JP2011088448A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a user having a fraudulent purpose from detecting the operating volume or use history of a part, giving orders about operations, or giving setting orders about the setting about execution of a function in electronic equipment which has the part of which operating volume or usage history can be detected or operated and executes the predetermined function in accordance with a received execution order. <P>SOLUTION: An operation panel 16 for receiving the execution order and a remote operation device 2 are provided. The remote operation device 2 receives the orders about the detection or operation of the operating volume or usage history of the part or the setting orders about the setting in the execution of the function. The apparatus is configured so that the orders or setting orders are received only by the remote operation device 2. The operation of the remote operation device 2 is limited to, for example, an administrator. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system provided with components capable of detecting or operating an operation amount or a usage history.

  Currently, for users who use facilities such as hospitals and hotels, services are provided that lend out electric devices such as television receivers, refrigerators, or digital multifunction peripherals having a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  When the rented electrical equipment breaks down, the maintenance staff goes to the installation location of the electrical equipment for inspection and repair. In this case, what kind of failure has occurred in the electrical equipment to be inspected / repaired and what kind of repair has been performed, that is, the failure history or repair history information of the electrical equipment is Above is very important information.

In Patent Document 1, failure history information indicating the contents of failures that have occurred in the past is stored in a memory so that the failure history information can be displayed on a display unit, transmitted to the outside, or read from the outside. The image display device is configured so that a maintenance person can easily obtain information on the failure history and repair history of the electrical device at the installation location of the electrical device when the electrical device is inspected and repaired.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-23411

  On the other hand, so-called unauthorized access problems have arisen in rented electrical equipment. For example, in the case of a digital multi-function peripheral, each time an image is formed on a recording sheet, the number of times that the image has been formed is counted by counting up the value of the billing counter, and the number of times that the image has actually been formed It is configured to charge according to the situation. However, some users may reset (or clear) the value of the billing counter for fraudulent purposes, causing financial damage to the service provider. Also, miscellaneous miscellaneous changes such as the temperature of a fixing device heater for fusing toner onto recording paper, the amount of operation of components such as the rotation speed of a cooling fan, or the setting values relating to image formation such as toner density, engine resolution, and image density. In some cases, it was difficult to use later users.

  The image display device of Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem of unauthorized access. In addition, since the image display device of Patent Document 1 is provided with the memory for storing the failure history information in the image display device, there is a possibility that data in the memory may be lost when the image display device fails. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is an operation unit that receives an instruction for image formation, and a remote operation device that is limited in its operation and receives an instruction different from the operation unit. In the image forming apparatus comprising: a component that operates at the time of image formation and whose operation amount is manipulated, and only the remote operation device accepts an instruction to manipulate the operation amount of the component, for example, By restricting the operation of the remote control device to an administrator who performs maintenance, it is possible to prevent a person other than the administrator, for example, a user with an unauthorized purpose from operating the operation amount of the part in advance. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing disadvantages to service providers and other users.

  Another object of the present invention includes a storage device that receives and stores data from the remote control device, and stores data relating to the operation amount or usage history of the component in the storage device. In preparation for the loss of the data, by storing the data related to the operation amount or the operation history, etc., when there are a plurality of the image forming apparatuses, it indicates what kind of maintenance has been performed before. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that makes it easy to manage each image forming apparatus by utilizing the data as a so-called maintenance history.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention operates at the time of image formation in an image forming apparatus including an operation unit that receives an instruction to form an image and a remote operation device that receives an instruction different from the operation unit. The remote control device is configured to receive an instruction to operate the operation amount of the component.

  In the present invention, for example, in a digital multi-function peripheral having functions such as copying and printing, an instruction to perform image formation is accepted by the operation unit, and an instruction to manipulate the operation amount of a component that operates during the image formation. Is configured to accept only through the remote control device. Therefore, only the administrator who performs maintenance of the digital multi-function peripheral is allowed to operate the remote control device, and only the administrator can operate the remote control device, and a user with an unauthorized purpose can operate the component. Prevent in advance the amount of manipulation.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that transmits operation amount data representing the operation amount of the component to the remote operation device, and the remote operation device displays the operation amount based on the received operation amount data. A display unit is provided.

  In the present invention, the communication unit transmits operation amount data representing the operation amount of the component to the remote operation device, and the operation amount based on the operation amount data is displayed on the display unit of the remote operation device. .

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the communication unit transmits usage history data representing a usage history of the component to the remote control device, and the display unit of the remote control device is used based on the received usage history data. It is configured to display a history.

  In the present invention, the usage history data representing the usage history of the component is transmitted to the remote operation device by the communication unit, and the usage history based on the usage history data is displayed on the display unit of the remote operation device. .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the remote control device is configured to receive an instruction to operate a usage history of the component.

