JP2000101771A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which attaches a priority to self-machine information in accordance with the quality of the self-machine information, transmits needed information in an earlier stage and also does not affect other communication so much. SOLUTION: A facsimile controlling part 20 decides priorities so that abnormal information showing the abnormality of self-machine and supply information showing the existence of consumables can be transmitted more preferentially than other information and also decides priorities so that the notification of the time for the exchange/cleaning/maintenance of a part which correspond to a use frequency and alarm information showing small abnormality that does not have a direct effect on a device operation can be transmitted at a previously designated time while, other pieces of information can be transmitted preferentially other than at the prescribed time.

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 connected to a remote diagnosis management center via a communication line,
More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of converting own device information indicating the state of the own device into a predetermined code and transmitting the code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there is an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus and a management center are connected by a communication line and managed by a so-called centralized processing system. As an image forming apparatus managed in this way, for example, a facsimile machine,
Copiers and printers are known.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus management system, there is a remote diagnosis in which information on the state of the apparatus itself (own apparatus information) is transmitted from a facsimile apparatus to a management center, and the management center detects the state of the facsimile apparatus based on this information. Is being done.

[0004] The self-machine information includes, for example, the number of times of processing (counting number) of the facsimile apparatus, the number of occurrences of jam, abnormality information for notifying an abnormality that has occurred in the facsimile apparatus, or the fact that consumables such as toner and paper have disappeared. There are supply information to be notified, notification of the time of replacement, cleaning, and maintenance of parts according to the frequency of use, and alarm information to notify a minor abnormality that does not directly affect the operation of the apparatus. In the facsimile apparatus managed by the image forming apparatus management system, such information is transmitted as image data from the memory to the management center in the same manner as the normal facsimile transmission.

[0005]

However, the above-described conventional facsimile apparatus generally has a configuration in which information stored in a memory first is transmitted with higher priority than information stored later, so that, for example, an abnormal When information or supply information is to be sent, if there is information already stored in the memory, abnormal information and supply information are sent to the management center after the previously stored information is sent. Will be done.

Therefore, the management center cannot detect that an abnormality has occurred in the facsimile machine or that the consumables have been exhausted during this time, and cannot take appropriate measures such as repair or supply of consumables. There was a problem.

Further, it is not necessary to send the alarm information to the management center in a hurry because of its nature. However, in a conventional facsimile machine, when transmitting alarm information,
There is a problem that other information that needs to be transmitted early and stored after the alarm information cannot be transmitted unless the transmission of the alarm information is completed.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and priorities are assigned to own device information in accordance with the nature of the device, so that necessary information is transmitted earlier and has less influence on other communications. It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 has a function of converting own information indicating the state of the own apparatus into a predetermined code and transmitting the code. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a priority determining unit that determines a priority of transmitting the own device information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the own device information according to the priority determined by the priority determining unit. is there.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the priority order determining means may use abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the apparatus itself and supply information indicating the presence or absence of consumables as the apparatus information, and The priority is determined so that the supply information is transmitted with higher priority than other information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the priority order determining means replaces / replaces parts according to the frequency of use.
Notification of the time of cleaning and maintenance, and alarm information indicating a minor abnormality that does not directly affect the operation of the apparatus as its own information, and transmits the alarm information at a specified time specified in advance, and other than the specified time. The priority order is determined so that other information is transmitted with priority over the alarm information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the transmitting unit transmits the own device information from a memory included in the image forming device, and the priority determining unit transmits the own device information and the memory to the memory. The priority is determined with respect to other stored information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the priority order determining means can change the priority order of the own device information as needed.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, if the transmission unit fails to transmit the self-device information even after transmitting the self-device information a predetermined number of times, the self-device information is displayed by a character or an image. A non-delivery report is automatically output.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine will be described below as an embodiment.
This will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment has a function of converting information (own information) of its own status, such as the number of counters that performed copying or facsimile and occurrence of an abnormality, into a predetermined code and transmitting it. ing. Then, the priority of the own device information is determined, and the own device information is transmitted in accordance with the priorities.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital facsimile apparatus having both functions of a copying machine and a facsimile apparatus, which is an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system for managing the facsimile apparatus described in FIG. 1 by a centralized processing method. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the first control unit and the facsimile control unit in FIG. 1 in more detail.

The facsimile apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 mainly has a first control unit 10 for controlling the processing as a copier, and a facsimile control unit 20 for controlling the processing as a facsimile machine. Notation). Note that the own device information is detected by the first control unit 10, processed by the facsimile control unit 20, and then transmitted to the management side.

The first control unit 10 includes a reading unit 11 for reading image information of a document to be copied or transmitted, a writing unit 13 for printing out a copied or received document,
It controls the operation unit 15 to which a copy or fax mode is input by the user.

On the other hand, the facsimile control unit 20 includes a SAF memory 25 in which information to be transmitted is stored, and a G3 connected to a line of an analog telephone service via the NCU 23.
It controls a facsimile control unit 21 (shown as a G3 FAX control unit in the figure) and a G4 facsimile control unit 22 (shown as a G4 FAX control unit in the figure) connected to a digital line.

The memory of the facsimile controller 20 has a remote diagnosis information area (not shown). This remote diagnosis information area also stores remote diagnosis information, which will be described later, which is required for remote diagnosis.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first control unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 stores information (original information) of the original read by the reading unit 11.
, A magnification / rotation unit 53 for scaling or rotating the original as required, a first compression / expansion unit 54 for compressing or expanding the signal of the original information by the first control unit 10. , DPRAM 55.

Further, the first control unit 10 includes a first CPU 56 for performing arithmetic processing for controlling each of the above components, and a first ROM 5 for storing information necessary for the arithmetic processing.
7 and a first RAM 58, and a first RTC for measuring the processing time performed by the first control unit 10 and measuring the control timing.
59 (real time clock).

On the other hand, the facsimile control unit 20
A second compression / decompression unit 75 for compressing or decompressing the document information signal input from the first control unit 10 through the AM 55
A second CPU 71 for performing arithmetic processing for controlling processing as a facsimile machine; a second ROM 72 and a second RAM for storing information necessary for the arithmetic processing
73 and a second RTC 74 that measures the processing time performed by the second control unit and measures the control timing.

The information area for remote diagnosis described above includes:
Among the above configurations, for example, the facsimile control unit 20
May be set in the second RAM 73.

In this embodiment, such a facsimile machine 1 is connected to a CSS center 3 (Customer Support System center), which is a management center as shown in FIG. 3, and is managed by a central processing system. .

In this management system, the CSS center 3 remotely diagnoses the facsimile machine 1. That is, the facsimile machine 1 transmits its own information to the CSS center 3,
Upon receiving this transmission, the CSS center 3 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the facsimile machine 1 or that there is a shortage of supplies, and responds to this. It should be noted that a specific process of transmitting the own device information from the facsimile machine 1 to the CSS center 3 will be described later.

When making a copy with the facsimile machine 1,
First, the first control unit 10 detects a copy mode (reduction, enlargement, number of copies, document size, etc.) set on the operation unit 15 by the user. Then, after performing image processing on the document information read by the reading unit 11 according to the set copy mode, the document information is output to the writing unit 13 and printed out.

On the other hand, when facsimile transmission is performed by the facsimile apparatus 1, original information read by the reading unit 11 is transmitted along with a transmission mode (designation of a transmission destination, transmission time, etc.) input from the operation unit 15 by the user. 1 is output from the control unit 10 to the facsimile control unit 20. The document information is stored in the SAF memory 25 after being compressed by the second compression / expansion unit 75.

