JPH05333625A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To accurately execute the centralized control of the normal operational state of each image forming device by means of an external device by automatically informing the fact that the storage state of a data holding means is abnormal, to the external device, when it is decided that the storage state of the data holding means is abnormal. CONSTITUTION:This image forming device is composed of a control part 800 controlling an image forming action, a communication control means 900 for exchanging data with respect to a public line 908, a host computer 999 set in a control base to control an image forming device main body 100, a CPU 901 controlling the communication setting means 900, a RAM 903 temporarily holding communication data, a modem 905, a network control unit(NCU) 906, etc. Then, the CPU 901 detects/decides the storage state of information held in the RAM 903, and when it is decided that the storage state of the RAM 903 is abnormal, the communication control means 900 automatically informs the fact to the host computer 999, and the host computer 999 can recognize the state of the image forming device main body 100.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of executing transmission / reception processing with an external device via an interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus main body is equipped with a communication control device capable of communicating with the outside (host computer) to remotely manage the image forming apparatus. , I constantly monitor the communication control device for frequent paper jams,
It was configured to automatically report the fact to the outside when the predetermined conditions were met.

Further, in order to manage the occurrence of a paper jam that seems to be the same cause in the image forming apparatus, the data is automatically transferred from the communication control unit side when the paper jam of the same paper jam code occurs continuously. Was configured to do.

Further, there is only one type of host computer on the management base side for receiving the data of the image forming apparatus, and different kinds of data management such as abnormality information and counter values of each image forming apparatus are managed by one management base. Was running.

[0005]

However, since no automatic report is made when an error occurs in the communication control device itself or an error occurs in data communication with the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus operates normally when there is no report at the management base. There was a problem such as not being able to judge that it is doing.

Further, particularly in the case of performing remote management in the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to accurately determine that a specific paper jam frequently occurs according to the frequency of use, and the current method does not. There is a problem that it is not possible to manage according to the frequency of use such as the time interval and the number of times of image formation during that time.

Further, since the paper jam information transferred from the image forming apparatus often overlaps, it is very difficult to externally create the paper jam history of a specific image forming apparatus. there were.

Further, when a plurality of management bases perform different operations and the data to be managed are different, there is a problem in that they cannot be managed accurately.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a reception state of information transferred in accordance with an image forming sequence in a communication control means for performing transmission / reception processing with an external device via an external interface. By controlling the transfer to the outside according to the above, it is an object to obtain an image forming apparatus in which an external apparatus installed at a management base can accurately and centrally manage the normal operation state of each image forming apparatus.

[0010]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention controls a data transfer between a first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means and the first control means or an external device. The second control means, the data holding means for holding and storing the transmission data transferred from the first control means, and the first holding means for detecting and determining the storage state of the information held in the data holding means. And a determination means,
When the first determination unit determines that the storage state of the data holding unit is abnormal, the second control unit automatically notifies the external device to that effect.

The first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, the second control means for controlling the data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control means. Data holding means for holding and storing the transmission data transferred from the first control means to the second holding means.
Second determination means for analyzing the transfer data transferred to the control means for determining the data transfer state, and when the storage state of the data holding means is determined to be abnormal by the second determination means The second control means is configured to automatically notify the external device to that effect.

Further, first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and first control means. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the second control means, and the second control means holds the data when the preset external transfer start condition is met. It is configured to control the transfer of the paper jam information held in the means to the external device and to control the clear processing of the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding means based on the normal transfer state of the paper jam information. It is a thing.

The first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, the second control means for controlling the data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control means. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the device, and the paper jam information held in the data holding means by the second control means to the external device. The clearing process of the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding means is controlled based on the factor.

Further, first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and first control means. The second control means is provided with a data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the device, and an instruction means for instructing whether or not to clear the paper jam information. The clearing processing of the paper jam information stored and stored in the data holding means is controlled based on the clear processing presence / absence setting state by the instruction means.

The first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, the second control means for controlling the data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control means. A data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the second control means, and the second control means holds the same paper jam information held in the data holding means. The transfer of desired data held in the data holding means to an external device is controlled based on the frequency.

Further, first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and first control means. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the image forming means, and counting means for sequentially counting the number of image formed sheets as the image forming sequence of the image forming means is executed. When the paper jam information having the same paper jam code is held in the data holding means, the second control means is based on the difference number of the number of image forming sheets counted by the counting means at the time of the current and previous paper jam occurrence. It is configured to control transfer of desired data held in the data holding means to an external device.

The first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, the second control means for controlling the data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control means. A data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means from the second control means during image formation; and a management means for managing the current time.
When the data holding means holds the paper jam information having the same paper jam code, the control means stores the paper jam information in the data holding means based on the time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed by the management means. It is configured to control transfer of desired data to an external device.

Further, a first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or a plurality of external devices, and a first control means. The data holding means holds and stores the transmission data transferred from the control means, and the detecting means for detecting the transfer condition of each information held in the data holding means. The selective transfer of each information to any external device is controlled based on the detected transfer condition satisfaction status of each information.

[0019]

According to the present invention, when the second control means can communicate with the external device, the first determination means detects and determines the storage state of the information held in the data holding means, and When the storage state is determined to be abnormal, the second control unit automatically notifies the external device of that fact, thereby preventing the external device from transferring the illegal data due to the abnormality of the data holding unit. It enables an external device to recognize the state of the image forming apparatus.