  In the present invention, an instruction to operate the usage history of the component is configured to be accepted only through the remote control device. Only an administrator authorized to access the remote control device can operate the component usage history using the remote control device.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a counter that measures a usage amount or usage history of the component, and the communication unit is configured to transmit data representing a measurement result of the counter to the remote control device. It is characterized by that.

  In this invention, the said communication part transmits the data showing the usage-amount or usage history of the said component measured by the said counter to the said remote control apparatus. For example, a measurement value based on the data is displayed on the display unit of the remote control device.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the remote control device is configured to receive an instruction to reset a measurement result of the counter.

  In the present invention, for example, an administrator who has finished checking the measurement result of the counter displayed on the display unit of the remote control device resets the measurement result of the counter using the remote control device.

  An image forming system according to the present invention includes a storage device that receives and stores data from the remote control device of any one of the above-described image forming apparatuses according to the present invention.

  In the present invention, the storage device receives and stores data (for example, data relating to the operation amount or usage history of the component) from the remote control device of any one of the image forming apparatuses of the present invention described above. Keep it.

  The image forming system according to the present invention is characterized in that the storage device can receive the data wirelessly.

  In the present invention, the storage device receives and stores data (for example, data relating to the operation amount of the part or usage history) from the remote control device of any one of the image forming apparatuses of the present invention described above. At this time, the data is received wirelessly.

  According to the present invention, a first operation unit that receives the execution instruction and a second operation unit that receives data related to the setting of the function, or data related to the operation amount or usage history of the component, are provided separately. The function can be set only by two operation units. For example, when the operation of the second operation unit is restricted to an administrator, a person other than the administrator, for example, a user with an unauthorized purpose, Setting can be prevented in advance, and disadvantages to the service provider and other users can be prevented.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the apparatus includes a storage device that receives and stores data from the second operation unit, for example, by storing data related to the operation amount or usage history of the component in the storage device, In preparation for the loss of the data, the data related to the setting of the function is stored, so that the data is utilized as a maintenance history, and each image forming apparatus can be managed even when there are a plurality of the image forming apparatuses. It can be made easy.

1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of a remote control device. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the reception data table of a memory | storage part. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the transmission data table of a memory | storage part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an image forming unit. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of a CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of a CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an image forming unit. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display part in operation of the remote control apparatus by a service person.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. As an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a digital multifunction machine having a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, and the like will be described as an example. For convenience of explanation, for example, a person who gives an execution instruction for executing a predetermined function such as copying and printing is called a user, and a person who repairs and manages the digital multifunction peripheral is called a manager.

(Embodiment 1)
1 to 5 show a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. The digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention includes a main body 1 and a remote operation device 2 (second operation unit) for remotely operating the main body 1.

  The main body 1 includes a CPU 11, which includes a ROM 12, a RAM 14, an operation panel 16 (first operation unit), an image reading unit 13, a communication unit 18, an image processing unit 15, and an image forming unit via a bus N. 17 and hardware such as a paper feed unit 19 are connected. The ROM 12 stores a control program for controlling these hardware, and the CPU 11 is configured to control the operation of the entire apparatus by loading the control program onto the RAM 14 and executing it as necessary. ing.

  The image reading unit 13 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of a document is formed on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the obtained analog electric signal is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion. The image reading unit 13 transfers the generated image data to the image processing unit 15.

  The image processing unit 15 includes an ASIC that processes the image data acquired by the image reading unit 13 and the print data received through the communication unit 18. The image data acquired by the image reading unit 13 is converted into data suitable for print processing. That is, since the image data acquired by the image processing unit 15 is based on the luminance signal output from the image sensor, a process for converting the data about the luminance into density data is performed. In addition, image quality adjustment such as contrast, correction of background density, image blurring, correction of spatial frequency characteristics to prevent deterioration of graininess, sharpness enhancement processing to improve character reproducibility, etc. are executed. Also good.

  The operation panel 16 includes an operation keyboard 16a that receives an operation instruction from the user, and a display unit 16b that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation keyboard 16a includes various hardware keys such as a function switching operation key, a start key, and a numeric keypad, and receives a user's execution instruction related to execution of a predetermined function. The display unit 16b is composed of a liquid crystal display and a touch panel, and displays the operation status of the main body 1, the input value input through the operation keyboard 16a, and the like. The touch panel is provided with soft keys for magnification operation, recording paper selection, and the like. When the user's fingertip touches one of the soft keys, a predetermined function such as a copy function, a print function, or a facsimile function is provided. Accepts execution instructions from users for execution.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image forming unit 17. The image forming unit 17 forms an image on a recording sheet based on the image data output from the image processing unit 15. Therefore, the image forming unit 17 includes a drum 172, a charger 171 that charges the drum 172 to a predetermined potential, and a laser that emits laser light according to image data received from the outside and generates an electrostatic latent image on the drum 172. Writing device 173, developing unit 174 for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of drum 172, transfer unit 176 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of drum 172 onto the recording paper, toner on the recording paper The image forming apparatus includes components such as a fixing device 175 that heats and welds the image to the recording paper, and forms an image desired by the user on the recording paper by an electrophotographic method.

