JP2005352000A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a fault of a communication device performing wireless communication with a wireless tag, in an image forming apparatus wherein a replacement component equipped with a wireless tag is detachably mounted and for forming an image on a recording medium by using the replacement component. <P>SOLUTION: A reader writer 20 is equipped with a transmission part 21 which sends a signal out to the outside according to an indication from a control unit 30, a reception part 22 which receives an external signal and outputs it to the control unit 30, and a signal path 23 which allows the reception part 22 to receive the signal sent out of the transmission part 21. In this constitution, the control unit 30 supplies an indication for varying the level of the sent-out signal to the transmission part 21 and detects the level of the signal inputted from the reception part 22 in this case to decide whether the reader writer 20 is abnormal based upon whether the detected level of the signal varies according to the indication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a replacement part having a wireless tag is detachably mounted and forms an image on a recording medium using the replacement part, and in particular, failure detection of a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication with the wireless tag. About.

  2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, an apparatus in which replacement parts such as a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge are detachably attached to an apparatus main body is known. In such an image forming apparatus, a configuration in which a wireless tag is attached to a replacement part has been widespread for correction of manufacturing variation of the replacement part and lifetime management. The wireless tag stores various control information such as correction values for correcting manufacturing variations and usage history information. The control information stored in the wireless tag is appropriately read out by the communication device on the apparatus main body side and used for controlling the image forming apparatus. Further, control information is written from the communication device on the apparatus body side to the wireless tag as necessary.

  When wireless communication between the apparatus main body and the wireless tag is not normally performed, it is difficult to determine the cause of the abnormality. Specifically, it is difficult to determine whether the communication device on the apparatus body side is faulty, the wireless tag is faulty, or external noise is the cause. For this reason, it is not easy to take appropriate measures such as repair and replacement.

  Further, if a failure of the communication device on the apparatus main body side can be detected, it is possible to take appropriate measures before starting wireless communication.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a communication device that performs wireless communication with a wireless tag in an image forming apparatus in which a replacement part having a wireless tag is detachably mounted and an image is formed on a recording medium using the replacement part. An image forming apparatus capable of detection is provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication device in which a replacement part including a wireless tag is detachably mounted, performs wireless communication with the wireless tag, and a control device that controls the communication device. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using a component, wherein the communication device receives a signal from the outside, a transmission unit that sends a signal to the outside in response to an instruction from the control device A reception unit that outputs to the control device; and a signal path that causes the reception unit to receive a signal transmitted from the transmission unit, and the control device transmits an instruction to change a level of the transmitted signal. In this case, the level of the signal input from the receiving unit is detected, and the communication device is abnormal based on whether the level of the detected signal changes according to the instruction. Whether or not And it features.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control device sets the level of the signal input from the reception unit when the transmission of the signal by the transmission unit is turned off and when the transmission is turned on. If the difference between the off level and the on level is less than a predetermined threshold, the communication device is determined to be abnormal, and if the difference is greater than or equal to the threshold, the communication device Judge that it is not abnormal.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the communication device is abnormal, wireless communication with the wireless tag is stopped.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the communication device is abnormal, a notification to that effect is given to the user.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image forming function is stopped when the communication device is determined to be abnormal.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the communication device is not abnormal, the communication device reads control information from the wireless tag, performs image formation using the control information, and the communication device If it is determined that there is an abnormality, image formation is performed using alternative information that is held in advance instead of the control information.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control device determines whether or not the environment is capable of wireless communication with the wireless tag based on the level of the detected signal.

