JP5293467B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, or a complex machine of these, detects the occurrence of an error such as a failure or malfunction in the image forming apparatus, and provides error information such as an error occurrence time and detailed information. Some have a function of outputting to the outside.

  For example, an image forming apparatus is disclosed that collects detailed information about the contents of a failure and transmits the detailed information to an administrator of the apparatus via a network when a failure of the apparatus is detected (see Patent Document 1). Further, an image forming apparatus is disclosed that, when a failure of the apparatus is detected, obtains failure information by analyzing the content of the failure and writes the failure information to an external medium loaded in the media interface (see Patent Document 2). ).

JP 2001-34120 A JP 2005-111722 A

  However, an image forming apparatus that outputs error information to an external device via a network as in Patent Document 1 cannot output error information when a failure or the like occurs at a location where the network communication is performed. In Patent Document 2, it is necessary to always prepare an external medium, and the user must perform an operation of storing error information in the external medium, which causes a troublesome work.

  In view of this, it is considered that when an error occurs, operation information (log information) of the image forming apparatus is stored in a nonvolatile storage device provided in the image forming apparatus. However, when the log information is stored in the non-volatile storage device, if the power supply to the image forming apparatus is stopped due to the power switch being turned off, the log information storage process may be terminated normally. This results in a problem that the stored log information is damaged or the nonvolatile storage device is damaged.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a non-volatile storage for storing the operation information by preventing the supply of power from being stopped when the operation information of the image forming apparatus is stored when an abnormality occurs. It is to prevent the device from being damaged and to reliably store the operation information in a nonvolatile storage device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a first storage unit storing operation information of the image forming apparatus and a non-volatile second storage unit storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit And a power supply unit for controlling the power supplied to the image forming apparatus from the outside, and the operation information stored in the first storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. A control unit that prohibits control to stop the supply of power by the power supply unit while performing the operation information storage process of moving to the second storage unit and storing the second storage unit, and the second storage unit includes: An operation information storage area for storing operation information, and a damaged operation information storage area for storing the damaged operation information, wherein the control unit includes the operation information stored in the operation information storage area. The damaged operation information is stored in the damaged operation information storage area. After moving to an image forming apparatus for performing the operations information storage process of storing and moving the operation information stored in the first SL billion parts the operation information storage area of the second storage unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first storage unit storing operation information of the image forming apparatus, and a nonvolatile second storage unit storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit. And a power supply unit for controlling the power supplied to the image forming apparatus from the outside, and the operation information stored in the first storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. While executing the operation information storing process to move to the second storage unit and store it, a control unit for prohibiting the control to stop the power supply by the power supply unit and a plurality of predetermined authentication information are stored. 3 storage units, a first input unit that receives input of the authentication information, and a communication unit to which an external storage device is detachably connected, wherein the second storage unit stores the operation information. A memory area and a memory that stores the damaged operation information And when the authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the first input unit is stored in the third storage unit, the control unit stores the operation information storage region in the operation information storage region. After moving the damaged operation information among the stored operation information to the damaged operation information storage area, the operation information stored in the operation information storage area of the second storage unit is transferred to the communication unit. The image forming apparatus is moved to the connected external storage device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first storage unit storing operation information of the image forming apparatus, and a non-volatile second storage unit storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit. And a power supply unit for controlling the power supplied to the image forming apparatus from the outside, and the operation information stored in the first storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. While executing the operation information storing process to move to the second storage unit and store it, a control unit for prohibiting the control to stop the power supply by the power supply unit and a plurality of predetermined authentication information are stored. Three storage units, a first input unit that receives an input of the authentication information, and a second input unit that receives an input of deletion instruction information indicating an instruction to delete operation information stored in the second storage unit, And the second storage unit stores the operation information. An operation information storage area, and a damaged operation information storage area for storing the damaged operation information, and the control unit has authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the first input unit. When the deletion instruction information is input by the second input unit when stored in the third storage unit, the damaged operation information among the operation information stored in the operation information storage area Is moved to the damaged operation information storage area, and thereafter, the operation information stored in the operation information storage area of the second storage unit is deleted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the power supply unit receives a power supply start or stop instruction input from the outside. The control unit disables the control to stop the power supply by the power supply unit by invalidating the power supply stop input by the power switch while the operation information storage process is being executed. To do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit stores the operation information storage process in the first storage unit. The compressed operation information is compressed, and the compressed operation information is moved and stored in the second storage unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the operation information includes date and time information, and the control unit executes the operation information storage process. At this time, before moving the operation information stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit, the capacity of the operation information stored in the second storage unit is set in advance. Is larger than the operation information stored in the second storage unit, the operation information stored in the second storage unit is deleted in order of the date and time information, and stored in the second storage unit. The capacity of the operation information is equal to or less than a preset capacity.