JP3210458B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of processing data transferred from an external device via an external interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of image forming apparatus, communication control means for processing data transferred from an external device via an external interface is provided. The communication with the device is mutually controlled, and the transferred data can be transferred to a work memory or the like of the main body. In this case, the image forming operation and the data communication operation are performed in parallel.

Originally, various information processing apparatuses capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices perform data communication with external devices without affecting the execution speed and effects while executing main functions. There must be. In fact, in most computer devices, arithmetic processing is the main process, and data communication with an external device is usually handled by an interrupt or a task dedicated to communication.

In an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside, if the image forming apparatus main body cannot correctly transmit and receive data to and from the outside, the display means of the image forming apparatus main body indicates that fact. A method of displaying and inviting the operator of the image forming apparatus to check the communication function is adopted.

In this case, since the image forming apparatus cannot determine when communication can be normally performed, even if the image forming apparatus detects a malfunction in the communication operation, the image forming apparatus stops the communication operation itself. Could not.

[0006]

Since the conventional image forming apparatus is configured as described above, data transmitted / received to / from an external device is mainly necessary for executing an image forming operation. Therefore, if the image forming operation and the data transmission / reception operation with the external device are executed asynchronously, the image forming operation may be adversely affected.

For example, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, while an electro-latent image is being formed on a photosensitive drum,
When the voltage applied to the photosensitive drum is changed, the output image density on the transfer paper becomes uneven. In addition, when the sorting method is changed during the copying operation, for example, the following problem occurs.

For example, when a plurality of copies of one original are made, it is possible to select whether to sort or not sort the sheets output from the apparatus. When the copying operation is being performed, the sheet has been discharged to one non-sort tray. If the setting of sorting / not sorting is changed during this process, the sheets are discharged to the sorting tray.

If the sheets ejected in the previous copying operation are left on the sorting tray, the user is confused. Further, in such a case, even if a measure for stopping the discharge is taken, it is still inconvenient for the user. In many cases, the operator of the external device cannot recognize the operation state of the image forming apparatus at the time of operation. Even if the image forming apparatus has a mechanism for notifying the external device of a change in the operation state, usually, a plurality of software,
Due to the intervening communication equipment, it is impossible to monitor the state change of the image forming apparatus in a remote place in real time.

Therefore, when changing various setting values of a remote image forming apparatus, the operator must confirm the operating state of the image forming apparatus with the user of the image forming apparatus using a telephone or the like. No. Further, during the operation of changing the set value, it is necessary to notify the user of the image forming apparatus not to use the image forming apparatus.

[0011] In such a situation, there is a problem that the operation load is heavy for a service person who performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus and for a user of the image forming apparatus from the viewpoint of improving productivity.

Further, in the conventional data transmission / reception processing between the image forming apparatus and the outside, the data to be transmitted / received includes, for example, a copy counter, a degree of wear of each component, failure information, information on paper jam, and various sensors in the apparatus. There is information to be output, and all of the information is very important for the maintenance and sales strategy of the image forming apparatus, and is highly confidential.

[0013] Further, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of data protection or data confidentiality that such information is always sent from the image forming apparatus in a state where data communication with the external device is not normally performed. it is conceivable that.

Further, there is a fear that information necessary for an image forming operation inside the image forming apparatus is intentionally falsified by connecting an unintended communication device to the image forming apparatus.

Further, since information necessary for the image forming operation includes control information of a heating device, control information of a high-voltage current generating device, and the like, the enhancement of a protection system for updating these data is necessary for product safety. I can't disregard it from the side.

However, as described above, the current image forming apparatus that performs data communication with an external device does not have a means for stopping the data communication operation even if a communication failure is detected, so that malicious analysis is performed. However, there is a serious problem that a user easily enters a line, intercepts the contents of data communication between each image forming apparatus main body and an external device, and leaks valuable machine data and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and a control means for controlling an image forming operation by an image forming means does not receive a response from the communication means in communication with the communication means. In accordance with the above, the communication with the communication unit is set to the prohibition state, thereby preventing unauthorized access to data related to the remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus from the outside, and the communication is shifted to the prohibition state. After that, by releasing the prohibition state in accordance with the input data being predetermined data, communication with the outside after a measure against a communication abnormality is taken by a specific person such as a service person. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of surely returning to a normal communication state by permitting.

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit, a control unit for controlling an image forming operation by the image forming unit, and an external device via a communication line. Communication means for performing data communication for remote maintenance, wherein the control means performs communication between the control means and the communication means in response to no response from the communication means. The communication with the means is prohibited.

