JP2002262006A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that can predict a time when paper sheets of a specific size run short. SOLUTION: The image forming device (PPC) 200 with a communication means conducting external communication via a public line and a count means counting number of times of use of components of the device, has a storage means that stores number of transfer paper sheets of each size having been in use for a prescribed period as a history and an estimated time arithmetic means that calculates an estimate time when transfer paper of each size becomes deficient in number on the basis of the history stored in the storage means, and the communication means informs an external device about the estimate time calculated by the estimate time arithmetic means by each prescribed period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of predicting when a sheet of a specific size runs out.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, many image forming apparatuses such as copying apparatuses and facsimile apparatuses are used by users of all types of business. In an image forming apparatus using such a sheet, an automatic sheet ordering function for notifying a supply dispatcher of the fact that a predetermined number of sheets have been printed for each transfer sheet size using an external communication means has already been realized. The supply dispatcher who receives this order automatically places an order from the device when a predetermined number of sheets of paper of each paper size have been printed, and sends the order to the installation destination based on the order. Paper of each size.

[0005] However, there may be cases where sheets of an ordered size cannot be immediately sent out due to factors such as a special sheet size. Normally, in such an automatic paper ordering function, the number of sheets having a certain margin is set in the image forming apparatus in advance, so that the printing operation for the paper size does not stop immediately.

[0004]

However, if the printer is operated as it is, there is a problem that the printing operation on the paper is stopped. In such a case, if it is possible to predict when paper of a specific size will run out based on the usage status during a certain period in the past, it is possible to perform an operation such as placing an order for paper that is likely to be sent out in advance, and the printing work will run out of paper. Stopping can be eliminated.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a first object of the present invention is to make it possible to predict when paper of a specific size will be used up.

Further, for example, an installation site where the frequency of use is assumed to be relatively small and the frequency of use is relatively high, such as a copy center, or an installation site where the frequency of use such as a normal office has a certain degree of fluctuation, for example, There is also a problem that printing work is stopped at an installation location or the like where the frequency of use is concentrated on a weekend or a month end because paper runs out.

Therefore, a second object is to allow the count period to be freely changed.

[0008] Further, depending on the environment of the installation site and the demands of the user, the system is often operated in a state where the external communication means is not connected. In such an operation place, a maintenance mode may be adopted such that a maintenance person usually visits at regular intervals or goes to repair by a telephone call from a user. Even in such a case, it is convenient for operation if it is possible to predict when the paper of a specific size runs out.

It is a third object of the present invention to be able to predict the time at which sheets of a specific size will run out even when the apparatus is operated in a state where the external communication means is not connected.

[0010]

The above object is achieved by the following means of the present invention.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for reading a document, a printing means for printing an image read by the reading means, and communicating various information of the apparatus to the outside via a public line. Storage means for storing, as a history, the number of sheets of each size of transfer paper used at regular intervals in an image forming apparatus having a communication means for performing communication and a counting means for counting the number of times each component of the apparatus is used; Prediction time calculating means for calculating an expected time when the transfer paper of each size becomes insufficient from the history stored in the communication means, and the expected time calculated by the expected time calculating means is transmitted to the outside at regular intervals by the communication means. It is characterized by notifying.

The main purpose of the external communication means is to notify the occurrence of a failure to a service center. Using this external communication means, a function (automatic paper ordering function) of notifying that a predetermined number of printing operations have been performed for each transfer paper size has already been realized.

[0013] The person in charge of supply of the apparatus automatically places an order from the apparatus when a predetermined number of sheets of paper of each sheet size have been printed, and the size of each size to the installation destination is determined based on the order. Of paper. However, there may be a case where a sheet of that size cannot be sent immediately due to, for example, a special sheet size. Normal,
In the above automatic paper ordering function, the number of sheets having a certain margin is set in advance (for example,
1000 sheets are installed, and when 800 sheets are printed, an order is placed automatically, so that there is a margin of 200 sheets, etc.), so printing work for that paper size stops immediately. Not in translation.

However, considering that the paper is operated as it is, it is desirable that the target size paper can be sent out as soon as possible.

