JPH04318864A - Communication control device connected to copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine having a function of communicating with an external device via a communication line.

0002

[Background Art] There is a strong desire to add various functions to copying machines and make them more sophisticated.The structures and functions of copying machines are becoming more and more complex, and the number of copying machines installed within a single company is also increasing. In addition, for proper and prompt maintenance, troubleshooting, etc., normal usage conditions and functional data of copying machines are collected and centrally managed by management departments within companies or specialized companies.

[0003] Therefore, the copying machine is equipped with a communication control means,
The configuration is such that communication can be performed with a specific external device via a communication line, and when necessary at the management office, etc., a transmission command is sent to the copying machine from the external device installed at the management office, etc. to communicate with the copying machine. 2. Description of the Related Art Copying apparatuses that are configured to be able to send and receive data, etc. are known.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above conventional example, even if data to be transmitted such as a sign of an abnormality or occurrence of an abnormality occurs in the copying machine, the abnormality is only displayed on the display of the copying machine. , data had to be stored until a transmission order was received from the management department, and since the information was not received in real time from the management department, there was a problem of delays in response.

[0005] This invention was made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art.
The purpose of this invention is to provide a copying device that automatically transmits data to an external device installed in a management office or the like when a condition occurs.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Therefore, a copying apparatus according to the present invention includes a copying control means for controlling copying operations;
A communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via a communication line, a transfer means for transferring data between the copy control means and the communication control means, and assumed states and conditions under which data should be transmitted to the external device. A copying apparatus is provided with a condition detection means for detecting that the data should be transmitted when the condition detection means detects that the copying apparatus has reached the assumed state/condition for transmitting the data. The above object is achieved by a configuration characterized in that the information is transmitted to an external device by a communication control means.

[0007]

[Operation] With the above configuration, the copying apparatus performs copying operations under the control of the copying control means, and the communication control means connects a communication line to an external device installed in a management office, etc., and performs data exchange, etc. Can send and receive data.

[0008] When the condition detecting means detects that the copying apparatus is in a state or condition for transmitting the expected data, the transferring means transfers the data to be transmitted from the copying control means to the communication control means. , the communication control means automatically transmits the data to be transmitted to the external device. On the external device side, it is possible to grasp in real time that the copying device has reached the expected state/condition.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 800 a control means for controlling the copying operation, and 900 a communication control means (modem board) for transmitting and receiving data with an external communication line.
, 908 is a public line which is an external communication line, 99
Reference numeral 9 denotes a post computer system which is an external device placed in a management office or the like for managing the copying apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a communication control device (modem board) 9
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of 00. 901 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for controlling communication, and 903 is a memory (R) for temporarily storing communication data.
AM), 905 transfers digital communication data to public line 908.
906 is a network control unit (NCU).

The copying operation, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 of the copying apparatus 100 are carried out under the control of the copying control means 800 and the communication control means 900 having the above configuration.

Next, the control devices 800 and 900 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control devices 800 and 900 of this embodiment, in which 800 is a control device constituting the above-mentioned copying control means that controls the copying operation of the copying apparatus main body 100, and 900 is an external communication line. This is a communication line control device constituting the above-mentioned communication control means that controls communication with.

Reference numeral 801 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the entire copying apparatus, and 802 is a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) that stores control procedures (control programs) for the copying apparatus main body 100. and C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.

[0015] The CPU 801 also constitutes a condition detecting means for detecting that the copying apparatus has reached an expected state/condition for transmitting data to an external device.

Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) which is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data and a working storage area.
It also constitutes storage means for storing telephone numbers and the like necessary to start communication with 99.

Reference numeral 804 denotes an input/output unit that outputs control signals from the CPU 801 to loads such as the main motor 113 and inputs signals from sensors of the fixing device and sends them to the CPU 801.

A communication line control device 900 that controls communication with an external communication line 908 controls communication using a CPU 901 . 902 is a storage device (ROM) that stores communication control, connection procedure programs, and the like. The control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 is an R
They are connected by S-232C interfaces 805 and 907, and this RS-232C interface 9
When data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body 100 through the communication control device 07, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903 provided in the communication control device 900, and the data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body. C after the end
Network control unit (
It controls a unit 906 (hereinafter referred to as NCU), connects a communication line with an external device, and after connecting the line, transfers data to the outside through modem 905 and NCU unit 906.

