JP2020149273A - Image forming device, information processing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent information exposure, for allowing safety to be enhanced.SOLUTION: An image forming device 12 includes a first composed unit (12a) and a second composed unit (12b), and the first composed unit includes a first CPU (102) and a first storage section (106). The second composed unit (12b) includes a second CPU (126), a second storage section (132) and a second communication section (136). Besides, the first CPU and the second CPU are connected via a bus (138). The first CPU transmits management information, which is generated as needed, to the second CPU and causes the second storage section to store thereof. When management data to be stored in the second storage section is required to be transmitted, the second CPU transmits thereof to externals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing system and an information processing method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus, an information processing system and an information processing method capable of reading out information required for maintenance and management from the outside.

An example of an image forming apparatus of this kind of background technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the background technology image forming apparatus, information related to the print job is transmitted to an external server via a network different from the intranet.

JP-A-2010-117979

However, in the image forming apparatus of the background technology, the management information required for maintenance and management is stored in a common storage unit with the information other than the management information, so that the information other than the management information leaks to the external server. There is a risk of

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus, information processing system and information processing method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method capable of preventing information leakage and improving safety.

The first invention includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a first communication unit for connecting to a first network, and a second communication unit for connecting to a second network not connected to the first network. A first generation unit that generates management information related to the operation of at least one of the image reading unit and the image forming unit, a first storage unit connected to the first network via the first communication unit, and a second communication unit. A second storage unit that stores management information, which is connected to the second network via the network and is not connected to the first network, and manage information to the outside via the second network when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is an image forming apparatus including a transmitting unit for transmitting.

The second invention is subordinate to the first invention, wherein the image forming apparatus has a power saving state in which the power consumption is limited to a predetermined value or less and a normal state in which the power consumption is not limited, and is a normal state or a power saving state. The first generation unit further includes a power supply control unit that switches to, and the first generation unit generates management information when switching from the normal state to the power saving state.

The third invention is subordinate to the first or second invention, further includes a first determination unit for determining whether or not the usage ratio of the second storage unit is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the transmission unit is the first determination unit. 2 When it is determined that the usage ratio of the storage unit is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the management information is transmitted to the outside via the second network.

The fourth invention is subordinate to any of the first to third inventions, the first storage unit stores operation information, and the first generation unit generates management information based on the operation information.

The fifth invention is subordinate to any of the first to fourth inventions, and further includes a second determination unit for determining whether or not a stop error has occurred, and the first generation unit is a second determination unit. Generates operation information when it is determined that a stop error has occurred.

A sixth invention includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a first communication unit for connecting to a first network, and a second communication unit for connecting to a second network that is not connected to the first network. A first storage unit connected to the first network via the first communication unit, and a second storage unit that stores management information connected to the second network via the second communication unit and not connected to the first network. An information processing method of an image forming apparatus including a unit, wherein (a) a step of generating the management information related to the operation of at least one of an image reading unit and an image forming unit, and (b) a predetermined condition are satisfied. The information processing method includes a step of transmitting the management information stored in the second storage unit to the outside via the second network.

A seventh invention is an information processing system including an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a first communication unit for connecting to a first network, and the like. The mobile terminal includes a first generation unit that generates management information related to the operation of at least one of the image reading unit and the image forming unit, and a first storage unit that is connected to the first network via the first communication unit. A second communication unit for connecting to a second network that is not connected to the first network, and a second communication unit that is connected to the second network via the second communication unit and is not connected to the first network, and stores management information. It is an information processing system including a storage unit and a transmission unit that transmits management information to the outside via a second network when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

According to the present invention, information leakage can be prevented and safety can be improved.

The above-mentioned object, other object, feature and advantage of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the following examples made with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire image forming apparatus as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the first RAM of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the second RAM of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the first storage unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the second storage unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of control processing of the first CPU of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a part of another example of the control process of the first CPU of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a part of another example of the control process of the first CPU of the image forming apparatus, and is a flow chart shown following FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of control processing of the second CPU of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 12 is a part of an example of the control process of the second CPU of the image forming apparatus, and is a flow chart shown following FIG. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a part of another example of the control process of the second CPU of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 14 is a part of another example of the control process of the second CPU of the image forming apparatus, and is a flow chart following FIG. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of control processing of the second CPU of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of control processing of the first CPU of the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of control processing of the second CPU of the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment.

[First Example]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 12 and a plurality of information processes. Includes device 14 and management server 18.

In this first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 is connected to each information processing apparatus 14 via the first network 16. The image forming apparatus 12 is further connected to the management server 18 via the second network 20. The image forming apparatus 12 may be directly connected to the information processing apparatus 14 without going through the first network 16.

As the first network 16 and the second network 20, for example, any one such as the Internet, the public telephone network, the mobile phone communication network, and the LAN can be used, but the first network 16 and the second network 20 may be used. They are independent networks and are configured so that they cannot connect or communicate with each other.

The information processing device 14 in the first embodiment is a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a communication terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile PC (personal computer), an image forming device having a facsimile function, and the like. ..

The information processing device 14 includes a communication unit including a communication module or a communication circuit. The information processing device 14 is connected to the first network 16 by wire or wirelessly by a communication unit included in the information processing device 14.

The management server 18 in the first embodiment is a general-purpose server, and although not shown, it includes various components including a processor, an HDD, a RAM, and a communication unit (communication module or communication circuit).

The management server 18 includes a communication unit including a communication module or a communication circuit. The management server 18 is connected to the second network 20 by wire or wirelessly by a communication unit included in the management server 18.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire image forming apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front, and here, the configuration will be described to the extent necessary. The image forming apparatus 12 is a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. The present invention is applicable not only to multifunction devices but also to other image forming devices such as copiers (copiers), printing devices (printers) and facsimiles.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 12 includes an apparatus main body 30, an image reading device 32 arranged above the apparatus main body 30, and an image forming unit 46 built in the apparatus main body 30.

The image reading device 32 includes a housing 34 having a rectangular flat bottom plate and a side wall rising from the peripheral edge thereof. The housing 34 includes a document holding cover (opening / closing portion) 36 that can be opened / closed and opened / closed above the apparatus main body 30 via a hinge or the like. The document holding cover 36 is provided with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 38 that automatically feeds sheets one by one.

A document mounting table 40 made of a transparent material is provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body 30. The documents fed from the ADF 38 are read one by one at the image reading position 42.

Further, the image reading device 32 is equipped with an image reading unit 44 including a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 44 exposes the surface of the document with a light source, and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates image data based on the image of the surface of the document. As the line sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or the like is used.

When reading a document fed by the ADF 38, the scanning unit including the light source and the plurality of mirrors is fixedly positioned below the image reading position 42, and the document placed on the document mounting table 40 is placed. When reading, it is moved in the sub-scanning direction. However, the sub-scanning direction is the left-right direction when the image forming apparatus 12 is viewed from the front, that is, the left-right direction in FIG. The main scanning direction is the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 12 when the image forming apparatus 12 is viewed from the front, that is, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.

