JP3548675B2 - Image forming device management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and printers, and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the above-described image forming apparatus management system, when a serious error (failure) that requires repair in the image forming apparatus occurs, the management apparatus (host computer) is notified of the image forming apparatus under use conditions. In some cases, various information is transmitted so that maintenance work of the image forming apparatus can be performed efficiently and accurately.
[0003]
However, in such an image forming apparatus management system, even if a jam occurs once during the failure mode of the image forming apparatus, maintenance is not immediately required, but it is determined whether the frequency of occurrence of the jam requires maintenance. It becomes data, and the judgment criteria may differ depending on the user and its usage conditions, etc.Also, in the case of a jam occurrence, for example, if the jam state continues for a long time, maintenance is required immediately. In such a case, it was not possible to respond appropriately.
[0004]
As described above, when a jam trouble occurs, it is not possible to accurately determine the necessity of maintenance, so that reliable and efficient maintenance is not performed, resulting in a decrease in the operation rate and work efficiency of the apparatus.
Therefore, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus management system in which the image forming apparatus performs the following processes (1) to (3) (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-329298).
[0005]
(1) The elapsed time in the jam state is measured, and when the measured time reaches a preset alarm notification level, an alarm signal is automatically transmitted to the management device via a communication line.
(2) After the occurrence of a jam, if a jam recovery process (for example, a door opening / closing operation) is performed by a user and the jam state is present, the elapsed time in the jam state is measured, and the measured time is set to an alarm. When the notification level is reached, an alarm signal is automatically transmitted to the management device via the communication line.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional image forming apparatus management system as described above, the automatic notification (transmission of an alarm signal) of the image forming apparatus is intended only to determine whether or not maintenance is required. Considering the situation of use of the user, accurate advice and instructions to the user are necessary even in the case of a minor failure in order to grasp the usage state of the user and reduce the work load on the user. For that purpose, it is necessary to grasp the user usage state by various judgment methods.
[0007]
For example, when the jam state continues for a long time, maintenance is required immediately, but it is necessary to appropriately cope with such a case.
However, in the process (2), the necessity of maintenance when a jam trouble occurs is determined based on the jam recovery process. This is because the user is conscious of performing the jam recovery process and then performing maintenance. From the user's point of view, it is desirable to reduce the workload and take prompt action and instructions in consideration of the device operation efficiency. It is about to be done.
[0008]
Further, when a jam occurs at night when no person is around the image forming apparatus (for example, at the time of night reception of the facsimile apparatus), unnecessary automatic notification is performed in the above-described process (1). This is not a report, but also leads to an increase in the load on the management device.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and notifies a management apparatus of a jam occurrence state in an image forming apparatus based on a setting standard by a user, and performs an appropriate post-treatment in accordance with a user, its use conditions, and the like. The purpose is to enable.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line, the following is achieved in order to achieve the above object. It is characterized by.
[0010]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes an opening detecting unit A for detecting opening of a door or a cover, a jam detecting unit B for detecting a jam, and the unit B. A time measuring means C for measuring an elapsed time during which the opening of the door or the cover is detected by the opening detecting means A in a state where the jam has been detected, and the time measured by the means C has reached the alarm notification level. An alarm notification means D for automatically transmitting an alarm signal to a management device via a communication line at times, and a level setting means E for setting the alarm notification level are provided.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus includes: a human body detecting unit F for detecting a human body around the image forming apparatus; a jam detecting unit B for detecting a jam; Time measuring means C for measuring an elapsed time while the human body is detected by the human body detecting means F in a state where the jam is detected by the human body detecting means F, and an alarm signal when the time measured by the means C reaches the alarm notification level. Is automatically transmitted to the management device via a communication line, and level setting means E is provided for setting the alarm notification level.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, a power supply off / on detection means G for detecting power supply off / on, a jam detection means B for detecting a jam, A power supply off / on number counting means H for counting the number of power off / on times detected by the power supply off / on detection means G in a state where the jam is detected by the means B; An alarm notification means for automatically transmitting an alarm signal to a management device via a communication line when the alarm notification level is reached, and a level setting means E for setting the alarm notification level.