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operation information includes date and time information, and the control unit executes the operation information storage process. In this case, before moving the operation information stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit, the number of the operation information stored in the second storage unit is set in advance. Is larger than the operation information stored in the second storage unit, the operation information stored in the second storage unit is deleted in order of the date and time information, and stored in the second storage unit. The number of motion information items is set to be equal to or less than the preset number.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit, and the control unit performs the operation information storage process while performing the operation information storage process. A message prohibiting the act of stopping the power supply from the power supply unit is displayed on the display unit.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a display unit, and the control unit sends a message having a different content according to the content of the operation information storage process. Display on the display.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the control unit stores the error code of the generated abnormality in the second storage unit. It is determined whether or not the error code is the same as the error code included in the latest abnormal operation information.If the determination result is not the same, the operation information storage process is executed.If the determination result is the same, The occurrence date and time information of the abnormality that has occurred is stored in the second storage unit.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being stopped when the operation information of the image forming apparatus is stored when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the nonvolatile second storage unit in which the operation information is stored, and it is possible to reliably move and store the operation information to the nonvolatile second storage unit .
In addition, after the damaged operation information is moved to the damaged operation information storage area, the operation information stored in the first storage unit can be moved and stored in the operation information storage area.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the supply of power from being stopped from the power supply unit when the operation information of the image forming apparatus is stored when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the nonvolatile second storage unit in which the operation information is stored, and it is possible to reliably move and store the operation information to the nonvolatile second storage unit.
In addition, when authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the first input unit is stored in the third storage unit, the operation information stored in the second storage unit can be moved to the external storage device. .
In addition, after moving the damaged operation information to the damaged operation information storage area, the operation information stored in the operation information storage area of the second storage unit can be moved to the external storage device. Can store only non-damaged operation information.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being stopped when the operation information of the image forming apparatus is stored when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the nonvolatile second storage unit in which the operation information is stored, and it is possible to reliably move and store the operation information to the nonvolatile second storage unit.
Further, when authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the first input unit is stored in the third storage unit, and when deletion instruction information is input by the second input unit, the second storage unit The stored operation information can be deleted.
In addition, after the damaged operation information is moved to the damaged operation information storage area, the operation information stored in the operation information storage area of the second storage unit can be deleted.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as any one of the first to third aspects, as well as the power supply by the power switch during the operation information storing process. By disabling the stop input, control for stopping the power supply by the power supply unit can be prohibited.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the same effect as in any one of the first to fourth aspects can be obtained, and the compressed operation information is moved to the second storage unit and stored. Therefore, the capacity of the second storage unit can be reduced, and the time for storing the operation information in the second storage unit can be shortened.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the same effect as in any one of claims 1 to 5 can be obtained, and the operation information stored in the first storage part is stored in the second memory. Before moving to the unit, the capacity for storing the operation information can be ensured by setting the capacity of the operation information stored in the second storage unit to be equal to or less than a preset capacity.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the same effect as in any one of claims 1 to 6 can be obtained, and the operation information stored in the first storage part is stored in the second memory. Before moving to the unit, it is possible to secure a capacity for storing the operation information by setting the number of operation information stored in the second storage unit to be equal to or less than a preset number.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the same effect as any one of the first to seventh aspects can be obtained , and the power supply unit is connected to the display unit during the operation information storage process. It is possible to display a message prohibiting the act of stopping the power supply from the user, and to suppress the act of stopping the power supply by the user.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the fifth aspect can be obtained , and different messages can be displayed according to the contents of the operation information storage processing execution stage. The user can be informed of what processing is being performed.

According to the invention described in claim 10, the same effect as in any one of claims 1 to 9 can be obtained, and the same abnormal operation information is stored in the second storage unit. Can be prevented, and the used capacity of the second storage unit can be suppressed.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart of a service call occurrence response process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of service call occurrence handling processing (continuation of FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the example of an error generation alerting | reporting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen during log compression. It is a figure which shows the example of a log preservation | save screen. It is a flowchart of a log information movement process. It is a figure which shows the example of a log preservation | save setting screen. It is a flowchart of a log information deletion process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 1a and a post-processing unit 70 connected to the main body 1a. The main body unit 1a includes a main body control unit 10, an image reading unit 20, an operation display unit 30, a printing unit 40, a printer controller 50, a power supply unit 60, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the external device 2 on the network 3 via the printer controller 50 so as to be able to transmit and receive information to / from each other, and operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 60.