Further, on the front side of the document mounting table 40, an operation unit 118 (operation panel) including a touch panel 114 for receiving input operations such as printing instructions by the user and operation buttons is provided (see FIG. 3).

The image forming unit 46 includes an exposure unit 48, a developing device 50, a process unit 52, an intermediate transfer belt unit 54, a transfer roller 56, a fixing unit 58, and the like. The image forming unit 46 forms an image on the paper conveyed from the paper feed cassette 60 or the like, and discharges the image-formed paper to the output trays 62 (62a, 62b, 62c). As the image data (printed image data) for forming an image on the paper, the image data (scanned image data) read by the image reading unit 44, the image data transmitted from an external computer (transmitted image data), or the like is used. Will be done. Further, the recording medium is not limited to a recording paper made of paper, and a sheet other than paper such as an OHP film is also used.

Further, the formed image data handled by the image forming apparatus 12 corresponds to four color images of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Therefore, each of the developer 50, the photoconductor drum 64, the cleaner unit 66, and the charger 68 is provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to each color, thereby forming four image stations. It is composed. Further, the photoconductor drum 64, the cleaner unit 66, and the charger 68 are unitized (cartridged), and the process unit 52 is formed by these. That is, the image forming unit 46 is provided with four process units 52 including a photoconductor drum 64, a cleaner unit 66, a charger 68, and the like.

The photoconductor drum 64 is an image carrier in which a photosensitive layer is formed on the surface of a conductive cylindrical substrate, and a charger brings the surface of the photoconductor drum to a predetermined potential (for example, −600 V). It is a member to be charged. Further, the exposure unit 48 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting unit, a reflection mirror, and the like, and by exposing the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 64, the formed image data can be obtained. A corresponding electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 64. The developing device 50 visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 64 with four-color (YMCK) toner. Further, the cleaner unit 66 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum after development and image transfer with a cleaning blade, and conveys the removed toner to a waste toner box (not shown).

The intermediate transfer belt unit 54 includes an intermediate transfer belt 70, a drive roller 72, a driven roller 74, four intermediate transfer rollers 76, and the like, and is arranged above the photoconductor drum 64. The intermediate transfer belt 70 is provided so as to be in contact with each photoconductor drum 64, and the toner images of each color formed on each photoconductor drum 64 are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 70 by using the intermediate transfer roller 76. To transfer the toner, a multicolored toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 70. Further, a transfer roller 56 is arranged in the vicinity of the drive roller 72, and the toner formed on the intermediate transfer belt 70 is formed by passing the paper through the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 70 and the transfer roller 56. The image is transferred to the paper.

The fixing unit 58 includes a heat roller 78 and a pressure roller 80, and is arranged above the transfer roller 56. The heat roller 78 is set to have a predetermined fixing temperature, and when the paper passes through the nip area between the heat roller 78 and the pressure roller 80, the toner image transferred to the paper is melted. The toner image is heat-fixed to the paper by mixing and pressure welding.

In the apparatus main body 30, a first paper transport path for sending paper placed on a paper feed cassette 60, a manual feed tray 82, or the like to a first paper discharge tray 62a via a transfer roller 56 and a fixing unit 58. T1 is provided. Further, when double-sided printing is performed on the paper, the paper after the single-sided printing is completed and has passed through the fixing unit 58 is returned to the paper transport path on the upstream side of the transfer roller 56 in the paper transport direction. 2 Paper transport path T2 is provided. A plurality of transport rollers 84 (84a, 84b, 84c) for assisting the transport of paper are appropriately provided in the first paper transport path T1 and the second paper transport path T2.

When single-sided printing is performed on the apparatus main body 30, the paper placed on the paper feed cassette 60 or the like is guided one by one to the first paper transport path T1 by the pickup roller 86, and is transported to the resist roller 88 by the transport roller 84a. Will be done. Then, the resist roller 88 conveys the tip of the paper to the transfer roller 56 at the timing when the tip of the image information on the intermediate transfer belt 70 matches, and the toner image is transferred onto the paper. After that, by passing through the fixing unit 58, the unfixed toner on the paper is melted and fixed by heat, passed through the paper ejection roller 90a or the paper ejection roller 90b, and passed through the first paper ejection tray 62a and the second paper ejection tray 62b. Alternatively, the paper is ejected to the third output tray 62c. However, when the paper is ejected to the third output tray 62c, the paper is once conveyed to the second output tray 62b side by the output roller 90b and ejected before being ejected to the second output tray 62b. The roller 90b is inverted and discharged to the third paper ejection tray 62c.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of such an image forming apparatus 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 12 includes a first component 12a and a second component 12b.

First, the configuration of the first configuration unit 12a will be described. The first configuration unit 12a includes the first CPU 102, and the first CPU 102 includes the first RAM 104, the first storage unit 106, the touch panel control circuit 108, the display control circuit 110, the operation detection circuit 112, and the image reading unit 44 via the bus 100. , The image forming unit 46, the power supply control unit 120, and the first communication unit 122.

The first configuration unit 12a includes a touch panel 114, a display 116, and an operation unit 118. The touch panel 114 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 108, the display 116 is connected to the display control circuit 110, and the operation unit 118 is connected to the operation detection circuit 112.

The first CPU 102 controls the overall control of the first component 12a. The first RAM 104 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the first CPU 102.

The first storage unit 106 is the main storage device of the first component unit 12a, and the first storage unit 106 includes a non-volatile memory such as an HDD and an EPPROM. Further, the first storage unit 106 may be configured to include the first RAM 104.

The first storage unit 106 reads information on the fax transmission destination, information related to the user, a control program for controlling the first configuration unit 12a, data necessary for executing the control program, and the image forming apparatus 12. Data, operation information, etc. are stored.

The above-mentioned operation information is information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 12, and is, for example, the number of times a job is executed in the image forming apparatus 12, the amount of toner used, the number of rotations of the light source drum 64, and the number of rotations of the transfer roller 56. , Includes information such as the cumulative lighting time of the fixing lamp included in the heat roller 78, the cumulative lighting time of the light source, the cumulative number of documents read, and the number of pickups of the recording medium.

The touch panel control circuit 108 applies a voltage or the like required to the touch panel 114, detects a touch operation or touch input within the touch effective range of the touch panel 114, and coordinates data of a position instructed by the touch operation or touch input. Is output to the first RAM 104, that is, the first CPU 102.

The touch panel 114 is provided on the display surface of the display 116. As the touch panel 114, any one such as a capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, a resistance film method, and an infrared method can be used. Further, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 114 and the display 116 are integrated may be used.

