JP3445850B2 - Image forming apparatus management system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a management system for an image forming apparatus.
The stem, in particular, the image forming apparatus and the line with the image forming apparatus
Form with a host computer connected via
The present invention relates to a management system for forming devices. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a liquid
Display means consisting of crystal panels, LEDs, etc.
Often. Paper or toner loaded in the device
When consumables are exhausted, this is detected and the above table is displayed.
Display on the display means to prompt the user to replenish
I have. However, such an image forming apparatus has
Therefore, we do not manage inventory of consumables on the user side.
No. Therefore, running out of consumables such as running out of paper or toner
If there is no stock on the spot even if there is a
The equipment will not operate, and the corresponding consumables will be delivered.
Until there is, there will be so-called downtime. Through
A copier equipped with a communication function
In the copier management system connected to the copier,
Toner empty and toner overflow
And information such as the total count of copy operations
Some things are managed by computer. [0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above described copier management system
System, each copier communicates with the host computer at a set time.
Communication and toner empty count and toner overflow
Consumables such as the number of rows and the total count of copying operations
Send operational data including usage data. This copier tube
Management system simply counts the number of toner empty
By simply counting the consumption of consumables,
You. Therefore, management of consumables stock on the user side
Do not reduce downtime as described above.
I can not do such a thing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus,
To reduce downtime due to out of stock consumables,
An object of the present invention is to ensure that inventory management is performed by users. [0006] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
The management system for the image
Device and a host connected to the image forming apparatus via a line
And a computer. And an image forming apparatus
Is the communication control between the inventory data management unit, the out-of-stock detection unit,
Part. The inventory data management department manages the inventory of consumables
Data and usage data are stored and stored according to the usage data.
Update warehouse data. The out-of-stock detector detects inventory data.E
Calculated by the strike computerCompare with threshold
You. The communication control unitDue to regular time and out-of-stock detection
When it is detected that warehouse data has fallen below the threshold
Inventory data and usage dataOn host computerSubmit
I do. In addition, the host computer sends the
Communication to receive sent inventory data and usage data
The control unit stores the received inventory data and usage data.
A data storage unit,Threshold calculation / setting unit and calculation unit
It has. The threshold calculation / setting unit is a data storage unit
Of the image forming apparatus based on the usage data stored in the
Calculates the threshold value used by the out-of-stock detector and calculates the threshold
The value is set in the image forming apparatus. The operation unit isData storage unit
Based on inventory and usage data stored in
Calculates when the consumables are out of stock, and the image forming device is
The expected delivery date of consumables toYou. [0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising:
In the image forming apparatus, inventory data and usage data of consumables are used.
Data is stored in the inventory data management section and based on usage data.
To update inventory data. Inventory in stock-out detector
DataCalculated by host computerThreshold
Compare to the valueInventory data is detected by the regular time and out-of-stock detector.
Data is detected below the thresholdcommunication
Calls the host computer from the control unit and displays the current inventory
Data and usage data are transmitted. In addition, the host computer
On the computer side, the inventory data sent from the image forming
Data and usage data,Based on usage data
Calculates the threshold value used in the out-of-stock detector of the image forming apparatus
And set the threshold value in the image forming apparatus. Also,this
Based on these data, the consumable out-of-stock time is calculated.
You. Then, the user to whom the image forming apparatus is located
Set the scheduled delivery date of consumables to the customer. [0008]Consumables as the threshold value for the out-of-stock detector
Using the minimum inventory calculated based on the usage data of
If necessary, minimize inventory management on the user side
be able to. Further, management of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
In the system, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are
When connected to a host computer, each image forming apparatus
If the available consumable inventory data falls below a predetermined threshold,
Communicates to the host computer for inventory data and
Send usage data. Therefore, for each image forming apparatus
Need to manage inventory of consumables by host computer
Disappears. In the host computer, each image forming device
System that predicts when supplies will run out of stock
Indicates that the amount of consumables used in image forming
However, it is possible to manage inventory reliably by communication.