A second invention according to the present invention further comprises input means for inputting predetermined data, wherein the control means responds to the fact that the data input from the input means is predetermined data. The prohibition state is released.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit, a storage unit for storing control data for controlling the image forming unit, and a receiving unit for receiving control data from an external device via a communication line. Means for changing the control data stored in the storage means to control data received by the receiving means, wherein the receiving means determines whether the image forming means is performing an image forming operation. Regardless of whether control data is received, the changing unit performs a changing process when the image forming unit is not performing an image forming operation,
When the image forming means is performing an image forming operation, the received control data is stored, and when the image forming operation is completed, the control data is changed to the stored control data.

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. , 800 are control means for controlling the image forming operation;
0 is a communication control unit 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 set as a management base for managing the image forming apparatus main body 100. A host computer,
As shown in FIG. 2, the communication control means 900 includes a CPU 901 for controlling communication, a memory (RAM) 903 for temporarily storing communication data, and a modem (demodulation device) for storing digital communication data on a public line 908. 905, Network control unit (NCU) 906
And so on.

In the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the first control means controls the image forming means (the main body 10) based on the image forming conditions from the input means (the operation section of the main body 100).
After starting the image formation of 0), the first control means (CPU 801 described later)
The attribute of the external communication data input from the second control unit (CPU 901 described later) is analyzed to control the prohibition / continuation of the start of the data communication process for changing the image forming condition with the second control unit. Therefore, while the image forming unit is forming an image, it is possible to restrict the change of the image forming condition based on the external communication data, and to remotely change the image forming condition at an appropriate timing while ensuring the normal operation of the image forming unit. To make things possible.

Further, after the first control means completes the image formation of the image forming means, the first control means updates the image forming conditions set based on the external communication data stored in the storage means (RAM 803 to be backed up which will be described later). Control, the external communication data for changing the necessary image forming conditions is stored, and the image forming conditions are changed at an appropriate timing while guaranteeing the normal operation of the image forming means. Regardless, the transfer process of the external communication data can be completed.

Further, based on a response state from the second control means to a communication command sent from the first control means to the second control means, a data communication process with the second control means is performed. Since the start state is set to the prohibited state, if the response state from the second control means is abnormal, it is possible to restrict external data communication thereafter and prohibit execution of unauthorized data communication processing. And

Further, the first control means controls the switching of the data communication state with the second control means from the start prohibition state to the executable state based on the data communication prohibition release data input from the input means. Even if the activation state of the data communication processing is prohibited for some reason, the data communication processing can be set to the activation state as needed.

FIG. 3 shows the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of a 00.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a recirculating automatic document feeder (RDF) for automatically feeding a document, 300 a sorter for sorting sheets on which image forming processing has been performed, and 400 an automatic computer form feeder (CFF). The RDF 200, the sorter 300, and the CFF 400 are configured to be freely combined with the image forming apparatus main body 100 to form a system.

In the image forming apparatus main body 100, 101
Denotes a platen glass as a platen. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as image reading means, which includes a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, and a motor 1.
An original is illuminated by an original lamp 103 while scanning by a motor 104, 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 main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the registration rollers 12 and
After the timing is set such that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the transfer paper by 0, the toner image is fed to the photosensitive drum 105, 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.
The paper is discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112. In addition, the main body 100 is equipped with a deck 124 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 rises according to the amount of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 126.

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 upward and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is turned upside down through the respective paths 129 and 128 and re-printed. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time,
At the time of double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted rightward,
During multiplex recording, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted leftward. During the next backside recording or multiplex recording,
The transfer paper stored in the resupply tray 130 is
Each sheet is guided to the registration roller 120 of the main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted rightward, and the recorded transfer paper is transferred to the reverse path 1.
29, and the rear end of the transfer paper is the first feed roller 1
After passing through the transfer paper 40, the transfer paper is conveyed to the second roller 141 side by the reversing roller 142, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 134 and discharged out of the apparatus. In addition, 150 is a multi-bypass tray and 210 is 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 a CPU for controlling the main body 100, and 802, a read-only memory (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program) for the main body 100, and a bus in accordance with the control procedure stored in the ROM 802 of the CPU 801. Control each component device connected via the. Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used as storage of input data, a work storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 804 denotes an input / output port, 805 denotes an interface, and 806 denotes a ROM which stores font data and graphical data to be displayed on an LCD display 701 described later.

