JP2006261901A - Image forming device control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device control system which is capable of protecting an image forming device against a decrease in operating efficiency due to excessively degenerate processing by sorting out modes in which malfunction occurs and prohibiting only irreducible minimum specific modes when the malfunction (error) occurs. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is equipped with a failure sensing means which defects the malfunction of a device or the transfer failure of a sheet and a storage means which stores operation information that is related to the device and contains failure information detected by the detection means, malfunction information occurring in the job in the same mode is stored twice or more times in the storage means, the patten is specified, and the job is inhibited or device operation control information for caution is issued. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system that manages device operation information of an image forming apparatus and performs operation restriction in accordance with abnormal operation information.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus represented by a digital copying machine having a scanning function for reading an image from a document, a printing function for printing a scanned image on a recording sheet, and a post-processing function for performing post-processing on the printed paper.

  For example, in the case of a scanning function, there are failures such as a lamp lighting error and a mirror stage moving motor error. In the case of a printing function, for example, a failure of a feeding roller life and a fixing device temperature may occur. There are failures such as a rise failure and a fan motor error. In the case of the post-processing function, there are failure states such as a stapling error and a punch motor error.

In a conventional digital copying machine, for example, when a scan motor error occurs, error information is transmitted to an external device (such as a host computer) connected via a network, and a reduction process is performed to disable the document scanning function. Repeated errors are prevented from occurring (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-254781 (FIG. 10)

  However, in the case of a conventional system, for example, if a scan motor error occurs during continuous scanning of a large size (A3 or the like), the entire scanning function is prohibited.

  As a result, even a small-size scan that can be operated or a sheet-through scan function is stopped depending on the state of the malfunction.

  Also, in the post-processing function, if the stapler binding position moving motor causes an error due to some abnormality, the staple mode is prohibited and even the front binding mode function that does not require movement is stopped.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus as described above, a specific error may occur depending on the type of paper used and the environmental state.

  For example, when an overload is applied to the punch motor in the thick paper punch mode and a motor error occurs, the conventional system prohibits the punch mode itself, and the punch mode of plain paper is disabled even if the punch job is operable.

  Similarly, when an overload occurs in the staple mode of cardboard or multiple sheets and a stapling error occurs, the conventional system prohibits the stapling mode itself. Had to perform an operation to release the degraded state.

  Also, if the device power is turned on and the temperature inside the device is suddenly increased from a state where the room temperature in the early morning, that is, the device internal temperature is low, condensation may occur inside the device and an error may occur in the electrical system. .

  In such a case, the system is often restored by leaving it for a certain period of time, but the conventional system stops the function in which the error has occurred.

  The object of the present invention is to operate the apparatus by excessive degeneracy processing by selecting the mode in which the error occurs and prohibiting only the necessary minimum specific mode when an operation abnormality (error) as described above occurs. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus management system that avoids a decrease in rate.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention according to claim 1, an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal operation of a device or an abnormal sheet conveyance, and a memory for storing operational information of the device including abnormal information by the detecting means. And when the operation abnormality information is stored a plurality of times in a job in the same mode in the storage means, the pattern is specified, and device operation management information for prompting prohibition or attention of the job is issued. .

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention as claimed in claim 2, an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal operation of the device or an abnormality of sheet conveyance, and a memory for storing the operation information of the device including abnormal information by the detecting means. The image forming apparatus, and the storage means stores the state of the apparatus including the operation information of the job in which the abnormality has occurred and the job immediately before the abnormality when the abnormality detection means detects the abnormality, When an operation abnormality in which the combination of the detected job type and the state of the immediately preceding apparatus is the same is detected a plurality of times, device operation management information for issuing a prohibition or attention to the job of the combination is issued.

  According to the present invention, when operation abnormality information is stored a plurality of times in a job in the same mode, it is possible to actually operate by specifying the pattern and issuing device operation management information for prompting prohibition or attention of the job. Nevertheless, the degeneration mode is not unnecessarily entered, reducing the downtime of the apparatus and improving the operating rate.