Downtime can be reduced. [0009]The host computer uses consumables usage data
Calculate the minimum inventory based on the
Configured to set the threshold value
To ensure reliable inventory management based on the latest usage data.
It is possible to do. [0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the management system. This
Here, a copying machine is assumed as the image forming apparatus. Duplicate
Number of copiers 1 are connected to copier management devices 2, respectively.
Have been. Each copier management device 2 is connected via a line 3
Connected to the host computer 4. The copying machine 1 has an upper part as shown in FIG.
Is provided with an exposure unit 5 for reading a document. Dew
The light unit 5 is composed of a light source, a mirror, a lens unit, and the like.
Have been. In the center of the copying machine 1, the read original is displayed.
Image forming unit 6 for forming a toner image
Have been. The image forming section 6 has an electrostatic latent image formed on its surface.
And a photosensitive drum 7. Around photoconductor drum 7
The charging device 8, the developing device 9, the transfer / separation device 10 and the
A leaning device 11 is arranged. A paper feed unit 12 is provided below the copying machine 1.
ing. The paper feeding unit 12 is provided on the right side of FIG.
Lined up and down with the bypass table 13
All three paper cassettes 14, 15, 16
And the large paper cassette 17 and the bypass table 13
Or paper stored in paper cassettes 14-17
And a sheet feeding device 18 for conveying the sheet to the forming section 6.
Has been established. Paper feed side tip of each paper feed cassette 14-17
Is equipped with a sensor (not shown).
This sensor detects the number of sheets conveyed from the cassette.
It is possible to put out. On the downstream side of the image forming section 6 in the sheet transport direction,
A paper discharge transport path 19 for transporting paper to the left side of the apparatus in FIG.
Fixing device 20 for fusing and fixing a toner image on paper
A discharge roller 21 for discharging a sheet at the time of fixing;
An output tray 22 for receiving sheets is provided.
You. Further, in the copying machine 1, a control unit 31 shown in FIG.
Is provided. The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a RAM, an RO
Microcomputer including M, various drivers and various IO
Data system. The control unit 31 includes an operation
The input keys of the panel 23 and the display unit are connected. Ma
The control unit 31 has a storage unit for storing various operation data.
32 are connected. The control unit 31 further supplies
Sheet feed number sensor 3 provided in cassettes 14 to 17
3 are connected. The control unit 31 includes a developing device.
9, a toner concentration detection sensor 34 for detecting the toner concentration
Is connected. ThisThe toner density detection sensor 34 of
The toner supplied from the toner cartridge into the developing device 9
And the concentration of the carrier supplied into the hopper.
It is provided in the developing device 9 for outputting. Control unit 31
Interface 35 connected to the
Is connected to device 2 and has a toner empty signal
Copier management device for data on the number of sheets fed for each paper cassette
Send to 2. The copier management device 2 is as shown in FIG.
Serial interface 41 connected to copier 1
have. The serial interface 41 is a CPU
42. The CPU 42 is a so-called microphone
Computer system and network
Control unit (hereinafter referred to as NCU) 43, ROM 4
4, a RAM 45, and a clock IC 46. N
The CU 43 is connected to a modem 47, and furthermore,
The modem 47 is connected to a public line. The host computer 4 is configured as shown in FIG.
CPU 51 and RAM 5 connected to CPU 51
2, including the ROM 53 and the input / output interface 54
No. The CPU 51 includes a display CRT 55 and an input CRT 55.
A keyboard 56, an external storage device 57, and the like are also connected.
You. The input / output interface 54 has an RS232C or the like.
An input / output terminal is provided, and a communication modem 58 is provided.
And connected to the public line 3. External storage device 57
Is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD).
Each copying machine transmitted through the public line 3
The copier management database that manages the operation data
Has been built. Next, operation based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
Explain the work. [Copier] The copying machine 1 operates as shown in FIG. Power on
Then, in step S1, various parameters are initialized.
Then, a command for setting the temperature of the fixing unit is generated. S
In step S2, the input keys on the operation panel 23 are operated.
