JP2000181304A - Device and system for forming image, and data processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To not only automatically inform a center when a malfunction occurs on the image forming device, but also give an instruct to a host computer on the center side by a judgment and an operation by a user. SOLUTION: When an E-code occurrence (occurrence of abnormality) is detected, the image forming device 1000 displays the E-code on a display panel 1008, acquires a data on a point of contact stored in a RAM(Random Access Memory) 1002, sets a flag for displaying the point of contact, and displays the point of contact on the display panel 1008. The image forming device judges the presence or absence of data from a key input part 1007, and since the point of contact display flag is set if the data exists, it sends the data from the key input part to a communication control means via an I/O 1004, and supplies the data to a host computer 999 via a public line 908.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a data processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying apparatus is generally connected to a host computer installed at a central center via a network, and when an abnormality occurs in the copying apparatus, the center is automatically notified to the center. there were.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, when an abnormality occurs in the copying apparatus, only a notification is automatically made to a predetermined center, and the user determines whether or not to make a notification. And it was not possible to decide where to report to among the multiple centers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a data processing method that solve problems such as abnormalities.

[0005]

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a communication system for transmitting and receiving data between an input unit and an external device, and transmitting data from the input device to an external device. A control means for deciding whether to output the data or to process the data as internal processing data and outputting the data to the outside via the communication means is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, there is further provided a display unit and a storage unit for storing data to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the storage unit is externally provided via the communication unit. It is characterized by storing contact data inputted by the user.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the control means outputs data from the input means to the outside via the communication means when an abnormal state is detected. I do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the control means stores data from the input means in the storage means via the communication means when an abnormal state is detected. It is characterized in that it is output to a contact.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second or fourth aspect, the control means displays the contact information stored in the storage means on the display means when an abnormal state is detected. Features.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the image forming apparatuses according to any one of the first to fifth aspects are connected to the plurality of image forming apparatuses via communication means, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via the communication means. Management means for managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether data from the input means is to be output to the outside or processed as internal processing data, and when the data is to be output to the outside, data is exchanged with the outside. Is output through communication means for performing the following.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in claim 7, when an abnormal state is detected, data from the input means is output to the outside via the communication means.

Further, the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that, in claim 8, data from the input means is output to a contact stored in a storage means via the communication means.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying apparatus according to one embodiment.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a copying apparatus main body; 800, copy control means for controlling a copying operation; 900, communication control means (model board) for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication line; 908, an external communication line; There is a public line,
Reference numeral 999 denotes a host computer system which is an external device provided at a management office for managing the copying apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows communication control means (modem board) 9
It is a block diagram which shows the main structure of 00. Reference numeral 901 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) for controlling communication; 903, a memory (RAM) for temporarily storing communication data;
A modulator / demodulator (modem) modulates the data to be set to 08 and demodulates the data transmitted by the public line 908 into digital communication data, and 906 denotes a network control unit (NCU).

Under the control of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 having the above-described configuration, the copy operation of the copying apparatus 100, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 are performed.

Next, the control means 800 and 900 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control means 800 and 900 of the present embodiment. In the figure, a control unit 800 controls the copying operation of the copying apparatus main body 100. Control means 900
Controls communication with an external communication line.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) for controlling the entire copying apparatus. Reference numeral 802 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) storing a control procedure (control program) for the copying apparatus main body 100. And C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.

Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, and the like.
It also constitutes a storage means such as a telephone number necessary for starting communication with 99. Reference numeral 804 denotes an input / output IC (hereinafter, referred to as I / O) for outputting a control signal of the CPU 801 to a load of the main motor 113 and the like and for inputting a signal from a sensor or the like of the fixing device and transmitting the signal to the CPU 801. CPU8
01 receives input from various keys on an operation panel, which will be described later, via a bus and an appropriate I / O (not shown);
Further, the information is sent to display necessary information on a display on the panel.