  The main body control unit 10 includes a control unit 110, a nonvolatile memory 121, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 122, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 123, an image memory 130, an image processing unit 140, an I / F unit 150, a power control unit 61, and the like. Each unit is controlled by the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, reads a system program stored in the nonvolatile memory 121 and a specified program from various application programs, develops the program in the RAM 122, and develops the program in the RAM 122. Various processes are executed in cooperation with the program, and each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is centrally controlled.
For example, in accordance with an instruction signal input from the operation display unit 30 or the external device 2, the copy mode, printer mode, and scanner mode are switched, and control such as copying, printing, and reading of image data is performed.

  In addition, the control unit 110 reads out the service call occurrence handling processing program, the log information movement processing program, the log information deletion processing program, and various necessary data according to the present embodiment from the nonvolatile memory 121, the HDD 123, and the like. In cooperation with the data, the service call occurrence handling process, the log information moving process, and the log information deleting process are controlled.

The service call occurrence handling process according to the present embodiment is a process for stopping the operation of the image forming apparatus and notifying the user of the content of the service call or executing a log information storage process when a service call occurs. It is.
The service call is generated when an error (for example, failure of a non-consumable part) that cannot be dealt with by a service person occurs.

  In the log information storage process, when the occurrence of an abnormality (error) in the image forming apparatus is detected by various sensors provided in the image forming apparatus and a service call is generated, the first log information storage area 122a of the RAM 122 is stored. Is stored in the second log information storage area 123 a of the HDD 123. While this log information storage processing is being executed, the input of stopping power supply by the sub power switch of the power supply unit 60 is set to be invalid, and control for stopping the power supply by the power supply unit 60 is prohibited. The

  In the log information movement process, when authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the operation display unit 30 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 121, the log information stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is I. / F unit 150 is moved to an external storage device.

  In the log information deletion process, when authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the operation display unit 30 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 121 and the deletion instruction information is input by the operation display unit 30, the HDD 123 The log information stored in the second log information storage area 123a is deleted.

The authentication information is set for a predetermined person such as a service person, and is biometric information such as a password and a fingerprint for authenticating the person.
The deletion instruction information indicates an instruction to delete the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123 a of the HDD 123.

  In addition to various processing programs and data related to image formation, the nonvolatile memory 121 includes a service call occurrence handling processing program, a log information movement processing program, a log information deletion processing program, a plurality of authentication information, and various programs according to the present embodiment. It functions as a third storage unit that stores processed data and the like.

  The RAM 122 includes a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the control unit 110 and various data related to these programs, and a first log information storage area 122a. The first log information storage area 122a temporarily stores operation information (log information) for each job or error of the image forming apparatus 1 every time a job is executed or an error occurs. Accordingly, the RAM 122 functions as the first storage unit. In the present embodiment, the first storage unit is described using a RAM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any storage medium that can temporarily store data may be used.

The log information is data in a file format for each job or error, and includes a file name, date / time information, content information, and the like. The log information for each job is also called a job log file, the log information for each error is also called an error log file, and these generic names are also called log files.
The content information includes job names, error codes, and input / output information of various data between the control target units constituting the image forming apparatus 1 and the control unit 110. Examples of the content information include an operation instruction signal input from the operation display unit 30, a screen display signal displayed on the operation display unit 30, input signals input from various sensors in the print unit 40, and an image processing unit. Information on the content of image processing performed by 140, connection information and data communication information with the external device 2 by the printer controller 50, data communication information by the I / F unit 150, and the like.

  The HDD 123 stores job information received by the operation display unit 30 or the external device 2 and various setting information input in advance by the operation display unit 30 or the like. Further, the HDD 123 of the present embodiment has a second log information storage area 123a and a damaged log information storage area 123b. The second log information storage area 123 a stores the log file stored in the first log information storage area 122 a of the RAM 122. Of the log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a, the damaged log file is moved and stored in the damaged log information storage area 123b. Therefore, the HDD 123 functions as a second storage unit. In the present embodiment, the second storage part is described using an HDD. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any non-volatile recording medium may be used.

  The image memory 130 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), or the like, and stores image data in a readable / writable manner. The image memory 130 stores and saves image data of job information input from the image reading unit 20 or the printer controller 50 according to an instruction from the control unit 110, and reads image data stored in the image memory 130. Output to the image processing unit 140.

  The image processing unit 140 performs various image processing such as screen processing on the image data input from the image reading unit 20, the printer controller 50, or the image memory 130, and outputs the image data to the control unit 110 or the image memory 130. For example, the image processing unit 140 converts an analog image signal input from the image reading unit 20 into digital image data, compresses the digital image data, and outputs the compressed image data to the image memory 130. Expand and output.

