JPH07225537A - Device for explaining defect for image forming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve service efficiency and work efficiency of a user when a defect occurs. CONSTITUTION:In a device for explaining a defect for a copying machine, when the defect of the copying machine is detected, first of all, a low level defect explanation is displayed. Then, when a middle level explanation request is received from an operator while displaying the low level defect explanation, a middle level defect explanation is displayed. Further, when a high level defect explanation request is received from the operator while explaining the low level or the middle level defect, a high level defect explanation is displayed. At this time, this device is constituted so that the display is stopped minimally when the knowledge level of the operator is not so higher, and no restoration work so as to cause confusion is performed. Further, when the operator is provided with a device knowledge level of a certain degree, the middle level defect explanation is performed, and the matter that simple defect restoration is performed without calling out a service man is enabled. Then, when a person such as the service man, etc., who is provided with a high device knowledge level operates, the high level defect explanation is displayed, and high degree disposition is enabled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a failure detection device, and more particularly to a failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus (for example, a copying machine or a laser printer) is generally equipped with a display section for displaying various kinds of information. A display is provided to provide information. As a display that helps the operator to use, for example, there is a display of a paper jam position that is executed in the case of a paper jam (an example of a trouble that can be easily repaired by a simple countermeasure). Further, as a display that provides information to a service person when a failure occurs, for example, there is a display of a failure code for determining the type of failure.

When a trouble that is relatively difficult to repair occurs and the trouble code is displayed, the operator has no knowledge of the trouble code displayed, and therefore a service person must repair the trouble. Need to call. The service person who receives the notification discriminates the failure code displayed on the display unit and takes appropriate measures.

[0004]

Some of the failures displayed by the failure code do not necessarily need to be handled by a service person, but can be dealt with by an operator who has some knowledge of a copying machine. ing. In the conventional configuration, it is necessary to wait for the service person to deal with such a failure, so that the service efficiency and the work efficiency of the user must be lowered.

On the other hand, even in the case of a failure that does not necessarily require a service person to deal with it, it is difficult for an operator with a very low knowledge level to deal with it. Therefore, all operators should be dealt with indiscriminately. Communicating causes confusion and reduces service efficiency and user work efficiency.
It is an object of the present invention to improve service efficiency and operator work efficiency in the event of a failure.

[0006]

A failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises a failure detection means for detecting a failure of the image forming apparatus, a low level failure explanation means, a middle level failure explanation means, and a high level failure explanation means. A level failure explanation means, a first functional means, and a second functional means are provided. The low level fault explanation means provides an explanation for an operator having low level device knowledge when the fault is detected by the fault detection means. The medium level fault explanation means is used for an operator who has medium level equipment knowledge. The high level fault explanation means is used for an operator having a high level of equipment knowledge. The first function means causes the medium level fault explanation means to function when a medium level fault explanation request is received from the operator while the low level fault explanation means is functioning. The second function means causes the high level fault explanation means to function when a high level explanation request is received from the operator while the low level fault explanation means or the medium level fault explanation means is functioning.

The low level fault explanation means displays a method of repairing a fault that can be repaired by an operator whose device knowledge level is low, and the middle level fault explanation means shows that the device knowledge level is medium. It is preferable to display a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator, and the high level failure explanation means displays a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator having a high level of device knowledge.

[0008] Further, the medium level fault explanation means determines the level of the fault which can be repaired by the operator having the medium level device knowledge, and
It is preferable to have a middle level display means for displaying a failure repair operation method when the middle level judgment means judges that the failure can be repaired. Further, when the medium level fault explanation means determines that the medium level judgment means cannot repair the fault, the operator having a medium level device knowledge displays a message indicating that the fault cannot be repaired. It is preferable to further have an impossible display means. Further, it is preferable that the middle level display means has display stop acceptance means for receiving a display stop command from an operator and stopping display of the repair operation method.

[0009]

In the failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the failure detecting means detects a failure of the image forming apparatus,
First, the low-level fault explanation means works. When the medium level explanation request is received from the operator during the function of the low level fault explanation means, the first function means causes the medium level fault explanation means to function. Further, when a high level explanation request is received from the operator during the function of the low level fault explanation means or the middle level fault explanation means, the second functional means causes the high level fault explanation means to function.