  In addition, when an operation abnormality in which the combination of the job type in which the abnormality is detected and the state of the immediately preceding device is the same is detected a plurality of times, by issuing device operation management information that prompts prohibition or attention of the job of the combination, Although it is actually operable, the degeneration mode is not unnecessarily entered, reducing the downtime of the apparatus and improving the operating rate.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  FIG. 1 is a job flowchart showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Specific examples thereof will be described later with reference to Tables 1, 2, and 3. Here, the flow of the apparatus management system will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  In the image forming apparatus, when a job is started and an error occurs due to a cause of the apparatus hardware or a usage condition (S201), first, error information is stored in the storage unit (S202).

  At this time, the error information is stored in the mode information such as the paper type, paper size, set number of sheets, etc., as well as the date and time of occurrence and the temperature and humidity at the time of occurrence if the device has a built-in thermohygrometer. Recorded with content.

  In step S203, it is determined whether an error having the same mode as the error that has occurred this time has occurred in the past.

  If the current error is the first time, the device is automatically reset (S207) or the user is prompted to turn the device power switch OFF / ON to cancel the error state.

  If there is a history in which an error in the same mode as the current error has occurred in the past, the degenerate mode analysis (S204) is performed to identify the operation mode to be restricted.

  At this time, it may be set to proceed to the degenerate mode analysis (S204) when the same mode error occurs for the second time, or the same mode error may occur a plurality of times (for example, three times) depending on the status of the apparatus and the type of error. It may be set to proceed to the degenerate mode analysis after that.

  That is, when the installation location of the apparatus is close to the service base and the maintenance service response is promptly performed, the setting is made so as to enter the degeneration at a relatively early stage to prevent the occurrence of an error.

  In addition, when the maintenance service is performed only periodically, it is expected that the restriction mode will increase. Therefore, it is better to increase the number of occurrences of malfunctions before entering the degeneration.

  This number of times can be set in the service mode or the user mode.

  When the operation mode to be reduced is determined by the analysis, the apparatus operation unit or the like prompts the user to select whether to enter the reduction mode (S205, S206).

  That is, when the user selects the reduction mode ON, and thereafter the same mode is set, the operation prohibition is displayed and the setting is disabled (S208).

  Also, if the degradation mode OFF is selected, the operation is not prohibited (S207), and “error may occur” is displayed when the mode is set.

  Of course, steps S205 and S206 are not indispensable steps, and may be set to automatically enter the reduced mode after the analysis ends, and “error may occur” automatically after the analysis ends. May be set to display only.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body (copying apparatus main body) 100, a paper deck (hereinafter abbreviated as a deck) 150, a circulation type automatic document feeder (RDF) (hereinafter referred to as a “removable automatic document feeder”). (Abbreviated as feeder) 189 and finisher 190.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 of the image forming apparatus includes a platen glass 101, a scanner 102, scanning mirrors 105 and 106, a lens 108, a CCD sensor (image sensor unit) 109, a photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, and a pre-exposure lamp. 114, cleaning device 116, transfer charger 118, exposure controller 120, developing device 121, transfer belt 130, upper cassette 131, lower cassette 132, pickup rollers 133 and 134, paper feed rollers 135 and 136, registration roller 137, suction Charger 138, transfer belt roller 170, pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, fixing device 141, paper discharge roller 142, paper discharge flapper 154, reverse path 155, refeed tray 156, multiple flapper 157, transport path 158, feed Paper roller 159, path 160, discharge roller 1 1, the first feed roller 162, a second feed roller 162a, reversing roller 163, and a transfer belt roller 170.

  The deck 150 of the image forming apparatus includes a lifter 151 and a paper feed roller 152.

  Further, the circulation type automatic document feeder (feeder) 189 of the image forming apparatus includes a mechanism (not shown) for automatically feeding a document set by an operator to a reading position on the platen glass of the image forming apparatus main body 100. ing.

  The finisher 190 of the image forming apparatus includes stack trays 191, 192, passes 193, 195, 196, a discharge flapper 194, a punch unit 197, and a staple unit 198.

  First, the reader unit of the image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described in detail. The platen glass 101 is a document placement table.

  The scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like.

  The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), whereby the reflected light 107 of the original is imaged on the CCD sensor 109 through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106.

