EP1563344A2

EP1563344A2 - Graphical user surface and method for indicating a malfunction state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system

Info

Publication number: EP1563344A2
Application number: EP03809333A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ulrich Bardolatzy; Winfried Krug; Nejmi ÖLMEZ; Alexander Oszwald
Original assignee: Oce Printing Systems GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Canon Production Printing Germany GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2002-10-28
Filing date: 2003-10-27
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-27
Also published as: EP1563344B1; EP1612614A2; CN1708731A; US7330676B2; DE50313334D1; US20050254850A1; CN100524051C; WO2004038513A2; EP1612614A3; WO2004038513A3; DE10250180A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a graphical user surface and to a method for indicating a defective state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system, using at least one display field (14, 16, 54, 56) for indicating a malfunction, the display field (14, 16, 54, 56) being essentially represented in a first colour in a correctly functioning first operating state. In a potentially defective second operating state with a potential malfunction of a first group, the display field (14, 16, 54, 56) is represented in a second colour. In a defective third operating state with a malfunction of a second group, the display field (14, 16, 54, 56) is represented in a third colour. The invention also relates to a graphical user surface (20, 40, 60) and to a method for supporting the elimination of a defective state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system, and to a system and a method for automatically producing messages in an electrophotographic printer or copier.

Description

Graphical user interface and method for displaying a fault condition of an electrophotographic printing or copying system

The invention relates to a graphical user interface and a method for displaying a fault state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a graphical user interface and a method for assisting in eliminating a fault state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system and a system and a method for automatically generating messages in an electrophotographic printer or copier.

Known electrophotographic printing and copying systems contain control units with display and input units through which user interfaces are displayed. If an error condition occurs, a text message is issued, usually with an error code, which informs an operator of the occurrence of the error. The error messages were preferably displayed with the aid of an error list, the so-called error journal or the so-called error list, in which or in which messages of a plurality of errors that have occurred can be stored. With the help of manuals or a telephone call to a service center of the printer or copier manufacturer, an operator could then determine the cause of the error and take steps to rectify the error. The number of such a service center of the printer or copier manufacturer was specified in the manual of the printer or copier.

After replacing a wearing part and after filling up consumables with a known printing or copying system, a new replacement wearing part or new consumable is reordered by filling out an order form, which is then sent to the service center of the Printer or copier manufacturer is sent by fax or post.

From document DE 32 47 871 AI a display device for a copying machine is known in which patterns or diagrams are printed on a display board, these patterns or diagrams being displayed through a color filter with a light source arranged behind them when a fault occurs. When the light source is activated, individual elements can be displayed in the color "yellow" and other elements in the color "red".

It is also known from document DE 101 46 335 AI to provide a multimedia user interface in a printer or copier. With the help of the multimedia user interface, information about the mode of operation of the control of the printer or copier can be output to a user. The user interface also serves to support an operator in eliminating an error state.

Document FR 2 695 236 A1 discloses a method for displaying machine malfunctions in a polygraphic machine, by means of which machine malfunctions can be found and eliminated quickly using image representations or a series of real images.

From document DE 101 '46 335 AI, a system for determining the replacement of a component in a printer is known, in which the printer sends a component exchange message to a computer connected via a network. This computer can then send a fax with an order / information to a dealer, for example. From the document US 6 023 593 a system with several printers or copiers is known, in which consumables can be ordered from a supplier with the aid of a central control. With the help of a data communication device, the individual printers and copiers are queried in order to determine the need for consumables.

A monitoring and accounting system in a printer or copier is known from document US Pat. No. 5,184,179. Monitoring and billing is carried out with the help of counter values, which are recorded by a counter in the printer or copier.

The object of the invention is to provide a graphical user interface, a system and a method for an electrophotographic printing or copying system, in which simple and quick troubleshooting is possible, and operator actions for requesting consumables and wearing parts and for fault reporting are simplified ,

This object is achieved for a graphical user interface for displaying a malfunction state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system with the features of patent claim 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

By means of a graphical user interface according to the invention, errors and potential malfunctions or warnings are signaled to an operator by a color-changed display field, malfunctions in particular being error states of the electrophotographic printing or copying system. An operator thus recognizes immediately, ie at a glance that the electrophotographic graphic printing or copying system is in an undisturbed operating state, in an operating state with a fault or in an operating state with a potential fault, in particular in an alarm or warning state. As a result, the operator can continue to take quick and targeted measures to eliminate errors and minimize the effects of a malfunction. For example, the operator can forward print jobs to other printing or copying systems.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for displaying a fault state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system. With the aid of such a method, an operator can quickly and easily obtain information about the operating state of the electrophotographic printing or copying system, as a result of which the operator can immediately take further steps to remedy the fault or to prevent a fault.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a graphical user interface to assist in eliminating a fault condition of an electrophotographic printing or copying system. When an error occurs, ie when a malfunction or a potential malfunction occurs, a first graphical representation of at least one view of the printing or copying system is output using the graphical user interface. The area in which an error has occurred is specified. Furthermore, a second graphic representation can be output, in which, in contrast to the first graphic representation, the fault location is enlarged and / or shown in more detail. This gives an operator or a service technician precise help in locating the fault location. This enables the cause of the error to be eliminated quickly and in a targeted manner. You can also switch between at least two views Instructions for locating the fault location and thus for quickly eliminating the fault condition are used.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for assisting in eliminating a fault condition of an electrophotographic printing or copying system. In the event of an error state, at least one first graphical representation of at least one view of the printing or copying system is output, in which the area of the printing or copying system in which the error state has occurred is indicated. In the following, at least one second graphical representation is output, by means of which at least an enlarged or a more detailed representation of the fault location takes place. This allows an operator to be guided to the fault location step by step. Long delays in finding the cause of the error are thus avoided. With the help of the views, the operator receives detailed information for locating the fault location. The location of the error can also be the location at which the error can be eliminated.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a system for automatically generating messages in the electrophotographic printer or copier. The system contains a data processing system that generates at least one text message when a preset event occurs. In this way, for example, malfunction reports, reordering of wear parts and consumables can be generated without further operator action by an operator. Causes of errors, such as specifying incorrect order numbers, are avoided by the automatic generation of the message by the data processing system. If faults have occurred, all the data required to determine the cause of the fault can be contained in the automatically generated text message. A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method for automatically generating messages in an electrophotographic printer or copier. After the occurrence of a preset event, a text message that contains information about the event is automatically generated with the help of a data processing system of the printer or copier. The message is sent to a preset recipient. This ensures that messages are generated in a simple manner, which relieves an operator and prevents errors.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described using specific terminology. However, it should be pointed out that the scope of protection of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby, since such changes and further modifications to the devices and the methods shown, as well as such further applications of the invention, as shown therein, are common as current or future Expertise of a competent specialist can be viewed. The figures show exemplary embodiments of the invention, namely:

Figure 1 is a graphical user interface

Displays by an operating unit of an electrophotographic printing system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a graphical user interface for an electrophotographic printing system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows the graphical user interface of Figure 2 with a second representation of the printing system;

FIG. 4 shows a graphical user interface similar to the user interfaces according to FIG. 2;

Figure 5 shows the user interface of Figure 4 with a second representation of the printing system;

Figure 6 shows the graphical user interface according to Figures 4 and 5, wherein a text message is output;

FIG. 7 shows the user interface according to FIGS. 4 to 6, a message with error information about an error condition that has occurred being generated automatically;

8 shows the user interface according to FIGS. 4 to 7, a message for reordering a wearing part being generated automatically;

FIG. 9 is an explanation of the display field of a fault display and a warning display, which are contained in the user interfaces according to FIGS. 1 to 8; and

FIG. 10 an explanation of the symbols for controlling the views for determining the cause of the error, which are contained in the user interface. areas according to Figures 1 to 8 are included.

1 shows a first graphical user interface 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The graphical user interface 10 contains a first section 12 with display fields and graphical function keys, so-called buttons. Section 12 is also referred to as a toolbar.

A first display field in section 12 is designated by 14. This display field 14 is displayed after the occurrence of a potential fault, e.g. activated when the toner supply or the paper supply of the printing system drops below a certain value, or when the wear counter exceeds or falls below a certain counter value. In the deactivated state, the display field 14 is shown in a shade of gray that stands out optically from the background of the section 12 with only a slight contrast. The display panel 14 is activated after the occurrence of an error, so that the display panel 14 is essentially colored in a yellow color, which creates a relatively strong contrast to the background of the section 12. The exclamation mark in the middle of the display field 14 is still shown in black.

A second display field 16 is activated after the occurrence of a fault. Similar to the display field 14, the display field 16 is shown in a gray tone in the deactivated state. The cross arranged in the middle of the display field 16 is shown in a white color. In a normal operating state in which no malfunction has occurred, the display field 16 thus does not catch the eye of an operator. After a malfunction has occurred, the display panel 16 is colored essentially in a red color which is essentially contrasting with the background of the section 12. Thereby the arrival show field 16 in section 12 visually strong. An operator is thus informed very quickly and clearly about the operating state of the printing system. To distinguish between the warning state and the fault state, the display field 14 also has a triangular shape and the display field 16 has a round shape.

Section 12 also contains a field 18 for text output, in which the current operating state is output as text. Thus, after the occurrence of a fault condition, the display field 16 is activated and the text "Stop" is output in the text output field 18. If only the display field 14 is activated, the text "Warning or" Alarm "is output in the text output field 18 depending on the cause of the potential fault , In the illustration according to FIG. 1, both the display field 14 and the display field 16 are activated. The fault message has a higher priority than the message of a potential fault, so that after two warnings and a fault have occurred, the text “stop” is output in text output field 18.

After an error has occurred, a list with error messages and warnings, the so-called error list, is also output in a second section 20 of the graphical user interface 10. There are currently two warnings and one fault in the error list. For clear assignment of the message, the symbols of the display fields 14 and 16 precede the respective message, the symbol of the display field being preceded by 14 warnings and alarm messages and the symbol of the display field being 16 fault messages.

By selecting an error message in the second section 20 of the user interface 10, at least detailed information about the error message, ie about the warning or the fault message, is output in the third section 22. The third section 22 contains a separate one Toolbar 24, which contains graphic function keys and a text output field. The error message selected in the second section 20 is output in the text output field, with the help of the graphic function keys between a text output mode with information on the cause of the error and with data which are necessary for determining the cause of the error, and at least a graphic representation of the printing system with an indication of the Possible cause of error.

In FIG. 1, in the third section 22, a graphic representation of the back of the printing system is shown, since an operator only has access to the fault location from this side of the printing system. Furthermore, a flap 24 that can be opened is visually highlighted in this graphical representation. This flap 24 must be opened to reach the fault location. This gives the operator precise information on how to get to the fault location. With the help of the function keys of the toolbar 24, further views can be selected, which also contain information on eliminating the cause of the error. In further views of the printer, the third section 22 of the user interface 10 also contains text information, animated graphics and / or video sequences to eliminate the cause of the error.

The graphical user interface 10 also contains a menu 26 in which various user interfaces can be selected. With the help of this user interface, setting values and parameters of the printing system can be changed and / or read out. The toolbar in the first section 12 contains further display fields and function keys. Thus, area 28 of the toolbar contains graphic function keys for operating the printing system, which are also provided as buttons on the hardware of the printing system. The graphic function keys in area 28 visually correspond in form, color and arrangement with the buttons on the printing system. A pressure channel of the printing system can be selected in area 30 of the toolbar, the activated channel being highlighted in area 30. In area 32, existing print jobs can be canceled by an operator, for example after a fault. Areas 34 and 36 of the toolbar contain further display fields and function keys as well as a text output field with the display of the currently set user. The display fields 14 and 16 contained in the area 34 have already been described in detail above. The graphical function keys of the toolbar 24 and the display fields 14 and 16 are described in detail in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 2 shows a graphical user interface 40 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. Similar to the user interface 10 according to FIG. 1, the user interface 40 according to FIG. 2 has a first section 42 which contains a toolbar. A second section 44 of the graphical user interface 40 contains an output of error messages and warnings similar to the second section 20 of the graphical user interface 10 according to FIG. 1. A third section 46 of the graphical user interface 40 contains a toolbar 48, in the third section 46 a graphical one Representation of the printing system is given, by which an operator receives an indication of the cause of the error and / or the location of the error. With the help of the graphic function keys of the toolbar 48, detailed views of the printing system with the fault location and / or views for reaching the fault location can be selected and called up.

The graphical user interface 40 also contains a menu 50 with which user interfaces can be called up which can be displayed in the areas 44 and 46. After the occurrence of an error condition, ie a fault, and when the In the event of a potential fault, for example a warning or an alarm state, the error list is displayed in the second section 44 instead of the control panel selected in menu 50 and detailed information on the fault in section 46.

Toolbar 42 contains several graphical function keys for controlling the printing system, e.g. a stop button, a "ready" button and an "off" button, these buttons each containing a display element which indicate the operating state of the respective button or the printing system. The toolbar 42 contains further graphic function keys for controlling the print jobs as well as display fields which indicate the presence of print data and a selected print channel. The current status or the current operating state of the printing system is output in a text output field 52 of the toolbar 42, the background color of the text output field 52 being changed depending on the operating state of the printing system. For example, the background color is red in the “not ready” state and green in the “ready” or “in operation” operating states. The toolbar 42 also contains a display field 54 for displaying potential faults, ie warnings and alarm messages, and a display field 56 for displaying The activation of the display panel 54 takes place essentially like the activation of the display panel 14 according to FIG. 1 and the activation of the display panel 56 takes place essentially as described in connection with the display panel 16 according to FIG.

The graphical user interface 40 is intended for operation using a computer mouse or a comparable pointing device. The graphical user interface 40 is thus suitable for operation with the aid of computer mice, trackballs or for pen inputs on touch-sensitive screens, so-called touchscreens. Individual function keys or menu entries are selected in that the pointing device or a pointer guided by the pointing device is positioned over the respective menu entry or the respective function key and is selected or activated by a further operating action, for example by a so-called mouse click. The toolbar 42 contains a function key 57, wherein when this function key 57 is activated, a switch is made from the graphical user interface 40 to a user interface 60 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which is particularly suitable for “finger operation” via a touch-sensitive screen.

FIG. 3 shows the user interface 40 according to FIG. 2, in which an error list with fault messages and warnings is displayed in the display field 44, and in the display field 46 a detailed view of the printing unit, through which an operator receives an indication of which cover or flap of the printing system is closed open to get to the fault location. The detailed view of the printing system in section 46 contains a display field 58 with a symbol which is similar to the symbol of the display field 56 for a fault message. By positioning the display field 58 on the detailed view in section 46, the operator continues to receive an indication that the fault location has been reached, i.e. to the location where the error can be rectified, the troubleshooting must be continued at this point.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a further flap of the printing system can be opened, which has been marked by the display field 58. This display of the information on finding the location of the error relates to the error with the designation “DE ERROR PM038430”. If another error is displayed in the error list in section 44 of the graphical user interface 40, a detailed view of the printing system suitable for this error is shown in the section 46 is displayed, this representation then indicating the Finding the fault location contains. The other elements of the user interface 40 correspond to the elements of the user interface 40 shown in FIG. 2. In other exemplary embodiments, a preset text stored in the operating unit is output, ie displayed, both in the error list in section 44 and in the display field of the toolbar 48 instead of the error code shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 4 shows a graphical user interface 60 similar to the user interface 40 according to FIG. 2. The user interface 60 according to FIG. 4 has been optimized for the so-called finger operation of a touch-sensitive screen. In contrast to the user interface 40 according to FIG. 2, the actuation areas assigned to the individual function keys and menu entries have been enlarged in such a way that when inputs are made by touching a finger, it is ensured that adjacent function keys or menu entries are not necessarily selected. A toolbar 62 contains the display fields and function keys that are included in section 42 of the graphical user interface 40 according to FIG. The functions are essentially the same as the function keys and output fields shown there. The output of a section with an error list similar to section 44 according to FIG. 2 was dispensed with in the graphical user interface 60 according to FIG. 4 for reasons of space. The space of section 44 of the graphical user interface 2 was used in the graphical user interface 60 according to FIG. 4 in order to display the section 66 and the section 62 on a larger area. Section 66 contains a toolbar 68 with function keys, via which it is possible to switch between several error messages contained in an error list that is not shown in this view, in order to obtain detailed information on these errors, which is then shown in section 66 as graphical representation and / or as text output.

Furthermore, the graphical user interface 60 contains a menu 70. In contrast to the menu 50 according to FIG. 2, the menu 70 contains a reduced number of menu entries in which not so many menu branches of the existing menu tree are shown. In contrast to the menu entries of menu 50, however, the individual menu entries of menu 70 are assigned significantly larger activation areas, as a result of which a menu entry can be selected with the aid of a window input using a touch-sensitive screen, without adjacent menu entries being selected accidentally or several menu entries simultaneously to be selected.

FIG. 5 shows the graphical user interface 60 according to FIG. 4, a detailed view of the printing system being shown in section 66. The detailed view essentially corresponds to the detailed view of the printing system shown in FIG. 3. With the help of the function keys in the toolbar 68, the error PM037470 was selected from the error list not shown in the graphical user interface 60, the detailed view of the printing system shown in section 66 receiving an indication, in particular with the aid of a display element 72, of reaching the error location.

The function key 74 can be used to switch to the user interface 40 in the illustration according to FIG. 3. With the help of the function key 56 in the toolbar of FIG. 3, the user can switch back to the graphical user interface 60. As already mentioned in connection with Figures 1 to 3, the symbols of the toolbar. 68 and the meaning of the display fields for errors and warnings in connection with Figures 9 and 10 explained in more detail. FIG. 6 shows the user interface 60 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, a so-called service ticket being requested with the aid of a function key on the toolbar 68. The service ticket provides text with error-relevant information. The service ticket according to FIG. 6 contains a customer number, a serial number of the printing system, an error description and an error code.

The service ticket also contains information on how to proceed if the operator cannot rectify the error himself. In the present case, the service ticket shown in section 66 contains the information that the operator should call a service control center, the telephone number of the service control center being indicated. In the present case, this service ticket provides the operator with information on where further information can be obtained, namely from service technicians in the service control center. All of the information required to describe the error is displayed in section 66 and is therefore immediately available to the operator when contacting the service control center. In the case of other errors, the service ticket can also contain specific instructions for operating actions for troubleshooting.

FIG. 7 shows the graphical user interface 60 with the service ticket shown in FIG. 6 for the error PM037470. In the user interface 60 according to FIG. 7, the default setting is that an e-mail message is automatically generated when a service ticket is called up. In addition to the information contained in the service ticket, section 66 contains an input and output field 80. The input and output field 80 contains the text message “Error as e-mail to the service control center?”. By selecting this input and output field with a The operator is automatically sent the generated e-mail message to an e-mail address of the service control center.

8 shows the user interface 60 with a second service ticket. The second service ticket according to FIG. 8 contains information for reordering a replaced consumable and / or consumables \ After replacing a consumable / wear part and / or after refilling consumables, a service ticket is automatically generated, which is displayed in window 66 , Furthermore, an e-mail message is generated which essentially contains the information of the service ticket displayed and which can be sent to a preset e-mail address. To send this e-mail, an operator must activate a button 82 which displays a text field with the text output “Would you like to reorder the consumable part? E-mail to the service control center ". By activating the button 82, this e-mail message is automatically sent and the exchanged consumable and or consumable is reordered.

FIG. 9 shows a table for explaining the display fields 14 and 16 or 54 and 56. As already explained in connection with FIGS. 1 to 8, the display field 14, 54 serves to signal a potential malfunction, such as to signal an alarm state or a warning. If the printing system is in a normal operating state, ie if there is no alarm state or no warning, the display field 14, 54, which is shown as a symbol and is also referred to as an icon, is shown in a deactivated state, ie in a grayscale representation. If the printing system is in an operating state in which there is a potential fault, such as an alarm state or a warning, the display field is shown in a flashing display mode, in which the display field is shown alternately essentially yellow and essentially gray. When the graphic function key, which is stored in the display field, is activated, the error and warning menu, the so-called error list, is called up and displayed.

The display fields 16, 56 contain a shape and design which is referred to as a so-called icon. In a first undisturbed state, the display field is shown deactivated in a grayscale display. In case of failure, ie, after the occurrence of a disturbance such as when a paper jam, the display field is displayed in a flashing representation, in which the display panel 16, 56 alternately is substantially red and grayed substantially ^'. The error list is called up and displayed by activating the graphic function key, which is stored in the display field 16, 56.

FIG. 10 shows a table in which the symbols of the toolbars 24 and 68 are described in detail. The symbols each have a graphic function key, which is used to carry out the action described in the same line in the Description column. By activating the symbol shown in line 1, an overall view of the printing system is shown in window 22 or 46, 66. By activating the symbol in line 2 the current printing system view is enlarged. With the help of the symbol shown in line 3, the current view of the printing system is shown reduced.

With the help of the function keys stored in the symbols according to line 4, the view of the printing system can be shifted in the respective direction of the arrow represented by the symbol. The symbol in line 5 indicates a service ticket instead of the view of the printing system. You are returned to the previous view by repeatedly activating the function key assigned to the symbol in line 5.

By activating the function key stored in the symbol in line 6, a detailed description of a selected error is output in section 22, 46, 66 of the respective graphical user interface 20, 40, 60. By repeatedly activating the same function key, the detailed description is ended.

With the help of the function keys assigned to the symbols shown in line 7, you can switch to a next or a previous error according to the order in the error list. You can use the function keys assigned to the symbols shown in line 8 to change the display type. The function keys can be used to switch between displaying the error list without a print system view, displaying the error list with a print system view and viewing the print system without an error list.

Although preferred exemplary embodiments are shown and described in detail in the drawings and the present description, this should be regarded as purely exemplary and not restrictive of the invention. It is pointed out that only the preferred exemplary embodiments are shown and described, and all changes and modifications which are presently and in the future within the scope of the invention are to be protected. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10, 40, 60 graphical user interface

12, 42, 62 section with graphical function keys (toolbar)

14, 16, 54,

56, 57 graphic function keys

24, 48, 68 toolbar

20, 44 section with error list 22, 46, 66 section for the output of graphic

Representations and / or texts

24 flap of a printing unit

26, 50, 70 menu

28, 30, 32, 34, 36 areas of a toolbar

52 output field

80, 82 input and output field

74 graphic function key

Claims

Expectations

1. Graphical user interface for displaying a malfunction state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system,

with at least one display field (14, 16, 54, 56) for fault indication, the display field being shown essentially in a first color in the case of an undisturbed first operating state,

in the case of a potentially disturbed second operating state with a potential disturbance of a first group, the display field (14, 54) is shown essentially in a second color,

and in the event of a faulty third operating state with a fault in a second group, the display field (16, 56) is shown essentially in a third color.

2. User interface according to claim 1, characterized in that the first color is a color with little contrast to the surroundings of the display field.

3. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second color is a color to be clearly distinguished from the surroundings of the display panel (14, 54), in particular the color yellow, as a result of which a warning message is output in the second operating state.

4. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third color is a color which can be clearly distinguished for the surroundings of the display field (16, 56), in particular the color red, which means that a fault message is output in the third operating state.

5. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first group comprises potential faults in which a warning and / or alarm message is output by the color of the display field, with no faults in the first group affecting the printing in the event of faults in the first group. or copying process.

6. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second group comprises faults in which there is an error state by which there is a severe impairment of the printing or copying system and / or the printing or copying process is interrupted.

7. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display field

(14, 16, 54, 56) contains a graphic symbol.

8. User interface according to claim 7, characterized in that the symbol is changed at least when changing from the second to the third operating state.

9. Graphical user interface for displaying a malfunction state of an electrophotographic printing or copying system,

with at least a first display field (14, 56) and a second display field (16, 56),

in the case of an undisturbed first operating state, the first display field (14, 54) and the second display field (16, 56) are shown essentially in a first color,

in the case of a potentially disturbed second operating state with a potential disturbance in a first group, the first display field is shown essentially in a second color and the second display field is shown essentially in the first color,

and wherein in the event of a faulty third operating state with a fault in a second group, the second display field (16, 56) is shown essentially in a third color.

10. A method for displaying a fault condition in an electrophotographic printing or copying system.

in which, in an undisturbed first operating state, the display field (14, 16, 54, 56) is shown essentially in a first color,

in a potentially disturbed second operating state with a potential disturbance of a first group, the display field (14, 16, 54, 56) is essentially shown in a second color,

and in which, in a disturbed third operating state with a disturbance in a second group, the display field (14, 16, 54, 56) is shown essentially in a third color.

11. Graphical user interface to assist in eliminating a fault condition in an electrophotographic printing or copying system. with at least a first graphical representation of at least one view of the printing or copying system, the region (24, 58) in which an error has occurred being indicated,

with at least one second graphic representation, in which, in contrast to the first graphic representation, the fault location is enlarged and / or shown in more detail.

12. User interface according to claim 11, characterized in that at least the second graphic representation contains an indication of the accessibility of the fault location (24, 58).

13. User interface according to claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and / or second representation is a three-dimensional representation.

14. User interface according to one of claims 11 to

13, characterized in that the first and / or second view are contained in an image sequence of an animated graphic or a film sequence.

15. User interface according to one of claims 11 to

14, characterized in that the second graphic representation can be generated from the first graphic representation with the aid of a magnification function.

16. User interface according to claim 15, characterized in that the actuation of the magnification function is carried out by an input using a computer mouse or a touch-sensitive screen.

17. User interface according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the graphical user interface in addition to the first and / or second graphical fishing representation contains text by which an operator receives an indication of the accessibility of the fault location and / or the cause of the fault.

18. User interface according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the first and / or second graphic representation contains at least a region of the housing side (24) of the printing or copying system, from which access to the fault location is possible.

19. A method for assisting in eliminating a fault condition in an electrographic printing or copying system.

in which, in the event of an error state, at least one first graphic representation of at least one view of the printing or copying system is output, in which the area (24, 58) of the printing or copying system is indicated in which the error state occurred,

and in which at least one second graphical representation is subsequently output, by means of which at least an enlarged or a more detailed representation of the fault location takes place.

20. System for automatically generating messages in an electrophotographic printer or copier,

with a data processing system that generates at least one first text message that contains at least one error code when an error condition occurs,

and which transmits the message to at least one preset recipient.

21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that a preset event occurs when a preset minimum amount of consumables is reached, a preset wear limit of a consumable part is reached and / or an error condition of the electrophotographic printing or copying system occurs.

22. System according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the message is transmitted using an e-mail.

23. System according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the message is transmitted with the aid of an SMS message.

24. System according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the message is generated automatically, the message being sent by input via an operating unit of the electrophotographic printer or copier.

25. System according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the message contains further information and / or current setting values of the printer or copier, which are necessary to determine the cause of the error.

26. System according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the message to be transmitted can be displayed on an operating unit of the printer or copier.

27. System according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the message contains at least the serial number, the error code and at least one counter reading of the printer or copier.

28. System according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that in the system one of several possible error states is assigned an error code, and that the error state that has occurred can be identified with the aid of the transmitted error code.

29. Method for automatically generating messages in an electrophotographic printer or copier

in which a text message is automatically generated after the occurrence of a preset error state with the aid of a data processing system and contains at least one error code,

and the message is sent to a preset recipient.