Further, at the time of data transfer between the second control means and the first control means, the second determination means analyzes the transfer data transferred from the first control means to the second control means. If the storage state of the data holding means is determined to be abnormal, the second control means automatically notifies the external device of the fact that the data transfer state is abnormal. It is possible to prevent the transfer of the illegal data due to the data transfer abnormality, and allow the external device to recognize the state of the image forming device.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means in advance. When the set external transfer start condition is met, the second control means controls the transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device, and holds the data based on the normal transfer state of the paper jam information. By controlling the clearing process of the paper jam information stored and stored in the means, it is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the data holding means from being lost due to a transfer failure between the second control means and the external device. It is possible to do.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred to and held in the data holding means in advance. When the set external transfer start condition is met, the second control means controls the transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device and the data holding means based on the transfer factor to the external device. By controlling the clearing process of the paper jam information stored and stored in the device, it is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the data holding unit from being lost due to a transfer request from an external device.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means in advance. When the set external transfer start condition is met, the second control means controls the transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device, and the data is set based on the clear processing presence / absence setting state by the instruction means. By controlling the clear processing of the paper jam information held and stored in the holding means, it is possible to select whether to execute the clear processing of the paper jam information held and stored according to the clear processing presence / absence setting by the user's instruction means.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred to and held by the data holding means. The second control unit controls the transfer of desired data held in the data holding unit to the external device based on the frequency of occurrence of the same paper jam information held in the data holding unit, whereby the history of the same paper jam information is recorded. Can be managed by an external device.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the same paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means, By controlling the transfer of the desired data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the difference in the number of image formed sheets counted by the counting means at the time of the occurrence of the paper jam this time and the previous time, The external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs when the number of sheets is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number.

Furthermore, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the same paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means, The second control unit controls the transfer of desired data held in the data holding unit to the external device based on the time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed by the management unit, so that the predetermined time is reached. The external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs before the elapse.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, each information is transferred from the first control means and held in the data holding means. When the detection means detects the transfer condition for each information in the state of being present, the second control means selectively transfers each information to any external device based on the transfer condition establishment condition for each information detected by the detection means. By controlling the above, it becomes possible for each external device to independently and efficiently manage each information transferred from a number of image forming means.

[0028]

1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 100 is an image forming apparatus main body (main body), and 800 is an image forming operation. 900 is a control means for controlling the communication, 900 is a communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication line, 90
Reference numeral 8 is a public line, which is an external communication line, and 999 is a host computer set as a management base for managing the image forming apparatus main body 100, which is a communication control unit 900.
CPU 901 for controlling the communication, memory (RAM) 903 for temporarily holding communication data, and modem (submodulation device) 90 for putting digital communication data on public line 908.
5, Network Control Unit (NCU)
906 and the like.

In the image forming apparatus thus constructed, the second control means (the communication control means 90 in this embodiment) is used.
0) is capable of communicating with an external device (host computer 999), the first judging means (CPU 901) detects and judges the storage state of the information held in the data holding means (RAM 903), When it is determined that the storage state is abnormal, the second control unit automatically notifies the external device of that fact, and prevents the external device from transferring the illegal data due to the abnormality of the data holding unit. It enables the apparatus to recognize the state of the image forming apparatus.

The second control means (communication control means 90)
0) and the first control means (control means 800) during data transfer, the second determination means (CPU 901) analyzes the transfer data transferred from the first control means to the second control means. When the storage state of the data holding means (RAM 903) is determined to be abnormal, the second control means automatically notifies the external device of that fact, and the first control means determines It is possible to prevent the transfer of the illegal data due to the abnormal data transfer, and allow the external device to recognize the state of the image forming device.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( When the paper jam information is transferred to and held in the RAM 903) and the preset external transfer start condition is met, the second control unit transfers the paper jam information held in the data holding unit to the external device. The transfer is controlled, and the clearing process of the paper jam information stored and stored in the data holding means is controlled based on the normal transfer state of the paper jam information, due to a transfer failure between the second control means and the external device. It is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the data holding unit from being lost.

Further, during data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( When the paper jam information is transferred to and held in the RAM 903) and the preset external transfer start condition is met, the second control unit (communication control unit 900) holds the paper jam in the data holding unit. It controls the transfer of information to an external device, controls the clearing process of the paper jam information stored and stored in the data holding means based on the transfer factor to the external device, and transfers the data due to the transfer request from the external device. It is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the holding means from being lost.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( When the paper jam information is transferred to and held in the RAM 903) and the preset external transfer start condition is met, the second control unit transfers the paper jam information held in the data holding unit to the external device. In addition to controlling the transfer, the clear processing of the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding means is controlled based on the clear processing presence / absence setting state by the instructing means, and is retained and stored in accordance with the clear processing presence / absence setting by the instructing means It is possible to select whether or not to execute the clearing process of the generated paper jam information.