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 inputs a signal from the fixing unit 122 and the like to the CPU 80.
Send to 1. Reference numeral 900 denotes a communication control unit of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control unit 900. The main body 100 is connected to the 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 transmitted to the communication control unit. 900 is temporarily stored in a RAM 902 provided in the image forming apparatus 900, and after the data transfer from the image forming apparatus is completed, N
The CU 906 is controlled to establish a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, 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 interface 9 is transferred in response to a request from the image forming apparatus.
07, the data is transferred to the image forming apparatus. Here, the data refers to data stored in the main body 100, and the data transfer request refers to an image forming apparatus control abnormality or a frequent occurrence of a paper jam on the main body 100 side, or to a periodical reporting time. In some cases, the request is issued when the data is no longer available, and in other cases, a data request is issued from the external management side. 904 is an input / output port, 909 is R
AM.

[0042]

[0043]

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation unit provided on the upper surface of the main body 100 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 600 denotes an operation unit main body;
Is an asterisk (*) key, which is pressed by an operator (user) in a setting mode for setting a binding margin, setting a size for erasing a document frame, and the like. A cursor key (up / down key) 627 is pressed to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key, which is pressed when a setting item in the setting mode is determined. Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key which is pressed 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 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during image recording. This clear / stop key 604
Is also used to release the set number of copies. The clear / stop key 604 is also depressed when continuous copying is interrupted, and after the copying at the time of depressing ends, the copying operation stops. 605 is a copy key. 603
Is a numeric keypad, which is pressed to set the number of copies. It is pressed when setting the asterisk key (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, M1 to M
It is configured such that four modes of 4 can be registered. Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote image forming density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the image forming density. An AE key 613 is depressed when automatically adjusting the image forming density according to the document density or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual). 607
Is a copy paper selection key, which is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the deck 124, and the multi-bypass tray 150. Also, RDF200
When the copy paper selection key 607 is pressed while an original is placed on the original, an automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is selected, and a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.
Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is depressed when forming an image of the same size (original size). An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when automatically reducing or enlarging the image of the document according to the size of the specified transfer sheet. Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key which is pressed to perform double-sided recording from a single-sided original, double-sided recording from a double-sided original, and single-sided recording from a double-sided original. 62
A binding margin key 5 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet. A photo key 624 is depressed when forming an image on a photo document. Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiplex key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of a transfer sheet from two originals. A document frame erase key 620 is pressed by the user to erase a frame of a standard size document.
Set with. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is depressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the size of a copy sheet. 6
17, 618 are zoom keys.

A cover mode setting key 629 is depressed when creating a front cover and a back cover and inserting a slip sheet. 6
Reference numeral 30 denotes a continuous page copy key which is depressed to continuously copy the left and right sides of a double-page spread. A discharge method selection key 614 is used to select a staple sort, sort, or group discharge method. If a stepped sorter is connected to the recorded paper, a staple sort mode, a sort mode, or a group mode is selected. You can cancel the selection mode. Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key which is depressed when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved document placed on the reservation tray 210 and when canceling the reservation setting. 632
Is a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode. A guide key 633 is used to display a description of a function corresponding to various keys on a message display. Reference numeral 701 denotes L for displaying information related to image formation.
CD (liquid crystal) type message display (LCD
Display device), which displays characters and graphics with 96 × 192 dots. For example, it shows the number of images to be formed set with the numeric keypad 603, the copy magnification set with the fixed size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same size key 610, the zoom keys 617 and 618, the paper size selected with the copy paper selection key 607, and the state of the main body 100. Displays messages, guide messages indicating operation procedures, and other settings in various modes. 704
Is an AE display, which lights 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. When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of image formation
Sheet, density AE mode, auto paper selection, same-size, single-sided original to single-sided image formation. In the standard mode when the RDF 200 is not used, the setting of one image formation, density manual, same size, and one-sided image formation from one-sided original are set. The difference between using and not using RDF200 is RDF20
It is determined based on whether or not a document is set to 0. 615 is a folding key, 634 is an interrupt key, 635
Is an ID key.

Next, transmission and reception of data between the image forming apparatus and the communication control apparatus will be described.