The I / F unit 150 functions as a communication unit to which an external storage device is detachably connected. The I / F unit 150 is an interface for connecting the external storage device and the control unit 110. When the external storage device is connected to the I / F unit, the I / F unit 150 is connected between the control unit 110 and the external storage device. Data transmission / reception is performed.
The external storage device is a portable nonvolatile storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the I / F unit 150 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder, a reading unit, an image reading control unit, and the like. The image reading control unit controls the automatic document feeding unit, the reading unit, and the like to execute exposure scanning of the document surface, and performs photoelectric conversion on the reflected light of the light by the CCD to read the image. The read image data is output to the image processing unit 140.

  The operation display unit 30 includes a touch panel, an LCD, various operation key groups, and an operation display control unit. The operation display control unit displays various screens for inputting various setting conditions, various processing results, and the like on the LCD in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 110. Further, the operation display control unit outputs operation signals input from various operation key groups or the touch panel 31 to the control unit 110.

  The operation display unit 30 of the present embodiment displays an authentication screen that accepts input of predetermined authentication information on the LCD, and is authenticated by the first input unit that accepts input of the authentication information by a touch panel or the like, and the authentication screen. When the information is positive, the log storage setting screen is displayed on the LCD, and functions as a second input unit that receives an input of the deletion instruction information by a touch panel or the like.

  The print unit 40 includes various units related to print output, such as a paper feed unit and an image forming unit 41, and a print control unit. The print control unit controls the operation of each unit of the print unit 40 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, causes the sheet to form an image based on the print data input from the image processing unit 140, and outputs from the control unit 110. An instruction signal for operating each part of the post-processing unit 70 according to the instruction is output to the post-processing control unit.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer, the printer controller 50 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 from an external device 2 such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected to a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Manage and control jobs. The printer controller 50 receives data to be printed from the external device 2 and outputs the data to the control unit 110 as job information.

  The power supply unit 60 includes a power supply control unit 61, a power switch 62, and the like, and controls the power supplied from the outside to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1.

The power switch 62 includes a main power switch and a sub power switch.
The main power switch is a switch that accepts an input of an ON / OFF switching instruction for energization into the image forming apparatus 1 from the outside (for example, a commercial power source). The sub power switch is a switch that accepts an input of an instruction to supply or stop power to the image forming apparatus 1 when the main power switch is in an ON state. In this case, an instruction to stop power supply is received, and these instructions are output to the power supply control unit 61.

  The power control unit 61 outputs an instruction input from the main power switch and the sub power switch to the control unit 110, and supplies power from the outside to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 110. Control to supply

  The post-processing unit 70 includes various post-processing units 71, transport means such as transport rollers for transporting paper to the various post-processing units, and various paper discharge trays for discharging the paper transported from the various post-processing units 71. Is provided. The various post-processing units are comprehensively controlled by a post-processing control unit provided in the post-processing unit 70. The post-processing control unit conveys the paper along a conveyance path to a predetermined post-processing unit in accordance with a post-processing instruction signal input from the control unit 110 via the print control unit, and drives and controls each unit. Control is performed to cause the paper to be subjected to predetermined post-processing and to be discharged to a predetermined paper discharge tray.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
2 and 3 are flowcharts of the service call occurrence handling process in the present embodiment. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are processes executed by the cooperation of the control unit 110 and each unit.

  The controller 110 determines whether a service call has occurred (step S1). When the service call has not occurred (step S1; NO), the control unit 110 returns to the process of step S1. When a service call occurs (step S1; YES), the control unit 110 displays an error occurrence notification screen on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (step S2).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the error occurrence notification screen.
As shown in FIG. 4, the error occurrence notification screen G1 is provided with a first message area M1 and a second message area M2.
In the first message area M1, a message indicating that an error has occurred and a service call identification number (service call code) C1 are displayed.

In the second message area M2, a message M21 indicating that the action of stopping the power supply from the power supply unit 60 is prohibited, and a message M22 indicating the content of the operation processing in the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, “An error has occurred. ")" Is displayed.
Examples of the action of stopping the power supply include an action of unplugging the power plug of the image forming apparatus from an outlet and an action of turning off the main power switch. The message M21 displays a message indicating that these actions are prohibited, for example, “Please do not turn off the power”.

  After step S2, the control unit 110 determines whether there is a damaged log file in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step S3). When there is a damaged log file (step S3; YES), the control unit 110 moves the damaged log file to the damaged log information storage area 123b of the HDD 123 (step S4).