[0013]
In the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus measures an elapsed time while the door or the cover is opened in the jam state, and the measured time reaches a preset alarm notification level. When a jam occurs, the alarm signal is automatically sent to the management device via the communication line, so after the occurrence of a jam, the user has to work for a long time to remove the jammed paper with the door or cover open first. However, it is possible to solve the problem that automatic notification is not performed. Further, it is possible to eliminate the problem that unnecessary automatic notification is performed when a jam occurs at night or the like when no people are around the image forming apparatus, thereby increasing the load on the management apparatus.
[0014]
In the image forming apparatus management system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus measures an elapsed time while detecting a human body in a jam state, and when the measured time reaches a preset alarm notification level. Since the alarm signal is automatically transmitted to the management device via the communication line, an automatic notification can be made even if the user does not perform the jam recovery in the jam state (for example, even if the user is looking at the jam while leaving it). . Further, it is possible to eliminate the problem that unnecessary automatic notification is performed when a jam occurs at night or the like when no people are around the image forming apparatus, thereby increasing the load on the management apparatus.
[0015]
In the image forming apparatus management system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus counts the number of times the power supply is turned off / on in the jam state, and when the count value reaches a preset alarm notification level, an alarm is generated. Since the signal is automatically transmitted to the management device via the communication line, the power is repeatedly turned off and on during the measurement of the elapsed time in the jam state, and the elapsed time cannot be measured due to the short power-on time. However, automatic notification can be performed at an appropriate timing.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus management system embodying the present invention. Reference numerals 101a and 101b denote copying machines (image forming apparatuses) which are connected to a modem device 103 via a private line (communication line) 102a. It is connected to a management device 104 using a host computer installed at a remote place via a public line (communication line) 102b.
[0017]
The image forming apparatus management system is configured to be able to execute transmission and reception of management data (signals) between the copying machines 101a and 101b and the management apparatus 104 by the connection.
In this image forming apparatus management system, two copiers are connected for convenience, but can be further added.
[0018]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mechanism of the copying machines 101a and 101b in FIG.
Each of the copying machines 101a and 101b includes an original reading system 201, an image forming system 202, a paper feeding and conveying system 203, a fixing / discharging system 204, and a sorter 205 as an optional sorting device. An operation unit (see FIG. 6), a human body detection sensor 245, and an electrical control system are provided.
[0019]
[Document scanning system]
The document reading system 201 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 206 that automatically feeds a document set on a document set table, and an optical unit 207 that irradiates light to the document to form an optical image. I have.
The ADF 206 is mounted on a document placing surface so as to be openable and closable, and includes a document set table, transport rollers, a transport belt, and the like.
[0020]
The optical unit 207 includes a contact glass 208 on which a document is placed, a first scanner 211 integrally configured by an exposure illumination unit (fluorescent lamp) 209 and a first mirror 210, and a second mirror 212 and a third mirror 213. The second scanner 214, the fourth mirror 215, and the lens 216, which are integrally formed, are housed in a housing.
[0021]
(Imaging system)
The image forming system 202 includes a plurality of units that execute various processes based on a generally used electrophotographic process.
That is, 220 is a photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image, 221 is a charging charger for uniformly corona charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 220, 222 is a container for storing toner, and the toner is charged based on a developing process. A developing unit that performs a developing process by attaching to the surface of the developing unit 220.
[0022]
Reference numeral 223 denotes a transfer charger that performs a transfer process by corona discharge. Reference numeral 224 denotes a separation charger that separates a recording sheet adhered to the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 by corona discharge. Reference numeral 225 denotes residual toner after the transfer process on the surface of the photosensitive drum 220. A cleaning unit 226 that removes and collects the recording paper with a fur brush and a cleaning blade is a registration roller that conveys the recording paper at a timing with a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 220.
[0023]
[Paper feeding system]
The paper feed system 203 constitutes a lower part of the copying machines 101a and 101b.
In the sheet feeding / conveying system 203, reference numerals 230 and 231 denote a sheet feeding tray capable of stacking a plurality of recording sheets and pulling out the sheet, and reference numeral 232 denotes a double-sided sheet feeding unit.
A vertical transport unit 233 is provided on the exit side of the paper feed trays 230 and 231. The vertical transport section 233 is arranged to communicate with the registration roller 226.
