JP3962674B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of registering one or more jobs in a predetermined order and a program used therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an image forming apparatus, functions are combined so that an operation as a scanner, an operation as a printer, and a copying operation in which these operations are integrated can be performed. In recent years, printers with enhanced printer functions are attracting attention as main devices in the POD (Publishing On Demand) market. In the POD machine, the required absolute condition is that the downtime is small and the quality is stable. In order to maintain this absolute condition, an operator who is a user and a serviceman needs to perform maintenance work every day. As a general operator workflow, the steps of performing the maintenance work for the day, registering the print job for the day, and executing the print job are executed.
[0003]
Further, as a method related to job execution prohibition when the initial setting is not performed in the image forming apparatus, there is a method described in a gazette (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, when executing a job related to a mode in which the user does not perform the initial setting, the job setting is not invalidated and only the job execution is prohibited while keeping it valid. According to this method, improvement in operability can be expected.
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-174910
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Many proposals have been made on the method for improving the operability of the user as described above, but there are not many proposals related to the maintenance of the operator for the POD machine. In addition, no product that can improve maintenance efficiency has appeared in the workflow of the POD machine by an actual operator. Therefore, since the operator in charge of the POD machine performs maintenance according to a normal workflow, for example, maintenance of items that are not necessary is performed, and it is very difficult to reduce downtime due to maintenance. .
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program capable of notifying an operator of maintenance items that are not required to be implemented and reducing downtime due to maintenance.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: a registration unit that can register a plurality of jobs; and an image forming unit that forms an image according to the job registered in the registration unit. , When executing all of the registered jobs, according to the determination result of the determination unit, a determination unit for determining an item that requires maintenance and an item that does not require maintenance among maintenance items for the apparatus Display means for displaying the items that require maintenance and the items that do not require maintenance in different display forms, and when the maintenance for the items that require maintenance ends, the execution of the registered job is started. It has a permission means to permit, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0007]
In the image forming apparatus, the display unit displays only the items that do not require maintenance in a shaded manner.
[0008]
In the image forming apparatus, the number of the image forming units is plural, and when a job is registered in the registration unit, an image forming unit into which the job is taken is set, and a job corresponding to each image unit is set. The determination means, the display means, and the permission means are controlled so that execution start is permitted.
[0009]
The image forming apparatus includes a management device that is communicably connected to each of the image forming units and manages each of the image forming units. The management device includes the registration unit, the determination unit, and the display unit. And the permission means.
[0022]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising: a registration unit that can register a plurality of jobs; and an image forming unit that forms an image according to the job registered in the registration unit. A discriminating step for discriminating, among the maintenance items for the apparatus, items that require maintenance and items that do not require maintenance, when executing all of the registered jobs, According to the determination result of the determination step, the display step for displaying the items that require maintenance and the items that do not require maintenance in different display forms, and when the maintenance corresponding to the items that require maintenance is completed, A permission step of permitting the start of execution of the registered job.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system includes a server 101, an image forming apparatus 102 that is a black and white digital copying machine, and an image forming apparatus 103 that is a color digital copying machine. , 103 are connected to each other via a network 106. Here, instead of the network 106, the connection between the server 101 and the image forming apparatuses 102 and 103 may be a hard connection.
[0029]
The server 101 receives image print jobs input via various media (MO, CD, etc.) or the Internet, and stores them in a storage device such as a hard disk. At this time, the processing order is assigned to the image print job, and the image forming apparatus as the transfer destination is assigned. Further, the server 101 can grasp the job execution status, status setting, and the like through communication with the image forming apparatuses 102 and 103, and centrally manages the image forming apparatuses 102 and 103.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, in the maintenance by the operator, from the contents of all the image print jobs scheduled to be executed that are held in the server 101, the current maintenance status of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103, the current Understand the situation and deactivate the display in the maintenance display screen for maintenance items that are not currently required. Thereby, the operator can skip unnecessary items in the maintenance workflow. Details of this will be described later.
[0031]
First, the configuration of the server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 101 of FIG.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 37, the server 101 has a CPU 111, a ROM 112 in which a BIOS is stored, a RAM 113 that provides a work area for the CPU 111, a LAN I / F (interface) 114 for connection to the network 106, and a connection to the Internet. , A modem 115, an input I / F 116 to which a mouse 117 and a keyboard 118 are connected, a disk driver 119 for driving a hard disk (HD) 120, a medium 121 for mounting removable media (MO, CD), and a display 123 The display driver 122 is provided. Here, the display 123 includes a liquid crystal display device, and a touch panel is pasted on the screen. Therefore, soft keys can be displayed on the screen of the display 123, and various inputs and settings can be performed using the soft keys.
[0033]
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 in FIG. 1, FIG. 39 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 102 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 40 is a longitudinal section schematically showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 41 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 42 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG.
[0034]
As illustrated in FIG. 38, the image forming apparatus 102 uses a scanner unit 301 that performs image reading, an IP unit (image processing unit) 302 that performs image processing on image data read by the scanner unit 301, and a network 106. A network interface card (NIC) unit 304 that exchanges image data and device information, and a PDL unit that develops image print job data (page description language: PDL) sent from the server 101 into an image signal 305 and a core unit 306 that temporarily stores an image signal and determines a path of the signal.
[0035]
The image data output from the core unit 306 is sent to a printer unit 308 that performs image formation via a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) unit 307. The printer unit 308 prints an image on a sheet based on the data and outputs the sheet.
[0036]
An operation unit 309 is connected to the core unit 306, and the operation unit 309 includes a liquid crystal display panel with a touch panel that displays operation information output via the core unit 306, and various types for mode setting and the like. And an operation key. In the present embodiment, the setting from the operation unit 309 is limited to the copy operation, and the operation unit 309 is not used for settings other than the settings related to the copy operation.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 39, the image forming apparatus 102 is equipped with a document feeder 1001, left and right decks 1033 and 1032 for storing sheets, and cassettes 1034 and 1035. In addition, a front cover 1007 that is opened at the time of jam processing, replacement of parts, and adjustment is provided on the front of the apparatus. On the right side, a document discharge tray 1002, a manual feed tray 1003, an upper vertical path cover 1004, a lower vertical path cover 1005, and a waste toner box / drum protection sheet holder 1006 are provided. In addition, an operation unit 1008 is provided in the upper part of the apparatus (operation unit 309 in FIG. 38).
