JP3207454B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing data communication with an external device and detecting an abnormality or control state of an image forming operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the case of performing communication processing with an external device (such as a host computer) in this type of device,
A communication control device provided on the copying apparatus side controls a communication process with an external device. In this case, in the failure diagnosis processing on the copying apparatus side, there is a processing in which an external device monitors the operation state (ON / OFF) of various sensors to the communication control device. Further, there is a device that executes a communication process with an external device every time an abnormality of the copying apparatus is detected.

[0003]

However, performing a failure diagnosis process during a copying operation while communicating with an external device for a copying apparatus means that the copying sequence control, the diagnosis control, and the communication control must be performed in a time-division manner. Since the sensor must be turned on during communication control
In the case of changing to F or changing from OFF to ON, the diagnosis control routine cannot know the moment of the change, so that there is a problem that the measurement of the time during which the sensor is ON cannot be accurately performed. . In addition, even if there is an abnormality in the copying machine, there is an abnormality that must be repaired immediately, and a minor abnormality such as a paper jam.If communication is performed with the outside each time a paper jam occurs, the load on the copying machine increases, There is a problem that communication on the external device side is also congested. Conversely, if the information on the paper jam is not sent to the external device, there is an inconvenience in remote diagnosis. Furthermore, since paper jams have individual differences between apparatuses, it is necessary to collect paper jam information according to individual differences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage means for storing a detected abnormality or control state of an image forming operation, and to provide an image forming apparatus by an external device. The diagnosis mode is entered in response to the request for the diagnosis. In the diagnosis mode, the storage unit stores the detection result detected by the detection unit during the image forming operation in response to the start of the image forming operation. By transmitting the detection result stored in the storage unit to the external device in response to the end of the process, the image forming apparatus performs an accurate diagnosis in response to a request from the external device, and notifies the external device of the diagnosis result. It is to provide a device.

[0005]

In a copying apparatus according to the present invention, a communication control means or a control means is provided with a storage means for storing predetermined sequence abnormal data detected by the detection means or information on a copy operation control state. After the execution of the copy sequence, the control means transfers the sequence abnormality data or the information on the copy operation control state stored in the storage means to the external device.

Further, management means for storing and managing predetermined sequence abnormal data in the storage means while adding time information is provided, and the communication control means stores the sequence abnormal data stored in the storage means based on a preset transfer condition. Is determined, and the stored predetermined abnormal sequence data is transferred to an external device.

Further, the transfer conditions set in the communication control means can be rewritten based on data transferred from an external device.

The detecting means is configured to detect the presence or absence of the recording medium being conveyed.

Further, the detecting means is configured to detect the number of times the recording medium conveyed is detected.

The detecting means is configured to detect a time required for conveying the recording medium while being conveyed.

Further, the detecting means is configured to detect that the copying operation cannot be continued.

[0012]

According to the present invention, when the predetermined sequence abnormal data detected by the detecting means or the information of the copy operation control state is written in the communication control means or the storage means provided in the control means, and the copy sequence is completed, the communication control is terminated. The means enables the transfer of sequence abnormality data or copy operation control state information stored in the storage means to an external device.

[0013] When the management means accumulates and manages the predetermined sequence abnormal data in the storage means while adding the time information, the communication control means accumulates the data in the storage means based on the transfer conditions set in advance. The history state of the sequence abnormal data is determined, and the stored predetermined sequence abnormal data is transferred to the external device.

Further, the transfer conditions set in the communication control means are rewritten based on the data transferred from the external device so that desired sequence abnormal data can be notified to the external device.

Further, the detecting means detects the presence or absence of the recording medium being conveyed, and enables the communication control means to transfer the presence or absence of the conveyance abnormality to an external device.

Further, the detecting means detects the number of times of detection of the conveyed recording medium, and enables the communication control means to transfer the number of abnormal conveyance to an external device.

Further, the detecting means detects the time required to convey the recording medium conveyed, and enables the communication control means to transfer the abnormal conveyance time to an external device.

Further, the detecting means detects that the copying operation cannot be continued, and causes the storage means to store the information as a copy operation control state information.