According to the above-mentioned invention, in such an automatic ordering for each sheet size in the image forming apparatus, the time when the sheet of the specific size runs out is predicted from the usage situation in the past certain period, and the predicted value is changed every fixed period. By notifying the service center, more efficient service operation can be realized, for example, an operation such as placing an order for a sheet that is likely to be sent out in advance.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a period in which the counting means counts the number of times each component is used,
A change means for changing the number of histories whose count is held in the storage means for each transfer paper size is provided.

For example, there is a possibility that the frequency of use is relatively low and the frequency of use is assumed to be relatively high, such as a copy center, and the frequency of use as in a normal office may fluctuate to some extent (concentration on weekends). It is considered that a more accurate prediction can be made by changing the counting period according to the situation of the installation site such as the installation site that can be assumed to be at the end of the month.

According to the above invention, the use period of the installation site is known in advance. For example, the installation site such as a copy center shortens the count period, or the installation site where the installation site tends to concentrate on a certain fixed period is used. Since the count period can be freely changed, for example, a fixed period is used as the count period, more accurate prediction can be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the current number of sheets used for each transfer sheet size and the expected use count reaching time are set for each transfer sheet size. A list is printed from a printing unit.

Depending on the environment of the installation location and the demands of the user,
In many cases, it is operated in a state where the external communication means is not connected. In such an operation destination, a maintenance person usually visits at regular intervals, or goes to repair by telephone call from a user. Even in this case, it is possible to effectively use the past usage history information implemented in the image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, the use history can be printed for each transfer paper size, so that the past use history can be utilized even in an image forming apparatus not connected to the external communication means. .

[0022]

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

FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 200 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an operation unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 200.

When a start key 34 of the operation unit 30 is pressed, a document bundle placed on a document table 2 in an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 1 is pressed. From the lowermost document, the document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4. Contact glass 6 by reading unit 50
After reading the image data of the upper document, the read document is discharged by the feed belt 4 and the discharge roller 5. Further, when the document set detection 7 detects that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document. The feed roller 3, the feed belt 4, and the discharge roller 5 are driven by a motor.

The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first sheet feeding device 11, the second sheet feeding device 12, and the third sheet feeding device 13, respectively. ,
The sheet is transported by the vertical transport unit 14 to a position where it contacts the photoconductor 15. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57, and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image. And
The transfer paper transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 15 while being conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. After that, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17,
The finisher 10 of the post-processing device is controlled by the paper discharge unit 18.
Discharged to zero.

The finisher 100 of the post-processing device can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller of the main body toward the normal paper discharge roller 102 and the stapling section. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the paper can be discharged to the normal paper discharge tray 104 via the transport roller 103. In addition, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, the sheet can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107. The transfer paper stacked on the staple table 108 is aligned with the jogger 109 for paper alignment every time one sheet is ejected and left, and is stapled by the stapler 106 when a part of the copy is completed. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the stapling completion paper discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

On the other hand, a normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray unit 104 that can be moved back and forth moves back and forth and sorts the discharged copy paper easily for each document or for each copy unit sorted by the image memory.

When an image is formed on both sides of a transfer sheet, the transfer sheet fed and imaged from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 is not guided to the discharge tray 104, but is branched for path switching. By setting the claws 112 on the upper side, the stock is temporarily stored in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111. Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the duplex paper supply unit 111 is re-fed from the duplex paper supply unit 111 in order to transfer the toner image formed on the photoconductor 15 again, and the branch claws 11 for switching the path.
2 is set on the lower side, and guided to the paper discharge tray 104. As described above, the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is used when an image is created on both sides of the transfer paper.

The photoreceptor 15, the transport belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharging unit 18, and the developing unit 27 are driven by a main motor, and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 transmits the driving of the main motor by a paper feeding clutch. Is done. The vertical transport unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation section 30 has a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, and a mode clear key 35. The liquid crystal touch panel 31 has a function key 37. , The number of copies, and a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus are displayed.