Further, when data is transferred from outside, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903, and the RS-2
Data is transferred to the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the 32C interfaces 805 and 907.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure of the copying apparatus, and the structure and operation will be explained with reference to the figure. Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 200 a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) that automatically feeds originals, 300 a sorter or sorter, and 400 an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). , RDF20 above
0, Sorter 300 and CFF 400 are copying machine main body 1
It can be used in any combination with 00.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be explained below. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table glass serving as a document placing table. Further, 102 is an optical system as a document reading means, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 10
3, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, etc., the document is scanned by the motor 104, illuminated by an exposure lamp 103, and the reflected light from the document is directed to a photoreceptor drum 105 by the scanning mirror and lens. irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, there are a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing device 109, a transfer charger 110, a separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112. These photoreceptor drums 105 and the like constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is connected to the main motor 113
The optical system 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
When reflected light from the document is irradiated from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is separated by the registration rollers 120 between the leading edge of the toner image and the transfer paper. After timing is taken so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the toner image, the toner image is fed to the photoreceptor drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transcription,
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by a separation charger 111, guided to a fixing device 122 by a conveyor belt 121, where the toner image is fixed by pressure and heating, and then discharged from the main body 100 by a discharge roller 123. be done. Further, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 105 is cleaned by a cleaning device 112.

The copying apparatus main body 100 has, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing sheets of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 is raised according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 126.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or multi-recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side. Also, 128
is a lower conveyance path, in which the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is turned over via a reversing path 129 and guided to the paper re-feeding tray 130.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording, and by tilting this to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the lower conveyance path 128 without passing through the reversing path 129. A paper feed roller 132 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through a path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiple overlapping copying), the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upwards, and the copied transfer paper is re-inverted via the reversing path 129 and the lower conveyance path 128. The paper is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. During the next back-side recording or multiplex recording, the transfer sheets stored in the re-feeding tray 130 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When reversing and discharging the transfer paper from the copying apparatus main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is pushed down to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 129 side, and the transfer paper is transferred. After the trailing edge of the paper passes the first feed roller 140, it is transferred to the second feed roller 142 by the reversing roller 142.
It is conveyed to the feed roller side of the
Turn the transfer paper over and eject it out of the machine.

Next, the operation panel will be explained. Figure 5
2 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100. FIG.

601 is an asterisk (*) key,
The operator (user) uses this when in the setting mode, such as setting the binding margin or the size of document frame eraser. 62
Reference numeral 7 indicates a cursor key, which is used to select setting items in the setting mode. 628 is an OK key, which is used to confirm the settings in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 is an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. The auto-reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 605 is a copy start key, which is pressed to start copying. A clear/stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stopper key during copy recording. This clear/stop key 604 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Numeric keys 603 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register frequently used modes. Here, recording can be performed in four modes, M1 to M4.

Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is AE
This key is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual.

A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-manual feeder 150. Also, when a manuscript is placed on RDF300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected using this copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette of the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 is a same size key, which is pressed when making a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 616 is an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified transfer paper size.

A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
You can create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the transfer paper. 624 is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original. 623 is a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which the user presses when erasing the frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set using the asterisk key 601. 62
1 is a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original according to the copy paper size.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used to create a front cover and a back cover, and to insert a slip sheet. Reference numeral 630 is a page continuous copying key, which is used to successively copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 is a paper discharge method selection key for selecting the paper discharge method for staple sort, sort, and group, and when the staple sorter 300 is connected, it selects the staple sort mode, sort mode, and group mode for recording paper. You can make a selection or cancel the selection mode.

631 is a reservation key, and the reservation tray 21
It is used when starting the copy mode setting for the reserved original placed on the 0, and when canceling the reservation setting. 632 is a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode. 633 is a guide key, and the message display 7 provides explanations of the functions corresponding to the various keys.
Used when displaying 01.

Reference numeral 701 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information regarding copying and communication, and displays characters and figures in 96×129 dots. For example, the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 603, the fixed magnification keys 608, 609, the same magnification key 610, and the zoom key 61.
Copy magnification set in 7,618, copy paper selection key 6
A message indicating the paper size selected in step 07, the status of the copying machine main body 100, a guide message indicating the operating procedure,
Displays other various mode settings.

704 is an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 is a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state.

When using the RDF200 in standard mode, the settings are one copy, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, same size, and one-sided copying from one-sided original. RDF2
In the standard mode when 00 is not used, the number of copies is 1, density manual mode, same size, and single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The difference between using and not using RDF200 is R
This depends on whether or not an original is set in the DF200.

Next, a description will be given of control, which is a feature of the present invention, for automatically transmitting data to an external device installed in a management office or the like when a predetermined situation or condition occurs in the copying apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a transmission flowchart of the embodiment when an abnormality occurs in the copying machine.

When the CPU 801, which is the detection means, detects the high temperature of the fixing temperature sensor in the I/O 804 of the main body of the copying machine, or detects the lock of the motor 113, the CPU 801, which is the condition detection means, detects a preset regulation. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by comparing the status with the state, the process advances to step S62, and the data on the occurrence of the abnormality is transferred from the CPU 801 to the communication control means 900 via the transfer means I/F 805 and I/F 907, and the communication control means The information is transmitted from 900 via a communication line 908 to an external device installed in a management office or the like.

[0049] The data to be transmitted includes the type of abnormality,
Since data such as date and time, device number, etc. are included, the person managing the copying device can immediately recognize the occurrence of an abnormality and its contents, and take appropriate measures.

(Another Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a flowchart for transmitting data to an external device every prescribed operating time of the copying machine.

