JP2012244204A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Image formation that prohibits use of functions associated with each engine when a printer engine / scanner engine fails, for example, enables use of a reading function, a FAX function, or the like if the functions of the printer engine are unavailable Providing equipment.
[Solution]
In an image forming apparatus formed with multiple devices with multiple power supplies, when a failure occurs in a device, the power of the failed device is turned off, and some or all of the functions related to the operation of the failed device It is possible to limit this.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine having these functions, and a control method therefor.

  In general, an image forming apparatus includes a printer engine that outputs an image on a transfer sheet based on image data, a scanner engine that reads an image of a document, and a controller that controls the image data. The image read by the scanner engine is subjected to image processing in the controller as image data and printed by the printer engine. Note that the image data used by the controller may be input from the outside through a communication means. For example, the image data obtained through the telephone line is output by the printer engine by a facsimile or facsimile function. In addition, image data obtained from a document read by the scanner engine is usually temporarily stored in a memory built in the controller, and can be printed outside by the printer engine or transferred to the outside via a communication unit. For example, as a device for transferring image data to the outside through a telephone line, a facsimile machine or a multifunction machine having a facsimile function can be cited.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus, a plurality of functions are gathered, and when an inconvenience such as a failure occurs, the operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped.

JP 2002-9992 A

  When a failure occurs in the printer engine which forms the main part of the apparatus, all functions are stopped, and the operation of the entire apparatus is stopped so that the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

  However, in recent image forming apparatuses, the sophistication of the apparatus has progressed, and image data can be temporarily stored or communicated with the outside, and the purpose can be achieved only by using other functions without using the print function. There are many cases that can be done.

  The present invention is made against the background of the above circumstances, and when the printer engine / scanner engine fails, only the use of functions associated with each engine is prohibited. For example, if the function of the printer engine is unusable, the reading function, Provided are an image forming apparatus that enables use of a FAX function and the like, and a control method thereof. It is another object of the present invention to avoid wasting power by turning off the power of each engine when a failure occurs.

For the above purpose, in the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus formed with multiple devices with multiple power supplies, if a failure occurs in the device, turn off the power of the failed device,
It is possible to limit a part or all of the functions related to the operation of the device in which the failure has occurred.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the plurality of devices include a printer engine, a scanner engine, a FAX, and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, in the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, when the operation of each device is determined to be unusable by the determination unit, functions associated with each device are used. A warning means for displaying the prohibition is included.

  Even if a failure occurs in the printer engine, a reading operation or the like is possible, so that a FAX function, a function for saving an image in a memory, and the like can be used. That is, the entire system can be prevented from being down due to the stop of each engine function, and the functions of the image forming apparatus can be fully exhibited.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to optimize the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatus without consuming unnecessary power because the power supply is stopped when each engine fails.

2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to be controlled in this embodiment. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control flow when an abnormality occurs in a printer unit in an image forming apparatus to be controlled in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control flow when abnormality arises in the scanner part in the image forming apparatus used as the control object in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk 209 (hereinafter also referred to as HD) capable of storing a plurality of job data to be processed. In addition, the image forming apparatus itself has a copy function for printing job data received from the scanner unit 201 included in the image forming apparatus itself, using the printer unit 203 via the HD. In addition, the printer unit 203 has a print function for printing job data received from an external device such as a PC via an external I / F unit 202 unit corresponding to an example of a communication unit via the HD. It is an MPF type printing apparatus (also referred to as an image forming apparatus) having such a plurality of functions.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment may be an image forming apparatus capable of color printing or an image forming apparatus capable of monochrome printing as long as it can execute various controls described in this embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus of this embodiment includes a scanner unit 201 that reads a document image and performs image processing on the read image data. Further, it includes an external I / F unit 202 that transmits and receives image data and the like with a facsimile, a network connection device, an external dedicated device. Further, a hard disk 209 capable of storing image data of a plurality of jobs to be printed received from either the scanner unit 201 or the external I / F unit 202 is provided. The printer unit 203 executes print processing of print target job data stored in the hard disk 209 on the print medium. In addition, an operation unit 204 having a display unit corresponding to an example of a user interface unit included in the image forming apparatus is also provided. As another example of the user interface unit provided in the image forming apparatus, for example, a display unit of an external device of a PC, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like correspond to this.

  A controller unit (also referred to as a control unit or CPU) 205 corresponding to an example of a control unit included in the image forming apparatus comprehensively controls processes and operations of various units included in the image forming apparatus. The ROM 207 stores various control programs required for this embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens on the display unit of the operation unit 204 including the illustrated user interface screen (hereinafter referred to as UI screen). The control unit 205 reads out and executes the program in the ROM 207, thereby causing the printing apparatus to execute various operations described in this embodiment. A program or the like for interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from an external device via the external I / F 202 and executing raster data (bitmap image data) is stored in the ROM 207. Yes. These are processed by software.