The numeric keypad 32 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies (image formation) and the magnification. clear/
The stop key 33 is a key for clearing a set number (the number of copies and the like) and for stopping a copy operation. The print key 34 is a key for executing a copy operation including a print operation. The mode clear key 35 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set copy modes. The function keys 37 are keys for setting individual functions.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30. When the operator touches the key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted to black. If the details of the function need to be specified (for example, if the magnification is a variable magnification, etc.), touching a key displays a detailed function setting screen. in this way,
Since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display,
The optimal display at that time can be performed graphically.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal touch panel 31
In the upper left corner, "Can copy", "Please wait"
A message area 80 for displaying such a message is provided, and a copy number display section 81 for displaying the set number is provided to the right of the message area 80. An automatic density key 82 for automatically adjusting the image density thereunder, an automatic paper selection key 83 for automatically selecting the transfer paper, and a sort key 8 for designating a process for arranging copies one by one in the page order.
4. Stack key 85 for specifying the process of sorting the copies for each page, staple key 86 for specifying the process of binding the sorted items one by one, the same size key 87 for setting the magnification to the same size, enlargement / reduction There are a scaling key 88 for setting a magnification, a double-sided key 89 for setting a double-sided mode, an erase / move key 90 for setting a binding margin mode and the like, and a print key 91 for setting the printing of stamps, dates, pages and the like.

The selected mode is shaded as shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the image reading means of the present invention and the operation up to the formation of a latent image on a recording surface will be described. Here, the latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into optical information and irradiating the image on the photoconductor surface.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reading unit 50
Is composed of a contact glass 6 on which a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, and a CCD image sensor 54.
And so on.

The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown). When reading an original image, the first carriage and the second carriage are moved by two so that the optical path length does not change.
It is mechanically scanned at a relative speed of one to one.

This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electric signal, and processed. Lens 53 and CCD image sensor 54
Is moved in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 to change the image magnification. That is, the positions of the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 in the left-right direction are set corresponding to the designated magnification.

The writing unit 57 is composed of a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Although not shown, the laser output unit 58 has a high speed constant speed inside by a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor. It has a rotating polygon mirror that rotates.

The laser beam emitted from the laser output unit 58 is polarized by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an image forming lens 59, is turned back by a mirror 60, and forms a focused image on the surface of the photoreceptor. The polarized laser light is applied to the photoconductor 15.
The exposure scanning is performed in the direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the image is rotated, and the recording of the image signal output from the selector 64 of the image processing unit described later is performed in line units. An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 15 by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density of the photoconductor 15.

As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the photoconductor 15 of the image forming system. Although not shown, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is arranged at a position near one end of the photoconductor 15 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting and outputting an image signal described later are performed.

The "image reading device" used in the digital PPC has a function of irradiating a document with a light source, converting the reflected light into an electric signal by a "solid-state imaging device = CCD", and performing "necessary image processing". Equipment used.

The scaling process is a process of changing the reading density of an image and performing data interpolation using the read image data.

An "image forming apparatus" or "image writing unit" used in digital PPC forms an image image sent by an electric signal on plain paper, thermal paper, or the like by means of electrophotography, heat transfer, thermal transfer, ink jet, or the like. It is a device to do.

The electric signal of the image converted by the “image reading device”, the electric signal of the image inputted to the “image forming device”, and the signal for synchronizing with the electric signal of the image are collectively referred to as “video signal”. "Or" image data ".

The "video signal" is converted to an "image reading device",
In order to exchange between the "image forming apparatus" and the "application", it is necessary to transmit information between the apparatuses.
This means is referred to as "control signal" or "command" issuance.

The user setting requires individual correspondence for each user when the system becomes complicated. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these measures at the time of factory shipment, measures in the market are indispensable.

Therefore, usually, a non-volatile RAM is provided to enable system setting according to the customer's request, but this function is expressed as "user setting".

A state in which no operation is performed by the user for a certain period is referred to as an “idle state”, and the other states are referred to as a “busy state”. The time until the transition from the “busy state” to the “idle state” can be set by the user. For example, not only during the copying operation but also after the copying operation is completed, the state does not transition to the “idle state” unless the user does not operate for a certain period of time.

The state where the fixing temperature reaches the fixing-possible temperature and copying is possible is called reloading.

The interrupt mode is a mode in which a copy operation is temporarily interrupted and a copy is performed during the execution and operation of the copy operation. By setting this mode, the previous copy mode and, if the copying is in progress, information on the progress of the copying are stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. When the interrupt mode is released after the execution of the copy operation, the mode and information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are returned to restore the state before the interrupt mode was set, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed using keys on the operation unit.