Determine if it was made. Input keys on operation panel 23
If it is determined that the unit has been operated, the process proceeds to step S3.
You. In step S3, the input key of the operation panel 23 is
A normal copy operation is performed based on the operation. Step S4
Then, each paper cassette based on the copy operation in step S3 is
Data on the number of sheets fed per slot is sent to the copier management device 2.
I do. In step S5, the toner in the developing device 9
It is determined whether the disconnection has been detected. This toner run out detection
The output is, for example, the toner density provided in the developing device 9.
The toner concentration detected by the degree detection sensor 34 becomes lower than a predetermined value.
It is possible to determine based on whether or not it has become. Tona
If the disconnection is detected, the process proceeds to step S6.
In step S6, the liquid provided on the operation panel 23
Is out of toner on display unit such as crystal display or LED
Is displayed. In step S7, the copier management device
A toner empty signal is transmitted to the printer 2. Step S8
Then, other processing is performed. In step S9, the power switch
Is operated or not, and if the power is on,
Proceed to step S2 to copy when the power is turned off.
The operation of the machine 1 is stopped. [Copier management device] The copier management device 2 performs the operation shown in FIG.
U. In step S11, the inventory data of the consumable
Threshold for detecting out-of-stock when:
Set the minimum stock amount as. This minimum inventory is
Consumables delivery intervals and average usage of consumables in copier 1
It is calculated based on data and the like, and
The computer 4 calculates the
It is stored in the RAM 45 of the chair 2. The minimum stock amount is
Minimum stock by paper size, minimum toner cartridge
The stock amount is adopted. In step S12, paper is fed from the copying machine 1.
Judge whether or not the data on the number of sheets fed for each cassette has been received
You. If the data of the number of sheets to be fed is received, step S13 is executed.
Move to In step S13, the data stored in the RAM 45 is stored.
Data and size of each used paper cassette
Update inventory data for another paper. In step S14
Stores the stock data updated in step S13 in step S13.
Compare with the minimum stock amount set in 11. Paper stock date
Data is below the minimum stock of the corresponding paper size.
Shifts to step S19. Paper inventory data is supported
If the paper size exceeds the minimum
The process moves to step S15. In step S15, the toner from the copying machine 1
It is determined whether an empty signal has been received. Copier 1
If a toner empty signal is received from
The process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the RAM 4
5 is the toner supply count of the copying machine 1 stored in
Increment the toner cartridge inventory data
Update. In step S17, updated in step S16
Inventory data of the removed toner cartridge and step S11
Compare the minimum inventory of toner cartridges set in
You. In step S17, the toner cartridge
If the warehouse data is determined to be below the minimum inventory,
The process proceeds to Step S19. In step S17, the toner
Cartridge inventory data is determined to exceed minimum inventory
If so, the process moves to step S18. In step S18, the watch IC 46
It is determined whether the current time has reached the regular communication time.
If it is determined that the regular communication time has come, the process proceeds to step S19.
Run. In step S19, the NCU 43 and the modem 4
The host computer 4 is called via the host computer 7. Steps
In S19, the line with the host computer 4 is connected.
If so, in step S20 the copy machine 1
Various operation data is transmitted to the host computer 4.
At this time, each paper cassette stored in the RAM 45
Consumables such as data on the number of sheets used and toner supply counts
Is transmitted to the host computer 4 side. S
In step S21, reset from the host computer 4
It is determined whether a signal has been received. Host computer
If the reset signal is received from step S4, step S2
Move to 2. In step S22, the RAM 45
Number of sheets used and data for each paper cassette loaded
Initialize the refill count. In step S23,
The communication with the strike computer 4 ends. After this,
The process proceeds to step S24 to perform other processing. [Host computer] The host computer 4 has a flow chart as shown in FIG.