Further, during data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( In a state where the paper jam information is transferred and held in the RAM 903), the second control unit (communication control unit 900) causes the data holding unit (RAM).
The external device manages the history of the same paper jam information by controlling the transfer of desired data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the occurrence frequency of the same paper jam information held in (903). It is possible.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( In a state where the same paper jam information is transferred to and held in the RAM 903), the second control unit (communication control unit) is based on the difference between the number of image forming sheets counted by the counting unit when the paper jam occurs this time and the previous time. 900) controls the transfer of desired data held in the data holding unit (RAM 903) to the external device, thereby enabling the external device to manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs when the number of sheets is less than a predetermined number. To do.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( With the same paper jam information being transferred and held in the RAM 903), the second control unit (communication control unit) is based on the time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed by the management unit (CPU 901). 900) controls the transfer of desired data held in the data holding unit (RAM 903) to the external device, so that the external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs before the elapse of a predetermined time. And

FIG. 3 shows the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.
It is sectional drawing explaining the hardware constitutions of 00.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 is a circulation type automatic document feeder (RDF) for automatically feeding documents, 300 is a sorter for sorting sheets having undergone image forming processing, and 400 is an automatic computer form feeder (CFF). The RDF 200, the sorter 300, and the CFF 400 are configured so as to be systematically combined with the image forming apparatus main body 100.

In the image forming apparatus main body 100, 101
Is a platen glass as a document table. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as an image reading means, which includes an original lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like.
The document lamp 103 illuminates the document, and the light reflected from the document is applied to the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens. It should be noted that an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor serving as a detection means is arranged at a predetermined position.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, 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, an 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 main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the registration rollers 12 and 16.
When the timing is set so that the leading edge of the toner image and the leading edge of the transfer paper coincide with each other by 0, the toner image is fed to the photosensitive drum 105, and 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, and fixed by pressing and heating.
It is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

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

In FIG. 3, 127 is a paper discharge flapper, which is a double-sided recording side or multiple recording side and a discharge side (sorter 3).
00) is switched. The transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side by the paper discharge flapper 127. Also, 12
A lower conveyance path 8 guides the transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 by reversing the transfer paper via the reversing path 129. Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting this flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the reverse path 129. 132 is a route 133
Is a paper feed roller that feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 side through. Denoted at 134 is a discharge roller which is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer sheet switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiplex copying), the ejected flapper 127 is raised and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is turned over again through the paths 129 and 128. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time,
When recording on both sides, tilt the multiple flapper 131 to the right,
In addition, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted leftward during multiple recording. When performing back side recording or multiplex recording next time,
The transfer paper stored in the resupply tray 130 is 1 from the bottom.
The sheets are guided one by one to the registration roller 120 of the main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When the transfer sheet is reversed and discharged from the main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised and the multiple flapper 131 is tilted to the right to reverse the recorded transfer sheet to the reverse path 1.
29, and the trailing edge of the transfer paper is the first feed roller 1
After passing through 40, the reversing roller 142 conveys the transfer sheet to the second roller 141 side, and the discharge roller 134 turns over the transfer sheet and discharges it outside the machine. Note that reference numeral 150 is a multi-bypass tray, and 210 is a reservation tray.

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

In the figure, 801 is a CPU for controlling the main body 100, 802 is a read-only memory (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program) for the main body 100, and the CPU 801 follows the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. It controls each constituent device connected via the bus. A random access memory (RAM) 803 is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data, a storage area for work, and the like. 804 is an input / output port (I / O), and 805 is an interface (I / O).
F) and 806 are RAMs.

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 send to the CPU 801. Reference numeral 900 denotes a communication control unit of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control unit 900. The main body 100 is connected by an interface (I / F) 907 such as RS-232C, and when a data transfer request is made and data is transferred from the image forming apparatus via the interface 907, the transfer is performed. RAM 9 for storing data in the communication control means 900
03, and after the data transfer from the image forming apparatus is completed, the NCU 906 is controlled to establish a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, 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 the data is transferred to the image forming apparatus via the interface 907 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. The data referred to here is the data stored inside the main body 100, and the data transfer request is the occurrence of frequent image forming apparatus control abnormalities or paper jams on the main body 100 side, or the regular report time. When the above occurs, the above request may occur or a data request from an external management side may occur. 904 is an input / output port (I /
O) and 909 are RAMs.

The control means 800 and the communication control means 900 are connected via the interfaces 805 and 907,
Control data is exchanged between the control means 800 of the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 of the public line 908.

