JP2001016394A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and properly inform a service center about the status of the inside of an image forming device on the occurrence of a fault in an image forming apparatus. SOLUTION: A user slides an original platen 4 to open an opening 20 to bring the inside of the image forming device into a photographable state. Then the user operates an operation panel 7 and uses a photographing device 2 to photograph the inside of the device. After the photographing, the user operates the operation panel 7 to connect a line to a service center and transmits the photographed image to the service center. Then a controller of the service center displays an image in the inside of the device on the basis of the received image signal.

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 which is applied to a facsimile machine, a copying machine and the like, and has a photographing machine for photographing a document image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional image forming apparatus, and FIG. 12 is a side view including a partial cross section of FIG. 3 is a light, 4 is a document table on which a document is placed, 5 is a paper feed tray, 6 is a discharge tray, 7 is an operation panel, 8 is a recording unit, 9 is a transport roller, and 10 is a transport guide. , 11 indicate recording means.

The conventional image forming apparatus is composed of two parts, an image reading section 1 and a recording section 8. A document table 4 is provided above the recording section 8, and a photographing machine 2 is provided above the document table 4. And a light 3 are provided. Further, a paper feed tray 5 is installed on one side of the recording unit 8, and a paper discharge tray 6 is provided on the other side.
Is installed. A recording means 11 for recording an image on a sheet and a recording means 1
1, a conveyance guide 10 for guiding the sheet and a conveyance roller 9 for conveying the sheet are provided between the recording unit 11 and the discharge tray 6.

A document placed on a document table 4 is illuminated by a light 3 and photographed by a photographing machine 2, and its image is recorded and outputted by a recording unit 8. That is, the recording paper is inserted into the paper feed tray 5 and guided to the recording means 11 by the transport roller 9, where the image is recorded and discharged to the paper discharge tray 5. The image forming method of the recording unit 11 includes various methods such as electrophotography, ink jet, and thermal transfer, and the method is not particularly limited.

[0005]

However, conventionally, when a problem occurs in the machine, the user must maintain the inside of the machine according to the manual, or if the problem still cannot be solved, contact the service center and come to the service person. I was getting maintenance. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to improve.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which solves such a problem and has a function of quickly and accurately transmitting a situation inside the apparatus to a service center when a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus. With the goal.

[0007]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounting table on which an object is mounted, and a photographing unit for photographing the object on the mounting table. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on an image,
A communication unit is provided for transmitting, via a communication line, an image inside the apparatus main body photographed by the photographing unit. With this configuration, the inside of the image forming apparatus can be photographed and transmitted to the service center using the photographing function provided in the image forming apparatus.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the photographing section is installed outside the apparatus main body, the mounting table is moved or removed, and the inside of the apparatus main body is opened, and then photographing is performed by the photographing section. With this configuration, since the inside of the apparatus main body is opened by moving or removing the mounting table, it is possible to easily take an image of the inside of the apparatus main body by an external photographing unit.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a control unit for controlling the photographing unit and the communication unit is provided so that photographing inside the apparatus main body and transmission of the photographed image are automatically performed. With this configuration, it is possible to automatically photograph the inside of the apparatus main body and transmit the photographed image, and it is not necessary to bother the user.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the photographing unit is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. With such a configuration, it is possible to change the position or direction of the imaging unit and perform imaging.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a support for supporting the photographing unit so that the position and the photographing angle of the photographing unit can be changed, and a support driving unit for driving the support, and The control unit controls the support driving unit so as to change the position and the shooting angle of the shooting unit during shooting. With this configuration, the inside of the image forming apparatus can be automatically photographed by changing the photographing angle and position, and the photographed image can be transmitted to the service center.

Further, the present invention causes the control unit to control the support driving unit, the photographing unit, and the communication unit based on a control signal from an external control device connected via a communication line, The captured image is transmitted to the external control device. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus can be remotely operated by the external control device of the service center to observe the state inside the device.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a work section for performing maintenance work inside the apparatus main body is provided, and the control section controls the work section based on a control signal from the external control device. With this configuration, the work unit of the image forming apparatus can be remotely operated by the control device of the service center to perform maintenance work.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11, FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to members having the same or the same functions as the members in the prior art shown in FIG. 2 and detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 20 denotes an opening formed above the recording section 8 and closed by the document table 4. The apparatus according to the first embodiment is configured such that the document table 4 in the prior art shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be slid with respect to the housing of the recording unit 8, and the document table 4 is slid. As a result, the inside of the housing of the recording unit 8 becomes visible.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU, 22 denotes a ROM in which various programs for controlling the apparatus are stored, and 23 denotes a digital data developing apparatus. RAM, 24 is image reading unit 1
, A read / write control unit for transmitting and receiving signals by connecting to a control device of a service center, which will be described later, via a communication line; Denotes a plotter control unit for controlling the recording unit 8.

The operation of reading the image of the document placed on the document table 4 is the same as that described in the section of the prior art, so that the description thereof is omitted. The operation of transmitting the information of the device to the service center when it occurs will be described.

