JP5401515B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that performs printing on a sheet is known. Examples of such an image forming apparatus include a copying apparatus, a printer apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus. A multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, and a fax function also corresponds to the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus is generally provided with an operation panel for receiving various settings and job execution operations. When an error occurs during job execution, an error message for notifying the user that an error has occurred is displayed on the operation panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, if the size of the display part of the operation panel is relatively large, when an error occurs during job execution, detailed information regarding the generated error can be displayed on the operation panel. For example, in Patent Document 1, when an error occurs during job execution, an image of a user who has instructed execution of the job in which the error has occurred (hereinafter referred to as an error job) is displayed on the operation panel. This facilitates the identification of the user who has issued the error job execution instruction.

JP 2001-344086 A

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, when an error occurs during job execution, the user who gives an instruction to execute the error job normally performs a recovery process from the error. At this time, as in Patent Document 1, if the user who has issued the error job execution instruction is easily identified, the error recovery process is started immediately.

  However, there is a case where the user who gives the execution instruction of the error job (the user who performs the error recovery process) is not familiar with the operation of the image forming apparatus. In this case, even if the error recovery process is started promptly, the error recovery process takes time.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing time-consuming recovery processing from an error.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention stores a camera that captures an error processing user who has performed error recovery processing, and image data of the error processing user captured by the camera. A storage unit; and a display unit that displays an image of an error processing user when an error occurs.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the camera captures the error processing user who has performed the error recovery process, and the storage unit stores the image data of the error processing user captured by the camera. The display unit displays an image of the error processing user when an error occurs. Thus, it is easy for the user to know who should ask for assistance when an error occurs. In other words, the user who gives an instruction to execute an error job (the job in which an error has occurred) promptly assists a user who has experienced recovery processing from the error (error processing execution user displayed on the display unit) Can be requested. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the time taken for the error recovery process.

  In the above configuration, more preferably, an error detection unit for detecting the error that has occurred is further provided, the storage unit stores the image data of the error processing execution user in association with the error content, and the display unit displays an error message. When an error occurs, an image of the error processing execution user who has previously performed a return process from an error having the same content as the error that occurred at the present time is displayed. With this configuration, when an error occurs, it is possible to notify a user who has issued an error job execution instruction of a more appropriate error processing execution user (supporter).

  In addition, if an error with the same content occurs at different locations, the display unit displays an image of the error processing user who has previously performed recovery processing from the error at the same location as the error location that occurred at the current time. indicate. For example, when the error content is a paper jam, the display unit displays an image of an error processing user who has previously performed a recovery process from a paper jam at the same location as the current paper jam location. Here, paper jams occur in various places, and the processing method for returning from a paper jam differs depending on the location where the paper jam occurs. Therefore, when a paper jam occurs, an error job can be displayed on the display unit by displaying an image of the error handling user who has previously performed a recovery process from a paper jam at the same location as the current paper jam location. It is possible to notify a user who has performed the execution instruction of (2) a more appropriate error processing execution user (supporter).

  In the above configuration, preferably, when the image data of the error processing user is stored in the storage unit, the display unit includes a plurality of error processing user images in order from the latest date of the error recovery process. Are displayed side by side. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user who has instructed the execution of the error job of the error processing execution user (supporter) who has recently performed the error recovery process.

  The above configuration preferably further includes a detection unit for detecting the end of the return processing from the error, and the camera detects the user who was operating when the detection unit detected the end of the return processing from the error. Take a picture as an error handling user. With this configuration, the shooting time of the error processing user is not missed. That is, it is possible to reliably photograph the error processing user.

  In the above configuration, preferably, when an error occurs, the display unit displays an operation key for receiving an instruction to display an image of the error processing user and receives an error when the operation key is pressed. Displays the image of the user performing the process. With this configuration, it is possible to allow the user who has issued an error job execution instruction to select whether or not to display the image of the error processing user on the display unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing time-consuming recovery processing from an error.

1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Schematic showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an external view of an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example of the error screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. 3 (a diagram in which an image of an error processing user is included in the error screen) 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (operation when photographing an error processing user). 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention (operation when displaying an image of a user who performs error processing).