[0024]
Each of the paper feed trays 230 and 231 is provided with paper feed units 235 and 236 that separate and feed the recording paper one by one, and each of the paper feed units 235 and 236 includes a pickup roller, a feed roller, and a separate roller. And so on. Reference numeral 237 denotes a transport belt that guides the transferred and separated recording paper to the fixing / discharge system 204.
[0025]
Further, in the sheet feeding / conveying system 203, recording sheet detection sensors 238, 239, and 240 for detecting the passage of the recording sheet are provided near the exits of the sheet feeding trays 230 and 231, and the duplex sheet feeding unit 232, respectively. ing. Further, a recording paper detection sensor 241 is disposed immediately after the registration roller 226, and a recording paper detection sensor 242 is disposed immediately after the paper discharge unit.
[0026]
Next, the copying operation of each of the copying machines 101a and 101b will be described.
The photoconductor drum 220 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft (not shown), and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy start command or the like. Almost at the same time, the original to be copied, which is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 208 by the ADF 206, is exposed and scanned by the first scanner 211. At this time, the reflected light (reflected light image) of the document obtained by the illumination of the exposure illumination unit 209 passes through the first mirror 210, the second mirror 212, the third mirror 213, the lens 216, the fourth mirror 215, and the photosensitive member. An image is formed on the drum 220.
[0027]
Prior to this, since the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 221, an electrostatic latent image is formed by a potential distribution corresponding to the reflected light image. Unnecessary portions of the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 are irradiated with light by an eraser (not shown), and the surface is corrected to an electrostatic latent image area suitable for recording paper or a projected image. At this time, to obtain an image of the same size, the photosensitive drum 220 and the first scanner 211 are driven at the same speed.
[0028]
Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 is visualized (toner image) by the toner stored in the developing unit 222. At this time, a grayscale image is adjusted by applying a developing bias potential to the developing bias line of the developing unit 222 and controlling the amount of toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 220.
[0029]
On the other hand, the feeding of the recording paper is started almost in parallel with the image forming processing. That is, the sheet feeding from any one of the sheet feeding trays 230 and 231 and the duplex sheet feeding unit 232 is selected, and the sheet feeding operation is executed at a predetermined sheet feeding timing. For example, when paper is supplied from the paper supply tray 230, recording paper is supplied by the paper supply operation of the paper supply unit 235, and the supplied recording paper is sent to the registration roller 226 via the vertical conveyance unit 233. It is.
[0030]
The recording paper is subjected to skew correction (skew correction) by contacting the nip portion of the stopped registration roller 226, and then at a timing when the positional relationship with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 matches. The sheet is conveyed by restarting the registration roller 226.
[0031]
Next, the recording paper is conveyed and adhered to the surface of the photosensitive drum 220, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 220 is transferred to the recording paper by the action of the transfer charger 223. At this time, since the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 is very smooth, the adhesion of the recording paper is large. For this reason, the potential of the recording paper is reduced by corona discharge of the separation charger 224, and the adhesion between the photosensitive drum 220 and the recording paper is reduced.
[0032]
Next, the recording paper is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 by a separation claw (not shown), and the separated recording paper is sent to the fixing / discharge system 204 by the transport belt 237. A fixing / discharge system 204 applies heat and pressure to the conveyed recording paper by a fixing roller and a pressure roller to fix the toner image on the recording paper, and then discharges the recording paper to a sorter 205. Alternatively, in the case of double-sided copying, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided paper feeding unit 232 side.
[0033]
On the surface of the photoconductor drum 220 after the transfer process, residual toner, paper dust, and the like are attached. Therefore, the cleaning unit 225 collects the adhered matter such as residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220 by rotating the fur brush and abutting the cleaning blade. Thereafter, a not-shown quenching lamp is turned on to equalize the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 220, and the apparatus enters a standby state in preparation for the next copying process.
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the operation unit of each of the copying machines 101a and 101b.
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 301 denotes an operation unit, which includes various operation keys and a group of indicators such as LEDs and LCDs.
[0035]
That is, a start key 302 for inputting a copy start, a tray selection key 303 for selecting a paper feed tray, a display panel 304 for performing various displays using an LCD or the like, an ADF mode selection key 305 for selecting a mode of the ADF 206, and image density setting. There are provided an automatic density selection key 306 for automatically adjusting, a manual density selection key 307 for adjusting the density of the image density as desired, and a sort mode selection key 308 for selecting a mode such as a stack mode or a sort mode of the sorter 205.
[0036]
Further, it functions as a discharge selection key 309 for switching the discharge side of the recording paper, a mode clear key 310 for clearing the input mode, a numeric key 311 for setting the number of copies, etc., and as a stop key for inputting the interruption of copying during the copying operation. A clear / stop key 312 which functions as a key for correcting input data by the numeric keypad 311 while copying is stopped, and an interrupt copy key 313 which interrupts copying during a copying operation and enables another mode input and start of the copying. Input keys 314 to 316 for inputting and setting conditions relating to the management system are provided.
[0037]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of each of the copying machines 101a and 101b.
In FIG. 7, reference numeral 401 denotes a main control board on which a microcomputer system is mounted for executing overall control of the copying machines 101a and 101b, and is constituted by the following main functional elements.
[0038]
That is, the main control board 401 includes a CPU 402 that executes predetermined control based on the control program, a ROM 403 that stores the control program, a RAM 404 that temporarily stores control data and condition flags, and other units. , I / O elements 405 to 407 for an input / output interface, a programmable timer 408 having a plurality of timer functions, and a bus line 409 for connecting each element.
[0039]
A control unit (ADFCO) 410 that controls the ADF 206 is connected to the I / O element 405.
The I / O element 406 includes a control unit (S.SCO) 411 for controlling the sorter 205 and a data communication format for transmitting management data (signal) generated by the main control board 401 to the management device 104. A communication interface unit (P.I) 412 for performing the conversion and interface matching is connected.
[0040]
The I / O element 407 includes an operation unit 301, recording paper detection sensors 238 to 242, a door switch 413 for detecting opening and closing operations of doors and covers, a power switch 420 for turning off / on the power of the entire board in FIG. A human body detection sensor 245 using a reflection type sensor for detecting a human body around the machine is connected.
The human body detection sensor 245 corresponds to the human body detection means F shown in FIG. 2, and is arranged on the front of the apparatus.
[0041]
Further, each part of the main control board 401, the recording paper detection sensors 238 to 242, the door switch 413, and the operation unit 301 correspond to the opening detecting means A, the jam detecting means B, the time measuring means C, and the alarm shown in FIGS. It functions as a reporting means D, a level setting means E, a power off / on detecting means G, and a power off / on number counting means H.
[0042]
Next, the processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention by the CPU 402 shown in FIG. 7 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main flow processing by the CPU 402 according to the first aspect of the present invention.
[0043]
The CPU 402 detects power off / on by the power switch 420, starts the main flow processing of FIG. 8 when the power is turned on from off, and executes each main processing in the main flow processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 403. Perform subflow processing and judgment.
[0044]
That is, first, an initial setting subflow process is executed (S1). Here, settings necessary for resetting the control flag and controlling the copiers 101a and 101b are set.
Then, a jam check sub-flow process (see FIG. 9) for checking the jam state of the copying machines 101a and 101b (the paper jam state in the internal transport path) is executed (S2). When a jam state is detected in the jam check subflow process, a jam flag which is a control flag is set.
[0045]
After executing the jam check subflow process in step S2, a standby process is executed (S3). In this standby process, control processing of each unit before start of copying, display control of the operation unit 301, and the like are executed. For example, when the jam flag is set, the control unit 301 causes the jam display.
[0046]
After executing the above step S3, it is determined whether or not the jam flag is set (S4).
If the jam flag is set, a subflow process (see FIG. 10) of a door open check is performed (S5), and it is determined whether or not the door is open (the door or the cover is opened). (S6).
[0047]
If the door is open, a subflow process of copy management (see FIG. 11) is executed (S7). The copy management subflow process executes information processing control necessary for copy management. When management data required for the management device 104 is generated, the management data is transmitted to the communication interface unit (P. I) Output to 412. Thereby, the management data is transmitted to the management device 104 via the private line 102a, the modem device 103, and the public line 102b.
[0048]
After executing the copy management in step S7, it is determined whether a jam flag is set (S8).
If the jam flag has not been set, it is determined whether or not the copy has been started (whether or not the start key 302 has been pressed) (S9). If the copy has been started, the copy process is executed (S10).
[0049]
That is, as described above, image forming control processing, recording paper conveyance control processing, and conveyance jam control processing for checking the conveyance state of the recording paper are executed by the units required to execute the copy processing. When a conveyance error (paper jam, non-feed, timing deviation, etc.) of the recording paper is detected by the conveyance jam control processing, a jam flag is set.
[0050]
After executing the copy process in step S10, it is determined whether or not all of the processes have been completed (copy end) (S11). The conditions for terminating the copy process include interruption conditions such as the end of the number of copies input from the operation unit 301, copy interruption input from the operation unit 301, occurrence of a jam, and end of expendable supplies such as toner and recording paper. Is the case.
[0051]
Then, when the copy process is completed, a subflow process of the copy final process is executed (S12). This copy final process is a flow process for executing control processing of each unit and initial setting of each control data necessary for preparing for the next copy processing after copying is completed.
After executing the process of step S12, the process returns to step S2 to prepare for the next copy process.
[0052]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the jam flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S9 in which the presence or absence of a copy start is determined. If it is determined in step S6 that the door is not open, if it is determined in step S8 that the jam flag has been set, or if it is determined in step S9 that the copy has not been started, the apparatus prepares for the next copy process. , And returns to the processing of step S2. If it is determined in step S11 that it is not the copy end, the process returns to the subflow (copy process) process in step S10.
[0053]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the jam check subflow process (S2) of FIG.
First, a sensor jam check subflow process for checking the detection state of the recording paper detection sensors 238, 239, 240, 241, 242 is performed (S21), and it is determined whether a jam has been detected (S22).
[0054]
If a jam is detected, a jam flag is set (S23), and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
If no jam has been detected, the jam flag, the door open flag, and the jam timer in the programmable timer 408 for measuring the jam state are reset (S24, S25, S26), respectively, and the main flow of FIG. Return to
[0055]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the subflow process (S5) of the door open completion check in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the door open flag, which is a control flag, is set (S31). If the door open flag is set, the process directly returns to the main flow process of FIG. If is not set, the sub flow process of the door open check is performed (S32).
[0056]
Then, it is determined from the ON / OFF state of the door switch 413 whether or not the door open operation has been performed (S33). If the door open operation has not been performed, the process directly returns to the main flow process of FIG. If the door open operation has been executed (the door open is detected), the door open completion flag is set (S34), and then the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
[0057]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of the copy management subflow process (S7) of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the jam flag has been set (S41). If the jam flag has not been set, the process returns to the main flow process of FIG. It is determined whether the jam timer has started (S42).
[0058]
If the jam timer has not started, the jam timer is started (S43).
Also, when the jam timer has started, or after the jam timer has been started, the time measured by the jam timer (the elapsed time during which the door open is detected while the jam is detected) is preset. Then, it is determined whether or not the jam alarm time Tj (for example, 30 minutes) has been reached (the count value of the jam timer ≧ Tj) (S44).
[0059]
If the time measured by the jam timer has not reached the preset jam alarm time Tj, the process returns to the main flow process of FIG. 8 as it is. If the jam alarm time Tj has been reached, the jam timer is reset. After resetting (S45), a subflow process for transmitting the jam alarm management data is performed (S46), and the jam alarm management data is transmitted to the management device 104 via the private line 102a, the modem device 103, and the public line 102b. Return to the flow processing.
[0060]
The jam alarm time Tj (alarm notification level) can be set by an operation signal from the operation unit 301 or a command from the management device 104 or the like.
As described above, each of the copying machines 101a and 101b measures the elapsed time while the door or the cover is opened in the jam state, and when the measured time reaches the preset alarm notification level, the jam alarm is performed. The following effects can be obtained by automatically transmitting the management data to the management device 104.
[0061]
That is, it is possible to solve the problem that after a jam occurs, an automatic notification (jam alarm management data is not transmitted) is performed even if a user has been working for a long time and trying to remove the jammed paper with the door or cover opened, and left alone. Can be. In addition, it is possible to solve a problem that unnecessary automatic notification is performed when a jam occurs at night or the like when there are no people around the copying machines 101a and 101b, thereby increasing the load on the management apparatus 104. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate post-treatment in accordance with the user, the usage conditions, and the like, and the operation rate and work efficiency of the apparatus are improved.
[0062]
Next, the processing according to the second aspect of the present invention performed by the CPU 402 shown in FIG. 7 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main flow processing according to the second aspect of the present invention performed by the CPU 402. The sub flow processing (S5) of the door open completion check shown in FIG. 8 and the judgment whether the door is open (S6) are omitted, and the jam check is performed. Since the subflow processing (S2) and the subflow processing for copy management (S7) are slightly different, only the different processing will be described.
[0063]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the jam check subflow process (S2) of FIG.
First, a sensor jam check subflow process for checking the detection state of the recording paper detection sensors 238, 239, 240, 241, 242 is performed (S51), and it is determined whether a jam has been detected (S52).
[0064]
When a jam is detected, a jam flag is set (S53), and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
If no jam has been detected, the jam flag and the human body detection timer for measuring the human body detection state in the programmable timer 408 are reset (S54, S55), and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
[0065]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of the copy management subflow process (S7) of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the jam flag is set (S61). If the jam flag is not set, the human body detection timer in the programmable timer 408 is reset (S68), and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG. However, if the jam flag is set, it is determined whether the human body detection sensor 245 is in the ON state (whether the human body is detected by the human body detection sensor 245).
[0066]
If the human body detection sensor 245 is not in the ON state, the human body detection timer is reset in the same manner as described above (S68), and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG. It is determined whether or not the human body detection timer has started (S63). If the human body detection timer has not started, the human body detection timer is started (S64).
[0067]
Further, when the human body detection timer is started, or after the human body detection timer is started, the time measured by the human body detection timer (while the human body is detected by the human body detection sensor 245 in the state where the jam is detected). It is determined whether or not the elapsed time has reached a preset jam alarm time Tj (for example, 30 minutes) (human body detection timer count value ≧ Tj) (S65).
[0068]
When the time measured by the human body detection timer has not reached the preset jam alarm time Tj, the process returns to the main flow process of FIG. 12 as it is. The timer is reset (S66), and a sub-flow process for transmitting the jam alarm management data is performed (S67). It returns to the main flow processing of.
[0069]
The jam alarm time Tj (alarm notification level) can be set by an operation signal from the operation unit 301 or a command from the management device 104 or the like.
In this way, each of the copying machines 101a and 101b measures the elapsed time while detecting the human body in the jam state, and when the measured time reaches a preset alarm notification level, the jam alarm management data Automatically transmitted to the management device 104, the following effects can be obtained.
[0070]
In other words, an automatic notification (sending jam alarm management data) can be performed without the user performing a jam recovery in the jam state (for example, even if the user is just looking at the jam). In addition, it is possible to solve a problem that unnecessary automatic notification is performed when a jam occurs at night or the like when there are no people around the copying machines 101a and 101b, thereby increasing the load on the management apparatus 104. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate post-treatment in accordance with the user, the usage conditions, and the like, and the operation rate and work efficiency of the apparatus are improved.
[0071]
Next, the processing according to the third aspect of the present invention performed by the CPU 402 shown in FIG. 7 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the main flow processing according to the third aspect of the present invention performed by the CPU 402. A part of the jam check subflow processing (S2) and the copy management subflow processing (S7) shown in FIG. Process), and the sub-flow process (S1) of the initial setting is different, so only the different process will be described.
[0072]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the sub flow processing (S1) of the initial setting of FIG.
The CPU 402 detects power off / on by the power switch 420, starts the main flow process of FIG. 15 when the power is turned on from off, and first performs the initial setting sub flow process of FIG.
[0073]
That is, an initial setting for resetting the control flag and setting necessary items for the control processing of the copying machines 101a and 101b is executed (S71), and then the detection states of the recording paper detection sensors 238, 239, 240, 241, 242 are checked. A sub flow process of sensor jam check is performed (S72), and it is determined whether a jam is detected (S73).