Communication control means 900 for controlling communication with the external communication line 908 controls communication by the CPU 901. A storage device (ROM) 902 stores communication control, connection procedure programs, and the like. The copy control unit 800 of the copier main body 100 is connected by a transfer unit constituted by RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907, and the control unit 800 of the copier main body 100 is connected via the RS-232C interface 907.
When the data transfer from the copying machine is performed, the transfer data is temporarily stored in a RAM 903 serving as a dedicated communication data storage unit provided in the communication control unit 900, and is transferred to the CPU 901 after the completion of the data transfer from the control unit 800 of the copier main body. A network control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as NCU) unit 906 is controlled to make a communication line connection with an external device. After the line connection, data is transferred to the outside through a modem 905 and an NCU unit 906.

When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 903, and the data is transferred to the RAM 903 in response to a request from the copy control means 800 of the main body of the copying apparatus.
Data is transferred to the control device 800 of the copier main body 100 via the S-232C interfaces 805 and 907. Reference numeral 909 denotes a rotary switch for setting a telephone number of a communication destination, an own ID number, a password, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the copying apparatus. The configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a copying apparatus main body, 200 denotes a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding a document, 300 denotes a sorter or sorter, and 400 denotes an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). ), And the above RDF 200, sorter 300 and CFF
400 can be freely used in combination with the copying apparatus main body 100.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be described below.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table glass as a document table. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as a document reading unit, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp)
103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like. The original is illuminated by an exposure lamp 103 while scanning by the motor 104, and reflected light from the original is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens. Irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing unit 109 and a transfer charger 110
, A separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112, and the photosensitive drum 105 and the like constitute an image recording unit.

The photosensitive drum 105 has a main motor 113
3 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 and is corona-charged by the high-pressure unit 106.
When the reflected light from the document 2 is emitted from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 109 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper sent from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is transferred to the registration roller 120 by the registration roller 120 and the transfer paper. After the timing is set so that the leading end of the toner image coincides with the leading end of the photosensitive drum 105, the toner image is transferred 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 charger 111, guided to the fixing device 122 by the conveyor belt 121, and the toner image is fixed by pressurizing and heating, and then discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123. Is done. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

In the copying apparatus main body 100, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing a sheet of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the data 124
Rises in accordance with the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Also, 128
A lower conveyance path guides the transfer sheet sent out from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 with the transfer sheet turned over via the reversing path 129.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. By inverting the flapper to the left, the transfer paper is led directly to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the reverse path 129. Reference numeral 132 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through the path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is again turned upside down via the reverse path 129 and the lower transport path 128. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. At the time of the next backside printing or multiplex printing, the transfer paper stored in the refeed tray 130 is guided to the registration roller 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the feed roller 132 one by one from below.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the copying apparatus main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is tilted rightward, and the copied transfer paper is transported to the transport path 129, and the transfer is performed. After the trailing edge of the paper has passed the first feed roller 140,
To the feed roller side, and the discharge roller 134
Turn over the transfer paper and discharge it outside the machine.

Next, the operation panel (operation unit) will be described.

FIG. 5 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100.

Reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key.
Used when the operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. 62
A cursor key 7 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key which is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an all-reset key, which is depressed when returning to the standard mode, and depressed when returning from the auto-shut-off state to the standard mode.

A copy start key (copy start key) 605 is pressed to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 has a function of a clear key during standby and a function of a stopper key during copying and recording. This clear / stop key 60
Press 4 is used to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. Then, after the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a numeric keypad, which is depressed when setting the number of copies. Also used when setting the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, recording in four modes M1 to M4 can be performed.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is A
The E key is pressed when automatically adjusting the copy density in accordance with the density of the document, or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual).

Reference numeral 607 denotes a copy paper selection key, which is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-hander 150. When a document is placed on the RDF 300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected with the copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is depressed when making an actual-size (original-size) copy. An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when the image of the document is automatically reduced or enlarged according to the size of the specified transfer sheet.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make double-sided copying from a single-sided original, double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or single-sided copying from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
A binding margin of a designated length can be created on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo document. A multiple key 623 is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set by an asterisk key 601. 62
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the copy paper size.