  The reflected light of the document is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 109, and the electrical signal is subjected to A / D conversion and shading correction by a scanner image processing unit (not shown) disposed near the CCD sensor 109. It is stored as digital image data in the memory via the gate array.

  Next, the printer unit of the image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described in detail.

  The exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 reads out the digital output image data stored in the memory from the memory, and the data processing unit converts the digital image data into a video signal. / F) to the printer unit via the unit.

  Then, the photosensitive drum 110 is irradiated with a laser beam 129 modulated based on the video signal.

  Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided.

  In the image forming unit 126 centering on the photosensitive drum 110, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, The laser beam 129 from the exposure control unit 120 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image.

  On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136 to the conveyance path provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and the registration roller 137. Thus, the toner image visualized and transferred to the transfer belt 130 is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118.

  In this case, the adsorption charger 138 adsorbs the transfer sheet sent from the registration roller 137 to the transfer belt 130. The transfer belt roller 170 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and at the same time, is paired with the adsorption charger 138 to charge the transfer paper to the transfer belt 130 by adsorption.

  After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.

  The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, and the toner is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, and fixed by pressurization and heating. It is discharged out of the main body 100.

  Here, the image forming apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer sheets.

  The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate, for example, 100 transfer sheets.

  Again, in the image forming apparatus main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 154 records the image on the double-sided recording side (path for recording images on both sides of the transfer paper) or the multiple-recording side path (multiple images on the transfer paper). Switching path) and the paper discharge side path (the path on which the transferred transfer paper is discharged) are switched.

  The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by this paper discharge flapper 154.

  The multiple flapper 157 switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the multiple flapper 157 to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155.

  The paper feed roller 159 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 via the path 160.

  The discharge roller 161 is a roller that is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus.

  During double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the reverse path 155, and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left. Then, the paper is stored in the paper refeed tray 156 in a state of being turned upside down through the transport path 158.

  Further, at the time of multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the transport path 158, and then the refeed tray 156. To store.

  The transfer sheets stored in the refeed tray 156 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feed roller 159.

  When the transfer sheet is reversed and discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the recorded (copied) transfer sheet is conveyed to the conveyance path 155 side. Then, after the rear end of the transfer paper passes through the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus.

  With the above operation, the transfer paper discharged out of the apparatus is conveyed to the finisher 190.

  The finisher 190 stacks transfer sheets printed by the image forming apparatus main body 100 (stacks a predetermined number of sheets in a plurality of bins). A path 193 is a path for receiving transfer paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  The punch unit 197 is attached to the pass 193 and punches punch holes one by one at the rear end of the transferred transfer paper, and sends it to the pass 195 or 196.

  The paper discharge flapper 194 is moved downward to send it to the path 195, and the paper discharge flapper 194 is moved upward to send it to the path 196.

  When the path 196 is passed, the sheet bundle is aligned, stapled at the staple unit 198, and discharged onto the stack tray 192.

  Of course, the punch unit 197 and the staple unit 198 operate only when the mode is set, and normal discharged sheets are stacked on the trays 191 and 192 through the paths 195 and 196.

  For example, when copying is performed by the image forming apparatus main body 100, the transfer paper is discharged to the stack tray 192, and when PDL printing is performed by the image forming apparatus main body 100, the transfer paper is discharged to the bin 191. In order to improve user convenience.

  Here, a specific example in which the apparatus management system of FIG. 1 is applied to the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 will be described using Tables 1 to 3.

  In Table 1, a punch motor error has occurred in “thick paper / color output / punch mode” as “previous history” (S201), and the error information is stored in the apparatus (S202).

  This defect indicates that the punch motor output torque is insufficient for some reason and drilling is impossible.

  For example, there may be a hardware trouble of the apparatus, and the paper becomes hard in a low humidity environment, and the punch may not be able to penetrate the paper especially with a thick paper or color output paper with a high image ratio.

  If a punch motor error has started to occur in the “thick paper / color output / punch mode”, the operation screen is urged to turn the power OFF / ON, and the device is reset (S207) to prepare for the next job. .

  Next, a description will be given of the response when the current state becomes Pattern 1 to Pattern 4.

