JP3466649B2 - Image forming apparatus management method, image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus management apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management method, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus management method in which an image forming apparatus at a remote location and a management apparatus therefor can communicate with each other to transfer a program to the image forming apparatus. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus, for example, a copying apparatus and a remote host computer are connected by a telephone line, various data are transmitted to the host computer, and the host computer manages the number of copies. For example, it is described in JP-A-54-44522 and JP-A-54-54032.

[0003]

However, in the conventional example, since only the data is transmitted and received with the outside, only the management information such as the number of copies of the image forming apparatus and the copy paper size is sent to the outside. There were problems such as not being able to do so.

Further, if the image forming apparatus is configured to have a program that is not necessary for the normal operation of the image forming apparatus, the capacity of the program memory on the image forming apparatus side becomes large or the program is changed. There was also a problem that processing became complicated.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to eliminate the use of a defective portion according to an error code indicating an abnormal state of an image forming apparatus. In the case where the image forming operation is possible, by transmitting the program for executing the image formation to the image forming apparatus and executing the program even if the abnormality occurs in the predetermined portion,
If the image forming apparatus is capable of performing the abnormality even if the abnormality occurs, it becomes possible to remotely instruct to perform the image formation even if the abnormality occurs, and to stop the image forming operation of the user indiscriminately. Image forming apparatus management method, image forming apparatus management, and image forming apparatus management method that realizes a flexible image forming guarantee environment in which the image forming operation is continued if possible based on the error code It is to provide a device.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided information transmitted from an image forming apparatus at a remote location, indicating the abnormality of a predetermined portion recognized during an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus. When a receiving step of receiving and an error code according to the type of abnormal state of the image forming apparatus is received as the information from the image forming apparatus in the receiving step, a predetermined program is selected according to the received error code. Selecting step to perform, transfer the predetermined program selected in the selecting step to the image forming apparatus,
A method of managing an image forming apparatus for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a transferred predetermined program, wherein the predetermined program is configured to perform the image forming operation without using the failed predetermined portion. It is characterized in that it includes a program for executing image formation even if an abnormality occurs in a predetermined portion.

A second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a management apparatus at a remote location, and a step of determining whether or not a predetermined portion is abnormal during an image forming operation. A transmission unit that transmits an error code according to the type of abnormal state of the image forming apparatus to the management apparatus when it is determined in the determination step that an abnormality has occurred in the predetermined portion; A receiving unit for receiving a predetermined program selected by the management device in accordance with the received error code, and a control unit for executing the predetermined program received by the receiving unit. In the case where the image forming operation can be performed without using the predetermined portion, a program for executing image formation is executed even if an abnormality occurs in the predetermined portion. And wherein the Mukoto.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, receiving means for receiving information indicating an abnormality of a predetermined portion recognized during an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus transferred from the image forming apparatus at a remote location, Selecting means for selecting a predetermined program according to the received error code when the receiving means receives the error code as the information from the image forming apparatus according to the type of abnormal state of the image forming apparatus; A predetermined program selected by a selection unit is transferred to the image forming apparatus, and the management unit causes the image forming apparatus to execute the transferred predetermined program. The predetermined program uses the failed predetermined portion. In the case where the image forming operation is possible without doing so, a program for executing the image forming is included even if an abnormality occurs in the predetermined portion. .

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

1 and 2 are a block diagram and a detailed block diagram for explaining the communication configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus main body,
800 is a control means for controlling the copying operation, which is a CPU, RO
It has M, RAM and the like. 900 is a communication control unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication circuit, 908 is a public line that is an external communication circuit, and 999 is installed at a management base for managing the image forming apparatus main body 100. It is a host computer, and the communication control means 900 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 901 for controlling communication, a memory (RAM) 903 for temporarily holding communication data, a modem (demodulator) 905 for outputting digital communication data to a public line 908, a network control unit (NCU) 906 and the like.

In the image forming apparatus thus constructed, when the communication control means 900 receives a predetermined program through communication with the host computer 999, the predetermined program received via the interfaces 805 and 907 is stored in the RAM 803. Based on a predetermined program that has been transferred and stored, and stored in the control means 800, an operation different from the image forming sequence is executed so that a predetermined program that is externally input can be appropriately executed.

Further, the image forming control means causes a predetermined program transferred and stored in the storage means to be executed based on the content of the data written in the specific address of the RAM 803,
The execution timing of a predetermined program externally input can be set.