  A ROM 207 is a read-only memory, and stores various programs such as programs such as a boot sequence and font information, and the above programs. A RAM 208 is a readable / writable memory, and stores image data, various programs, and setting information transmitted from the scanner unit 201 and the external I / F 202 via the memory controller 206.

  An HDD (hard disk) 209 is a large-capacity storage device that stores the image data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 210. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job to be processed. The control unit 205 controls the printer unit 203 to print data of a job to be processed input via various input units such as the scanner unit 201 and the external I / F unit 202 via the HDD 209. . In addition, control is performed so that transmission to an external apparatus via the external I / F 202 is possible. In this way, the control unit 205 controls to execute various output processes of the job target data stored in the HDD 209. The compression / decompression unit 210 compresses / decompresses image data stored in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 by various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG.

  The controller unit 205, the scanner unit 201, the printer unit 203, and the operation unit 204 are separated so as to be operated by individual power lines.

  The controller unit 205 controls the operation of each unit (the operation unit 204, the printer unit 203, the scanner unit 201, etc.) of the image forming apparatus according to the machine setting information and the like, and controls the power line of each unit individually. The entire image forming apparatus is controlled.

  An operation unit 204 corresponding to an example of a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit) will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit 204 includes a key input unit 402 that can accept user operations using hard keys and a touch panel unit 401 as an example of a display unit that can accept user operations using software keys (display keys).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the key input unit 402 includes an operation unit power switch 501. In response to the user operation of the switch 501, the control unit 205 suppresses power consumption by stopping the program in the standby mode (normal operation state) and sleep mode (waiting for an interrupt in preparation for network printing, facsimile, etc.). (State) is controlled to be switched selectively. The control unit 205 controls to accept a user operation of the switch 501 while a main power switch (not shown) that supplies power to the entire system is ON.

  A start key 503 is a key for enabling the user to accept an instruction to start the type of job processing instructed by the user, such as a copy operation or a transmission operation of a job to be processed. A stop key 502 is a key for enabling the user to accept an instruction to interrupt the processing of the accepted job to the printing apparatus. A numeric keypad 506 is a key for making it possible for a user to execute various numerical settings. A clear key 507 is a key for canceling various parameters such as numeric values set by the user via the key 506. A reset key 504 is a key for accepting an instruction from the user to invalidate all the various settings set for the job to be processed by the user and return the setting values to the default state. A user mode key 505 is a key for shifting to a system setting screen for each user.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a touch panel unit (hereinafter also referred to as a display unit) 401 corresponding to an example of a user interface unit provided by the printing system. The touch panel unit 401 includes a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a transparent electrode pasted thereon. The unit 401 has a function of accepting various settings from the operator and a function of presenting information to the operator. For example, when it is detected that a portion corresponding to a display key in the effective display state on the LCD is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 operates the key on the display unit 401 according to a display control program stored in the ROM 207 in advance. The operation screen is controlled so that it can be displayed. FIG. 4 is an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 401 when the printing apparatus is in the standby mode (there is no job to be processed by the printing apparatus).

  When the user presses the copy button 601 on the display unit 401 illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a copy function operation screen (FIG. 5) included in the printing apparatus. When the transmission button 602 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an operation screen for a data transmission (Send) function such as fax or E-mail transmission included in the printing apparatus. When the box button 603 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an operation screen for a box function provided in the printing apparatus.

  The box function is a function that uses a plurality of data storage boxes (hereinafter referred to as boxes) that can be distinguished and used for each user that is virtually provided in advance in the HDD 209. With this function, for example, the control unit 205 controls the user so that the user can select a desired box via the user interface unit and can accept a desired operation from the user. For example, in response to an instruction from the user input via the operation unit 204, the control unit 205 stores the document data of the job received from the scanner 201 of the printing apparatus in the box selected by the user. The HDD 209 is controlled as possible. Also, text data of a job from an external device (for example, the host computer 103 or 104) received via the external I / F unit 202 is the user of the external device specified via the user interface unit of the external device. According to the instruction, the user can store in the box designated by the user. Further, the control unit 205 causes the user to print the job data stored in the box in a desired output form, for example, by the printer unit 203 in accordance with a user instruction from the operation unit 204, or The external I / F unit 202 is controlled to be able to transmit to an external device.

  In order to allow the user to execute various box operations as described above, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to display a box function operation screen in response to the user pressing the box tab 603. Further, when the user presses the expansion button 604 of the display unit 401 in FIG. 6, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen for setting extended functions such as scanner settings.

  FIG. 5 shows a copy mode screen. This screen is an example, and the copy mode screen is not limited to the illustrated one. The operation unit 204 is controlled by the control unit 205 and can display print settings and messages in the image forming apparatus. As the message, display of a failure occurring in the image forming apparatus, warning display such as paper jam, out of toner, out of paper, maintenance request display, and the like can be displayed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the touch panel 401 also functions as a notification unit of the present invention.