  The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a multifunction peripheral as illustrated in FIG. 1 and can execute a plurality of types of jobs such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a function of permitting only the logged-in user to use the apparatus (or use a specific function). For example, the user receives user authentication for login when using the image forming apparatus 100. The logged-in user is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 100 within the range of the given authority.

  As a specific configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 2, an operation panel 101, an image reading unit 102, and an engine unit (a paper feeding unit 103, a conveyance path 104, an image forming unit 105, and a fixing unit 106). Etc.

  The operation panel 101 is supported by, for example, a support member 101a provided in the apparatus main body, and is independent of the apparatus main body. The operation panel 101 is attached to the support member 101a so that the angle can be adjusted. That is, for the user, the direction of the operation panel 101 can be fixed at a position that is easy for the user to use.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 101 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 11 as a display unit. The liquid crystal display unit 11 displays a menu and various setting keys (soft keys) for performing various settings, and also displays a message indicating the device status and the like. The user can perform various settings by pressing a setting key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. The liquid crystal display unit 11 takes a form in which the display surface is covered with a touch panel. Thereby, when the setting key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is pressed by the user (when the touch panel is pressed), the coordinates of the pressed position can be detected based on the output of the touch panel.

  The operation panel 101 is provided with hard keys such as a numeric keypad 12 and a start key 13. The numeric keypad 12 is a hard key for accepting a setting instruction that requires numerical input from the user. The start key 13 is a hard key for receiving an instruction to start execution of various jobs from the user.

  Further, the operation panel 101 is provided with hard keys such as a copy key 14, a transmission key 15, and a box key 16. When the copy key 14 is pressed by the user, setting keys and messages necessary for using the copy are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. When the transmission key 15 is pressed by the user, setting keys and messages necessary for using the scanner and fax are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. When the box key 16 is pressed by the user, setting keys, messages, and the like necessary for using the box are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. A box is a job for storing image data or the like in a predetermined storage area called a box (for example, a folder provided in a storage unit 113 described later).

  Returning to FIG. 2, the image reading unit 102 reads a document and forms image data of the document. Although not shown, the image reading unit 102 is provided with optical system members such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor. The image reading unit 102 irradiates a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 21 (or a document sent to the feed reading contact glass 22) with a beam, and receives the reflected beam of the document. Image data is generated by A / D converting the output value of each pixel. Accordingly, printing can be performed based on the image data obtained by the original reading operation by the image reading unit 102 (copy). In addition, image data obtained by a document reading operation by the image reading unit 102 can be stored (scanner). When reading an original by the image reading unit 102, for example, the original can be sent one by one to the feed reading contact glass 22 by an optional original conveying device 200 installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The document feeder 200 is provided with a document placement tray 201 and a document discharge tray 202. Then, when the original is placed on the original placement tray 201 and reading of the original is started in this state, the original conveying device 200 sends the original one by one to the reading contact glass 22, and reaches the discharge tray 202. Transport.

  The paper feed unit 103 includes a plurality of cassettes 31 that store paper P as recording media, and supplies the paper P stored in the plurality of cassettes 31 to the conveyance path 104. In addition, the paper feed unit 103 is provided with a pickup roller 32 that pulls out the stored paper P and a separation roller pair 33 for suppressing double feeding of the paper P. Further, the paper feed unit 103 is provided with, for example, a cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34 for detecting whether or not the cassette 31 is mounted.

  The conveyance path 104 conveys the paper P inside the apparatus. Specifically, the paper P supplied from the paper supply unit 103 passes through the image forming unit 105 and the fixing unit 106 in this order by the conveyance path 104. A plurality of transport roller pairs 41 that transport the paper P are provided in the transport path 104. Furthermore, a registration roller pair 42 is also provided that waits for the paper P in front of the image forming unit 105 and sends the paper P to the image forming unit 105 in time.

  The image forming unit 105 forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image onto the paper P. The image forming unit 105 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a charging device 52, an exposure device 53, a developing device 54, a transfer roller 55, and a cleaning device 56.

  In the toner image formation process and the toner image transfer process to the paper P, first, the photosensitive drum 51 is rotationally driven, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 52. The exposure device 53 outputs laser light L based on the image data, and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Subsequently, the developing device 54 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 and develops it.