  In pattern 1, when “punch paper / color output / punch mode” is performed and a punch motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history already stored (S203). ) Is performed.

  Since the same error remains in the same “thick paper / color output / punch mode” as the history, an analysis (S204) is performed with only “thick paper / color output / punch mode” as a degeneration target. A selection screen for selecting whether to perform the reduction setting is displayed on the operation unit.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “thick paper / color output / punch mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In Pattern 2, when “thick paper / monochrome output / punch mode” is performed and a punch motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history that has already been stored (S203). ) Is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “thick paper / punch mode”, an analysis (S204) for only “thick paper / punch mode” is performed, and the reduction setting is set on the operation unit. Displays a screen for selecting whether or not to perform.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “thick paper / punch mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 3, when “Plain paper / color output / punch mode” is performed and a punch motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previously stored history (S202). S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “color output / punch mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on only the “color output / punch mode” as a degeneration target. Displays a screen for selecting whether to perform reduction settings.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “color output / punch mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  As described above, in the above patterns 1 to 3, because a punch error occurs in the punch mode, the entire punch mode is not targeted for degeneration, but the punch of plain paper or monochrome output paper that is estimated to be operable The punch can be operated without restriction.

  In pattern 4, when “Plain paper / monochrome output / punch mode” is performed and a punch motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history that has already been stored (S202). S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “punch mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on “punch mode” as a reduction target, and whether or not reduction setting should be performed on the apparatus operation unit. Display the selection screen.

  If the user makes a reduction selection, the next time “punch mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  Similarly, Table 2 shows a case where a staple motor error has occurred in “color output / 30 sheets or more / staple mode” as “previous history”.

  This problem indicates that the output torque of the staple motor is insufficient for some reason, and the needle cannot be punched.

  For example, there may be a hardware problem with the device. Also, the paper stiffens in a low-humidity environment, and the staples penetrate the paper especially when the paper is thick, the color output paper has a high image ratio, or the number of bindings is large. There is a possibility that the stapling could not be performed, and when the number of sheets to be bound increases, there is a possibility that the stapling cannot be normally performed due to an alignment failure in the alignment unit that aligns the sheets.

  If the occurrence of a staple motor error in “color output / 30 sheets or more / staple mode” has begun, the operation unit screen prompts the user to turn the power off / on, reset the device (S207), and execute the next job. Prepare for.

  Next, a description will be given of the response when the current state becomes Pattern 1 to Pattern 4.

  In pattern 1, when “color output / 30 sheets or more / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history that has already been stored. (S203) is performed.

  Since the same error remains in the history in exactly the same “color output / more than 30 sheets / staple mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed with only “color output / more than 30 sheets / staple mode” as the reduction target (S204). And a selection screen as to whether or not to perform the reduction setting is displayed on the device operation unit.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “color output / 30 sheets or more / staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 2, when “color output / 30 sheets or less / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previously stored history. (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “color output / staple mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on only the “color output / staple mode” as a reduction target, and is displayed on the apparatus operation unit. Displays a screen for selecting whether to perform reduction settings.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “color output / staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 3, when “monochrome output / 30 sheets or more / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previously stored history. (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “30 sheets or more / staple mode”, an analysis (S204) for only “30 sheets or more / staple mode” is performed, and the apparatus operation unit Display the selection screen for whether or not to set the reduction.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “30 or more sheets / staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  As described above, in the above patterns 1 to 3, a stapling error occurs in the stapling mode, but not all the stapling modes are subject to degeneration, but a small number of stapling or monochrome output paper that is estimated to be operable can be obtained. Stapling does not restrict the operation.

  In pattern 4, when “monochrome output / 30 sheets or less / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error occurs (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previously stored history. (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is the “staple mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on the “staple mode” as a reduction target, and whether or not the reduction setting is performed on the device operation unit is determined. Display the selection screen.

  If the user makes a reduction selection, the next time “staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  Similarly, Table 3 shows a case where a stapling motor error has occurred in “A4 size / back binding / staple mode” as “previous history”.

  This problem indicates that the output torque of the staple moving motor is insufficient for some reason, and the stapler cannot move to the operating position.