[0051] In step S71, the CPU in the copy control device
801 is added to the timer count, and step S
In step S72, when it is detected that a preset specified time value has been reached, the process proceeds to step S73, where the data is transferred to the communication control means 900 and transmitted to an external device. Then, the process advances to step S74, and the timer value is reset to zero, and the process returns to step S71.

As mentioned above, data is automatically transmitted each time the timer value reaches a preset specified time value, so the person managing the copying machine can Management data, etc. can be collected and aggregated, and copying devices can be managed and maintained efficiently.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for transmitting data to an external device for each specified number of copies.

When one copy has been completed in step S81, the process proceeds to step S82, where the copy number counter is incremented, and the process proceeds to step S83. When the counter reaches a preset copy value, the process proceeds to step S84, where the data is communicated and controlled. and transmits it to an external device by means of communication control means.

As mentioned above, since data is automatically sent to the external device every time the number of copies is set in advance, the side managing the copying device must aggregate the data for every fixed number of copies. This allows copying devices to be managed quickly and efficiently.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for transmitting data based on the frequency of occurrence of transfer material clogging.

If a paper jam as a transfer material is detected in step S91 during the copying operation, the process advances to step S92. In step S92, the CPU 801, which is a condition detecting unit, checks the progress of the copying apparatus since the past paper jam, and if the paper jam occurrence frequency is higher than the prescribed occurrence frequency, the process advances to step S93, and the data is transferred to the communication control unit 900. and send it to an external device.

As mentioned above, the department that manages copy management devices can automatically identify copy devices that are prone to paper jams, so they should investigate and deal with them during regular or temporary maintenance. Can be done.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for sending information when replacing or replenishing consumables.

[0060] In step S101, the CPU 801 of the copy control device 800 stores the colorant (toner) in the I/O 804.
If it is detected that there is insufficient remaining toner based on the input from the remaining amount sensor, the process advances to step S102. When the user detects that the toner is insufficient or has run out and replenishes the copying machine with toner, the process proceeds to S103, where the data is transferred to the communication control unit 900, and the data is transmitted from the communication control unit 900 to an external device.

[0061] As described above, the side managing the copying apparatus can know that toner has been replenished and can make advance arrangements for replenishing consumables.

[0062] Flowchart of the above explanation FIGS. 6 to 1
The data transmission controls shown in FIG. 0 are all examples of the present invention, and these controls can also be implemented in combination to enable more effective management and maintenance.

[0063]

As explained above, according to the present invention, the copying operation is performed under the control of the copying control means, and the communication control means connects a communication line to an external device installed in a management office or the like. You can send and receive data by connecting the .

[0064] When the condition detecting means detects that the copying apparatus is in a state/condition for transmitting the expected data, the transferring means transfers the data to be transmitted from the copying control means to the communication control means. By transmitting data to be transmitted to an external device by the communication control means, it is possible to automatically notify a management department or the like that an assumed state/condition has occurred.

[0065] In addition, in the management department, etc., the above-mentioned transmission from the copying machine allows the usage status of the copying machine, the functional status of the copying machine, occurrence of abnormalities, etc. to be collected efficiently and accurately at the necessary time, thereby improving the management and response of the copying machine. can be executed quickly and appropriately.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication means.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the copying device.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a transmission flowchart (embodiment) when an abnormality occurs.

[Figure 7] Flowchart for sending at specified time intervals (
Examples).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (embodiment) of transmission for each prescribed number of copies.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (embodiment) in which transmission is performed based on the frequency of occurrence of transfer material clogging.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (embodiment) that is transmitted each time consumables are replaced or replenished.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Copying apparatus main body 800 Copying apparatus main body control device (copying control means) 9
00 Communication control device (communication control means) 801 Central processing unit (CPU) (condition detection means) 901 Central processing unit (CPU) 802, 902 Read-only memory (ROM) 803 Random access memory (RAM) 805, 907 Interface (Transfer means) 903 Random access memory (RAM) 9
06 Network control unit (NCU)
908 Communication line 999 External device

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. Copy control means for controlling a copying operation, communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via a communication line, and transfer means for transferring data between the copy control means and the communication control means. and condition detection means for detecting that an assumed state/condition for transmitting data to an external device has been reached, wherein the condition detection means detects that a condition for transmitting data has arrived. What is claimed is: 1. A copying apparatus characterized in that, when detecting an error, data to be transmitted is transmitted to an external device by means of a communication control means. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition for transmitting the data detected by the detection means is the occurrence of an abnormality in the copy control means. 3. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition for transmitting the data detected by the detection means is that the operating time of the copying apparatus has reached a specified time. 4. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition for transmitting the data detected by the detection means is that the number of copying operations has reached a predetermined number. 5. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition for transmitting the data detected by the detection means is that the frequency of jamming of the transfer material during the copying operation reaches a specified frequency. 6. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition for transmitting the data detected by the detection means is when consumables of the copying apparatus are replaced or replenished.