  The drum 172 includes, for example, a drum use counter 172a that counts the cumulative number of revolutions (drum travel distance) of the drum 172 using an infrared sensor so that the use history (cumulative number of revolutions) of the drum 172 can be detected. It is configured. Therefore, the manager can detect the usage history of the drum 172, predict the replacement time, and quickly respond.

  Further, for example, the fixing device 175 includes a fixing roller 175b having a halogen heater 175c, and the thermistor 175a is provided in the fixing roller 175b so that the temperature (operation amount) of the halogen heater 175c can be detected. Further, the temperature of the halogen heater 175c can be controlled by controlling the energization to the halogen heater 175c based on the temperature detection result or in response to an instruction from the remote control device 2. Further, the developing unit 174 supplies toner to the drum 172 to form a visible image, and in order to replenish toner of the same amount as the toner consumed from the developing unit 174b, replenishment toner is provided therein. A toner cartridge 174a. These also detect the number of used recording sheets and the remaining amount of toner from a detection unit (not shown). Since the toner cartridge 174a generally has a shorter lifetime than the developing unit 174b, it is replaced early.

  As described above, the administrator can remotely detect the cumulative rotation speed (usage history) of the drum 172 and operate the temperature (operation amount) of the halogen heater 175c of the fixing device 175 using the remote control device 2. Therefore, even when the user uses the digital multifunction peripheral, the administrator does not disturb the user's use, and the administrator uses the remote operation device 2 to use the cumulative rotation speed (usage history) or halogen of the drum 172. The temperature (operation amount) of the heater 175c can be detected or operated remotely. A cooling fan 177 is provided in order to suppress an increase in temperature in the main body 1 due to heat generated from the fixing device 175.

  The communication unit 18 has an IP address, an ID, and the like so that 1: 1 wireless communication can be performed with a communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 described later. In response to an instruction received via the remote operation device 2, the communication unit 18 transmits, for example, the movement amount or usage history data of the component to the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2. In addition, in the execution of a predetermined function, for example, instruction data (operation amount or use history data) related to detection or operation of the operation amount or use history of the component received via the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2 Data of setting instructions related to settings (data related to setting of functions) is received from the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2.

  The paper feeding unit 19 includes a paper feeding cassette that stores a plurality of types of recording paper, a pickup roller that takes in the recording paper stored in the paper feeding cassette one by one, and the recording paper stored in the paper feeding cassette. One sheet is taken in and conveyed to the image forming unit 17. The sheet feeding counter that counts the number of recording sheets conveyed to the image forming unit 17 by the pickup roller by rotation is used, and the recording sheet usage is detected by detecting the usage history (for example, the number of rotations) of the sheet feeding counter. It is configured to detect the amount. Therefore, the manager can detect the usage history of the paper feed counter and predict the replenishment time of the recording paper and can respond quickly.

  The CPU 11 receives a detection / operation instruction related to the detection or operation of the operation amount or usage history of the component via the remote operation device 2, acquires data of the operation amount or usage history from the component, and transmits the data via the communication unit 18. To the remote control device 2. Also, a setting instruction related to the setting for executing the predetermined function is received via the remote control device 2, and the setting for executing the predetermined function is changed.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the remote control device 2. The remote operation device 2 includes a display unit 22, an operation unit 21 that receives an instruction by an administrator's operation, a communication unit 24 that performs transmission / reception with the communication unit 18 of the main body 1, and transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the communication unit 24. And a storage unit 23 for storing.

  The operation unit 21 includes a hard key operated by an administrator. When the administrator operates the hard key, the operation amount or usage history of the component is detected or an operation instruction (operation amount) is detected. Alternatively, it is possible to accept a setting instruction (data related to function setting) related to setting in execution of a predetermined function. For example, the administrator can detect the usage history of parts such as a drum usage counter, a residual toner amount counter, and a developer usage counter by operating the operation unit 21 and use history after maintenance such as replacement of the parts. Can be reset and updated. The administrator can also operate the operation unit 21 to change settings such as margins, line pitch, engine resolution, and image density in the execution of the printing function. The detection / operation instruction and the setting instruction cannot be received by the operation panel 16 but can be received only by the operation unit 21. Accordingly, when the administrator carries the remote control device 2 and the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention is lent out, unauthorized access by a user having an unauthorized purpose can be prevented in advance.