  For example, there may be a hardware trouble of the motor, or there is a possibility that a part of the moving rail is mechanically caught and cannot be moved locally.

  If a stapling motor error has started in the “A4 size / back binding / stapling mode”, the operation screen prompts the user to turn the power off / on, reset the device (S207), and execute the next job. Prepare.

  Next, a description will be given of the response when the current state becomes Pattern 1 to Pattern 4.

  In pattern 1, when “A4 size / back binding / stapling mode” is performed and a stapling motor error has occurred (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previously stored history. (S203) is performed.

  Since the same error remains in the history in exactly the same “A4 size / back binding / stapling mode”, only “A4 size / back binding / staple mode” is subjected to analysis (S204). Then, a screen for selecting whether or not to perform the reduction setting is displayed on the device operation unit.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “A4 size / back binding / staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 2, when “A4 size / front binding / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error has occurred (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history already stored. (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “A4 size / staple mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on only the “A4 size / staple mode” as a reduction target, and is displayed on the device operation unit. Displays a screen for selecting whether to perform reduction settings.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “A4 size / staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 3, when “B5 size / back binding / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error has occurred (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previously stored history. (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “back binding / staple mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on only the “back binding / staple mode” as a reduction target, and is displayed on the device operation unit. Displays a screen for selecting whether to perform reduction settings.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “back binding / stapling mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  As described above, in the above patterns 1 to 3, a stapling error has occurred in the stapling mode. However, not all the stapling modes are targeted for degeneration, but stapling with different binding positions estimated to be operable is limited in operation. It is possible not to.

  In pattern 4, when “B5 size / front binding / staple mode” is performed and a stapling motor error has occurred (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history that has already been stored. (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is the “staple mode”, an analysis (S204) is performed on the “staple mode” as a reduction target, and whether or not the reduction setting is performed on the device operation unit is determined. Display the selection screen.

  If the user makes a reduction selection, the next time “staple mode” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a job flowchart showing the second embodiment of the present invention. Specific examples thereof will be described later with reference to Tables 4 and 5. Here, the flow of the apparatus management system will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the image forming apparatus, when a job is started and an error occurs due to a hardware problem or a problem in use (S201), error information (A) is first stored in a storage unit (S202).

  Further, the job mode information (B) is stored by the storage means even when no error occurs in the job and the job is terminated by a normal operation (S209).

  This job mode information may be added and stored at any time. If there is a limitation on the device memory, the previous information is always overwritten and only the latest previous job information is always stored. However, in the apparatus management system, when a job error occurs, it is necessary to store the previous job mode information (B) together with the error information (A) as a set.

  In addition to the mode information such as paper type, paper size, set number of sheets, etc., the date and time of error occurrence and the temperature and humidity at the time of occurrence of the device are also stored as information. Recorded with content.

  In step S203, it is determined whether an error having the same combination of the error information (A) generated this time and the previous job mode information (B) has occurred in the past.

  If this is the first combination error, the apparatus is automatically reset (S207), or the user is prompted to turn off / on the apparatus power switch to cancel the error state.

  If there is a history in which the same combination error as the current error has occurred in the past, the degenerate mode analysis (S204) is performed to identify the operation mode to be restricted.

  At this time, when the same combination error occurs for the second time, the setting may proceed to the degenerate mode analysis (S204), or the same combination error may occur multiple times (for example, three times) depending on the status of the apparatus and the type of error. It may be set to proceed to the degenerate mode analysis after that.

  When the operation mode to be reduced is determined by the analysis, the apparatus operation unit or the like prompts the user to select whether to enter the reduction mode (S205, S206).

  That is, when the user selects the reduction mode ON, and thereafter the same mode is set, the operation prohibition is displayed and the setting is disabled (S208).

  Also, if the degradation mode OFF is selected, the operation is not prohibited (S207), and “error may occur” is displayed when the mode is set.

  Of course, steps S205 and S206 are not indispensable steps, and may be set to automatically enter the reduced mode after the analysis ends, and “error may occur” automatically after the analysis ends. May be set to display only.

  Here, a specific example in which the apparatus management system of FIG. 3 is applied to the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 will be described using Tables 4 to 5.

