JP2001195225A - Image forming device and abnormality informing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an external device set at a management lodgement to accurately centralizedly manage the same paper jam information. SOLUTION: Paper jam information transferred to a communication control means 900 is held and stored, then the desired held data is transferred to a host computer 999 based on the frequency of the same paper jam information held by the communication control means 900.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing communication processing with an external device and a method of notifying an abnormality.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus capable of remotely controlling the image forming apparatus by mounting a communication control device capable of communicating with an external device (host computer) on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the main body may fail, The communication control unit constantly monitors for frequent clogging,
When a predetermined condition is met, the system is configured to automatically report the fact to the outside.

Also, in order to manage the occurrence of a paper jam which is considered to be the same cause in the image forming apparatus, data transmission is automatically performed from the communication control device when a paper jam of the same paper jam code occurs continuously. Was configured to do.

Further, there is only one type of host computer at the management base that receives data of the image forming apparatus, and different types of data management such as abnormality information and counter values of each image forming apparatus are executed at one management base. Was.

[0005]

However, when the communication control device itself or the data communication abnormality with the image forming apparatus does not automatically report, the image forming apparatus operates normally when there is no report at the management base. There was a problem that it was not possible to judge that they did.

In particular, when remote management is performed in an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to accurately determine that a specific paper jam frequently occurs in accordance with the frequency of use. There has been a problem that management cannot be performed according to the frequency of use, such as the time interval and the number of image formations during that time.

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

[0008] Further, when a plurality of management bases perform different tasks and the data to be managed are different, there is a problem that each of the management bases cannot be managed accurately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which an image forming sequence is controlled by a first control means while a second control means controls the image forming sequence. The second control means transfers desired data held to the external device based on the frequency of occurrence of the same jam information held by the second control means. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus and an abnormality notification method that enable an external device installed at a management base to accurately and centrally manage the same paper jam information.

[0010]

A first invention according to the present invention is a first invention for controlling an image forming sequence of an image forming means.
Control means, a second control means for controlling data transfer between the first control means and an external device, and a control means for transferring data from the first control means to the second control means during image formation. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper jam information, wherein the second control means stores the data held in the data holding means based on the frequency of occurrence of the same paper jam information held in the data holding means. The transfer to the external device is controlled.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of an image forming means, and a second control for controlling data transfer between the first control means and an external device. Means, data holding means for holding and storing the paper talk information transferred from the first control means to the second control means during image formation, and an image associated with execution of the image forming sequence by the image forming means Counting means for sequentially counting the number of sheets formed, and when the data holding means holds jam information having the same jam code, the second control means controls the counting means by the counting means at the time of this and the previous jam. The transfer of the desired data held in the data holding means to the external device is controlled based on the difference number of the counted image formation sheets.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first control means for controlling an image forming sequence of an image forming means, and a second control for controlling data transfer with the first control means or an external device. Means for storing paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the first control means, and management means for managing a current time. In the case where the control means (2) holds paper jam information having the same paper jam recode in the data holding means, the data holding is performed based on a time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed by the management means. The transfer of the data held in the means to the external device is controlled.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling image forming means and a second control means for controlling data transfer between external devices. A data holding step of holding a paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the first control means in a data holding means; and wherein the second control means Transferring the data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the frequency of occurrence of the same paper jam information held in the data holding means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality notification method in a communication control apparatus having a first control means for controlling image forming means and a second control means for controlling data transfer between external devices. A data holding step of holding the paper talk information transferred from the first control means to the second control means during image formation in the data holding means; and an image forming process of the image forming means. A counting step of counting the number of image formations associated with, and when the data holding means holds paper jam information having the same paper jam code,
A transfer step of transferring the data held in the data holding means to the external device based on a difference number between the number of image formations counted in the counting step and the time of the previous and previous paper jam occurrences by the second control means; It has.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality notification method in a communication control apparatus having a first control means for controlling image forming means and a second control means for controlling data transfer between external devices. A data holding step for holding the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the first control means in a data holding means; and a management step for managing a current time. When the second control means holds the paper jam information having the same paper jam recode in the data holding means, the data is stored on the basis of the time difference between the present and previous paper jam occurrence times managed in the management step. Transferring the data held in the holding means to the external device.