Further, when the communication control means 900 receives a predetermined program through communication with an external device, the predetermined program is transferred and stored in the RAM 903 provided in the communication control means 900, and the communication control means 900 is RAM903.
By executing a predetermined program stored in, the predetermined program externally input can be appropriately executed without increasing the image forming sequence load executed by the communication control unit 900.

FIG. 3 shows the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of 0. In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a circulation type automatic document feeder (RD) for automatically feeding documents.
F), 300 is a sorter for sorting sheets that have undergone copying processing,
400 is an automatic computer form feeding device (CFF)
Is. The RDF 200, sorter 300, CF
The F400 is configured so that it can be freely combined with the image forming apparatus main body 100 to form a system.

In the image forming apparatus main body 100, 101 is a document table glass as a document placing table. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system, which includes a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like.
The original is illuminated by the exposure lamp 103 while being scanned by the motor 104, and the reflected light from the original is projected onto the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, and a potential sensor 1
08, developing device 109, transfer charger 110, separation charger 1
11, a cleaning device 112 and the like are provided, and these constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 by the main motor 113, is corona-charged by the high-voltage unit 106, and when the reflected light of the original is irradiated from the optical system 102, the electrostatic latent image is generated. An image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the upper cassette 114
Alternatively, from the lower cassette 115 to the pickup roller 1
The transfer paper sent to the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via 16, 117 is timed so that the front end of the toner image and the front end of the transfer paper are aligned by the registration roller 120. After the photosensitive drum 1
Then, the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by the separation charging device 111, guided to the fixing device 122 by the conveyance belt 121, fixed by pressure and heating, and then discharged by the discharge roller 123.
Is discharged to the outside of 00. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

Further, the image forming apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a deck 124 capable of accommodating, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper. The deck 124 and the lifter 125 ascend according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 126.

Further, in FIG. 3, 127 is a paper discharge flapper, which switches the transfer paper conveyance path to the inside or the discharge side (sorter 300). 128 is a lower conveyance path,
Reverse path 1 for the transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123
The transfer paper is turned over via 29 and guided to the re-feed tray 130. Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper that switches the transport path of the transfer sheet between double-sided recording and multiplex recording, and by tilting this to the left, the transfer sheet does not go through the reversing path 129 but directly goes to the lower transport path 128. Lead to. 132 is the route 13
3 is a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 side. Denoted at 134 is a discharge roller which is arranged in the vicinity of the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiplex copying), the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised and the copied transfer paper is turned upside down via the paths 129 and 128 to re-feed the tray. Store in 130. When performing double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted to the right, and when performing multiplex recording, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted to the left. At the time of back side recording or multiplex recording to be performed next, the transfer sheets stored in the re-feed tray 130 are transferred one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 120 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132. Be guided.

When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised and
The multiple flapper 131 is tilted to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the reverse path 129 side, and after the rear end of the transfer paper passes the first feed roller 140, it is moved to the second roller 141 side by the reverse roller 142. The transfer paper is conveyed, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 134 and discharged to the outside of the machine. In addition, 15
0 multi manual feed to tray, 210 are reserved tray.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed arrangement of the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes the entire image forming apparatus 10.
A CPU for controlling 0, 802 for the image forming apparatus main body 100
Is a read-only memory (ROM) that stores the control procedure (control program) of FIG.
In accordance with the control procedure stored in 02, each constituent device connected via a path is controlled. A random access memory 803 is a main storage device used as an input data storage area, a work storage area, or the like. In addition,
804 is an input / output port, 805 is an interface, 80
6 is a RAM.

Further, the input / output port 804 inputs the output of the control signal of the CPU 801 for the load of the main motor 113 and the like and the signal of the fixing device 122 and the like to the CPU 801. Further, reference numeral 900 is a communication control means of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control means 900. The CPU 901 is not the RS of the image forming apparatus main body 100.
232C or other interface 907, and when data transfer from the image forming apparatus is performed via the interface 907 when a data transfer request such as total copy number data is generated, the transfer data is transferred to the communication control means. The data is temporarily stored in the RAM 902 provided in the 900, and after the data transfer from the image forming apparatus 100 is completed,
Control the NCU 906 to establish a communication line connection with the outside,
After the line is connected, the data is transferred to the outside through the modem 905 and the NCU 906. When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily held in the RAM 903, and data is transferred to the image forming apparatus via the interface 907 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 100. The data referred to here is data stored inside the image forming apparatus main body 100. Further, the data transfer request means a case where a control error of the image forming apparatus or a frequent occurrence of paper jam occurs on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side, or a data transfer request is generated when the regular report time comes, and an external management. A data request from the side may occur. Note that 904 is an input / output port, and 909 is a RAM.

