JP2010107571A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which appropriately displays the information that is necessary for dealing with an abnormality of the image forming apparatus in order to efficiently deal with the various abnormalities thereof. <P>SOLUTION: A control section 55 collects all information related to the abnormality when the abnormality occurs. Then, the control section 55 converts all collected information to QR code (R) and displays the QR code on a screen of a display device 62. On the screen: a schematic view 71 of the image forming apparatus is displayed in the center; three operation keys 72 are displayed on the right side; and four QR codes 73a to 73d are displayed on the left side. The QR code 73a indicates content for input instruction related to the abnormality, the QR code 73b indicates a connected state of an optional unit related to the abnormality, the QR code 73c indicates a detection output of a sensor related to the abnormality and the QR code 73d indicates a control signal of communication protocol related to the abnormality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that determines and reports an abnormality that has occurred when an abnormality occurs.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses not only include a scanner, a printing unit, a paper supply unit, and the like necessary for basic copying processing, but also a facsimile communication unit, post-processing for sorting printed sheets, stapling, and the like. An optional unit such as a unit is often added.

  However, with the increase in the number of functions of such an image forming apparatus, various failures (abnormalities) are generated, and it is an important issue to efficiently cope with various abnormalities.

  In conventional image forming apparatuses, each time an abnormality occurs, a trouble code for identifying the abnormality is often displayed on the display screen. However, with this trouble code alone, the cause of the abnormality and the background to the occurrence of the abnormality are displayed. (Input operation and interrupt processing) could not be specified, and it was difficult to efficiently deal with the abnormality.

  Further, if it is limited to facsimile communication, protocol data can be confirmed by simulation settings, but it cannot be confirmed when the printing unit fails.

  For this reason, for example, in Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurs in the copying machine, the copy mode and the machine state are stored in the nonvolatile memory together with the abnormal item, and the stored contents are output to facilitate estimation of the cause of the abnormality. Quick repair is possible.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, the energization history, date time, and user operation history at the time of initial operation and steady operation are stored in a memory, or exposure abnormality, power supply abnormality, control abnormality, drive system abnormality, fixing abnormality, The paper feed abnormality is stored in the memory, and the stored information in the memory is used for determining the failure of the image processing apparatus.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, when an abnormality occurs, a QR code (registered trademark) indicating the abnormality is printed on a recording sheet or displayed on a display screen, and the QR code is read by a mobile phone and transmitted to a server. Yes.

In Patent Document 4, communication information relating to facsimile data is converted into a two-dimensional code and printed out.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-177325 JP 7-175373 A JP 2007-41840 A JP 2006-80811 A

  However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, various information at the time of occurrence of an abnormality is stored in the memory. However, in order to use the stored information in the memory, it is necessary to read and analyze the information from the memory. The information in the memory cannot be used unless a service engineer or the like is sent.

  In Patent Document 3, a QR code is displayed on a display screen, and the QR code is read by a mobile phone and transmitted to a server. This QR code indicates a paper out or a paper size error. Because it plays the same role as the trouble code described above, it is not possible to identify the cause of the abnormality and the process up to the occurrence of the abnormality, enabling efficient handling of various abnormalities is not.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 4, although the same two-dimensional code as the QR code is used, this two-dimensional code only indicates communication information, so that it is not possible to efficiently deal with various abnormalities. Absent.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and in order to efficiently deal with various abnormalities of the image forming apparatus, information necessary for dealing with the abnormalities is accurately determined. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying the image.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is useful for analyzing various abnormalities when an abnormality occurs in an image forming apparatus that determines and reports an abnormality that has occurred. Determining means for determining information related to the abnormality that has occurred from among a plurality of information that can be collected in the step, and converting the information determined to be related to the abnormality by the determining means into a two-dimensional code and displaying it on the display screen ing.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that determines and reports an abnormality that has occurred. When an abnormality occurs, input operation information for the image forming apparatus, connection information of an option unit for the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus The determination means for determining information related to the abnormality from the detection information of each sensor and the communication information of the facsimile communication by the image forming apparatus, and the information determined to be related to the abnormality by the determination means as a two-dimensional code Two-dimensional code display means for converting and displaying on the display screen.