[0016]

1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus main body (main body); 800, control means for controlling an image forming operation;
Reference numeral 900 denotes communication control means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external communication line, 908 denotes a public line which is an external communication line, and 999 denotes a management base for managing the image forming apparatus main body 100. A host computer, which controls the communication control means 900, a memory (RAM) 903 for temporarily storing communication data,
It comprises a modem (sub-modulation device) 905 and a network control unit (NCU) 906 for placing digital communication data on the public line 908.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the second control means (the communication control means 90 in this embodiment)
0) can communicate with an external device (host computer 999), the first determination means (CPU 901) detects and determines the storage state of the information held in the data holding means (RAM 903), When it is determined that the storage state is abnormal, the second control means automatically notifies the external device of the abnormality, and prevents transfer of unauthorized data due to the abnormality of the data holding means to the external device. The apparatus can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus.

The second control means (communication control means 90)
0) and the first control means (control means 800), at the time of data transfer, the second determination means (CPU 901) analyzes the transfer data transferred from the first control means to the second control means. When the storage state of the data holding means (RAM 903) is determined to be abnormal, the second control means automatically notifies the external device of the fact, and the first control means The transfer of unauthorized data due to the data transfer abnormality is prevented, and the external device can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus.

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

Further, during data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (body 100), the data holding means ( If the external transfer start condition is met in a state where the paper jam information is transferred and held in the RAM 903), the second control means (communication control means 900) causes the paper jam held in the data holding means. In addition to controlling the transfer of information to the external device, it also controls clearing of paper jam information held and stored in the data holding unit based on a factor of transfer to the external device. It is possible to prevent the paper jam information held in the holding means from disappearing beforehand.

Furthermore, during data transfer between the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means (control means 800) during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the data holding means ( In a state where the paper jam information is transferred to and held in the RAM 903), if a preset external transfer start condition is met, the second control unit transmits the paper jam information held in the data holding unit to the external device. In addition to controlling the transfer, it controls the clearing process of the paper jam information held and stored in the data holding unit based on the setting state of the clearing process by the instruction unit, and stores and stores the clearing process according to the setting of the clearing process by the user's instruction unit. It is possible to select whether or not to execute the cleared processing of the cleared paper jam information.

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

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

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

FIG. 3 shows the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of a 00.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a recirculating automatic document feeder (RDF) for automatically feeding a document; 300, a sorter for sorting sheets on which image forming processing has been performed; and 400, an automatic computer form feeder (CFF). The RDF 200, the sorter 300, and the CFF 400 are configured to be freely combined with the image forming apparatus main body 100 to form a system.

In the image forming apparatus main body 100, 101
Denotes a platen glass as a platen. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as an image reading unit, which includes a document lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like.
An original is illuminated by an original lamp 103, and reflected light from the original is irradiated on a photosensitive drum 105 by a scanning mirror and a lens. Note that an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor serving as a detecting unit is provided at a predetermined position.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 1
08, developing device 109, transfer charger 110, separation charger 1
11, a cleaning device 112 and the like are provided, and these constitute an image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is rotated by a main motor 113 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 and is corona-charged by a high-voltage unit 106. An 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 to the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is transferred by the registration rollers 120 to the front end of the toner image and the transfer paper. After the timing is set so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the toner image, the sheet is fed to the photosensitive drum 105, and the transfer charger 110 transfers the toner image. After the 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 fixed by pressure and heat.
3 discharges out of the main body 100. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

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

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 127 denotes a discharge flapper, which is a double-side recording side or a multiple recording side and a discharge side (sorter 3).
00) is switched. The transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Also, 12
A lower conveyance path 8 guides the transfer sheet sent from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 by turning over the transfer sheet through the reversing path 129.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. When the flapper is tilted to the left, the transfer paper is led directly to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the reversing path 129. Reference numeral 132 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through the path 133. Reference numeral 134 denotes a discharge roller which 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 recorded (copied) transfer paper is turned upside down through the respective paths 129 and 128 and re-printed. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time,
At the time of double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted rightward,
During multiplex recording, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted leftward.

At the time of the next backside recording or multiplex recording, the transfer paper stored in the re-feed tray 130 is changed from the bottom by one.
Each sheet is guided to the registration roller 120 of the main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted rightward, and the recorded transfer paper is transferred to the reverse path 1.
29, and the rear end of the transfer paper is
After passing through 0, the transfer paper is conveyed to the second roller 141 side by the reversing roller 142, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 134 and discharged out of the apparatus. In addition, 150 is a multi-bypass tray and 210 is a reservation tray.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 shown in FIG.

