JP3026628B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device having a communication control device for communicating with an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a strong demand for the addition and upgrading of various functions to a copying apparatus, the structure and functions of the copying apparatus are becoming more and more complex, and the number of copying apparatuses installed in one company is increasing, and the use and operation of the apparatus are controlled. In addition, for the purpose of maintenance, appropriate and prompt processing of failure repair, etc., normal use conditions and functional data of copying apparatuses are collected and centrally managed by a management department or a specialized company in a company.

For this reason, the copying apparatus is provided with communication control means for communicating with an external device via a communication line,
2. Description of the Related Art A copying apparatus is known which is configured to be able to communicate with a management unit outside a copying apparatus periodically or as needed, such as data transfer.

[0004]

However, the communication with the outside requires that the power of the copying apparatus be turned on. When turned off, there is a problem in that data communication with the outside ends incompletely, data is lost, and the reliability of the copying apparatus is significantly impaired.

The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and when there is a transmission / reception request and the power of the image forming control unit is off, data transmission / reception via an external device via a communication line is not possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device which is completely implemented and prevents a disadvantage that data is lost.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a communication device is configured as described in the following (1) and (2). (1) Image for controlling image forming operation of image forming apparatus main body
Connected to the formation control means, and via an external device and a communication line
Communication control means for controlling transmission and reception to be performed, and power on / off
Detecting means for detecting the image formation control means,
If there is a transmission / reception request while the power is off,
The communication control means stores the fact that the transmission / reception request has been made, and
Transmission / reception is performed when the power of the image formation control unit is turned on.
Communication device. (2) Image for controlling image forming operation of image forming apparatus main body
Connected to the formation control means, and via an external device and a communication line
Communication control means for controlling transmission and reception to be performed;
The data is transferred from the control means to the communication control means.
When the power of the formation control means is turned off, the communication control means
Prohibiting means for prohibiting transmission from the device to the external device.
Communication device.

[0007]

With the above structure [action], communication apparatus, when power transmission has received the request and the image forming control unit is off, a predetermined operation relating to data transmission and reception of the communication control means through the communication line with an external device by performing the automatic transmission and reception is incomplete exemplary data to prevent a disadvantage that the defect.

[0008]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION detail by the present invention real施例.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying apparatus according to one embodiment. 100 is a copying apparatus main body, 800 is control means for controlling a copying operation, 900 is communication control means (modem board) for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication line, and 908 is a public unit which is an external communication line. A line 999 is a host computer system located at a management base for managing the copying apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 shows a communication control means (modem board) 90.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the 0 ’.

Reference numeral 901 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) for controlling communication; 903, a memory (RAM) for temporarily storing communication data; 905, for placing digital communication data on a public line 908; A modulator / demodulator (modem) modulates and demodulates data transmitted through the public line into digital communication data. Reference numeral 906 denotes a network control unit (NCU).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the power supply of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900.

A power supply device 501 of the copy control means 800 is connected to an external power supply 502 and turned on / off by a switch 503.
Turned off. Power is supplied to the power supply unit 504 of the communication control unit 900 from the copy control unit 800 via the switch 505. The power supply unit 504 is also connected to an external power supply 505 so that the power supply unit 504 can be turned on even when the copy control unit 800 is turned off. Have been. When the switch 505 is turned on when the power supply 501 is off, the power supply 5
04 to the copy control means 800.
Further, a detecting means (not shown) for detecting the on / off state of the power supply devices 501 and 504 is provided.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the copying apparatus. The configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a copying machine main body, 200 denotes a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding a document, 300 denotes a sorter or sorter, and 400 denotes an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). ), And the above RDF 200, sorter 300 and CFF
400 can be freely used in combination with the copying apparatus main body 100.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be described below.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass as a platen. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as a document reading unit, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp)
103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like. The original is illuminated by an exposure lamp 103 while scanning by the motor 104, and reflected light from the original is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens. Irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing unit 109 and a transfer charger 110
, A separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112, and the photosensitive drum 105 and the like constitute an image recording unit.

The photosensitive drum 105 has a main motor 113
2 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 and is corona-charged by the high-pressure unit 106.
When the reflected light from the document 2 is emitted from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 109 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper sent from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is transferred to the registration roller 120 by the registration roller 120 so that the leading end of the toner image is transferred to the transfer paper. After the timing is set so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the photosensitive drum 105, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transfer,
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by the separation charger 111, guided to the fixing device 122 by the conveyor belt 121, and the toner image is fixed by pressurizing and heating, and then discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123. Is done. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

In the copying apparatus main body 100, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing a sheet of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 includes a paper feed roller 126
Rises in accordance with the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Also, 128
A lower conveyance path guides the transfer sheet sent out from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 with the transfer sheet turned over via the reversing path 129.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. When the flapper is tilted to the left, the transfer paper is directly led to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the reverse path 129. Reference numeral 132 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through the path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is again turned upside down via the reversing path 129 and the lower transport path 128. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. At the time of the next backside printing or multiplex printing, the transfer paper stored in the refeed tray 130 is guided to the registration roller 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the feed roller 132 one by one from below.