The control means 800 and the communication control means 900 are connected via interfaces (transfer means) 805 and 907, and between the control means 800 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the communication control means 900 of the public line 908. It exchanges control data, total number of copies, jam data, etc.

FIG. 5 shows the image forming apparatus main body 10 shown in FIG.
It is a top view explaining the structure of the operation part arrange | positioned at the upper surface of 0.

In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk key, which is used by the operator (user) in a setting mode such as setting of the binding margin amount or size of document frame erasing. 6
A cursor key 27 is used when selecting a setting item in the setting mode. An OK key 628 is used when confirming the setting contents in the setting mode. An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode. The all reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode. A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during copy recording. This clear / stop key 604
Is also used to cancel the set number of copies. The clear / stop key 604 is also pressed when interrupting continuous copying, and the copying operation is stopped after completion of copying at the time of pressing. Reference numeral 605 is a copy key.

Reference numeral 603 is a ten-key pad which is pressed when setting the number of copies. It is also pressed when setting the asterisk (*) mode. 619 is a memory key,
It is possible to register the mode that the user frequently uses. Here, it is configured so that four modes of M1 to M4 can be registered. Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density.
An AE key 613 is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the original density, or to cancel the AE mode (automatic density adjustment mode) and switch the density adjustment to the manual mode. 607 is a copy paper selection key,
It is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-manual feed tray 150. When the copy sheet selection key 607 is pressed while the original is placed on the RDF 200, automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is selected, and a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed to make a unity size (original size) copy. 616
Is an auto scaling key, which is pressed when automatically reducing or enlarging the image of the original according to the designated transfer paper size. Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet. 624
Is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original.
Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiple key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) from the two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper. Reference numeral 620 denotes an original frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases the frame of a standard size original document, and at that time, the original size is set by the asterisk key 601. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is pressed to erase the original frame according to the copy paper size. 627 is an up / down key, 617, 61
Reference numeral 8 is a zoom key.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used when the front and back covers are prepared and a slip sheet is inserted. 630
Is a page continuous shooting key, which is used when copying the left and right sides of a two-page spread continuously. Reference numeral 614 denotes a sheet discharge method selection key for selecting a staple sort, sort, and group discharge method.
When the stapled sorter is connected to the printed sheet, the staple sort mode, the sort mode, the group mode can be selected or the selected mode can be released. 6
A reference numeral 31 is a reservation key, which is used when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reservation document placed on the reservation tray 210 and when canceling the reservation setting. A reservation setting key 632 is used as an enter key when the reservation mode is set.
Reference numeral 633 is a guide key, which is used when displaying explanations of functions corresponding to various keys on the message display.
An LCD (liquid crystal) type message display 701 displays information about copying, and displays characters and figures with 96 × 192 dots. For example, the number of copies set by the ten-key pad 603, the standard variable magnification keys 608, 609, the same-size key 610, the copy magnification set by the zoom keys 617, 618, the paper size selected by the copy paper selection key 607, the state of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Is displayed, a guide message showing the operating procedure, and other settings for various modes are displayed. 704 is an AE display,
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheat indicator, which lights up in the preheat state. When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is 1, the density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal size, single-sided copy to single-sided copy setting. RDF
In the standard mode when the 200 is not used, the number of copies is 1, the density manual mode is set, and the setting is set to single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The difference between when the RDF 200 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 200. A power lamp 710 is turned on when a power switch (not shown) is turned on (turned on).

FIG. 6 shows C of the control means 800 shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control procedure which PU801 performs. Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step.

The CPU 801 executes the fixed program routine (1), and when the transfer program is received, executes the transfer program routine (2).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a fixed program execution procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) indicates steps.

The fixed programs include a program for controlling key input and display, and a program for controlling each load (motor, heater, clutch, etc.) necessary for copying to perform a copying operation. .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transfer program execution procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) indicates steps.

The CPU 801 stores the transfer program received via the communication control means 900 in a predetermined area of the RAM 803, calls this transfer program as a subroutine, and transfers the transferred program, for example, a failure transferred from the management site. The diagnostic program is executed, and the process returns to the main flow.