In the drawing, reference numeral 801 denotes a CPU for controlling the main body 100; 802, a read-only memory (RO) storing a control procedure (control program) for the main body 100;
M), and the CPU 801 controls the components connected via the bus in accordance with the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used as storage of input data, a work storage area, and the like. 804
Is an input / output port (I / O), 805 is an interface (I / F), and 806 is a RAM.

An input / output port 804 outputs a control signal of the CPU 801 to a load of the main motor 113 and the like and inputs a signal of the fixing unit 122 and the like and sends them to the CPU 801. Reference numeral 900 denotes a communication control unit of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control unit 900.

The main body 100 is connected by an interface (I / F) 907 such as RS-232C. When a data transfer request occurs, data is transferred from the image forming apparatus via the interface 907. The transfer data is stored in the RA provided in the communication control means 900.
After the data is temporarily stored in M903 and the data transfer from the image forming apparatus is completed, the NCU 906 is controlled to establish a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, the data is transferred to the outside through the modem 905 and the NCU 906.

When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 903,
Interface 907 according to a request from the image forming apparatus
Is transferred to the image forming apparatus via the. Here, the data refers to data stored in the main body 100, and the data transfer request refers to an occurrence of an abnormal control of an image forming apparatus or a paper jam on the main body 100, In some cases, the request is issued when the data is no longer available, and in other cases, a data request is issued from the external management side. 904 is an input / output port (I / O), and 909 is a RAM.

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

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the structure of the operation unit provided on the upper surface of the main body 100 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 601 is an asterisk (*)
The key is pressed by an operator (user) in a setting mode for setting a binding margin or setting a size for erasing a document frame. 627 is a cursor key (up / down key)
Is pressed to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key, which is pressed when a setting item in the setting mode is determined.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is pressed when returning to the standard mode. Also, when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode, the all reset key 606 is pressed. A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during image recording. This clear /
The stop key 604 is also used when canceling the set number of copies. Also, the clear / stop key 604
Is also pressed when the continuous copying is interrupted, and after the copying at the time of pressing is terminated, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a copy key. A numeric keypad 603 is pressed when setting the number of copies. It is pressed when setting the asterisk key (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, the configuration is such that four modes M1 to M4 can be registered. 6
Reference numerals 11 and 612 denote image forming density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the image forming density.

An AE key 613 is depressed when automatically adjusting the image forming density in accordance with the document density or when canceling the AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual). A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-bypass tray 150. When the copy paper selection key 607 is pressed while a document is placed on the RDF 200, automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is selected, and a cassette having the same size as the document is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is depressed when forming an image of the same size (original size).

Reference numeral 616 denotes an automatic scaling key which is depressed when automatically designating reduction / enlargement of the image of a document in accordance with the size of the designated transfer sheet. Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key which is pressed to perform double-sided recording from a single-sided original, double-sided recording from a double-sided original, and single-sided recording from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet. A photo key 624 is depressed when forming an image on a photo document.

Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiplex key which is depressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of a transfer sheet 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 the asterisk key 601. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is depressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the size of a copy sheet. 617 and 618 are zoom keys. A folding key 615 is pressed when setting a folding mode.

Reference numeral 629 denotes a cover mode setting key which is depressed when creating a front cover and a back cover and inserting a slip sheet. 6
Reference numeral 30 denotes a continuous page copy key which is depressed to continuously copy the left and right sides of a double-page spread. A discharge method selection key 614 is used to select a staple sort, sort, or group discharge method. When a staple sorter is connected to the recorded paper, a staple sort mode, a sort mode,
The user can select a group mode or cancel the selection mode. Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key which is depressed when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved document placed on the reservation tray 210 and when canceling the reservation setting. 632
Is a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode.

Reference numeral 633 denotes a guide key, which is used to display a description of functions corresponding to various keys on a message display. Reference numeral 701 denotes L for displaying information related to image formation.
It is a CD (liquid crystal) type message display,
Characters and figures are displayed with 96 × 192 dots. For example, the number of image formation set by the ten keys 603,
08, 609, same-size key 610, zoom keys 617, 6
A copy magnification set at 18, a paper size selected by the copy paper selection key 607, a message indicating the state of the main body 100, a guide message indicating an operation procedure, and other various mode settings are displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected with 3. 634 is an interrupt key, and 635 is an ID key. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which is turned on when in a preheating state. Note that when the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the setting is one image formation, one density AE mode, automatic paper selection, one-size original, and one-sided image formation from one-sided original. R
In the standard mode when the DF200 is not used, the number of image formation is 1
One-sided image formation is set from one sheet, density manual, same-size, and one-sided original. 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, transmission and reception of data between the image forming apparatus and the communication control apparatus will be described.