When the transfer sheet is inverted and discharged from the copying apparatus main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is tilted rightward, and the copied transfer sheet is conveyed to the conveying path 129 to perform the transfer. After the trailing edge of the paper has passed the first feed roller 140,
To the feed roller side, and the discharge roller 134
Turn over the transfer paper and discharge it outside the machine.

Next, the control devices 800 and 900 will be described.

FIG. 5 shows control devices 800 and 900 according to this embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 800 denotes the copy control means B for controlling the copy operation of the copying apparatus main body 100.
Is a communication line control device that constitutes the communication control means C for controlling communication with an external communication line.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) for controlling the entire copying apparatus. Reference numeral 802 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) that stores a control procedure (control program) for the main body 100 of the copying apparatus. And C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a work storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 804 denotes an input / output unit that outputs a control signal of the CPU 801 to a load of the main motor 113 and the like and a signal from a sensor or the like of the fixing unit 122 and sends the signal to the CPU 801.

A communication line control device 900 for controlling communication with the external communication line 908 controls communication with the CPU 901. A storage device (ROM) 902 stores control procedures such as a predetermined operation when the power of the communication control unit and the copy control unit is turned off.

Then, the control device 8 of the copying apparatus main body 100
00 is the RS-232C interface 805, 90
When data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the RS-232C interface 907, the transfer data is temporarily stored in a RAM 903 provided in the communication control device 900. After the data transfer from the control device 800 of the copier main body is completed, the CPU 901 controls the network control unit (hereinafter referred to as NCU) unit 906 to make a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, the modem 905, N
Data is transferred to the outside through the CU unit 906. Also,
When data transfer is performed from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 903, and the control of the copier main body 100 is performed via the RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907 in response to a request from the copier main controller 800. Data is transferred to the device 800.

Next, the operation panel will be described.

FIG. 6 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100.

Reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key.
Used when the operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. 62
A cursor key 7 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key which is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is depressed when returning to the standard mode. Also, when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode, the auto reset key 606 is pressed.

A copy start key (copy start key) 605 is depressed to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during copying and recording. This clear / stop key 60
Press 4 is used to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. Then, after the copying at the time of the pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a numeric keypad, which is pressed when setting the number of copies. Also used when setting the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, four modes M1 to M4 can be registered.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is A
The E key is pressed when automatically adjusting the copy density in accordance with the density of the document, or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual).

Reference numeral 607 denotes a copy paper selection key, which is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-bypass tray 150. When a document is placed on the RDF 300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected with the copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is depressed when making a copy of the same size (original size). An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when the image of the document is automatically reduced or enlarged according to the size of the specified transfer sheet.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make double-sided copying from a single-sided original, double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or single-sided copying from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
A binding margin of a designated length can be created on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo document. A multiple key 623 is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set by the asterisk key 601. 62
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the copy paper size.

A cover mode setting key 629 is used to create a front cover and a back cover and to insert a slip sheet.
Reference numeral 630 denotes a continuous page copy key, which is used to continuously copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a discharge method selection key for selecting a staple sort, sort, or group discharge method. When the staple sorter 300 is connected, a staple sort mode, a sort mode, and a group mode for recording paper are set. Selection or cancellation of the selection mode can be performed.

Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key.
It is used when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved original placed at 0 and when canceling the reserved setting.
Reference numeral 632 denotes a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode.

Reference numeral 633 denotes a guide key, which is used to display a description of functions corresponding to various keys on the message display 701.

Reference numeral 701 denotes an LC for displaying information relating to copying.
D (liquid crystal) type message display, 9
Characters and figures are displayed with 6 × 192 dots. For example, the number of copies set by the ten keys 603,
8,609, 1: 1 key 610, zoom keys 617,61
The copy magnification set in step 8, the paper size selected by the copy sheet selection key 607, a message indicating the state of the copying apparatus main body 100, a guide message indicating the operation procedure, and other various mode settings are displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in a preheating state.

When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is set to one, the density AE mode, the automatic paper selection, the same magnification, and the setting of one-sided original to one-sided copy. R
In the standard mode when the DF200 is not used, the number of copies is one,
Density manual mode, same-size, single-sided original to single-sided copying are set. The difference between when the RDF 200 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 200.