  The communication device failure detection method according to the present invention includes a communication device in which a replacement part including a wireless tag is detachably mounted, performs wireless communication with the wireless tag, and a control device that controls the communication device, A communication device failure detection method in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using the replacement part, wherein the communication device sends a signal to the outside in response to an instruction from the control device; A receiving unit that receives an external signal and outputs the signal to the control unit; and a signal path that causes the receiving unit to receive a signal transmitted from the transmission unit. An instruction to change the level is given to the transmission unit. In this case, the level of the signal input from the reception unit is detected, and based on whether the level of the detected signal is changed according to the instruction. The communication Location determines whether it is abnormal, characterized in that.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which a replacement part provided with a wireless tag is detachably mounted and an image is formed on a recording medium using the replacement part, a failure of a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication with the wireless tag is detected. Can be detected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that prints an image on a recording medium such as paper, such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine. In this embodiment, the electrophotographic method will be described as an example of the printing method, but the printing method may be another method such as an ink jet method.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 2 (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) and a replacement part 3 that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 2. The apparatus main body 2 is a substantially fixed part in the image forming apparatus 1. The replacement part 3 is generally a part that is appropriately replaced when worn. Examples of the replacement part 3 include a drum cartridge, a developing unit, a toner cartridge, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit. The number of replacement parts 3 is one in FIG.

  A wireless tag 10 is attached to the replacement part 3. The wireless tag 10 is also called an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag or a non-contact IC tag. The wireless tag 10 stores various control information such as manufacturing variation correction values and usage history information (such as the number of printed sheets). The wireless tag 10 may be a readable / writable type or a read-only type. The specification of the wireless tag system is not particularly limited. For example, the type of the wireless tag system may be a contact type, a proximity type, or a proximity type. More specifically, the communication method (electromagnetic coupling method, electromagnetic induction method, radio wave method, etc.), carrier frequency, modulation method, communication speed, power supply method to the tag (passive type, active type), etc. are appropriately determined. It only has to be done. Here, a proximity type having a communication distance of about 10 cm or less is adopted.

  The apparatus main body 2 is provided with a reader / writer 20 and a control unit 30 connected to the reader / writer 20.

  The reader / writer 20 is a communication device that performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 10 and reads / writes data from / to the wireless tag 10. The reader / writer 20 is installed at a position close to the wireless tag 10 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the reader / writer 20 includes a transmission unit 21 that mainly plays a role of transmitting signals to the wireless tag 10 and a reception unit 22 that mainly plays a role of receiving signals from the wireless tag 10. ing.

  The transmission unit 21 transmits a signal to the outside in response to an instruction from the control unit 30. The transmission unit 21 includes a transmission antenna 21a that transmits a signal, and a transmission circuit 21b that supplies the signal to the transmission antenna 21a according to an instruction from the control unit 30.

  The receiving unit 22 receives a signal from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 30. The receiving unit 22 includes a receiving antenna 22a that receives a signal, and a receiving circuit 22b that performs a predetermined receiving process on the signal received by the receiving antenna 22a and outputs the obtained signal to the control unit 30. I have.

  The reader / writer 20 further includes a signal path 23 that causes the reception unit 22 to receive the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 21. The signal path 23 may be a wired communication path 23a that guides a signal sent from the transmission circuit 21b to the reception circuit 22b, or wireless communication that leads a signal (electromagnetic wave) sent from the transmission antenna 21a to the reception antenna 22a. The path 23b may be used.

  Note that the transmission antenna 21a and the reception antenna 22a may be realized by one antenna for transmission and reception, or may be realized by separate antennas for transmission and reception.

  The control unit 30 is a control device that controls the reader / writer 20. Here, the control unit 30 also functions as a main controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 30 detects a failure of the reader / writer 20.

  In detecting the failure of the reader / writer 20, the control unit 30 first gives an instruction to change the level of a signal to be transmitted to the transmission unit 21. Examples of this instruction include an instruction to change the signal level from the first level to the second level continuously or stepwise, and an instruction to switch signal transmission between on and off.

  In the reader / writer 20, if the transmission unit 21 is normal, a signal corresponding to the above instruction is transmitted from the transmission unit 21. If the receiving unit 22 is normal, the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 21 is received by the receiving unit 22 via the signal path 23 and output to the control unit 30. That is, if the reader / writer 20 is normal, the control unit 30 receives a signal accompanied by a change in level according to the above instruction.