The display control circuit 110 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and the GPU displays display image data for displaying various screens on the display 116 using the image generation data stored in the first RAM 104 under the instruction of the first CPU 102. It is generated in VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to 116 on the display.

The display 116 is a display device provided on the operation panel, and is a general-purpose display device such as an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

The display 116 displays a home screen, which is a screen for selecting a desired job from various jobs that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 12. Although not shown, an image of a software key for selecting each job is displayed on the home screen. However, in this first embodiment, the job means copying (including scanning a document), printing (printing), sending a fax, and the like.

The operation unit 118 includes a hardware key (operation key) provided in the image forming apparatus 12. The operation key includes a power key, a reset key, a power saving key, a home key, and the like. Further, all or a part of various operation keys may be displayed on the display 116 as software keys.

The software key is, for example, a key (icon) reproduced by software on the display surface of the display 116 with the touch panel 114. On the other hand, a hardware key is a key (button) provided as a physical device.

The operation detection circuit 112 outputs a signal or operation data corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 118 to the first RAM 104, that is, the first CPU 102.

The power supply control unit 120 is a circuit (switch circuit) for stopping and supplying a power supply (voltage) to each component under the instruction of the first CPU 102. Although not shown, a DC voltage (DC power supply) in which the AC voltage from the commercial power supply is appropriately stepped down and rectified (noise removed) is applied to the power supply control unit 120.

In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 has an operating state of a power saving state (power saving mode) in which the power consumption is limited and a normal state (normal mode) in which the power consumption is not limited.

In the normal mode, the first CPU 102 controls the power supply control unit 120 to supply power to all the components of the image forming apparatus 12. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, the first CPU 102 controls the power supply control unit 120 to supply power to at least the operation detection circuit 112, the operation unit 118, the second CPU 126, the second storage unit 132, the second communication unit 136, and the like. ..

However, in the power saving mode, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 12 is controlled to be equal to or less than a preset predetermined value (for example, a few percent of the maximum power consumption). Therefore, the type and number of components to which power is supplied in the power saving mode are determined in consideration of the magnitude of the predetermined value and the magnitude of the power consumption of each component. For example, in the power saving mode, the backlight of the display 116 is turned off.

The normal mode and the power saving mode are alternately switched according to the user's operation or automatically.

The power saving key is a button for switching between the normal mode and the power saving mode. When the power saving key is operated, the normal mode and the power saving mode are switched alternately.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 12, a first predetermined time (for example, 20 to 30 seconds) for switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode is set in advance. Therefore, in the normal mode, the image forming apparatus 12 automatically switches from the normal mode to the power saving mode when the first predetermined time elapses in a state where none of the above-mentioned parts is operated.

Further, in the power saving mode, the power saving mode is automatically switched to the normal mode when there is a user operation. However, the user operation means not only the operation of the power saving key described above but also the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 12 by the user. For example, an operation in which the user sets a document on the document placing table 40 or the ADF 38 and an operation of a home button provided in the operation unit 118 are also included.

Further, in the case of the image forming apparatus 12 provided with the motion sensor, the power saving mode is switched to the normal mode when a user existing near the image forming apparatus 12 is detected.

Further, the image forming apparatus 12 including an apparatus for enabling user authentication switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode when the user authentication by the IC card, the voiceprint, or the like is successful.

The first communication unit 122 is an interface for communicating with the information processing device 14 via the first network 16 described above. The specific configuration of the first communication unit 122 is not particularly limited. The first communication unit 122 may be a wired communication circuit that transmits / receives data based on a wired communication method compliant with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or may be compliant with a communication standard such as IMT-Advanced. It may be a wireless communication circuit that transmits / receives data based on the communication method, it may be a wireless communication circuit that transmits / receives data according to a communication standard such as IEEE802.11, or it may be an external communication circuit via a public telephone line. It may be a fax communication circuit for fax communication with the device, or it may be a communication circuit based on another known communication method. These things are the same for the second communication unit 136.

Next, the configuration of the second configuration unit 12b will be described. The second component 12b includes the second CPU 126, and the second CPU 126 is connected to the second RAM 128, the EPPROM 130, the second storage unit 132, the RTC 134, and the second communication unit 136 via the bus 124. Further, the second CPU 126 is connected to the first CPU 102 via the bus 138.

The second CPU 126 controls the overall control of the second component 12b. The second RAM 128 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the second CPU 126.

The EPPROM 130 is the main storage device of the second component 12b, and the EPPROM 130 may be configured to include the second RAM 128. Further, the EPPROM 130 stores a control program for controlling the second component 12b, data necessary for executing the control program, and the like.

The second storage unit 132, like the first storage unit 106, includes a non-volatile memory such as an SD card, an HDD, and an EPPROM. Further, the second storage unit 132 may be configured to include the second RAM 128 and / or the EPPROM 130. In addition, management information described later is stored in the second storage unit 132.

The RTC 134 is a clock circuit that counts the time. The second communication unit 136 is an interface for communicating with the management server 18 via the second network 20.

The electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example. For example, another non-volatile memory such as an HDD may be used instead of the EPPROM 130, and the above-mentioned operation information may be used. A non-volatile memory for storing the above may be provided.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 12 of the first embodiment can execute a copy job, a fax job, a scan job, and a print job. Each job is executed when a software key for selecting each job displayed on the display 116 is selected.

The fax job is also executed when the scanned image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus having a facsimile function is received via the first communication unit 122. Further, the print job is also executed when the transmission image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 14 is received via the first communication unit 122.

Although it depends on the type of job that the image forming apparatus 12 can execute, in the first embodiment, when the icon for executing the job displayed on the display 116 is selected by the user or via the first communication unit 122. When the scanned image data or the like is received, it is determined that the predetermined job has been started.

Further, when the copy job is executed, the image reading unit 44, the image forming unit 46, and the like are operated. When the scan job is executed, the image reading unit 44 and the like are operated. When the fax job is executed, the image reading unit 44 or the like or the image forming unit 46 or the like is operated. When the print job is executed, the image forming unit 46 and the like are operated.

As described above, when each job is executed, the components included in the image forming apparatus 12 are operated according to the contents of the job. Then, the latest operation information is generated according to the operation of each component and stored in the first storage unit 106. In this case, the operation information stored in the first storage unit 106 is stored so as to be updated to the latest operation information, but the latest operation information is stored while the previous operation information remains. It may be done.

Further, each of the above-mentioned jobs is determined to have been completed according to the usage status of the image forming apparatus 12.

For example, when a copy job and a print job are executed, it is determined that the job is completed when the recording medium on which the image is finally formed is ejected to the output trays (62a, 62b, 62c). ..

When the scan job is being executed, it is determined that the job has been completed when the scanned image data is stored in the first storage unit 106 or sent from the first communication unit 122 in the form of an e-mail. To.

When the fax job is executed, when the recording medium on which the image was finally formed is ejected to the output trays (62a, 62b, 62c) or the scanned image data is sent from the first communication unit 122 to another image forming apparatus. The job is considered to have finished when it is sent to.