  In Table 4, a “fixed retention jam” occurs in “immediately after power-on / print job” as “previous history” (S201), and error information is stored in the apparatus (S202).

  This problem is that immediately after the power is turned on in the early morning of winter when the room temperature is low, the inside of the device is suddenly warmed by the heat of the fixing unit, and water drops temporarily adhere to the surface of the sheet metal transport guide plate that was in a low temperature state. It is thought that it became conveyance resistance.

  Then, if the occurrence of a fixing retention jam in “immediately after power supply startup / print job” is started, the user is prompted to turn the power OFF / ON on the operation unit screen, and the device is reset (S207) to prepare for the next job. .

  Next, a description will be given of a response when the current state becomes like pattern 1 to pattern 2.

  In pattern 1, when a fixing jam occurs in “immediately after power-on / print job” (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with a previous history that has already been stored (S203). Is done.

  Since the same error remains in the history in exactly the same “immediately after power-on / print job”, an analysis (S204) is performed for only “immediately after power-on / print job” as a degeneration target. Then, a screen for selecting whether or not to perform the reduction setting is displayed on the device operation unit.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “immediately after power-on / print job” is set the next time, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 2, when a fixing jam occurs in “continuous use / print job” (S201), the information is stored (S202) and compared with the previous history that has already been stored (S203). Is called.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “print job”, analysis for “print job” as a reduction target is performed (S204), and whether or not reduction setting is to be performed on the apparatus operation unit is determined. Display the selection screen.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “print job” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In Table 5, a paper discharge unit stay jam has occurred as “previous history” in “immediately after passing 100 sheets of color duplex / OHP sheet print job” (S201), and the error information is stored in the apparatus (S201). S202).

  It is considered that this failure is caused by the fact that the color paper is continuously conveyed on both sides, the inside of the conveyance path is charged, and the OHP sheet that is more likely to be charged is passed immediately after that, resulting in a conveyance failure due to charging.

  Then, if the occurrence of a jam in the paper discharge unit in the “immediately after passing 100 sheets on both colors / OHP sheet print job” has started, the user is prompted to turn the power OFF / ON on the operation unit screen and reset the device (S207). And prepare for the next job.

  Next, a description will be given of the response when the current state becomes Pattern 1 to Pattern 4.

  In pattern 1, when a paper discharge section retention jam occurs in “color double-sided continuous 100 sheets / OHP sheet print job” (S201), the information is stored (S202) and the previous stored one is stored. Comparison with the history (S203) is performed.

  Since the same error remains in the history of exactly the same “color duplex 100 sheets immediately after passing / OHP sheet print job”, only “color duplex 100 sheets immediately after passing / OHP sheet print job” is reduced. The target analysis (S204) is performed, and a selection screen as to whether or not to perform the reduction setting is displayed on the apparatus operation unit.

  If the user makes a reduction selection, the next time “color double-sided 100 sheets continuously passed / OHP sheet print job” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In Pattern 2, when a paper discharge unit stay jam occurs in “color double-sided 100 sheets continuously passed / plain paper print job” (S201), the information is stored (S202) and the previous stored one is stored. Comparison with the history (S203) is performed.

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “immediately after 100-color double-sided continuous printing / print job”, only “colored double-sided continuous 100-sheet continuous printing / print job” is targeted for reduction. (S204) is performed, and a selection screen as to whether or not to perform the reduction setting is displayed on the apparatus operation unit.

  If reduction is selected by the user, the next time “color double-sided continuous 100 sheets / print job” is set next time, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In pattern 3, when a jam in the paper discharge unit occurs in “immediately after a job other than continuous printing on both sides of color 100 sheets / OHP sheet print job” (S201), the information is stored (S202) and already stored. Comparison with the previous history is performed (S203).

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “OHP sheet print job”, an analysis (S204) for only “OHP sheet print job” is performed, and reduction setting is performed on the apparatus operation unit. Displays a screen for selecting whether or not to perform.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “OHP sheet print job” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  In Pattern 4, when a paper discharge unit retention jam occurs in “immediately after a job other than continuous printing on both sides of color 100 sheets / plain paper print job” (S201), the information is stored (S202) and already stored. Comparison with the previous history is performed (S203).