Next, a description will be given of the predetermined operation when there is a transmission / reception request, which is a feature of the present invention, and the output of the power supply device 501 of the copy control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body is turned off.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart in the case where a transmission / reception request is made when the power of the copy control means 800 is turned off in one embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not the power of the copy control means is off (step 1001). If it is off, it is determined whether or not a transmission / reception request has been made (step 1002). The judgment of 1002 is repeated. If there is a request in step 1002, the power of the communication control means is supplied as the power of the copy control means (step 1003). Thereafter, transmission and reception with the external device are performed (step 1004), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1001 that the power is not turned off, transmission / reception to / from an external device is performed as usual (step 1004), and the processing is terminated.

According to the above control, transmission and reception with an external device can be performed even when the power of the copy control means is turned off at the end of the copy operation or the like.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the second embodiment in which, when the power of the copy control means is turned off, a communication request is temporarily stored until the power of the copy control means is turned on.

First, it is determined whether or not the power of the copying apparatus control means is off (step 2001). If the power is off, it is determined whether or not a transmission / reception request has been made (step 2002).
If there is no request, the determination in step 2002 is repeated. If there is a request in step 2002, the transmission / reception request is stored (step 2003), and it is determined whether or not the power of the copy control means is turned on (step 2004). If not, the determination in step 2004 is made. repeat.
If it is determined to be on in step 2004, step 20
Transmission / reception with an external device is performed based on the storage of No. 03 (Step 2005), and the processing ends. In the judgment of step 2001,
If it is not turned off, transmission and reception with the external device are performed as usual (step 2005), and the process ends.

In this embodiment, even when a transmission / reception request is issued when the copying apparatus is not used, the requested transmission / reception can be executed when the power of the copy control means is turned on.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the third embodiment when the power of the copy control means is turned off during data transfer from the copy control means to the communication control means.

First, it is determined whether a transmission / reception request has occurred (step 3001).
Is repeated. If it is determined in step 3001 that there is a request, transmission is started from the copy control means to the communication control device (step 3002). Then, it is determined whether or not the power of the copy control means has been turned off (step 3003).
If it has not been turned off, it is determined whether the transmission has been completed (step 3004). If the transmission has not been completed, the determination in step 3003 is repeated. When the transmission is completed, the communication control unit transmits the data to the external device (step 300).
5), end.

On the other hand, if the power of the copy control means is determined to be OFF in step 3003, transmission from the communication control device to the external device is prohibited (step 3006), and the process is terminated.

In this embodiment, transmission of incomplete data to an external device can be prevented.

[0062]

As described in the foregoing, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus via a communication line with an external device such as the centralized management of the image forming apparatus, for example by control of communication control means Communication such as data transfer can be performed.

[0063] Then, if there is reception request between the external device and when the power of the image forming control unit is off, the communication control means a predetermined operation relating to data transmission and reception via a communication line with an external device, i.e. the power of the image forming control unit stores the fact that there is a reception request sent to implement the transmission and reception when turned on, or the power of the image forming control unit during data transfer to the communication control unit from the image forming control unit is turned off by automatically performing operation for prohibiting the transmission to the external device from the communication control unit when, can data becomes transceiver incomplete implementation of the external device to prevent inconvenience deficient Thus, the reliability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication control means.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram related to a power supply.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device.

FIG. 6 is an external view of an operation panel.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Copier main body 501, 504 Power supply 800 Copier main controller (copy control means) 900 Communication line controller (communication control means) 801 901 Central processing unit (CPU) 802, 902 Read-only memory (ROM) 803, 903 Random access memory (RAM) 906 Network control unit (NCU)

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tokuharu Kaneko 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kuroyanagi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Ozaki 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hisashi 3-3-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Invention Person Miharu Takizawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shinichi Nakamura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Naoyuki Oki Inventor 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masanori Miyata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-57-155633 (JP, A) JP-A-4-92912 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , D B name) G03G 21/00 370-520 G03G 21/14 B41J 29/38-29/393 G06F 1/26 G06F 13/00 301

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An image forming apparatus controls an image forming operation of a main body of the image forming apparatus.
Connected to an external device and a communication line
Communication control means for controlling transmission and reception performed via
And a detecting means for detecting the on-off, when the power supply of the image forming control means is in the OFF state, the communication control unit when a reception request stores that there has been a reception request, the image forming control A communication device for performing transmission and reception when the power of the means is turned on. 2. A connected to the image forming control means for performing image forming operation control of the image forming apparatus main body, and a communication control means for controlling the transmission and reception performed via a communication line with an external device, the image <br/> imaging the control unit during data transfer to said communication control means
When the power of the image forming control unit is turned off, the communication device characterized by comprising a prohibiting means for prohibiting the transmission to the external device from the communication control means.