  Next, the control unit 205 also controls the printer unit 203, and the printer unit 203 constitutes the image forming unit of the present invention. Image forming means includes means for feeding and conveying transfer paper, means for forming an image on a drum based on image data, means for developing an image on a drum using toner, means for transferring an image on a drum to transfer paper And means for discharging the transfer paper on which the image has been printed. Note that the printer unit 203 monitors various parts of the printer unit by sensors (not shown) to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality. The result is sent to the control unit 205 and managed.

  A control unit 205 controls the scanner unit 201. The scanner unit 201 constitutes an original reading unit of the present invention. The document reading unit includes a CCD or ADF for reading a document, an image processing unit (not shown), and the like, and acquires image data by reading the document. The image data is sent to the control unit 205 via the scanner unit 201. The control unit 205 stores the image data in the HDD 209. The scanner unit 201 monitors each unit of the document reading device with a sensor (not shown) or the like to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality. The result is sent to the control unit 205 and managed.

  Next, the control contents when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus will be described.

  The main control unit 10 recognizes the state of each unit according to the monitoring information sent from each control unit, and stores the state of each unit in the RAM 208 according to each monitoring information.

  A control procedure when the control unit 205 determines that there is an abnormality in the printer unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When an abnormality of the printer unit 203 detected by a sensor included in the printer unit 203 occurs, abnormality information is notified from the printer unit 203 to the control unit 205 (S6001). If the printer unit 203 is inoperable due to the notified abnormality information, the printer unit 203 is notified to acquire information on the printer unit 203 from the control unit 205. Acquired information includes information on the printer unit 203, such as information on consumables provided in the printer unit 203 such as the presence or absence of toner and paper, and finisher stapling, and counter information on each part of the printer unit 203. (S6002). The control unit 205 turns off the power supply of the printer unit 203 based on the information notified from the printer unit 203 (S6003). Further, the control unit 205 displays error information on the operation unit 204 according to the information from the printer unit 203 (S6004). The control unit 205 displays error information on the operation unit 204 according to information from the printer unit 203. The function for displaying error information is a function accompanied by a printing operation. For example, printing operations such as copying, box printing, PDL printing, and job hold need to be accompanied.

  The copy screen is a screen that is displayed by selecting the copy function as described above, and enables various copy settings, and an example thereof is shown in FIG. In prohibiting the selection of the copy mode screen, for example, the touch panel and key input are disabled on the setting screen as shown in FIG. In any case, settings relating to copying become impossible, and execution of the copy function becomes impossible. The transmission function and other items that do not involve a printing operation can be executed as usual.

  Next, a control procedure when the control unit 205 determines that there is an abnormality in the scanner unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When an abnormality of the scanner unit 201 detected by a sensor included in the scanner unit 201 occurs, abnormality information is notified from the scanner unit 201 to the control unit 205 (S7001). When the scanner unit 201 cannot operate due to the notified abnormality information, the scanner unit 201 is notified of the printer unit information acquisition from the control unit 205. The acquisition information acquires scanner unit 201 information such as counter information of each component of the scanner unit 201 (S7002). The control unit 205 stores the information notified from the scanner unit 201 in the RAM 208. Based on the information notified from the scanner unit 201, the control unit 205 turns off the power supply of the scanner unit 201 (S7003). Further, the control unit 205 displays error information on the operation unit 204 in accordance with the information from the scanner unit 201 (S7004). The function for displaying error information is a function involving an image reading operation. For example, it is necessary to accompany scanner operations such as copying, box scanning, file transmission, FAX, IFAX, and remote scanning.

  The copy screen is a screen that is displayed by selecting the copy function as described above, and enables various copy settings, and an example thereof is shown in FIG. In prohibiting selection of a copy mode screen accompanied by an image reading operation, for example, the touch panel and key input are disabled on a setting screen as shown in FIG. In any case, settings relating to copying become impossible, and execution of the copy function becomes impossible. The print function and other items that do not involve an image reading operation can be executed as usual.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the control method thereof according to the present invention have been described with the above embodiment, but can be naturally changed without departing from the present invention, and is not limited to the description of the above embodiment.

201 Scanner unit 203 Printer unit 209 Hard disk

Claims (3)

In the image forming apparatus formed with multiple devices with multiple power supplies, if a failure occurs in the device, turn off the power of the failed device,
An image forming apparatus capable of limiting a part or all of functions related to operation of a device in which a failure has occurred. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices include a printer engine, a scanner engine, and a FAX. 3. A warning unit that displays that the function associated with each device is prohibited when the operation of each device is determined to be unusable by the determination unit. Image forming apparatus.