JPH0412370A - Network system of image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the handling by resetting the reservation of the image forming device automatically unless the image forming device is used for a certain constant time after the device becomes ready to use, and then enabling the image forming device to be used the certain time later even if the reserved state of the image forming device is forgotten. CONSTITUTION:The control means of the image forming device 1 accepts and stores operation information on the reservation for the use of the image forming device 1 in a storage means. After the use of the above image forming device is reserved, the operation information for the reserving its use is reset unless the image forming device 1 is used for the constant time after the device becomes ready to use. Consequently, if the person who reserves the use of the image forming device 1 forgets the reservation, a person other than the person who reserves the use can use the image forming device and the use efficiency of the image forming device 1 can be increased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a network system for an image forming apparatus having an external terminal device such as a telephone, which is equipped with a microcomputer.

[Conventional technology]

An example of an image forming apparatus is a copying machine, and in large-scale offices, a single copying machine is often used by a large number of people.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a conventionally known large-sized copying machine. The configuration and operation will be explained below. In the figure, when the start key is pressed, the paper feed clutch is turned on and the calling roller 10 is pressed.
Send the transfer paper to. And this transfer paper is paper feed roller 1
1 and the reversing rollers 12 prevent double feeding, and are sent to the registration rollers 13'. On the other hand, when the original on the contact glass 14 is exposed by the exposure lamp 15, the reflected light hitting the original is reflected from the first mirror 16, the second mirror 17, the third mirror 18, the lens 19, the fourth mirror 20, and the fifth mirror. 2
1, the sixth mirror 22, and the dust-proof glass 23 to reach the photoreceptor drum 24, and form a latent image on the photoreceptor drum 24 charged by the charger 25. This latent image is irradiated with light by an eraser 26 to erase charges in unnecessary portions, thereby preventing toner from adhering to the photoreceptor drum 24 in non-image areas. At the timing of development, the development motor is driven, the development roller 27 rotates, and the latent image on the photoreceptor drum 24 is developed with the toner on the development roller 27. The developed image is transferred to the transfer paper fed synchronously from the registration roller 13 at the transfer section, but before that, the adhesion force (charge) between the photoreceptor drum 24 and the toner is reduced, and the transfer paper is transferred to the photoreceptor drum 24. When the toner is separated from 24, pre-transfer static elimination is performed using a pre-transfer static elimination lamp in order to prevent the toner from being re-transferred. The transfer paper sent out from the registration roller 13 is transferred to the photoreceptor drum 24 by a guide mylar.
The photosensitive drum 24 is brought into close contact with the photosensitive drum 24 by the transfer charger 28.
The upper toner is transferred to the transfer paper. If the transfer paper cannot be separated from the photosensitive drum 24 after the transfer, it is forcibly separated by the separation claw of the cleaning unit 29. The transfer paper separated from the photoreceptor drum 24 is sent to a fixing section by a belt of a transport unit 30. On the other hand, the photoreceptor drum 24 that has been separated is neutralized before cleaning, and the toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 24 is scraped off by the fur brush of the pre-cleaning static elimination 1-29, and the toner that was not removed by the fur brush is removed. , scraped off by a cleaning blade.

The transfer paper sent to the fixing section 31 by the transport unit 30 is thermally fixed there, and is sent to the ejection roller 33 and ejected by the switching claw 32 except when copying the first side in the duplex mode. When copying of the first side in the double-sided mode is completed, the transfer paper is sent to the reversing section 34 by the switching claw 32, and the transfer paper is reversed and sent to the intermediate tray 35.

As is well known, the transfer paper is sent out again from this intermediate tray 35 toward the photosensitive drum 24.

Note that 36 is an optional paper feeding device.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the operation section 40 of the copying machine.

In the figure, 41 is a timer key, 42 is a timer display, 4
3 is a program key, 44 is a program display, 45 is an enter key, 46 is a numeric keypad, 47 is a guidance key,
48 is a guidance key display, 49 is a display panel, 50 is a dimension scaling key, 51 is a dimension scaling display, 52 is a centering key, 53 is a centering display, 54 is a binding margin adjustment key, 55 is a binding margin display, 56 is a Double-sided display, 57 is sort display, 58 is stack display, 59 is sorter key, 60 is double-sided key, 61 is page continuous copy display, 62 is page continuous copy key, 63 is erase display, 64 is erase key 65 is paper specification Magnification display, 6G is a paper specification magnification key, 67 is a zoom magnification key, 68 is a reduction key, 69 is an enlargement key, 70 is a same magnification key, 71 is a paper selection key, 72 is an automatic paper selection key, 73
is the density adjustment key, 74 is the automatic density key, 75 is the clear/
Stop key, 76 is print key (start key),
77 is an interrupt key, 78 is a preheating display, 79 is a mode clear/preheating key, and 80 is a guidance display section.

Recent copiers have become more multi-functional and can be set to various modes, so as mentioned above, the keys and their displays are diverse, but since the individual contents are already well known, we will omit the explanation. .

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the display panel 49 of the copying machine.

In the figure, 81 is a call service person display, 82 is a manual feed display, 83 is a running display, 84 is a copy ready display, 85 is a standby display, 86 is a paper supply display, 87 is a misfeed display, 88 is a toner supply display, and 89 is a paper supply display. indicates the remaining amount of paper, 90 indicates the paper direction, 91 indicates the paper size, 92
is paper selection display, 93 is automatic paper selection display, 94 is paper specified magnification display, 95 is magnification display, 96 is same magnification display, 97
indicates zoom magnification, 98 indicates misfeed position, 99
1 is a density adjustment display, 100 is an automatic density display, 101 is a copy number counter, and 102 is a set number counter.

As with the operation section 40, the description of its contents will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the copying machine.

There is a main control section 110 that controls the entire system, and a storage section 111 for storing data, a motor 112, and a sensor 113 are connected to this main control section 110. Also, the optical control section 114, the AC sieving section 115, the operation control section 11
6 and the like are connected to the main control unit 110 via a bus. The optical control unit 114 controls a lens motor 117, a scanner motor 118, etc., and also controls A, PS (automatic paper selection).
Sensor 1t1119. (2) Take in signals from 120, etc. A (JIJ control section 115 is equipped with exposure lamp 121
, the fixing heater 122, the main motor 123, the developing motor 124, the transport motor 125, the paper feed motor 126, and the like. The operation control unit 116 also includes a key switch 12
7. Display LCD-LED 128, pressure plate detection switch 12
It is connected to 9 etc.

In addition, an interface (R32
32C) 130, and the signal from the main control unit 110 is
The P/S converter 131 converts the parallel signal into a serial signal and outputs it.

Signals from the outside are converted from serial signals to parallel signals and input. The interface 130 is a TT
The L level signal is converted to and inversely converted to the R3232C level signal.

Although such a copying machine is multi-functional and suitable for large-volume and repetitive processing, there are some inefficiencies in its use when a single copying machine is used by a large number of people. For example, if multiple people try to use a copying machine at the same time, there may be a waiting list, or if the copying machine is installed far away from the users, you will not be able to see how it is being used unless you go near it. For example, you will have to travel back and forth frequently.

On the other hand, in large offices, extension telephones are often installed, but recently telephones with built-in microcomputers are being used.

Based on this background, a copy control device that inputs copy conditions from a remote location using an external input device has already been proposed (
Utility Model Application No. 62-158454).

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

For image forming apparatuses that allow copying conditions to be input from a remote location, it is possible to reserve the use of the image forming apparatus as one of the copying conditions, but if the person making the reservation forgets that he or she has reserved the image forming apparatus and leaves it unattended. , a problem arises in that the image forming apparatus cannot be used by anyone other than the person making the reservation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and improve the usage efficiency of an image forming apparatus in a network system for image forming apparatuses that allows use of the image forming apparatus to be reserved from a remote location.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above object is to provide an image forming apparatus having a signal transmitting/receiving means, a control means for the signal transmitting/receiving means, a storage means, a signal transmitting/receiving means, an operation input means, a control means for these means, and an operator. In a network system for image forming apparatuses in which operation information can be mutually transmitted and received between external terminal devices, the control means of the image forming apparatus may reserve use of the image forming apparatus from the external terminal device. receives and stores operation information to reserve the image forming apparatus in the storage means, and after reserving the image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus is not used for a certain period of time after becoming available for use, storing the operation information reserving the use; This is achieved by controlling the release.

[Effect]

The control means of the image forming apparatus receives operation information for reserving use of the image forming apparatus from an external terminal device and stores it in the storage means. After reserving the image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus is not used for a certain period of time after it becomes usable, the storage of the operation information for reserving the use is canceled.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network system connecting a copying machine and a telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention, and 1 indicates a copying machine (
2 is a communication line, and 3 is a telephone (external terminal device) with a copying machine terminal function. Any number of telephones 3 are installed at desired locations as needed, and receive image forming operation information from the copying machine main body 1 through the communication line 2, and display the information on the message display section 3a using LEDs, LCDs, etc. or sound an alarm using the built-in bell.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the telephone 3.

This telephone 3 includes, in addition to the message display section 3a, a handset 3b for sending and receiving calls, a numeric keypad 3c for inputting telephone numbers and numerical values, a telephone hook key 3d, a redial key 3e, a speaker key 3f, hold key 3g1
There are 8 one-touch dial keys 3h. Further, there is a confirmation key 31 for knowing the usage status of the copying machine, a reservation key 3j for making a reservation for use of the copying machine, and a cancellation key 3 for canceling the reservation. Also, 31 is an LE that lights up or flashes when the phone is ringing, etc.
It is a D display. The message display section 3a is an LCD display in this embodiment, and is used to inform the user of the telephone number dialed when using the telephone, operational guidance and status when used as a copying machine terminal. Display guidance, etc. The built-in bell is designed to alert you when the copying operation is complete.

Figure 7 shows a telephone 3 that can operate the copier main body 1 from a remote location.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a controller built into the.

This device utilizes the functions of a microcomputer for controlling the telephone set 3 and has additional input/output and separate line communication functions.

The operation signal from the key 140 is sent to the I10 interface 1.
41 to the CPU 142.

The key manual information includes operation key information from the numeric keypad 3C, each mode key, and the like. Also, the display information is
10 interface 141 and the display unit 144 (message display unit 3a and LED display 3A) via the driver 143.
) is displayed.

To explain the telephone function, first, the presence or absence of a call is detected by a bell detection circuit 146 for detecting a ringing signal from the telephone line connected to the supplier's exchange 145, and the bell signal is output to the CPU 142. . C.P.
When U142 detects a bell signal, it outputs a signal to the oscillator to ring bell 147. This bell 147 can be sounded regardless of bell detection, and the range of sound can be changed by changing the signal output to the oscillator (for example, changing the frequency of the signal). The on/off signal of the hook key 3d is sent to the CPU 142 via the I10 interface 141.
The hook signal from the CPU 142 controls the switch drive circuit 148 to turn the line on and off. The telephone line is connected to a handset 3b for voice input and output, and the handset 3b performs the main function of a telephone. Regarding the dial oscillation operation for making a telephone call, when a telephone number is input using the numeric keypad 3C, the number is output to the dial signal generation circuit 149, where it is converted into a dial signal and output to the telephone line. Data communication methods include a method of outputting data to a telephone line via a modem 150 and a method of outputting data using an interface (R3232C) 151.

The communication signal is converted from a parallel signal to a serial signal by the P/S converter 152 and outputted, and conversely, the serial signal is converted into a parallel signal and inputted. The interface 151 converts a TTL level signal into an R3232C level signal and inversely converts it. Also, RAM153
stores data for one-touch dialing and sending/receiving.

8(al) and (b) show the format of communication between the telephone 3 and the copying machine main body 1. ADDRESS is for distinguishing each byte of data.

9(a) and 9(b) illustrate the communication method between the telephone 3 and the copying machine main body l, and the copying machine and each telephone 3 are
The transmission and reception of signals are repeated alternately with each other.

When two transmissions and receptions with each telephone 3 are completed, transmission and reception with the next telephone 3 is started. This operation is repeated for each telephone 3. 2
The first time of transmission and reception is for specifying the telephone 3, and the copying machine transmits the telephone number. When each telephone 3 receives the corresponding telephone number, it sends back the telephone number to notify that it has received it. When the copying machine receives the signal, it enters the second transmission/reception and transmits the data.

The telephone 3 selected in the first transmission receives this data, and the telephone 3 transmits the information data. The copying machine receives the data and completes transmission and reception with the telephone 3. When there is no data to send, ADD as dummy data
It is assumed that data of RESS '000' is transmitted. This method allows transmission and reception with each telephone 3 at regular intervals.

Next, a specific example of communication between the copying machine main body 1 and the telephone 3 will be explained.

First, the copying machine reservation operation flow of the telephone 3 will be explained with reference to FIG.

When the CPU 142 of the telephone 3 detects that a key has been pressed (step S1), it determines whether it is the reservation key 3j for making a reservation for use in the copying machine main body 1 (step S2). If it is the reservation key 3j, processing is performed to request the copying machine main body 1 to make a reservation (step 33). If the copying machine main body 1 is being used by another user at the time of reservation, use of the copying machine main body 1 is prohibited until all processes currently being executed and processes already reserved by other users are completed. be done.

When all the above processes are completed, the copying machine main body 1 sets a use permission signal (see FIG. 8) and transmits it to the telephone 3. CP of the telephone 3 that received the signal (step S4)
U142, for example, rings the bell of telephone 3 or
The operator is informed that the device is ready for use by displaying guidance to that effect on the D display (message display section 3a) (step S5).

Next, the flow of a reservation request processing routine for requesting a reservation to the copying machine main body 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.

Telephone 3 sets a reservation request signal (see Figure 8).
, is transmitted to the copying machine main body 1 (step 510). Immediately after that, a code certifying the reservation is sent (step 511). As a method of setting this code, for example, the number of the telephone 3, a number unique to the user, a code number unique to the telephone 3 used, etc. may be stored in advance.

Then, the in-use signal from the copying machine main body 1 (see Figure 8)
(step 512), the operator is informed that the reservation has been accepted and can be used immediately (step 514) if the signal is not in use (step 513). If the machine is in use, the operator is informed that the reservation has been accepted and there is a waiting list (step 515). Examples of methods for notifying the user include printing out a message to that effect, displaying guidance to that effect on the LCD display (message display section 3a), and outputting a voice to that effect.

Next, the reservation operation flow of the copying machine main body 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.

When the copying machine main unit 1 receives the signal from the telephone 3 (step 520), if it is a reservation request signal (see FIG. 8) (step 521), it processes the reservation reception (step 521). Step 521).

The processing after the reservation is accepted will be explained below. First, if the reservation person is currently waiting for the person to arrive at the copying machine main body 1 (step 523), a waiting process is performed (step 527), and if not, the usage status of the copying machine main body 1 is If it is determined that the reservation is not in use (step 524), the reservation status is checked (step 5).
25).

If it is determined that there are still reservations, a usage permission signal is set (see FIG. 8), the designated telephone 3 is determined from the stored code, and the designated telephone 3 is sent there (step 826). As a result, arrival waiting processing is performed to wait for the arrival of the person who has made the reservation and has learned that the service has become available (step 527).

Next, the flow of reservation reception processing will be explained with reference to FIG.

When a reservation request is received, a code certifying the reservation is received (step 530). The received codes are sequentially stored in the reservation memory (RAMI 53) (step 531), and the usage status of the copier main body 1 is determined (
Step 532). If the copying machine main unit 1 is not in use, the in-use signal is reset and transmitted (step 533), and when the reservation user arrives in order to prevent others from using the copying machine main unit 1 until the reservation user arrives. Set to standby mode (
Step 534) L. Prohibit use of copying machine.

This means, for example, that the copying machine body 1 is the copying machine's print key 7.
6 cannot be pressed to prevent others from using it. Then, perform the process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive (
step 535).

The content of the processing flow while waiting for the reservation person to arrive will be explained with reference to FIG.

In order to distinguish between those who have made a reservation and those who have not made a reservation in the copying machine main body 1, which is now in a state where it cannot be used by anyone other than the person making the reservation, the user is prompted to enter a PIN code from the operating section 40 of the copying machine main body 1 (step 540). It is determined whether the code is the same as the stored code (Step 541), and if it is the same, it is determined that the person is the person who made the reservation, and if it is not the same, it is determined that the person is not the person who made the reservation, and the use of the copier main body 1 is not allowed, and the person who made the reservation arrives. (See Figure 12).

In addition, it is determined whether 5 minutes have elapsed since the copying machine main body 1 became available for use and the reservation person was notified of this via the telephone 3 until the same PIN code was entered (step 34).
4) If 5 minutes have not passed yet, add 1 to the counter (automatic reservation cancellation counter) for making this determination (
step 545). Further, if 5 minutes have elapsed, the PIN code is deleted (step 346), the reservation mode is reset (step 342), and the copying machine main body 1 is made ready for use (step 543).

When it is confirmed that the person making the reservation has arrived, the mode for waiting for the person making the reservation is reset (step 542), and the copying machine main body 1 is made ready for use (step 543).

C Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the reservation is automatically canceled if the reserved image forming apparatus is not used for a certain period of time after it becomes available for use. Therefore, even if the person making the reservation forgets that they have reserved the image forming device, the image forming device becomes available for use after a certain period of time, so anyone can use it, improving usability. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional copying machine, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an operation section, and Fig. 4 shows the contents of a display panel. 5 is a control diagram of the copying machine, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the telephone according to the embodiment, FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the controller of the telephone, and FIG. 8 is the terminal equipment and the main body of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the communication format between the telephone and the copying machine itself. FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are the control of the present invention It is a flow diagram showing the contents. 2... Communication line (signal transmission/reception means), 3a... Message display section (notification means), 31... Confirmation key (operation input means), 110... Main control section (control means, calculation means) , 111... Storage section (storage means). Figure Figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] Operation between an image forming apparatus having a signal transmitting/receiving means, a control means for the signal transmitting/receiving means, and a storage means, and an external terminal device having a signal transmitting/receiving means, an operation input means, a control means for these means, and a means for notifying an operator. In a network system of image forming apparatuses capable of transmitting and receiving information to each other, the control means of the image forming apparatus receives operation information for reserving use of the image forming apparatus from the external terminal device and stores it in the storage means. , the image forming apparatus is characterized in that, after the image forming apparatus is reserved, if the image forming apparatus is not used for a certain period of time after the image forming apparatus becomes available for use, control is performed to cancel the memory of the operation information for reserving the use. network method.