JP2002036673A - Imaging apparatus, its information transmitting method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an imaging apparatus employing a plurality of information storing media in which read/write operation of the information storing medium is prevented from being interrupted or information is prevented from not being transmitted. SOLUTION: Information is communicated between a plurality of noncontact memory cards and an imaging apparatus. More specifically, data from the driver of a memory card, i.e., a card reader, is demodulated through a demodulator 202 and written in a memory circuit 204 before being modulated by a modulator 201 and transmitted to the body of the imaging apparatus. When the card reader is accessing one memory card, access operation to other memory card is prohibited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using a non-contact type information storage medium for transmitting and receiving data by electromagnetic waves, an information transmission method thereof, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information storage medium of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a contact type is often used. This contact type is for exchanging signals by inserting pins into a connector. By increasing the number of pins, it is possible to increase the signal transfer width, and it is possible to read and write information at high speed. There is. However, on the other hand, since the contact portion for exchanging signals is exposed, problems such as poor contact due to contamination, bending of the pin, and the like, and reduction in insertion / removal resistance due to downsizing of the pin are likely to occur.

On the other hand, the non-contact type does not have the above-mentioned problem because the conductor is not exposed, and is advantageous particularly in use in a dirty environment. It is becoming. As means for supplying power and transmitting and receiving signals in this non-contact type storage medium, those using light, electromagnetic coupling, radio waves, and the like have been proposed.
In consideration of cost, power consumption, etc., the electromagnetic coupling type is mostly used.

In the field of OA equipment, adjustment data in each unit such as a copying machine and a printer engine is stored in the above-mentioned non-contact type information storage medium, and is read out to perform various controls. As described above, practical application in various parts is being studied.

For example, adjustment values and set values of each unit of a copying machine (initial values such as drum sensitivity in a photosensitive drum unit, initial values of a developer in a developing unit, laser power adjustment values and offset values in a laser unit, a paper cassette unit) Paper size setting value and paper capacity volume adjustment value, operation unit unit setting value (touch panel coordinate adjustment value, user mode, various error / JAM history and other backup values, etc.), transfer unit paper position adjustment value, and more The output adjustment value of the sensor) is stored in a non-contact type information storage medium belonging to each unit. Each of these units has an adjustment value or an initial value for each unit, and the value depends on the unit.

Conventionally, all of the adjustment values and the like for each of the above units are stored in a storage medium (such as a backup RAM in a copying machine) outside the unit. Therefore, if the unit is replaced or if the unit is externally stored. When the value of the medium is cleared, it is necessary to input the adjustment value and the like again from the operation unit. Therefore, a method of arranging a storage medium in each unit and reading out the stored value with a reader / writer is a very effective means for preventing troublesome input and input errors.

[0007]

By the way, in the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, for example, a non-contact storage medium storing set values for each unit in a copying machine is arranged as described above. In this case, a reader / writer is similarly arranged around the storage medium to read the information.

At the time of reading and writing information,
Information is transmitted between the reader / writer and the isolated storage medium by skipping radio waves.However, if information is transmitted between multiple reader / writers and multiple memories at once, malfunction occurs and normal information is transmitted. There may be a possibility that the transmission will not be performed. That is, when radio waves are simultaneously communicated between a plurality of reader / writers and a plurality of storage media arranged in the vicinity, the operation may not be guaranteed.

Further, since a memory such as a RAM which is an information storage medium which can be normally read and written is volatile, the stored contents at that time are cleared when the power is turned off. Therefore, when a trouble such as a paper jam (JAM) or an error occurs, data such as an error code or a jam code is stored in the backup RAM so that the occurrence history can be recognized. Various process parameters and job modes are not normally backed up. The backup RAM is also usually mounted on a board such as a controller, and a serviceman needs a tool such as a personal computer to check the contents. It took time and effort, such as copying data.

[0010] Further, in most cases, details such as the occurrence situation when a trouble occurs are not known at the user's site, and a service person directly interviews the user to determine the occurrence pattern and confirm the reproduction of the phenomenon. It took time and effort. For this reason, there has been a problem that feedback of information when a trouble occurs is delayed, and prompt troubles cannot be dealt with.