A cover mode setting key 629 is used to create a front cover and a back cover and to insert a slip sheet.
Reference numeral 630 denotes a continuous page copy key, which is used to continuously copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

A discharge method selection key 614 selects a staple sort, sort, or group discharge method. When the staple sorter 300 is connected, a staple sort mode, a sort mode, and a group mode for recording paper are set. Selection or cancellation of the selection mode can be performed.

Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key.
It is used when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved original placed at 0 and when canceling the reserved setting.
Reference numeral 632 denotes a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode.

Reference numeral 633 denotes a guide key, which is used to describe functions corresponding to various keys when displaying the message display 701.

Reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information relating to copying and communication, and displays characters and figures in 96 × 129 dots.
For example, the number of copies set by the numeric keypad 603, fixed-size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same-size key 610, and the zoom key 61
Copy magnification, copy paper selection key 6 set in 7,618
07, a message indicating the state of the copying apparatus main body 100, a guide message indicating an operation procedure,
Other various mode settings are displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in a preheating state.

When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is set to one, the density AE mode, the automatic paper selection, the same magnification, and the setting of one-sided original to one-sided copy. RDF
In the standard mode when 200 is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode, the same size, and the setting of one-sided original to one-sided copy. 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, communication with an external device, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

FIG. 6 shows the ROM 90 of the communication control means 900.
4 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling communication by a part of the program stored in the second program;

This routine is entered from step S601, and it is checked in step S602 whether there is a reception request from an external line or the main body of the copying machine. If there is no request, step S60
Then, if there is a reception request, it is determined in step S603 whether the request is from an external device or a copy control unit. If the request is from the copy control unit, the process proceeds to step S604. Proceeding to step S605, the data from each is received and RA as communication data storage means is received.
It is stored in M903.

Next, in step S606, it is checked whether there is a transmission request to an external line.
08, if there is a request, the process proceeds to step S607, an external line is connected, and the data stored in the RAM 903 is transmitted to the external device. Next, in step S608, it is checked whether transfer to the copy control means is possible.
From 0, this routine is exited. If transfer is possible, step S60
In step S610, the data stored in the RAM 903 is transferred to the copy control unit 800, and the process exits from step S610.

FIG. 7 shows a copy control means 80 of the copying apparatus main body.
7 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling communication as a part of a program stored in a ROM 802 of FIG.

This routine is entered from S701, and in step S702, the subject control means 800
Check if data can be received for data transfer from. If it is impossible, the process exits this routine from step S707. If it is possible to receive, the process proceeds to step S703 to check whether there is a reception request from the communication control unit 900. If there is no request, the process proceeds to step S707. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S704 to receive the transferred data. Next, in step S705, the communication control unit 900
Check if transmission to the server is possible, and if not possible, go to step S
The flow advances to step 707, and if transmission is possible, transmission is performed to the communication control means 900 in step S706, and the routine exits from step S707.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a communication control routine of an external device of a communication partner.

This routine is entered from step S801, and the communication line 908 is connected in step S802. Next, in step S803, a check is made to the communication control unit 900 of the copying apparatus to determine whether transmission is possible. If not possible, step S
The process advances to step 805, and if possible, data transmission is performed in step S804. Then, in step S805, the connection of the communication line is disconnected, and the process exits this routine from step S806.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show details of a communication protocol between a copying apparatus and communication control means.

FIG. 9 shows the timing of data communication between the copying apparatus and the communication control means. The communication control means becomes the master side and sends a command to the copying apparatus. The copying apparatus transmits a response corresponding to the received command to the communication control unit.