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the structure of the operating portion arranged on the upper surface of the main body 100 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 601 is an asterisk (*).
A key, which is pressed by an operator (user) in a setting mode such as setting of a binding margin amount and size setting of document frame erasing. 627 is a cursor key (up / down key)
This is pressed when selecting a setting item in the setting mode. An OK key 628 is pressed to confirm the setting item 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. 604 is clear /
The stop key functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during image recording.
The clear / stop key 604 is also used when releasing the set number of copies. The clear / stop key 604 is also pressed when interrupting continuous copying, and the copying operation is stopped after the copying at the time of pressing is completed. 6
Reference numeral 05 is a copy key. A numeric keypad 603 is pressed when setting the number of copies. It is also pressed when setting the asterisk key (*) mode. A memory key 619 can be used to register a mode that the user frequently uses. Here, the four modes M1 to M4 are configured to be registered. Image forming density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the image forming density. An AE key 613 is pressed when the image forming density is automatically adjusted according to the original density, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual (manual). A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-bypass tray 150. Further, 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 when forming an image of the same size (original size).
An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the designated transfer paper size. Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed when performing double-sided recording from a single-sided original, double-sided recording from a double-sided original, or single-sided recording 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. Reference numeral 624 denotes a photographic key, which is pressed when forming an image on a photographic document. 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 fixed-size original, and the original size is set by the asterisk key 601 at that time. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is pressed when erasing the document frame in accordance with the copy paper size. 617 and 618 are zoom keys. A folding key 615 is pressed when setting the folding mode.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is pressed when the front and back covers are created and the slip sheet is inserted. 6
A page continuous copy key 30 is pressed when the left and right sides of a two-page spread book are continuously copied. Reference numeral 614 denotes a sheet discharge method selection key for selecting the staple sort, sort, and group discharge methods. When the stepped sorter is connected to the sheet after recording, the staple sort mode, the sort mode, or the group mode is selected. The selection mode can be canceled. Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key, which is pressed when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved document placed on the reservation tray 210 and when canceling the reservation setting. 632
Is a reservation setting key, and 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. Reference numeral 701 denotes L for displaying information regarding image formation.
It is a CD (liquid crystal) type message display,
Characters and figures are displayed with 96 × 192 dots. For example, use the numeric keypad 603 to set the number of images to be formed, the fixed size variable key 6
08,609, same size key 610, zoom keys 617,6
The copy magnification set in 18, the paper size selected by the copy paper selection key 607, a message indicating the state of the main body 100, a guide message indicating the operating procedure, and other setting contents of various modes are displayed. An AE display 704 is turned on when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613. Note that 634 is an interrupt key, and 635
Is an ID key. 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 images to be formed is one, the density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal size, single-sided image formation to single-sided image formation. In the standard mode when the RDF 200 is not used, the number of images to be formed is one, the density is manual, the same size, and one-sided original to one-sided image formation is set. 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.

Next, the exchange of data between the image forming apparatus and the communication control apparatus will be described.

The current state of the image forming apparatus main body 100 such as the power ON / OFF state of the image forming apparatus, whether or not the image can be formed, how many images are formed, and whether or not the image is being formed is always displayed on the communication control means 900. The report is also made when a paper jam occurs and an abnormality occurs that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation. Further, if the communication control means 900 has a predetermined transfer condition and is set to report when an abnormality occurs, for example, when the abnormality is reported from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the data is automatically transferred to the outside. I shall. Here, the data to be transferred is common data including an image forming apparatus ID, a reason for transfer, a paper jam history, a detailed counter for each color and size, etc., regardless of the reason for transfer, and a history of paper jam occurs. The date and time, the total number of images formed at the time of occurrence, and a paper jam code are included. Every time the image forming apparatus reports that a paper jam has occurred, a maximum of 30 held in the communication control means 900 is added. It is a thing.

The transfer conditions are the above-mentioned abnormality occurrence, the occurrence of a paper jam every set number of times, the continuous jam of the same paper jam code, and the request from the outside.

Next, the control operation when a paper jam occurs during the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described.

When the CPU 801 determines that a paper jam has occurred during operation of the main body 100, the interface 80
5, the paper jam information such as the paper jam code, the time of occurrence, and the current total number of copies is transferred to the RAM 903 of the communication control means 900. These pieces of paper jam information are held in the RAM 903. Then, the transfer condition judgment based on the predetermined transfer condition is judged by the CP.
If it is determined in U 901 that it should be reported, it is transferred to the outside via the modem 905 and NCU 906. The data transferred at this time is the image forming apparatus main body 10
It is composed of an ID of 0, a transfer reason, paper jam information, color-specific information, size-specific information, and the number of detailed image formations.

In this way, by using the backup-possible RAM for holding the transmission data in the communication control means 900, for example, the RAM 903, the internal data of the main body 100, the information of the jammed paper, the history of the abnormal image forming operation, etc. Holds, and when there is an inquiry from the outside, RAM
By returning the data held in 903 to the outside,
Externally, each image forming apparatus is diagnosed and managed.

However, if the contents of the RAM data are corrupted due to a decrease in the battery voltage to be backed up, the above-mentioned diagnosis and management cannot be performed properly.

Therefore, as will be described later, the operation status of the RAM 903 that can be backed up is monitored, and when an abnormality is detected, it is automatically reported to the outside as shown in FIG. 6 and recognized by the host computer 999 at the management base. Can be made

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the first data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

CP of the communication control means 900 when the power is turned on, etc.
This flow starts when the U901 is reset. First, it is judged whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (1), and if NO, the process proceeds to step (3) and thereafter, and if YES, clears the RAM 903 and starts from the beginning. For example, an ASCII code relating to "C, A, N, O, N (not limited to this code)" is set in 5 bytes (2).
..

On the other hand, when the normal power is turned on, step (3)
Proceed to, specific data of a specific address in the RAM 903,
For example, it is determined whether or not ASCII code data relating to "C, A, N, O, N (not limited to this code)" is stored in 5 bytes, and if YES, it is determined that the RAM state is normal and the processing ends. , NO (when data different from the ASCII code data is stored),
It is determined that the RAM status is abnormal, and the data is transferred to the outside (4), and the processing is terminated.

Further, at the time of data transfer between the communication control means 900 and the image forming apparatus main body 100, the command identification I
Data transfer abnormality is monitored by D, data length, delimiter indicating the end of data, and checksum that totals transfer data. When an abnormality occurs in data transfer in this way, the latest information of the main body 100 is updated to the communication control means 900.
Can not be sent to.