If an icon for terminating the job is displayed on the display 116 with the touch panel 114, it is determined that the job has been completed when the icon is selected.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 12 includes a media communication unit for communicating with various media mounted on the image forming apparatus 12, image data is transmitted to media such as a USB memory and an SD card via the media communication unit. Is stored, it is determined that the job has finished.

Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 12 includes the above-mentioned media communication unit, it is determined that the job is completed when the media once connected to the media communication unit is pulled out.

Then, when it is determined that the job has been completed, the operation information at the end of the job is generated, and the operation information is stored in the first storage unit 106.

In the image forming apparatus 12 of the first embodiment, when the condition for switching to the power saving mode is satisfied and when the operation information is stored in the first storage unit 106, the latest operation information is stored from the first storage unit 106. Read out.

Further, when the operation information is read from the first storage unit 106, the management information related to the operation information is generated and stored in the second storage unit 132.

The management information here includes information on the number of times each job is executed, information related to the image forming unit 46, and information related to the image reading unit 44. The information related to the image forming unit 46 is, for example, information such as the amount of toner used, the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum 64, the rotation speed of the transfer roller 56, and the cumulative lighting time of the fixing lamp included in the heat roller 78. The information related to the image reading unit 44 includes, for example, information such as the cumulative lighting time of the light source, the cumulative number of documents read, and the number of times the recording medium is picked up.

Further, the management information may include information for identifying the image forming apparatus 12, such as a model name, a serial number, and a MAC (Media Access Control) address.

In the first embodiment, the management information is read from the second storage unit 132 and transmitted to the management server 18 on the second network 20 when a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied. In the first embodiment, the management information is transmitted to the management server 18 by satisfying either the first transmission condition or the second transmission condition, which is an example of the transmission conditions.

The first transmission condition is that the first predetermined time is set in advance in the image forming apparatus 12, that the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18, and that the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132. It is satisfied by being there. The first predetermined time is a time when the image forming apparatus 12 is not expected to be used, and is not particularly limited.

The second transmission condition is satisfied when the image forming apparatus 12 receives an instruction to transmit the management information from the management server 18 and the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132.

When the predetermined transmission condition is satisfied and the management information is transmitted to the management server 18 on the second network 20, the management information similar to the management information is deleted from the second storage unit 132.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the first predetermined time is reached, at least the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18, and if the first transmission condition is not satisfied, the communication with the management server 18 cannot be performed. The user is notified that there is. A specific example will be described below.

If the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18, information (message information) for displaying an error message on the display 116 is generated.

Although not shown, if the image forming apparatus 12 is in the normal mode and the job is not being executed, an error message corresponding to the message information is displayed on the display 116, and the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18. The user is notified of this.

The conditions for hiding the error message are not particularly limited. For example, if you assign a function to hide an error message to a part of a specific key (hidden key) included in a hardware key or software key, and the hidden key is operated, the error message will be displayed. It may be hidden automatically. Since the method of notification is not limited, the notification may be performed by voice or the like instead of the error message.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18, but the management information is not stored in the second storage unit 132 and the first transmission condition is not satisfied, the management server 18 is in the second position. The storage unit 132 is notified that the management information is not stored. This is also the case when the management server 18 receives an instruction to transmit the management information, but the second transmission condition is not satisfied because the management information is not stored in the second storage unit 132.

The above-mentioned transmission condition is an example, and whether or not the transmission condition is satisfied is satisfied only by a part of the judgment results included in the first transmission condition or the second transmission condition. You may.

For example, the first transmission condition may be satisfied by the fact that the first predetermined time is reached and the image forming apparatus 12 management information is stored in the second storage unit 132. Further, the second transmission condition may be satisfied when the image forming apparatus 12 receives an instruction to transmit management information from the management server 18.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the first RAM 104 of the image forming apparatus 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the first RAM 104 includes a program storage area 202 and a data storage area 204. Further, in the program storage area 202 of the RAM 104, as an example of the information processing program, the control program of the first configuration unit 12a of the image forming apparatus 12 is stored, and the control program of the first configuration unit 12a is the first communication program 202a. , Operation detection program 202b, image generation program 202c, display program 202d, image reading program 202e, image formation program 202f, operation judgment program 202g, power supply control program 202h, job start judgment program 202i, job end judgment program 202j, flag switching program It includes 202k, a first data generation program 202l, a first data storage program 202m, a second data generation program 202n, and a first transmission / reception program 202o.

The first communication program 202a is a program for communicating with the information processing device 14 on the first network 16. It is also a program for communicating with the second CPU 126.

The operation detection program 202b is a program for detecting the operation data 204a corresponding to the operation on the image forming apparatus 12. Specifically, when the touch panel 114 is touched, the first CPU 102 acquires the touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 114 as the operation data 204a according to the operation detection program 202b, and stores the touch coordinate data in the data storage area 204. .. Further, when a button or key of the hardware is pressed or operated, the first CPU 102 acquires the operation data 204a by pressing or operating the button or key according to the operation detection program 202b, and stores the operation data 204a in the data storage area 204. To do.

The image generation program 202c is a program for generating display image data for displaying various display images on the display 116 by using the image generation data 204b described later.

The display program 202d is a program for displaying the display image data generated according to the image generation program 202c and the display image corresponding to the message data 304b (see FIG. 5) described later on the display 116.

The image scanning program 202e is a program for controlling the image scanning unit 44 to generate scanned image data corresponding to the image of the scanned document and to give or input the scanned image data to the first CPU 102.

The image forming program 202f is a program for controlling the image forming unit 46 to form an image corresponding to the printed image data on the recording medium.

The operation determination program 202g is a program for determining whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed in a state where none of the above-mentioned parts is operated.

The job start determination program 202i is a program for determining whether or not a job has been started.

The job end determination program 202j is a program for determining whether or not the job has been completed.

The flag switching program 202k satisfies the conditions for turning on the first flag 304c when determining that the job has started, turning off the first flag 304c when determining that the job has ended, and switching to the power saving mode. It is a program for transmitting a command (signal) instructing to turn off the second flag 304d to the second CPU 126 when the condition for turning on the second flag 304d and switching to the normal mode is satisfied.

The first data generation program 202l is a program for generating operation data 400 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, when it is determined that the job has been completed.

The first data storage program 202m is a program for storing the operation data 400 generated according to the first data generation program 202l in the first storage unit 106.

The second data generation program 202n is the management data 500 (described later) when the operation of the power saving key is detected, when the first predetermined time has elapsed, and when the operation data 400 is stored in the first storage unit 106. This is a program for generating (see FIG. 7).

The first transmission / reception program 202o is a program for transmitting the management data 500 to the second CPU 126. The first transmission / reception program 202o is also a program for receiving the message data 304b transmitted from the second CPU 126. Further, when the management data 500 is transmitted to the second CPU 126, the first transmission / reception program 202o transmits a signal (storage signal) instructing the second CPU 126 to store the received management data 500 in the second storage unit 132. It is also a program to do.

Although not shown, the program storage area 202 also stores other programs required for controlling the first configuration unit 12a.

The operation data 204a, the image generation data 204b, and the timer 204c are stored in the data storage area 204.

The operation data 204a is operation data detected according to the operation detection program 202b, and is stored in time series. The operation data 204a is deleted after being used for the processing of the first CPU 102.

The image generation data 204b is data including polygon data, texture data, and the like for generating display image data corresponding to the display image displayed on the display 116.

The timer 204c is a timer for counting the time during which the state in which none of the above-described parts is operated continues when the image forming apparatus 12 is in the normal mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the second RAM 128 of the image forming apparatus 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the second RAM 128 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. Further, in the program storage area 302 of the second RAM 128, as an example of the information processing program, the control program of the second component 12b of the image forming apparatus 12 is stored, and the information processing program includes the second communication program 302a and the second data. Storage program 302b, time management program 302c, first condition judgment program 302d, second condition judgment program 302e, third condition judgment program 302f, fourth condition judgment program 302g, transmission judgment program 302h, external transmission program 302i, deletion program 302j , The second data generation program 302k, the notification program 302l, the job determination program 302m, the mode determination program 302n, and the second transmission / reception program 302o.

The second communication program 302a is a program for communicating with the management server 18 on the second network 20. It is also a program for communicating with the first CPU 102.

The second data storage program 302b is a program for storing the management data 500 in the second storage unit 132 according to the signal transmitted from the first CPU 102 after receiving the management data 500.

The time management program 302c is a program that periodically acquires the current time from the RTC 134.

The first condition determination program 302d is a program for determining whether or not the first predetermined time has been reached according to the current time acquired from the RTC 134.

The second condition determination program 302e is a program for determining whether or not a signal instructing transmission of the management data 500 has been received from the first CPU 102.

The third condition determination program 302f is a program for determining whether or not communication with the management server 18 is possible.

The fourth condition determination program 302g is a program for determining whether or not the management data 500 is stored in the second storage unit 132.

The transmission determination program 302h is a program for determining whether or not a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied according to a part or all of the determination results obtained according to the first condition determination program 302d to the fourth condition determination program 302g. ..

The external transmission program 302i is a program for reading the management data 500 from the second storage unit 132 and transmitting the management data 500 to the management server 18 on the second network 20 when it is determined that the predetermined transmission conditions are satisfied. Is.

The deletion program 302j is a program for deleting the management data 500 similar to the transmitted management data 500 from the second storage unit 132 when the management data 500 is transmitted to the management server 18 according to the external transmission program 302i.

When the first predetermined time is reached, the second data generation program 302k determines that the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18 according to the third condition determination program 302f, and further, according to the transmission determination program 302h, determines. This is a program for generating message data 304b when it is determined that the transmission condition is not satisfied.

In the notification program 302l, the management data 500 stores the second storage unit 132 after the image forming apparatus 12 determines that communication with the management server 18 is possible and after the image forming apparatus 12 receives an instruction to transmit management information from the management server 18. To notify the management server 18 that the management data 500 is not stored in the second storage unit 132 when it is determined that the data is not stored and the predetermined transmission condition is not satisfied according to the transmission determination program 302h. It is a program.

The job determination program 302m is a program for determining whether or not a job is being executed according to the first flag 304c.

The mode determination program 302n is a program for determining the current mode of the image forming apparatus 12 according to the second flag 304d.

The second transmission / reception program 302o transmits the message data 304b to the first CPU 102 when the first flag 304c and the second flag 304d are off, that is, when the image forming apparatus 12 is in the normal mode and the job is not being executed. It is a program to do. The second transmission / reception program 302o is also a program for receiving the management data 500 transmitted from the first CPU 102. Further, the second transmission / reception program 302o is also a program for receiving the storage signal transmitted from the main CPU 102.

Although not shown, the program storage area 302 also stores other programs necessary for controlling the second component 12b.

The time data 304a, the message data 304b, the first flag 304c, and the second flag 304d are stored in the data storage area 304.

The time data 304a is data including information on the transmission time (for example, the first predetermined time) of the management data 500.

The message data 304b is data corresponding to the message information, and is temporarily stored in the second RAM 128 until it is transmitted to the first CPU 102.

The first flag 304c is a flag for determining whether or not the job is being executed, and is switched on and off by the second CPU 126 that receives a signal from the first CPU 102. Specifically, the first flag 304c is turned on when the job is started and turned off when the job is finished.

The second flag 304d is a flag for determining whether or not the power saving mode is used. It is switched on and off by the second CPU 126 that receives the signal from the first CPU 102. Specifically, the second flag 304d is turned on when switching to the power saving mode and turned off when switching to the normal mode.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the first storage unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 12. The operation data 400, other data 402a, the control program 402b, and the like are stored in the first storage unit 106.

The operation data 400 is data corresponding to the operation information. The other data 402a means data other than the operation data 400 stored in the first storage unit 106. The control program 402b is a program for controlling the first component 12a, and corresponds to the first communication program 202a to the first transmission / reception program 202.

Although FIG. 6 shows an example of the first storage unit 106, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation data 400 may not be stored in the first storage unit 106.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the second storage unit 132 of the image forming apparatus 12. The management data 500 is stored in the second storage unit 132 according to the usage status of the image forming apparatus 12.

The management data 500 is data corresponding to the management information, and in the example shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of management data 500 are stored in the second storage unit 132. However, it does not have to be limited as shown in FIG. For example, the second storage unit 132 may store only one management data 500, or may not store the management data 500.

Further, in the first embodiment, the management data 500 is assigned a file name and stored in the second storage unit 132. However, the file name and the storage form are not particularly limited. For example, the time when the management data 500 is generated may be assigned as the file name. Further, depending on the type of information included in the management data 500, the management data 500 may be stored in a dedicated folder for each information prepared in advance in the second storage unit 132. For example, data about the number of times each job is executed (job counter data), data about information related to the image forming unit 46 (engine data), and data about information related to the image reading unit 44 (scanner data). , Each may be stored in a separate folder.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of control processing of the first CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 12. As shown in FIG. 8, when the control process is started, the first CPU 102 determines in step S1 whether or not the job has been started.

If it is "NO" in step S1, that is, if it is determined that the job has not been started, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S1, that is, if it is determined that the job has started, in step S3, the second CPU 126 is instructed to switch the flag. Here, a signal instructing to turn on the first flag 304c is transmitted to the second CPU 126.

In the following step S5, it is determined whether or not the job has been completed. If it is "NO" in step S5, that is, if it is determined that the job has not been completed, the process returns to step S5. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S5, that is, if it is determined that the job has been completed, the second CPU 126 is instructed to switch the flag in step S7. Here, a signal instructing that the first flag 304c is turned off is transmitted to the second CPU 126.

In step S9, operation information is generated, and in step S11, the latest operation information is stored in the first storage unit 106.

In step S13, management information is generated from the operation information, and in step S15, the management information is transmitted to the second CPU 126.

In step S17, the second CPU 126 is instructed to store the management information. Here, the storage signal is transmitted to the second CPU 126. Further, when the second CPU 126 is instructed to store the management information in step S17, the process returns to step S1.

9 and 10 are flow charts showing another example of the control process of the first CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the control process is started, the first CPU 102 determines in step S21 whether or not the message information has been received from the second CPU 126.

If it is "NO" in step S21, that is, if it is determined that the message information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S21, that is, if it is determined that the message information has been received, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, it is determined whether or not the error message is displayed on the display 116.

If it is "NO" in step S23, that is, if it is determined that the error message is not displayed on the display 116, the error message is displayed on the display 116 in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S23, that is, if it is determined that the error message is displayed on the display 116, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, it is determined whether or not the power saving key has been operated. If it is "NO" in step S27, that is, if it is determined that the power saving key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S27, that is, if it is determined that the power saving key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG.

In step S29, it is determined whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed. Here, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timer 204c exceeds the first predetermined time.

If it is "NO" in step S29, that is, if it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S27, that is, if it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. Since steps S31 to 35 shown in FIG. 10 correspond to S13 to 17 shown in FIG. 8, overlapping description will be omitted.

In step S37, the second CPU 126 is instructed to switch the flag. Here, a signal instructing to turn on the second flag 304d is transmitted to the second CPU 126.

In step S39, the image forming apparatus 12 is switched to the power saving mode, and in step S41, it is determined whether or not the power saving key has been operated.

If it is "NO" in step S41, that is, if it is determined that the power saving key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S41, that is, if it is determined that the power saving key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S45.

In step S43, it is determined whether or not there has been a user operation. If it is "NO" in step S43, that is, if it is determined that there is no user operation, the process returns to step S41, while if it is "YES" in step S43, that is, it is determined that there is a user operation. If so, in step S45, the image forming apparatus 12 is switched to the normal mode.

In step S47, the second CPU 126 is instructed to switch the flag. Here, a signal instructing that the second flag 304d is turned off is transmitted to the second CPU 126. Further, when the second CPU 126 is instructed to switch the flag in step S47, the process returns to step S21 shown in FIG.

11 and 12 are flow charts showing an example of control processing of the second CPU 126 of the image forming apparatus 12.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the control process is started, the second CPU 126 determines in step S61 whether or not the management information transmitted from the first CPU 102 has been received.

If it is "NO" in step S61, that is, if it is determined that the management information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S63. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S61, that is, if it is determined that the management information has been received, the process proceeds to step S65.

In step S63, it is determined whether or not the flag switching instruction has been received from the first CPU 102. Here, if it is "NO" in step S63 for determining whether or not the signal instructing the flag switching is received, that is, if it is determined that the flag switching instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S61. .. On the other hand, if "YES" in step 63, that is, if it is determined that the instruction to switch the flag has been received, the process proceeds to step S69 shown in FIG.

In step S65, it is determined whether or not the instruction for storing the management information has been received from the first CPU 102. Here, it is determined whether or not the storage signal has been received from the first CPU 102.

If it is "NO" in step S65, that is, if it is determined that the instruction for storing the management information has not been received, the process returns to step S65. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S65, that is, if it is determined that the instruction to store the management information has been received, the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132 in step S67, and the process returns to step S61.

In step S69 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the content of the flag switching instruction is ON of the first flag 304c. Here, it is determined whether or not the received signal is a signal instructing the first flag 304c to be turned on.

If it is "NO" in step S69, that is, if it is determined that the content of the instruction is not ON of the first flag 304c, the process proceeds to step S71. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S69, that is, if it is determined that the content of the instruction is the on of the first flag 304c, the first flag 304c is turned on in step S73, and the step shown in FIG. Return to S61.

In step S71, it is determined whether or not the content of the flag switching instruction is off of the first flag 304c. Here, if the received signal is “NO” in step S71 for determining whether or not the signal is a signal instructing the first flag 304c to be turned off, that is, it is determined that the content of the flag instruction is not the off of the first flag 304c. If, the process proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S71, that is, if it is determined that the content of the instruction is off of the first flag 304c, the first flag 304c is turned off in step S77, and the step shown in FIG. Return to S61.

In step S75, it is determined whether or not the content of the flag switching instruction is ON of the second flag 304d. Here, it is determined whether or not the received signal is a signal instructing the second flag 304d to be turned on.

If it is "NO" in step S75, that is, if it is determined that the content of the instruction is not on of the second flag 304d, the second flag 304d is turned off in step S79, and the process returns to step S61 shown in FIG. .. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S75, that is, if it is determined that the content of the instruction is the on of the second flag 304d, the second flag 304d is turned on in step S81, and the step shown in FIG. Return to S61.

13 and 14 are flow charts showing another example of the control process of the second CPU 126 of the image forming apparatus 12.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the control process is started, the second CPU 126 determines in step S91 whether or not the first predetermined time has come.

If it is "NO" in step S91, that is, if it is determined that the first predetermined time has not arrived, the process proceeds to step S93. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S91, that is, if it is determined that the first predetermined time has come, the process proceeds to step S95.

In step S93, it is determined whether or not the management server 18 has instructed the transmission of management information. Here, it is determined whether or not a signal instructing transmission of management information has been received from the management server 18.

If it is "NO" in step S93, that is, if it is determined that the management information transmission instruction has not been received from the management server 18, the process returns to step S91. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S93, that is, if it is determined that the management server 18 has received the management information transmission instruction, the process proceeds to step S97.

In step S95, the image forming apparatus 12 determines whether or not communication with the management server 18 is possible. If it is "NO" in step S95, that is, if it is determined that communication with the management server 18 is impossible, the process proceeds to step S115 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S95, that is, if it is determined that communication with the management server 18 is possible, the process proceeds to step S97.

In step S97, it is determined whether or not the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132.

If it is "NO" in step S97, that is, if it is determined that the management information is not stored in the second storage unit 132, it is determined in step S99 that the management is not stored in the second storage unit 132. Notify the management server 18 and return to step S91. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S97, that is, if it is determined that the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, the management information is read from the second storage unit 132, and the management information is transmitted to the management server 18.

In the following step S113, the management information is deleted from the second storage unit 132. Here, the same management information as the management information transmitted to the management server 18 in step S111 is deleted from the second storage unit 132. Further, when the management information is deleted from the second storage unit 132 in step S113, the process returns to step S91.

In step S115 of FIG. 14, message information is generated, and in step S117, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 12 is in the normal mode. Here, it is determined whether or not the second flag 304d is off.

If it is "NO" in step S117, that is, if the image forming apparatus 12 determines that the power saving mode is set, the process returns to step S117. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S117, that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 12 is in the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S119.

In step S119, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 12 is executing the job. Here, it is determined whether or not the first flag 304c is on.

If it is "NO" in step S119, that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 12 is not executing the job, the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S119, that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 12 is executing the job, the process returns to step S119.

In step S121, the message information is transmitted to the first CPU 102, and the process returns to step S91 shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, the first component 12a is configured to include the first CPU 102 and the first storage unit 106, and the second component 12b includes the second CPU 126, the second storage unit 132, the second communication unit 136, and the like. Is configured to include. Further, communication and the like between the first component 12a and the second component 12b are performed by the bus 138 connected to the first CPU 102 and the second CPU 126.

Further, in the first embodiment, the first CPU 102 can access not only the first storage unit 106 but also the second storage unit 132 by issuing an instruction to the second CPU 126. On the other hand, although the second CPU 126 can transmit information, data, and the like to the first CPU 102, it does not give a predetermined instruction, so that only the second storage unit 132 can be accessed.

According to the first embodiment, only the management information generated on the first configuration unit 12a side is transmitted to the second configuration unit 12b side, and the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132. Further, a series of processes from the storage of the management information in the second storage unit 132 to the transmission of the management information to the external management server 18 are performed on the second component unit 12b side which is not connected to the first storage unit 106. Therefore, the management information can be transmitted to the management server 18 without leaking the information stored in the first storage unit 106 to the outside. That is, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the information stored in the first storage unit 106 and improve the safety.

Further, in the first embodiment, since the management information can be transmitted to the management server 18 even in the power saving mode, for example, the time when a failure may occur and the time when the consumables are replaced are more specific than before. Can be grasped.

Further, in the first embodiment, in order to more efficiently transmit the management information to the management server 18, when the first predetermined time is reached and when the management server 18 receives an instruction to transmit the management information, the image forming apparatus If 12 is executing a job, it may be made to wait until the latest management information is stored in the second storage unit 132. Further, in this case, the management information is transmitted when the management information generated in response to the end of the job is stored in the second storage unit 132.

Further, in the first embodiment, the information of the current time is acquired from the RTC 134, but the information of the current time may be acquired via the second network.

Further, instead of the first predetermined time, a predetermined time (for example, 12 hours) may be provided and the management information may be transmitted to the management server 18 at a predetermined cycle.

[Second Example]
Since the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the transmission conditions are different, the duplicate description will be omitted.

The transmission conditions of the second embodiment include up to the third transmission condition, and the third transmission condition is that the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18. It is satisfied by being. The third transmission condition may be satisfied when the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or higher than the threshold value.

Further, the threshold value in the second embodiment is set to a ratio such that there is a possibility that the management information cannot be stored next due to the lack of the storage capacity of the second storage unit 132.

Specifically, assuming that the total storage capacity of the second storage unit 132 is 100%, the threshold value is 90 when the management information occupying about 5% of the total storage capacity is stored in the second storage unit 132 at one time. It is set to about%.

In the image forming apparatus 12 of the second embodiment, when the management information is generated and stored in the second storage unit 132, it is determined whether or not the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or more than the threshold value, and further, the image forming apparatus 12 It is determined whether or not 12 can communicate with the management server 18.

When the third transmission condition is satisfied according to the result of each determination, the management information is transmitted to the management server 18 on the second network 20. On the other hand, since the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18, an error message is displayed on the display 116 when the third transmission condition is not satisfied.

In the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or higher than the threshold value every time the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132. For example, the number of times the management information is stored is performed. May be performed when the number of times of storage is a predetermined number of times.

Although not shown, the memory map 300 of the second RAM 128 of the second embodiment is the same as the memory map 300 of the second RAM 128 of the first embodiment, and the program storage area 302 newly includes the fifth condition determination program. The fifth condition determination program in which is stored is a program for determining whether or not the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

Further, the transmission determination program 302h of the second embodiment determines whether or not the predetermined transmission condition is satisfied according to a part or all of the determination results obtained according to the first condition determination program 302d to the fifth condition determination program. It is a program to do.

Further, the second data generation program 302k of the second embodiment determines that the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and further, the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18 according to the third condition determination program 302f. It is also a program for generating message data 304b when it is determined that the predetermined transmission condition is not satisfied according to the transmission determination program 302h after the determination.

Furthermore, threshold data is newly stored in the data storage area 304. The threshold value data here is data corresponding to the above threshold value information.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the control process of the second CPU 126 of the second embodiment. Since the process is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the processes after step S93 shown in FIG. 13 are different, only the different contents will be described.

If "NO" in step S93, it is determined in step S131 whether the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

If it is "NO" in step S131, that is, if it is determined that the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is less than the threshold value, the process returns to step S91 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S131, that is, if it is determined that the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, the image forming apparatus 12 determines whether or not it can communicate with the management server 18. If it is "NO" in step S133, that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18, the process proceeds to step S115 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S133, that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18, the process proceeds to step S111 shown in FIG.

In the second embodiment, a threshold value is set for the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132, and when the third transmission condition is satisfied, the management information stored in the second storage unit 132 is transmitted. Further, when the management information is transmitted, the same management information as the management information is deleted from the second storage unit 132, so that the second storage unit 132 is used before the usage ratio of the second storage unit 132 reaches 100%. It is possible to secure the free space of the unit 132. In other words. It is possible to prevent in advance the case where the management information cannot be stored in the second storage unit 132 due to the shortage of the free space of the second storage unit 132.

[Third Example]
The image forming apparatus 12 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except that the transmission conditions are different, and thus the duplicate description will be omitted.

The transmission condition of the third embodiment includes up to the fourth transmission condition, and the fourth transmission condition is that a stop error occurs during job execution and that the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18. Filled with. The fourth transmission condition may be satisfied only when a stop error occurs during execution of the job.

Further, the stop error in the third embodiment means an error in which a job being executed is stopped, and corresponds to, for example, a paper jam and out of toner.

In the image forming apparatus 12 of the third embodiment, when a stop error occurs during job execution, the latest operation information is generated in the same manner as when the job ends, and management information is generated based on the operation information. To. Further, the management information generated when a stop error occurs may include information (error information) for distinguishing from the management information generated when a stop error occurs.

When the management information is generated according to the occurrence of the stop error and the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18.

If the image forming apparatus 12 can communicate with the management server 18, the fourth transmission condition is satisfied, and the management information stored in the second storage unit 132 is transmitted to the management server 18. On the other hand, since the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18, an error message is displayed on the display 116 when the fourth transmission condition is not satisfied.

Although not shown, the memory map 200 of the first RAM 104 of the third embodiment is the same as the memory map 200 of the first RAM 104 of the first embodiment, and a stop error determination program is newly added to the program storage area 202. included.

The stop error determination program is a program for determining whether or not a stop error has occurred.

In addition, the first transmission / reception program 202o of the third embodiment is also a program for transmitting a signal instructing the second CPU 126 to transmit the management data 500 when a stop error occurs.

Further, the first data generation program 202l of the third embodiment is also a program for generating operation data 400 when a stop error occurs.

Although not shown, the memory map 300 of the second RAM 128 of the third embodiment is the same as the memory map 300 of the second RAM 128 of the second embodiment, and the program storage area 202 newly includes the sixth condition determination program. Is memorized.

The sixth condition determination program is a program for determining whether or not a signal instructing transmission of the management data 500 has been received from the first CPU 102.

Further, the transmission determination program 302h of the third embodiment determines whether or not the predetermined transmission condition is satisfied according to a part or all of the determination results obtained according to the first condition determination program 302d to the sixth condition determination program. It is a program to do.

Further, the second data generation program 302k of the third embodiment receives a signal instructing the transmission of the management data 500 from the first CPU 102, and the image forming apparatus 12 cannot communicate with the management server 18 according to the third condition determination program 302f. It is also a program for generating message data 304b when it is determined that the predetermined transmission condition is not satisfied according to the transmission determination program 302h after the determination.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of control processing of the first CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 12 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, when the control process is started, the first CPU 102 determines in step S141 whether or not a stop error has occurred.

If it is "NO" in step S141, that is, if it is determined that a stop error has not occurred, the process returns to step S141. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S141, that is, if it is determined that a stop error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S143. Since steps S143 to S151 correspond to steps S9 to S17 shown in FIG. 8, overlapping description will be omitted.

In step S153, the second CPU 126 is instructed to transmit management information. Here, a signal instructing transmission of management information is transmitted to the second CPU 126. Further, in step S153, when the second CPU 126 is instructed to transmit the management information, the process returns to step S141.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the control process of the second CPU 126 of the third embodiment, and only the contents different from those of the second embodiment will be described.

In step S161, it is determined whether or not the instruction to transmit the management information has been received from the first CPU 102. Here, it is determined whether or not a signal instructing transmission of management information has been received from the first CPU 102.

If it is "NO" in step S161, that is, if it is determined that the management information transmission instruction has not been received from the first CPU 102, the process proceeds to step S163. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S161, that is, if it is determined that the management information transmission instruction has been received from the first CPU 102, the process proceeds to step S165. Since steps S163 to S165 correspond to steps S131 to S133 shown in FIG. 15, duplicated description will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, when the fourth transmission condition is satisfied according to the occurrence of the stop error, the management information is generated and stored in the second storage unit 132. Further, when the management information is stored in the second storage unit 132 due to the occurrence of the stop error, the management information stored in the second storage unit 132 is transmitted to the management server 18, so that in the third embodiment, , It is possible to grasp the usage status of the image forming apparatus when a stop error occurs.

Further, when the error information is included in the management information generated when the stop error occurs, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not the stop error has occurred in the image forming apparatus 12 based on the error information. In other words. It can also be used as a means for notifying the management server 18 that a stop error has occurred.

[Fourth Example]
In the fourth embodiment, the second component 12b is replaced with a mobile terminal having the same function as the second component 12b. If it has the same function as the second component 12b, it may be replaced with a terminal or device other than the mobile terminal.

In this case, the first component 12a and the mobile terminal are provided with a predetermined interface. The interface here corresponds to, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, a short-range wireless communication circuit, or the like. That is, the first component 12a and the mobile terminal communicate with each other using, for example, a USB cable and short-range wireless communication.

Since the same is true for each embodiment except for the changes described above, duplicate description will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, if there is a conventional image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal or the like having the same functions as the second component 12b, application software for operating as in the first to third embodiments is installed. The first to third embodiments can be realized only by connecting each of them.

In addition, each of the above-mentioned examples is an example, and can be appropriately changed in an actual product. Furthermore, the flow chart shown in each of the above-described embodiments is an example, and the order of each step can be arbitrarily changed if the same effect can be obtained.

10 ... Information processing system 12 ... Image forming device 14 ... Information processing device 16 ... First network 18 ... Management server 20 ... Second network 44 ... Image reading unit 46 ... Image forming unit 102 ... First CPU
104 ... 1st RAM
106 ... 1st storage unit 122 ... 1st communication unit 126 ... 2nd CPU
128 ... 2nd RAM
132 ... Second storage unit 136 ... Second communication unit

Claims (7)

Image reader,
Image forming part,
First communication unit for connecting to the first network,
A second communication unit for connecting to a second network that is not connected to the first network,
A first generation unit that generates management information related to the operation of at least one of the image reading unit and the image forming unit,
A first storage unit connected to the first network via the first communication unit,
A second storage unit that stores the management information and is connected to the second network via the second communication unit and is not connected to the first network, and the second storage unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An image forming apparatus including a transmission unit that transmits the management information to the outside via a network. The image forming apparatus has a power saving state in which the power consumption is limited to a predetermined value or less and a normal state in which the power consumption is not limited.
Further provided with a power supply control unit for switching to the normal state or the power saving state,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first generation unit generates the management information when the normal state is switched to the power saving state. A first determination unit for determining whether or not the usage ratio of the second storage unit is equal to or higher than the threshold value is further provided.
1. The transmission unit transmits the management information to the outside via the second network when the first determination unit determines that the usage ratio of the second storage unit is equal to or higher than a threshold value. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2. The first storage unit stores the operation information and stores the operation information.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first generation unit generates management information based on the operation information. It also has a second judgment unit that determines whether a stop error has occurred.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first generation unit generates the operation information when the second determination unit determines that the stop error has occurred. An image reading unit, an image forming unit, a first communication unit for connecting to the first network, a second communication unit for connecting to a second network not connected to the first network, and the first communication unit. A second storage unit that stores the management information that is connected to the first network via the first network and is connected to the second network via the second communication unit and is not connected to the first network. An information processing method for an image forming apparatus including a storage unit.
(A) The step of generating the management information related to the operation of at least one of the image reading unit and the image forming unit, and (b) the said storage in the second storage unit by satisfying a predetermined condition. An information processing method including a step of transmitting management information to the outside via the second network. An information processing system equipped with an image forming device and a mobile terminal.
The image forming apparatus
Image reader,
Image forming part,
First communication unit for connecting to the first network,
A first generation unit that generates management information related to the operation of at least one of the image reading unit and the image forming unit,
A first storage unit connected to the first network via the first communication unit is provided.
The mobile terminal
A second communication unit for connecting to a second network that is not connected to the first network,
A second storage unit that is connected to the second network via the second communication unit and is not connected to the first network, and a second storage unit that stores the management information, and the second storage unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An information processing system including a transmission unit that transmits the management information to the outside via a network.

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