  On the other hand, if the transmitter 21 is abnormal in the reader / writer 20, a signal corresponding to the above instruction is not transmitted from the transmitter 21. Even if the transmission unit 21 is normal, if the reception unit 22 is abnormal, the signal sent from the transmission unit 21 is not normally received by the reception unit 22. That is, if the reader / writer 20 is abnormal, the control unit 30 is not input with a signal accompanied by a level change according to the above instruction.

  Therefore, the control unit 30 detects the level of the signal input from the receiving unit 22 when giving the above instruction to the transmitting unit 21. Then, based on whether or not the level of the detected signal is changed according to the above instruction, it is determined whether or not the reader / writer 20 is abnormal. That is, when the level of the input signal from the receiving unit 22 changes in accordance with the above instruction, the reader / writer 20 is determined to be normal, and when it does not change, the reader / writer 20 is determined to be abnormal. To do.

  For example, the control unit 30 gives an instruction to turn off signal transmission to the transmission unit 21 and detects the level of the signal input from the reception unit 22 in this case. Next, the control unit 30 gives an instruction to turn on signal transmission to the transmission unit 21 and detects the level of the signal input from the reception unit 22 in this case. The control unit 30 determines that the reader / writer 20 is abnormal when the difference between the off-level and the on-level is less than a predetermined threshold, and when the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The reader / writer 20 is determined to be normal.

  Here, the failure detection timing of the reader / writer 20 is preferably before the start of wireless communication. This is because it is possible to take appropriate measures such as stopping wireless communication or stopping an image forming operation according to the detection result. However, the failure detection of the reader / writer 20 may be performed to determine the cause when wireless communication is not normally performed.

  In addition, the signal level mentioned here means the level of the signal widely, such as the intensity or amount of the signal or a combination thereof. Examples of the signal level include signal power and the number of pulses within a predetermined period. Various techniques including a conventionally known technique can be applied to the detection (measurement) of the signal level.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, the reader / writer 20 and the control unit 30 are separate bodies, but they may be physically integrated.

  Hereinafter, the configurations and operations of the wireless tag 10, the reader / writer 20, and the control unit 30 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of the wireless tag 10, the reader / writer 20, and the control unit 30. In FIG. 3, the antenna 24 functions as a transmission antenna 21a and a reception antenna 22a.

  First, referring to FIG. 3, a basic configuration related to wireless communication will be described together with a flow of wireless communication processing. Here, a case where the control unit 30 reads control information from the wireless tag 10 will be described as an example. The reading of the control information is executed at an appropriate timing such as when the power is turned on or when the replacement part 3 is replaced. Note that the wireless communication is preferably performed according to a standard such as ISO / IEC14443.

  In the control unit 30, the processor 31 sends a control information transmission request to the control logic circuit 32. The control logic circuit 32 converts the transmission request received from the processor 31 into a predetermined data format of, for example, 106 Kbps according to the communication control protocol, and sends it to the reader / writer 20 via the transmission logic circuit 33.

  In the reader / writer 20, when the transmission modulation circuit 25 receives transmission data (corresponding to a transmission instruction) from the transmission logic circuit 33, the transmission modulation circuit 25 performs ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation on the carrier wave (13.56 MHz) with the transmission data. The transmission signal obtained by the modulation is filtered by the transmission filter circuit 26 and then wirelessly transmitted to the wireless tag 10 via the antenna 24.

  In the wireless tag 10, the antenna 11 receives a signal sent from the reader / writer 20 and sends the received signal to the demodulation circuit 12. The demodulation circuit 12 demodulates the reception signal and passes the obtained reception data to the control circuit 13. After performing error detection (CRC check or the like) on the received data, the control circuit 13 recognizes that the received data is a control information transmission request. The control circuit 13 reads the control information held in the nonvolatile memory 14 and sends the read control information to the modulation circuit 15. The modulation circuit 15 modulates the subcarrier (847 kHz) according to the control information. Then, the carrier wave (13.56 MHz) is modulated by the modulated subcarrier, and the obtained signal is transmitted to the reader / writer 20 via the antenna 11. Note that the wireless tag 10 also includes other circuits such as a rectifier circuit 16 and a power supply circuit 17.