Next, the configuration of the image processing unit in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image processing unit includes image reading units 120 and 140 and image writing units 121 and 14.
1.

The light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 in FIG. 1 irradiates the original surface, and the reflected light from the original surface is converted into an image forming lens (not shown) by the CCD image sensor 54 as shown in FIG. A / D
The signal is converted into a digital signal by the converter 61. The image signal converted into a digital signal is subjected to shading correction 62.
Is performed, the image processing unit 63 performs MTF correction, γ correction, and the like.

The shading correction is for correcting unevenness of irradiation of a light source for irradiating a document and variation in sensitivity of a CCD. The MTF correction is to correct blur caused by the optical system.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the selector 64, the destination of the image signal is switched to the scaling unit 71 or the image memory controller 65. The image signal that has passed through the scaling unit 71 is scaled according to the scaling factor, and sent to the writing unit 57. Image memory controller 6
5 and the selector 64 are configured to be able to input and output image signals in both directions. Although not specifically shown in FIG. 8, the image processing unit (IPU) includes, in addition to the image data input from the reading unit 50 shown in FIG. 1, image data supplied from outside (for example, a personal computer or the like). It has a function of selecting input and output of a plurality of data so that data output from the data processing device can also be processed.

Further, C for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57
PU (Central Processing Unit) 68, ROM (Read Only Memory) 69 for storing its programs and data,
A RAM (random access memory) 70 is provided. Further, the CPU 68 includes an image memory controller 65.
, Data can be written and read from the image memory 66.

Next, an image signal for one page in the selector 64 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the frame gate signal (/ FGATE) indicates an effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. Main scanning synchronization signal (/ LSY
NC) is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and an image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is a line gate signal (/ LGATE). These signals are the pixel clock pixel synchronization signal (VCLK)
And data of one pixel is sent for one cycle of the pixel synchronization signal (VCLK). Image processing unit (IP
U) is a separate / FG for each image input and output.
It has a mechanism for generating ATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE, and VCLK, so that various combinations of image input / output can be realized.

Next, details of the image memory controller 65 and the image memory 66 in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the image memory controller 65 includes an input data selector 201,
2, primary compression / expansion 203, output data selector 20
4 and secondary compression / expansion 205 blocks. The setting of the control data in each block is performed by the CPU 6 in FIG.
8 is performed. The addresses and data in FIG.
It shows image data, and data and addresses connected to the CPU 68 are not shown.

The image memory 66 stores, as shown in FIG.
It comprises a secondary storage device 206 and a secondary storage device 207. The primary storage device 206 is provided with, for example, a DRAM or the like so that data can be written to the image memory 66 substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of input image data, or data can be read from the image memory 66 at the time of image output. A memory that can be accessed at high speed can be used. Although not shown, the primary storage device 206 is configured to be able to divide into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed and to simultaneously execute input / output of image data (interface unit with the image memory controller 65). Has taken. The interface with the image memory controller 65 is connected to the interface with the image memory controller 65 by two sets of address / data lines for reading and writing so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel to each divided area. This enables an operation of outputting (reading) an image from another area while inputting (writing) an image to the area.

The secondary storage device 207 of the image memory 66
This is a large-capacity memory that stores data for synthesizing and sorting input images. If elements that can be accessed at high speed are used for the primary storage device 206 and the secondary storage device 207, data processing can be performed without distinction between the primary storage device and the secondary storage device, and the control is relatively simple.
Since the elements such as the DRAM are expensive, the access speed to the secondary storage device is not so high. However, an inexpensive, large-capacity recording medium is used, and the processing of the input / output data is performed by the primary storage device 20.
6. By employing the configuration of the image memory 66 as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be realized with an inexpensive and relatively simple configuration. become.

Next, the outline of the operation of the image memory controller 65 will be described with reference to FIG. (1) Image input (storage in the image memory 66) The input data selector 201 selects one of a plurality of data
The image data to be written into the primary storage device 206 of the image memory 66 is selected. Input data selector 201
The image data selected by (1) is supplied to the image synthesizing 202 and is synthesized with the data already stored in the image memory 66. The image data processed by the image synthesis 202 is compressed by a primary compression / decompression 203 and the compressed data is written to a primary storage device 206.
The data written in the primary storage device 206 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression 105 as needed, and then stored in the secondary storage device 207. (2) Image Output (Read from Image Memory 66) At the time of image output, image data stored in the primary storage device 206 is read. If the image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 206, the primary compression /
The decompression 203 expands the image data in the primary storage device 206, and selects and outputs the decompressed data or the data after the image synthesis of the decompressed data and the input data by the output data selector 204. . Image composition 202
Combining the data in the primary storage device 206 with the input data (having the function of adjusting the phase of the image data), selecting the output destination of the combined data (image output, writing back to the primary storage device 206, (Simultaneous output to the output destination is also possible). The image to be output is the primary storage device 206
If the image data to be output stored in the secondary storage device 207 is not stored in the secondary storage /
5, and the expanded data is stored in the primary storage device 206.
After that, the above-described image output operation is performed.

The operation reservation described in this embodiment is as follows.
In this case, the copying operation cannot be started when the fixing machine is being heated in the copying machine, but by setting the mode and setting the original and ending the reservation, the fixing operation is automatically performed when the copying operation is enabled after the fixing heating is completed. This is the function to start the copy operation. In this embodiment, the operation reservation can be made during the fixing heating. However, any object that becomes operable with the lapse of time is eligible for the operation reservation. It is considered that the LCT tray rise time, the polygon motor rotation stabilization time, the toner supply operation, etc.

Next, the hardware configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

In the hardware configuration diagram of FIG. 4, the system is composed of an image reading unit 120, an image writing unit 121, a system controller 122, a memory unit 123, a user restriction device 125, a human body detection sensor 126, a remote diagnosis system (CSS) 127, It consists of a clock 128. In executing the copy mode, the system controller 122 monitors the inside of the apparatus such as a paper transport process, an electrophotographic process process, an abnormal state, a sheet cassette state (paper presence / absence, etc.) for forming an image by the image writing unit 121. And a controller that controls the scanner operation and ON / OFF of the light source for reading an image by the image reading unit 120. Furthermore, in recent digital PPCs (image forming apparatuses), not only one extended function but also a plurality of applications have been installed simultaneously. In this way, a digital PPC sharing one resource is expressed as a system,
The controller that controls this system is sometimes referred to as a system controller.

A resource refers to a unit of a functional unit shared by a plurality of applications, and the system controller 122 controls the system in units of the resource. The resources managed by the digital PPC of the present case include an image reading device, an image forming device,
There are an operation unit, memory, peripheral devices (ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.).

The memory unit 123 is necessary only when realizing a memory function, and is not necessary only when realizing a normal copy function. Another major feature of the digital PPC is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by the image forming apparatus. By having means for changing and transmitting the electric signal read at this time, it can be applied to fields other than the conventional analog PPC. FAX, page printer, scanner,
In addition to realizing functions such as a file system, recently, even when executing the PPC function, a plurality of image data read out are temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and the image data is read out as necessary, so that a plurality of image data can be read out. At the time of copying, a function of executing a plurality of prints in one scan, or a function of printing a plurality of originals on one transfer sheet (hereinafter, a memory function) is also realized. In the present invention, the memory unit 123 is also used as a buffer for transferring image data between machines on a network.

The user restriction device 125 specifies a user,
This is for limiting and managing, and a coin rack, a key counter, a key card, a prepaid card, and the like can be used. In particular, PPC using an electrophotographic process consumes a large amount of power, and thus is necessary when it is not desired to permit unlimited use. The human body detection sensor 12
Step 6 is only necessary to realize a function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when a user approaches the machine in the preheating mode. The preheating mode is a mode in which power is saved by controlling the fixing temperature by lowering it by a fixed temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) and turning off the display of the operation unit. The setting of this mode is automatically set after a certain period of time from when there is no operation or operation depending on key input on the operation unit 30 or machine setting. The release of this mode is performed by the operation unit 30
The human body detection sensor 12
6 is released when it is detected that a person stands in front of the machine.

The remote diagnosis system (CSS) 127 is for remotely managing the image forming apparatus 200. The remote diagnosis system (CSS) 127 has a remote diagnosis function, that is, a function for automatically notifying a service center when a machine error occurs or monitoring the execution state / use state of the machine from a remote place. It only needs to be mounted when such a function is required.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the remote diagnosis system 127.

The management device 1 installed at the service base
51 and a device such as a PPC 200 installed at the user are connected via a public line network 153. On the user side, a communication control device 154 for controlling communication with the management device 151 is installed.
The PC 200 is connected to the communication control device 154. This communication control device 154 is a means for communicating with the outside.

A telephone 155 and a facsimile 156 can be connected to the communication control device 154.
Installation is possible by inserting into the existing line of the user. The communication control device 154 includes a plurality of PPCs.
Although 200 can be connected, there may of course be a single unit. These PPCs 200 need not be of the same type, and may be different models, or may be devices other than the PPC.

Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five PPCs 200 can be connected to one communication control device 154. The communication control device 154 and the plurality of PPCs 200 are connected in multi-drop according to the RS-485 standard. Communication control device 154 and each P
Communication control between the PCs 200 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 154 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary PPC 200 is possible. Each PPC2
00 can be set to a unique value by an address setting switch, whereby the polling address and the selecting address of each PPC 200 are determined.

Further, the clock 128 is necessary only when a weekly timer function for starting or shutting down the machine at a specific time is realized. Here, the weekly timer means that the power is turned on in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week.
Function to turn on / off the clock module for this function and ON / O for each day of the week
An operation to set the FF time is required.

Next, the hardware configuration will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

The DR in the memory unit 123 in FIG.
The AM block 129 is for storing an image signal read from the image reading unit 120, and responds to a request from the system controller 122 to store the image signal.
21 can be transferred. The compression block 13 in the memory unit 123
0 has a compression function such as MH, MR, MMR, etc., compresses an image once read, and stores it in a memory (DRA).
The use efficiency of M) can be improved. Further, rotation of the image is realized by changing the address read from the image writing unit 121 and the direction thereof.

In the “hardware configuration example-1” of FIG. 4, the control of the image reading unit 120, the image writing unit 121, the memory unit 123, and the CSS 127 is controlled by only one CPU 131 of the system controller 122. On the other hand, in the “hardware configuration example-2” of FIG. 2, the image reading unit 140, the image writing unit 141, and the memory unit 12 are provided with CPUs 143, 144, and 145, respectively, and commands from the system controller 122 to each controller are transmitted through control signal lines. , The system hardware configuration can be freely configured.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a network copy system when the present invention is implemented. As shown in FIG. 5, eight digital copies are networked, but the number of connected copies need not be limited to this.

Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the hardware configuration of one digital PPC 200 is almost the same as that shown in “Hardware configuration example-1” in FIG. 4, but is read in the memory unit 123. In order to transfer an image to an external network or to store image data from the network in a DRAM block unit 129 in the memory unit 123, a SCSI (Small Computer System I) is used as a network means.
interface 152) and a SCSI controller 153. As a matter of course, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) is used as a physical means as a network communication means, and OSI (Open System Interface) is used for data communication.
e) Various means such as using TCP / IP communication of a reference model are conceivable. Further, by using the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, not only the image data transfer as described above, but also control commands such as an in-machine status notification of each machine existing on the network and a remote output command to be described later, Setting commands can also be transferred.

Next, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG.
Operation of transferring the image read by C-1 to image writing section 154 of digital PPC-2 (hereinafter, remote output)
Will be described. FIG. 7 shows a conceptual diagram of software of digital PPC-1 and digital PPC-2.

The copy application shown in FIG. 7 is an application for executing a copy sequence for executing a copy operation. The input / output control is a layer (device driver) that performs logical / physical conversion of data.
The operation unit controller is an MMI (Man Machine Interface)
ace) (layer for performing LCD display, LED on / off, key input scan, etc. at a logical level). The peripheral device controller is a layer that executes, at a logical level, control of peripheral devices mounted on a PPC such as an automatic duplex unit, a sorter, and an automatic document feeder.
The image forming apparatus controller, the image reading apparatus controller, and the memory unit are as described above.