FIG. 10 shows a format of a command and a response between the copying apparatus and the communication control means. This communication is performed in a serial system, and the command is composed of a plurality of bytes in a binary format and includes ID, Length, Data, and Sum. The ID indicates the type of command. Le
ngth indicates the number of bytes of the command. Data
Is used when further information is added to each type of command specified by the ID. Sum is a checksum for confirming whether or not the content of the command is incorrect during communication.
This checksum uses the lower 1 byte value of the value obtained by adding ID to Data.

FIG. 11 shows examples of commands and responses between the copying apparatus and the communication control means. The "copying machine ROM version request command" has an ID defined as 01, and the communication control means specifies the type of ROM for the copying machine and the ROM
A version is requested, and ROM version data is obtained as a response. The "copier memory read command" has an ID defined as 02, in which the communication control means requests the copier to perform a memory read by designating an address, and acquires memory data as a response. The "copying machine display data command" has an ID defined as 03 and requests the communication control means to specify display data to the copying apparatus and display it on the operation panel, and obtain a response as a response.

Here, the copying apparatus identifies the type of the received command by the ID. If the ID is 03, it is determined that the data is display data. If the data is determined to be display data, the content is transmitted to the operation panel and displayed.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show the details of the communication protocol between the external device (host computer) and the communication control means.

FIG. 12 shows the timing of data communication between the external device and the communication control means. The external device becomes the master side and sends a command to the communication control means. The communication control means transmits a response corresponding to the received command to the external device.

FIG. 13 shows a format of a command and a response between the external device and the communication control means. This communication is performed in a serial manner via a modem and a public line, and the command is composed of a plurality of bytes in ASCII format, and includes ID, D and D.
data, Sum, and CR. The ID indicates the type of command. Data is used when further information is added to each type of command specified by the ID. Sum is a checksum for confirming whether or not the content of the command is incorrect during communication. This checksum uses a value obtained by converting the lower 1 byte value of the value obtained by adding ID to Data into ASCII. CR is a delimiter and indicates the end of the command.

FIG. 14 shows examples of commands and responses between the external device and the communication control means.

"Copying machine ROM version request command"
Is defined as 81, the external device specifies the type of ROM to the communication control means and requests the ROM version,
The ROM version data is obtained as a response. ID of "copier memory read command" is 8
2, the external device designates an address to the communication control means, requests a memory read, and acquires memory data as a response. The "copying machine display data command" has an ID defined as 83 and requests the external device to specify the display data to the communication control means and display it on the operation panel, and obtain a response as a response.

According to the above-described sequence, the host computer can transmit data to be displayed on the display panel of the operation unit to the image forming apparatus by the "copier display data command". The image forming apparatus stores the received display data in an internal RAM (1002 in FIG. 15).

FIG. 15 is an overall view of the embodiment. The image forming apparatus is controlled by the D computer 100. D-con 10
0 is substantially the same as the first embodiment (FIG. 3). The D-con 100 is connected to the operation unit by communication. The operation unit includes a display panel and keys. The configuration of the operation unit is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 5). The D-con- verter is connected to an external host computer via a communication control device. 1001 is a CPU
Controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus. A RAM 1002 is used as a storage and working area for various information. A ROM 1003 stores a program for controlling the apparatus. 1004, an I / O for communicating with the communication control device; 1005, a key input unit 1
Reference numeral 1006 denotes an I / O for communicating with the display panel 1008.

FIG. 16 shows a communication format of key input data. This data is transmitted from the operation unit to the D-controller in a serial manner. In the data configuration, the type of data is indicated by the first ID. In the case of key input data, it is defined as 01. Next, Iength indicates the length of data. ke
ycode is an encoding of the type of key pressed. The D-con can detect the pressed key based on this value. Sum is for detecting an error in data during communication, and is obtained by adding each byte of the data string.