  When the reader / writer 20 receives the signal returned from the wireless tag 10 by the antenna 24, the reader / writer 20 filters the received signal by the reception filter circuit 27 which is a low-pass filter. Then, the reception demodulation circuit 28 demodulates the received signal (847 kHz) after filtering, and sends the obtained reception data to the control unit 30.

  In the control unit 30, the control logic circuit 32 performs error detection (CRC check, etc.) on the received data (control information) received from the reader / writer 20 via the reception logic circuit 34 and converts it into a predetermined data format. To the processor 31. The processor 31 performs predetermined processing such as storing the received control information in a predetermined storage area. The control information stored in the predetermined storage area is used as appropriate for the control of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, a configuration related to signal level detection will be described. In FIG. 3, the signal line 29 directly inputs the transmission signal supplied from the transmission filter circuit 26 to the antenna 24 from the transmission filter circuit 26 to the reception filter circuit 27. Therefore, the signal (received signal from the wireless tag 10 and external noise) received by the antenna 24 and the transmission directly sent via the signal line 29 without passing through the wireless tag 10 are sent to the reception filter circuit 27. Signal is input. The reception filter circuit 27 allows the subcarrier component (847 kHz) to pass from the received signal from the wireless tag 10 due to its circuit characteristics, as well as the 8th harmonic component (847 kHz) of the transmission signal (106 kHz) and the subordinate of external noise. The component near the carrier frequency (847 kHz) is passed. The pulse counter 35 detects pulses included in the output signal from the reception filter circuit 27 and counts the number of pulses. As a result, the level of the signal received by the reception filter circuit 27 is detected.

  The external noise includes noise coming from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 and noise generated inside the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of the noise source outside the image forming apparatus 1 include a CRT, and examples of the noise source inside the image forming apparatus 1 include a high voltage application member such as a charger and a transfer roller, a motor, a fixing device, and a power supply circuit. .

  Here, the pulse counter 35 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pulse counter 35. The pulse counter 35 includes a rise detection circuit 35a, a rise counter 35b, and a read register 35c. The rising edge detection circuit 35a detects the rising edge of the pulse included in the received data while receiving the count enable signal sent from the processor 31. The rise counter 35b counts the number of rises detected by the rise detection circuit 35a while receiving the count enable signal. This rising number corresponds to the number of pulses. The rising counter 35b sequentially writes the count value in the read register 35c. This count value is read by the processor 31.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing pulses included in the received data. A noise pulse as shown in FIG. 5C is generated for the transmission data of 106 KHz shown in FIG. FIG. 5B shows a signal obtained by ASK modulating a carrier wave (13.56 MHz) with transmission data.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Prior to the start of wireless communication with the wireless tag 10, the processor 31 sends a count enable signal to the pulse counter 35 for a predetermined period. At this time, since the supply of the transmission signal to the antenna 24 is OFF, the reception signal from the wireless tag 10 and the transmission signal via the signal line 29 are not input to the reception filter circuit 27, and the antenna 24 Only the external noise that arrived at is input. Therefore, the pulse counter 35 counts pulses included in the external noise captured by the antenna 24 for a predetermined period in accordance with the count enable signal (S11).

  After sending the count enable signal, the processor 31 reads the count value C0 for the predetermined period from the pulse counter 35 (S12). The count value C0 read here corresponds to the level of external noise. The processor 31 clears the count value held in the pulse counter 35 after reading the count value.

  Next, the processor 31 sends a transmission request for control information to the reader / writer 20 (S13). In response to this, the transmission filter circuit 26 of the reader / writer 20 transmits a transmission signal. As described above, this transmission signal is wirelessly transmitted to the wireless tag 10 via the antenna 24 and also directly transmitted to the reception filter circuit 27 via the signal line 29. A transmission signal via the signal line 29 is input to the pulse counter 35 via the reception filter circuit 27 and the reception demodulation circuit 28. The processor 31 sends a count enable signal to the pulse counter 35 for a predetermined period in accordance with the timing at which the transmission signal via the signal line 29 is input to the pulse counter 35. At this time, in addition to the transmission signal via the signal line 29, the external noise captured by the antenna 24 is input to the reception filter circuit 27. Therefore, the pulse counter 35 counts the pulses included in the transmission signal and the external noise for a predetermined period in accordance with the count enable signal (S14).

  After sending the count enable signal, the processor 31 reads the count value C1 within the predetermined period from the pulse counter 35 (S15). The count value C1 read here corresponds to the level of the transmission signal on which the external noise is superimposed. The processor 31 clears the count value held in the pulse counter 35 after reading the count value.

  Next, the processor 31 determines that the difference (C1−C0) between the count value C1 corresponding to the level of the transmission signal on which the external noise is superimposed and the count value C0 corresponding to the level of the external noise is a preset threshold value Ca. It is determined whether it is less than (S16). That is, it is determined whether or not the amount of change in the signal level input from the reader / writer 20 to the control unit 30 when the supply of the transmission signal to the antenna 24 is switched from off to on is less than a predetermined amount.

  When it is determined that the difference (C1-C0) is less than the threshold value Ca (C16: YES), the processor 31 determines that the reader / writer 20 is abnormal (S17), and when the reader / writer 20 is abnormal Corresponding predetermined abnormal processing is executed (S18). Here, the processor 31 stops the wireless communication with the wireless tag 10 as an abnormal time process. Further, the user is notified by displaying on the control panel that the reader / writer 20 is out of order. Further, the processor 31 stops the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference (C1−C0) is greater than or equal to the threshold value Ca (C16: NO), the processor 31 determines that the reader / writer 20 is normal (S19). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value C0 corresponding to the level of the external noise is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Cb (S20).

  When it is determined that the count value C0 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Cb (S20: YES), the processor 31 determines that the environment is incapable of wireless communication (S21), and when the environment is incapable of wireless communication. A corresponding predetermined abnormality process is executed (S22). Here, the processor 31 stops the wireless communication with the wireless tag 10 as an abnormal time process. Also, the user is notified by displaying on the control panel that external noise exists or cannot be operated normally due to external noise. Further, the processor 31 stops the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the count value C0 is less than the threshold value Cb (S20: NO), the processor 31 determines that the environment is capable of wireless communication (S23), and continues wireless communication with the wireless tag 10. (S24).

  When the wireless communication is continued and the communication with the wireless tag 10 is not normally performed (S25: NO), such as when the number of retries reaches a predetermined number of times (S25: NO), the processor 31 determines that the wireless tag 10 is abnormal. Then, a predetermined abnormality process corresponding to the case where the wireless tag 10 is abnormal is executed (S27). Here, as an abnormal time process, the processor 31 notifies the user that the wireless tag 10 has failed. Further, the processor 31 stops the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, when the communication with the wireless tag 10 is normally performed (S25: YES), the processor 31 controls the image forming apparatus 1 using the control information sent from the wireless tag 10 (S28).

  In the above description, the image forming function is stopped in steps S18, S22, and S27. However, the image forming function may be maintained. In this case, for example, the processor 31 controls the image forming apparatus 1 using alternative information held in advance on the apparatus main body 2 side instead of the control information held on the wireless tag 10. Alternatively, the processor 31 stops the function realized by the control information held in the wireless tag 10.