  The transfer roller 55 is in pressure contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Thereafter, the registration roller pair 42 is timed to allow the paper P to enter between the transfer roller 55 and the photosensitive drum 51. At this time, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 55. As a result, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the paper P. When the transfer process is finished, the cleaning device 56 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

  The fixing unit 106 heats and presses the toner image transferred onto the paper P to fix it. The fixing unit 106 includes a fixing roller 61 having a built-in heat source, and a pressure roller 62 that is pressed against the fixing roller 61. The paper P on which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressed by passing between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper P and printing is completed.

  Note that an optional post-processing device 300 can be installed in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when the post-processing device 300 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the printed paper P is conveyed toward the post-processing device 300 and is introduced into the post-processing device 300 from the paper introduction port 301. Then, the post-processing device 300 performs post-processing such as sorting, stapling, and punching on the printed paper P introduced from the paper inlet 301. Thereafter, the post-processing device 300 discharges the post-processed paper P to the discharge tray 302.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 includes a CPU 111 and an image processing unit 112 which are central processing units. The main control unit 110 is connected to the operation panel 101, the image reading unit 102, the engine unit (the paper feeding unit 103, the conveyance path 104, the image forming unit 105, and the fixing unit 106) and the like. The main control unit 110 performs control and calculation of each unit based on various programs and data stored in the storage unit 113. The main control unit 110 may be divided into a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls on / off of a motor that rotates the image forming and various rotating bodies.

  The storage unit 113 includes a volatile storage device such as a ROM 113a, a RAM 113b, and an HDD 113c, and a nonvolatile storage device. Various programs and data stored in the storage unit 113 are stored in the ROM 113a and expanded in the RAM 113b.

  The programs stored in the storage unit 113 include a plurality of application programs for executing a plurality of types of jobs, for example, a copy application for executing a copy, a print application for executing a print, and a scanner. Examples include a scanner application for executing, a fax application for executing a fax, and a box application for executing a box. Various applications other than the applications corresponding to these basic jobs may be stored.

  The main control unit 110 is connected to the communication unit 114. The communication unit 114 is communicably connected to the external computer 400 via a network (or cable), for example. Thus, printing can be performed based on the image data transmitted from the computer 400 (printing). Further, the image data obtained by the document reading operation by the image reading unit 102 can be transmitted to the computer 400 (scanner). Further, for example, a modem or the like may be built in the communication unit 114. In this case, fax communication can be performed with the external fax machine 500 via a network such as a telephone line (fax).

  Further, the main control unit 110 is connected to an error detection unit 115 for detecting an error that has occurred (detecting an error content and an error location) when any error occurs. Examples of the error detection unit 115 include a paper transport sensor, a toner remaining amount sensor, and a paper remaining amount sensor.

  The paper transport sensor is a sensor for detecting the transport status of the paper P, and includes a transmissive optical sensor. A plurality of the paper transport sensors are provided along the transport path of the paper P. The main control unit 110 recognizes that an error relating to paper jam has occurred if the arrival (passing) of the paper P cannot be detected in the time zone to be detected from the start of paper feeding. At this time, since a plurality of paper transport sensors are provided along the transport path of the paper P, a paper jam location can also be specified.

  The toner remaining amount sensor is a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 54a. That is, the main control unit 110 recognizes whether or not an error relating to toner out has occurred based on the output of the toner remaining amount sensor.

  The remaining paper sensor is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the paper P in the cassette 31, and is a reflective optical sensor that emits light toward the paper P from a hole formed in the paper placement plate. That is, the output of the remaining sheet sensor changes depending on whether the sheet P remains in the cassette 31 or not. As a result, the main control unit 110 recognizes whether or not an error relating to paper out has occurred based on the output of the paper remaining amount sensor.

  Further, the main control unit 110 is connected to a detection unit 116 for detecting whether or not the user has finished returning from the error after an error has occurred. For example, the detection unit 116 is the cover opening / closing detection unit 2 for detecting opening / closing of the maintenance cover 1 (see FIG. 1). Here, the maintenance cover 1 is a cover that covers the internal mechanism of the image forming apparatus 100 so as not to be exposed to the outside, and the user can arbitrarily open and close it. In FIG. 1, the maintenance cover 1 is installed only on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100, but the maintenance cover 1 may be installed also on the side surface of the image forming apparatus 100.