  Further, the two-dimensional code display means displays a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus on a display screen, obtains an abnormality occurrence location on the schematic diagram of the display screen, and determines information related to the abnormality by the determination means. Is converted into a two-dimensional code, and this two-dimensional code is displayed at an abnormality occurrence location in the schematic diagram of the display screen.

  In addition, an input operation position detection unit that detects an input operation position with respect to the display screen is provided, and the two-dimensional code display unit is configured such that the input operation position detected by the input operation position detection unit is a two-dimensional code on the display screen. If it is in the area, the two-dimensional code is enlarged and displayed.

  Furthermore, an input operation information history storage unit for storing a history of input operation information for the image forming apparatus is provided, and the two-dimensional code display unit is configured to input the input operation information when the determination unit determines that the input operation information is related to an abnormality. The history of input operation information in the operation information history storage means is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display screen.

  And a connection information history accumulating unit that accumulates a history of connection information of the option unit for the image forming apparatus, and the two-dimensional code display unit is configured to connect the connection information when the determination unit determines that the connection information is related to an abnormality. The history of connection information in the information history storage means is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display screen.

  The image forming apparatus further includes a detection information history storage unit that stores a history of detection information of each sensor in the image forming apparatus, and the two-dimensional code display unit detects the detection information when the determination unit determines that the detection information is related to an abnormality. The history of detection information in the information history storage means is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display screen.

  A communication information history storage unit configured to store a communication information history of facsimile communication by the image forming apparatus; and the two-dimensional code display unit is configured to receive the communication information when the determination unit determines that the communication information is related to an abnormality. The history of communication information in the information history storage means is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display screen.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when an abnormality occurs, information related to the abnormality is determined from among a plurality of pieces of information that are useful for analyzing various abnormalities and can be collected by the image forming apparatus. For example, information relating to abnormality is determined from input operation information, option unit connection information, detection information of each sensor, and communication information of facsimile communication. Then, the information determined to be related to this abnormality is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display screen. Therefore, if there are a plurality of pieces of information related to the abnormality, each two-dimensional code indicating all of these pieces of information is displayed on the display screen. These two-dimensional codes can be read and transmitted by a mobile phone or the like, and the receiving side analyzes all the information indicated by those two-dimensional codes to accurately identify various abnormalities of the image forming apparatus, Efficient measures can be implemented quickly.

  In addition, a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display screen, an abnormality occurrence location on the schematic diagram of the display screen is obtained, and a two-dimensional code related to the abnormality is displayed on the abnormality occurrence location in the schematic diagram of the display screen. is doing. In this case, the location where the abnormality has occurred can be easily identified, and efficient countermeasures can be implemented more quickly.

  Further, the input operation position with respect to the display screen is detected, and when the detected input operation position is in the area of the two-dimensional code on the display screen, the two-dimensional code is enlarged and displayed. When the two-dimensional code on the display screen is small, the information amount of the two-dimensional code is reduced. However, if the two-dimensional code can be enlarged and displayed, the information amount of the two-dimensional code can be increased. More information related to the abnormality can be displayed by two two-dimensional codes.

  Furthermore, a history of input operation information, a history of connection information of option units, a history of detection information of each sensor, and a history of communication information of facsimile communication are accumulated, and these histories are converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed. Since it is displayed on the screen, it is possible to analyze the information indicated by the two-dimensional code and know in detail the circumstances leading to the occurrence of the abnormality, and to identify various abnormalities of the image forming apparatus more accurately Can do.

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

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a document reading unit 2, a printing unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, a post-processing unit 5, and the like.

  The document reading unit 2 is disposed above the printing unit 3 and includes a document transport unit 6 and a scanner 7. In the document transport unit 6, when a document is set on the document set tray 11, the pickup roller 12 is pressed against the document on the tray 11 and rotated, the document is pulled out, and the document is transported to the platen glass 13. Passes through the platen glass 13 and is discharged to the discharge tray 14.