Further, when a print request is requested from another machine on the network, the daemon process reads out image data stored in the memory unit and transfers the image data to the image forming apparatus. Exists as an application. Of course, image transfer from other machines on the network must be completed before the daemon process reads the image from the memory unit and performs the printing operation.

Here, the operation unit, peripheral devices, image forming apparatus,
Image reading device and memory unit are each PPC
Is treated as a resource (resource) owned by. As shown in FIG. 7, when the digital PPC-1 executes a copying operation using its own resources (when the printer start key is pressed), the digital PPC-1 issues a request to the system controller.
The system controller requests the resources of the image forming apparatus, the image reading apparatus, or, as necessary, the peripheral device and the memory unit. The system control unit arbitrates for the right to use the resource in response to the request from the copy application, and notifies the copy application of the arbitration result (usability or non-usability). When the digital PPC-1 is used in a stand-alone mode (a state in which the network is not connected to the network), the copy operation is immediately executed because all the resources held by the system can be occupied by the copy application.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, a remote digital PP executing a print operation using resources of another machine (hereinafter, remote digital PPC) existing on the network.
Requests the right to use resources to the system controller of C. The system controller of the remote digital PPC arbitrates the resources according to the request and notifies the result to the application of the requesting machine. When the right to use is granted, the application reads the image, and when the image is stored in its own memory unit, the external interface (SCSI in this embodiment) is used.
, The image is transferred to the memory unit of the remote output destination machine. When the image transfer is completed, the print start command is sent to the daemon process of the remote output destination machine after sending the conditions for printing (paper feed port, paper discharge port, number of prints, etc.). .

When the remote output destination daemon process receives the print start command, it requests the system controller of itself (the machine that executes remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller.

Digital PP by digital PPC-1
When the memory unit of C-2 is used, the memory unit of digital PPC-2 is
2 (or, when a plurality of digital PPCs as shown in FIG.
Use of digital PPC) applications other than “2” is disabled.

Next, a process for notifying the outside of the expected time when the transfer paper will run out, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 12, for each paper size of paper size 1, paper size 2,..., And paper size n that can be handled by the PPC 200, (1) the currently used number counter is stored in the nonvolatile memory. (times), (2)
Number of installations (timesmax), (3) Previous history update date and time (renew
date), (4) Set the number of days to update the history (period),
(5) Prepare an area for recording history information (h1 to hmax) of the number of times of use.

This non-volatile memory corresponds to the RAM 70 described with reference to FIG. Therefore, (1)-
(5) is stored in the RAM 70, and the RAM 70 corresponds to a storage unit. The storage means is not limited to the RAM 70, and other storage means can be used. (1) The current number-of-use counter is set to a value obtained by counting the number of sheets of each sheet size currently used by the PPC 200. Note that all the currently used number counters have the value “0”
To make it clear. (2) The number of sheets to be set is set to the number of sheets to be set in each PPC 200 at the user destination for each transfer sheet size. (3) The last history update date and time sets the date and time when the last history was updated. In addition, the last history update date and time is set to the current date and time at the time of improved shipment. (4) As for the number of days for updating the history (period), a default value of the number of days of update for each paper size is set. As for the number of days (period) for updating the history, a value can be appropriately set from the operation unit 30 in units of days as variable data. (5) In the history information of the number of used sheets, the history of the number of used sheets for a certain period is set. Note that the usage history information (h1
To hmax) are all cleared with the value “0”.
The number of histories held in the RAM 70 may be changed by the operation unit 30.

Next, the counting of the number of sheets will be described with reference to FIG. CPU of PPC 200 in FIG.
68, it is determined whether or not the image forming operation is being performed, and if the image forming operation is being performed, it is determined whether or not it is the timing to start feeding the sheet from the sheet feeding tray. The current use counter of the paper size is counted up (+1). For example, when the paper size 1 is used in the PPC 200, (1) of the paper size 1 in FIG.
The current use number counter is incremented by one. The method of counting the number of sheets is not limited to the above, and other counting means may be used.

Next, history updating will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows the nonvolatile memory area described in FIG.

For each paper size, (previous history update date and time (renewdate) + history update days setting (period
d))> = Current date and time: When the condition becomes true, the history in the nonvolatile memory is updated. That is, (3) from the previous history update date and time (renewdate), (4)
The history is updated on the day when the number of days to update the history (period) has passed.