  For example, when various errors such as paper jam or out of toner occur, the user opens the maintenance cover 1 and recovers from the error (processing for removing the jammed paper P, processing for replacing the toner container 54a, etc.). I do. Then, the user closes the maintenance cover 1 after completing the error recovery process.

  Therefore, when the main control unit 110 detects that the maintenance cover 1 is opened based on the output of the cover open / close detection unit 2, the main control unit 110 can determine that the user is performing return processing from the error. . On the other hand, when the main control unit 110 detects that the maintenance cover 1 is opened and closed again based on the output of the cover open / close detection unit 2, the main control unit 110 determines that the user has completed the error recovery process. Can do. From this, it can be said that the cover open / close detection unit 2 is a detection unit 116 for detecting whether or not the user has finished the return processing from the error.

  The cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34 for detecting attachment / detachment of the cassette 31 is also one of the detection units 116 for detecting whether or not the user has finished the return processing from the error. For example, when an error relating to running out of paper occurs, the user pulls out the cassette 31 and replenishes the cassette 31 with paper P. Then, after the user replenishes the cassette 31 with the paper P (that is, after finishing the error recovery process), the user remounts the cassette 31.

  For this reason, when the main control unit 110 detects that the cassette 31 has been pulled out based on the output of the cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34, the main control unit 110 can determine that the user is performing return processing from an error. On the other hand, when the main control unit 110 detects that the cassette 31 has been pulled out and mounted again based on the output of the cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34, the main control unit 110 can determine that the user has completed the error recovery process. . From this, it can be said that the cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34 is a detection unit 116 for detecting whether or not the user has finished the return processing from the error.

  The operation panel 101 connected to the main control unit 110 has a display control unit 17. The display control unit 17 includes a CPU, an IC, and the like. When a soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 (touch panel) is pressed by the user, the display control unit 17 receives the output of the touch panel and specifies the coordinates of the pressed position. As a result, the position (selected soft key) pressed by the user on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is specified. Data such as a table indicating the correspondence between the output of the touch panel and the coordinates of the pressed position is stored in the storage unit 18 (or the storage unit 113).

  For example, when the user presses the copy key 14, the display control unit 17 displays on the liquid crystal display unit 11 a setting screen (a screen on which setting keys or messages as soft keys are arranged) for accepting a setting instruction regarding copying. Display. When the user presses the setting key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11, the display control unit 17 detects the setting key pressed by the user and outputs the detection result to the main control unit 110. As a result, the setting contents related to copying are changed.

  Then, after receiving a setting instruction regarding the job to be executed from the user, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display a start key as a soft key. Thus, the user can start job execution by pressing the start key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Alternatively, the job execution is also started when the user presses the start key 13 as a hard key.

  Further, when an error occurs during execution of the job, the display control unit 17 displays an error screen for notifying the user that the error has occurred on the liquid crystal display unit 11. For example, when a paper jam occurs during printing, the display control unit 17 displays a liquid crystal display of an error screen ES as shown in FIG. 5 showing how to recover from a paper jam (how to remove the jammed paper P) M. Display on the unit 11. As a result, the user can perform recovery processing from a paper jam by checking the error screen ES. Although not shown, the display control unit 17 also displays an error screen ES indicating how to recover from an error when the error other than the error related to the paper jam occurs, as in FIG. 11 is displayed. Normally, when an error occurs during execution of a job, the user who gives an instruction to execute the job in which the error has occurred (hereinafter referred to as an error job) performs recovery processing from the error.

  Here, if the user who gives the error job execution instruction is not used to the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, even if the error screen ES is confirmed, it may take time for the return process or may not understand how to perform the return process. There are many things. In this case, a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the device requests assistance from another user (for example, a user who has performed recovery processing from an error occurring at the present time). However, if the same image forming apparatus 100 is shared by many users, a user unfamiliar with the operation of the apparatus does not know who should ask for assistance.