The current state of the image forming apparatus main body 100, such as the power ON / OFF state of the image forming apparatus, whether or not the image can be formed, the number of images to be formed, and whether an image is being formed, is always transmitted to the communication control means 900. It also reports when a paper jam occurs or an abnormality occurs that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation.

The communication control means 900 has a predetermined transfer condition. For example, if it is set to report when an abnormality occurs, the data is automatically sent to the outside when the abnormality is reported from the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus. Transfer shall be performed.

Here, the data to be transferred includes an image forming apparatus ID, a transfer reason, a paper jam history,
The common data is composed of detailed counters for each color and size. The paper jam history is composed of the date and time of occurrence, the total number of images formed at the time of occurrence, and a paper jam code. Each time a report is issued, a value stored in the communication control means 900 up to a maximum of 30 is added.

The transfer conditions are as described above, when an abnormality occurs, every time a paper jam occurs a set number of times, when paper jams of the same paper jam code occur consecutively, and when there is an external request.

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

When the CPU 801 determines that a paper jam has occurred during the operation of the main body 100, the interface 80
5, 907, the paper jam information such as the generated paper jam code, the occurrence time, and the current total number of copies is transferred to the RAM 903 of the communication control means 900. The RAM 903 holds such paper jam information.

Then, the CPU 901 makes a transfer condition determination based on a predetermined transfer condition, and if it is determined that a report should be made, the modem 905, the NCU 9
06 to the outside. The data to be transferred at this time includes the ID of the image forming apparatus main body 100, the reason for transfer, paper jam information, information for each color and size, the number of detailed image formation, and the like.

As described above, the back-up possible RAM for holding the transmission data in the communication control means 900, for example, the RAM 903, the internal data of the main body 100, the information of the paper jam which has occurred, the history of the image forming operation abnormality which has occurred, etc. And if there is an inquiry from outside, RAM
By returning the data held in 903 to the outside,
Diagnosis and management of each image forming apparatus are performed outside.

However, if the contents of the RAM data are garbled due to a drop in the voltage of the battery to be backed up or the like, the above-described diagnosis and management cannot be performed accurately.

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

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

When the power is turned on or the like, the CP
This flow starts when U901 is reset. First, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (1). If NO, the process proceeds to step (3) and the subsequent steps.
If S, the RAM 903 is cleared and, for example, 5
An ASCII code related to "C, A, N, O, N (not limited to this code)" is set in the byte (2).

On the other hand, when the normal power supply is turned on, the process proceeds to step (3) and relates to specific data of a specific address in the RAM 903, for example, "C, A, N, O, N (not limited to this code)" in 5 bytes. It is determined whether ASCII code data is stored.
It is determined that the state is normal and the processing is terminated, and NO (when data different from the above ASCII code data is stored)
If so, it is determined that the RAM state is abnormal, and the fact is transferred to the outside (4), and the process is terminated.

When data is transferred between the communication control unit 900 and the image forming apparatus main body 100, an I
D, data length, a delimiter indicating the end of the data, and a checksum summing the transfer data are used to monitor data transfer abnormalities. When an abnormality occurs in the data transfer as described above, the latest information of the main body 100 is transmitted to the communication control unit 900.
Can not be sent to.

Therefore, when such data transfer abnormality has continued for a certain period of time, the fact can be automatically reported as shown in FIG. 7 and the host computer 999 at the management base can recognize it.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (1) to (8) indicate each step.
Further, the communication control unit 900 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus main body 100 to the communication control unit 900.
For example, "01H, 05H, 02H, 08H,
FFH ”is transmitted. Where 0
1H indicates a command type, 05H indicates a length indicating a data length, 02H indicates a parameter of the command, 08H indicates checksum data obtained by summing data values, and FFH is a delimiter indicating the end of data. is there.

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

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is NO (if the received data is abnormal), the code
AK is responded (3). Next, it is determined whether or not the timer count value of the timer 1 has reached, for example, 1 minute (4). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, it is determined whether or not a data abnormality has already been reported (5). , YE
If S, the process is terminated; if NO, the external management host computer 999 is notified that a data transfer error has occurred (6), and the process is terminated.

It should be noted that the timer 1 has a value of 100 as shown in FIG.
Clock processing is executed in the ms timer interrupt routine (1).

Further, the main body 100 and the communication control means 900
In communication between the two, data processing is performed in such a form that the main body 100 sends a command and the communication control means 900 replies, so that data from the main body 100 is transmitted to the communication control means 9.
If the information is not transmitted to 00, the latest information of the main unit 100 cannot be known by the communication control means 900. At this time, it is conceivable that the main body 100 is abnormal or the interface section is disconnected.

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

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data transfer processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not a command has been transmitted from the main body 100 (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (5) to execute the received command and execute a timer process shown in FIG. The timer 2 to be counted up is cleared, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether the timer count value of the timer 2 has reached, for example, 1 minute (2). If NO, the process is terminated.
If YES, it is determined whether a data error has already been reported (3). If YES, the process is terminated. If NO, an external management destination host computer 999 is notified that a data transfer error has occurred ( 4), end the process.

Incidentally, the timer 2 is set to 10 as shown in FIG.
The time counting process is executed by a timer interrupt routine of 0 ms (1).

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

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the first paper jam information clearing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the current status of the main body is reported from the main body 100 (1). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the current status of the main body is set to the outside in the communication control means 900. It is determined whether the condition for automatically transferring the management data is satisfied (2). If NO, the process is terminated, and if YES, the management data is transferred to the external host computer 999 via the public line 908 ( 3) It is determined whether or not the management data transfer has been completed normally (4). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the paper jam information held in the RAM 903 or the like in the communication control means 900 is cleared ( 5), end the processing.

The current state of the image forming apparatus, such as the power ON / OFF state of the main body 100, whether or not an image can be formed, the number of images to be formed, and whether or not an image is being formed, is always reported to the communication control means 900. In addition, it reports the occurrence of a paper jam and the occurrence of an abnormality that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation.

The communication control means 900 has a predetermined transfer condition. For example, if it is set to report when an abnormality occurs, the data is automatically transferred to the outside when the main body 100 reports an abnormality. And Here, the data to be transferred is common data including the image forming apparatus ID, the transfer reason, the paper jam history, the detailed counter for each color and the size, and the like regardless of the reason for the transfer. The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a total number of images to be formed at the time of occurrence and a paper jam code.
Each time there is a report of a paper jam occurrence, the data stored in the communication control means 900 up to a maximum of 30 pieces are added.

The transfer conditions are as follows: when an abnormality occurs, every time a paper jam occurs a set number of times, and when paper jams of the same paper jam code occur consecutively. Hereinafter, FIG.
The paper jam information clear processing during image formation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the second paper jam information clearing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) show each step.

First, it is determined whether the main body 100 reports that a paper jam has occurred during the image forming operation (1).
If the determination is NO, the process is terminated. If the determination is YES, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has occurred for the number of times set in the above-described transfer conditions or the data transfer such as a paper jam occurrence condition of the same paper jam code has been met (2). If YES, the process is terminated. If YES, the common data is transferred to the external host computer 999 via the public line 908 (3), and after the data transfer is executed, the paper jam information held in the communication control means 900 is deleted. Clear (4) and end the process.

The transfer conditions are as described above when an abnormality occurs, when a paper jam of the same paper jam code occurs continuously every time the paper jam occurs a preset number of times, or when an external request is made. In this case, when the above-mentioned common data is transferred by the judgment of the communication control means 900, it is possible to set in advance to transfer to any management base A among a plurality of management bases. After the transfer, the paper jam information in the communication control means 900 can be cleared and a paper jam history of the image forming apparatus can be created at the predetermined management base A. When the paper jam information in the communication control means 900 is cleared after the transfer in response to the request from the outside is completed, if the request is made from another management base B outside, the management base A , A situation occurs in which a paper jam history cannot be created.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, when data is transferred from the communication control means 900, the paper jam information clearing process in the communication control means 900 is controlled based on the subject of the data transfer request. Thus, it is possible to manage a paper jam history at a specific management site A.

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

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

Note that a configuration may be made in which it is possible to select whether to clear the paper jam information in the communication control means 900 when a data transfer request is made from the outside.

Further, when the CPU 801 determines that a paper jam has occurred during the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100, the generated paper jam code, the occurrence time, the current total image formation number, and the like are transmitted via the interfaces 805 and 907. The paper jam information is transferred to the RAM 903 of the communication control unit.
The RAM 903 holds such paper jam information.

Then, the CPU 901 makes a transfer condition determination based on a predetermined transfer condition, and if it is determined that a report should be made, the modem 905, the NCU 9
06 to the external host computer 999. At this time, the data to be transferred is the ID of the image forming apparatus,
It is composed of the reason for transfer, paper jam information, the number of detailed images formed by color, size, and the like.

Therefore, the same paper jam history information may be managed so that the external host computer 999 manages the paper jam information of the main body 100.

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

First, at the time of image formation by the main body 100, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has been detected (1). If NO, the processing is terminated. If YES, the transmission data holding unit stores the paper jam. Corresponding paper jam code,
Paper jam information such as the time of occurrence and the total number of image formed at that time is transmitted and stored in, for example, the RAM 903 (2).

Then, the transfer condition judging section judges whether or not a paper jam of the same paper jam code has occurred before (3). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the number of times is counted. It is determined whether or not the number of times exceeds a predetermined number (4). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the communication control means 900 causes the modem 905,
An external host computer 999 via the NCU 906
(5).

Then, after the transfer is completed, the paper jam information having the paper jam code that meets the current condition is cleared from the paper jam information stored in the RAM 903 (6), and the process ends.

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

First, at the time of image formation by the main body 100, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has been detected (1). If NO, the processing is terminated. If YES, the transmission data holding unit stores the paper jam. Corresponding paper jam code,
Paper jam information such as the time of occurrence and the total number of image formed at that time is transmitted and stored in, for example, the RAM 903 (2). Then, the transfer condition determining unit determines whether or not a paper jam of the same paper jam code has occurred before (3). If NO, the process is terminated. And the total number of image formations when a paper jam of the same code has occurred last time is determined, and it is determined whether the value is equal to or less than a predetermined number (4). Y
In the case of ES, the communication control means 900 sets the modem 905, NCU
The paper jam information is transferred to the external host computer 999 via 906 (5). And after the transfer ends,
Among the paper jam information held in the RAM 903, among the paper jam information having a paper jam code that matches the current transfer condition, the information other than the latest information is cleared (6).
The process ends.

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

First, at the time of image formation by the main body 100, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has been detected (1). If NO, the processing is terminated. If YES, the transmission data holding unit stores the paper jam. Corresponding paper jam code,
Paper jam information such as the time of occurrence and the total number of image formed at that time is transmitted and stored in, for example, the RAM 903 (2).

Then, in the transfer condition judging section, it is judged whether or not a paper jam of the same paper jam code has occurred before (3). If NO, the processing is ended. And the time when a paper jam of the same code occurred last time is determined, and it is determined whether or not the value is equal to or less than a predetermined time (4), and NO
If YES, the process is terminated; if YES, the communication control means 900
Transfers the paper jam information to the external host computer 999 via the modem 905 and the NCU 906 (5).

After the completion of the transfer, of the paper jam information held in the RAM 903, of the paper jam information having a paper jam code that matches the current transfer condition,
The information other than the latest information is cleared (6), and the process ends.

In the above embodiment, the host computer 999 of the external management base communicates with the main body 100 to
The host computer 999 collectively controls the various main units 100.
Although the case of monitoring and managing the operation status of the management type has been described, the information corresponding to the external management base corresponding to each management type is
For example, the transfer may be configured as shown in FIG.

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

In the figure, reference numerals 999A to 999C denote host computers provided at each of the management bases 1 to 3, and the host computer 999A is provided mainly in an area relatively close to the main body 100, and is used for image formation such as occurrence of abnormality or frequent occurrence of jam. When a failure related to the function occurs, the operation state of the main body is monitored and managed, and dispatch of a service person or the like is requested for trouble of the main body 100.

Further, the host computer 999B mainly manages the number of copies in the main body 100, calculates the copy fee, manages the balance of money, etc., and prompts the issuance of a bill or the like. Further, the host computer 999C mainly executes the main unit 1 based on the detailed information (various sensor output information) transferred from the main unit 100.
The main management of failure diagnosis, failure prediction, etc. of 00 is comprehensively managed, and an instruction is given to prompt the replacement of the main parts of the main body 100.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the management bases are distributed in three places for each function processing. However, the number of management bases is not limited to three, and the number of management bases is not limited to three. The system may be constructed such that the function processing of each host computer is performed on behalf of each other as the system goes down during this time, or the function processing of each host computer is transferred. Further, the number of host computers at each management base is not limited to one.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, during the image forming sequence by the image forming means (main body 100), the second control means (communication control means 900) and the first control means
At the time of data transfer with the control means (control means 800), the detection means (CP) in a state where each information is transferred from the first control means and held in the data holding means (RAM 903).
U901) detects the transfer condition for each piece of information, and the second control means controls each external device (host computer 999A to 999C) based on the transfer condition satisfaction state for each piece of information detected by the detection means. By controlling the selective transfer of information, each external device can independently and efficiently manage each information transferred from various image forming units. Hereinafter, the basic data communication processing operation will be described.

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

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

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

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

As shown in this figure, the software of the main body 100 is divided into a plurality of tasks for each function, and simultaneously executes the respective operations under the control of the real-time monitor. Tasks, motor control tasks, etc. The communication with the communication control unit 900 is also realized by one such task, the communication task. As described above, the management bases are dispersedly arranged for each function processing, and are arranged in three places in the present embodiment. The management base 1 manages the function failure of the image forming apparatus, and the management base 2 manages the number of copies. The management base 3 is in charge of managing the state of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the communication task shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) to (9) show each step.

First, the main body 100 constantly monitors the outputs of various sensors during the image forming operation to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (7). The commands shown are individually created, and the process proceeds to step (6).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether a jam (paper jam or the like) has occurred based on the output of the conveyance state monitoring sensor (2), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (8). Then, a command indicating that fact is created individually, and the process proceeds to step (6).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is NO, it is determined whether or not the number of copies has changed (3).
If it is ES, the process proceeds to step (9), a command to that effect is individually created, and the process proceeds to step (6).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is NO, the values of various sensors arranged at predetermined positions in the main body 100 are acquired (4), and commands corresponding to each are created individually. (5) Transmit to the communication control means 900 by serial communication (for example, RS232C).

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

When receiving a command from the main unit 100 (1), the communication control means 900 analyzes the received command and determines whether or not it should be transmitted to the host (2).
If O, the process returns to step (1) to wait for the next command reception.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is YES, a determination is made based on a command for transmitting a management base to be transmitted (3), and a telephone number is transmitted to each of the corresponding management bases 1-3. Then, the data is transferred after the security check (4), and the process returns to the step (1) to wait for the reception of the next command. [Data Transfer to First Management Base] When a failure related to the image forming function such as an abnormality or a frequent occurrence of jams occurs in the main body 100, the detected abnormality information is transferred to the transfer management base destination determination processing in the image processing. The transmission is performed to the base 1 (installed in an area relatively close to the main body 100) that manages the dysfunction, that is, the host computer 999A.

As a result, a flexible trouble follow-up such as dispatch of a serviceman for troubles of the main body 100 becomes possible. [Data Transfer to Second Management Base] The main body 100 internally stores various copy counters, detects that they have been updated, and, for example, when the number of copies exceeds a prescribed value. Transmits the detected number-of-copies information to the management base 2 for the number of copies, ie, the host computer 999B, in the transfer management base destination determination process. Then, the host computer 999B executes necessary business processing based on the copy number information.

Thus, regular visits to each user are not required. [Data Transfer to Third Management Base] In the main body 100, when the values of various sensors and each image formation control timing deviate from the normal operation range, the detected detailed information is used for the transfer management base destination determination processing. The number of copies is transmitted to the management base 3, that is, the host computer 999C. The host computer 999C includes
Based on the detailed information transferred from the server, complicated decisions such as failure diagnosis and failure prediction of each main body are performed.

As a result, the host computer 999C
Can monitor image forming apparatuses installed in a wide area, and can perform advanced and comprehensive management such as a failure occurrence rate of each unit depending on a model.

[0128]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, the second control means for controlling the data transfer between the first control means and an external device, and the first control means And a data holding unit for holding the paper jam information transferred to the second control unit during image formation from the control unit, wherein the second control unit is held by the data holding unit. Since the transfer of the data held in the data holding unit to the external device is controlled based on the frequency of occurrence of the paper jam information, the external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information.

According to the second invention, the first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means,
Control means for controlling data transfer between the first control means and an external device, and holding and storing paper jam information transferred from the first control means to the second control means during image formation Data holding means, and a counting means for sequentially counting the number of image formations accompanying the execution of the image forming sequence of the image forming means, and when the data holding means holds paper jam information having the same paper jam code, The second control means transfers desired data held in the data holding means to the external device on the basis of the difference between the number of image formation sheets counted by the counting means at the time of the current and previous paper jams. Since control is performed, the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs when the number of sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined number can be managed by the external device.

According to the third invention, the first control means for controlling the image forming sequence of the image forming means, and the first control means
And control means for controlling data transfer with an external device, and paper jam information transferred from the first control means to the second control means during image formation. A data holding means and a management means for managing the current time are provided, and when the second control means holds the paper jam information having the same paper jam recode in the data holding means, the management means manages the current time. And the transfer of the data held in the data holding means to the external device is controlled based on a time difference between the time and the previous paper jam occurrence time. Can be managed by an external device.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling image forming means and a second control means for controlling data transfer between external devices. A data holding step of holding the paper jam information transferred from the first control means to the second control means during image formation in the data holding means; and Transferring the data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the frequency of occurrence of the same paper jam information held in the means, so that the external device manages the history of the same paper jam information. be able to.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling image forming means and a second control means for controlling data transfer between external devices. A data holding step of causing the data holding means to hold the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the first control means; A counting step of counting the number of image formed sheets; and a second step when the data holding means holds paper jam information having the same paper jam code.
A transfer step of transferring the data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the difference between the number of image formations counted in the counting step and the time of the previous paper jam occurrence. Therefore, the external device can manage the history of the same paper jam information that frequently occurs when the number of sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined number.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling image forming means and a second control means for controlling data transfer between external devices. A data holding step of holding the paper jam information transferred from the first control means to the second control means during image formation in the data holding means; a management step of managing a current time; In the case where the control means (2) holds the paper jam information having the same paper jam recode in the data holding means, the data holding is performed based on the time difference between the present time and the previous paper jam occurrence time managed in the management step. Transferring the data held in the means to the external device, so that the external device can manage the history of the same jam information that frequently occurs before a predetermined time elapses. .

Therefore, the external device remotely located can accurately diagnose the current operation status based on the collected operation status information of each image forming apparatus, and can promptly and smoothly perform the operation on each image forming apparatus. It has the effect of being able to carry out various service tasks.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a control unit and a communication control unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit provided on an upper surface of the main body shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19 is a diagram illustrating a program task structure for explaining a system operation in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 17;

20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure of the communication task illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation of the communication control unit illustrated in FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 image forming apparatus main body 800 control means 900 communication control means 901 CPU 903 RAM 999 host computer

Claims (6)

[Claims] A first control unit for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming unit; a second control unit for controlling data transfer between the first control unit and an external device; and the first control. Means for holding the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the means, and the same paper held by the data holding means. An image forming apparatus configured to control transfer of data held in the data holding unit to the external device based on a frequency of occurrence of clogging information. 2. A first control unit for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming unit; a second control unit for controlling data transfer between the first control unit and an external device; and the first control. Data holding means for holding and storing the paper talk information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the means; and a counting means for sequentially counting the number of image formations accompanying the execution of the image forming sequence of the image forming means. Means for storing the paper jam information having the same paper jam code in the data holding means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that transfer of desired data held in the data holding means to the external device is controlled based on a difference number of sheets. 3. A first control unit for controlling an image forming sequence of the image forming unit, a second control unit for controlling data transfer with the first control unit or an external device, and the first control. Means for holding paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the means, and management means for managing a current time, wherein the second control means When the holding means holds paper jam information having the same paper jam code, the data held in the data holding means is based on the time difference between the current time and the last paper jam occurrence time managed by the management means. An image forming apparatus configured to control the transfer to the external device. 4. An abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling an image forming means and a second control means for controlling a data transfer between an external device and said first control means. A data holding step of holding the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the control means in the data holding means; and a data holding step in which the second control means is held in the data holding means. Transferring the data held in the data holding means to the external device based on the frequency of occurrence of paper jam information. 5. An abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling an image forming means and a second control means for controlling a data transfer between an external device and said first control means. A data holding step of holding the paper jam information transferred from the control means to the second control means to the second control means in the data holding means; and counting the number of image formations involved in the image forming processing of the image forming means. A counting step; and when the data holding means holds jam information having the same jam code, the second control means counts the number of image formed sheets counted by the counting step at the time of the current and previous jams. Transferring the data held in the data holding means to the external device on the basis of the difference number. 6. An abnormality notification method in a communication control device having a first control means for controlling an image forming means and a second control means for controlling a data transfer between an external device and said first control means. A data holding step of holding the paper jam information transferred to the second control means during image formation from the control means in the data holding means, a management step of managing a current time, and the second control means When the paper holding information having the same paper jam code is held in the data holding unit, the data holding unit holds the paper jam information based on a time difference between the present time and the previous time of the paper jam occurrence managed in the management step. Transferring the data to the external device.