When the history is updated, hmax ← hmax-
The values are updated in the order of 1,..., H3 ← h2, h2 ← h1, h1 ← times. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when this history is updated, (3) the previous history update date and time (renewdate) is set to the current date and time.

From the center of the CSS 127, a process of acquiring data of the PPC 200 at a regular time every day (for example, 0:00 AM) is performed to acquire a charging counter of the PPC 200. As data acquired by the center of the CSS 127, an estimate of the number of days until the number of user-installed sheets for each paper size is reached is notified. As a result, it is possible to notify the center of the CSS 127 via the communication control device 154 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 15, the contents of the days estimation to be transmitted to the center of CSS 127 will be described. This estimation is obtained based on the average value of the increase in the number of times of use in the past 10 histories (this period can be variable). The method for obtaining the average value is as follows.

[0098] Average value (ave)! = 0: Number of days until endurance count = (tim
esmax−h1) / ave, that is, if the average value (ave) is not 0, (2) number of installed sheets (timesmax) − (5) history 1
(H1)) / Average value, the number of days to reach the endurance count can be obtained. In addition, when the average value (ave) = 0: the number of days of reaching the number of uses =＝ That is, when the average value (ave) is 0, the number of days of reaching the number of uses becomes infinite. Therefore, it is understood that the corresponding paper size is not lost for the time being.

By notifying the center every day to the CSS 127 of this estimation as the installation number reaching expected information,
The expected time can be notified to the center.

In the service mode on the operation unit 30, a "paper usage status print button" is displayed, and by pressing this button, the paper usage status for each size is displayed in the format shown in FIG. It can also be printed.

As shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to confirm the size of each sheet, the number of sheets installed on each PPC 200, the history, and the estimated number of times of installation, in the printed usage status.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention described in the appended claims. Can be modified and changed.

[0103]

As is apparent from the detailed description above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, in the shipping work for each paper size, each paper size is already installed based on the usage status during a certain period in the past. By predicting when the number of sheets will be reached, and notifying the service center of the predicted value at regular intervals, it is possible to operate services such as ordering in advance the paper size that is likely to be the subject of shipping, thereby enabling more efficient service operation. realizable.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the use condition of the installation location is known in advance, for example, in a copy center or the like, there is a tendency that the count period is shortened or concentrated every certain period. In such a case, the count period can be freely changed, for example, by using the certain period as the count period, so that it is possible to more accurately predict the service number reaching time.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the use history for each transfer paper size can be printed on the transfer paper, so that even in the image forming apparatus not connected to the external communication means, Can be used as maintenance information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an operation unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a liquid crystal touch panel of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a network copy system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of software.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit (an image reading unit and an image writing unit).

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating details of a memory controller and an image memory.

FIG. 10 is a time chart illustrating an image signal for one page in a selector.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote diagnosis system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an area of a nonvolatile memory of each paper size.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of counting the number of sheets.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a paper size history update process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining estimation contents notified to a center.

FIG. 16 shows a format in a case where the paper usage status is printed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 automatic document feeder 30 operation unit 50 reading unit 57 writing unit 64 selector 65 image memory controller 66 image memory 68 CPU 70 RAM 127 CSS 200 image forming apparatus

Claims (3)

[Claims] A reading unit for reading an original; a printing unit for printing an image read by the reading unit; a communication unit for communicating various information of the apparatus to the outside via a public line;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a counting unit that counts the number of times each component of the apparatus is used; a storage unit that stores, as a history, the number of sheets of each size of transfer paper that is used at regular intervals; and a history that is stored in the storage unit. And a predicted time calculating means for calculating an expected time when the transfer paper of each size becomes insufficient. The expected time calculated by the predicted time calculating means is notified to the outside at regular intervals by the communication means. Image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a period during which the count unit counts the number of times each component is used and a number of histories for which the storage unit holds the count are changed for each transfer paper size. An image forming apparatus comprising a changing unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An image forming apparatus, wherein the printing unit prints a list of the current number of sheets used for each transfer sheet size and the expected time of reaching the endurance count from the printing unit for each transfer sheet size.