Here, when the operator's knowledge level is not high enough to instruct the display of explanations having different explanation levels, the repairing work causes confusion by stopping the display to the minimum by the low-level failure explanation means. Can be prevented from doing its own. Further, when the operator has a certain level of device knowledge, the medium level failure explanation means is made to function, and simple failure repair can be performed without calling a serviceman. When a person with a high level of equipment knowledge, such as a service person, operates the high level fault explanation means, it enables advanced treatment. As a result, the service efficiency at the time of failure and the work efficiency of the operator are improved.

The low level fault explanation means displays a method of repairing a fault that can be repaired by an operator whose device knowledge level is low, and the middle level fault explanation means indicates that the device knowledge level is medium. In the case of displaying a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator, and the high-level failure explanation means displays a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator whose apparatus knowledge level is high, Becomes even more noticeable.

Further, the medium level fault explanation means determines the level of the fault which can be repaired by an operator having the medium level device knowledge, and
When the medium level determination means has a medium level display means for displaying a repair operation method for the failure when it is determined that the failure can be repaired, the above operation becomes more remarkable. Further, when the medium level fault explanation means determines that the medium level judgment means cannot repair the fault, the operator having a medium level device knowledge displays a message indicating that the fault cannot be repaired. When the impossible display means is further provided, the above-mentioned action becomes more remarkable.
Further, when the middle level display means has a display stop acceptance means for accepting a display stop command from the operator and stopping the display of the repair operation method, the above-mentioned action becomes more remarkable.

[0013]

EXAMPLES First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a copying machine which employs an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a document table 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the copying machine body 1, and a document retainer 3 is provided on the document table 2 so as to be openable and closable.

Inside the copying machine main body 1, an exposure unit 4 for reading an original is provided on the upper portion thereof. The exposure unit 4 is composed of a light source, a mirror, a lens unit and the like. An image forming unit 5 for forming a toner image of a read original is provided at the center of the copying machine main body 1. The image forming section 5 has a photosensitive drum 6 on the surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed. Around the photosensitive drum 6, a charging device 7, a developing device 8, a transfer separation device 9 and a cleaning device 10 are arranged.

A paper feed section 11 is provided below the copying machine main body 1. The paper feeding section 11 includes a bypass table 12 provided on the right side of the copying machine main body 1 in FIG. 1, and three paper feeding cassettes 13 arranged vertically below the copying machine main body 1.
14 and 15, and a large paper feed cassette 1 for storing a large amount of paper arranged on the right side of the paper feed cassettes 13, 14 and 15 in the figure
6 and the bypass table 12 or the paper feed cassette 13 to
The sheet feeding device 17 is configured to convey the sheet stored in 16 to the image forming unit 5. The sheet feeding device 17 includes sheet feeding rollers 18 to 21 for taking out the uppermost sheet in the sheet feeding cassettes 13 to 16 and sorting rollers 22 to 2 for sorting the taken out sheets one by one.
5 and 5.

On the downstream side of the image forming section 5 in the sheet conveying direction,
Paper discharge transport path 30 for transporting paper to the left side of the apparatus in FIG.
And a fixing device 31 for fusing and fixing the toner image on the paper.
And a discharge roller 32 for discharging the sheet at the time of fixing,
A paper discharge tray 33 for receiving the paper is provided. The fixing device 31 includes a heat roller 3 having a heater inside.
4 and a pressure roller 35 that can be pressed against the heat roller 34.

An operation panel 60 is arranged at the upper part of the copying machine main body 1 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 60 is provided with a key input section 61 and a display section 62. A numeric keypad 63, a print key 64, a clear stop key 68, etc. are arranged in the key input section 61. Further, the display unit 62 has a numerical value display unit 65 for displaying the number of copies and a service man code, and an LED display unit for displaying paper jam, toner replacement, paper replenishment, paper feed roller replacement time, and the like. 66 and a liquid crystal display 67 for displaying various information are arranged.

