual, each individual can immediately know the facsimile with the ID number. Because I can, I can work efficiently. The personal name may be recognized instead of the ID number.

(Others) The display device of the present invention can be similarly applied to a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, and a composite machine of these.

For example, if the facsimile can be used immediately, the blue illumination lamp 3B is turned on, if the facsimile is transmitting / receiving, the yellow illumination lamp 3Y is turned on, and if it is not available, the red illumination lamp 3R is turned on. You may.

[0068]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the usage status of the printer is mechanically connected to the display device above the protrusion mounted above the printer or to the printer. Is displayed on the display device that is not displayed. The reservation status is displayed on the display device when the use of the printer is reserved. The release time until the printer becomes available is displayed on the display device. The display is performed by color, characters, or voice.

By providing a notifying means for displaying the usage status of the printer above the main body of the printer, the usage status of the printer including the copying machine and the facsimile can be discriminated from a remote place.

By displaying the usage status of the printer in color, it is possible to easily determine the usage status of the printer even from a distant place with a simple structure.
By displaying the usage status of the printer in characters, it is possible to obtain various kinds of information regarding the usage status of the printer. By displaying the usage release time of the printer, other work can be performed according to the usage release time of the printer.

By reserving the use of the printer by the control means, the printer can be used efficiently and other work can be performed in accordance with the reserved use time of the printer. By displaying the usage reservation status of the printer, other work can be performed in accordance with the display of the usage reservation status of the printer. By notifying the usage status of the printer by voice, the usage status of the printer can be determined even at a position where the printer cannot be seen due to an obstacle such as a fence. You can hear the usage status of the printer from your ear even when you are doing other work.
Further, since the display means for each color of the notification means is turned on in association with the usage status of the printer, it is possible to quickly determine the usage status of the printer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a display device of a display device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining control of an illumination lamp applied to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining control of an illumination lamp applied to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a display device of another printer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment in which a display device is provided in a place apart from a printer.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a character pattern of a notification unit of a printer to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a display device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a display device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a character pattern of a notification unit.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display on a display device when setting a facsimile reception contact.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Printer (copying machine) 3B, 3Y, 3R, 3W Notification means (illumination lamp) 4 Cables 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Display pattern 5, 6 Notification means 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d Display unit 7 Control means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Notification means 20 Detection means 21 Control means 30 Support rod

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A notification unit connected to a printer via a signal transmission unit, a detection unit for detecting the usage status of the printer, and a notification unit for reporting the usage status of the printer based on the detection by the detection unit. An informing device comprising: a control unit for controlling the informing unit. 2. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is mounted above the printer. 3. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a unit for inputting a printer reservation from an operator. 4. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the usage status includes a reservation status of the printer. 5. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the usage status includes a release time until the printer becomes usable. 6. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit has a display unit that displays a plurality of colors, and the control unit displays the usage status on the display unit. An informing device characterized by displaying in color. 7. The notification device according to claim 6, wherein the display unit has a unit that displays blue, yellow, and red, and the control unit lights blue when the printer is usable. A notification device, which displays yellow when the printer is in use and lights red when the printer is unavailable. 8. The notification device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit further causes the red light to blink when the consumable items of the printer are insufficient. 9. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means has a light source, and the control means displays the usage status in a lighting state of the light source. Notification device. 10. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit has a unit for displaying a character, and the control unit displays the usage status on the notification unit as a character. An informing device characterized by: 11. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit has a unit for outputting a voice, and the control unit uses the voice by the notification unit for the usage status. An informing device characterized by outputting as an output. 12. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a copying machine. 13. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a facsimile. 14. The notification device according to claim 13, wherein the detection unit further detects that the facsimile reception is performed, and the control unit displays the display when the detection unit detects that the facsimile reception is performed. An informing device, characterized in that the means displays a facsimile reception. 15. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission means is a cable. 16. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission unit is a wireless communication unit. 17. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the display means are provided. 18. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is connected to a plurality of printers via a signal transmission unit, and the display unit is a usage status of the plurality of printers. An informing device, which detects 19. A notification method using a notification means connected to a printer via a signal transmission means, wherein the usage status of the printer is detected, and the usage status of the printer is displayed based on the detection result. An informing method comprising controlling an informing means. 20. The notification method according to claim 19, wherein the notification means has means for displaying blue, yellow, and red, and lights up blue when the printer is available, A notification method comprising displaying yellow when the printer is in use and lighting red when the printer is unavailable. 21. The notification method according to claim 20, further comprising blinking the red when the printer is running out of consumables.