The current state of the image forming apparatus main body 100, such as the power ON / OFF state of the image forming apparatus, whether or not the image can be formed, the number of images to be formed, and whether or not the image is being formed, is always transmitted to the communication control means 900. It also reports when a paper jam occurs or an abnormality occurs that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation. The communication control unit 900 has a predetermined transfer condition. For example, if it is set to report when an abnormality occurs, the data is automatically transferred to the outside when an abnormality report is issued from the image forming apparatus main body 100. Shall be. Here, the data to be transferred is common data including an image forming apparatus ID, a transfer reason, a paper jam history, a detailed counter for each color and a size, and the like, regardless of the transfer reason. The date and time, the total number of image formations at the time of occurrence, and a paper jam code are added. Each time a paper jam occurrence report is issued from the image forming apparatus, a value stored in the communication control unit 900 up to 30 is added. Things.

The transfer conditions are as described above, when an abnormality occurs, every time a set number of paper jams occur, when paper jams of the same jam code occur consecutively, and when an external request is made.

Next, a control operation when a paper jam occurs during the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described.

When the CPU 801 determines that a paper jam has occurred during operation of the main body 100, the interface 8
05,907, paper jam code, time of occurrence,
Paper jam information such as the current total number of copies is transferred to the RAM 903 of the communication control unit 900. The RAM 903 holds such paper jam information. Then, a transfer condition determination based on a predetermined transfer condition is determined by C
If performed at PU901 and determined to be reported,
For example, at the set report time, the modem 905, NCU 906
Transferred to the outside via The data to be transferred at this time is
The information includes the ID of the image forming apparatus main body 100, the reason for transfer, the paper jam information, the information for each color and the size, the number of detailed image formation, and the like.

As described above, using the back-upable RAM for holding the transmission data in the communication control means 900, for example, the RAM 903, the internal data of the main body 100, the information of the generated paper jam, and the history of the generated image forming operation abnormality. Etc., and if there is an inquiry from outside, RA
By returning the data held in the M903 to the outside, diagnosis and management of each image forming apparatus are performed outside.

However, if the contents of the RAM data change due to a drop in the voltage of the battery to be backed up or the like , the above-described external diagnosis and management cannot be performed accurately.

Therefore, as will be described later, the operation status of the RAM 903 that can be backed up is monitored, and when an abnormality is detected, the fact is automatically reported to the outside as shown in FIG. 6 and recognized by the host computer 999 at the management base. Can be done.

Hereinafter, a data communication processing operation between the control unit 800 and the communication control unit 900 after power-on in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a data communication processing procedure between the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 after the power is turned on in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 801 checks the write / read function of the RAM 803 and determines whether or not the RAM 803 can be accessed normally (1). If NO, an error process is executed. If YES, the I / O port 804 is accessed. Initialization and initialization of the inter 805 are performed (2) and (3). Thereafter, the main task is started (4), and then it is determined whether or not the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is "0" (5). If NO, the process proceeds to step (7). If YES, the communication task is started. (6).

Next, while the power is on (7), the main task continues to operate and controls all executions relating to the image forming operation (8). Next, the communication prohibition flag FPR
It is determined whether or not OHBT is "0" (9). If YES, the communication task controls data communication between the CPU 901 of the communication control means 900 and the CPU 801 in the main body (1).
0), if NO, the communication task is
The process returns to step (7) without performing any data communication between the PU 901 and the CPU 801 on the main body side.

As described above, the communication task is always executed by the CPU.
901 transmits and receives data related to the copying operation. The data related to the copying operation includes, for example, data for controlling the temperature of the fixing device 122, the voltage applied to the high-voltage unit 106, the loop amount of the transfer paper formed before the registration roller, the paper feed amount by the paper feed roller 126, and the like. Is applicable.

Hereinafter, a case where data related to the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus is changed by remote control will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an example is described in which a change in the primary charging voltage VP and a change in the paper feed amount PF of the paper feed roller are specified to the image forming apparatus from the external apparatus through the communication control unit 900 during execution of the copy operation. Will be explained. Here, the primary charging voltage is
This refers to a voltage applied by the high voltage unit 106 before image formation on the photosensitive drum 105. The paper feed roller paper feed amount means the total time during which the paper feed roller 126 is in contact with the transfer paper.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for remotely changing main body image forming data in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, when the CPU 801 detects that the copy key 605 is pressed by the operator during standby (1), it sets "1" to the copy flag FC (2).
Next, it is determined whether or not the clear / stop key 604 has been pressed (3). If YES, the process proceeds to (6), where the copy flag FC is reset to "0" (6), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is NO, the image forming operation starts (4). Next, it is determined whether or not the specified number of images have been formed (5).
If NO, the process returns to the step (3). If YES, the copy flag FC is reset to "0" (6), and the process ends. As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming operation is continued until the designated number of transfer sheets has been discharged or the image forming operation is forcibly stopped by pressing the clear / stop key 604.