Therefore, when such a data transfer abnormality continues for a certain period of time, as shown in FIG. 7, the fact is automatically reported and can be recognized by the host computer 999 at the management site.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the second data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step. Also,
From the image forming apparatus main body 100 to the communication control unit 900, for example, “01H, 05H, 02H, 08H, FF
The data composed of "H" is transmitted. Where 01H
Indicates the type of command, 05H indicates the length indicating the data length, 02H indicates the parameter of this command, 08H indicates the checksum data obtained by summing the data values, and FFH is the delimiter indicating the end of the data. ..

First, it is determined whether or not the data is received from the image forming apparatus main body 100 (1). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, there is a command corresponding to 01H, and a parameter corresponding to 02H. Data length is 05H, checksum is 08H,
It is confirmed whether the final data is FFH, that is, whether the received data is normal (2). If YES (if all are normal), the command is executed (7), and FIG.
The timer 1 which is counted up in the timer processing shown in (8) is cleared (8), and the processing is ended.

On the other hand, when the judgment in step (2) is NO (when the received data is abnormal), the main body 100 receives the code N.
Reply AK (3). Next, it is judged whether or not the timer count value of the timer 1 reaches, for example, 1 minute (4), and N
If it is O, the processing is terminated, if it is YES, it is judged whether or not a data abnormality has already been reported (5), if it is YES, the processing is terminated, and if it is NO, the external management destination host computer 9
Report the data transfer error to 99 (6)
, The process ends.

The timer 1 is set to 100 as shown in FIG.
Timing processing is being executed by the ms timer interrupt routine
(1).

Further, the main body 100 and the communication control means 900
In communication between the main body 100, data is processed in a format in which the main body 100 sends a command and the communication control means 900 responds.
If it is not sent to 00, the communication control means 900 cannot know the latest information of the main body 100. At this time, an abnormality of the main body 100 or a disconnection of the interface portion may be considered.

Therefore, when such a status abnormality is detected, it can be automatically reported as shown in FIG. 9 and recognized by the host computer 999 at the management site.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the third data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not a command is transmitted from the main body 100 (1). If YES, the step
Proceeding to (5), while executing the received command, the timer 2 which is counted up in the timer processing shown in FIG. 10 which will be described later is cleared and the processing ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether or not the timer count value of the timer 2 has reached 1 minute, for example (2). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is judged whether or not a data error has already been reported (3). If it is YES, the process ends. If it is NO, it reports that a data transfer error has occurred in the external management destination host computer 999. Then (4), the process ends.

It should be noted that the timer 2 is set to 10 as shown in FIG.
The timer processing routine of 0ms is executing the clock processing.
(1).

Next, a paper jam information clear processing operation based on the data transfer state between the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the communication control means 900 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a first paper jam information clear processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the current body status information is reported from the main body 100 (1). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the current main body status in the communication control means 900 is external. It is determined whether or not the condition for automatically transferring the management data is met (2), and if NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the management data is transferred to the external host computer 999 via the public line 908. Conduct (3)
, Determine whether the management data transfer was successful
(4) If NO, the process is ended, and if YES, the paper jam information held in the RAM 903 or the like in the communication control means 900 is cleared (5), and the process is ended.

Also, the current state of the image forming apparatus such as the power ON / OFF state of the main body 100, whether or not the image can be formed, how many images are formed, and whether or not the image is being formed is always reported to the communication control means 900. The report is also made when a paper jam occurs and an abnormality occurs that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation. Further, if the communication control means 900 has a predetermined transfer condition and is set to report when an abnormality occurs, for example, it is assumed that when the abnormality is reported from the main body 100, the data is automatically transmitted to the outside. Here, the data to be transferred includes the image forming apparatus ID, the transfer reason, the paper jam history, regardless of the transfer reason.
It is common data composed of detailed counters for each color and size, and the paper jam history is composed of the date and time of occurrence, the total number of images formed at the time of occurrence, and the paper jam code. Every time there is an occurrence report, a maximum of 30 items are held in the communication control means 900 and added.

The transfer condition is set such that the above-described abnormality occurs, paper jam occurs every set number of times, and paper jam of the same paper jam code occurs continuously. Below, Figure 1
The paper jam information clearing process during image formation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a second paper jam information clear processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, it is judged from the main body 100 whether a paper jam has been reported during the image forming operation (1), N
If it is O, the processing is ended, and if YES, it is judged whether or not the paper jam occurs the set number of times of the transfer condition described above or the data transfer such as the paper jam occurrence condition of the same paper jam code is met (2), NO. If so, the process is terminated, and if YES, an external host computer 99 is connected via the public line 908.
The common data is transferred to 9 (3), after the data transfer is executed, the paper jam information held in the communication control means 900 is cleared (4), and the processing is ended.