Further, the copying machine main body 1 is provided with a control section 70 shown in FIG. The control unit 70 includes a CPU,
It is composed of a microcomputer system including RAM, ROM, various drivers, and various IOs. Control unit 7
0 indicates the input key section 61 and the display section 6 of the operation panel 60.
2 is connected. Further, the control unit 70 is connected to a storage unit 71 that stores the contact information of service personnel, the content of repair work, and the like. The contents stored in the storage unit 71 are, for example, the telephone number of the service center, the telephone number of the pager or the mobile telephone owned by the person in charge of the copying machine,
The name of the person in charge, the model number, the fault code that can be processed by the operator, and the method of repairing the fault code.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described. When the start of the copy operation is instructed by the operation of the print key 64, the exposure unit 4 reads the image of the document on the document table 2, and the desired paper is fed from the paper feed cassettes 13 to 16 or the bypass table 12 to the image forming unit 5. Is supplied to. In the image forming section 5, the image read from the original is used as a toner image and transferred to the supplied paper. The sheet on which the image has been transferred undergoes a fixing process by the fixing device 31, and is then ejected to the sheet ejection tray 33.

On the other hand, during the operation of the copying machine, the failure explanation control operation shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is executed. In FIG. 4, in step S1 (an example of failure detection means), it is determined whether or not a failure has occurred. This judgment is made based on various well-known sensors and the like (not shown) arranged in the copying machine. Further, in steps S8 and S10, it is determined whether or not the operator has requested a medium level failure explanation or a high level failure explanation (described later) during normal operation.

When a failure occurs, the determination in step S1 becomes Yes, and the process proceeds to step S2 (one example of low level failure explanation means). In step S2, the corresponding failure code is specified and a display corresponding to the failure is displayed on the display unit 62. In such a copying operation, a failure that can usually occur is
Paper feed rollers 18 to 21, photoconductor drum 6, paper discharge conveyance path 3
0, a fixing device 31, a discharge roller 32, and other paper jams, toner consumption in the developing device 8, and paper feed cassettes 13 to
16 is the consumption of paper. When such a minor trouble occurs, the code corresponding to the numerical value display section 65 of the display section 62 is displayed and the display corresponding to the LED display section 66 is performed. Further, in the case of a paper jam, a display is made according to the position where the paper jam has occurred. Since such an error can be dealt with even if the operator has a low knowledge level, the above-described display is provided on the display unit 62 so that anyone can deal with it. . At this time, a specific operation method is also displayed on the liquid crystal display 67.

On the other hand, among operators, in the case of troubles that are difficult to deal with unless a person who has a certain degree of device knowledge, only a professional service person (a person who has a high degree of device knowledge) can handle it. In the case of a serious trouble, a code corresponding to the numerical value display section 65 of the display section 62 is displayed, and a liquid crystal display section 67 is displayed to explain that a serviceman must be called. No specific operating method is displayed on the liquid crystal display 67. As a result, if the operator's knowledge level is not high, it is possible to prevent the repair work that causes confusion from being performed independently.

In step S3 (an example of the first function means), it is determined whether or not the operator has requested the medium level failure explanation mode. In this step S3, for example, the operator presses the clear stop key 68 and the "0" key 69 of the operation panel 60 (FIG. 2) at the same time, so that it is determined that there is a request for the intermediate level failure explanation mode. This operation method is known only to a specific operator who has a relatively high level of knowledge.

If there is a medium level fault explanation mode request, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4 (an example of a medium level fault explanation means). In step S4, the intermediate level processing (described later) shown in FIG. 5 is executed. As a result, even if the operator has a certain level of device knowledge, it is possible to explain a medium level failure and perform simple failure repair without calling a serviceman.

In step S5 (an example of the second function means), it is determined whether or not the operator (professional service person) has requested the high-level failure explanation mode. In this step S5, when a special operation known only to professional service personnel is performed,
It is determined that there is a request for the high level fault explanation mode. If there is a high-level failure explanation mode request, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6 (an example of high-level failure explanation means). In step S6, high-level processing including explanations and the like that can be handled only by a professional service person is executed. As a result, the high-level failure explanation is given only when the person who has a high level of equipment knowledge, such as a service person, operates it, and high-level treatment is enabled.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not there is a reset input. If it is determined in step S7 that there is no reset input, the process returns to step S3. Step S
If it is determined that there is a reset input at 7, the set value is initialized and the failure processing is ended. In the intermediate level process of FIG. 5 executed in step S4, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the currently occurring failure is a trouble that can be repaired by an operator who is not a professional serviceman. Here, the fault code that is currently occurring is compared with the fault code that is stored in the storage unit 71 (FIG. 3) and that can be repaired by the general operator. When it is determined that the repair is possible, the process proceeds to step S13, and the middle level fault explanation is started.