  At this time, in the scanner 7, the first and second scanning units 15 and 16 are positioned, and the first scanning unit 15 exposes the surface of the document passing over the platen glass 13, and the first and second scanning units 15. 16, the reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 17, and an image of the document is formed on the CCD 18 by the imaging lens 17. The CCD 18 reads a document image and outputs image data indicating the document image.

  The document transport unit 6 is pivotally supported on the back side of the scanner 7 so that it can be opened and closed. The document transport unit 6 is opened and a document is placed on the platen glass 13. It is also possible to read an image.

  In the scanner 7, while the first and second scanning units 15 and 16 are moved in the sub-scanning direction, the first scanning unit 15 exposes and scans the surface of the document on the platen glass 13, and the first and second scanning units 15 and 15. The reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 17 by 16, and an image of the document is formed on the CCD 18 by the imaging lens 17, and the image of the document is read by the CCD 18.

  The entire image of the original read in this manner is sent and received as image data to the printing unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the printing unit 3 records the image on a recording sheet.

  A photosensitive drum 21 is disposed approximately at the center of the printing unit 3, and a charging device 22, an optical scanning device 23, a developing device 24, a transfer device 25, and a cleaning device 26 are disposed around the photosensitive drum 21.

  The charging device 22 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The optical scanning device 23 receives the image data, scans the light beam onto the uniformly charged photoconductor drum 21 while modulating the intensity of the light beam according to the image data, and writes an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 24 visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 with a developer, and forms a developer image on the photosensitive drum 21. The transfer device 25 transfers the developer image on the photosensitive drum 21 onto the recording paper while sandwiching and conveying the recording paper with the photosensitive drum 21. The cleaning device 26 removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 so that a new developer image can be formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

  A fixing device 27 is disposed above the printing unit 3. The fixing device 27 sequentially receives the recording paper on which the image is transferred and sandwiches the recording paper between the heating roller and the pressure roller to fix the developed image transferred on the recording paper.

  This recording sheet is changed to the right by the conveyance direction branching claw 31 and conveyed to the post-processing unit 5 by several conveyance rollers.

  When images are formed on both sides of the recording paper, the recording paper is guided to the reverse rotation roller 33 by the conveyance direction branch claw 32, and the recording paper is transferred to the front / back reversing unit 34 by the stop and reverse rotation of the reverse rotation roller 33. It is conveyed in the reverse direction. The recording sheet passes through the conveyance path of the front / back reversing unit 34, and is reversed and then guided to the printing unit 3, and an image is printed on the back surface. Then, the recording sheet is conveyed to the post-processing unit 5 by several conveying rollers via the conveying direction branching claw 31.

  In the post-processing unit 5, the recording paper is subjected to staple processing, punching processing, and the like, and the recording paper is distributed to the paper discharge trays 35 and 36 and discharged.

  In addition, the paper feed unit 4 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 41 to 44, and recording papers of standard sizes are sorted and stored in these paper feed trays 41 to 44.

  One of these paper feed trays 41 to 44 is selected, and recording paper is separated and supplied one by one from the selected tray. The recording paper is transferred between the photosensitive drum 21 of the printing unit 3 and the transfer device 25. The developer image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the recording paper.

  In such an image forming apparatus 1, the document reading unit 2, the post-processing unit 5, and the front / back reversing unit 34 are detachably attached as options. In addition, a facsimile communication unit (not shown) is an option. It is possible to combine optional units such as a large-capacity paper feeder.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a unit input unit that transmits and receives control signals and the like between the input operation unit 51 for operating and inputting instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 and the units 2, 5, and 34. A facsimile input / output unit 54 for transmitting and receiving image data, control signals, and the like between the output unit 52, each sensor 53 in the image forming apparatus 1, and the facsimile communication unit 56, and control for overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. Part 55.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the input operation unit 51 includes a plurality of operation keys 61 and a display device 62, and displays operation guidance, a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus, and the like on the screen of the display device 62. An instruction based on the operation is input, and the input instruction is notified to the control unit 55.

  Further, a transparent touch panel is overlaid on the screen of the display device 62. When a user's finger touches the screen, the indicated position on the screen is detected by the touch panel, and this indicated position is input to the control unit 55. The For example, when the user's finger touches an operation key displayed on the screen, the position of the operation key is detected by the touch panel, the position of the operation key is input to the control unit 55, and the operation of the position is performed by the control unit 55. It is assumed that the key has been operated.