As described above, the fixed program is normally executed and the transfer program is called as a subroutine. However, if no transfer program is transferred and the transfer program is not stored in the RAM 803, nothing is returned. Yes (initial state). However, when the program is sent from the host computer and stored in the RAM 803, the program is executed at any time. The host computer sends the transfer program erase command to the CPU.
Sending to 801, it erases the transfer program stored in the CPU 80 1.

FIG. 9 shows C of the control means 800 shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control procedure which PU801 performs. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

First, a program for key input and display control and a program (fixed program) for performing copying operation by controlling each load (motor, heater, clutch, etc.) necessary for copying are executed (1). Then, it is judged whether the data at the address X in the RAM 803 is Y (2). If the data is Y, the RAM is sent from the host computer 999.
It is transferred to 803, the stored transfer program is executed (3), and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the data is not Y, the transfer program is not executed and only the fixed program described above is executed. This allows the CPU 801 to execute the transfer program at an appropriate timing.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a third control procedure executed by the CPU 801 of the control means 800 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

First, a program (fixed program) for performing a copy operation by controlling a program for controlling key input and display and each load (motor, heater, clutch, etc.) necessary for copying is executed (1). Next, the CPU 9 that performs communication control
01 to CPU 801 determines whether there is a request to execute the transfer program transferred from host computer 999 (2). If there is an execution request, CPU 901 executes the transfer program transferred from host computer 999 to RAM 903. (3), return to step (1),
If there is no execution request, the transfer program is not executed and only the fixed program described above is executed. As a result, the transfer program can be executed without increasing the control load on the CPU 801 that controls image formation.

The management method of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the fourth control procedure executed by the CPU 801 of the control means 800 shown in FIG. It should be noted that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 801 executes the above-mentioned fixed program (1) and determines whether any abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus during the execution (2).
. If there is no abnormality (NO), the fixed program is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (2) that there is an abnormality, an error code indicating the content of the abnormality is sent via the interface 805 to the communication control means 900.
To (3). The communication control means 900 sends the error code to the host computer 99 via the public line 908.
Send to 9. Thereafter, the CPU 801 waits for the transfer program to be transferred from the host computer 999 via the communication control means 900 (4), and when the transfer of the transfer program is completed, executes the transfer program (5) and executes the transfer program. After the completion, execution of the fixed program is resumed.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of the host computer 999 shown in FIG. It should be noted that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, the host computer 999 executes a management program for managing the number of copies of the image forming apparatus at a remote place (1). On the way, it is determined whether an error code is received from the communication control means 900 (2). When an error code is received by this judgment, the error code is judged and what kind of abnormality has occurred is recognized (3). Then, a diagnostic program is selected from the storage device connected to the host computer 999 according to the recognized abnormality type (4), and the selected diagnostic program is sent to the CPU 801 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 via the communication control means 900. Transfer (5).

As described above, the CP of the image forming apparatus main body 100
By transferring the abnormality detected by the U 801 to the host computer 999 , the host computer 999 can transfer the program corresponding to the abnormality to the image forming apparatus.

The contents of the diagnostic program to be transferred to the image forming apparatus include, for example, a program for investigating the cause of a more detailed failure with respect to the detected abnormality, a program for transferring information necessary for a service person, or a failure. It is a program for executing image formation so as not to execute the abnormality determination step of the failed portion when the image forming apparatus is possible without using the portion. Further, the predetermined program is not limited to the above diagnostic program,
It may be a program for executing the image forming operation regardless of the abnormal state detected by the computer.

Further, an abnormal condition in the image forming apparatus is detected, an error code is transferred to a computer at a remote location according to the detected abnormal condition, and the computer executes a predetermined program according to the transferred error code. Selected,
The computer transfers a predetermined program selected by the computer to the image forming apparatus, causes the image forming apparatus to execute the transferred predetermined program, and manages an abnormal operation state of the image forming apparatus with which the computer located at a remote location can communicate. It may be possible to do.

Further, an abnormal state in the image forming apparatus is detected,
An error code is transferred to a computer at a remote location according to the type of abnormal state detected, and the computer selects a diagnostic program for checking the cause of failure of the image forming apparatus according to the transferred error code, and the computer selects it. The diagnostic program for investigating the cause of failure of the image forming apparatus is transferred to the image forming apparatus, and the diagnostic program for investigating the transferred cause of failure of the image forming apparatus is executed by the image forming apparatus. It may be possible to transfer the optimum diagnostic program corresponding to the error code to the image forming apparatus.