[0038]
Next, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described. Here, the mechanical configuration of the printer unit 308 will be described. As shown in FIG. 40, the image forming apparatus has a photosensitive drum 1017 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by scanning with laser light emitted from a CCD unit 1010. A primary charger is provided around the photosensitive drum 1017. 1018, a developing device 1030, a transfer device 1031 and a cleaner unit 1019 are arranged. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1017 is visualized as a toner image with black toner supplied from the developing device 1030. Here, the toner supplied by the developing device 1030 is stored in a toner cartridge 1030a.
[0039]
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 is transferred to a sheet fed from one of the left and right decks 1033 and 1032, the cassettes 1034 and 1035, and the manual feed tray 1003 by the transfer device 1031. Here, the sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 is sent between the photosensitive drum 1017 and the transfer unit 1031 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017. .
[0040]
The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing device 1040 by the conveyance belt 1020. In the fixing device 1040, the toner image on the sheet is heated and fixed on the sheet. Here, the fixing device 1040 includes a fixing roller 1040a and a pressure roller 1040b, and a heater (not shown) for controlling the surface temperature of the fixing roller 1040a to a predetermined temperature is incorporated in the fixing roller 1040a. The surface temperature of the fixing roller 1040a is detected by fixing temperature detecting means (not shown) of the main thermistor and the sub-thermistor. The heater is composed of a main heater and a sub-heater, and fixing temperature control using these heaters is performed. In this fixing temperature control, it is determined whether to use only the main heater, only the sub-heater, or both according to the detection result of the fixing temperature detecting means, and energize the heater to be used. By controlling the amount of AC power supplied to each heater, fine fixing temperature control is stably performed. The supply amount control of AC power is performed by changing a threshold value for an AC driver having a PWM function with respect to an AC current that is an AC input.
[0041]
The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 1040 is discharged to the outside via the switching flapper 1050 or introduced into the duplex conveyance path 1071. The sheet introduced into the duplex conveyance path 1071 is reversed via the duplex conveyance path 1071 and then conveyed to the duplex conveyance unit 1070. The duplex conveying unit 1070 feeds the sheet again at a predetermined timing. This makes it possible to form images on both sides of the sheet.
[0042]
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. Note that the block configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 is basically the same as the block configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.
[0043]
In the image forming apparatus 103, as shown in FIG. 41, cassettes 934 and 935 for storing sheets and a paper deck 951 are mounted. Further, a left front cover 904 and a right front cover 905 are provided on the front of the apparatus, and a multi-feeder unit 936 is provided on the right side. Further, an operation unit 905 and a hopper lid (toner supply port) 901 are provided on the upper surface of the apparatus. Here, like the image forming apparatus 102, the operation unit 905 is used only for setting a copy operation, and is not used for other mode settings.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 42, the image forming apparatus 103 includes a polygon mirror 913. The polygon mirror 913 receives four laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. Of the four laser beams, one scans the photosensitive drum 917 through the mirrors 914, 915, and 916, the next one scans the photosensitive drum 921 through the mirrors 918, 919, and 920, and then the next 1 The book scans the photosensitive drum 925 through mirrors 922, 923, and 924, and the next one scans the photosensitive drum 929 through mirrors 926, 927, and 928.
[0045]
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 917 by a corresponding laser beam, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image with yellow (Y) toner supplied from the developing device 930. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 921 by a corresponding laser beam, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by magenta (M) toner supplied from the developing device 931. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 925 by a corresponding laser beam, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image with cyan (C) toner supplied from the developing device 932. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 927 by a corresponding laser beam, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image with black (K) toner supplied from the developing device 933. In this way, four color (Y, M, C, K) toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929. The toner images of these colors are transferred onto the sheet fed from any of the paper deck 951, the sheet cassettes 934 and 935, and the multi-feeder unit 936.
[0046]
Here, the sheet fed from any of the paper deck 951, the sheet cassettes 934 and 935, and the manual feed tray 936 passes through the registration rollers 937 and is sucked onto the transfer belt 938 and conveyed. The sheet feeding timing and the formation of toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are synchronized, and the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are conveyed on the conveyed sheet. The toner image is transferred. The sheet on which the toner image of each color is transferred is separated from the transfer belt 938 by the separator 962 and sent to the fixing device 940 by the transport belt 939. In the fixing device 940, the toner image on the sheet is heat-pressed and fixed on the sheet, and the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 940 is discharged to the outside via the switching flapper 950 or introduced into the double-sided conveyance path 971.
[0047]
The sheet introduced into the duplex conveyance path 971 is reversed via the duplex conveyance path 971 and then conveyed to the duplex conveyance section 970. The duplex conveying unit 970 feeds the sheet again at a predetermined timing. This makes it possible to form images on both sides of the sheet.
[0048]
The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyance belt 939, and is synchronized with the sheet conveyance timing. Two semiconductor lasers 805 are driven.
[0049]
After the image formation is completed, the residual toner on each of the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 is removed by the cleaners 917c, 921c, 925c, and 929d, and each of the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 is a primary charger. 917a, 921a, 925a, and 929a are uniformly charged to a predetermined potential.
[0050]
Next, operation screen display processing on the display 123 of the server 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0051]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the display 123 of the server 101. Here, as described above, soft keys can be displayed on the screen 201 of the display 123, and corresponding information is input by touching the keys. On the initial screen, the representative items of the workflow by the operator are displayed, and the current temperature, humidity, and time of the surrounding environment are displayed. The temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment are detected by sensor means (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103. The current time is the time by the built-in clock.
[0052]
The workflow by the operator in the initial screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for a workflow by the operator of the image forming system of FIG. This procedure is executed by the CPU 111 in the server 101 in accordance with a program stored in the hard disk 120.
[0053]
First, in step S101, it is determined whether data registration and job registration have been completed. Here, the input of the image print job is performed in the form of data registration. Data registration and job registration will be described later. In the initial screen of FIG. 3, data registration has been completed. In this case, the arrows in the figure are filled in with black, and the other arrows are outlined. From this display, the operator can see from the initial screen in FIG. 3 that the job registration step is performed next.
[0054]
If it is determined in step S101 that data registration and job registration have been completed, it is determined in step S102 whether or not a maintenance key has been input. The maintenance key here is a display portion of “maintenance” in FIG. 3. By depressing this display position, the screen is switched to the display of maintenance items, and maintenance processing can be executed. At this time, the arrow between the job registration key and the maintenance key is displayed in black.