In the SAF memory 25, in addition to such document information, own device information created by the facsimile control unit 20 is input and accumulated as needed.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing document information and own device information stored in the SAF memory 25. FIG. The SAF memory 25 stores the document information and the own device information in FIG.
Is stored as an image file as shown in FIG. In each of the image files shown in FIG. 4, (A) and (B) indicate document information, and (C) and (D) indicate own device information.

Each of the image files shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D is assigned an image file number such as G002, G003,. At the top of each image file, information such as image data or code data, such as image mode, compression method, image size such as A3 and B4, image density, and the like are added.

The document information and the own device information stored as such image files are managed in a management file shown in FIG. The management file, as shown, the image file number of each image file and the corresponding transmission destination, telephone number, transmission mode, transmission priority, transmission mode indicating transmission time designation, This file stores data such as the transmission start time when the transmission time is specified, the number of pages of the document to be transmitted, and the number of transmitted pages (transmitted pages). Further, each information is given a file number which is a management reference number of the management file.

According to such a management file, for example, the image file of G0004 in FIG. 4 is managed as information of the file number 0003 in the management file.
Immediately after the image file is created, it is understood that the image file is transmitted to the CSS center with the highest priority. Further, for example, it can be understood that the image file of G0005 is managed as information of the file number 0004, and is transmitted to the CSS center at 21:00.

The destination and telephone number of the management file are set based on information stored in the remote diagnosis information area of the facsimile control unit 20. The conditions such as the transmission priority are determined as follows.

The priorities of the document information are all set to "normal". Then, the information is transmitted in the order in which the information is managed in the management file, unless the transmission time is specified.

On the other hand, conditions such as the priority of transmission of the own device information are determined based on the remote diagnostic information in the remote diagnostic information area.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the remote diagnosis information. The remote diagnosis information is data that is stored in the remote diagnosis information area of the facsimile control unit 20 in advance, and sets processing of own device information to be transmitted in the remote diagnosis according to the type of the own device information.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the processes for the abnormality information (SC information), the alarm information, the accuracy information (counter confirmation information), and the supply information are shown as the own device information.
Here, the abnormality information (SC information) is information indicating an abnormality of a machine that requires a serviceman call, and the alarm information is information that is not a machine failure but leads to a failure if left unchecked, or a periodic inspection. It is information indicating that parts replacement and cleaning are sometimes necessary. The certainty information (counter check information) is information indicating a count value of a counter for counting the number of copies, and the supply information is information indicating a supply state of paper, toner, and the like.

The priority order of the abnormality information and the supply information is set to "highest priority" in such own device information. Therefore, when an abnormality or a shortage of supplies occurs in the facsimile machine 1, even if a large amount of information is already stored in the SAF memory 25, the abnormality information and the supply information are transmitted before other information. be able to.

The alarm information and the guess information are set so as to be transmitted at a specified transmission time. When transmitting information by specifying the transmission time, except for the specified time,
Other information will be transmitted prior to this information. Therefore, other than the transmission time, other information that needs to be transmitted earlier than the alarm information and the probability information can be transmitted with priority.

As the transmission time of the alarm information and the certainty information, generally, the time when the normal communication is small is designated, so that the influence on the normal communication performed by the facsimile apparatus 1 is reduced.

Hereinafter, the process of registering the own device information in the management file of FIG. 5 based on the remote diagnosis information of FIG. 6 will be described for each type of the own device information.

<< Abnormality Information >> When an abnormality occurs in the facsimile machine 1, the first control unit 10 detects this abnormality. The first control unit 10 determines the type of this abnormality (for example, fixing abnormality, optical system abnormality, motor abnormality, paper supply system abnormality, etc.), and as the abnormality information, SC information data (service Create man call information data).

The SC information data shown in FIG. 7 is based on the history information of the facsimile apparatus 1 (the number of occurrences of jam, the number of occurrences of SC, the number of various copies) using the telephone number and the model number as ID information.
, And data obtained by adding the time when the abnormality occurred, the identification code indicating that the data is the abnormality information, and the generated SC information indicating the content of the abnormality. The SC information data is input from the first control unit 10 to the facsimile control unit 20.