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 prevent a reading and writing operation of a storage medium from being interrupted or a transmission error from occurring. An object of the present invention is to ensure that read / write processing is performed.

Further, when a trouble such as a jam or an error occurs, it is possible to know a detailed situation at the time of the trouble occurrence. The purpose is to enable troubleshooting.

[0013]

An image forming apparatus, an information transmission method thereof, and a storage medium according to the present invention are configured as follows.

(1) A plurality of information storage media, a driver for accessing the information storage media and transmitting information to and from an external device, and the driver accesses an arbitrary information storage medium. A control means is sometimes provided to prohibit the driver from accessing another information storage medium.

(2) A plurality of information storage media, a plurality of drivers for accessing the information storage media to transmit information to and from an external device, and an arbitrary driver accessing one information storage medium Control means for prohibiting each driver from accessing another information storage medium during the operation.

(3) In the above (1) or (2),
The information storage medium is an IC card, and the driver is a reader / writer that reads and writes information on the IC card.

(4) A non-contact type information storage medium, a driver for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information between the image forming apparatus main body, and a process parameter required for image formation. Control means for storing the information in the information storage medium for each forming process is provided.

(5) In the above (4), the process parameters include at least any one of the control data of the toner density, the control data of the potential of the photosensitive drum, the laser output data, the environmental data, and the shading data of the image sensor. To have.

(6) A non-contact type information storage medium, a driver for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and a mode setting parameter of the image forming job. Control means for storing the information in the information storage medium for each job is provided.

(7) In the above (4) or (5),
There is provided control means for storing the mode setting parameter of the image forming job in the information storage medium for each job.

(8) In any one of the above (4) to (7), the information storage medium is a ferroelectric memory.

(9) In any one of the above (4) to (8), a control means for storing error information in an information storage medium when an error occurs is provided.

(10) In any one of the above (4) to (9), when a jam occurs, a control means for storing the jam information in an information storage medium is provided.

(11) In any one of the above items (4) to (10), the information storage medium is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

(12) In the information transmission method for an image forming apparatus using a plurality of information storage media, a driver for accessing the information storage media and transmitting information to / from an external device may include an arbitrary information storage medium. The driver is prohibited from accessing other information storage media when accessing the driver.

(13) In the information transmission method of an image forming apparatus using a plurality of information storage media, any one of a plurality of drivers for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information to / from an external device. When a driver is accessing one information storage medium, each driver is prohibited from accessing another information storage medium.

(14) In the above (12) or (13), the information storage medium is an IC card, and the driver is the IC card.
The reader / writer for reading and writing the information on the C card was used.

(15) In an information transmission method for an image forming apparatus using a non-contact type information storage medium, the information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body and to perform image formation. Necessary process parameters are stored in the information storage medium for each image forming process.

(16) The process parameters include at least one of control data of toner density, control data of photosensitive drum potential, laser output data, environmental data, and shading data of the image sensor.

(17) In an information transmitting method of an image forming apparatus using a non-contact type information storage medium, the information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and the image forming job Is stored in the information storage medium for each job.

(18) In the above (15) or (16), the mode setting parameter of the image forming job is stored in the information storage medium for each job.

(19) In any one of the above (15) to (18), the information storage medium is a ferroelectric memory.

(20) In any one of the above (15) to (19), when an error occurs, the error information is stored in the information storage medium.

(21) In any one of the above (15) to (20), when a jam occurs, the jam information is stored in the information storage medium.

(22) When a driver for accessing a plurality of information storage media and transmitting information to / from an external device is accessing an arbitrary information storage medium, another information storage medium of the driver may be used. Stored a program to prohibit access to.

(23) When an arbitrary driver among a plurality of drivers for accessing a plurality of information storage media and transmitting information to and from an external device is accessing one information storage medium, A program for prohibiting the driver from accessing other information storage media is stored.

(24) A non-contact type information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and process parameters necessary for image formation are stored in the information storage medium for each image forming process. The program for storing was stored.

(25) The non-contact type information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and the mode setting parameters of the image forming job are stored in the information storage medium for each job. The program for making it memorize was stored.

(26) In the above (24) or (25), a program for storing error information in an information storage medium when an error occurs is stored.