First, the user slides the document table 4 to open the opening 20 so that the inside of the apparatus can be photographed. Next, the operation panel 7 is operated to photograph the inside of the apparatus by the photographing machine 2. After photographing, the user operates the operation panel 7 to connect the line to the service center, and transmits the photographed image to the service center. Then, an image inside the device is displayed on the control device of the service center based on the transmitted image signal.

As a result, when the service center performs the maintenance of the apparatus, it is possible to grasp the internal state of the apparatus in advance, so that the time required for the maintenance can be reduced.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Denotes a platen controller. That is, the second embodiment is different from FIG.
Are provided with a platen driving unit 28 and a platen control unit 29 for sliding the platen 4 in the control system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Then, when the operation panel 7 is operated to set the communication mode to the service center,
The document table controller 29 and the reading controller 24 are controlled by the CPU 21.
In addition, the transmission / reception control unit 26 is controlled, and the platen 4 automatically slides and the inside of the apparatus is photographed. After photographing or transmitting an image, the platen 4 slides and moves to the opening 20.
Is closed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the work from the opening of the original platen to the transmission of the photographed image can be automated, so that the troubled image can be saved without bothering the user. The state of the forming apparatus can be quickly grasped by a service person, and accurate maintenance can be performed in a short time.

The setting of the communication mode to the service center is not limited to the setting by the input of the operation panel 7; for example, the communication mode is set based on a control signal sent from a control device of the service center via a telephone line. May be started. By doing so, the serviceman can quickly grasp the state of the image forming apparatus in which the malfunction has occurred even in the case of unattended operation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the photographing machine 2 in the apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured so as to be detachable from the main body of the image reading unit 1, and the detached photographing machine 2 itself has a camera function. Things.

Then, when a trouble occurs in the device,
First, the user slides the document table 4 to open the opening 20 so that the inside of the apparatus can be photographed. Next, the photographing device 2 is detached from the image reading unit 1, and images are taken in various directions, positions, and trouble spots, and the images are stored as digital data. After installation,
The user operates the operation panel 7 to connect the line with the service center, and transmits the captured image to the service center. Then, an image inside the device is displayed on the control device of the service center based on the transmitted image signal.

As a result, since the inside of the machine can be photographed not only from one direction but also from various angles, the state inside the image forming apparatus can be better grasped at the service center.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side view including a partial cross section of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG. And 30
Is a base 30a, a first arm 30b, and a second arm 30c.
5 shows an image sensor arm including: Members having the same or the same functions as the members in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The base 30a is slidable with respect to the housing of the recording section 8 in a direction perpendicular to the document conveying direction. One end of a first arm 30b is rotatably supported on the base 30a, and a second end is provided on the other end of the first arm 30b.
One end of the arm 30c is rotatably supported, and
The camera 2 is rotatably supported at the other end of the arm 30c. Here, the first arm 30b and the second arm 30
The rotation axes at both ends of c are parallel to the document transport direction. Also,
Base 30a, first arm 30b, and second arm 30
c is provided with an arm control unit 31 for driving and controlling c.
The image sensor arm 30 is driven based on a program stored in the ROM 22.

Then, when a trouble occurs in the device,
When the operation panel 7 is operated to set the communication mode to the service center, the CPU 21 controls the platen controller 2
9, the arm control unit 31, the read control unit 24, and the transmission / reception control unit 26 are controlled, and the platen 4 automatically slides and moves, based on the program stored in the ROM 22, the base 30a, the first arm 30b, and the 2 arm 30
By driving c, the inside of the apparatus is photographed by changing the photographing position and direction of the photographing machine 2, and the image is transmitted to the service center after photographing. After photographing or transmitting the image, the document table 4 slides and the opening 20 is closed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a control device of the service center, where 40 is a monitor, and 41 is an operation unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8, and 42 is a CPU for controlling the entire control apparatus.
43, a transmission / reception control unit for inputting / outputting signals via a communication line; 44, a ROM storing various programs;
5 is a RAM for developing image data, 46 is an image sensor operation unit for remotely operating the photographing machine 2, 47 is an image sensor arm operation unit for remotely operating the image sensor arm 30, and 48 is an image displayed on the monitor 40. 3 shows a received image control unit.

The control device shown in FIG. 8 is connected to the image forming device shown in FIG. 7 via a communication line, and an image photographed by the photographing machine 2 is displayed on the monitor 40.

Next, the maintenance work will be described. When a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus on the user side, the platen 4 moves and the image sensor arm 30
4, the image forming apparatus is automatically photographed inside by changing the photographing angle and position by driving in accordance with the program stored in 4 and changing the photographing angle and position. Transmitted to the control device of the service center via the Internet. The image transmitted from the image forming apparatus is input via the transmission / reception control unit 43 and displayed on the monitor 40 under the control of the reception image control unit 48.

On the service center side, the monitor 40
If it is desired to obtain more detailed information, the communication between the control device and the image forming apparatus is performed by a communication line, and a signal for moving the document table 4 by operating the operation unit 41 is transmitted. Release 20. Next, the operator of the control device operates the image sensor arm operation unit 47 while watching the monitor 40, remotely controls the image sensor arm 30, and adjusts the photographing device 2 to a desired position or angle. Display on the monitor 40. Here, when the user wants to record an image, the user operates the image sensor operation unit 46 to operate the photographing machine 2 to photograph a desired portion. After the observation is completed, by transmitting a control signal to instruct the CPU 42 to return the image sensor arm 30 and the document table 4 to the initial positions,
The work ends.