[0055]
If it is determined in step S102 that a maintenance key has been input, maintenance processing is executed in step S103. This maintenance process will be described later. When this maintenance process ends, the process proceeds to step S104. At this time, the arrow between the maintenance key and the job start key is displayed in black. In step S104, it is determined again whether a maintenance key has been input. If the maintenance key is input again, the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no maintenance key input, the process proceeds to step S105, where it is determined whether a data registration key or job registration key has been input, and a data registration key or job registration key has been input. If so, the process returns to step S101.
[0056]
If it is determined in step S105 that no data registration key or job registration key has been input, it is determined in step S106 whether a job start key has been input. If it is determined that there is no job start key input, the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job start key has been input, in step S107, the image print job data is respectively stored in the image forming apparatus 103 and the image forming apparatus 102 according to the job registration contents registered in step S101. To execute an image forming operation.
[0057]
Next, the maintenance process in step S103 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a maintenance item display screen for the image forming apparatus 103, FIG. 5 is a maintenance item display screen for the image forming apparatus 102, FIG. 6 is an adjustment sequence setting display screen for the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the maintenance process in step S103 of FIG.
[0058]
When the maintenance key is pressed on the initial screen shown in FIG. 3, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Further, when the other model key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 4, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Further, when the adjustment sequence key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 4, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 6. On this screen, it is possible to change the setting of the maintenance sequence. The adjustment sequence adjustment and outline determination processing will be described later.
[0059]
When the adjustment sequence key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 5, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is similarly switched. Further, switching between the screens of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is performed by pressing a different model key, and when returning from FIG. 6 to FIG. 4, if the return key is pressed, switching to the screen of FIG. Is done. Similarly, when returning from FIG. 7 to FIG. 5, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 5 by pressing the return key. In the screen of FIG. 6, the items of down sequence adjustment and cardboard mode adjustment are shaded. In this display, it means that the above items do not need to be adjusted. Since all the adjustment items are shaded on the screen of FIG. 6, the adjustment sequence keys on the screen of FIG. 4 are shaded.
[0060]
Conversely, as shown in FIG. 7, when each adjustment item is displayed in white, it is necessary to make an adjustment. When the adjustment is performed, each adjustment item is displayed in a shaded manner. When the adjustment of all items is completed and the display is shaded on the screen of FIG. 7, the adjustment sequence of FIG. 5 is shaded. Similarly, the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key and job sequence key are also shaded after adjustment. The adjustment with the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key, the job sequence key, and the outline determination process will be described later. In the display of the other model key, when all items in FIGS. 5 and 6 are shaded, the other model key from the corresponding screen is shaded.
[0061]
The maintenance process will be described based on such screen specifications.
[0062]
In the maintenance process, as shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S201, on the currently displayed maintenance screen (FIGS. 4 and 5), each item key (adjustment sequence key, replacement / cleaning / replenishment key, job sequence) is displayed. All keys are shaded. This maintenance screen is initially a screen transitioned in response to pressing of the maintenance key in step S102, but the default screen may be either FIG. 4 or FIG.
[0063]
Next, in step S202, if there is a blank item on the adjustment sequence inner layer screen, the adjustment sequence key is blanked. The adjustment sequence internal hierarchy screen will be described later. Subsequently, in step S203, if there is an outline item on the exchange / cleaning / replenishment internal hierarchy screen, the exchange / cleaning / replenishment key is outlined. The replacement / cleaning / replenishment internal hierarchy screen will be described later. In step S204, if there is a blank item on the job sequence internal hierarchy screen, the job sequence key is blanked. The job sequence internal hierarchy screen will be described later.
[0064]
Next, in step S205, it is determined whether or not there is an empty item key among the item keys (adjustment sequence key, replacement / cleaning / replenishment key, job sequence key) on the currently displayed maintenance screen. If it is determined that there is a white item key, it is determined in step S206 whether or not the adjustment sequence key is white. If it is determined that the adjustment sequence key is white, step S207 is performed. In FIG. 8, the process waits for the adjustment of the white items on the internal hierarchy screen displayed by pressing the adjustment sequence key. Then, when the adjustment of the white items on the internal hierarchy screen displayed by pressing the adjustment sequence key is completed, the process proceeds to step S208. If it is determined in step S206 that the adjustment sequence key is not white, the process skips step S207 and proceeds to step S208.
[0065]
In step S208, it is determined whether or not the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is white. If it is determined that the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is white, in step S209, the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is determined. Wait until the adjustment of the outline item on the internal hierarchy screen displayed by pressing is finished. Then, when the adjustment of the outline item on the inner hierarchy screen is completed, the process proceeds to step S210. If it is determined in step S208 that the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is blank, step S209 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S210.
[0066]
In step S210, it is determined whether the job sequence key is white. If it is determined that the job sequence key is white, in step S211, the process waits for the adjustment of white items on the internal hierarchy screen displayed by pressing the job sequence key. When the adjustment of the white items on the inner hierarchy screen is completed, the process proceeds to step S212. If it is determined in step S210 that the job sequence key is not white, the process skips step S211 and proceeds to step S212.
[0067]
In step S212, it is determined whether or not the other model key is white. If it is determined that the other model key is white, in step S213, the process waits for the other model key to be pressed. If the other model key is pressed, the process returns to step S201 and the corresponding other key is pressed. Display the maintenance screen corresponding to the model. If it is determined in step S212 that the other model key is not white, in step S214, the process waits for the return key to be pressed. If the return key is pressed, the process exits, and the step in FIG. The process proceeds to S104.
[0068]
If it is determined in step S205 that there is no white item key, the process skips steps S206 to S211 and proceeds to step S212.
[0069]
As described above, when it is determined that there are no white items on the currently displayed maintenance screen, or when it is determined that there is no white key in the processing of steps S206, S208, and S210, Since the processing is skipped to the corresponding steps, the operator can know the shaded display items, that is, the items that do not require maintenance, and the white display items, that is, the items that require maintenance. A workflow for performing maintenance is established.
[0070]
Next, the above-described data registration menu screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data registration menu screen.
[0071]
In the data registration menu screen, the form of data submission from the customer is displayed in the A column in the table. Here, NW represents submission via the Internet, CD represents submission from CD media, and MO represents submission from MO media. Column B is a designation of a sheet on which an image is formed, and data used at the time of data submission is used below. In the example C, the number of prints of the image print job data is displayed. The number of copies is displayed in the D column. The E column designates color printing or black and white printing. In the case of color, color printing means color printing, and in the case of BW, black and white printing means. The F column designates a print mode, and any of low image quality, high image quality, and super high image quality is designated. Here, the image quality of the print is improved in the order of low image quality <high image quality <super high image quality.
[0072]
In this data registration menu screen, the data is selected by pressing the position of the column number and pressing the registration key, and the selected data is stored in the hard disk (HD) 120 as described above. The registered print job data is deleted from this screen. For example, when the print job data on the first line is registered, the print job data on the first line is deleted from the display, and the print job data on the second line moves to the first line. In the data registration menu screen, if there is print job data exceeding 8 lines, the next page key is displayed in white, and it is possible to switch to the print job data display screen from the 9th line. In this screen example, the next page key is shaded because it does not exceed eight lines.
[0073]
As described above, the stored print job data is registered using the job registration key on the screen of FIG. Here, when the job registration key is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 3 is changed to the screen shown in FIG.
[0074]
Next, job registration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of the job registration menu screen.
[0075]
In the job registration menu screen shown in FIG. 10, the column A contains the sheet designation data of the B column in the screen of FIG. Similarly, the designation data of the column C in FIG. In column C, there is designated data in column D of FIG. In column D, there is designated data in column E of FIG. The E column contains information (for example, model name CLC5000) for specifying the image forming apparatus 103 in the case of color based on the designation data in the D column, and the image forming apparatus 102 is specified in the case of BW. Information (for example, model name iR105) is entered. This is because in the configuration of this image forming system, only one color digital copying machine and one monochrome digital copying machine are connected to each other, so the data setting for the E column is automatically based on the designated data in the D column. However, if there are a plurality of units, the data setting for the E column is specified by the operator. At the end, the F column contains the designation data of the F column in FIG.
[0076]
In the job registration menu screen, as described above, the print job data is added on the eighth line of the job registration menu when the print job data is registered on the screen of FIG. Then, according to the order of the columns, the print job data is flown into the image forming apparatus 103 (color digital copying machine CLC5000) and the image forming apparatus 102 (black and white digital copying machine iR105), and the image forming operation is executed. When the image forming operation is executed, the processing is performed in the order of the rows. However, if it is designated to another image forming apparatus, the print job data is simultaneously injected.
[0077]
In the case of the screen example of FIG. 10, since line 1 and line 2 are designated to different image forming apparatuses, print job data is poured simultaneously. When changing the order of the print job data flow, it is possible to change the order by pressing the position of two line numbers and inputting a replacement key.
[0078]
In the job registration menu screen, if there is print job data exceeding 11 lines, the next page key is displayed in white, and the next page key is pressed to switch to the print job data display screen from the 12th line. It becomes possible. In this screen example, the next page key is shaded because it does not exceed 11 lines.
[0079]
Next, maintenance items will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0080]
When the status check key is pressed on the maintenance item screen for the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG. 4 and the maintenance item screen for the image forming apparatus 102 in FIG. 5, an adjustment sequence key, an exchange / cleaning / replenishment key, and a job sequence key are pressed. The screen is switched to a screen that displays the current registration (setting) contents. When the state confirmation key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 4, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 11, and similarly, when the state confirmation key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 5, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. Further, when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 4 and 5, the screen of FIG. 3 which is the upper screen is returned.
[0081]
11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main body status display screen of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main body status display screen of the image forming apparatus 102. The status display screens of FIGS. 11 and 12 display a paper feed stage paper key, a periodic effect part key, a consumable part key, a counter consumable part key, a down sequence key, and a thick paper sequence key, respectively. Switching between the screens of FIGS. 11 and 12 is performed by pressing each other model key, and when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper screen is displayed. Return to the screen of FIG.
[0082]
Here, when the paper feed tray key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 11, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. Similarly, when the paper feed tray key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 12, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG.
[0083]
FIG. 13 shows an example of a setting information screen for paper sheets that are set for each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. 14 shows an example of a setting information screen for paper sheets that are set for each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 102. In the screen of FIG. 13, the setting information of the paper that is entered for each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 103 is displayed. Similarly, on the screen of FIG. 14, the setting information of the paper loaded for each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 102 is displayed. Switching between the screens in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is performed by pressing a different model key, as in the other screens. When the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 13 and 14, the screen returns to the upper screens of FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0084]
In the screens of FIGS. 13 and 14, the A column indicates the type of paper that is set, and the B column indicates the size of the paper that is set. Columns C and D indicate the currently set number of sheets and the maximum number of sheets set, respectively, and the maximum number of sheets is set when a sheet is replenished (or replaced) by sensor means (not shown). Is determined, the number of sheets in the C row becomes the maximum number of sheets in the D row.
[0085]
When the regular replacement part key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 11, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. Similarly, when the regular replacement part key is pressed in FIG. 12, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing the regular replacement part status of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing the regular replacement part status of the image forming apparatus 102. In the screens of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the registered parts are described for each row, the column A is the component name, the column B is the current component count value, the column C is the count value that needs to be cleaned, the column D Is a count value that needs to be replaced, E column is a count value that needs to be adjusted, F column is a replacement time based on elapsed time, and G column is the date and time of component replacement (or installation date in the case of a new one). Note that the component count value for each component in each row is counted up each time an image is formed and cleared when the component is replaced. Switching between the screens of FIGS. 15 and 16 is performed by pressing a different model key. Further, when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 15 and 16, the screen returns to the upper screens of FIGS.
[0086]
Of the regular replacement parts (image forming apparatus 103) displayed on the screen of FIG. 15, for example, the primary charging line is in the primary chargers 917a, 921a, 925a, 929a, and the current count When the value (47000) reaches the count value (50000) that needs to be replaced, the part is replaced. Other parts are also normally provided, and a description of details and positions thereof will be omitted.
[0087]
Among the regular replacement parts (image forming apparatus 102) displayed on the screen of FIG. 16, for example, a thermistor and a thermo SW unit are parts provided in the fixing device 1040, and the current count value ( 2100) is the part to be replaced when it reaches the count value (500000 or 1000000) that needs to be replaced. Further, the ozone filter represents three types of ozone filters provided at positions as shown in FIG. Other parts are also normally provided, and a description of details and positions thereof will be omitted.
[0088]
When the consumable part key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 11, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Similarly, when the consumable part key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 12, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG.
[0089]
17 and 18 are diagrams showing examples of screens showing the consumable parts status of the image forming apparatus 103. FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrams showing examples of screens showing the status of consumable parts of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. In the screens of FIGS. 17 and 19, when there are a predetermined number or more of parts registered per row (the number of items in the table), pressing the next page key shifts to the screens of FIGS. 18 and 20, respectively. The remaining parts are displayed on the screens of FIGS. On the other hand, in the screens of FIGS. 18 and 20, when the parts of the previous page are to be displayed, the screen returns to the screens of FIGS. 17 and 19 by pressing the previous page key. Switching between the screens of FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20 is performed by pressing a different model key. Also, when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20, the screens of FIGS.
[0090]
17, 18, 19, and 20, the registered components are displayed for each row, the column A is the component name, the column B is the current component count value, and the column C requires cleaning. Count value, D column is the count value that needs to be replaced, E column is the count value that needs to be adjusted, F column is the replacement time based on elapsed time, G column is the date and time of parts replacement (date of installation in case of new) Show. Note that the component count value for each component in each row is counted up each time an image is formed and cleared when the component is replaced.
[0091]
Of the consumable parts (image forming apparatus 103) displayed on the screens of FIGS. 17 and 18, for example, start developer is replenished in the developing devices 930, 931, 932, and 933. The transfer belt CLNWEB is a cleaning web for the transfer belt 937, and the transfer belt is the transfer belt 937. Other parts are also normally provided, and a description of details and positions thereof will be omitted.
[0092]
Among the consumable parts (image forming apparatus 102) displayed on the screens of FIGS. 19 and 20, for example, the developing device is a set of a developing cylinder and a developing device roller of the developing device 1030. The primary charger is a primary charger 1018. Other parts are also normally provided, and a description of details and positions thereof will be omitted.
[0093]
When the counter consumable part key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 11, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. Similarly, when the counter consumable part key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 12, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen representing the status of the soft counter small parts of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the screen representing the status of the soft counter small parts of the image forming apparatus 102.
[0094]
In the screens of FIGS. 21 and 22, the registered parts are displayed for each row, the column A is the component name, the column B is the current component count value, the column C is the count value that needs to be cleaned, and the column D is the replacement. Is a count value that needs to be adjusted, E column is a count value that needs to be adjusted, F column is a replacement time according to elapsed time, and G column is a date and time of parts replacement (or installation date and time if new). It should be noted that the component count value for each component in each row is counted up only for items corresponding to the paper feed stage in which the fed paper is placed at the time of image formation. The item of the double-sided paper feed roller is counted up) and cleared when the parts are replaced. Further, switching between the screens of FIGS. 21 and 22 is performed by pressing a different model key. Further, when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 21 and 22, the screens of FIGS. 11 and 12 which are the upper screens are returned.
[0095]
When the down sequence key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 11, a down sequence setting display is displayed, and the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. Similarly, when the down sequence key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 12, a down sequence setting display is displayed, and the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a down sequence setting screen of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a down sequence setting screen of the image forming apparatus 102.
[0096]
In the screens of FIGS. 23 and 24, the registered mode is displayed for each row, the column A is the print mode name, the column B is the current fixing temperature limiter, and the column C is the periphery when the column B is set. Temperature (initial value at installation), D column is ambient humidity when setting B column (initial value is at installation), E column is allowable temperature difference setting from current ambient temperature, F column is current The allowable humidity difference setting with ambient humidity is shown respectively. The print mode name in the A column corresponds to the print mode designation in the F column in FIG. 9 described above. The current fixing temperature limiter for row B changes the sequence at the time of image formation in the spec down direction (= goes to the down sequence) when the temperature detection of the fixing unit is below each temperature, and when the spec is restored Represents each of the temperatures. Here, in the data in the B column, the product specification detection temperature, the 82% down detection temperature, the image formation interruption detection temperature, and the recovery detection temperature after image formation interruption are shown from the left side.
[0097]
When the detection temperature of the fixing unit is equal to or higher than the set value of the product specification detection temperature, the image forming operation is performed according to the product specification. However, when the detection temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the set value of the product specification detection temperature and is equal to or higher than the set value of the 82% down detection temperature, the image forming operation is performed with 82% reduction with respect to the product specification. This is because, when the fixing temperature is low, there is a high risk of fixing failure if an image forming operation is performed between normal sheets. When the detection temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the set value of the 82% down detection temperature and is equal to or higher than the set value of the image formation interruption detection temperature, the image forming operation is performed at 70% down with respect to the product specification. . If the detected temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the set value of the image formation interruption detection temperature, the image forming operation is interrupted. After the image forming operation is interrupted, it waits for the fixing unit to warm up. When the detected temperature of the fixing unit becomes equal to or higher than the set value of the return detection temperature after the image forming interrupt, the image forming operation is performed again according to the product specifications.
[0098]
Switching between the screens in FIGS. 23 and 24 is performed by pressing a different model key. Further, when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 23 and 24, the screens of FIGS. 11 and 12 which are the upper screens are returned.
[0099]
When the thick paper sequence key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 11, a thick paper mode setting display is displayed, and the screen is switched to FIG. Similarly, when the cardboard sequence key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 12, the cardboard mode setting display is displayed, and the screen is switched to FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cardboard mode setting screen of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cardboard mode setting screen of the image forming apparatus 102.
[0100]
In the screens of FIGS. 25 and 26, the mode registered for each row is displayed, column A is the cardboard mode name, column B is the currently registered sheet for the cardboard mode, and column C is the current fixing. Temperature limiter, D column is ambient temperature when C column is set (initial value is at installation), E column is ambient humidity when C column is set (initial value is at installation), F column is The allowable temperature difference setting with the current ambient temperature, and the G column indicates the allowable humidity difference setting with the current ambient humidity. As described above, the B row paper corresponds to the designation of the paper on which the B row image is formed in FIG. 9 and also corresponds to the paper type set in the A row in FIGS. 13 and 14. . The current fixing temperature limiter for row C changes the sequence at the time of image formation in the specification down direction (= shifts to the cardboard sequence) when the temperature detection of the fixing unit is below each temperature, and when the specification is restored Each temperature is shown. In the data of column C, the product specification detection temperature, 82% down detection temperature, image formation interruption detection temperature, and image formation interruption return detection temperature are shown from the left side.
[0101]
When the detection temperature of the fixing unit is equal to or higher than the set value of the product specification detection temperature, the image forming operation is performed according to the product specification. However, when the detected temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the set value of the product spec detected temperature and is equal to or higher than the set value of the 82% down detected temperature, the image forming operation is performed at 82% down with respect to the product spec. This is because the product specification down is the same as the down sequence described above. When the detection temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the set value of the 82% down detection temperature and is equal to or higher than the set value of the image formation interruption detection temperature, the image forming operation is performed at 70% down with respect to the product specification. . If the detected temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the set value of the image formation interruption detection temperature, the image forming operation is interrupted. After the image forming operation is interrupted, it waits for the fixing unit to warm up. When the detected temperature of the fixing unit becomes equal to or higher than the set value of the return detection temperature after the image forming interrupt, the image forming operation is performed again according to the product specifications.
[0102]
When the limiter detection is performed simultaneously in the down sequence and the cardboard sequence, the stricter one is given priority over the specification down in the above-described shift in the specification down direction. The priority order is as follows: <82% down <70% down <image forming operation is interrupted according to product specifications. Also, with respect to the returning operation after interruption of image formation, priority is given to the stricter one with respect to the specification reduction. For example, when the set temperature in the return operation after interruption of image formation in the down sequence is 188 degrees and the set temperature in the return operation after interruption of image formation in the thick paper sequence is 183 degrees, priority is given to 188 degrees.
[0103]
Switching between the screens in FIGS. 25 and 26 is performed by pressing a different model key. Further, when the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 25 and 26, the screen returns to the upper screens of FIGS.
[0104]
Next, the adjustment sequence in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 will be described. In the screen of FIG. 6, the down sequence adjustment key and the cardboard mode adjustment key are already shaded. This means that there is no need to adjust each. On the contrary, in the screen of FIG. 7, both the down sequence adjustment key and the thick paper mode adjustment key are displayed in white and need to be adjusted respectively. As a result, the operator can determine that the down sequence adjustment and the thick paper mode adjustment are not necessary in the image forming apparatus 103, and the image forming apparatus 102 determines that the down sequence adjustment and the thick paper mode adjustment are necessary. be able to.
[0105]
When the down sequence adjustment key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 6, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Similarly, when the down sequence adjustment key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in the down sequence adjustment of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in the down sequence adjustment of the image forming apparatus 102.
[0106]
In the screen of FIG. 27, “low image quality”, “high image quality”, and “super high image quality” correspond to the A column print mode names on the screen of FIG. Similarly, “low image quality”, “high image quality”, and “super high image quality” on the screen of FIG. 28 correspond to the A column print mode names in FIG.
[0107]
In the screen of FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, in the determination of shading and white of the adjustment key for each mode in the down sequence adjustment, when there is a corresponding one of the following items, a white display is displayed and there is no corresponding item Is shaded.
[0108]
(1) On the screen of FIG. 10, the C column temperature designated in the A column print mode on the screen of FIG. 23 or FIG. 24 used corresponding to the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data registered in the job is currently The ambient temperature is not within the allowable temperature difference.
[0109]
(2) On the screen of FIG. 10, the D column humidity specified for the A column print mode on the screen of FIG. 23 or FIG. 24 used corresponding to the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data registered in the job is currently The humidity difference is not within the allowable humidity difference.
[0110]
The shaded display of the “low image quality”, “high image quality”, and “ultra high image quality” keys on the screen of FIG. 27 indicates that the print mode used in the print job registered in the screen of FIG. "Super high image quality", both of which mean that the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment displayed on the initial screen of FIG. 3 are within the allowable temperature difference and the allowable humidity difference. . Also, here, [low image quality] not used is shaded because there is no need to adjust. Since all the “low image quality”, “high image quality” and “super high image quality” keys in FIG. 27 are shaded, the down sequence adjustment key in the screen of FIG. 6 is shaded.
[0111]
The white display of the “low image quality” and “high image quality” keys on the screen of FIG. 28 shows two types of print mode designations “low image quality” and “high image quality” used in the print job data registered in the job in FIG. This means that the temperature of the surrounding environment displayed on the initial screen of FIG. 3 is not within the allowable temperature difference. Also, here, “super high image quality” that is not used is shaded because there is no need for adjustment. Since all of the “low image quality”, “high image quality”, and “super high image quality” keys in the screen of FIG. 28 are not shaded, the down sequence adjustment key in FIG.
[0112]
When the mode-specific adjustment key (low image quality, high image quality, or ultra-high image quality key) is pressed on the down sequence adjustment screen of FIG. 27 or 28, the screen switches to the screen of FIG. 23 or 24, respectively. Setting is performed by changing the current fixing temperature limiter value of the row B to be performed. The fixing temperature limiter value for row B is changed using a numeric input means (not shown). When the operator changes the fixing temperature limiter value and presses the setting key, the ambient temperature in column C is replaced with the current ambient temperature, and the ambient humidity in column D is replaced with the current ambient humidity. When the current fixing temperature limiter value change for row B in the required print mode on the screen of FIG. 23 or FIG. 24 is completed and the return key is pressed, down sequence adjustment is performed on the screen of FIG. 27 or FIG. The mode-specific adjustment keys are shaded.
[0113]
Next, an operation when the cardboard mode adjustment key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 will be described. When the cardboard mode adjustment key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 6, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Similarly, when the cardboard mode adjustment key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in the thick paper mode adjustment of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in the thick paper mode adjustment of the image forming apparatus 102.
[0114]
Here, “thick paper 1”, “thick paper 2”, and “thick paper 3” in the screen of FIG. 29 correspond to the A column thick paper mode names of FIG. Similarly, “thick paper 1”, “thick paper 2”, and “thick paper 3” in FIG. 30 correspond to column A thick paper mode names in FIG.
[0115]
In the screens of FIGS. 29 and 30, the mode-specific adjustment key shading / white discrimination in the thick paper mode adjustment is indicated by white display when the following items are applicable, and there is no applicable item. Is shaded.
[0116]
(1) In the print job data registered in FIG. 10, the A column cardboard mode name including the paper type designation in FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 used corresponding to the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data. The row D temperature is not within the allowable temperature difference with respect to the current ambient temperature.
[0117]
(2) In the print job data registered in the job of FIG. 10, the A column cardboard mode name including the paper type designation in FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 used corresponding to the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data. The row E humidity is not within the allowable humidity difference with respect to the current ambient humidity.
[0118]
In the screen of FIG. 29, the “Thick 1”, “Thick 2”, and “Thick 3” keys are shaded and the types of paper used in the print job data registered in the screen of FIG. , D paper, and the corresponding A row thick paper mode names “Thick Paper 1” and “Thick Paper 2” in FIG. 25 correspond to the above-mentioned temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment displayed on the initial screen of FIG. It means that it is within the allowable temperature difference and allowable humidity difference. Further, here, “thick paper 3” that is not used is shaded because there is no need for adjustment. Since the “thick paper 1”, “thick paper 2”, and “thick paper 3” keys in the screen of FIG. 29 are all shaded, the thick paper mode adjustment key on the screen of FIG. 6 is shaded.
[0119]
In FIG. 30, “Thick Paper 1” and “Thick Paper 2” keys are outlined with three types of paper types designated in the print job data registered in the job of FIG. 10: H paper, I paper, and J paper. Corresponding A row cardboard mode names “thick paper 1” and “thick paper 2” in FIG. 26 mean that the temperature of the surrounding environment displayed on the initial screen in FIG. 3 does not fall within the allowable temperature difference. . Further, here, “thick paper 3” that is not used is shaded because there is no need for adjustment. Since all of the “Thick 1”, “Thick 2”, and “Thick 3” keys in the screen of FIG. 30 are not shaded, the thick paper mode adjustment key in the screen of FIG.
[0120]
When the mode-specific adjustment key for cardboard mode adjustment is pressed on the screen of FIG. 29 or FIG. 30, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 25 or 26, respectively, and the current fixing temperature limiter value of the corresponding C column is changed. Is set by The fixing temperature limiter value for the C row is changed using a numeric input means (not shown). When the operator changes the fixing temperature limiter value and presses the setting key, the ambient temperature in the D column is replaced with the current ambient temperature, and the ambient humidity in the E column is replaced with the current ambient humidity. When the current fixing temperature limiter value change for row B in the necessary print mode on the screen of FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 is completed and the return key is pressed, the thick paper mode adjustment in the screen of FIG. 29 or FIG. The mode-specific adjustment keys are shaded.
[0121]
Next, the operation when the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described. When the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 4, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 31, and a list of replacement / cleaning / replenishment is displayed. In this list display, items that need replacement, cleaning, and replenishment are displayed in white, and items that do not require replacement, cleaning, and replenishment are shaded. Similarly, when the replacement / cleaning / replenishment key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 5, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 32, and a list of replacement / cleaning / replenishment is displayed. FIGS. 31 and 32 are diagrams showing examples of a list display of replacement / cleaning / replenishment of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIGS. 33 and 34 show examples of screens of a list display of replacement / cleaning / replenishment of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
[0122]
If all of the list display does not fit on the screen of FIG. 31 or FIG. 33, a subsequent page screen is provided. In this example, since the entire list display does not fit on the screen of FIG. 31 or FIG. 33, pressing the next page key moves to FIG. 32 or FIG. 34 to display the remaining items, respectively. Is possible. On the other hand, when the previous page item is displayed on the screens of FIGS. 32 and 34, if the previous page key is pressed, the screen returns to FIG. 31 or FIG. 33, respectively.
[0123]
Switching between the screens of FIGS. 31, 32, 33, and 34 is performed by pressing a different model key. When the return key is pressed on the screens of FIGS. 31, 32, 33, and 34, the screen returns to the upper screen of FIG. 4 or FIG.
[0124]
Next, a description will be given of a determination process of shading display / white display in the list display of replacement / cleaning / replenishment.
[0125]
The discrimination of the shaded / outlined item keys on the screens of FIGS. 31 to 34 is performed based on the following.
[0126]
In the print job data registered in FIG. 10, the number of times (= number of sheets) of image formation to the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data is calculated from the number of B-example prints and the number of C-column prints. Then, when the calculated number of times of image formation is added to the current component count value of row B in FIGS. 15 to 22 (FIGS. 21 and 22 show the roller corresponding to the paper feeding position, the second side for both sides (If added to the component count value of the double-sided paper feed roller at the time of paper feeding), whether any of the C row cleaning required count value, D row replacement required count value, or E row adjustment required count value has been exceeded Judge whether or not. Note that blank columns in columns C, D, and E are excluded from the determination. For items that exceed the count values in the C, D, and E columns, the item keys are outlined, and for items that do not exceed, the item keys are shaded. However, when the calculated number of times of image formation exceeds the current component count value of the B row, it is excluded from the determination. As another determination, the item key is also whitened when the current date and time exceeds the F row elapsed time exchange with respect to the G row component replacement date and time.
[0127]
In the screen example of FIG. 31, regarding the primary charging line, the number of image formations in FIG. 10 is 5600 (the second line item in FIG. 9 is not included), and the current component count value in FIG. Therefore, the value obtained by adding the respective values is 47000 + 5600 = 52600. Since this value exceeds the count value 50000 that requires replacement, it is determined that the replacement is performed.
[0128]
Of the item keys on the screens of FIGS. 31 to 34, those that are outlined are replaced, cleaned, and replenished according to a service manual (not shown). When this process is completed and the operator presses the white item key, it is determined that the process has been executed, and the white key is shaded. At this time, when the replacement process is executed, as described above, the B column current component count value in FIGS. 15 to 22 is cleared (= 0), and the G column component replacement date and time is set to the current date and time. Update. When all the items in FIGS. 31 to 34 are shaded, the replacement / cleaning / replenishment keys in the upper FIGS. 4 and 5 are shaded accordingly. In the case of FIG. 5, since all the items in FIGS. 33 and 34 are shaded, the replacement / cleaning / replenishment keys in FIG. 5 are shaded.
[0129]
Next, the operation when the job sequence key in FIGS. 4 and 5 is pressed will be described. When the job sequence key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 4, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 35, and the paper feed stage processing display is performed. In this paper feed stage processing display, items that require paper replenishment and paper replacement are displayed in white, and items that do not require paper replenishment and paper replacement are shaded. Similarly, when the job sequence key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 5, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. 36, and the paper feed stage processing display is performed. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed stage processing screen of the image forming apparatus 103, and FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed stage processing screen of the image forming apparatus 102.
[0130]
Here, switching between the screens of FIGS. 35 and 36 is performed by pressing a different model key. If the return key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 35 or FIG. 36, the screen returns to the upper screen of FIG. 4 or FIG.