  The unit input / output unit 52 relays a control signal such as a command transmitted and received between the control unit 55 and the option unit, detects the connection state of the option unit based on the control signal, and determines the connection state of these units. Notify the control unit 55.

  Each sensor 53 is provided to detect various operation states of the image forming apparatus 1 and the option unit, and respective detection outputs indicating various operation states are input to the control unit 55. For example, each sensor detects a document transport position in the document transport unit 6, a recording paper transport position in a recording paper transport path from the paper feed cassette to the paper discharge tray, a temperature of a heating roller of the fixing device 27, and the like. Detection outputs of these sensors are input to the control unit 55.

  The facsimile input / output unit 54 outputs a communication protocol control signal transmitted and received by the facsimile communication unit 56 to the control unit 55. The control unit 55 acquires a communication protocol control signal and the like through the facsimile input / output unit 54.

  By the way, since such an image forming apparatus is multifunctional, various failures (abnormalities) may occur, and it is necessary to efficiently cope with such various abnormalities.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, when any abnormality occurs, information related to the abnormality is collected, this information is converted into a QR code, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62. To be displayed.

  For example, the control unit 55 can determine an abnormality such as a jam of a document or recording paper based on the detection output of each sensor 53, or can determine an abnormality in the temperature of the heating roller of the fixing device 27.

  When any abnormality occurs, the control unit 55 receives an input instruction from the input operation unit 51, the connection state of the option unit detected by the unit input / output unit 52, the detection output of each sensor 53, the facsimile input / output unit 54 Communication information of the detected facsimile communication is collected, and information related to the abnormality is determined from these pieces of information.

  As for an input instruction from the input operation unit 51, if an input instruction is given during a period of processing in which an abnormality has occurred, the input instruction is considered to be related to the abnormality. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the copying process and an input instruction for instructing the number or size of recording sheets is given during the copying process, the input instruction is regarded as related to the abnormality.

  As for the connection state of the option unit detected by the unit input / output unit 52, if a command is transmitted / received between the control unit 55 and the option unit during the processing period in which an abnormality has occurred, the option unit is connected. And is considered related to the anomaly. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the copying process and a command is transmitted and received between the control unit 55 and the post-processing unit 5 during the copying process, the connection state of the post-processing unit 5 is regarded as related to the abnormality.

  Furthermore, regarding the detection output of each sensor 53, if the detection output of the sensor has changed during the processing period in which the abnormality has occurred, the detection output of this sensor is considered to be related to the abnormality. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the copying process and the detection output of the sensor changes during the copying process, the detection output of the sensor is considered to be related to the abnormality.

  In addition, regarding the communication information of the facsimile communication detected by the facsimile input / output unit 54, if an abnormality occurs during the facsimile communication period, control of the communication protocol transmitted and received between the control unit 55 and the facsimile communication unit 56 during this communication period. The signal is considered related to the anomaly.

  In this way, when an abnormality occurs, the control unit 55 collects information related to the abnormality. Then, the control unit 55 converts the collected information into a QR code, and displays the QR code on the screen of the display device 62 as shown in FIG. In the screen of FIG. 4, a schematic diagram 71 of the image forming apparatus is displayed at the center, three operation keys 72 are displayed on the right side, and four QR codes 73a to 73d are displayed on the left side. The QR code 73a indicates the contents of the input instruction related to the abnormality, the QR code 73b indicates the connection state of the option unit related to the abnormality, and the QR code 73c indicates the detection output of the sensor related to the abnormality. The QR code 73d indicates a control signal of the communication protocol related to the abnormality.

  These QR codes cannot be read directly by the user, but can be read and transmitted by a mobile phone or the like. For example, it can be transmitted to a personal computer such as a service engineer through a network communication network. The service engineer can analyze all the information indicated by these QR codes by using a personal computer, accurately identify various abnormalities in the image forming apparatus 1, and can quickly implement efficient countermeasures.