  When there is no damaged log file (step S3; NO), or after step S4, the control unit 110 determines that the error log file having the same error code as the error code that generated the service call in step S1 is the HDD 123. It is determined whether or not it is stored as the latest error log file in the second log information storage area 123a (step 5).

  When an error log file having the same error code as the error code that caused the service call in step S1 is stored as the latest error log file in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step 5; YES), the control unit 110 stores an error log file including only the date and time information on the occurrence of the error that caused the service call in step S1 in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step S6).

  After step S6, after step S11, or after step S20; YES, control unit 110 determines whether or not there is a restart instruction (step S7). The restart instruction in step S7 is, for example, a case where the sub power switch 62 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state and further turned ON.

  When there is a restart instruction (step S7; YES), the control unit 110 executes a restart process to restart the image forming apparatus 1 (step S8), and returns to the process of step S1. When there is no restart instruction (step S7; NO), the control unit 110 ends this process.

  When the error log file having the same error code as the error code that caused the service call in step S1 is not stored as the latest error log file in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step 5; NO), the control unit 110 starts executing the log information storage process.

  After step S5; NO, the control unit 110 sets a flag to invalidate the instruction to stop supplying power input from the power supply unit 60 when the sub power switch is turned off, and the sub power switch is off. The setting for prohibiting the input of the input signal indicating this is performed (step S9).

  The control unit 110 determines whether or not the setting in step S9 is successful (step S10). When the setting in step S9 is not successful (step S10; NO), the control unit 110 displays a power control failure screen on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S7.

The case where the setting in step S9 is not successful is, for example, a case where the sub power switch is turned off immediately before the setting in step S9 is executed.
The power control failure screen is a screen that displays a message such as “Error log could not be saved”, for example.

  When the setting in step S9 is successful (step S10; YES), the control unit 110 calculates the capacity of the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step S12).

  The control unit 110 determines whether or not the capacity of the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is insufficient (step S13). In step S13, it is determined whether or not the second log information storage area 123a has insufficient capacity by determining whether or not the capacity of the log file calculated in step S12 is larger than a preset capacity. The

When the second log information storage area 123a has insufficient capacity, for example, when the capacity of the log file calculated in step S12 is larger than a preset capacity (step S13; YES), the control unit 110 executes the first (2) Free space for storing log files stored in the first log information storage area 122a of the RAM 122 by deleting the log files in order of oldest date / time information among the log files stored in the log information storage area 123a Is secured (step S14).
In step S14, for example, the log files are deleted in order of oldest date and time information, and the capacity of the log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a is made equal to or smaller than a preset capacity.

  When the second log information storage area 123a is not short of capacity (step S13; NO), or after step S14, the control unit 110 sets the number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 in advance. It is determined whether or not the number has been exceeded (step S15). In step S15, the number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a is calculated, and the calculated number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a is a preset number. It is determined whether or not there are more.

When the number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a is larger than the preset number (step S15; YES), the control unit 110 is stored in the second log information storage area 123a. Of the log files, the log files are deleted in the order of the oldest date and time information, and a free space for storing the log files stored in the first log information storage area 122a of the RAM 122 is secured (step S16).
In step S16, for example, log files are deleted in order of oldest date and time information, and the number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a is set to a preset number (for example, 100) or less. .

  When the number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a is equal to or less than the preset number (step S15; NO), or after step S16, the control unit 110 displays on the LCD of the operation display unit 30. A log compression screen is displayed (step S17).

FIG. 5 shows an example of a log compressing screen.
As shown in FIG. 5, the log compression in-progress screen G2 is provided with a first message region M1 and a second message region M2, as with the error occurrence notification screen G1.
The same content as the error occurrence notification screen G1 is displayed in the first message area M1.
In the second message area M2, a message M21 similar to the error occurrence notification screen G1 and a message M23 (here, “error log compression is in progress”) indicating the contents of the log information storage process are displayed. .

  After step S17, the control unit 110 executes a compression process of the log file stored in the first log information storage area 122a of the RAM 122 (step S18). Then, after the process of step S18 is completed, the control unit 110 transitions the screen displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 from the log compressing screen displayed in step S17 to the log saving screen (step S19). .

FIG. 6 shows an example of a log saving screen.
As shown in FIG. 6, the log saving screen G3 is provided with a first message area M1 and a second message area M2, similarly to the log compressing screen G2.
In the first message area M1, the same content as that on the log compressing screen G2 is displayed.
In the second message area M2, a message M21 similar to the log compressing screen G2 and a message M24 (here, “error log is being saved”) indicating the contents of the log information storage process are displayed. The

  That is, if the log information storage process is executed when the log file is compressed, a message M23 indicating that the log file is compressed is displayed, and the compressed log file is stored (saved). If it is, a message M24 indicating that the compressed log file is stored is displayed.