  In order to eliminate such an inconvenience, in this embodiment, when an error occurs during execution of a job, an error processing execution user who has previously performed a recovery process from the currently occurring error. An image (for example, a face image that can be specified by the user) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. As a result, a user unfamiliar with the operation of the device can know who should ask for assistance.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a photographing unit 107 for photographing an error processing execution user is provided. The photographing unit 107 includes a camera 71 and a camera control unit 72. The camera 71 is, for example, a digital camera, and includes an optical lens, an image sensor (CCD or CMOS), an A / D converter, an image processor (DSP), and the like. In the camera 71, an image of an error processing user (subject) is projected onto an image sensor through an optical lens, and a video signal (analog signal) obtained thereby is digitized by an A / D converter. Thereafter, image processing is performed by an image processor and temporarily stored in a DRAM. Then, the camera control unit 72 controls the shooting operation (such as shooting timing) of the camera 71, and the image data of the error processing execution user captured by the camera 71 is recorded on the shooting date (the error processing execution user returns from the error). Is stored in the storage unit 18.

  For example, a user who is performing error recovery processing closes the maintenance cover 1 or mounts the cassette 31 when the error recovery processing is completed. Therefore, when the main control unit 110 detects the end of the error recovery process based on the output of the detection unit 116, the camera control unit 72 performs error processing on the user who is operating the image forming apparatus 100 at that time. The camera 71 is photographed as a user, and the image data is stored in the storage unit 18.

  Alternatively, for example, when the user presses the start key 13 (or the start key as a soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11) at the start of job execution, the camera control unit 72 selects the user who pressed the start key 13 The camera 71 is caused to take a picture. Thereafter, when the main control unit 110 detects the end of the return processing from the error based on the output of the detection unit 116, the camera control unit 72 detects the user image data captured by the camera 71 at the start of job execution as an error. The image is stored in the storage unit 18 as image data of the processing user. However, the user at the start of job execution does not actually perform error recovery processing (in other words, a user other than the user at the start of job execution performs error recovery processing) is there. Therefore, in this case, the image data of the user who has not actually performed the error recovery process is stored in the storage unit 18 as the image data of the error processing user. However, even if a user other than the user at the start of job execution is performing the return processing from the error, the user at the start of job execution is involved in the return processing from the error. Accordingly, it can be said that the user at the start of job execution is an error processing execution user (a user who has experienced the error recovery process) even though the error recovery process is not actually performed.

  When shooting an error-handling user, the number of shots may be one, but multiple shots should be taken continuously at regular intervals (eg, several hundred milliseconds to several tens of seconds). Also good. Then, when the main control unit 110 detects the end of the error recovery process based on the output of the detection unit 116, it selects any one of the plurality of image data and sets the selected image data as an error. You may memorize | store in the memory | storage part 18 as image data of a process implementation user. In this case, for example, the camera control unit 72 performs face recognition processing and selects image data that can recognize the face of the error processing user.

  The error processing user opens and closes the maintenance cover 1 and removes and inserts the cassette 31, so that when the error recovery process is completed, the user is often in front of the image forming apparatus 100. For this reason, the camera 71 is attached to the operation panel 101 so that an error processing user who is in front of the image forming apparatus 100 can perform photographing well (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, the camera 71 may be attached in the vicinity of the maintenance cover 1 (see FIG. 1). In any case, the camera 71 is mounted at a location where the error processing user can take a picture.

  There are many types of errors that occur during job execution. For this reason, the camera control unit 72 classifies the image data of the error processing user for each error content and causes the storage unit 18 to store the image data. Even if the error content is the same, the location where the error occurs may be different. For example, taking an error related to a paper jam as an example, a paper jam may occur in the paper supply unit 103 or a paper jam may occur in the fixing unit 106. Therefore, the camera control unit 72 further classifies the image data of the error processing user who has performed the recovery processing from the paper jam for each location of the paper jam and stores the image data in the storage unit 18.

  Then, when any error occurs, the display control unit 17 refers to the image data of the error processing execution user stored in the storage unit 18 and performs a return process from an error having the same content as the error content that has occurred at the present time. The image of the user who has executed the error processing has been displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. Furthermore, when an error with the same content occurs at different locations, the display control unit 17 may return the error processing user who has previously performed a recovery process from the error at the same location as the error location that occurred at the present time. An image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. At this time, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the execution date of the error recovery processing (the date of shooting by the camera 71) along with the image of the error processing execution user.