  In the above description, the external noise level is detected while the supply of the transmission signal to the antenna 24 is stopped. However, the external noise level can be detected while the transmission signal is being supplied. is there. In this case, for example, the count number caused by the external noise can be grasped by subtracting the count number caused by the transmission signal from the count value obtained by the pulse counter 35. Here, the count resulting from the transmission signal may be measured in advance.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating operation timing related to signal level detection. 7A to 7C, a portion represented by a rectangle indicates a period during which data is transmitted and received. 7A shows the timing at which the control logic circuit 32 sends transmission data to the reader / writer 20, and FIG. 7B shows the response data sent from the wireless tag 10 to the reader / writer 20 in response to this transmission data. The reply timing is shown respectively. FIG. 7C shows the timing at which received data is sent from the reader / writer 20 to the control unit 30. In FIG. 7C, the reception data shown with a slight delay with respect to the transmission data shown in FIG. 7A corresponds to a signal input to the reception filter circuit 27 via the signal line 29. The received data shown with a slight delay with respect to the response data shown in FIG. 7B corresponds to a received signal from the wireless tag 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the processor 31 counts pulses by the pulse counter 35 before reading the transmission data to the reader / writer 20, and reads the obtained count value C0. Next, the processor 31 counts the pulses by the pulse counter 35 in accordance with the timing of the reception data shown with a slight delay with respect to the transmission data in FIG. 7C, and reads the obtained count value C1. . Based on the read count values C0 and C1, the processor 31 determines whether or not the reader / writer 20 is abnormal and whether or not the environment is capable of wireless communication. If the processor 31 determines that the reader / writer 20 is normal and the environment is capable of wireless communication, the processor 31 reads the received data from the wireless tag 10 at the timing shown in FIG. Process.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the present embodiment, the reader / writer 20 includes a transmission unit 21 that transmits a signal to the outside in response to an instruction from the control unit 30, and a reception unit that receives the signal from the outside and outputs the signal to the control unit 30. 22 and a signal path 23 that causes the receiving unit 22 to receive a signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 21. In this configuration, if the reader / writer 20 is normal, when a predetermined instruction is given from the control unit 30 to the transmission unit 21, a signal responding to the instruction is returned from the reception unit 22 to the control unit 30. In such a configuration, the control unit 30 gives an instruction to change the level of the signal to be transmitted to the transmission unit 21. In this case, the level of the signal input from the reception unit 22 changes according to the above instruction. Therefore, it is possible to detect a failure of the reader / writer 20.

  In particular, the control unit 30 gives an instruction to change the level of a signal to be transmitted to the transmission unit 21 and detects a change in the signal input from the reception unit 22 in this case. Therefore, the control unit 30 can appropriately extract the level of the response signal of the reader / writer 20 with respect to the instruction of the control unit 30 even when external noise is input from the receiving unit 22. Whether or not there is a failure can be determined.

  (2) Whether the control unit 30 recognizes the level of external noise using the level of the signal detected when the reader / writer 20 detects a failure, and is an environment in which wireless communication with the wireless tag 10 is possible Determine whether or not. This makes it possible to take appropriate measures according to the level of external noise. Further, when the wireless communication with the wireless tag 10 is not normally performed, the cause can be determined in more detail. Specifically, when wireless communication is not normally performed, it is possible to determine whether the cause is a failure of the reader / writer 20, a failure of the wireless tag 10, or an external noise.

  (3) The level of the signal input from the receiving unit 22 is detected when the transmission of the signal by the transmission unit 21 is turned off and when the transmission is turned on, and the level when the signal is turned off and when the signal is turned on Whether or not the reader / writer 20 is abnormal is determined based on whether or not the difference from the level is less than a predetermined threshold. Thereby, the time and power required for failure detection can be reduced. Further, when the transmission of the signal by the transmission unit 21 is turned off, the level of the signal input from the reception unit 22 is detected, so that the external signal is not affected by the transmission signal or the reception signal from the wireless tag 10. The noise level can be measured accurately.

  (4) When it is determined that the reader / writer 20 is abnormal or when it is determined that the environment is not capable of wireless communication, wireless communication with the wireless tag 10 is stopped, so that useless communication operation is omitted. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced and processing speed can be increased.

  (5) When it is determined that the reader / writer 20 is abnormal, the user is notified of this, so that the user can know that the reader / writer 20 has failed, and the reader / writer 20 Appropriate measures such as repair and breakdown can be taken. Further, when it is determined that the environment is not capable of wireless communication, the user is notified of this, so that the user can know that there is a noise source around or inside the image forming apparatus 1, It is possible to take appropriate measures such as moving the noise source away from the image forming apparatus 1.

  (6) Since the image forming function is stopped when it is determined that the reader / writer 20 is abnormal or when it is determined that the environment is not capable of wireless communication, it is possible to omit a wasteful printing operation. Cost and power consumption can be reduced.

  (7) When it is determined that the reader / writer 20 is abnormal or when it is determined that the reader / writer 20 is not in an environment capable of wireless communication, instead of the control information held in the wireless tag 10, the apparatus main body 2 in advance The image formation is performed using the alternative information held in. For this reason, although the functions realized using the control information are limited, the image forming apparatus 1 can form an image even when communication is impossible due to a failure of the reader / writer 20 or external noise.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

  For example, although the drum cartridge, the developing unit, the toner cartridge, the transfer unit, and the fixing unit are illustrated as the replacement parts 3 in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to these. A device (IIT), an image data generation device, an optional device, and the like can also be exemplified. Optional devices include double-sided transport device, trayless double-sided transport device, finisher (post-processing devices such as staple, bookbinding, punch, folding machine), large-capacity paper feed tray, large-capacity paper discharge tray, manual feed tray, special paper transport device Etc.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a detailed structure of a wireless tag, a reader / writer, and a control unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a pulse counter. It is a figure which shows typically the pulse contained in reception data. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation timing regarding the detection of a signal level.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 2 Image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body), 3 Replacement parts, 10 Radio tag, 11 Antenna, 12 Demodulation circuit, 13 Control circuit, 14 Memory, 15 Modulation circuit, 16 Rectification circuit, 17 Power supply circuit, 20 Reader / writer, 21 transmitter, 21a transmitter antenna, 21b transmitter circuit, 22 receiver, 22a receiver antenna, 22b receiver circuit, 23 signal path, 23a wired communication path, 23b wireless communication path, 24 antenna, 25 transmission modulation circuit, 26 Transmission filter circuit, 27 Reception filter circuit, 28 Reception demodulation circuit, 29 Signal line, 30 Control unit, 31 Processor, 32 Control logic circuit, 33 Transmission logic circuit, 34 Reception logic circuit, 35 Pulse counter

Claims (8)

A replacement part provided with a wireless tag is detachably mounted, and includes a communication device that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag, and a control device that controls the communication device, and an image is recorded on a recording medium using the replacement part. An image forming apparatus for forming,
The communication device includes: a transmission unit that transmits a signal to the outside according to an instruction from the control device; a reception unit that receives a signal from the outside and outputs the signal to the control device; and a signal transmitted from the transmission unit A signal path that causes the receiver to receive
The control device gives an instruction to change the level of a signal to be transmitted to the transmission unit, detects the level of the signal input from the reception unit in this case, and the level of the detected signal corresponds to the instruction Determining whether or not the communication device is abnormal based on whether or not
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The control device detects a level of a signal input from the reception unit when the transmission of the signal by the transmission unit is turned off and when the transmission is turned on. When the difference from the ON level is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the communication device is abnormal, and when it is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined that the communication device is not abnormal. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
When it is determined that the communication device is abnormal, wireless communication with the wireless tag is stopped. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
If it is determined that the communication device is abnormal, the image forming device notifies the user to that effect. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
An image forming apparatus that stops an image forming function when it is determined that the communication apparatus is abnormal. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When it is determined that the communication device is not abnormal, the communication device reads control information from the wireless tag, performs image formation using the control information,
An image forming apparatus, wherein, when it is determined that the communication apparatus is abnormal, image formation is performed using alternative information stored in advance instead of the control information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control device determines whether or not an environment capable of wireless communication with the wireless tag is based on the level of the detected signal. A replacement part provided with a wireless tag is detachably mounted, and includes a communication device that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag, and a control device that controls the communication device, and an image is recorded on a recording medium using the replacement part. A communication device failure detection method in an image forming apparatus to be formed,
The communication device includes: a transmission unit that transmits a signal to the outside according to an instruction from the control device; a reception unit that receives a signal from the outside and outputs the signal to the control device; and a signal transmitted from the transmission unit A signal path that causes the receiver to receive
The control device gives an instruction to change the level of a signal to be transmitted to the transmitting unit, detects the level of the signal input from the receiving unit in this case, and the level of the detected signal corresponds to the instruction Determining whether or not the communication device is abnormal based on whether or not
A communication device failure detection method.

Images