As a result, it is possible to observe the inside of the device by remote operation on the service center side, so that the service center can better grasp the state inside the device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 50 denotes a robot hand attached to the other end of the second arm 30c. 5 and FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to members having the same or the same functions as the members in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

In the apparatus of the fifth embodiment, a robot hand 50 is provided in the apparatus of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and a robot hand operating section 51 shown by a two-dot chain line is provided in the control system of the control apparatus shown in FIG. Arm control unit 31
Thereby, the driving of the robot hand 50 is controlled.

When a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus on the user side, as in the third embodiment, the inside of the apparatus photographed on the image forming apparatus side is displayed on the monitor 40 of the control device of the service center.

On the service center side, the monitor 40
, When it is desired to obtain more detailed information or when it is determined that maintenance can be performed by operating the robot hand 50, the image forming apparatus of the user is remotely operated on the image sensor arm 30 by the control device,
A necessary image is displayed on the monitor 40. Then, maintenance is performed by remotely operating the robot hand 50 by operating the robot hand operation unit 51 while watching the monitor 40.

As a result, since the maintenance can be performed by the service center side remote control without the serviceman going to the site, the time required for the maintenance can be greatly reduced.

As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described by taking as an example an image forming apparatus in which a photographing machine is provided above a platen and reads an image of a document on the platen. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention is applicable as long as the camera has a photographing machine and the inside of the image forming apparatus can be photographed using the photographing machine.

[0040]

According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to photograph the inside of the apparatus and transmit the photographed image to the service center using the photographing function provided in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the serviceman can know the state inside the image forming apparatus of the user while staying at the service center, and it is possible to shorten the maintenance time.

Further, since the inside of the apparatus main body is opened by moving or removing the mounting table, it is possible to easily take a photograph of the inside of the apparatus main body by the photographing unit.

Further, by automatically opening and closing the cover, photographing the inside of the apparatus main body and transmitting the photographed image, the troublesome image formation can be performed without troublesome operation of the user and even in the case of unattended operation. A service person can quickly grasp the state of the apparatus, and can perform accurate maintenance in a short time.

Further, since the photographing can be performed by changing the position or the direction of the photographing unit, the condition inside the device can be better grasped at the service center.

Further, the image forming apparatus automatically changes the photographing angle and position to photograph the inside of the apparatus, and the photographed image is transmitted to the service center. Can be grasped quickly and accurately.

Further, since the image forming apparatus can be remotely operated by the control device of the service center to observe the state of the inside of the apparatus, the state of the image forming apparatus in which the trouble has occurred can be promptly and more accurately determined by the service person. Can be grasped.

In addition, since the maintenance work can be performed by remotely controlling the work unit of the image forming apparatus by the control device of the service center, the time required for the maintenance can be greatly reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view including a partial cross section of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a control device of a service center.

9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a side view including a partial cross section of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image reading unit 2 photographing machine 4 platen 7 operation panel 8 recording unit 11 recording means 20 opening 21, 42 CPU 22, 44 ROM 23, 45 RAM 24 read control unit 25 image sensor 26, 43 transmission / reception control unit 27 plotter control Unit 28 platen drive unit 29 platen control unit 30 image sensor arm 30a base 30b first arm 30c second arm 31 arm control unit 40 monitor 41 operation unit 46 image sensor operation unit 47 image sensor arm operation unit 48 received image control unit 50 Robot hand 51 Robot hand operation unit

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2H027 EE10 EJ13 EJ15 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA25 AB17 AB23 AB38 AC35 AC56 AD05 AD06 AE16 BA00 5C075 AA90 CD13 CE15 9A001 BB01 BB03 BB04 HH19 HH34 JJ35 KK31 KK32 KK42 KK42 KK42 KK42

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting table on which a subject is mounted; and a photographing unit for photographing the object on the mounting table, wherein the image forming apparatus forms an image based on a photographed image of the photographing unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication unit that transmits an image inside the apparatus main body taken by the unit via a communication line. 2. The photographing unit is installed outside the apparatus main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image capturing unit captures an image after the mounting table is moved or removed to open the inside of the apparatus main body. 3. A control unit for controlling the photographing unit and the communication unit so as to automatically perform photographing of the inside of the apparatus main body and transmission of the photographed image. Image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing unit is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. 5. A support for supporting the photographing unit so that a position and a photographing angle of the photographing unit can be changed;
And a support driving unit for driving the support, wherein the control unit controls the support driving unit so as to change the position and the shooting angle of the shooting unit when shooting inside the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 6. An image captured by causing the control unit to control the support driving unit, the imaging unit, and the communication unit based on a control signal from an external control device connected via a communication line. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image data is transmitted to the external control device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a work unit for performing a maintenance work inside the apparatus main body, wherein the control unit controls the work unit based on a control signal from the external control device. Image forming device.