  The communication unit 24 has an IP address, an ID, and the like so that 1: 1 wireless communication with the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 can be performed. For example, the operation amount or the usage history of the component received via the operation unit 21. Data of instructions related to detection or operation, or data of setting instructions related to settings in execution of a predetermined function is transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1. Further, for example, the movement amount or usage history data of the component is received from the communication unit 18 of the main body 1.

  The storage unit 23 is composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and a part of the storage area is used as a transmission data table for storing transmitted data and a reception data table for storing received data. For example, the movement amount or usage history data of the component received from the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 is stored in the reception data table, and the transmission data table of the component transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 is stored. Data of instructions related to detection or operation of the operation amount or use history, or data of setting instructions related to settings in execution of a predetermined function is stored. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a reception data table, and FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a transmission data table. In the reception data table of FIG. 3, the drum usage count value (cumulative rotation speed), the paper feed counter rotation speed (use history), and the temperature (operation amount) of the halogen heater are stored in association with the date. That is, the administrator can confirm (detect) the usage history and operation amount of the component at that time by checking the contents of the received data table via the display unit 22 at the time of maintenance, and can respond quickly. In the transmission data table of FIG. 4, the image density and the engine resolution (settings for executing the predetermined function) and the temperature (operation amount) of the halogen heater are stored in association with the date. In other words, the administrator checks the contents of the transmission data table via the display unit 22 during maintenance to grasp the setting status and the operation amount of the component in the execution of the predetermined function, and change / change as necessary. Make adjustments.

  The display unit 22 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays data input by operating the operation unit 21, transmission data table and reception data table data stored in the storage unit 23, and the like. Therefore, for the administrator, it is possible to perform more appropriate maintenance by utilizing the operation amount or the use history of the component as the maintenance history.

  That is, in the digital multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment, execution instructions such as a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile function are accepted via the operation panel 16 (first operation unit). On the other hand, the operation amount (for example, the temperature of the halogen heater) or the usage history (for example, the cumulative number of revolutions of the drum) of components such as a drum, a toner cartridge, and a halogen heater of the fixing device that operate when the function is executed is detected. Alternatively, the detection / operation instruction related to the operation and the setting instruction related to the setting in the execution of the function (for example, the margin, the line pitch, the engine resolution, the image density in the execution of the printing function) are the remote operation device 2 (second operation unit) ).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of the CPU 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, in the following explanation, as an example of receiving an instruction relating to detection of a component usage history from an administrator, a case of detecting a drum usage count value (usage history) of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. I will give you a description.

  When the administrator who wants to detect the drum usage count value operates the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2, the CPU 11 receives a drum usage count value detection instruction (S101). That is, the data related to the detection instruction received via the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2 is transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2, and is transmitted from the communication unit 18 to the CPU 11. Sent out.

  When the CPU 11 receives the detection instruction via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2, the CPU 11 detects the drum use count value (S102). That is, the CPU 11 acquires the drum usage count value from the drum usage counter 172 a and temporarily stores it in the RAM 14.

  Next, the CPU 11 transmits the detection result to the remote control device 2 (S103). That is, the detection result (drum use count value) temporarily stored in the RAM 14 is transmitted to the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 via the communication unit 18.

  The drum usage count value received via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 is stored in the storage unit 23. As described above, since the received drum usage count value is associated with the date and stored in the reception data table of the storage unit 23, it is utilized as a usage history during maintenance at a later date.

  The drum usage count value stored in the storage unit 23 is displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control device 2, and the administrator can check the drum usage count value via the display unit 22 to grasp the drum usage status. I can do it.

  Hereinafter, as an example of receiving an instruction relating to the operation history of parts from an administrator, an operation of resetting the drum usage count value of the drum usage counter after replacing the drum of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention with a new one. A case will be described.

  When the administrator who replaced the drum of the digital multi-function peripheral with a new one operates the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2, the CPU 11 receives an operation instruction for resetting the drum use count value. That is, data related to the operation instruction received via the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2 is transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2, and the communication unit 18 transmits the data to the CPU 11. Sent out. Next, the CPU 11 instructs the drum usage counter 172a to reset the drum usage count value to “0”, and the drum usage counter 172a resets the drum usage count value in response to the instruction from the CPU 11.

  At this time, the data related to the operation instruction transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the remote operation device 2. That is, the data relating to the operation instruction transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 and resetting the drum use count value to “0” is associated with the date as described above. And stored in the transmission data table of the storage unit 23. For example, “0” is written in the transmission data table of the storage unit 23 as the drum usage count value for a predetermined date. Therefore, the administrator can effectively use the data in the transmission data table for maintenance at a later date and perform more appropriate maintenance.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of the CPU 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, in the following explanation, as an example of receiving an instruction relating to the operation amount or detection of a component from the administrator, the temperature (usage amount) of the halogen heater 175c of the fixing device 175 of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention. ) Will be described.