[0131]
Next, a description will be given of a determination process of halftone display / white display in the paper feed stage processing display.
[0132]
Whether the item keys are shaded or white on the screens of FIGS. 35 and 36 is determined based on the following.
[0133]
In the print job data registered in FIG. 10, the requested number of sheets to the paper feed stage in which the image forming paper is fed to the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data is the B number of prints and the C column. Calculated from the number of print copies. Then, the calculated requested number of sheets to the paper feed tray is compared with the currently set number of sheets in the C column in FIGS. 13 and 14, and the currently set in the C column in FIGS. 13 and 14. When the number of sheets is small, the paper replenishment item for the corresponding paper feed stage is outlined. In addition, in the print job data registered in the job of FIG. 10, the paper for image formation is not in the paper feed stage for the image forming apparatus that sends the print job data, and there is a paper feed stage that is not used. If this happens, the paper replacement item for the unused paper feed tray is outlined.
[0134]
In the screen example of FIG. 35, the third stage of the paper feed stage is that the requested number of sheets from the print job data in FIG. 10 is 4000, and the currently set number of sheets in column C in FIG. Therefore, it is determined that the paper is supplied. In the screen example of FIG. 35, the second paper feed stage contains paper that is not requested from the print job data in FIG. 10, and paper D that is requested from the print job data in FIG. Since no is entered, it is determined that the paper is to be replaced.
[0135]
With regard to the white paper supply item key in FIG. 35 or FIG. 36, when the paper supply is completed, it is determined that the process has been executed by pressing the white item key, and the white paper supply item key is white. The item keys are shaded. At this time, as described above, the currently set number of sheets in the C row in FIGS. 13 and 14 is changed to the maximum number of sheets in the D row. Also, with regard to the white paper replacement item key in FIGS. 35 and 36, when the paper replacement is completed, it is determined that the process has been executed by pressing the white item key. The displayed item key is shaded. At this time, as described above, the currently set number of sheets in the C row in FIGS. 13 and 14 is changed to the maximum number of sheets in the D row.
[0136]
When all the items in FIGS. 35 and 36 are shaded, the job sequence keys in the upper FIGS. 4 and 5 are shaded accordingly.
[0137]
As described above, in the present embodiment, maintenance items that are not required to be implemented are shaded and displayed, so that maintenance items that are not required to be performed can be notified to the operator, and downtime due to maintenance can be reduced.
[0138]
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved when the MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0139]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case in which the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0140]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when all the registered jobs are executed, the maintenance items for the image forming unit are distinguished from the items that require maintenance and the items that do not require maintenance. Depending on the result, the items that require maintenance and the items that do not require maintenance are displayed in different display formats, and when the maintenance for the items that require maintenance is completed, the execution of the registered job is permitted. Therefore, it is possible to notify the operator of maintenance items that are not required to be implemented, and to reduce downtime due to maintenance.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for a workflow by an operator of the image forming system of FIG. 1;
3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen displayed on the display 123 of the server 101. FIG.
4 is a maintenance item display screen for the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a maintenance item display screen for the image forming apparatus 102;
6 is an adjustment sequence setting display screen for the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
7 is an adjustment sequence setting adjustment screen for the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of maintenance processing in step S103 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data registration menu screen.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job registration menu screen.
11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main body state display screen of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main body state display screen of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
FIG. 13 is an example of a setting information screen for paper that is put in each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 103;
FIG. 14 is an example of a setting information screen for paper that is put in each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing a periodic replacement part status of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 16 is a screen example showing a status of periodic replacement parts of the image forming apparatus.
17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen representing the consumable part status of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing a consumable part status of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing a consumable part status of the image forming apparatus.
20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing a consumable part status of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing a soft counter small component status of the image forming apparatus 103;
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen representing a soft counter small component status of the image forming apparatus.
23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a down sequence setting screen of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
24 is a diagram showing an example of a down sequence setting screen of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thick paper mode setting screen of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a thick paper mode setting screen of the image forming apparatus.
27 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in down sequence adjustment of the image forming apparatus 103. FIG.
28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in down sequence adjustment of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in the thick paper mode adjustment of the image forming apparatus 103.
30 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen for each mode in thick paper mode adjustment of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG.
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of a list display of replacement / cleaning / replenishment of the image forming apparatus 103;
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for displaying a list of replacement / cleaning / replenishment of the image forming apparatus 103;
FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of a list display of replacement / cleaning / replenishment of the image forming apparatus 102.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a list display screen for replacement / cleaning / replenishment of the image forming apparatus 102.
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper feed stage processing screen of the image forming apparatus 103.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper feed stage processing screen of the image forming apparatus.
37 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server 101 in FIG. 1. FIG.
38 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 in FIG. 1. FIG.
39 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 102 of FIG.
40 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG.
41 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG. 1. FIG.
42 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG. 1. FIG.
43 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of replacement parts provided in the image forming apparatus 102 in FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 server
102,103 Image forming apparatus
106 network
111 CPU
120 hard disk
123 display

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a registration unit capable of registering a plurality of jobs; and an image forming unit that forms an image according to a job registered in the registration unit,
A discriminating means for discriminating an item that requires maintenance and an item that does not require maintenance among maintenance items for the apparatus when executing all of the registered jobs;
Display means for displaying the items that require maintenance and the items that do not require maintenance in different display forms according to the determination result of the determination means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: permission means for permitting execution start of the registered job when maintenance for an item requiring maintenance is completed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays only the items that do not require maintenance in a shaded manner.   The number of the image forming units is plural, and when a job is registered in the registration unit, an image forming unit into which the job is taken is set, and execution of a job corresponding to each image unit is permitted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit, the display unit, and the permission unit are respectively controlled.   A management device that is communicably connected to each of the image forming units and manages each of the image forming units; and the management device includes the registration unit, the determination unit, the display unit, and the permission unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is mounted. A program that is executed on an image forming apparatus that includes a registration unit capable of registering a plurality of jobs and an image forming unit that performs image formation according to the job registered in the registration unit,
A determination step of determining, when executing all of the registered jobs, items that require maintenance and items that do not require maintenance among maintenance items for the device;
In accordance with the determination result of the determination step, a display step for displaying items that require maintenance and items that do not require maintenance in different display forms,
And a permission step for permitting the start of execution of the registered job when the maintenance corresponding to the item requiring the maintenance is completed.

Images