Further, an abnormal condition in the image forming apparatus is detected, an error code is transferred to a computer at a remote location according to the kind of the detected abnormal condition, and the computer detects it according to the transferred error code. A program for executing the image forming operation regardless of the abnormal state is selected, and a program for executing the image forming operation regardless of the detected abnormal state selected by the computer is transferred to the image forming apparatus, and the transferred abnormal state is detected. Since the image forming apparatus executes the program for executing the image forming operation regardless of the error state, it may be possible to operate the image forming apparatus as much as possible regardless of the error state.

The image forming apparatus transfers an error code and a predetermined program between the image forming apparatus and the computer while communicating with the computer through the communication control device, so that various image forming operations can be performed. It may be possible to normally interface the communication process between the device and the computer.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention,
According to an error code indicating an abnormal state of the image forming apparatus, when the image forming operation can be performed without using the failed predetermined portion, the image formation is executed even if the predetermined portion has an abnormality. Since the program is sent to the image forming apparatus to be executed, if the image forming apparatus is capable of executing the abnormality, it is possible to remotely instruct to execute the image forming even if the abnormality occurs. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming guarantee environment with excellent flexibility in which the image forming operation is continued if possible based on the error code without stopping the image forming operation of the user indiscriminately.

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of essential parts for explaining the communication configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a control unit and a communication control unit shown in FIG.

5 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an operation unit arranged on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG.

6 is a first flowchart executed by the CPU of the control unit shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a fixed program execution procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transfer program execution procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

9 is a second flowchart executed by the CPU of the control unit shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure of FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control procedure executed by the CPU of the control means shown in FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control procedure executed by the CPU of the control means shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure of the host computer shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

800 control means 801 CPU 803 RAM 804 I / O port 900 communication control means 901 CPU 903 RAM 909 RAM 999 Host computer

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Hideki Adachi, Inventor               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kuroyanagi               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Nomasasa Iseki               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Mitsuhiko Sato               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Ozaki               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kaneko               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yasuo Fukada               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tokuji Kaneko               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Miharu Takizawa               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Naoyuki Oki               3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo               Within Canon Inc.                (56) References JP-A-63-25740 (JP, A)                 JP-A-59-95751 (JP, A)                 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-255064 (JP, A)                 JP-A-63-88937 (JP, A)                 JP-A-3-64770 (JP, A)                 FUJITSU, Vol. 36, No.               6 (September 10, 1985), p. 593 ~ 600

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. Before being transferred from an image forming device at a remote location.
Predetermined portion recognized during image forming operation in the image forming apparatus
Minute receiving information indicating the abnormality, and in the receiving step, the information from the image forming apparatus is received.
As an error depending on the type of abnormal state of the image forming apparatus
When a code is received, depending on the error code received
A selection step of selecting a predetermined program Te, a predetermined program selected in said selecting step is transferred to the image forming apparatus, there the management method of an image forming apparatus for executing a predetermined program transferred to the image forming apparatus The specified program uses the specified part that has failed.
If the image forming operation is possible without doing
A method for managing an image forming apparatus, which includes a program for executing image formation even if an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. 2. An image formation capable of communicating with a management device at a remote location.
A device,Check if there is any abnormality in the specified area during the image forming operation.
A determining step, In the judging step, an abnormality occurs in the predetermined portion.
If it is determined that Species of abnormal state of the image forming apparatus
Send an error code corresponding to the type to the management device
Means and According to the error code transmitted by the transmitting means,
Receives a predetermined program selected by the management device
Receiving means, The predetermined program received by the receiving means
And a control means to execute, The predetermined program isUse the specified part that failed
If the image forming operation is possible without doing
Even if there is an abnormality inLet the image formation run
An image forming apparatus including a program. 3. Prior to being transferred from an image forming device at a remote location.
Predetermined portion recognized during image forming operation in the image forming apparatus
Minute receiving information indicating the abnormality, and the receiving means as the information from the image forming apparatus.
Error code according to the type of abnormal state of the image forming apparatus
When receiving, and transfer and selection means for selecting a predetermined program in response to the error code received, a predetermined program selected by the selection means to the image forming apparatus, said image forming a predetermined program transferred And a management unit that causes the apparatus to execute, wherein the predetermined program uses the failed predetermined portion.
If the image forming operation is possible without doing
A management apparatus including a program for executing image formation even if an abnormality occurs in the management apparatus.