FIG. 17 shows a communication format of display data. This data is transmitted from the D-controller to the operation unit in a serial manner. "Display data" in this communication format
Stores data to be displayed on the display panel. This display data is an ASCII code representing alphanumeric characters and kanji.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus. Normally, the apparatus executes a state check routine of 1302. When the occurrence of an E-code (abnormality) is detected (1303), the E-code is displayed on the display panel (1008) (1310), and the contact data stored in the RAM (1002) is acquired (1311). Thereafter, the “contact information display flag” is set (1312), and the contact information is displayed on the display panel (1008) (1313).
Go to 04.

At 1304, it is determined whether or not there is key input data from the key input unit 1007.
4) Check whether the "contact display flag" is set (1308). If the flag is set, the data from the key input unit (1007) is transmitted to the communication control unit via the I / O (1004). (1314), and in the reset state, the data from the key input unit (1007) is I / O
It is sent to the display panel (1008) via (1006) (1309). If there is no data from the key input unit 1007 in 1304, the process proceeds to 1305.

At 1305, it is determined whether or not the state of the image forming apparatus has returned from the abnormal state to the normal state. If the state has returned from the abnormal state to the normal state, the E code display on the display panel (1008) is turned off. (1306), the contact display flag is reset (1307), and the process returns to 1302. If the state is abnormal at 1305, the process returns to 1304.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is determined whether to output data from the input means to the outside or to process the data as internal processing data. When outputting the data to the outside, the data is output via the communication means. By doing so, for example, it becomes possible not only to automatically notify the center when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, but also to give an instruction to the host computer on the center side by the judgment and operation of the user. For this reason, since the request of the user is directly transmitted as a service base for managing the image forming apparatus, a more detailed service can be provided as compared with the related art.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an external view of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a communication control flowchart (embodiment) of the communication control means.

FIG. 7 is a transfer control flowchart (embodiment) of the copy control means.

FIG. 8 is a communication control flowchart of the external device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a communication protocol between the copying apparatus and communication control means.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a format of a command and a response in the copying apparatus-communication means.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a command example of a copying apparatus-communication control unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a communication protocol between an external device and communication control means.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a format of a command and a response in the external device-communication means.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a command example of an external device-communication control unit.

FIG. 15 is an overall configuration diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a communication format of key input data.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a communication format of display data.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Copying apparatus main body 800 Copying apparatus main body control device (copy control means) 900 Communication control device (communication control means) 801 901 Central processing unit (CPU) 802 902 Read-only memory (ROM) 803 Random access memory (RAM) 805, 907 Interface (transfer means) 903 Random access memory (RAM) (communication data storage means) 906 Network control unit (NCU) 908 Communication line 999 External device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Koichi Murakami 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takashi Uchiyama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon F term in reference (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 AR03 HJ07 HN15 HQ01 HQ20 HV31 2H027 EJ13 EK09 FA12 9A001 BB04 CC02 JJ35 KK31 LL06

Claims (9)

[Claims] An input unit, a communication unit for exchanging data with an external unit, and determining whether to output data from the input unit to the outside or to process the data as internal processing data, An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that outputs the data to the communication unit via the communication unit. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, and a storage unit for storing data to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the storage unit is a contact address externally input via the communication unit. An image forming apparatus for storing data. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs data from the input unit to the outside via the communication unit when an abnormal state is detected. 4. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit outputs data from the input unit to a contact stored in the storage unit via the communication unit when an abnormal state is detected. An image forming apparatus comprising: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit displays the contact information stored in the storage unit on the display unit when an abnormal state is detected. . 6. A plurality of image forming apparatuses according to claim 1, which are connected to said plurality of image forming apparatuses via communication means, and said plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via said communication means. An image forming system, comprising: a management unit for managing. 7. A method for deciding whether to output data from the input means to the outside or to process the data as internal processing data. When outputting the data to the outside, the communication means for exchanging data with the outside through communication means. And outputting the data. 8. The data processing method according to claim 7, wherein when an abnormal state is detected, data from the input unit is output to the outside via the communication unit. 9. The data processing method according to claim 8, wherein data from the input unit is output to a contact stored in a storage unit via the communication unit.