[0074]
If a jam is detected, a jam flag is set (S74), and "1" is added to the count value of a jam counter (not shown) (S75), and then the count value of the jam counter (jam is detected). It is determined whether or not the number of times the power supply has been turned off / on in the state of being turned on) has reached a predetermined value Cj (jam frequency counter ≧ Cj) (S76).
[0075]
When the count value of the jam counter reaches a predetermined value Cj set in advance, the jam counter is cleared (S77), and a subflow process for transmitting the jam alarm management data is performed (S78). The management data is transmitted to the management device 104 via the private line 102a, the modem device 103, and the public line 102b, and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
[0076]
If the count value of the jam counter has not reached the preset constant value Cj, the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
On the other hand, if no jam is detected, the jam flag is reset (S79), the jam counter is cleared (S80), and the process returns to the main flow process of FIG.
The constant value Cj (alarm notification level) can be set by an operation signal from the operation unit 301, a command from the management device 104, or the like.
[0077]
In this way, each of the copying machines 101a and 101b counts the number of times the power is turned on / off in the jam state, and manages the jam alarm management data when the count value reaches a preset alarm notification level. By automatically transmitting the signal to the device 104, the power supply is repeatedly turned off / on during the measurement of the elapsed time of the jam state. Even when the power-on time is short and the elapsed time cannot be measured, the timing can be appropriately determined. Automatic notification can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate post-treatment in accordance with the user, the usage conditions, and the like, and the operation rate and work efficiency of the apparatus are improved.
[0078]
As described above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus management system in which the copier and the management apparatus are connected via the communication line has been described. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatus management systems in which an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus are connected via a communication line.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, when a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus, an alarm signal is transmitted to the management apparatus at a timing according to various usage environments of the user. In addition, it is possible to perform an appropriate post-treatment according to the user and the use conditions thereof, so that the operation efficiency and work efficiency of the apparatus are improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the invention according to claim 2;
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the invention according to claim 3;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system embodying the present invention;
5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mechanical unit of the copying machines 101a and 101b in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the operation unit.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system.
8 is a flowchart showing a main flow process according to the first embodiment of the present invention by the CPU 402 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sub flow process of the jam check in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subflow process of a door open completion check.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of a copy management sub-flow process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main flow process according to the invention of claim 2 by the CPU 402 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a sub flow process of the jam check in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of a copy management sub-flow process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a main flow process according to the invention of claim 3 by the CPU 402 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a sub-flow process for initialization in FIG. 15;
[Explanation of symbols]
101a, 101b: Copy machine 102a: Private line
102b: Public line 103: Modem device
104: Management device 201: Document reading system
202: image forming system 203: paper feeding and conveying system
204: Fixing / discharge system 205: Sorter
206: ADF (automatic document feeder)
238 to 242: Recording paper detection sensor
245: human body detection sensor 301: operation unit
402: CPU 403: ROM
404: RAM 408: Programmable timer
412: Communication interface unit
413: Door switch 420: Power switch

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line,
The image forming apparatus includes an opening detection unit that detects opening of a door or a cover, a jam detection unit that detects a jam, and a state in which a jam is detected by the unit. Time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time during detection, and alarm notification for automatically transmitting an alarm signal to the management device via the communication line when the time measured by the means reaches an alarm notification level. And a level setting means for setting the alarm notification level. In an image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line,
The image forming apparatus includes a human body detecting unit that detects a human body around the image forming apparatus, a jam detecting unit that detects a jam, and a human body being detected by the human body detecting unit in a state where the jam is detected by the unit. Time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time between the alarm means and an alarm notifying means for automatically transmitting an alarm signal to the management device via the communication line when the time measured by the means reaches an alarm notifying level; And a level setting means for setting an alarm notification level. In an image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line,
The image forming apparatus includes a power supply off / on detection unit for detecting power supply off / on, a jam detection unit for detecting a jam, and a power supply off / on detection unit in a state where the jam is detected by the unit. Power-off / on-counting means for counting the number of times the power is turned off / on, and when the count value of the means reaches an alarm notification level, sends an alarm signal to the management device via the communication line. A management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an alarm notification means for automatically transmitting; and a level setting means for setting the alarm notification level.

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