  For example, if the error that has occurred is an error relating to a paper jam, the display control unit 17 has previously performed a recovery process from a paper jam at the same location as the current paper jam location, as shown in FIG. The image U of the error processing execution user is included in the error screen ES. At this time, if a plurality of pieces of image data of the appropriate error processing user are stored in the storage unit 18, the display control unit 17 displays the images of the plurality of error processing users in order from the newest execution date of the error recovery process. Display U side by side. Although not described, the display control unit 17 performs similar display control when an error other than an error related to paper jam occurs.

  When an error occurs, the image of the error processing user is not automatically included in the error screen ES, but the image U of the error processing user is received in response to the operation of the user who issued the error job instruction. You may make it display on the liquid crystal display part 11. FIG.

  In this case, for example, a soft key (help key) SK for receiving an instruction to display the image U of the error processing user on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is arranged on the error screen ES. Then, after an error occurs (after the error screen ES is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11), the display control unit 17 receives a pressing operation of the soft key SK from the user who has instructed the execution of the error job. Then, the image U of the error processing execution user is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of an operation when photographing an error processing user will be described.

  First, assume that a job is being executed at the start of the flow of FIG. Then, when an error occurs during the execution of the job, and the user (the user who issued the error job execution instruction or another user) performs a recovery process from the error, the flow of FIG. 7 starts. The error generated here is an error accompanying opening / closing of the maintenance cover 1 and attachment / detachment of the cassette 31 during the recovery processing from the error, and does not include a communication error. That is, the flow of FIG. 7 starts when, for example, the maintenance cover 1 is opened or the cassette 31 is pulled out.

  In step S <b> 1, the main control unit 110 determines whether or not the user has finished returning from the error based on the output of the detection unit 116 (the cover open / close detection unit 2 or the cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34). For example, if the user opens the maintenance cover 1 during the error recovery process, the main control unit 110 receives an output from the cover open / close detection unit 2 indicating that the maintenance cover 1 has been closed (user When the maintenance cover 1 is closed), it is determined that the user has finished returning from the error. Further, for example, if the user has pulled out the cassette 31 during the error recovery process, the main control unit 110 receives an output from the cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 34 indicating that the cassette 31 has been loaded (the user has inserted the cassette 31). 31), it is determined that the user has finished returning from the error. It should be noted that the user normally works in front of the image forming apparatus 100 when closing the maintenance cover 1 or mounting the cassette 31.

  If the user has finished returning from the error, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the user has not finished the return processing from the error, the operation of step S1 is repeated until the user finishes the return processing from the error.

  In step S2, the camera control unit 72 causes the camera 71 to take a picture in response to the main control unit 110 detecting the end of the error recovery process. At this time, there are many users (users who have closed the maintenance cover 1 or users who have installed the cassette 31) who have performed a recovery process from an error in front of the image forming apparatus 100. For this reason, the camera 71 captures an error processing execution user. It should be noted that the error processing user may be photographed only when the error recovery process is successful.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 3, the camera control unit 72 stores the image data of the error processing user imaged by the camera 71 in the storage unit 18 in association with the error content. Further, the camera control unit 72 also stores in the storage unit 18 the shooting date (the date on which the error processing execution user has performed the return processing from the error) together with the image data of the error processing execution user.

  Note that the flow in FIG. 7 starts repeatedly every time an error occurs during execution of a job and the user performs recovery processing from the error.

  Next, an example of an operation when displaying the image U of the error processing user will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, assume that a job is being executed at the start of the flow of FIG. When an error occurs during job execution, the flow of FIG. 8 starts.

  In step S <b> 11, the main control unit 110 determines the content of the error that has occurred at the present time and transmits the determination result to the display control unit 17.

  In step S <b> 12, the display control unit 17 determines whether image data related to the error content that has occurred at the present time is stored in the storage unit 18. That is, the display control unit 17 determines whether or not the image data of the error processing execution user who has previously performed the return processing from the error having the same content as the error content generated at the present time is accumulated in the storage unit 18. to decide. If image data related to the error content that has occurred at the current time is stored in the storage unit 18, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the display control unit 17 extracts image data related to the error content that has occurred at the present time, and displays the image data on the liquid crystal display unit 11. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the image U of the error processing execution user who has previously performed the return processing from the error having the same content as the error content that has occurred at the present time (the error processing execution user is displayed on the error screen ES). Image U). In addition, the display control unit 17 causes the liquid crystal display unit 11 to display the execution date of the return processing from the error (the date of shooting by the camera 71) together with the image U of the error processing user.