During this time, the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 constantly transmit and receive data relating to the copying operation. Note that the communication control means 90 in the present embodiment is
The data string transmitted by the “0” to the main body 100 has the following data structure.

The first few bytes of the data string transmitted by the communication control means 900 to the main unit 100 are attributes of the data string, and the following data string is used to determine whether data related to the image forming operation is updated. This is for determining which storage area or port in the main unit 100 the data access is to be made. Data necessary for the image forming operation follows the attribute data. Finally, a transfer end code is added.

Hereinafter, when the copy flag FC is “1”, first, the communication control means 900 instructs the CPU 801 of the main body 100 to change the primary charging voltage VP from the charging voltage VP1 to the charging voltage VP2. The processing when the command for changing the paper feed amount FP from the paper feed amount FP1 to the paper feed amount FP2 is transmitted will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a data update command receiving procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 801 receives the above-mentioned command attribute portion (1) and stores it in the determined area R1 of the RAM 803 (2). Then, the pointer AC is set next to the end address of the area R1 (increment of the pointer AC) (3). Next, the data section (new data) is received (4). Next, since a change in the primary charging voltage VP is required, the charging voltage VP stored in the RAM 803 is changed.
1 is compared with the changed charging voltage VP2, and it is determined whether the new data and the old data have the same value (5). If YES, the process proceeds to step (10), and the previously received attribute part is unnecessary. Therefore, the pointer AC is returned to the head of the area in which the attribute portion is stored (decrement of the pointer AC), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is NO, it is determined whether or not the value of the copy flag FC is "1 (during copying)" (6), and the pointer AC is continuously stored in the area R1. The value of the charging voltage VP2 is stored in the area R2 (7)
. Then, the end address of the storage area R2 is stored in the counter AC (8). If the value of the copy flag FC is "0", the data is immediately updated (9), and the process proceeds to step (10) and subsequent steps.

Next, when a request to change the feed roller paper feed amount FP is transferred, the same operation as described above is repeated, and the feed roller paper feed amount FP is stored in a continuous storage area from the address indicated by the pointer AC. The attribute data string of the command related to the change and the updated value are stored.

When the copy flag FC changes to "0",
The data change instructions stored in the storage area R1 and below are sequentially executed. Since the pointer AC points to the end of the area where the received instruction is stored, the instruction from the beginning of the storage area R1 to the position indicated by the pointer AC may be executed. [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a processing operation when communication with the communication control means 900 is interrupted will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the CPU 801 of the main body 100 and the CPU 901 of the communication control unit 900 always perform communication immediately after the power is turned on.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a data receiving process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 801 is
If the 1-byte data transmitted from 01 does not arrive within 5 seconds after starting reception, it is regarded as a timeout error and error processing is performed. CPU 801 is 1
The detailed procedure when the byte data is received is as follows.

First, the timeout flag FTOUT is set to "0" (1), and the timer T1 is started (2).
The timer T1 counts up a timer count TC1 at regular time intervals. It is determined whether the value of the timer T1 is equal to or less than a predetermined time N (3). If YES, it is determined whether the arrival of 1-byte data input to the reception port of the CPU 801 through the interface 805 has been confirmed.
(Four) . If the determination in step (4) is NO, the process returns to step (3), and if YES, the data reception process ends.

On the other hand, when the timer count TC exceeds the predetermined time N, the determination in step (3) is NO, the timeout flag FTOUT is set to "1" (5), and the reception impossible code is transmitted to the CPU 901 of the communication partner. (6)
The process ends. It should be noted that substantially the same processing is performed when transmitting data. However, at the time of transmission, a process of waiting in step (4) until the transmission is permitted is added.

Hereinafter, the normal data communication processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal data communication processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (18) show steps executed by the CPU 801.