The transfer conditions are the above-mentioned abnormality occurrence, the occurrence of paper jam every set number of times, the continuous paper jam of the same paper jam code, and the request from the outside. In the case where the above-mentioned common data is transferred at the judgment of the communication control means 900, it can be set to be transferred to any management base A in advance among a plurality of management bases. It is possible to clear the paper jam information in the communication control means 900 and to create the paper jam history of this image forming apparatus at the determined management site A after the transfer to the above. When the paper jam information in the communication control means 900 is cleared after completion of the transfer due to a request from the outside, if this request is made from another external management base B, the management base A In the above situation, it becomes impossible to create a paper jam history.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, when the data is transferred from the communication control means 900, the paper jam information clear processing in the communication control means 900 is controlled based on the subject of the data transfer request. Then, it becomes possible to manage the paper jam history at the specific management base A.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a third paper jam information clear processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

First, it is determined from the communication control means 900 whether or not data transfer is to be performed (1). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the data transfer is executed (2). It is determined whether the transfer is due to a data transfer request from an external management base (3). If YES, the process is terminated, and if NO (other communication control devices).
If it is the transfer determined in step (4), the paper jam history is cleared after the data transfer (4) and the process ends.

Incidentally, it may be so arranged that it is possible to select whether or not to clear the paper jam information in the communication control means 900 when a data transfer request is made from the outside.

When the CPU 801 determines that a paper jam has occurred during the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100, the generated paper jam code, the time of occurrence, the current total number of sheets of image formation, etc. can be displayed via the interfaces 805 and 905. The paper jam information is transferred to the RAM 903 of the communication control unit.
These pieces of paper jam information are held in the RAM 903. Then, the CPU 901 makes a transfer condition determination based on a predetermined transfer condition, and when it is determined that a report should be made, the transfer condition is transferred to the external host computer 999 via the modem 905 and the NCU 906. At this time, the data to be transferred is composed of the ID of the image forming apparatus, the reason for the transfer, paper jam information, the number of detailed images formed by color, size, etc. Therefore, the same host jam history information is managed and the external host computer 999 is used by the main body 100.
It may be configured to manage the paper jam information of.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the first paper jam history information transfer procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has been detected during image formation by the main body 100 (1).
, NO, the processing is ended, and if YES, the paper jam code corresponding to the paper jam, the occurrence time, and the paper jam information such as the total number of image forming sheets at that time are transmitted to the RAM 903, for example. Hold (2). Then, the transfer condition determination unit determines whether or not a paper jam of the same paper jam code has previously occurred (3),
If NO, the process is terminated, if YES, the number of times is counted, and it is determined whether or not the number of times exceeds a predetermined number (4). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the communication control means 900 is The paper jam information is transferred to the external host computer 999 via the modem 905 and NCU 906 (5). After the transfer is completed, the paper jam information having the paper jam code that matches the current condition is cleared from the paper jam information held in the RAM 903 (6), and the process ends.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a second paper jam history information transfer procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has been detected during image formation by the main body 100 (1).
, NO, the processing is ended, and if YES, the paper jam code corresponding to the paper jam, the occurrence time, and the paper jam information such as the total number of image forming sheets at that time are transmitted to the RAM 903, for example. Hold (2). Then, the transfer condition determination unit determines whether or not a paper jam of the same paper jam code has previously occurred (3),
If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the difference between the total number of image formations when this time occurs and the total number of image formations when a paper jam of the same code occurred the previous time is calculated, and the value is a predetermined number. It is determined whether or not (4). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the communication control means 900 transfers the paper jam information to the external host computer 999 via the modem 905 and NCU 906 (5 ). After the transfer is completed, among the paper jam information held in the RAM 903, the paper jam information having the paper jam code that matches the current transfer condition is cleared except the latest information (6), and the processing is performed. To finish.

16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third paper jam history information transfer procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has been detected during image formation by the main body 100 (1).
, NO, the processing is ended, and if YES, the paper jam code corresponding to the paper jam, the occurrence time, and the paper jam information such as the total number of image forming sheets at that time are transmitted to the RAM 903, for example. Hold (2). Then, the transfer condition determination unit determines whether or not a paper jam of the same paper jam code has previously occurred (3),
If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the difference between the time when this time occurred and the time when the paper jam of the same code occurred the last time is calculated, and whether the value is less than or equal to a predetermined time is determined. The determination is made (4), and if NO, the processing is ended, and if YES, the communication control means 900 causes the modem 905,
External host computer 999 via NCU 906
The paper jam information is transferred to (5). After the transfer is completed, of the paper jam information held in the RAM 903, the paper jam information having the paper jam code that matches the current transfer condition is cleared except the latest information (6).
, The process ends.

In the above embodiment, the case has been described in which the host computer 999 at the external management base and the main body 100 communicate with each other, and the host computer 999 generally monitors and manages the operating states of various main bodies 100. The information corresponding to the external management base corresponding to each management type may be transferred as shown in FIG. 17, for example.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a communication control configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numerals 999A to 999C are host computers provided in the respective management bases 1 to 3, and the host computer 999A is provided mainly in a region relatively close to the main body 100, and image formation such as occurrence of abnormality or frequent occurrence of jam occurs. When a failure related to a function occurs, the operating state of the main body is monitored and managed, and in response to a trouble of the main body 100, a dispatch of a service person or the like is urged. Further, the host computer 999B mainly manages the number of copies in the main body 100, manages the balance of payment such as calculation of the copy fee, monetary aspect, and prompts issuance of a bill or the like. Further, the host computer 999C comprehensively manages main tasks such as failure diagnosis and failure prediction of the main body 100 based on detailed information (various sensor output information) transferred from the main body 100, and is a main part of the main body 100. Prompt for replacement time, etc. In the present embodiment, the case where the management bases are distributed and arranged in three places for each functional processing has been described, but the number of management bases is not limited to three, and the system between host computers is not limited to this. A system may be constructed so that the functional processing of each host computer is performed on behalf of each other as the computer goes down, or the functional processing of each host computer is transferred. Further, the number of host computers at each management site is not limited to one.