  Furthermore, when there are a plurality of image data related to the error content that has occurred at the present time, the display control unit 17 performs a plurality of error processing in the order of the date of the recovery process from the error (the shooting date by the camera 71). The image U of the executing user is displayed side by side.

  In step S12, if the image data related to the error content occurring at the current time is not stored in the storage unit 18, the process proceeds to step S14, and the display control unit 17 relates to the error content generated at the current time. First, the image U of the error processing user is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. In this case, a message indicating that there is no user who has performed a recovery process from an error that has occurred at the present time may be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the camera 71 captures the error processing user who performed the error recovery processing, and the storage unit 18 stores the image data of the error processing user captured by the camera 71. . The liquid crystal display unit 11 (display unit) displays the image U of the error processing user when an error occurs. Thus, it is easy for the user to know who should ask for assistance when an error occurs. In other words, a user who has given an instruction to execute an error job (job in which an error has occurred) promptly experienced a recovery process from an error (user who has performed an error process displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11). Can ask for help. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the time taken for the error recovery process.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the error occurs, the liquid crystal display unit 11 performs error recovery processing that has been performed in the past from an error having the same content as that of the current error. The image U of the executing user is displayed. With this configuration, when an error occurs, it is possible to notify a user who has issued an error job execution instruction of a more appropriate error processing execution user (supporter).

  In this case, if the error content is a paper jam, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays an image U of an error processing user who has previously performed a recovery process from a paper jam at the same location as the current paper jam location. To do. Here, paper jams occur in various places, and the processing method for returning from a paper jam differs depending on the location where the paper jam occurs. Therefore, when a paper jam occurs, by displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 11 an image U of an error processing user who has previously performed a recovery process from a paper jam at the same location as the current paper jam location. Thus, it is possible to notify the user who has instructed the execution of the error job of a more appropriate error processing execution user (supporter).

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid crystal display unit 11 has a plurality of error processing execution user image data stored in the storage unit 18, in order from the newest execution date of error recovery processing. The image U of the error processing user is displayed side by side. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user who has instructed the execution of the error job of the error processing execution user (supporter) who has recently performed the error recovery process.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the camera 71 captures the user who was operating when the detection unit 116 detected the end of the error recovery process as an error processing execution user. With this configuration, the shooting time of the error processing user is not missed. That is, it is possible to reliably photograph the error processing user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, when an error occurs, the liquid crystal display unit 11 displays the soft key SK (operation key) for receiving an instruction to display the image U of the error processing execution user, and When a press operation of the soft key SK is received, the image U of the error processing user is displayed. With this configuration, it is possible to allow the user who has issued an error job execution instruction to select whether or not to display the image U of the error processing user on the liquid crystal display unit 11.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope.

2 Cover open / close detector (detector)
11 Liquid crystal display (display)
18 Storage unit 34 Cassette attachment / detachment detection unit (detection unit)
71 Camera 100 Image Forming Device 115 Error Detection Unit 116 Detection Unit SK Soft Key (Operation Key)

Claims (6)

A camera that shoots the error handling user who performed the error recovery process,
A storage unit for storing image data of an error processing user imaged by the camera;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display an image of an error processing user when an error occurs. It further includes an error detection unit for detecting an error that has occurred,
The storage unit stores image data of an error processing execution user in association with error contents,
The display unit, when an error occurs, displays an image of an error processing user who has previously performed a recovery process from an error having the same content as the error that occurred at the present time. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.   When an error with the same content occurs at different locations, the display unit displays an image of the error processing user who has previously performed recovery processing from the error at the same location as the current error location. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   If a plurality of error processing user image data is stored in the storage unit, the display unit displays a plurality of error processing user images side by side in order from the latest date of error recovery processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. It further includes a detection unit for detecting the end of return processing from an error,
5. The image according to claim 1, wherein the camera captures a user who is operating when the detection unit detects the end of the error recovery process as an error processing execution user. Forming equipment.   When an error occurs, the display unit displays an operation key for receiving an instruction to display an image of the error processing user, and displays an image of the error processing user when the operation key is pressed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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