JP2964198B2 - Error display method for facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an error display method for a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, to display the contents of an error and a countermeasure for the error as many times as an error release key is pressed until a confirmation key is pressed. The present invention relates to an error display method of a facsimile machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus has a data input means such as a numeric keypad and a one-touch key on an operation panel, and a liquid crystal display or the like for confirming the operation thereof and displaying various error messages, operation guidance and the like. Is known.

[0003] However, most conventional display devices have a small screen of 20 lines x 4 columns or the like, and in this case, the displayed message is, for example, "manuscript is jammed" or "retry communication". The information content was limited and limited.

Recently, a facsimile machine equipped with a large-sized liquid crystal display also serving as a touch panel has been proposed.
The registration and transmission operations of various data have been greatly improved, the amount of displayed information has been increased, and the operability has been greatly improved.

However, the error message is not an extension of the conventional model, but merely displays the fact that an error has occurred. The content of the error cannot be specifically known. The method could not be known without looking at the manual, for example.

Further, errors other than device errors such as a paper jam or a paper shortage, for example, an error display such as a communication error, disappear once the reset key is pressed, so that this type of error is often not noticed. Also, even if you notice, it is not possible to know what kind of communication error has occurred, that is, how many originals could not be sent to which destination, in this case you have to check the communication management record Was.

[0007]

As described above, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, when an error occurs, only the fact that the error has occurred is merely displayed. There was a problem that it was not easy to know what to do and what the specific contents of this error were.

In addition, errors other than device errors such as paper jams and running out of paper, for example, error displays such as communication errors disappear once the reset key is pressed, so that it is possible to appropriately cope with such errors. could not.

Therefore, the present invention can display not only the fact that an error has occurred, but also the content and the remedy, and the error content and the remedy can be displayed any number of times until the confirmation key is pressed. An object of the present invention is to provide an error display method for a facsimile machine.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an error display method for a facsimile apparatus having display means capable of switching between a plurality of display screens each displaying different information. Has at least a standby state display screen displayed in a standby state, and an error display screen for displaying the content of the error and a countermeasure when an error occurs, wherein the display unit is configured to display the standby state display screen when an error occurs. Instead, the error display screen is displayed for a first time and the display returns to the standby state display screen. Thereafter, every time an error release key is pressed, the error display screen is displayed for a second time instead of the standby state display screen. The display is returned to the standby state display screen, and the above operation is repeated until a confirmation key is pressed.

[0011]

When an error occurs, the error display screen is displayed for a first time instead of the standby state display screen, and the display returns to the standby state display screen. Then, the error display screen is displayed for the second time, the display returns to the standby state display screen, and the above operation is repeated any number of times until the confirmation key is pressed.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a method for displaying an error in a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus constructed by applying the facsimile apparatus error display method of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1 for controlling each unit, a program memory 2 for storing a program for causing the CPU 1 to control each unit, processing data, and the like, and a display of image data such as a received document. Panel unit 3 for giving instructions for starting various operations, such as a print start command and the like, a print unit 4 for printing the corresponding image data on predetermined recording paper based on the print start command, and a scanner for reading and scanning transmission originals A unit 5, a power supply unit 6 for supplying power to each unit, an image memory 7 for storing image data obtained by reception or scanning, a modem 8 for modulating and demodulating image data related to facsimile communication, and a connection between the apparatus and the network. Network control unit (NCU) that performs connection control
9. The system comprises a system bus 10 for exchanging data between the CPU 1 and each unit, and the NCU 9 is connected to a communication line 11.

The operation panel section 3 of the above circuit sections is
Memory (video RA) for storing image data to be displayed
M) 31, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 32 for displaying image data stored in the video RAM 31, and a transparent touch panel key array (hereinafter simply referred to as a touch panel) 33 provided on the display surface of the LCD 32. Be composed.

The printing unit 4 includes a recording paper transport motor 41 for transporting the recording paper at a predetermined linear density, and a roll-shaped thermosensitive recording paper (hereinafter, referred to as a recording paper) used as the recording paper.
And a thermal head 43 that is driven to generate heat in accordance with image data and prints image information corresponding to the image data on the roll paper.

In the basic operation of the facsimile apparatus, for example, image data received from the communication line 11 through the NCU 9 is temporarily stored in the image memory 7 through the data bus 10 under the control of the CPU 1. Similarly, the image data obtained by the reading scan of the scanner unit 5 is temporarily transferred to the image memory 7 through the data bus 10.
Is stored in

The image data stored in the image memory 7 is read out from the image memory 7 in file units or page units in accordance with a predetermined operation of the touch panel 33 of the operation panel unit 3, and is displayed on the LCD 32 or printed. It can be output as a hard copy using the unit 4.

FIG. 2 shows an external structure of the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment. A hand scanner 200 is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The hand scanner 200 is connected to the apparatus main body 100 via a curl code 200a. A handset 400 for talking is connected to the facsimile apparatus via a curl code 400a. FIG. 2 shows a state where the hand scanner 200 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100.

In this state, when reading the original 500 in the normal scanner mode, the original 500 is placed in the main body 1 of the apparatus.
00, and set it on the operation panel 3
This is performed by pressing a start key described later. The transport direction of the document in the normal scanner mode is indicated by an arrow in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the hand scanner 200 is detached from the apparatus main body 100 and the original 5 in the hand scanner mode.
00 is shown. In this case, by pressing the hand scanner detach button 100b, the hand scanner 200 is detached from the apparatus main body 100 as shown in FIG. Is manually scanned in the direction of the arrow to read the image of the original 500. In this case, this scanning is performed while pressing the scanner start button 200a shown in FIG. When the scanner start button 200a is released, the reading by the hand scanner 200 ends.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the facsimile apparatus. In FIG. 4, the original set in the original insertion unit 100a is an original detection switch 12
, The transmission motor M1 is driven, whereby the set original is driven by the drive roller 20.
0b, and is read by the scanner unit 5 inside the hand scanner 200. The read original is discharged to the outside via a pinch roller 200c as shown by an arrow A.

When the original stored in the image memory 7 shown in FIG. 1 is to be output as a hard copy, the cover 100 c of the apparatus main body 100 is opened, and the recording paper is inserted into the printing unit 4. In this embodiment, the printing unit 4 is configured to print using the thermal head 41, and the recording paper inserted into the printing unit 4 is conveyed by the platen roller 42 and printed by the thermal head 41. It is carried out as shown by arrow B. The platen roller 42 is driven by the receiving motor M2.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific structure of the operation panel unit 3 shown in FIG. This operation panel unit 3
On a top surface of a liquid crystal display (LCD) 32, a transparent touch panel 33 having substantially the same area as the transparent touch panel 33 is placed.

The touch panel 33 has a plurality of matrix areas (indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 1) corresponding to menus such as characters and pictures drawn on the LCD 32. It is configured to generate an instruction input corresponding to characters or pictures drawn in the area. The operator uses the touch panel 33 to
By taking the picture or character displayed on D32 as a switch and selectively pressing the corresponding matrix area, operations for various operations can be advanced.

FIG. 6 shows a standby state display screen displayed by the operation panel unit 3 shown in FIG. The standby state display screen shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where a document jam has occurred as an error. In this case, in the standby state display screen shown in FIG. 6, a display is made in the area 34 to indicate the fact that an error of "document jam" has occurred.

In this state, when the error release key 35 in the standby state display screen is pressed, the CPU 1 shown in FIG.
, The display screen of the operation panel unit 3 is changed to an error display screen as shown in FIG.

Here, the error display screen shown in FIG.
The content of an error corresponding to a document jam and a method of coping with the error are displayed.

That is, the left side of the error display screen shows the contents of the error "document jammed" and a countermeasure, that is, 1) remove the hand scanner 2) remove the document 3) remove the hand scanner 4) Press the confirmation key. The message "Press the confirmation key" is displayed, and a warning illustration is displayed in the center of the error display screen.

Therefore, the operator of the facsimile apparatus can easily take appropriate measures against the occurrence of the error "document jam" by looking at the error display screen.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a case where a document jam has occurred as an error. For example, when a communication error has occurred, the fact that an error "communication error occurred" has occurred in the area 34 of FIG. When the error release key 35 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed in this state, the standby state display screen shown in FIG. 6 changes to an error screen relating to a communication error. What kind of communication error occurred with respect to communication with which party, for example, telephone number xx
A message indicating that a communication error has occurred when up to the third of the five originals has been sent to the destination of--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The target method is displayed together with the display.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 1 shown in FIG. 1 when an error occurs. When the CPU 1 detects the occurrence of an error, it first controls the operation panel unit 3 to display a display screen of the operation panel unit 3 for four seconds corresponding to the detected error, as shown in FIG. Is displayed (Step 10
1) Then, the process returns to the standby display state in which a standby state display screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (step 102).

Subsequently, the error release key 35 shown in FIG.
Is checked (step 103). When the error release key 35 is pressed, the CPU 1 sets a one-minute timer (not shown) in the CPU 1 (step 104), and then the one-minute timer times out. The CPU 1 controls the operation panel unit 3 so that the display screen of the operation panel unit 3 displays an error message as shown in FIG. 7 because the one-minute timer has not timed out in this state. A switching error is displayed on the screen (step 106).

In this state, the operator proceeds to step 106
The contents of the error and the countermeasure thereof are checked by looking at the error display screen displayed by the operator, and the confirmation key 36 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed. When the CPU 1 detects that the confirmation key 36 is pressed (step 107), If the detected error is a device error (step 108), the condition is that the cause has been eliminated (step 109). If the error detected by the CPU 1 is not a device error, the CPU 1 outputs a predetermined error. A release process is performed (step 110). By this error processing, the display of the fact that an error has occurred displayed in the area 34 of FIG.
The error display screen displayed on the operation panel unit 3 returns to the standby state display screen.

However, if it is determined in step 107 that the confirmation key 36 has not been pressed,
If it is determined that the cause has not been removed, the process returns to step 105, and this operation is repeated until it is determined in step 105 that a timeout has occurred.

If it is determined in step 105 that a timeout has occurred, the process returns to step 102 and returns to the standby state display screen as shown in FIG. When the error release key 35 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed again in this state, the CPU 1
1 is set to a one-minute timer (not shown) (step 10).
4) controlling the operation panel unit 3 to control the operation panel unit 3
Is switched to the error display screen as shown in FIG. 7 to display an error (step 106).

That is, when the display screen of the operation panel section 3 is switched to the error display screen as shown in FIG. 7 by pressing the error release key 35, the confirmation key 36 is pressed within one minute, and In the case of an error, if the cause is not eliminated, the display returns to the standby state display screen as shown in FIG. 6 again, and the display screen of the operation panel unit 3 is shown in FIG. By switching to such an error display screen, the content of the error and the solution can be confirmed.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When an error occurs, the error display screen is displayed for a first time instead of the standby state display screen and the display returns to the standby state display screen. Thereafter, every time an error release key is pressed, the error is displayed instead of the standby state display screen. Since the display screen is displayed only for the second time, the display returns to the standby state display screen, and the above operation is repeated as many times as necessary until the confirmation key is pressed. Can be displayed, and the content of the error and the countermeasure thereof can be checked any number of times until the confirmation key is pressed, so that the error canceling operation when the error occurs is facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus to which an error display method for a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external structure of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hand scanner has been detached from the apparatus main body in the appearance structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a specific structure of an operation panel unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a standby state display screen when an error occurs, which is displayed by the operation panel unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of an error display screen displayed by the operation panel unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when an error occurs in the CPU 1 shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central processing unit (CPU) 2 Program memory 3 Operation panel unit 31 Memory (video RAM) 32 Liquid crystal display (LCD) 33 Touch panel key array 34 Area for displaying the fact that an error occurred 35 Error release key 36 Confirmation key 4 Printing unit 41 Recording paper transport motor 42 Recording paper (roll paper) 43 Thermal head 5 Scanner unit 6 Power supply unit 7 Image memory 8 Modem 9 NCU (network control unit) 10 System bus 11 Communication line

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An error display method for a facsimile apparatus having display means capable of switching a plurality of display screens each displaying different information, wherein the display screen is at least a standby state display screen displayed when the apparatus is in a standby state. An error display screen for displaying the content of the error and a method for coping with the error when the error occurs, wherein the display means displays the error display screen for a first time instead of the standby state display screen when the error occurs After returning to the standby state display screen, every time the error release key is pressed thereafter, the error display screen is displayed for a second time instead of the standby state display screen, and the display returns to the standby state display screen. An error display method for a facsimile apparatus, wherein the method is repeated until the user presses a key.