The facsimile control unit 20 receives the input SC
A G0004 image file shown in FIG. 4 is created based on the information data and stored in the SAF memory 25. Where G00
Information indicating that the image file is code data is added to the image file 04 as a header.

Further, the facsimile control unit 20 extracts the transmission destination and the priority (highest priority) for transmitting the abnormality information from the remote diagnosis information, and sets them as information of the file number 0003 in the management file. Through the above processing, the abnormality information is registered in the management file.

<< Supply Information >> When the first control unit 10 detects a shortage of supplies of the facsimile machine 1, it determines the type of the short supply (for example, toner, paper, etc.), and supplies supply information data as supply information. create. The supply information data includes an identification code indicating that the data is supply information, and generated SC information indicating the content of a shortage of supplies. The supply information data is input from the first control unit 10 to the facsimile control unit 20.

The facsimile control unit 20 creates an image file based on the input supply information data and
It is stored in the F memory 25. Here, information indicating code data is added as a header to this image file.

Further, the facsimile control unit 20 extracts the transmission destination of the supply information and the highest priority order from the remote diagnosis information of FIG. 6, and sets them in the management file. With the above processing, the registration of the supply information in the management file is completed.

<< Alarm Information >> When the facsimile machine 1 detects any alarm, the first controller 10 judges the content of the alarm and creates alarm information data as alarm information. This alarm information data includes
An identification code indicating that the data is alarm information,
The generated SC information indicating the content of the alarm is added. The alarm information data is input from the first control unit 10 to the facsimile control unit 20.

The facsimile control unit 20 creates an image file based on the input alarm information data and
It is stored in the F memory 25. Here, information indicating code data is added as a header to this image file.

Further, the facsimile control unit 20 extracts the transmission destination and the priority for transmitting the alarm information from the remote diagnosis information shown in FIG. In other words, set the priority to priority,
This transmission time is set to 21:00. Through the above processing, the alarm information is registered in the management file.

The facsimile control unit 20 checks the management file at predetermined time intervals and, if there is information having the highest priority, transmits this information. When there are a plurality of pieces of information having the same priority, the information is transmitted from the information stored in the management file first. Here, if the file numbers are assigned to the information in the order in which the information is stored in the management file, the information having the same priority order may be transmitted from the information having the smaller management file number.

For the information for which the transmission time is specified, the transmission time stored in the management file and the internal clock (not shown) built in the facsimile control unit 20 are compared. The information is transmitted when the transmission time has passed.

At this time, if there is information in which the transmission time is set before the time of the internal clock, transmission of this information is started at the transmission time of the next day, and even if the user sets the transmission time incorrectly. This information is prevented from being transmitted immediately.

Transmission of information is performed by the G3 facsimile control unit 2.
1, or via the G4 facsimile control unit 22. The information whose transmission has been completed is automatically deleted from the management file. The record indicating the state of transmission of the erased information is recorded in a separately provided file (not shown) for recording the transmission result.

At this time, if the transmission is interrupted due to the occurrence of an error or the like, the data is transmitted to the transmitted file column of the management file so that only the page not transmitted when retransmitting can be transmitted. The number of pages is recorded, and this image file is left in the management file.

In the management file described above, conditions such as the transmission destination of each device information, telephone number, and priority can be rewritten as necessary. This rewriting operation may be performed manually from the operation unit 15 or may be performed remotely via a facsimile communication line.

When the facsimile control unit 20 checks the management file and the information transmitted at the specified time is concentrated in a certain time period, the information transmitted at this time is automatically transmitted to a relatively vacant time period. You may be made to change it.

In particular, information for which the transmission start time is specified may not be transmitted at the specified time when there are many other communications. In such a case, the contents of the management file may be rewritten so that the transmission priority of this information is increased.