  When an administrator who wants to detect the temperature of the halogen heater 175c operates the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2, the CPU 11 receives an instruction to detect the temperature of the halogen heater 175c (S201). That is, the data related to the detection instruction received via the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2 is transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2, and is transmitted from the communication unit 18 to the CPU 11. Sent out.

  When the CPU 11 receives the detection instruction via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2, the CPU 11 detects the temperature of the halogen heater 175c (S202). That is, the CPU 11 acquires the temperature of the halogen heater 175c via the thermistor 175a and temporarily stores it in the RAM 14.

  Next, the CPU 11 transmits the detection result to the remote control device 2 (S203). The detection result (temperature of the halogen heater 175c) temporarily stored in the RAM 14 is transmitted to the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2 via the communication unit 18.

  At this time, the temperature of the halogen heater 175 c received via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 is stored in the storage unit 23. As described above, the received temperature of the halogen heater 175c is associated with the date and stored in the reception data table of the storage unit 23, so that it is utilized as a use history during maintenance at a later date.

  The temperature of the halogen heater 175c stored in the storage unit 23 is displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control device 2, and the administrator checks the temperature of the halogen heater 175c via the display unit 22, and the temperature of the halogen heater 175c. (Motion amount) can be grasped.

  Hereinafter, as an example of receiving an instruction relating to the operation of the operation amount of the component from the administrator, a case of changing the temperature of the halogen heater 175c of the fixing device 175 of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention to a predetermined temperature is given. explain.

  When the administrator operates the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2, the CPU 11 receives an operation instruction to change the temperature of the halogen heater 175c to a predetermined temperature. That is, data related to the operation instruction received via the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2 is transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2, and the communication unit 18 transmits the data to the CPU 11. Sent out.

  When the CPU 11 accepts the operation instruction, based on the detection result of the thermistor 175a, the CPU 11 performs control to turn on / off the energization to the halogen heater 175c of the fixing unit 175 until the temperature of the halogen heater 175c reaches a predetermined temperature. The temperature of the heater 175c is changed to the predetermined temperature.

  At this time, the data related to the operation instruction transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the remote operation device 2. That is, the data related to the operation instruction for changing the temperature of the halogen heater 175c to the predetermined temperature transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 is associated with the date as described above. And stored in the transmission data table of the storage unit 23. For example, the predetermined temperature is written in the transmission data table of the storage unit 23 as the temperature of the halogen heater 175c related to the predetermined date. Therefore, the administrator can effectively use the data in the transmission data table for maintenance at a later date and perform more appropriate maintenance.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, an image forming system according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, taking a digital multi-function peripheral as an example of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image forming system according to the present invention. The image forming system according to the present invention includes a main body 1, a remote operation device 2 that remotely operates the main body 1, and a storage center 100 that receives and stores data from the remote operation device 2.

  The main body 1 includes a CPU 11, which is connected to a ROM 12, a RAM 14, an operation panel 16, an image reading unit 13, a communication unit 18, an image processing unit 15, an image forming unit 17, and a paper feeding unit 19 via a bus N. Etc. are connected.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image forming unit 17. The image forming unit 17 includes components such as a drum 172, a charger 171, a laser writing device 173, a developing unit 174, and a fixing unit 175, and an image is formed on recording paper based on image data output from the image processing unit 15. Form.

  The image forming unit 17 includes a density detection sensor 178 that detects an image density related to the image formation, and an image density adjusting unit 179 that controls toner density by changing, for example, a developing potential in order to adjust the image density. And.

  The storage center 100 includes a database, a data processing device, and a communication device such as a modem and a LAN, and has a function of receiving data from the remote control device 2 and storing the data in the database in association with a date. The storage center 100 is configured to be able to transmit database data to the remote control device 2 as necessary. When there are a plurality of remote control devices 2, the received data is stored in association with each remote control device 2 that is a transmission source.

  Hereinafter, as an example of receiving a setting instruction related to the setting in the execution of the function from the administrator, a case of changing the image density setting of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention will be described.

  When an administrator who wants to change the image density setting operates the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2, the CPU 11 receives a density setting instruction for changing the image density setting to a predetermined value. That is, the data related to the concentration setting instruction received via the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2 is transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24 of the remote operation device 2, and the CPU 11 Is sent out.

  When receiving the density setting instruction, the CPU 11 instructs the image density adjusting unit 179 to change the image density to the predetermined value based on the detection result of the density detection sensor 178. In response to an instruction from the CPU 11, the image density adjusting unit 179 adjusts the developing potential to control the toner density, and changes the image density to the predetermined value.

  At this time, the data related to the concentration setting instruction received via the operation unit 21 of the remote operation device 2 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the remote operation device 2. That is, the data relating to the density setting instruction for changing the image density setting to a predetermined value, which is received via the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2 and transmitted to the communication unit 18 of the main body 1 via the communication unit 24, As described above, the date is associated with the date and stored in the transmission data table of the storage unit 23. For example, when the predetermined value of the density setting instruction received via the operation unit 21 is “☆☆☆”, the transmission data table of the storage unit 23 stores “☆☆☆” as the value of the image density related to the predetermined date. Is written. Therefore, the administrator can effectively use the data in the transmission data table for maintenance at a later date and perform more appropriate maintenance.

  Thereafter, data transmission for transmitting the data of the storage unit 23 to the storage center 100 from the storage center 100 via the operation unit 21 of the remote control device 2 or the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2 by the operation of the administrator. Accept instructions. When receiving the data transmission instruction, the CPU 11 transmits the data in the storage unit 23 to the storage center 100 via the communication unit 24 of the remote control device 2. The data received by the storage center 100 is stored in the database in association with the received date.

  As described above, when there are a plurality of remote control devices 2, the storage center 100 stores the received data in association with each transmission source, so that the data for a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals can be managed collectively. I can do it. For example, the company providing the lending service for the digital multi-function peripheral only needs to manage the database of the storage center 100, and it is not necessary to receive a report using documents or the like from the administrator of each digital multi-function peripheral. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent omissions, mistakes, and the like that are often reported in documents.

  For example, when the storage center 100 receives a request from an administrator via the communication device, the storage center 100 transmits the data of the database related to the request of the administrator to the remote control device 2. The data transmitted to the remote control device 2 is displayed on the display unit 22. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where data in the storage unit 23 of the remote control device 2 is lost due to some cause.

  The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above, the drum usage count value is described as an example of the component usage history, and the temperature of the halogen heater of the fixing device is described as an example of the operation amount of the component. Not a thing.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, in the provision of a service for lending a multifunction peripheral, the image forming apparatus and the image formation according to the present invention will be described by taking as an example the operation of the remote operation device 2 by a person who performs maintenance of the rented digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as a serviceman). The operation of the system will be described. In the following description, a case where a plurality of digital multi-function peripherals (main body 1) lent to a plurality of places are managed by one remote operation measure 2 will be described as an example.

  The digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) according to the third embodiment includes a storage unit in the main body 1, and the storage unit transmits data transmitted to the remote operation device 2, data received from the remote operation device 2, and operation amount. Alternatively, the data related to the usage history is stored as a so-called history in association with the date. Further, the main body 1 is provided with a total print counter for counting the total number of printed sheets, a paper feed tray counter for confirming a feed roller replacement index, a usage counter for counting the amount of developer used, and the like. The storage center 100 is configured to store data received from the plurality of main bodies 1 in a database for each main body. In addition, the image forming system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When a service person performs maintenance on the digital multifunction peripheral, the operation amount or usage history data stored in the storage unit of the digital multifunction peripheral, for example, operation status, trouble information, by operating the remote control device 2 The maintenance history, consumable life, remaining amount, etc. can be acquired from the digital multi-function peripheral and stored in the remote operation device 2. The service person who has acquired these data can display the acquired data on the display unit 22 provided in the remote control device 2 and confirm it. Make appropriate instructions and settings.

  The operation status of the digital multi-function peripheral, the acquisition of set information, and the setting change can be performed only by the remote control device 2 to prevent an erroneous setting or unauthorized operation by a third party. Can do.

  For example, when a service person charges, the detection result of the total print counter is acquired using the remote control device 2, and the total number of printed sheets is confirmed by referring to the result. When a service person performs maintenance, the detection result of the paper feed tray counter is acquired by using the remote control device 2, and the replacement index of the paper feed roller is confirmed by referring to the result. In addition, after replacing the paper feed roller, the remote control device 2 is used to reset the paper feed tray counter to “0” for the next maintenance index management. Further, the service person acquires the detection result of the developer usage counter using the remote control device 2, and refers to it as the developer replacement timing, replaces the developer as necessary, and adjusts the toner density. I do. After the toner density adjustment, the developer use counter is reset to “0” using the remote control device 2.

  In the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention, the operation according to the above example is provided on the main body 1 side and cannot be operated from the operation unit 16a that can be operated by the user of the digital multifunction peripheral, and only the operation from the remote operation device 2 is possible. It is configured to be possible. That is, in the conventional digital multi-function peripheral, the operation according to the above example can also be performed by operating the operation unit 16a. However, for example, in the settlement of billing in the above example, if the user resets the total printing counter for billing maliciously, the service provider side will be charged for a smaller number than the number actually used. There were evils that would cause damage. Therefore, the digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus or image forming system) according to the present invention prevents unauthorized access by the user as described above by enabling only the operation from the remote operation device 2 for the operation according to the above example. be able to.