The action is performed based on the In step S31, the copying machine
Determine whether or not there is a call from the management device 2
You. When there is a call from the copier management device 2
Moves to step S32. In step S32,
Operation data of the copying machine 1 transmitted from the copying machine management device 2
Data. In step S33, in step S32
Based on the received operation data of the copying machine 1, the external storage device
In the copier management database constructed in
Of the stock data and usage data of the copying machine 1
Perform an update. In step S34, updated in step S33
Average usage of consumables in copier 1 based on usage data
Calculate the data. For example, from the previous communication to the current communication
Up to the time based on the data on the number of sheets
And the average number of sheets used per day for each paper size
Is calculated. This usage average data is obtained when the copier 1 is installed.
Can be calculated as a simple average from
It is also possible to calculate the latest moving average. Also,
Based on the toner supply count.
Calculate the average number of exchange days. In step S35, the calculation in step S34 is performed.
Of the used average data and the location data updated in step S33.
The stock out timing is predicted based on the warehouse data. for example
For example, the copier management data constructed in the external storage device 57 may be used.
The database manages inventory data for each copier.
Delivery center system that delivers paper and toner
By adding the delivery amount to the inventory amount in conjunction with
Manages the inventory amount of This is for example a distribution center
To the operator when delivering paper and toner from
Therefore, the delivery amount is entered and automatically added to the stock amount
It is configured as follows. Sent from copier management device 2
Copier management database based on usage data
Is updated. Further, step S3
Based on the usage average data calculated in step 4, the current inventory
It will be predictable how many days later it will go away. In step S36, the calculation in step S34 is performed.
Based on the usage average data issued,
The necessary minimum stock amount and proper stock amount are calculated. S
The out-of-stock time predicted in step S35 is
Then, delivery that actual delivery is performed from this scheduled delivery date
Time lag T until the day_LExists. Therefore
On the user side, the average usage data and time lag of copier 1
Inventory S based on_minAlways need only inventory
The Rukoto. For example, assume paper as a consumable
And (minimum stock amount S_min) = (Average number of sheets a) × (ta
Imlag T_L). Here, the day after the scheduled delivery date,
When delivery is done, there is no delivery on Saturday and Sunday
If the estimated delivery date is Friday, the actual delivery date
Is Monday and time lag T_LIs 3 days. But
Therefore, the average number of sheets used per day in the copying machine 1 is 500
Is the minimum stock amount S_min= 500 × 3 = 1
500 sheets. Also, set the maximum stock amount on the Uber side
Then, the maximum stock amount and the usage obtained in step S34
Regular delivery of consumables based on average data
The number of days between scheduled delivery dates can be determined. This delivery interval and usage
Next scheduled delivery based on average data and minimum inventory
The appropriate stock amount S required by_PCan be determined.
In this case, (appropriate stock amount S_P) = (Average usage a) ×
(Delivery interval k) + (minimum stock amount S_min)
Becomes possible. Therefore, in the above example,
Assuming that the interval k = 7, the appropriate stock amount S_P= 500 × 7 +
1500 = 5000 sheets. In step S37, the currently communicating copier 1
Is displayed via the CRT 55. Steps
In S38, the minimum stock amount calculated in step S36 is duplicated.
It is determined whether or not the setting is to be made on the copying machine 1 side. Minimum stock
When setting is performed, the process proceeds to step S39. Step
In step S39, the minimum stock amount calculated in step S36 is passed.
Via the communication line to the copier management device 2 currently communicating.
I believe. In step S40, the copy machine currently communicating
Whether to reset the usage data of the consumables of the physical device 2
Judge. To reset consumable usage data
Moves to step S41. In step S41,
A reset signal is sent to the copier management device 2 currently communicating.
Send the issue. In step S42, the copy machine in communication
The communication with the management device 2 ends. In step S43, the calculation in step S35 is performed.
A delivery plan is created based on the out-of-stock time. This
Here, based on the appropriate stock amount calculated in step S36,
Determine the quantity of consumables to be delivered and create a delivery plan list
I do. In step S44, the data created in step S43
Distribution of consumables to distribution centers etc. based on the distribution plan list
Send instruction is sent. In step S45, other processing is performed. Copying machine displayed in step S36 of FIG.