Next, a case where the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment described above is managed by a CSS center as shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

<< System Configuration >> The facsimile apparatus 1 and the copying apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 3 constitute a system connected to the CSS center 3 via the exchange 5 via a network. Note that the copying apparatus 2 in the figure is an apparatus dedicated to copying. Such a device having no communication function can be managed by the CSS center 3 by separately providing the communication control device 2a.

On the other hand, the CSS center 3 converts the data output from the facsimile machine 1 into a first modem 31.
And a second for converting the data output from the copying apparatus 2.
A modem 32; a communication server 33 for performing communication processing of data converted by the first modem 31 and the second modem 32; and a file server 34 for managing data contents as files.
And clients 1 to 6 receiving information provided from the communication server 33 and the file server 34, and the client 1
6 has a printer 35 for printing out the received information.

Data transmission from the facsimile machine 1 to the CSS center 3 is performed using a facsimile protocol. As the first modem 31 for converting this data, for example, a commercially available TR29 class 1 or class 2 modem is used.

Data transmission from the copying apparatus 2 to the CSS center 3 is performed using a data communication protocol via a communication control apparatus. The second to convert this data
As the modem 32, a general modem for data communication is used.

Each of the clients 1 to 6 comprises a PC, a keyboard, a display unit, and a network interface. Clients 1 to 6 have a communication server 3
The information provided by the facsimile apparatus 1 or the copy apparatus 2 is notified to the CSS center 3 by displaying the information provided from the facsimile apparatus 1 or the copy apparatus 2 or an instruction to the facsimile apparatus 1 or the copy apparatus 2 is inputted from a keyboard.

At this time, the facsimile machine 1 and the copying machine 2 differ in the type of failure and the method of dealing with the failure. For this reason, by dividing the clients 1 to 6 into those dedicated to the copying apparatus 2 and those dedicated to the facsimile apparatus 1, the operation of the operator on the CSS center 3 side can be facilitated.

<< Transmission Processing >> Next, the facsimile apparatus 1
A transmission process when transmitting own device information for remote diagnosis of the CSS center 3 will be described.

The self-machine information includes information transmitted irregularly such as abnormal information and alarm information (irregular self-machine information);
Some of them, such as the number of counters, are periodically transmitted to the CSS center 3 (periodic self apparatus information). In the present embodiment, the irregular self-machine information is detected by the facsimile
It shall be transmitted to the center 3. Further, it is assumed that the periodic own device information is transmitted by a request from the CSS center 3 to the facsimile machine 1. It should be noted that the own device information referred to in the present embodiment is coded code data.

FIG. 8 exemplifies own apparatus information of the present embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of irregular self-machine information. FIG. 8A shows supply information, and FIG. 8B shows abnormal information. FIG. 8C shows information of various counters, which are periodic own device information.

Further, the own device information can be transmitted using either the G3 facsimile control unit 21 or the G4 facsimile control unit in FIG. 1, but in the present embodiment,
A case where the transmission is performed via the G3 facsimile control unit 21 will be described.

1. When the facsimile control unit 20 detects the highest-priority information such as supply information or abnormality information from the management file, the facsimile control unit 20 immediately starts the process of transmitting this information. Also, upon detecting information for which a transmission time is designated, such as alarm information, the apparatus enters a transmission process after waiting for the set transmission time.

The G3 facsimile control unit 21 dials the telephone number input from the facsimile control unit 20,
Call the first modem 31 of the CSS center 3. When the G3 facsimile control unit 21 and the first modem 31 are connected in this process, this information is transmitted using a predetermined protocol.

FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating a fax protocol used in this transmission. Here, a case will be described in which the transmission is performed using the ECM (error correction mode) fax protocol shown in FIG. The ECM automatically corrects a communication error on a public line, has high communication reliability, and can transmit code data as it is.

However, a communication device of a general facsimile machine does not have a function of transmitting code data. For this reason, the transmission of the code data is performed, for example, by arranging the following procedure in advance.

First, a CSS which is a receiving side for receiving information is used.
If the center 3 has a function of receiving the code data, the CSS center 3 transmits the NSF (Network Station Facilitator).
lity), a bit indicating that it has a code data receiving function is set.

The facsimile machine 1, which is the transmitting side for transmitting information, detects that the receiving side has a function of receiving the code data by using this bit. Since the own device information is code data, the NSS (Non Standa
rd Set) Declares that information is transmitted as code data at the time of transmission. Then, code data is inserted into the "image information" portion of the facsimile protocol in FIG. 10 according to a procedure determined in advance with the receiving side and transmitted.

When the CSS center 3 receives the transmitted code data, it stores it in the file server 34 via the communication server 33. At this time, since the number and format of information to be handled are generally different between the facsimile device 1 and the copying device 2, it is necessary to convert both into the same format before storing them.

The clients 1 to 6 check the file server 34 at predetermined time intervals, and
If there is new information, the information is displayed on a display unit such as a display. Also, when new information is stored in the file server 34, the file server 34 may notify each of the clients 1 to 6 of this.

On the other hand, when the first modem 31 is not connected to the G3 facsimile control unit 21 due to communication with another device or the like, the time set as the “recall interval” in the remote diagnosis information is set. Redial the number of times set as "Recall number" at intervals. This redial also allows the G3 facsimile control unit 21 and the first modem 31
If is not connected, a message indicating that transmission was not possible is displayed on the operation unit 15.

At the same time, the non-delivery report shown in FIG. Further, a record of transmission and reception of the facsimile machine 1 is periodically output.
In the management report shown in (1), the fact that the periodic own device information could not be transmitted is also recorded.

As described above, the contents of the information that could not be transmitted are output in writing like a non-delivery report, so that the user can contact the CSS center 3 with the telephone regarding the information that was not transmitted while watching the non-delivery report. We can talk.
This simplifies the processing for the case where the periodic self-device information could not be transmitted.

If the first modem 31 of the CSS center 3 does not have a function of receiving code data, the facsimile machine converts the code data into image data and
Send to S center 3. The CSS center 3 that has received the image data converts the image data into code data by performing a character recognition process and inputs the code data to the file server 34. When converting to image data, a barcode may be used for easier recognition. If the receiving side cannot recognize the received information, both a character and a barcode may be inserted so that the information can be easily corrected.

When the information transmission destination is specified as in the CSS center 3, the code data can be transmitted in the normal mode.

Further, depending on the configuration of the CSS center 3,
Different transmission destinations may be set when transmitting information as code data and when transmitting information as image data.
In this case, the transmission destination of the code data and the transmission destination of the image data may be set separately in the area for storing the telephone number in the management file. Alternatively, one telephone number may be set in the management file, and another telephone number may be extracted from a plurality of preset telephone numbers.

2. Periodic own device information Periodic own device information is transmitted from the facsimile machine 1 to the CSS center 3 in response to a request from the CSS center 3. C
The request information from the SS center 3 includes R in FIG.
EAD request information, (B) WRITE request information, (C)
Execute request information. In response to such request information, the facsimile machine 1 sends the R in FIG.
EAD return information, WRITE return information of (E), (F)
Execute return information is returned.

When the CSS center 3 wants to acquire the counter number of the facsimile machine 1, for example,
It is transmitted as a READ request code of the EAD request information.
On the other hand, the facsimile apparatus 1 uses the requested number of counters as read data of the READ return information by using the CSS.
Send to center 3.

When the CSS center 3 wants to write, for example, remote diagnosis data in the facsimile machine 1, it puts this request in the WRITE request code of the WRITE request information, and transmits the data to be written as write data. Fax machine 1
Transmits the content written in response to the request to the CSS center 3 as write data of WRITE return information.

When the CSS center 3 requests the facsimile apparatus 1 to perform some operation based on the Exclude request information, the facsimile apparatus 1 operates in response to the request, and transmits the operation result to the CS based on the Execute request information.
Send to S center 3.

The CSS center 3 first dials the facsimile machine 1 to connect a line, and transmits, for example, any of the request information shown in FIGS. Thereafter, the fax protocol is switched to the polling mode as shown in FIG. 11, and the facsimile machine 1 transmits any of the return information shown in FIGS. 14D to 14F corresponding to the request information.

Next, a series of processes of the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 15, FIG.
5 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by the facsimile control unit 20 according to the present embodiment.

The facsimile control unit 20 includes the first control unit 1
When information is input from 0, this information is used as the abnormality information (S
1) It is determined which of the supply information (S2) and the alarm information corresponds (S3). If the input information is neither of these, the process returns to the start to wait for the input of the next information (S3: NO).

On the other hand, if the input information corresponds to one of them (S1: YES, S2: YES, S3: YE
S), and enters the information registration subroutine when it is determined that it is applicable (S4).

As shown in FIG. 16, the information registration subroutine first stores the input information as an image file in the SAF memory 25 (S21). Then, it detects whether this information corresponds to abnormality information, supply information, or alarm information, and reads information such as transmission priority in accordance with the type of this information from the remote diagnosis information (S
22).

Then, the read information is stored in the management file together with the destination and the telephone number stored in the remote diagnosis information area, this information is registered, and the process returns to the main routine (S23).

The facsimile control unit 20 searches the management file in which the information is registered in this way, and enters a transmission mode such as immediate transmission or time designation according to the type of information (S3). Then, as a result of the transmission, if the CSS center 3, which is the management center, is in the BUSY state (S7: YES), redial is repeated a predetermined number of times set in the remote diagnosis information (S8, S9). As a result, when the facsimile machine 1 and the CSS center 3 are not connected, a non-delivery display is displayed on the operation unit 15 (S1).
0), and outputs a non-delivery report from the writing unit 13 (S1).
1) and further store this content in the management report (S1)
2).

Also, if the facsimile machine 1 and the CSS center 3 are connected in the judgment in step 7 (S7: N
O) It is determined whether or not the CSS center 3 has a function of receiving code data.
3) Transmit this information as code data (S1)
4). On the other hand, if the CSS center 3 has no function of receiving code data, the code data is converted into image data and transmitted (S14).

In the present embodiment described above, the facsimile control unit 20 determines the priority of transmitting the own device information, and transmits the own device information according to this priority. For this reason, abnormal information and supply information, which need to be transmitted early, are transmitted prior to other information, and it is possible to deal with an apparatus failure or a shortage of supplies at an early stage.

Further, it is possible to always use the facsimile apparatus in a normal state without transmitting other information to the facsimile apparatus in an abnormal state. Further, the operation efficiency of the facsimile machine can be improved without stopping the facsimile machine due to a shortage of supplies.

Also, in the present embodiment, the alarm information and the guess information which need not be transmitted particularly early are transmitted at a specified time designated in advance. Priority is given to other information that needs to be transmitted to. For this reason, it is possible to minimize the influence on other communications that is caused by transmitting the alarm information and the certainty information.

Further, in this embodiment, the SAF memory 2
By transmitting the own device information from No. 5, it is possible to specify the transmission time and transmit the own device information. Further, by determining the priority order between the own device information and the other information stored in the SAF memory 25, it is possible to adjust the transmission priority order with other information transmitted at a designated time. .

In the present embodiment, it is possible to change the conditions such as the priority order of the own device information and the designated transmission time as needed. Therefore, for example, the SAF memory 2
The condition can be changed according to the information accumulation status of No. 5, the change of the transmission destination, and the like. For this reason, the own device information can be transmitted under conditions more suitable for the situation, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus can be further improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a non-delivery report displaying non-transmitted own device information in characters or images is automatically output, so that a user can recognize non-delivery of own device information at an early stage. In addition, this content can be recognized in writing. For this reason, it is possible to easily perform retransmission, a meeting for coping with the retransmission, and the like.

[0105]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1), the priority order is determined by the priority order determining means for determining the priority order for transmitting the information about the own device, and the priority order is determined. Therefore, the own device information is transmitted. Therefore, own device information that needs to be transmitted early can be transmitted prior to other information, and this own device information can be dealt with earlier.
Furthermore, other information can be transmitted with higher priority than the own device information that does not need to be transmitted earlier, and the effect of transmitting the own device information on the transmission of other information can be suppressed.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (Claim 2)
Makes it possible to deal with equipment failures and shortage of supplies at an early stage by using abnormality information and supply information as their own information and determining the priority order so that they are transmitted prior to other information. .

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claim 3)
Uses the alarm information as its own information, transmits the alarm information at a specified time specified in advance, and determines a priority order so that other information is transmitted with priority over the alarm information at times other than the specified time. . Therefore, other information can be given priority over alarm information that does not need to be transmitted particularly early. For this reason, the influence on transmission of other information by transmitting alarm information can be suppressed. Further, if the transmission time of the alarm information is set to a relatively short time for other transmission and reception, the influence on the normal communication operation can be further reduced.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (Claim 4)
By transmitting the own device information from the memory of the image forming apparatus, even if the own device information cannot be transmitted, the retransmission can be performed relatively easily. Further, the own device information can be transmitted by designating the transmission time.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claim 5)
Since it is possible to change the priority of own device information as needed, it is possible to change the priority according to other information transmission states. For this reason, it is possible to set priorities that are more suited to the situation, and it is possible to further enhance the usability of the image forming apparatus.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (Claim 6)
Can automatically output a non-delivery report that displays the untransmitted own device information in characters or images if the own device information is not transmitted even after being transmitted a predetermined number of times. For this reason, the user can recognize the non-delivery of the own device information at an early stage, and can cope with this.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first control unit and a facsimile control unit in FIG. 1 in more detail;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system for managing the facsimile apparatus described in FIG. 1 by a centralized processing method.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing document information and own device information stored in an SAF memory;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a management file according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing remote diagnosis information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating SC information data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating self-machine information according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A is supply information, FIG.
(C) shows information of various counters.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fax protocol used for transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating a fax protocol used in transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is another diagram illustrating a fax protocol used in transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a non-delivery report according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a management report according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing request information and return information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a subroutine of the flowchart in FIG. 15;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile apparatus 10 1st control part 11 Reading part 13 Writing part 15 Operation part 20 Facsimile control part 21 G3 facsimile control part 22 G4 facsimile control part

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a function of converting own device information indicating a state of the own device into a predetermined code and transmitting the code, wherein priority determining means for determining a priority of transmitting the own device information is provided. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the own device information in accordance with the priority determined by the priority determining unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority order determining unit sets the abnormality information indicating an abnormality of the own apparatus and supply information indicating the presence or absence of consumables as own apparatus information, and the abnormality information and the supply information have higher priority than other information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority is determined so that the image data is transmitted. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said priority order determining means notifies a part replacement / cleaning / maintenance time according to a use frequency;
Alarm information indicating a minor abnormality that does not directly affect the operation of the device is used as the own device information, and the alarm information is transmitted at a specified time specified in advance, and other than the specified time, other alarm information than the alarm information is used. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority is determined so that the information is transmitted with priority. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the own device information from a memory included in the image forming apparatus, and the priority determining unit determines whether the own device information and other information stored in the memory are different. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority is determined by: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said priority order determining means can change the priority order of said own device information as needed. 6. A non-delivery report that automatically displays said own device information by characters or images if the sending means fails to send the own device information even after transmitting the own device information a predetermined number of times. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: