JPH01138569A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To rapidly and correctly cope with the history management and change in specifications of a copying device by loading an external storage in the joint part of a memory access means, transferring instructions and performing data transferring between a non-volatile memory and the external storage. CONSTITUTION:A main body 1 possesses the external storage 6 storing a means 62 for accessing a semiconductor memory 61 in a thin plate-shaped container as an attachment and the coupling part 7 coupling with the access means 62 of the external storage 6. The external storage 6 is loaded in the coupling part 7 and the transferring is instructed by means of an input device 3, thereby transferring of history data, control data, etc., are executed between the non- volatile memory 13 of the inside and the external storage 6. Thus, fetching of the history data of the copying device, subsequent summing-up operation and writing of program data in response to the change in specifications can be rapidly and correctly performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a copying machine that has an external storage device as an accessory device that allows history data, control data, etc. to be transferred to and from an internal non-volatile memory. .

[Background of the invention]

Conventionally, when maintaining a copying machine, replacement parts, repair status, etc. are written in a data sheet such as a maintenance table, and the history of the copying machine is managed based on this data sheet.

In addition, when specifications are changed, the change is made by changing the ROM in which the program for controlling the copying machine is written.

However, during maintenance, the service person managing the copying machine must bring the data sheet with him, and when replacing parts, it is necessary to record the copy count at the time of previous replacement. Regardless,
This can easily lead to omissions or calculation errors.

Furthermore, when replacing the ROM, it is necessary to remove the exterior of the copying machine to expose the control board, and these six operations are extremely complicated.

Therefore, a non-volatile memory for storing the history and control data of the copying machine is provided inside the copying machine, so that the copying machine has data unique to the copying machine.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, when confirming the unique data, it is necessary to display it on a display and transfer it, or to connect it to a printer and print it out, which takes too many man-hours for aggregation work.

Additionally, as a method for setting programs for changing control specifications, in addition to replacing the ROM, it is possible to store program data in the internal non-volatile memory using input from the operation panel, but as the capacity increases, , the probability that a program cent error will occur increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points,
The purpose is to be able to manage the history of the copying device and respond quickly and accurately to changes in specifications, even though it is equipped with non-volatile memory.

[Means for solving problems]

To this end, the present invention provides a copying machine that has a display section capable of displaying numbers or characters, an input device, and a nonvolatile memory in its main body, which includes a semiconductor memory and a means for accessing the semiconductor memory. The main body includes an external storage device housed in a thin plate-like container as an accessory device, and a connecting portion that connects with the access means of the external storage device, and the external storage device is loaded into the connecting portion and the input is performed. By issuing a transfer command in the device, data is transferred between the nonvolatile memory and the external storage device.

〔Example〕

Examples of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a copying apparatus according to one embodiment. 1 is the main body,
2 is a platen glass on which a document is placed, 3 is an input section consisting of a group of operation keys, 4 is a display section, and 5 is a paper power cent.

The input horn part 3 has a copy number setting key, a copy key, a magnification setting key, a density setting key, a double-sided copy selection key, and a cassette
- In addition to normal keys such as a 1 selection key, a data transfer key and other keys are provided.

The display unit 4 displays operating instructions, messages indicating the internal status of the machine, toner replenishment, paper jams and their locations, etc. using numbers, letters, graphics, and the like.

In this embodiment, in such a copying apparatus, an IC card loading section 7 into which an IC card 6 is loaded is provided on the front of the main body 1.
has been established.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control section of the copying apparatus. Here, the CPU is used to control the entire apparatus, such as image forming process and display control, in response to operation input from the input unit 3 and sensor input from the internal sensor. Equipped with O.

For this CPU 10, there is a ROM 11 in which control programs and data as well as display data are written, a timer counter 12 that generates control timing signals, and a rewritable non-volatile RAM 13 that stores data such as control and history specific to the device. , a work RAM 14 for storing temporary data during operation and control, the above-mentioned IC card 6 connected via the connector 71 provided in the above-mentioned card loading section 7, and the I10 board 15 as a data input/output section. ing.

For this I10 boat 15, the input section 3 described above,
A display section 4, an output section 17 serving as an internal mechanism (motor, clutch, solenoid, etc.), and a sensor group 18 for detecting the operating state of the device and other conditions are connected.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the IC card 6 and the loading section 7. As shown in FIG.

The IC card 6 is approximately the size of a business card, and is provided with a semiconductor memory 61 and a row of input/output terminals 62 as a means for accessing the memory 61, and is housed in a thin container as a whole. ing.

As the semiconductor memory 61, mask ROM, EPROM
, EEPROM, one-time ROM (OTFROM)
, non-volatile memory (NOVRAM), battery backup RAM, etc. are used, and a CPU and a logic circuit can also be used, and any combination of these multiple functions may be used.

In the case of battery bank-up, it is desirable to have a structure in which the battery can be attached and detached, and to have a built-in large-capacity capacitor, for example, to retain the memory contents when replacing the battery.

Note that when a rewritable element is used as the semiconductor memory 61, it is desirable to provide a write prevention means to prevent erroneous writing or erasing. This means can be realized by providing a switch on the IC card G and controlling the write permission signal line of the message with this switch. This enable signal line can also be configured to be externally controllable via contacts.

The input/output terminal row 62 is provided with an appropriate shutter mechanism to prevent it from being affected by dirt or static electricity, so that when the IC card is inserted into the IC card loading section 7, the shutter opens and the terminal row 62
It is useful to have a configuration in which the shutter mechanism is connected to the internal connector 71 and the shutter mechanism is closed by pulling it out.

It is also useful to provide an appropriate reverse insertion prevention mechanism to prevent damage to the IC card 6 or damage to the copying machine that would otherwise occur if the IC card 6 is inserted into the loading section 7 in the opposite direction. This can be achieved by configuring the shape of the connector portion asymmetrically.

Furthermore, the means for accessing the semiconductor memory 61 may be configured not only by electrical coupling using contacts but also by magnetic coupling or optical coupling.

On the other hand, the connector 71 of the IC card loading section 7 has a terminal row 72 to which the terminal row 61 of the IC card 6 is connected, and also has a holding member 73 that elastically holds the inserted IC card 6. As described above, this connector 71 can also be provided with an asymmetrical portion for preventing reverse insertion.

In this embodiment, the following procedure is used to write the employment history of the copying machine into the internal nonvolatile memory 13. That is,
The writing is performed by inputting a predetermined code into the input section 3. The contents to be written include the model name (code) of the copying machine, the unique floor, the copy count value (this is done automatically based on the data from the copy counter, either sequentially or all at once when the power is turned off), and the information for each replacement part. There is a replacement status (for example, a copy count value when the photosensitive drum, fixing roller, cleaning blade, developer, etc. were replaced last time).

Further, by inputting a different code using the input device 3, the contents of the nonvolatile memory 13 in which the history has been written can be transferred to the IC card 6. In this case, for example, when the IC card 6 is loaded,
Settings are made so that inputting the j code and pressing the copy button means that the photosensitive drum has been replaced, and inputting the '02J code means that the developer has been replaced. When such processing is executed, the previous copy count value of the relevant photosensitive drum and developer in the nonvolatile memory 130 is automatically updated.

Therefore, the serviceman took the IC card home and
The host computer can read the data and perform aggregation work. The host computer can manage the data of the copying devices it handles, and can notify the copying devices that are due for maintenance, thereby making it possible to perform maintenance with high efficiency. The above is about data transfer from the nonvolatile memory 13 of the copying machine to the IC card 6.

On the other hand, the area of the non-volatile memory 13 can also be used as a program area in order to accommodate changes in control specifications and special requests for each user. In this case, use the IC in which the program has been written in advance, similar to the method described above.
The card 6 is loaded and a predetermined code is input into the input section 3 to set it so that data can be transferred from the IC card 6 to the nonvolatile memory 13. In order to prevent erroneous operations, a setting code may be stored in a special area of the IC card 6, and the transfer may be executed only when the code matches the code input from the input section 3.

For the above transfer, the IC card 6 is loaded in advance, and the input section 3
When you enter any code from , and press the copy button, a new program is set in the non-volatile memory 13, and the IC
Even after removing the card 6, the new program will continue to work.

For example, this program does not accept copies of originals other than standard sizes, does not accept sets of 10 or more copies at a time, limits the codes that users can handle, and automatically shuts off during lunch breaks and when work starts in the afternoon. There is a program for the return function, etc.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, data can be transferred between the internal non-volatile memory and the external storage device, so it is possible to retrieve the calendar history data of the copying device and the subsequent aggregation work, or to change the specifications. The accompanying program data can be written quickly and accurately.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the copying machine, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control section of the copying machine, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an IC card loading section. 6...IC card, 7...IC card loading section, 13
...Non-volatile memory and agents Patent attorney Tsune Akira Nagao

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In a copying machine that has a display section capable of displaying numbers or characters and an input device, and has a nonvolatile memory in its main body, a semiconductor memory and a means for accessing the semiconductor memory are arranged in a thin plate. The main body includes an external storage device housed in a container as an accessory device, and a connecting portion that connects with the access means of the external storage device, and the external storage device is loaded into the connecting portion and transferred using the input device. A copying apparatus characterized in that data is transferred between the nonvolatile memory and the external storage device by issuing a command. (2) The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data inside the copying apparatus is transferred from the nonvolatile memory to the external storage device by the transfer command. (3) The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control data is transferred from the external storage device to the nonvolatile memory in response to the transfer command.