  After step S19, the control unit 110 moves the log file stored in the compressed first log information storage area 122a of the RAM 122 to the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 and stores (saves) the log file (step S19). S20).

  The control unit 110 lowers the flag for invalidating the power supply stop instruction input from the power supply unit 60 when the sub power switch 62 is turned off after the process of step S20 is completed. Is set to permit input of an input signal indicating that is OFF (step S21).

  The control unit 110 determines whether or not the setting in step S21 is successful (step S22). When the setting of step S21 is not successful (step S22; NO), the control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S11. When the setting of step S21 is successful (step S22; YES), the control unit 110 ends the log information storage process and proceeds to the process of step S7.

Next, the log information movement process will be described.
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the log information movement process.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is a process executed by the cooperation of the control unit 110 and each unit.

  The control unit 110 displays an authentication screen on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (step S31), and accepts input of authentication information from the operation display unit 30 (step S32).

  The control unit 110 determines whether or not the authentication information input in step S32 is correct (step S33). In determining whether the authentication information is correct, for example, it is determined whether authentication information that matches the authentication information input in step S <b> 32 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 121.

  If the authentication information is not positive, for example, if authentication information that matches the authentication information input in step S32 is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 121 (step S33; NO), the control unit 110 returns to the process of step S32. .

  When the authentication information is positive, for example, when authentication information that matches the authentication information input in step S32 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 121 (step S33; YES), the control unit 110 displays the log storage setting screen. It is displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (step S34).

FIG. 8 shows an example of the log storage setting screen.
As shown in FIG. 8, the log storage setting screen G4 includes a first start button B41, a second start button B42, an end button B43a, a close button B43b, and the like.
The first start button B41 is a button for receiving an instruction to start a process of transferring a log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 to an external storage device such as a USB memory.
The second start button B42 is a button for receiving an instruction (deletion instruction information) for starting a process of deleting a log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123.

  The control unit 110 determines whether or not the first start button B41 on the log storage setting screen is pressed, and stores the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 as an external storage device such as a USB memory. It is determined whether or not to move to (step S35).

  When other buttons such as the end button B43a and the close button B43b are pressed and the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is not transferred to an external storage device such as a USB memory (step S35; NO) ), The control unit 110 ends this processing.

  When the first start button B41 is pressed, that is, when the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is transferred to an external storage device such as a USB memory (step S35; YES), the control unit 110 determines whether there is a damaged log file in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step S36).

  If there is a damaged log file (step S36; YES), the control unit 110 moves the damaged log file to the damaged log information storage area 123b of the HDD 123 (step S37).

  If there is no damaged log file (step S36; NO), or after step S37, the control unit 110 confirms that the external storage device is connected to the I / F unit 150 and data communication is possible. The log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is moved and transferred to the external storage device via the I / F unit 150 (step S38).

  After step S38, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 has been successfully transferred to the external storage device (step S39).

  When the movement is successful (step S39; YES), the control unit 110 ends this process. When the movement is not successful (step S39; NO), the control unit 110 displays a log movement failure screen on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (step S40), and ends this process.

For example, when the migration is not successful, for example, when the external storage device is not connected to the I / F unit 150, when data communication with the external storage device cannot be performed, the storage unit that stores the log file in the external storage device The capacity is insufficient, for example, when the external storage device is removed from the I / F unit 150 while the log file is being transferred from the HDD 123 to the external storage device.
Further, as the log movement failure screen, for example, there is a screen for displaying a message such as “Log file could not be moved”.

  As described above, in the log information movement processing, when authentication information that matches the authentication information input on the authentication screen displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 121, it is stored in the HDD 123. Existing log files can be moved to an external storage device. Therefore, only a specific person (serviceman) who has input the authentication information can move the log file from the HDD 123 to the external storage device, and the log file can be prevented from leaking.

  Furthermore, after the damaged log file is moved to the damaged log information storage area 123b, the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 can be moved to the external storage device. Therefore, only log files that are not damaged can be stored in the external storage device.

Next, the log information deletion process will be described.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the log information deletion process.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is a process executed by the cooperation of the control unit 110 and each unit.

  Steps S51 to S54 are the same as steps S31 to S34 of the log information movement process shown in FIG.

  The control unit 110 determines whether the second start button B42 on the log storage setting screen is pressed and deletion instruction information is input, and deletes the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123. It is determined whether or not to clear (step S55).