  Since the setting item common to the previous error history is “print job”, analysis for “print job” as a reduction target is performed (S204), and whether or not reduction setting is to be performed on the apparatus operation unit is determined. Display the selection screen.

  If the user selects the reduction, the next time “print job” is set, an operation prohibition display or a display indicating that a malfunction may occur is displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control unit of the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention.

  The operation abnormality detection units W to Z are home position sensors of a stapler, for example, and are rotation clock detectors of a motor.

  When an error is detected by these detection units, necessary information is stored in the error information storage unit A via the CPU.

  Then, according to the flow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the CPU performs the degeneration mode analysis, and displays an error as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit such as the operation panel.

  FIG. 5 shows a reduction selection display when a punch error occurs, and prompts the user to enter whether or not to enter the reduction mode.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which a plurality of device management systems according to the present invention are connected via a network to centrally manage the system.

  In the figure, reference numerals 1a, 1b and 1c denote the same type of image forming apparatus connected to the network 5 via the communication terminal 4.

  Similarly, 2a, 2b, 2c and 3a, 3b, 3c are different types of image forming apparatuses connected to the network 5, respectively.

  A maintenance host 6 capable of centrally managing all devices is connected to the network.

  By using this network system, the apparatus management system described in the first and second embodiments can be centrally performed by the maintenance host 6.

  In addition, by using the network system, operation information and error information of other image forming apparatuses of the same type connected on the network can be used, and analysis with higher accuracy is possible when performing the degenerate mode analysis. .

  That is, when an error occurs in the device 1a, the past error information of the device 1b and the device 1c is browsed. to go into.

Flowchart of the first embodiment of the present invention Sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus to which the apparatus management system of this invention is applied Flowchart of the second embodiment of the present invention Block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows the display part of 1st Example of this invention. Conceptual diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 Image forming apparatus 4 Communication terminal 5 Network 6 Maintenance host S202 Error information storage unit S204 Degeneration mode analysis unit S205 Degeneration display unit S209 Job mode information storage unit

Claims (5)

  An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal operation of the device or an abnormality in sheet conveyance, a control unit for stopping the apparatus when an abnormality is detected by the detection means, and a storage means for storing the operation information of the device including the abnormality information When the device stop information due to the same operation abnormality is stored a plurality of times in a job in the same mode in the storage unit, the device operation that specifies the pattern and urges the prohibition or attention of the job An image forming apparatus management system characterized by issuing management information.   An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal operation of the device or an abnormality in sheet conveyance, a control unit for stopping the apparatus when an abnormality is detected by the detection means, and a storage means for storing the operation information of the device including the abnormality information When the abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality, the storage unit stores the state of the apparatus including the operation information of the job in which the abnormality has occurred and the job immediately before the abnormality, and detects the abnormality. Image forming apparatus management characterized by issuing device operation management information for prompting prohibition or caution of a job of a combination when an operation abnormality in which the combination of the job type and the state of the apparatus immediately before the same is detected a plurality of times system.   3. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus management system is connected to a remote management system that collects and transmits information via a network. .   An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal operation of the device or an abnormality in sheet conveyance, a control unit for stopping the apparatus when an abnormality is detected by the detection means, and a storage means for storing the operation information of the device including the abnormality information Are connected to a remote management system that collects and transmits information via a network, and the abnormal operation information stored in the storage means of another image forming apparatus connected to the same remote management system An image forming apparatus management system characterized in that, when the same operation abnormality occurs, device pattern management is specified and device operation management information is issued to urge prohibition or attention of the job.   An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal operation of the device or an abnormality in sheet conveyance, a control unit for stopping the apparatus when an abnormality is detected by the detection means, and a storage means for storing the operation information of the device including the abnormality information Are connected to a remote management system that collects and transmits information via a network, immediately before the occurrence of an abnormality stored in a storage unit of another image forming apparatus connected to the same remote management system. An image forming apparatus management system characterized by issuing device operation management information for identifying a pattern and prompting prohibition or attention of a job when an operation abnormality identical to the operation abnormality information including the state of the apparatus is generated.

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