  Further, by saving the operation history in the storage unit 23 of the remote control device 2, for example, the work history in the above example is stored, so that the work content can be accurately reported. In other words, conventionally, in the settlement of billing in the above example, the serviceman displays the acquired billing counter detection result on the display unit 16b of the digital multifunction peripheral (or the list of counters is printed by the function of the digital multifunction peripheral). I confirmed it, and filled it in by hand in reports, collections, etc. However, in the case of such handwritten transcripts, erroneous entry, entry leakage, etc. may occur.

  The remote control device 2 of the image forming system according to the present invention is configured so that transmission / reception data or transmission / reception history can be stored in the storage unit 23. Therefore, since the history of the service person's work contents is stored accurately, the service status such as maintenance information of the digital multifunction peripheral, the past trouble history, the work management of the service person (whether there is any work leakage), etc. It can be managed accurately.

  Further, by storing the above information as a history in the remote operation device 2, the serviceman displays the history information stored in the remote operation device 2 on the display unit 22 when performing maintenance. It is also possible to improve serviceability by browsing the history of work contents performed in the past, and by uploading information stored in the remote operation device 2 to the database of the storage center 100, a plurality of digital Multifunction machines can be managed consistently.

  Further, since the remote control device 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the main body 1 of the digital multi-function peripheral by infrared or wireless, even if the user is using the digital multi-function peripheral, the digital It is possible to acquire data relating to the operation amount or the usage history from the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being inconvenienced such as temporarily interrupting the use of the digital multifunction peripheral when acquiring data from the digital multifunction peripheral, and to perform quick maintenance.

  In the above example, the remote operation device 2 is used as an example to confirm the detection result of the count value (operation amount, etc.) by a part of the counter and to reset the counter. It is not limited. In fact, there are a total print counter, various mode (copy / fax / printer, etc.) use counter, maintenance counter, each tray paper feed counter, developer use counter, drum use counter, etc., for accounting, machine maintenance management, etc. It has a counter. Such a counter is configured such that the remote control device 2 can detect the count value and reset the counter.

  In the above description, the operation of the remote operation device 2 performed by the service person has been described with some examples, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in order to obtain a good image with a digital multi-function peripheral, it is possible to acquire and change data relating to process settings such as photoconductor, development, transfer, and fixing only by using the remote control device 2. In this case, erroneous setting by the user can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the remote control device 2 by the service person will be specifically described with an example based on the drawings. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 22 in the operation of the remote control device 2 by the service person.

  When a service person turns on the remote control device 2, the operator's name code and password are entered to authenticate the operator and prevent inappropriate abuse of the remote control device 2 by a third party. Required. The display section 22 displays an input field for the operator's name code and password. (FIG. 10 (1)) If the service person inputs the name code and the personal identification number and the authentication is permitted, the remote operation device 2 can be operated. If the authentication is denied, the remote operation device 2 thereafter It is not possible to perform the operation. Further, when the authentication rejection continues for a predetermined number of times, the remote control device 2 may be configured not to accept any input for a certain period of time.

  When the authentication is permitted, a function selection screen as shown in FIG. 10 (2) is displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control device 2. In the function selection screen, a “reception storage” soft key (hereinafter abbreviated as “key”) for receiving and storing data from the main body 1, and displaying the received or stored data on the display unit 22. A “display” key and a “transmission” key for transmitting data to the storage center 100 or the main body 1 are displayed.

  When the service person operates the operation unit 21 and selects the “reception storage” key, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 (3) is displayed on the display unit 22. The screen includes a “setting information” key for obtaining data relating to how the main body 1 to be maintained is currently set, and a “model” for obtaining data relating to the history of the main body 1 to be maintained. "Information" key is displayed (FIG. 10 (4)). When the “setting information” key is selected, for example, data relating to the temperature setting of the halogen heater 175c of the fixing roller 175b and data relating to the software version of the main body 1 can be acquired, and the “model information” key is selected. In this case, it is possible to acquire data related to trouble, maintenance history, and the like.

  When either the “setting information” key or the “model information” key is selected, the target main body 1 for acquiring the data related to the setting or the data related to the history, that is, the model of the main body 1 to be maintained is selected. A screen for this is displayed on the display unit 22. The main body 1 has different models depending on monochrome, color, options, and the like. When the service person operates the operation unit 21 and selects the model of the main body 1 to be maintained, a table suitable for each display and data storage is prepared in the storage unit 23 of the remote operation device 2. When a model of the main body 1 to be maintained is selected, the remote scanning device 2 communicates with the communication unit 18 of the main body 1, and various data stored in the storage unit of the main body 1 are transmitted via the communication unit 18. Receive. While the remote scanning device 2 is communicating with the communication unit 18 of the main body 1, the display unit 22 of the remote control device 2 continues to display that communication is in progress. When the communication is completed, a screen as shown in FIG.