  Further, not only the input instruction from the input operation unit 51, the connection state of the option unit, the detection output of the sensor 53, and the communication information of the facsimile communication in the processing period in which an abnormality has occurred, but the previous history information including this processing period is obtained. The history information may be converted into a QR code and displayed. By referring to this history information, it is possible to know in detail the circumstances leading to the occurrence of the abnormality, and it is possible to more accurately identify various abnormalities of the image forming apparatus 1.

  For example, input instruction history information including an input instruction from the input operation unit 51 in a processing period in which an abnormality has occurred and a fixed number of input instructions that are traced back to the past is created, and this input instruction history information is converted into a QR code. Convert and display. In this case, even if the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped by an input instruction in the processing period in which an abnormality has occurred, the cause of the abnormality can be investigated by knowing the progress of the input instruction so far.

  In addition, connection state history information including the connection state of the option unit in the processing period in which an abnormality has occurred and the connection state of the option unit for a certain period going back from the processing period is created, and this connection state history information is generated as a QR code. Convert to and display. In this case, the cause of the abnormality can be investigated by knowing the progress of the connection state of the option unit until the abnormality occurs.

  Furthermore, detection state history information is created that includes the sensor detection output during the processing period in which an abnormality has occurred and the sensor detection output for a certain period that goes back in the past, and this detection state history information is converted into a QR code. And output. In this case, it is possible to know what interrupt has occurred at this time by knowing the change in detection output of the sensor when an abnormality has occurred.

  Alternatively, communication history information including a control signal of a communication protocol in a processing period in which an abnormality has occurred and a control signal of a certain period that goes back in the past from the processing period is created, and the communication history information is converted into a QR code and displayed. . In this case, the cause of the abnormality can be investigated by knowing the control signal of the communication protocol transmitted and received until the abnormality occurs.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a schematic diagram 71 of the image forming apparatus may be displayed on the screen of the display device 62, and the QR code may be displayed at a location where an abnormality is indicated by the QR code. For example, the QR code 73a is displayed at the position of the input operation unit 51 in the schematic diagram 71 of the image forming apparatus, and the QR code 73b is displayed at the position of the option unit related to the abnormality in the schematic diagram 71 of the image forming apparatus. The code 73c is displayed at the position of the sensor related to the abnormality in the schematic diagram 71 of the image forming apparatus, and the QR code 73d is displayed at the position of the facsimile communication unit 56 in the schematic diagram 71 of the image forming apparatus. If a service engineer or the like is present at the site, the location of the abnormality can be easily identified by displaying the screen, and efficient countermeasures can be implemented more quickly.

  Furthermore, when an arbitrary QR code is designated on the screen of the display device 62 and the designated position is detected by the touch panel, the control unit 55 may display the QR code at the designated position in an enlarged manner in response thereto. Absent. For example, the QR code 73c is enlarged and displayed on the screen of the display device 62 as shown in FIG. Here, the number of cells of the QR code increases as the amount of information increases. For example, as described above, when history information is converted into a QR code, the amount of history information is large, and the number of QR code cells increases. If the display size of such a QR code with a large number of cells is small, a QR code reading error occurs. Therefore, the QR code is enlarged and displayed to reduce the reading error. In other words, if the QR code is enlarged and displayed, the amount of information that can be displayed by the QR code can be increased.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, a process of collecting information related to an abnormality, converting all the collected information into a QR code, and displaying the QR code on the screen of the display device 62. Organize and explain.

  First, when determining any abnormality based on the detection output of each sensor 53 during the processing period, the control unit 55 determines whether there is an input instruction from the input operation unit 51 (steps S101 and S102). . If there is an input instruction from the input operation unit 51 (“No” in step S102), the control unit 55 determines that the input instruction is related to an abnormality, and details of the input instruction or input instruction history information Is generated, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62 (step S103). Thereafter, the process proceeds to steps S104 and S105.

  If there is no input instruction from the input operation unit 51 (“Yes” in step S102), the process proceeds to steps S104 and S105 without going through step S103.

  In steps S <b> 104 and S <b> 105, the control unit 55 determines whether the unit input / output unit 52 has detected the connection state of the option unit. If the connection state of the option unit is detected (“No” in step S105), the control unit 55 determines that the connection state of the option unit is related to an abnormality, and the connection state or connection of the option unit is determined. A QR code indicating the state history information is created, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62 (step S106). Thereafter, the process proceeds to steps S107 and S108.

  If the connection state of the option unit is not detected (“Yes” in step S105), the process proceeds to steps S107 and S108 without going through step S106.

  In steps S <b> 107 and S <b> 108, the control unit 55 determines whether or not there has been a detected sensor output. Then, if there is a detection output of the sensor that has changed ("No" in step S108), the control unit 55 determines that the detection output of this sensor is related to an abnormality, and detects this sensor. A QR code indicating the output or detection state history information is created, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62 (step S109). Thereafter, the process proceeds to steps S110 and S111.

  If there is no detected sensor detection output (“Yes” in step S108), the process proceeds to steps S110 and S111 without going through step S109.

  In steps S110 and S111, the control unit 55 determines whether or not a communication protocol control signal is detected by the facsimile input / output unit 54. If a control signal for the communication protocol is detected (“No” in step S111), the control unit 55 determines that the control signal for the communication protocol is related to an abnormality, and controls the control signal or communication for the communication protocol. A QR code indicating the history information is created, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62 (step S112).

  If the communication protocol control signal is not detected (“Yes” in step S111), the process in FIG. 7 is terminated without passing through step S112.

  With this processing, when any abnormality occurs, all information or history information related to this abnormality is converted into a QR code and displayed on the screen.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 8, input instruction history information composed of an input instruction from the input operation unit 51 and a fixed number of input instructions retroactive to the input instruction is created. Processing for converting to a QR code will be described.

  First, the control unit 55 waits for an input instruction from the input operation unit 51, that is, a key input (“No” in steps S211 and S212), and if there is a key input (“Yes” in step S212). The type of the input key and the input time are obtained as the contents of the input instruction (step S213).

  The control unit 55 has a list in which the contents of a certain number of input instructions can be read and written in the memory, and whether or not the contents of a certain number of input instructions are already stored in this list, that is, the list is full. It is confirmed whether or not there is (steps S214 and S215).

  This list is for limiting the contents of the input instructions that can be displayed by the QR code to a certain number. That is, since the maximum amount of information that can be displayed by the QR code is determined, a list capable of storing a certain number of input instruction contents is prepared in advance, and the number of input instruction contents is determined by the capacity of the list. Limit to a certain number.

  If the list is not full (“No” in step S215), the control unit 55 writes the contents of the input instruction obtained in step S213 in this list, updates the input instruction history information in this list, and this input instruction A QR code indicating the history information is created, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62 (step S216).

  If the list is full (“Yes” in step S215), the control unit 55 selects and deletes the content of the input instruction of the oldest input time from the list (step S217), and then deletes the list. The contents of the input instruction obtained in step S213 are written (step S218), the input instruction history information in this list is updated, a QR code indicating this input instruction history information is created, and this QR code is displayed on the display device 62. Is displayed on the screen (step S216).

  Through such processing, input instruction history information is created, and this input instruction history information is converted into a QR code and displayed on the screen.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 9, connection state history information including the connection state of the option unit in the processing period in which an abnormality has occurred and the connection state of the option unit for a certain period retroactive to the processing period is created. A process for converting the connection state history information into a QR code will be described.

First, the control unit 55 repeatedly counts a fixed sampling period with a built-in timer and waits for a sampling timing for each sampling period (“No” in steps S311 and S312). (“Yes” in step S312),
The command and sampling time of the option unit detected by the unit input / output unit 52 are obtained as the connection state of the option unit (step S313).

  The control unit 55 has in the memory a list in which a certain number of connection states can be read and written, and whether or not a certain number of connection states are already stored in this list, that is, whether the list is full. Is confirmed (steps S314 and S315).

  This list is for limiting the contents of the input instructions that can be displayed by the QR code to a certain number.

  If the list is not full (“No” in step S315), the control unit 55 writes the connection status of the option unit obtained in step S313 to this list, updates the connection status history information in this list, and connects this connection. A QR code indicating the state history information is created, and this QR code is displayed on the screen of the display device 62 (step S316).

  If the list is full (“Yes” in step S315), the control unit 55 selects and deletes the connection state of the option unit with the oldest sampling time from the list (step S317), Write the connection status of the option unit obtained in step S313 to the list (step S318), update the connection status history information in this list, create a QR code indicating this connection status history information, and display this QR code The information is displayed on the screen of the device 62 (step S316).

  By such processing, connection state history information is created, and this connection state history information is converted into a QR code and displayed on the screen.

  The sensor detection status history information and the communication protocol communication history information are also created by the process of the flowchart of FIG. 9 and converted to a QR code and displayed on the screen, as with the connection status history information of the option unit. .

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

  For example, although the QR code is illustrated in the above embodiment, other types of two-dimensional codes may be applied. Further, as the information related to the abnormality, the contents of the input instruction, the connection state of the option unit, the detection output of the sensor, and the control signal of the communication protocol are illustrated, but other types of information may be combined. Furthermore, a plurality of information may be collected and converted into one QR code.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an input operation unit in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed QR Code side by side on the display screen in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a QR code is displayed at an abnormality occurrence location in a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus on a display screen in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which expanded and displayed the QR code on the display screen in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process until it collects the information relevant to abnormality, converts this information into a QR code, and displays it. It is a flowchart which shows the process for producing input instruction history information and converting this input instruction history information into a QR code. It is a flowchart which shows the process for creating the connection status history information of an option unit and converting this connection status history information into a QR code.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Original reading unit 3 Printing part 4 Paper feed part 5 Post-processing unit 34 Front / back inversion unit 51 Input operation part 52 Unit input / output part 53 Sensor 54 Facsimile input / output part 55 Control part 56 Facsimile communication unit

Claims (8)

In the image forming apparatus that determines and reports the abnormality that has occurred,
A determination means for determining information related to the generated abnormality from a plurality of pieces of information that is useful for analyzing various types of abnormality and can be collected by the image forming apparatus when the abnormality occurs;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a two-dimensional code display unit configured to convert information determined to be related to abnormality by the determination unit into a two-dimensional code and display the information on a display screen. In the image forming apparatus that determines and reports the abnormality that has occurred,
When an abnormality occurs, input operation information for the image forming apparatus, connection information of option units for the image forming apparatus, detection information of each sensor in the image forming apparatus, and communication information of facsimile communication by the image forming apparatus are related to the abnormality. Determination means for determining information to be performed;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a two-dimensional code display unit configured to convert information determined to be abnormally related by the determination unit into a two-dimensional code and display the information on a display screen.   The two-dimensional code display means displays a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus on a display screen, obtains an abnormality occurrence location on the schematic diagram of the display screen, and stores information determined to be related to the abnormality by the determination means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is converted into a three-dimensional code, and the two-dimensional code is displayed at an abnormality occurrence location in a schematic diagram of the display screen. An input operation position detecting means for detecting an input operation position with respect to the display screen;
3. The two-dimensional code display means enlarges and displays a two-dimensional code when the input operation position detected by the input operation position detection means is in a two-dimensional code area on a display screen. The image forming apparatus described in 1. An input operation information history storage means for storing a history of input operation information for the image forming apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that the input operation information is related to an abnormality, the two-dimensional code display unit converts the input operation information history in the input operation information history storage unit into a two-dimensional code and displays it on the display screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus displays the image. A connection information history storage unit for storing a history of connection information of an option unit for the image forming apparatus;
The two-dimensional code display means converts the connection information history in the connection information history storage means into a two-dimensional code and displays it on the display screen when the determination means determines that the connection information is related to abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. A detection information history storage means for storing a history of detection information of each sensor in the image forming apparatus;
The two-dimensional code display means converts the detection information history in the detection information history storage means into a two-dimensional code and displays it on the display screen when the determination means determines that the detection information is related to abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. A communication information history storage means for storing a history of communication information of facsimile communication by the image forming apparatus;
The two-dimensional code display means converts the communication information history in the communication information history storage means into a two-dimensional code and displays it on the display screen when the determination means determines that the communication information is related to abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

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