[0019]

1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
100 is a copying apparatus main body, 800 is control means for controlling a copying operation, 900 is communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication line, 908 is a public line as an external communication line, and 999 is a public line. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication control means 900 is a host computer installed at a management base for managing the copying apparatus main body 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 901 controls communication and temporarily stores communication data. Memory (RAM) 903, a modem (demodulator) for placing digital communication data on a public line 908
905, Network control unit (NC
U) 906 and the like.

In the copying apparatus configured as described above,
Predetermined sequence abnormality data detected by a detecting means (a sheet sensor described later) or information on a copy operation control state (for example, various types of information necessary for failure diagnosis) is stored in a storage means (RAM 903 or the like) provided in the communication control means 900 or the control means 800 When the ON / OFF information of the sensor and the like are written and the copy sequence is completed, the communication control unit 900 transmits the sequence abnormality data stored in the storage unit (such as the RAM 903).
And transfer of information on the copying operation control state to an external device (host computer 999).

The management means (also used by the communication control means 900) accumulates and manages predetermined sequence abnormal data in the storage means while adding time information. The history state of the sequence abnormal data stored in the storage unit is determined based on (for example, the number of times of accumulation), and the stored predetermined sequence abnormal data is transferred to an external device.

Further, the transfer condition set in the communication control means 900 is rewritten based on the data transferred from the external device, and the desired sequence abnormal data is notified to the external device.

The detecting means detects the presence or absence of a recording medium being conveyed, and the communication control means 900 transfers the presence or absence of a conveyance abnormality to an external device.

Further, the detecting means detects the number of times the recording medium is conveyed, and the communication control means 900 transfers the number of abnormal conveyances to an external device.

The detecting means detects the time required to convey the recording medium conveyed, and the communication control means 900 transfers the abnormal conveyance time to an external device.

Further, the detecting means detects that the copying operation cannot be continued, and causes the storage means to store the information as the copying operation control state.

FIG. 3 shows the copying apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the first embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a recirculating automatic document feeder (RDF) for automatically feeding a document, reference numeral 300 denotes a sorter for sorting copied sheets, and reference numeral 400 denotes an automatic computer form feeder (CFF). The above R
The DF 200, the sorter 300, and the CFF 400 are configured to be freely combined with the copying apparatus main body 100 to form a system.

In the main body 100 of the copying apparatus, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass serving as a platen. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as an image reading unit, which includes an original illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like.
An original is illuminated by an exposure lamp 103, and reflected light from the original is irradiated on a photosensitive drum 105 by a scanning mirror and a lens. Note that an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor serving as a detecting unit is provided at a predetermined position.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high-voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 1
08, developing device 109, transfer charger 110, separation charger 1
11, a cleaning device 112 and the like are provided, and these constitute an image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is rotated by a main motor 113 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 and is corona-charged by a high-voltage unit 106. An 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 upper cassette 114
Alternatively, the pickup roller 1 may be
The transfer paper fed into the copying apparatus main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the paper feed rollers 16 and 117 is timed by the registration roller 120 so that the leading end of the toner image and the leading end of the transfer paper coincide. After the photosensitive drum 10
5, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After the 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 fixed by pressure and heat.
Thereafter, the sheet is discharged out of the copying apparatus main body 100 by the discharge roller 123. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

Also, for example, 4
A deck 124 capable of storing 000 sheets of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 is
The transfer paper 26 rises according to the amount of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with 26.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 127 denotes a discharge flapper, which is a double-side recording side or a multiple recording side and a discharge side (sorter 3).
00) is switched. The transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Also, 12
A lower conveyance path 8 guides the transfer sheet sent from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 by turning over the transfer sheet through the reversing path 129. Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiplex flapper that switches the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. By inclining the flapper to the left, the transfer paper is led directly to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the reverse path 129. 132 is a route 133
Is a paper feed roller that feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through the transfer roller. Reference numeral 134 denotes a discharge roller that is disposed near the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer sheet 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 to information, and the copied transfer paper is turned over via the respective paths 129 and 128 and the re-feed tray is turned over. 130. At this time, at the time of double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted rightward,
At the time of multiplex recording, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted leftward. At the time of the next backside recording or multiplex recording, the transfer sheets stored in the re-feeding tray 130 are transferred to the registration roller 120 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132 one by one from below. Be guided.

When the transfer paper is inverted and discharged from the copying apparatus main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted rightward, and the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the reversing path 129 side. After the rear end of the transfer sheet has passed through the first feed roller 140, the transfer sheet is conveyed to the second roller 141 side by the reversing roller 142, and the transfer sheet is turned over by the discharge roller 134 and discharged out of the apparatus. Note that 150
Denotes a multi-purpose tray, and 210 denotes a reservation tray.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes the entire copying apparatus 100.
802 is a read-only memory (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program) of the copying apparatus main body 100, and the CPU 801 is a ROM 802.
And controls each component device connected via the bus according to the control procedure stored in the. Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a work storage area, and the like. In addition,
804 is an input / output port, 805 is an interface, 80
Reference numeral 6 denotes a RAM.

An input / output port 804 outputs a control signal of the CPU 801 to a load of the main motor 113 and the like and a signal of the fixing unit 122 and the like, and sends them to the CPU 801. Reference numeral 900 denotes a communication control unit of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control unit 900. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the copying apparatus main body 100 by an interface 907 such as RS-232C. When a data transfer request is issued and data is transferred from the image forming apparatus via the interface 907, the transfer data is controlled by communication control. provided in the means 900 RAM 90 3
After the data transfer from the image forming apparatus is completed, the NCU 906 is controlled to establish a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, the data is transferred to the outside through the modem 905 and the NCU 906. When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 903, and the data is transferred to the image forming apparatus via the interface 907 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus.
The data referred to here is data stored in the copying apparatus main body 100, and the data transfer request is a copying control abnormality or a paper jam frequently occurring in the copying apparatus main body 100 or a periodic report. The request may be issued when the time has come, or a data request may be issued from an external management side. 904 is an input / output port, and 909 is a RAM.

The control means 800 and the communication control means 900 are connected via interfaces 805 and 907,
Control means 800 of copying apparatus main body 100 and public line 908
Of the control data with the communication control means 900 of FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the copying apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit disposed on the upper surface of the device.

In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk key, which is used when the operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin or setting a size for erasing a document frame. 6
A cursor key 27 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 all reset key 606 is pressed. A clear / stop key 604 is used as a clear key during standby (standby).
Functions as a stop key during copying and recording. The clear / stop key 604 is also used when canceling the set number of copies. The clear / stop key 604 is also depressed when interrupting continuous copying, and the copying operation is stopped after the copying at the time of depressing is completed. 605 is a copy key.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a ten key which is depressed when setting the number of copies. It is pressed when setting the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user.
Here, the configuration is such that four types of 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. 61
Reference numeral 3 denotes an AE key which is depressed when automatically adjusting the copy density according to the document density or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual). A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-bypass tray 150. When the copy paper selection key 607 is pressed while a document is placed on the RDF 200, automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is selected, and a cassette having the same size as the document is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is depressed when making a copy of the same size (original size).

Reference numeral 616 denotes an automatic scaling key, which is depressed when automatically designating reduction / enlargement of an image of a document in accordance with the size of a specified transfer sheet. A double-sided key 626 is depressed to make double-sided copying from a single-sided original, double-sided copying from a double-sided original, and single-sided copying from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet. A photo key 624 is depressed when copying a photo document. 623 is a multiple key, 2
Press to create (synthesize) an image on the same side of the transfer paper from one original. 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. 6
Reference numeral 21 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is depressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with a copy sheet size. 627 is up /
A down key and 617 and 618 are zoom keys.

A cover mode setting key 629 is used to create a front cover and a back cover, and to insert a slip sheet. 630
Is a continuous page copy key, which is used to copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread continuously. 614 is staple sort, sort,
A discharge method selection key for selecting a group discharge method. When a staple sorter is connected to the recorded paper, the user can select a staple sort mode, a sort mode, a group mode, or cancel the selection mode. . A reservation key 631 is used to start setting a copy mode for a reserved document placed on the reserved tray 210 and to cancel 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 a function corresponding to various keys on a message display. Reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD for displaying information related to copying.
(LCD) type message display, 96
Characters and figures are displayed with × 192 dots. For example, the number of copies set by the numeric keypad 603, the fixed-size variable key 608, 6
09, the copy magnification set with the same-size key 610, the zoom keys 617 and 618, the paper size selected with the copy paper 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 modes. Display the settings. An AE display 704 is turned on when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which is turned on when in a preheating state. In the standard mode, the RDF200
When using, one copy, density AE mode,
Auto paper selection, same size, single-sided original to single-sided copy are set. In the standard mode when the RDF 200 is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode, the same size, and the setting of one-sided copying from one-sided original. The difference between when the RDF 200 is used and when it is not used is determined depending on whether a document is set on the RDF 200.

A power lamp 710 is turned on when a power switch (not shown) is turned on (turned on).

FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.
Showing an example of the failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure of FIG.
It is. Note that (1) to (5) show each step.

It is determined whether the failure diagnosis mode from the outside is set (1). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is determined whether or not the copy key 605 has been pressed to start the copying operation (2).
Returning to (1), if YES, the control means 800 monitors the state of the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper, and when the sensor detects the absence of paper, the detection state is stored in the RAM 803 or RAM 8.
06 (3), for example, 1023 from the start of the copying operation
After a lapse of ms, the value becomes “1”, and after that, the value becomes “0” after a lapse of 57 ms. When the copying operation is terminated, for example, the RAM 803 or RA
“1023 ms” and “57 ms” are held in M806 as ON / OFF time information of the sensor (4).
The OFF time information and the sensor state information are transmitted to the communication control unit 900.
Of the public line 908 to the host computer 999 which is a management base.
(5), and the process ends. Based on this, the host computer 999 makes a failure diagnosis.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.
Showing an example of the failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure of FIG.
It is. Note that (1) to (5) show each step.

It is determined whether the failure diagnosis mode from outside is set (1). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is determined whether or not the copy key 605 has been pressed to start the copying operation (2).
Returning to (1), if YES, the control means 800 monitors the state of the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper, and when the sensor detects the absence of paper, the detection state is stored in the RAM 803 or RAM 8.
06 (3), for example, the ON / OFF counter (not shown) is changed from 0 to 1 from the start of the copy operation to the end of the copy.
After counting 0 → 1 → 0, “2” is stored as ON / OFF count information in the control means 800 for controlling the copying apparatus main body 100, for example, in the RAM 803 or RAM 806 (4). Is transferred to the RAM 903 or the RAM 909 of the communication control means 900, and then transferred to the host computer 999, which is the management base, via the public line 908 (5), and the process ends.
Based on this, the host computer 999 makes a failure diagnosis.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.
Showing an example of the failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure of FIG.
It is. Note that (1) to (5) show each step.

It is determined whether the failure diagnosis mode from the outside is set (1). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is determined whether or not the copy key 605 has been pressed to start the copying operation (2).
Returning to (1), if YES, the control means 800 monitors the state of the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper, and when the sensor detects the absence of paper, the detection state is stored in the RAM 803 or RAM 8.
06, (3), for example, the sensor performs the ON / OFF operation from the start of the copy operation to the end of the copy, from 0 → 1 → 0 → 1 →
0 is detected, for example, the RAM 803 or the RAM 8 inside the control means 800 for controlling the copying apparatus main body 100.
"1" is held as ON / OFF presence / absence information in 06
(4) The ON / OFF presence / absence information is transmitted to the communication control unit 900.
Of the public line 908 to the host computer 999 which is a management base.
(5), and the process ends. Based on this, the host computer 999 makes a failure diagnosis.

In the above embodiment, the RAM 903 or the RAM 9 of the communication control means 900 responds to a failure diagnosis inquiry from the host computer 999 which is an external device.
09 to transfer various diagnostic information to be managed by the host computer.
Although the case of transferring the data to the communication control unit 900 has been described, the RAM 90 of the communication control unit 900 responds to the failure diagnosis inquiry from the communication control unit 900 as shown in FIGS.
3 or the RAM 909, and the failure diagnostic information may be transferred to the host computer 999.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.
Showing an example of the failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure of FIG.
It is. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

It is determined whether the failure diagnosis mode from the outside is set (1). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is determined whether or not the copy key 605 has been pressed to start the copying operation (2).
Returning to (1), if YES, the communication control means 900 frequently inquires of the copying apparatus main body 100 about the sensor state (3), and the control means 800 monitors the sensor state for detecting the presence or absence of paper, and the sensor detects that there is no paper. Is detected, the detection state is held in the RAM 903 or the RAM 909 of the communication control unit 900, and the system waits for the failure diagnosis operation to be completed (4).
After a lapse of 3 ms, it becomes "1", and after that, it becomes "0" after a lapse of 57 ms, and when the copying operation ends, for example, the RAM 903 or RAM 909 inside the copying apparatus.
"1023ms" and "57ms" are sensor ON / O
The ON / OFF time information and the sensor state information are stored as FF time information (5), and the communication control unit 900 sends the ON / OFF time information and the sensor status information from the communication control unit 900 to the host computer 999 serving as a management base.
Is transferred via the public line 908 (6), and the process is terminated. Based on this, the host computer 999 makes a failure diagnosis.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

It is determined whether the failure diagnosis mode from outside is set (1). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is determined whether or not the copy key 605 has been pressed to start the copying operation (2).
Returning to (1), if YES, the communication control means 900 frequently inquires of the copying apparatus main body 100 about the sensor state (3), and the control means 800 monitors the sensor state for detecting the presence or absence of paper, and the sensor detects that there is no paper. Is detected, the detection state is held in the RAM 903 or the RAM 909 of the communication control unit 900, and the system waits for the failure diagnosis operation to be completed (4). The failure diagnosis operation is completed, for example, from the start of the copy operation to the end of the copy. The ON / OFF counter (not shown) changes from 0 to
After counting 1 → 0 → 1 → 0, the communication control means 900
"2" is ON / OFF in RAM 903 or RAM 909
It is held as OFF frequency information (5), and this ON / OFF
The frequency information is transferred from the communication control means 900 to the host computer 999 as the management base via the public line 908.
(6) The process ends. Based on this, the host computer 999 makes a failure diagnosis.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the sixth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

It is determined whether the failure diagnosis mode from the outside is set (1). If NO, the process is terminated and Y
If it is ES, it is determined whether or not the copy key 605 has been pressed to start the copying operation (2).
Returning to (1), if YES, the communication control means 900 frequently inquires of the copying apparatus main body 100 about the sensor state (3), and the control means 800 monitors the sensor state for detecting the presence or absence of paper, and the sensor detects that there is no paper. Is detected, the detection state is held in the RAM 903 or the RAM 909 of the communication control unit 900, and the system waits for the failure diagnosis operation to be completed (4). The failure diagnosis operation is completed, for example, from the start of the copy operation to the end of the copy. The sensor performs ON / OFF operation at 0 → 1 → 0 → 1
→ If 0 is detected, the RAM 903 of the communication control means 900
Alternatively, "1" is stored in the RAM 909 as ON / OFF presence / absence information (5), and the ON / OFF presence / absence information is transmitted from the communication control means 900 to the host computer 999 as a management base via the public line 908 after the copy processing is completed. (6), and the process ends. Based on this, the host computer 999 makes a failure diagnosis.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where various kinds of diagnosis information are sequentially transferred from the communication control means 900 to the host computer 999 in response to a failure diagnosis inquiry from the host computer 999 serving as an external device will be described. However, as shown in FIGS.
0 manages the history of the failure occurrence state together with the time information,
The configuration may be such that the failure history information is automatically transferred to the host computer 999 when the set diagnostic information transfer condition is satisfied.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the seventh failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

When a sensor (not shown) detects a paper jam during the copying operation in the copying apparatus main body 100, the communication control means 900 sends the report of the occurrence of the paper jam, the paper jam code and the current number of copies from the control means 800 to the communication control means 900. Upon receipt (1), add the received data and the reported date and time,
Paper jam history information (paper jam code, date and time of occurrence, number of copies at the time of occurrence) is created (2).
M909 or RAM 903 (3), and self-diagnosis is made as to whether the history has been accumulated for the number of times set by an external command or the like (4).
Returning to (1), if YES, the accumulated paper jam history information is automatically transferred to the host computer 999 (5), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether or not a request to change the set transfer conditions has been made from the external device, such as the host computer 999 (6). Return to step (1) if YES
If so, the set transfer condition is rewritten to the new transfer condition that has been received (7), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an eighth failure diagnostic information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

During the execution of the copying operation in the copying apparatus main body 100, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred that makes it impossible to continue the copying operation, and a report of the occurrence of the abnormality and its abnormality type code are transmitted from the control means 800 to the communication control means 900. When you receive
(1) Add the abnormal data received and the reported date and time,
Create error history information (error type code, occurrence date and time)
(2) The RAM 909 or RA of the communication control means 900
M903 is held (3), and a self-diagnosis is made as to whether the number of histories set by an external command or the like has been accumulated (4). If NO, the flow returns to step (1). If YES, the accumulated abnormality is accumulated. History information to the host computer 999
(5), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether a request to change the set transfer conditions has been made from the external device, such as the host computer 999 (6). Return to step (1) if YES
If so, the set transfer condition is rewritten to the new transfer condition that has been received (7), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a ninth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

When data transfer to the outside is performed during the copying operation in the copying apparatus main body 100 (1), the data transfer reason code, the shipping date and time, and the transfer result (for example, transfer success "1", transfer failure "2") (2), and the created data transfer history information is stored in the RAM 909 or the RAM 903 of the communication control means 900 (3), and the history of the number of times set by an external command or the like is obtained. Self-diagnosis (4)
If NO, the process returns to step (1). If YES, the stored data transfer history information is automatically transferred to the host computer 999 (5), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether a request to change the set transfer conditions has been made from the external device, such as the host computer 999 (6). Return to step (1) if YES
If so, the set transfer condition is rewritten to the new transfer condition that has been received (7), and the process returns to step (1).

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Image forming control means for controlling the image forming operation, communication control means for controlling data communication between the image forming control means and an external device, and detecting means for detecting an abnormality or control state of the image forming operation In the image forming apparatus, storage means for storing a detection result detected by the detection means is provided, and a diagnosis mode is entered in response to a request for diagnosis of the image forming apparatus by the external device. The storage unit stores the detection result detected by the detection unit during the image forming operation in response to the start of the forming operation, and the communication control unit stores the detection result stored in the storage unit in response to the end of the image forming operation. Is transmitted to the external device, the image forming apparatus can perform an accurate diagnosis in response to a request from the external device, and notify the external device of the diagnosis result.

[0071]

[0072]

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the copying apparatus main body shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a control unit and a communication control unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit disposed on an upper surface of the copying apparatus main body illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a seventh failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an eighth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a ninth failure diagnosis information transfer processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 800 control means 801 CPU 803 RAM 804 input / output port 900 communication control means 901 CPU 903 RAM 909 RAM

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-149060 (JP, A) JP-A-3-64770 (JP, A) JP-A-2-2599663 (JP, A) JP-A-2- 236740 (JP, A) JP-A-56-149056 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/00 303 H04M 11/00- 11/10

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An image forming control unit configured to control an image forming operation; a communication control unit configured to control data communication between the image forming control unit and an external device; and detecting an abnormality or control state of the image forming operation. An image forming apparatus having a detection unit, wherein a storage unit for storing a detection result detected by the detection unit is provided, and a diagnosis mode is entered in response to a request for diagnosis of the image forming device by the external device, In the diagnostic mode, in response to the start of the image forming operation, the storage unit stores a detection result detected by the detecting unit during the image forming operation,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit transmits the detection result stored in the storage unit to the external device in response to termination of the image forming operation.