(27) In any one of the above (24) to (26), a program for storing jam information in an information storage medium when a jam occurs is stored.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, the configurations of a non-contact type memory and a reader / writer for transmitting and receiving data will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a memory card which is a non-contact type information storage medium. This memory card includes a base 100 made of a resin material or the like and an antenna (coil) portion 102 formed in a loop shape.
And an integrated circuit 101 connected to the antenna (coil) unit 102 is embedded.

When an external magnetic field generated from a card reader or the like enters the antenna (coil) section 102, an induced current flows through the antenna (coil) section 102 due to the external magnetic field, and the induced current causes data in the memory of the integrated circuit 101 to be stored. Of the integrated circuit 101, and the induced current also serves as a power supply for the integrated circuit 101.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of the memory card, and mainly shows the internal blocks of the integrated circuit 101. Here, the signal transmitted from the card reader is received by the antenna (coil) unit 102, the power supply unit 203 generates power for operating the integrated circuit 101, and the demodulator 202 demodulates the received data. Performs conversion, rewriting, or erasing of data in the memory circuit 204. Also, the memory circuit 204
The data read from is modulated by the modulator 201 and transmitted to the card reader side.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the card reader 300 described above. The signal modulated by the modulator 302 based on the control signal of the processor 301 is output to the divider 3.
04 from the antenna 305,
The signal received from the antenna 305 enters the demodulator 303 via the distributor 304, where it is demodulated and
01 is sent.

In this embodiment, a plurality of IC cards are used as the memory card, and the card reader 300 is a driver for reading and writing information of the IC card. Is configured to be transmitted.

The card reader 300 is configured as a reader / writer. Under the control of the processor (control means) 301, access to any memory card is prohibited while accessing any memory card.

Next, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus equipped with the non-contact type memory card in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure of a digital color copying machine according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a digital color image reader is provided on the upper part,
An image processing unit 700 is provided between the printer unit 600 and the printer unit 600.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 denotes an automatic document feeder serving as a document feeder, which feeds the placed documents one by one to a predetermined position on the glass surface 31 of the platen glass 30. When a document is fed and placed on the glass surface 31 by the document feeding device 400, the scanner 32 reciprocates in a predetermined direction, and reflected light from the document is reflected by mirrors 32a, 32b, and 32.
The light is condensed on the full-color sensor 34 integrally formed with the RGB three-color separation filter by the lens 33 via c, and a color separation image analog signal is obtained.

The color-separated image analog signal is converted to a corresponding digital signal through an amplifier circuit (not shown), subjected to necessary image processing in an image processing unit 700, and sent to a printer unit 600. .

In the printer section 600, the photosensitive drum 1, which is an image carrier, is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Around the photosensitive drum 1, a pre-exposure lamp 11,
Corona charger 2, laser exposure optical system 3, potential sensor 1
2, four developing devices 4y, 4c, 4m, 4Bk, a light amount detection sensor 13 for detecting the light amount of the drum, a transfer device 5, and a cleaning device 6 are arranged.

In the laser exposure optical system 3, the reader unit 5
The image signal from 00 is converted into an optical signal by a laser output unit (not shown). The converted laser light is reflected by a polygon mirror 3a, and then passes through a lens 3b and a mirror 3c. Projected to

When an image is formed by the printer unit 600,
The photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the surface of the drum is neutralized by a pre-exposure lamp 11, and then uniformly charged by a charger 2, and then a light image E is irradiated for each separation color to form a latent image. Form.

Next, a predetermined developing device is operated to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner image having a resin as a base on the photosensitive drum. At that time, the developing device is mounted on the eccentric cam 24.
The operation of y, 24c, 24m, and 24Bk allows the photosensitive drum 1 to be brought closer to the photosensitive drum 1 in accordance with each separation color.

The developed toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred from the recording material cassette 7a, the intermediate tray 22 or the recording material trays 7b and 7c, and the manual feed tray 7m to the photosensitive drum 1 via the transfer system and the transfer device 5. The image is transferred to the recording material 7 supplied to the facing position.

The transfer device 5 of this embodiment includes a transfer drum 5a as a recording material holding means, a transfer charger 5b, a suction roller 5g opposed to a suction charger 5c for electrostatically holding the recording material 7, an inner charging device. Device 5d, an outer charger 5e,
A transfer sheet 5f, which is a recording material carrying sheet made of a dielectric material, is integrally stretched in a cylindrical shape in a peripheral opening area of the transfer drum 5a that is rotatably supported.

As the transfer sheet 5f, a dielectric sheet such as a polycarbonate film is used.

Then, as the transfer device 5 on the drum, that is, the transfer drum 5a is rotated, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred onto the recording material 7 carried on the transfer sheet 5f by the transfer charger 5b.

As described above, the desired color image is transferred to the recording material 7 sucked and conveyed to the transfer sheet 5f, and a full-color image is formed. For full-color image formation,
The recording material 7 on which the transfer of the four-color toner image has been completed in this manner.
Is transferred from the transfer drum 5a by the action of the separation claw 8a, the separation push-up roller 8b, and the separation charger 5h.
And is discharged to a tray 10 via a fixing device 9 having a heat roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

On the other hand, after the transfer, the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to the image forming process again after the residual toner on the surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 6.

When an image is formed on both sides of the recording material 7, the recording material 7 having an image formed on one surface is discharged from the fixing device 9, and then the conveyance bus switching guide 23 is immediately driven to record the image. After the material 7 is once guided to the transport bus 20, it is retracted by the reverse rotation of the reversing roller 21 b in a direction opposite to the direction in which the material 7 is fed, with the rear end of the material 7 being fed, and stored in the intermediate tray 22. Thereafter, an image is formed on the other surface again by the above-described image forming step.

Further, in order to prevent scattering of powder on the transfer sheet 5f of the transfer drum 5 and adhesion of oil on the recording material 7, the fur brush 14 and the fur backup brush opposed to each other via the transfer sheet 5f. Fifteen
The cleaning is performed by using the oil cleaning roller 16 and the oil cleaning backup brush 17 facing each other via the transfer sheet 5f, and the polishing roller 18 and the polishing roller backup brush 19 facing each other via the transfer sheet 5f.

Such cleaning is performed before or after image formation, and is performed as needed when a jam (paper jam) occurs. In the present embodiment, the gap between the recording material carrying sheet 5f and the photosensitive drum 1 is reduced by operating the eccentric cam 25 at a desired timing and operating the cam followers 5i and 5j integrated with the transfer drum 5a. It can be set arbitrarily. For example, the interval between the transfer drum 5a and the photosensitive drum 1 is increased during standby or when the power is turned off.

In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1,
Laser exposure optical system 3, potential sensor 12, each color developing unit 4
y, 4c, 4m, and 4Bk, the light amount detection sensor 13, the transfer device 5, the recording material cassette 7a, the recording material trays 7b and 7c, and an operation unit (not shown). A plurality of reader / writers 300 for each memory for transmitting / receiving data to / from this memory are arranged inside the copying machine.

For example, in the laser unit, the adjustment data of the laser power is used, and in the developing unit, the initial data of the developer, the initial output value of the toner density sensor, and the like required for the toner density control are used. These data are read or rewritten as needed during the image forming sequence and used for sequence control.

In FIG. 4, 9c and 9d are heat rollers 9a.
, 9e and 9f indicate rotating shafts of the heat roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b, and 9g indicates a transport belt. Also,
Reference numerals 21a and 26 denote refeed trays, and reference numerals 51 and 52 denote paper detection sensors.

Next, data transmission / reception control of the non-contact memory of the memory card according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control processing shown in this flowchart and the flowcharts in FIGS. 6 and 7 described later are executed by the processor 301 of the card reader 300 according to a program stored in advance.

FIG. 5 shows a reader / writer (card reader 30).
It is a flowchart which shows the access control operation to non-contact memory of 0). As described above, in this embodiment,
When there are a plurality of non-contact memories accessed by one reader / writer, control is performed so that access to other memories is basically prohibited.

In FIG. 5, when a copy operation is started to read / write data stored in the non-contact memory, if there are a plurality of non-contact memories accessing one reader / writer, the reader / writer is accessed. A non-contact memory is specified (step S101). Then, the state of a memory access flag indicating whether or not a memory read / write process is being performed between the reader / writer and the non-contact memory is determined (step S102).

If the memory access flag is OFF, it is possible to access the non-contact memory.
Data transmission / reception to / from the memory specified in step S101 can be performed. On the other hand, if this flag is ON, data transmission / reception processing is being performed between another non-contact memory and the reader / writer, and the specified non-contact memory cannot be accessed. In this case, the data transmission / reception process is connected to the waiting queue (step S103), and the memory access process is in a waiting state until the currently ongoing data transmission / reception process ends.

At step S102, the flag is turned off.
If so, the access flag is turned on (step S10).
4) A memory read / write access process is performed between the reader / writer and the non-contact memory (step S105).
Then, when the access to the non-contact memory is completed, the access flag is turned off (step S106), and it is determined in step S103 whether or not the access to the non-contact memory is queued (step S107).

If the waiting queue does not exist, the process is terminated. If the waiting queue exists, the waiting of the head queue is released (step S108), and the process returns to step S104. repeat. This process is executed until there is no waiting queue.

As described above, by controlling access to the designated non-contact memory, access to another non-contact memory can be performed while read / write processing to the designated non-contact memory is being performed. By not performing this, it is possible to prevent the memory read / write operation from being interrupted or causing a transmission error, and to reliably execute the memory read / write process.

(Second Embodiment) The first embodiment described above is
This shows an example of memory access control when there is a single reader / writer and a plurality of non-contact memories that perform reading and writing using the reader / writer.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that memory access control is performed when there are a plurality of sets of a plurality of reader / writers and a non-contact memory which performs reading and writing using the reader / writers.

The other configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of controlling access to the non-contact memory of the reader / writer. In the present embodiment, the memory access control when there are a plurality of sets of non-contact memories that access the reader / writer is basically controlled to prohibit other memory accesses.

In FIG. 6, when a copy operation is started to read / write data stored in the non-contact memory, if there are a plurality of sets of the non-contact memory to be accessed, the reader / writer to be used is Specify (step S201). Then, the state of a memory access flag indicating whether or not a memory read / write process is being performed between another reader / writer and the non-contact memory is determined (step S202).

If the memory access flag is OFF, the designated reader / writer can access the non-contact memory, and can transmit / receive data to / from the corresponding memory. On the other hand, if this flag is ON, another reader / writer is performing data transmission / reception processing with another contactless memory, and cannot access the contactless memory. In this case, the memory access process is connected to a waiting queue of the data transmission / reception process (step S203), and the memory access process is in a waiting state until the currently ongoing data transmission / reception process ends.

At step S202, the state of the flag is OFF.
If so, the access flag is turned on (step S20).
4) A memory read / write access process is performed between the reader / writer and the non-contact memory designated in step S201 (step S205). When the access to the non-contact memory is completed, the access flag is turned off (step S206), and it is determined in step S203 whether another reader / writer is connected to the non-contact memory access waiting queue (step S203). Step S207).

If the waiting queue does not exist, the process is terminated. If the waiting queue exists, the waiting of the head queue is released (step S208), and the process returns to step S204. repeat. This process is executed until there is no waiting queue.

In this way, by controlling the access of the designated reader / writer to the non-contact memory, while the designated reader / writer is performing the read / write processing to the non-contact memory, the other reader / writer is controlled. By preventing the writer from accessing other non-contact memory, the current read / write operation to the memory can be prevented from being interrupted or transmission errors can be prevented, and the memory read / write processing can be performed reliably. It is possible to do.

(Third Embodiment) Also in this embodiment, although not shown, a reader / writer for mounting the above-mentioned non-contact memory (memory card) on the operation unit and transmitting and receiving data to and from the non-contact memory (Card reader 300) is arranged inside the copying machine. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, and thus description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, a ferroelectric memory is used as a non-contact memory, and process parameters required for image formation are stored in the memory for each image forming process. The process parameters include at least one of control data of toner density, control data of photoconductor drum potential, laser output data, environmental data, and shading data of an image sensor such as a CCD.

Further, control is performed such that the mode setting parameters of the image forming job are stored in the memory for each job, and further, when an error or a jam occurs, the error information and the jam information are also stored in the memory. It is.

Next, the data storage control of the non-contact memory in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the data storage control operation of the contactless memory. In the present embodiment, a non-contact memory access is performed by a reader / writer, and control is performed so as to read / write data.

In FIG. 7, when the copy operation is started, first, the mode setting parameters of the copy job are stored in the memory (step S301). The mode setting parameters specifically include the set number (the number of copies), magnification, color mode, paper size, paper feed location, and functions (for example, reduced layout, OHP insertion, double-sided, sort / staple, etc.). Finishing process, etc.).
Then, with these settings, the mode used by the user can be confirmed.

Next, paper information such as paper size, paper type, paper feed location, etc. is stored. (Step S302). The reason why the sheet information is stored again here is that the sheet information may change during the job in ACC (automatic paper cassette selection), OHP insertion, cover / insert mode, and the like. Thereafter, process parameters such as environment data, density control data, and photosensitive drum potential control data used during image formation are stored (step S303).
With this data, it is possible to confirm changes in density data, photosensitive drum potential data, and the like for each image formation.

If a trouble such as a jam or an error occurs during image formation (steps S304 and S3)
06, and the information is stored. For example, when a jam occurs, the jam code, the number of output sheets at that time, and the jam information indicating the total number of the jammed paper are stored in the memory (step S305). Similarly, when an error occurs, an error code, the number of output sheets at that time, and error information indicating the total number of error occurrence locations are stored in a memory (step S306). With this information, it is possible to confirm the details of the job information immediately before the occurrence of the jam or the error.

When the image formation for one color is completed, it is determined whether or not the image formation processing for one sheet has been completed (step S308). This is because in the mode other than the single color mode, the sheet information does not need to be updated because the next color image forming process is performed on the same sheet. However, in the single color mode, the image forming process on the sheet is terminated. This is because paper information needs to be updated for image formation. When the image forming operation for one sheet is completed, it is determined whether or not all the jobs have been completed (step S309). If not completed, the process returns to step S302, and the processing up to step S309 is performed until the job is completed. Will repeat.

In this way, the job setting mode parameters, the process parameters used during copying, and the information at the time of occurrence of a jam error are all stored in the ferroelectric memory, and the memory is removed and used for analysis. Since it is possible to accurately grasp the trouble situation that has occurred in a market or the like and the details thereof, it is possible to quickly deal with the trouble.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to a single device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine). Etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or a CPU or M
Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R
An OM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium,
The storage medium stores the program code corresponding to the flowchart described above.

[0102]

As described above, according to the present invention,
If information transmission is performed between a driver and multiple memories at once, malfunction may occur and normal information transmission may not be performed. If radio wave communication is performed simultaneously, the operation may not be guaranteed.However, by controlling access to the specified non-contact memory, read / write processing to the specified memory is performed. During this time, by not accessing other memory, memory read / write operations may be interrupted,
It is possible to prevent a transmission error and to surely execute the memory read / write processing.

Further, according to the present invention, when a trouble such as a jam or an error occurs, it can be used for image formation in addition to data such as an error code and a jam code so that the occurrence situation and details can be understood. Various process parameters, job modes, etc. are stored as trouble analysis data in a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory, etc., and the memory is made removable so that the memory can be fed back to development and trouble occurs It is possible to know the detailed situation at the time, and it is possible to greatly reduce the load of identifying occurrence patterns and confirming the reproduction of phenomena, and to respond quickly to troubles.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an external configuration of a memory card according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a memory card according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a card reader according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a color image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 photosensitive drum 2 corona charger 3 laser exposure optical system 4 developing device 5 transfer device 5f transfer sheet 6 cleaning device 7 recording material cassette 8a separation claw 8b separation push-up roller 9 fixing device 10 discharge tray 11 pre-exposure lamp 12 potential sensor 13 On-drum light amount detection sensor 14 fur brush 15 fur backup brush 16 oil cleaning roller 17 oil cleaning backup brush 18 polishing roller 19 polishing roller backup brush 30 platen glass 31 glass surface 32a, b, c mirror 33 lens 34 full color sensor 100 base Reference Signs List 101 integrated circuit 102 antenna unit 201 modulator 202 demodulator 203 power supply unit 204 memory circuit 300 card reader (reader / writer) 301 processor (control means) 302 modulator 303 demodulator 04 dividers 305 antenna 400 automatic document feeder 500 reader unit 600 the printer unit 700 an image processing unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 B41J 29/00 E G06K 19/00 G06K 19/00 TF term (Reference) 2C061 AQ06 CG15 HJ08 HN11 HV09 HV60 2C087 AA09 AC08 BA14 BC07 BC12 CB02 DA10 2H027 HB05 HB13 HB14 HB16 5B021 NN16 NN19 NN20 5B035 BB09 BC03 CA23

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of information storage media, a driver for accessing the information storage media and transmitting information to and from an external device, and when the driver is accessing an arbitrary information storage medium An image forming apparatus, further comprising control means for prohibiting the driver from accessing another information storage medium. 2. An information processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of information storage media; a plurality of drivers for accessing the information storage medium to transmit information to and from an external device; and an arbitrary driver accessing one information storage medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits each driver from accessing another information storage medium when the driver is in a standby state. 3. The information storage medium is an IC card, and the driver is a reader / writer that reads and writes information on the IC card.
The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 4. A non-contact type information storage medium, a driver for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information between the image forming apparatus main body and a process parameter required for image formation. An image forming apparatus, comprising: control means for storing the information in the information storage medium for each process. 5. The process parameter includes at least one of control data of toner density, control data of photosensitive drum potential, laser output data, environmental data, and shading data of an image sensor. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4. 6. A non-contact type information storage medium, a driver for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information between the image forming apparatus main body, and a mode setting parameter of the image forming job for each job. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit for storing the information in the information storage medium for each of the image data. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising control means for storing a mode setting parameter of the image forming job in the information storage medium for each job. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information storage medium is a ferroelectric memory. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising control means for storing the error information in an information storage medium when an error occurs. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising control means for storing jam information in an information storage medium when a jam occurs. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information storage medium is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. 12. A method for transmitting information to an image forming apparatus using a plurality of information storage media, wherein a driver for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information to / from an external device is provided in an arbitrary information storage medium. An information transmission method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the driver is prohibited from accessing another information storage medium during access. 13. An information transmission method for an image forming apparatus using a plurality of information storage media, wherein any one of a plurality of drivers for accessing the information storage medium and transmitting information to and from an external device is provided. A method of prohibiting each driver from accessing another information storage medium while accessing one information storage medium. 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the information storage medium is an IC card, and the driver is a reader / writer that reads and writes information on the IC card. 15. An information transmitting method for an image forming apparatus using a non-contact type information storage medium, wherein the information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and is used for image formation. An information transfer method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the process parameters are stored in the information storage medium for each image forming process. 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the process parameters include at least one of control data of toner density, control data of photoconductor drum potential, laser output data, environmental data, and shading data of an image sensor. Item 16. The method for transmitting information of an image forming apparatus according to Item 15. 17. An information transmission method for an image forming apparatus using a non-contact type information storage medium, wherein the information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, An information transmission method for an image forming apparatus, wherein a mode setting parameter is stored in the information storage medium for each job. 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the mode setting parameter of the image forming job is stored in the information storage medium for each job. 19. The information transmission method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the information storage medium is a ferroelectric memory. 20. The information transmission method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when an error occurs, the error information is stored in an information storage medium. 21. The information transmission method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when a jam occurs, the jam information is stored in an information storage medium. 22. When a driver for accessing a plurality of information storage media and transmitting information to and from an external device accesses an arbitrary information storage medium, the driver transfers the information to another information storage medium. A storage medium storing a program for prohibiting access by a user. 23. Each of a plurality of drivers for accessing a plurality of information storage media and transmitting information to / from an external device when an arbitrary driver is accessing one information storage medium. A storage medium storing a program for prohibiting access to another information storage medium. 24. A non-contact type information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and process parameters required for image formation are stored in the information storage medium for each image forming process. A storage medium characterized by storing a program for causing a program to be executed. 25. A non-contact type information storage medium is accessed to transmit information to and from the image forming apparatus main body, and a mode setting parameter of an image forming job is stored in the information storage medium for each job. A storage medium characterized by storing a program for storing the program. 26. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein a program for storing error information in an information storage medium when an error occurs is stored. 27. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein a program for storing jam information in an information storage medium when a jam occurs is stored.