  When other buttons such as the end button B43a and the close button B43b are pressed and the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is not deleted (step S55; NO), the control unit 110 performs this process. Exit.

  When the second start button B42 is pressed, that is, when the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is deleted (step S55; YES), the control unit 110 displays the second log of the HDD 123. It is determined whether or not there is a damaged log file in the information storage area 123a (step S56).

  If there is a damaged log file (step S56; YES), the control unit 110 moves the damaged log file to the damaged log information storage area 123b of the HDD 123 (step S57).

  When there is no damaged log file (step S56; NO), or after step S57, the control unit 110 deletes (log clears) the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 (step S58). ).

  After step S58, the controller 110 determines whether or not the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 has been successfully deleted (log clear) (step S59).

If the log clear is successful (step S59; YES), the control unit 110 ends this process. When the log clear is not successful (step S59; NO), the control unit 110 displays a log clear failure screen on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (step S60), and ends this process.
The log clear failure screen is a screen that displays a message such as “Log file could not be deleted”, for example.

  As described above, in the log information deletion process, the authentication information that matches the authentication information input on the authentication screen displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 121 and the log storage setting is performed. When deletion instruction information is input by pressing the second start button B42 on the screen, the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 can be deleted. Therefore, only a specific person (serviceman) who has input the authentication information can delete the log file stored in the HDD 123, and an unspecified person can be prevented from deleting the log file.

  Further, after the damaged log file is moved to the damaged log information storage area 123b, the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 can be deleted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the log information storage process in which the log file stored in the first log information storage area 122a of the RAM 122 is moved to the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 and stored. During execution, the control for stopping the power supply by the power supply unit 60 can be prohibited by invalidating the power supply stop input by the sub power switch. Therefore, when the log file of the image forming apparatus is stored when a service call occurs in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being stopped and to prevent the log file HDD 123 from being damaged. The log file can be reliably moved and stored in the HDD 123.
Therefore, since the log file can be reliably stored in the HDD 123, the service call that has occurred can be quickly restored by analyzing the log file. Further, by analyzing the log file, it is possible to grasp the frequency of occurrence of service calls and the like, and it is possible to improve services such as maintenance work of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, since the compressed log file can be moved and stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123, the capacity of the HDD 123 can be reduced and the time for storing the log file in the HDD 123 can be shortened. Can be achieved.

  Further, before moving the log file stored in the RAM 122 to the HDD 123, the log file stored in the second log information storage area 123 a of the HDD 123 is stored in the RAM 122 so that the capacity is equal to or less than a preset capacity. A capacity for storing the log file can be secured in the HDD 123.

  Further, before moving the log file stored in the RAM 122 to the HDD 123, the number of log files stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123 is stored in the RAM 122 so that it is equal to or less than a preset number. A capacity for storing the log file can be secured in the HDD 123.

  Further, while executing the log information storing process, a message prohibiting the act of stopping the power supply from the power supply unit 60 on the LCD of the operation display unit 30 (error occurrence notification screen G1, log compressing screen G2, log The message M21) provided on each of the saving screens G3 can be displayed, and the act of stopping the power supply by the user can be suppressed.

  Further, during execution of the log information storage process, different messages (messages M23 and M24 provided on the log compressing screen G2 and the log saving screen G3, respectively) according to the contents of the execution stage of the log information storage process are displayed. It can be displayed, and the user can be notified of what processing is being executed by the control unit 110 in the image forming apparatus.

  Further, if the error log file (error log file) that caused the service call is not the same as the latest error log file stored in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123, log information storage processing is executed. If they are the same, an error log file including only the date and time of occurrence of the error can be stored in the second log information storage area 123 a of the HDD 123. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the same error log file from being stored twice in the second log information storage area 123a of the HDD 123, and to reduce the used capacity of the HDD 123.

  Furthermore, after the damaged log file is moved to the damaged log information storage area 123b, the log file stored in the RAM 122 can be moved and stored in the second log information storage area 123a. Therefore, only the log file which is not damaged can be stored in the second log information storage area 123a, and the malfunction of the image forming apparatus due to the damaged log file can be prevented.