  When the communication is completed and a screen as shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display unit 22, the serviceman selects the “display” key on the screen and displays the received data on the display unit 22. I can do it. When the service person operates the operation unit 21 and selects the “display” key, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 (5) is displayed. The screen includes an “operation status” key for displaying data related to the operation of the main body 1 such as the total number of prints, the number of monochrome copies, the number of color copies, the number of times of scanner use, the number of times of fax use, and the number of jams. "Maintenance" key for displaying data related to troubles of the main body 1 such as the location and frequency of jamming, communication trouble, etc., and maintenance of the main body 1 to be maintained last time, maintenance contents, etc. A “maintenance history” key for displaying such data and a “usage status” key for displaying data regarding the usage status of a consumable part, for example, are displayed. For example, the service person selects the “trouble information” key and displays and confirms data relating to the trouble of the main body 1, so that the trouble-prone part can be grasped and appropriate response and maintenance can be performed. When the “maintenance history” key is selected, not only data related to the previous maintenance but also data history related to the past maintenance may be acquired from the main body 1 and displayed on the display unit 22. .

  For example, when the service person selects the “usage status” key, the usage status of each consumable item is displayed on the display unit 22, so that the lifetime, remaining amount, etc. of each consumable item based on the usage status can be grasped. In addition, it becomes easy to predict the replacement timing of each consumable. FIG. 10 (6) is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 22 when the “usage status” key is selected. The screen displays the number of prints used such as a photoconductor, a developer, and a toner cartridge. When the main body 1 is a color multifunction peripheral, data for each color is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the service person operates the operation unit 21 and selects the “Send” key on the screen of FIG. 10B, a screen as shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display unit 22. The screen includes a “Send to Management Device” key for transmitting data received from the storage unit of the main body 1 or data stored in the storage unit 23 of the remote control device 2 to the storage center 100, for example, A “change setting information” key for transmitting data related to temperature change of the halogen heater 175 c of the fixing roller 175 b, data related to software upgrade of the main body 1, and the like to the main body 1 is displayed.

  When the service person selects the “Send to Management Device” key and transmits the data received from the storage unit of the main body 1 or the data stored in the storage unit 23 of the remote control device 2 to the storage center 100, The machine number of the main body 1 is also transmitted together with the reception data from the main body 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment in which there are a plurality of main bodies 1, data is additionally updated for each main body in the database for each main body of the storage center 100. A serviceman or administrator can check the monthly copy volume, trouble information, consumable replacement status, maintenance status, etc. of the main unit 1 by checking the database for each main unit. The maintenance policy can be planned easily. Note that the communication method for transmission may be wired or wireless, or may be a mobile phone. Communication using a mobile phone has an advantage that data can be added even in a remote place. Transmission may be performed for each main body or may be performed collectively. When performing collectively, there is an advantage that a communication fee can be saved.

  On the other hand, when the “change setting information” key is selected by the service person and the data related to the software upgrade of the main body 1 is transmitted to the main body 1, for example, the data may be sent alone or other data such as Based on the setting data acquired from the main body 1 in advance, data related to version upgrades of options mounted on the main body 1 may be transmitted together. The data may be sent directly from the storage center 100 to the main body 1 in a wired or wireless manner, or once stored in the remote scanning device 2 and then transmitted to the main body 1. In addition, data may be stored in the remote control device 2 by a known method. For example, the CPU 11 of the main body 1 that has received the data related to the software upgrade from the remote control device 2 executes the software upgrade based on the received data.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Remote operation device 13 Image reading part 16 Operation panel 17 Image formation part 18 Communication part 19 Paper supply part 22 Display part 23 Storage part 24 Communication part 100 Storage center 172 Drum 172a Drum use counter 175 Fixing device 175a Thermistor 175b Fixing roller 175c Halogen heater 178 Density detection sensor 179 Image density adjustment means

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus comprising: an operation unit that receives an instruction for image formation; and a remote operation device that receives an instruction different from the operation unit.
It is equipped with parts that operate during image formation and whose operation amount is manipulated.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is configured to receive an instruction to operate an operation amount of the component. A communication unit that transmits operation amount data representing the operation amount of the component to the remote control device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation device includes a display unit that displays an operation amount based on the received operation amount data. The communication unit transmits usage history data representing the usage history of the component to the remote control device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit of the remote control device is configured to display a usage history based on the received usage history data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation device is configured to receive an instruction to operate a usage history of the component. A counter for measuring the usage amount or usage history of the component;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit data representing a measurement result of the counter to the remote control device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the remote control device is configured to receive an instruction to reset a measurement result of the counter.   An image forming system comprising: a storage device that receives and stores data from the remote control device according to claim 1.   The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the storage device is capable of receiving the data wirelessly.

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