If the determination is No in step S12, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the display 62 (FIG. 2) displays a message that "service man call is required", and the process ends. The name of the service person in charge of the copier, telephone number, and
Since information such as a failure code is included, a quick response can be made when calling a service person.

When the clear stop key 68 is pressed during execution of the medium level fault explanation in step S13, the medium level fault explanation mode is exited and step S13 is executed.
After the processing of 14 is executed, this processing ends. In FIG. 4, if the determination in step S1 is No, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, similarly to step S3, it is determined whether or not there is a request from the operator for the explanation of the intermediate level failure. If there is a middle level failure explanation mode request, the process proceeds to step S9, and similarly to step S14 (FIG. 5), the display unit 62 displays information such as the service person in charge of the copying machine, the telephone number, and the failure code. (Fig. 2). As a result, a prompt response can be made when calling a service person.

In step S10, similarly to step S5, it is determined whether or not there is a request from the operator (professional service person) for a high-level failure explanation. If there is a high-level failure explanation mode request, step S1
Then, the process proceeds to 1 and the processing in the high level fault explanation mode is performed as in step S6. Here, high-level processing including explanations, etc., that can be handled only by professional service personnel is executed except when a failure occurs.

Second Embodiment The present invention can also be implemented by a configuration in which a plurality of copying machines 100 are connected to a host computer 80 of a service center via a public line 88 (or a private line) as shown in FIG. . In this case, the host computer 80
As shown in FIG. 7, includes a CPU 81, a RAM 82, a ROM 83 connected to the CPU 81, and an input / output interface 84. This CPU 81 has a display C
An RT 85, an input keyboard 86, an external storage device 87, etc. are also connected. R for the input / output interface 84
Input / output terminals such as S232C are provided and are connected to the public line 88 via a communication modem (not shown).

During the operation of the copying machine 100, as shown in FIG.
The failure explanation control operation shown in is executed. In addition, in FIG. 8, steps S21 to S23, S26, S29, and S30.
To S32 are steps S1 to S3, S5, S7,
Since it is the same as S8 to S10, the description is omitted. If it is determined in step S23 that the middle level failure explanation mode request is made, the process proceeds from step S23 to step S24. In step S24, the host computer 80 is called via the line 88. When the connection with the host computer 80 is completed, in step S25, the model number, the fault code currently occurring, other data, the instruction content by the key input by the operator, and the like are transmitted to the host computer 80, and the medium level fault occurs. The explanation of the repair operation in the explanation mode and other information transmitted by the host computer (step S37 described later) are received. As a result, even if the operator has a certain level of device knowledge, it is possible to explain the medium level failure and perform simple failure repair without calling a serviceman.

If it is determined in step S26 that there is a high level failure explanation mode request, the process proceeds from step S26 to step S27. In step S27, the host computer 80 is called via the line 88. When the connection with the host computer 80 is completed, in step S28, the model number, the fault code currently occurring, other data, the instruction content by the key input by the operator, etc. are transmitted to the host computer 80, and the high level fault is transmitted. The explanation of the repair operation in the explanation mode and other information transmitted by the host computer (step S39 described later) are received. As a result, high-level processing including explanations, etc., that can be handled only by professional service personnel is executed. Here, the high-level failure explanation is given only when the person who has a high device knowledge level such as a service person operates it, and the high-level treatment is enabled.

The processes in steps S33 and S34 are the same as steps S27 and S28. In the host computer 80, step S3 in FIG.
5 is called by the copying machine 100 (step S24,
It is determined whether or not there are steps S27 and S33).

When the call is received, the process proceeds from step S35 to step S36. In step S36, the copying machine 1
It is determined whether the request from 00 is a medium level failure explanation mode request, and in step S38, it is determined whether it is a high level failure explanation mode request. In step S40, it is determined whether the line has been disconnected. If the line is disconnected, the processing here is terminated.

If it is determined in step S36 that the request is for the medium level failure explanation mode, the process proceeds to step S37.
In step S37, the model number of the copying machine 100, the fault code that is currently occurring, other data, the instruction content by the key input by the operator, etc. are received, and the description of the repair operation in the middle level fault explanation mode and other copying are performed. Machine 100
Transmits the information requested by (step S25).

If it is determined in step S38 that the request is for the high level fault explanation mode, the process proceeds to step S39.
In step S39, the model number of the copying machine 100, the fault code currently occurring, other data, the instruction content by the key input by the operator, etc. are received, and the repair operation explanation in the high level fault explanation mode and other copying are performed. Machine 100
Transmits the information (step S28) requested by.

In this case, the content of the failure and the content of the repair by the operator can be grasped online at the service center. According to this configuration, if the contents repaired by the operator are incorrect, the service center can immediately respond. Further, the contents of the failure description can be collectively changed by the host computer 80. It should be noted that when a failure occurs in any of the copying machines 100, the failure code may be discriminated on the host computer 80 side, and the low-level failure explanation may be performed by the host computer 80 via the communication line 88.

When it is determined in step S36 that the repair work by the operator is impossible, the contents of the failure are communicated to the pager or mobile phone carried by the service person in charge of the copying machine 100. Can also be configured to communicate.

[0039]

In the fault explanation device for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the operator's knowledge level is not high enough to instruct the display of explanations having different explanation levels, the low-level trouble explanation means minimizes the problem. Can be stopped and the repair work that causes confusion can be prevented.
Further, when the operator has a certain level of device knowledge, the medium level failure explanation means is made to function, and simple failure repair can be performed without calling a serviceman. When a person with a high level of equipment knowledge, such as a service person, operates the high level fault explanation means, it enables advanced treatment. As a result, the service efficiency at the time of failure and the work efficiency of the operator are improved.

The low-level failure explanation means displays a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator whose equipment knowledge level is low, and the middle-level failure explanation means indicates that the equipment knowledge level is middle-level. The effect is displayed when a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator is displayed, and the high-level failure explanation means displays a repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator whose apparatus knowledge level is high. Becomes even more noticeable.

Further, the medium level fault explanation means determines the level of the fault which can be repaired by an operator having the medium level device knowledge, and a medium level judgment means.
When the medium level determination means has a medium level display means for displaying a failure repair operation method when it is determined to be a repairable failure, the above effect becomes more remarkable. Further, when the medium level fault explanation means determines that the medium level judgment means cannot repair the fault, the operator having a medium level device knowledge displays a message indicating that the fault cannot be repaired. When the impossible display means is further provided, the above effect becomes more remarkable.
Further, when the middle level display means has a display stop acceptance means for receiving a display stop command from the operator and stopping the display of the repair operation method, the effect becomes more remarkable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a copying machine in which a first embodiment of the present invention is adopted.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of an operation panel of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of control components of the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an image forming network in which a second embodiment of the present invention is adopted.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a host computer of the image forming network.

FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of the copying machine of the image forming network.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of a host computer of the image forming network.

[Explanation of symbols]

 61 input key unit 62 display unit 70 control unit 71 storage unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A failure detecting means for detecting a failure of an image forming apparatus, and a low level failure explanation means for explaining an operator having a low level of device knowledge when the failure detecting means detects a failure. Medium level fault explanation means used for an operator having a medium level equipment knowledge, high level fault explanation means used for an operator having a high level equipment knowledge, and low level fault explanation means during the function of the low level fault explanation means. A high-level explanation during the function of the first function means for causing the middle-level fault explanation means to function and the function of the low-level fault explanation means or the middle-level fault explanation means when a middle-level fault explanation request is received from the operator. A failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus, comprising: second functional means for causing the high-level failure explanation means to function when a request is received from an operator. 2. The low-level fault explanation means displays a repair operation method of a fault that can be repaired by an operator whose device knowledge level is low, and the intermediate-level fault explanation means displays a device knowledge level of medium-level. The repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator is displayed, and the high-level failure description means displays the repair operation method for a failure that can be repaired by an operator whose apparatus knowledge level is high. The failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus described in 1. 3. The medium level failure explanation means comprises a medium level determination means for determining whether or not the failure is a failure that can be repaired by an operator having the medium level device knowledge, and the middle level determination means. 3. The failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate level display unit for displaying a failure repair operation method when it is determined that the failure is a repairable one. 4. When the medium level fault explanation means determines that the medium level determination means cannot repair the fault, it is a fault that cannot be repaired by an operator having the medium level device knowledge. 4. The failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a non-repairable display means for displaying. 5. The medium level display means has a display stop accepting means for accepting a display stop command from the operator and stopping display of the repair operation method.
The failure explanation device for an image forming apparatus described in 1.