  In the above description, the example in which the nonvolatile memory 121 is used as the computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. Further, a carrier wave (carrier wave) is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1a Main body part 2 External device 3 Network 10 Main body control part 20 Image reading part 30 Operation display part 31 Touch panel 40 Printing part 41 Image forming part 50 Printer controller 60 Power supply part 61 Power supply control part 62 Power switch 70 Post-processing part 71 Post-processing unit 110 Control unit 121 Non-volatile memory 122 RAM
122a First log information storage area 123 HDD
123a Second log information storage area 123b Damage log information storage area 130 Image memory 140 Image processing section 150 I / F section B41 First start button B42 Second start button B43a End button B43b Close button C1 Service call code G1 Error occurrence notification screen G2 Log compression screen G3 Log storage screen G4 Log storage setting screen M1 First message area M2 Second message area M21 Message M22 Message M23 Message M24 Message

Claims (10)

A first storage unit for storing operation information of the image forming apparatus;
A non-volatile second storage unit storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit;
A power supply unit for controlling power supplied from the outside into the image forming apparatus;
While performing an operation information storage process for moving and storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, A control unit prohibiting control to stop the supply of power by the power source unit;
Equipped with a,
The second storage unit
An operation information storage area for storing the operation information, and a damaged operation information storage area for storing the damaged operation information.
The controller is
After moving the damaged operation information among the operation information stored in the operation information storage area to the damaged operation information storage area, the operation information stored in the first storage unit is changed to the second information. An image forming apparatus that executes an operation information storage process of moving to and storing the operation information storage area of the storage unit. A first storage unit for storing operation information of the image forming apparatus;
A non-volatile second storage unit storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit;
A power supply unit for controlling power supplied from the outside into the image forming apparatus;
While performing an operation information storage process for moving and storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, A control unit prohibiting control to stop the supply of power by the power source unit;
A third storage unit for storing a plurality of predetermined authentication information;
A first input unit for receiving input of the authentication information;
A communication unit to which an external storage device is detachably connected;
With
The second storage unit
An operation information storage area for storing the operation information, and a damaged operation information storage area for storing the damaged operation information.
The controller is
When authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the first input unit is stored in the third storage unit, the operation information that is damaged among the operation information stored in the operation information storage area Is moved to the damaged operation information storage area, and then the operation information stored in the operation information storage area of the second storage unit is moved to the external storage device connected to the communication unit . A first storage unit for storing operation information of the image forming apparatus;
A non-volatile second storage unit storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit;
A power supply unit for controlling power supplied from the outside into the image forming apparatus;
While performing an operation information storage process for moving and storing the operation information stored in the first storage unit in the second storage unit when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, A control unit prohibiting control to stop the supply of power by the power source unit;
A third storage unit for storing a plurality of predetermined authentication information;
A first input unit for receiving input of the authentication information;
A second input unit that receives an input of delete instruction information indicating an instruction to delete the operation information stored in the second storage unit;
With
The second storage unit
An operation information storage area for storing the operation information, and a damaged operation information storage area for storing the damaged operation information.
The controller is
When authentication information that matches the authentication information input by the first input unit is stored in the third storage unit, and when the deletion instruction information is input by the second input unit, Operation information stored in the operation information storage area of the second storage unit after moving damaged operation information among the operation information stored in the operation information storage area to the damaged operation information storage area An image forming apparatus for deleting. The power supply unit is
A power switch that accepts an input of an instruction to start or stop power supply from the outside;
The controller is
While executing the operation information storage process, the input of the power supply stop by the power switch is set to invalid, and the control to stop the power supply by the power supply unit is prohibited.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The controller is
When executing the operation information storage process, compress the operation information stored in the first storage unit, move the compressed operation information to the second storage unit, and store it.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The operation information includes date and time information,
The controller is
When performing the operation information storage process, before moving the operation information stored in the first SL billion parts in the second storage unit, the operation information stored in the second SL billion parts When the capacity is larger than the preset capacity, the operation information stored in the second storage unit is deleted in order of date and time information among the operation information stored in the second storage unit, The capacity of the operation information stored in the second storage unit is set to a predetermined capacity or less,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The operation information includes date and time information,
The controller is
When performing the operation information storage process, before moving the operation information stored in the first SL billion parts in the second storage unit, the operation information stored in the second SL billion parts When the number is larger than a preset number, the operation information stored in the second storage unit is deleted in order of date and time information among the operation information stored in the second storage unit, The number of pieces of operation information stored in the second storage unit is equal to or less than the preset number.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. With a display,
The controller is
While performing the operation information storage process, display a message prohibiting the act of stopping the power supply from the power supply unit on the display unit,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. With a display,
The controller is
Depending on the contents of the execution stage of the operation information storage process, a message with different contents is displayed on the display unit .
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 . The controller is
It is determined whether or not the error code of the generated abnormality is the same as the error code included in the latest abnormality operation information stored in the second storage unit, and if the determination result is not the same, the operation When the information storage process is executed and the determination results are the same, the occurrence date and time information of the abnormality that has occurred is stored in the second storage unit.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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