In the image forming apparatus thus constructed, the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means are operated during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100).
At the time of data transfer with the control means (control means 800), the detection means (CP) in a state in which each information is transferred and held in the data holding means (RAM 903) from the first control means.
U901) detects the transfer condition for each information, the second control means detects any of the external devices (host computers 999A to 999C) based on the transfer condition establishment condition for each information detected by the detection means. By controlling the selective transfer of each piece of information to and from each, it becomes possible for each external device to independently and efficiently manage each piece of information transferred from a number of image forming means.

The basic data communication processing operation will be described below.

The control means 800 of the main body 100 controls the image forming operation and communicates with the communication control means 900 according to a prescribed protocol. The communication content is the control means 80.
These are various states of 0 and various counter values. The CPU 901 in the communication control means 900 constantly checks the communication contents from the control means 800 and determines whether or not to send to the host. When it is determined that the data is to be transferred to the host, the optimum one is selected from the plurality of management bases 1 to 3 registered in the memory 903, and the data transfer is started.

FIG. 18 is a chart for explaining the system operation in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

When an event such as an abnormality occurrence or a copy counter increment occurs, the main body 100 notifies the communication control means 900 of that fact as a command. The communication control means 900 interprets the command and grasps the status of the main body 100. Then, it is determined to which management base the data should be transferred, and after the calling / security check, the data transfer is started.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a program task structure for explaining the system operation in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the software of the main body 100 is divided into a plurality of tasks according to functions, and simultaneously performs the operations in charge under the control of the real-time monitor. There are tasks and motor control tasks. Then, communication with the communication control means 900 is also realized by a communication task that is one such task. As described above, the management bases are distributed for each functional process, and are arranged at three positions in this embodiment. The management base 1 manages the functional failure of the image forming apparatus and the management base 2 manages the number of copies. The management base 3 is in charge of managing the state of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the communication task shown in FIG. Note that (1)
~ (9) shows each step.

First, the main body 100 constantly monitors the outputs of various sensors during the image forming operation to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (7) to confirm that fact. Create the command shown individually and return to step (6).

On the other hand, in the case of NO in the step (1), it is judged whether or not a jam (paper jam etc.) has occurred by the output of the conveyance state monitoring sensor (2), and if YES, go to the step (8). Proceed, individually create a command to that effect, and return to step (6).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is NO, it is determined whether the number of copies has changed (3), YE
If S, proceed to step (9), individually create a command to that effect, and return to step (6).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (3) is NO, the values of various sensors arranged at predetermined positions in the main body 100 are acquired (4), and the commands corresponding to them are individually prepared. (5) The serial communication (for example, RS232C) is transmitted to the communication control unit 900.

FIG. 21 shows the communication control means 9 shown in FIG.
10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of 00. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

When the communication control means 900 receives a command from the main body 100 (1), it analyzes the received command and determines whether or not it should be sent to the host (2). If NO, waits for the next command reception. To do so, return to step (1).

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (2) is YES, a determination is made based on the command for transmitting the management base to be transmitted (3), and the telephone number is called to the corresponding management bases 1 to 3. After security check, transfer the data (4),
Return to step (1) to wait for the next command. [Data Transfer to First Management Site] When a failure related to the image forming function such as an error occurrence or a frequent occurrence of jam occurs in the main body 100, the detected error information is displayed in the transfer management site destination determination process as an image. The data is transmitted to the base 1 that manages the formation dysfunction (installed in a region relatively close to the main body 100), that is, the host computer 999A.

As a result, flexible trouble follow-up such as dispatch of a service person for the trouble of the main body 100 becomes possible. [Data Transfer to Second Management Site] Various copy counters are internally held in the main body 100, and it is detected that they have been updated. For example, when the number of copies exceeds a prescribed value. Transmits the detected number-of-copies information to the management site 2 for the number of copies, that is, the host computer 999B in the transfer management site destination determination process. Then, the host computer 999B executes necessary business processing based on the copy number information.

As a result, periodic visits to each user are unnecessary. [Data Transfer to Third Management Base] In the main body 100, when the values of various sensors, image forming control timings, and the like deviate from the normal operation range, the detected detailed information is transferred to the transfer management base destination determination process. And transmits to the management site 3 for the number of copies, that is, the host computer 999C. The host computer 999C is each main body 100
Complex judgments such as failure diagnosis and failure prediction of each main body are performed based on the detailed information transferred from.

Thus, the host computer 999C
Makes it possible to monitor image forming apparatuses installed in a wide area and to perform advanced and comprehensive management of the failure occurrence rate of each part depending on the model.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the second control means can communicate with the external device, the first determination means detects the storage state of the information held in the data holding means. When it is determined that the storage state of the data holding means is abnormal, the second control means is configured to automatically notify the external device of that fact. It is possible to prevent the transfer of illegal data due to an abnormality and allow the external device to recognize the state of the image forming device.

Further, at the time of data transfer between the second control means and the first control means, the second determination means analyzes the transfer data transferred from the first control means to the second control means. When the storage state of the data holding unit is determined to be abnormal, the second control unit automatically notifies the external device of that fact.
It is possible to prevent the transfer of the illegal data due to the data transfer abnormality from the first control unit, and allow the external device to recognize the state of the image forming device.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means in advance. When the set external transfer start condition is met, the second control means controls the transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device, and holds the data based on the normal transfer state of the paper jam information. Since the clearing process of the paper jam information stored and stored in the means is controlled, it is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the data holding means from being lost due to a transfer failure between the second control means and the external device. It can be prevented in advance.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means in advance. When the set external transfer start condition is met, the second control means controls the transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device and the data holding means based on the transfer factor to the external device. Since it is configured to control the clearing process of the paper jam information stored and stored in the device, it is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the data holding unit from being lost due to the transfer request from the external device. ..

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means in advance. When the set external transfer start condition is met, the second control means controls the transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device, and the data is set based on the clear processing presence / absence setting state by the instruction means. Since it is configured to control the clearing process of the paper jam information held and stored in the holding means, whether to execute the clearing process of the paper jam information held and stored is selected according to the clearing process presence / absence setting by the user's instructing means. be able to.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the paper jam information is transferred to and held by the data holding means. Since the second control means is configured to control the transfer of the desired data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the occurrence frequency of the same paper jam information held in the data holding means, the same paper An external device can manage the history of clogging information.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the same paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means, The second control means controls the transfer of desired data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the difference number of the number of image formed sheets counted by the counting means at the time of occurrence of the paper jam of this time and the previous time. Since it is configured, the external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs when the number of sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined number.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, the same paper jam information is transferred and held in the data holding means, Since the second control means controls the transfer of the desired data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed by the management means. The external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs before the elapse of the predetermined time.

Further, during the data transfer between the second control means and the first control means during the image forming sequence by the image forming means, each information is transferred from the first control means and held in the data holding means. When the detection means detects the transfer condition for each information in the state of being present, the second control means selectively transfers each information to any external device based on the transfer condition establishment condition for each information detected by the detection means. The external devices can independently and efficiently manage each piece of information transferred from many image forming units.

Therefore, the remote operation of the external device can accurately diagnose the current operating condition based on the collected operating condition information of each image forming device, and the image forming device can be quickly and smoothly operated. There is an effect that various service operations can be carried out.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body illustrated 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 a configuration of an operation unit arranged on the upper surface of the main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt routine in the second data transfer process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt routine in a third data transfer process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a first paper jam information clear processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second paper jam information clear processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third paper jam information clear processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first paper jam history information transfer procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second paper jam history information transfer procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third paper jam history information transfer procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a communication control configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a chart illustrating a system operation in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

19 is a diagram showing a program task structure for explaining a system operation in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

20 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed procedures of the communication task shown in FIG.

21 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of the communication control means shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Main body of image forming apparatus 800 Control means 900 Communication control means 901 CPU 903 RAM 999 Host computer

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. The data holding means for holding and storing the transmission data transferred from the means, and the first judging means for detecting and judging the storage state of the information held in the data holding means. The image forming apparatus is configured such that, when the storage unit determines that the storage state of the data holding unit is abnormal, the second control unit automatically notifies the external device of that fact. 2. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing transmission data transferred from the means, and second judgment for judging the data transfer state by analyzing transfer data transferred from the first control means to the second control means Means provided, this second
When the determination unit determines that the storage state of the data holding unit is abnormal, the second control unit automatically notifies the external device to that effect. apparatus. 3. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred from the means to the second control means during image formation, and when the preset external transfer start condition is met, the second control means is provided. Controls transfer of the paper jam information held in the data holding means to the external device, and clears the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding means based on a normal transfer state of the paper jam information. An image forming apparatus configured to control processing. 4. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred from the means to the second control means during image formation, and the external device for the paper jam information held by the data holding means by the second control means. The image forming apparatus is configured to control a clearing process of the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding means based on a transfer factor to the data holding means. 5. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. The data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the means and the instruction means for setting the presence / absence of clear processing of the paper jam information are provided. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the control means controls the clear processing of the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding means based on the clear processing presence / absence setting state by the instruction means. 6. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred from the means to the second control means during image formation, and the second control means holds the same paper held by the data holding means. An image forming apparatus configured to control transfer of desired data held in the data holding unit to the external device based on a frequency of occurrence of jam information. 7. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred from the means to the second control means during image formation, and counting means for sequentially counting the number of image formed sheets as the image forming sequence is executed by the image forming means. When the paper jam information having the same paper jam code is held in the data holding means, the second control means causes the difference number of sheets of the number of image formations counted by the counting means at the time of the current and previous occurrence of the paper jam. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transfer of desired data held in the data holding unit to the external device is controlled based on the above. 8. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device, and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the means, and management means for managing the current time are provided, and the second control means is the data holding means. When the paper jam information having the same paper jam code is stored in, the desired data stored in the data storage means is stored based on the time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed by the management means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to control transfer to the external device. 9. A first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming means, a second control means for controlling data transfer with the first control means or a plurality of external devices, and the first control means. Data holding means for holding and storing the transmission data transferred from the control means, and detection means for detecting the transfer condition of each information held in the data holding means, and the second control means detects the data. An image forming apparatus configured to control selective transfer of each information to any external device based on a transfer condition satisfaction state for each information detected by the means.