FIG. 9 shows the operation information screen 1. FIG. 9A shows a copying machine.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation information screen 61 displaying operation data of the first operation data;
is there. At the top of the operation information screen 61 is a place where the copier 1 is installed.
A user display field 62 indicating the location is formed. A user
-Information such as the model of the copying machine 1 located below the display column 62
Is provided. Model display field 6
Below 3 is the date and time when data was last collected and the copy operation.
Operation indicating total count, maintenance count, etc.
A data display field 64 is provided. Operating data
The display column 64 is provided with an information selection button 65,
By selecting this information selection button 65 on the screen,
More detailed operation data can be displayed. Was
For example, from the information selection button 65 in FIG.
When the information button is selected, the status shown in FIG.
An information screen 66 is displayed. Status information screen 66
Are the toner empty count and toner overflow count
Number, average toner empty number, average toner overflow
Information display column 67 for displaying status information such as the number of rows
And a reset selection button to display the reset screen.
68. The information displayed in the information display field 67
Status information indicates toner usage data.
Transmitted during communication from the copier management device 2.
Updated based on usage data. Reset selection button
When button 68 is selected on the screen, as shown in FIG.
A reset button display screen 69 is displayed. Reset button
On the display screen 69, the empty number reset button 7
Display 0 and overflow count reset button 71
You. On this reset button display screen 69, the toner empty
Reset of the number of times the toner
Is selected, the copier management device 2 currently communicating is reset.
Transmit the reset signal. The toner consumption is the toner empty
The number of toner overflows and the number of toner overflows.
However, toner can be counted only by the number of toner empty times.
-It is also possible to calculate consumption. Also step
S40 is omitted and a reset signal is always transmitted during communication
It can also be configured. In this case, copy machine management data
The toner empty stored in the RAM 45 of the device 2
Will always be reset during regular communication.
You. Stored in the storage unit 57 of the host computer 4.
The copy machine 1 toner empty count is
The latest toner replenishment cartridge transmitted from the
Is the toner cartridge that the copying machine 1 always has
Subtract this toner empty count from the ridge inventory
Value becomes the current stock quantity. For example, four copiers 1
Assume that toner cartridges are always in stock
And the toner exchanged by the regular communication from the copying machine 1.
If the number of empty times is 4, the inventory on the user side becomes 0
It is thought that it has become. Therefore, information after regular communication
The toner cartridge is set based on the display contents of the display column 67.
It is possible to formulate a delivery plan to deliver to users
You. On the operation information screen 61 shown in FIG.
Select the count information button from the report selection buttons 65
By doing so, the paper management information as shown in FIG.
The screen 81 can be displayed. Paper management information
On the screen 81, the number of sheets used in the
The current stock amount is displayed in the used number column 82 and the stock amount column 83.
Is done. Displayed in the used number field 82 and the stock quantity field 83
In step S33, the latest usage data is used.
Data has been updated. In addition, the delivery date
The stock out time calculated in step S35 is displayed.
You. In the upper right of the paper management information screen 81, the delivery
A condition setting button 85 is provided. In the paper management information screen 81 shown in FIG.
When the delivery condition setting button 85 is selected, FIG.
The delivery condition setting screen 91 shown is displayed. Delivery condition setting
On the screen 91, a minimum stock amount column 92, an appropriate stock amount column 93,
Delivery interval column 94 and delivery time lag column 95 are set.
I have. The minimum stock amount column 92 contains the value calculated in step S36.
The minimum stock amount for each size is displayed. Proper inventory
In the column 93, the size of each size calculated in step S36 is used.
The appropriate paper stock is displayed. In the delivery interval column 94,
The delivery interval indicating the scheduled delivery date interval for each paper size is displayed.
It is. In the delivery time lag field 95, the actual delivery date
The maximum time lag until the delivery date when delivery is performed is displayed
You. By setting this maximum time lag,
The stock amount is calculated in step S36, and the minimum stock amount column 92
Will be displayed. Also, by setting the delivery interval
In step S36, the appropriate stock amount is calculated, and the appropriate stock amount column
The value of 93 is automatically determined. In this embodiment, the paper for each size
When managing paper inventory based on the number of sheets used
Has been described, but the
Average number of days between toner replenishments based on toner replenishment count
Is calculated, and the toner cartridge delivery
It is also possible to draft a picture. [0032] The management system for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
In the inventory data management unit, the inventory data
And usage data, and inventory is detected by the out-of-stock detector.
Data andThreshold andOut of stock by comparing
Is detected, and the host computer sends inventory data and
Because the usage data is transmitted, the host computer side
Is not managing the inventory data of the image forming
However, the image forming apparatus can use the host computer to
To inform the computer.Therefore, the image forming apparatus
Reduce downtime due to out of stock consumables
can do. Also manage excess inventory on the user side
And reduce the burden of inventory management.
You. further,The host computer is connected to the image forming apparatus
When the consumables are out of stock based on the data sent
Is calculated and the scheduled delivery date to the user is set.
An urgent delivery plan can be made. [0033]Consumables as the threshold value for the out-of-stock detector
Using the minimum inventory calculated based on the usage data of
If necessary, minimize inventory management on the user side
be able to. Further, management of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
In a system, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a host via a line.
Connected to each computer, and connected to each image forming apparatus.
Consumable inventory data below a specified threshold
Communication with the host computer Line and inventory data
And send usage data. Therefore, each image forming apparatus
Inventory management of consumables for each device is performed by the host computer
Eliminates the need. Each image type on the host computer
System that predicts when stocks of consumables will be out of stock
, Consumption of consumables in image forming equipment
Even if you go around, you can surely manage inventory by communication
And downtime can be reduced. [0034]The host computer uses consumables usage data
Calculate the minimum inventory based on the
Configured to set the threshold value
To ensure reliable inventory management based on the latest usage data.
It is possible to do.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a management system of an image forming apparatus employing one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a copy in which one embodiment of the present invention is adopted. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of copying. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a copier management device. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a host computer. FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the copying machine. FIG. 7 is a control flowchart of the copier management device. FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of the host computer. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation information screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a paper management information screen. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a delivery condition setting screen. [Description of Signs] 1 Copier 2 Copier management device 3 Public line 4 Host computer 23 Operation panel 33 Feed sheet number sensor 34 Toner density detection sensor 43 NCU 47 Modem 55 CRT 57 Storage unit 61 Operating information screen 66 Status information screen 69 Reset button display screen 81 Paper management information screen 82 Used number field 83 Stock quantity field 84 Delivery date prediction field 91 Delivery condition setting screen 92 Order trigger field 93 Stock quantity at delivery field 94 Proper stock quantity field 95 Delivery interval field

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Hashimoto               Mita, 1-2-2, Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi               Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Fumio Aizawa               Mita, 1-2-2, Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi               Industrial Co., Ltd.                (56) References JP-A-3-226767 (JP, A)                 JP-A-6-68104 (JP, A)                 JP-A-6-162058 (JP, A)                 JP-A-6-89050 (JP, A)                 JP-A-5-333628 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] (1) An image forming apparatus arranged on a user side,
An image forming apparatus management system having an image forming apparatus and a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a line, wherein the image forming apparatus stores inventory data and use data of consumables, and responds to the use data. A stock data management unit that updates the stock data by calculating the stock data by the host computer
A stock detector for comparing the threshold, inventory data before the regular time and the stock detector
A communication control unit that transmits the inventory data and the usage data to the host computer when it is detected that the inventory data has fallen below the threshold value, wherein the host computer transmits the inventory data and usage data to the host computer. a communication control unit for receiving usage data, a data storage unit for storing the inventory data and usage data to the received, based on usage data stored in the data storage unit
Used in the stock-out detector of the image forming apparatus.
The threshold value is set in the image forming apparatus.
A threshold calculation / setting unit to calculate the out-of-stock time of consumables based on the stock data and the use data stored in the data storage unit; A management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a calculation unit for setting a scheduled delivery date of a product.