First, the re-reception counter CRT is cleared to "0" (1), and the content of the re-reception counter CRT is set to a predetermined number N.
It is determined whether or not RT is less than RT (2).
No. 1 determines that communication with the communication control means 900 is impossible, proceeds to step (18), sets the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT to "1" (communication prohibition state), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is YES, a communication control device status request command is transferred from the CPU 901 (3), and the timeout flag FTOUT is set to "1".
(4), and if YES, re-reception counter C
RT is incremented by "1" (5), and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (4) is NO, the transfer end code is transferred to the CPU 901.
(6). Next, the timeout flag FTOUT becomes “1”.
(7), and if YES, re-reception counter C
RT is incremented by "1" (8), and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (7) is NO, the re-reception counter CRT is cleared to "0" (9), and it is determined whether the content of the re-reception counter CRT is equal to or less than a predetermined number NRT (10). ), If NO, the CPU 801 determines that communication with the communication control unit 900 is not possible, proceeds to step (18), sets the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT to “1” (communication prohibited state), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (10) is YES, the communication control device status is received from the CPU 901.
(11) It is determined whether the timeout flag FTOUT is "1" (12). If YES, the re-reception counter CRT is incremented by "1" (13), and the process returns to step (10).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (12) is NO, C
The transfer end code is received from the PU 901 (14), and it is determined whether the timeout flag FTOUT is "1" (15),
If YES, the re-reception counter CRT is incremented by "1" (16), and the process returns to step (10).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (15) is NO, communication processing according to the status is executed (17), and step (1) is performed.
Return to

As a result, after NO in steps (2) and (10) and the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is set to "1", the operation of the communication task thereafter is stopped.

Note that the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is stored in the backup RAM 803, and is stored even after the power is turned off. Therefore, in the above-described processing after power-on, the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is determined to be “0” / “1” (see FIG. 6), and if the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is “0”, communication is performed. The task is started, and if the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is “1”, the CPU 8 prevents the communication task from starting.
01, the communication between the main unit 100 and the communication control unit 900 is completely prohibited after the occurrence of the error as described above. Hereinafter, the communication prohibition release processing operation between the prohibited main body 100 and the communication control means 900 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the communication prohibition canceling procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

The operator inputs a password (for example, an 8-digit numerical value) using the keys of the main body 100 (1). Then
The input password is stored in the password storage area P1 of the RAM 803 (2). Next, the contents of the password storage area P1 and the backup RAM 803 are stored in advance.
It is determined whether or not the password registered in advance in the password storage area P0 matches (3). If NO, the processing is terminated as it is, and the communication inhibition state between the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 is maintained. If YES, the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is cleared to "0" (4),
The communication prohibited state between the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 is released, and the process ends.

Thus, the communication prohibition flag FPROOHB
When the value of T switches from “1” to “0”, C
A communication task between the PU 801 and the communication control unit 900 is started.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the start of the image forming operation is input from the input means, an image forming operation start command is issued, and then the communication processing of the externally input image forming condition change data is restricted. Therefore, data communication is performed without adversely affecting the image forming process during operation. Further, since the image forming condition change data externally input is stored between the time when the image forming start command is issued and the time when the signal indicating the end of the image forming operation is generated, retransmission of the external communication processing is not performed. The image forming conditions are changed at an appropriate timing. Further, the response state between the main body and the communication control means, for example, a transfer start instruction transmitted from the main body, at least one byte data, and a transfer end instruction are transmitted. If a certain number of times of non-reception occur, it is determined that data communication is abnormal, and subsequent data communication is prohibited, thereby eliminating the conventional problems associated with mutual communication between the image forming apparatus and external devices. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which various data stored in the main body is leaked to the outside due to an unauthorized data communication request.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention,
After the first control means starts image formation by the image forming means based on the image forming conditions from the input means, the first control means receives an input from the second control means after the image formation of the image formation means starts. The attribute of the external communication data is analyzed and the start / stop of the data communication process for changing the image forming condition with the second control unit is controlled to be inhibited / continued. The change of the image forming condition based on the communication data can be restricted, and the image forming condition can be remotely changed from outside at an appropriate timing while ensuring the normal operation of the image forming unit.

[0095] According to the second invention, there is further provided an input means for inputting predetermined data, and the first control means determines whether the data input from the input means is predetermined data. Since the prohibition state is released, communication with the outside can be permitted after a specific person such as a service person takes measures against the communication abnormality.

[0096]

[0097]

[0098]

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a communication control unit illustrated in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG.

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 provided on an upper surface of the main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data communication processing procedure between the control unit and the communication control unit after power is turned on in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for remotely changing main body image forming data in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data update command reception processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data receiving process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a normal data communication processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication prohibition release processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 801 CPU 802 ROM 805 interface 900 Communication control means 901 CPU 902 ROM 907 interface

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An image forming unit, a control unit for controlling an image forming operation by the image forming unit, and a communication unit for communicating data for remote maintenance with an external device via a communication line. And wherein the control means disables communication with the communication means in response to no response from the communication means in communication between the control means and the communication means. Image forming device. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting predetermined data, wherein said control unit cancels said prohibition state in response to the data input from said input unit being predetermined data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: