JPH0430177A - Network system between image forming device and external device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the efficiency of business processing by outputting data from an image forming device to a display device and displaying the state of the image forming device. CONSTITUTION:When a reservation key 610 is depressed, the CPU 706 of an external device 202 communicates with a copying machine 201 to process a series of use reservation requirement. In the case that the copying machine 201 is in use or it is reserved when use reservation is required from the device 202, a use permission signal is received after the processing is all finished, and the display that the copying machine 201 is in a use capable state is performed on a display part 711 by the CPU 706. Thus, the efficiency of business processing is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an external device capable of making a reservation to secure the use of the image forming apparatus by inputting a reservation signal from an external device. The present invention relates to a network system, and more particularly to a network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device that can notify a person who intends to use the image forming apparatus via an external device if the image forming apparatus cannot operate normally.

[Conventional technology]

A person who wants to use an image forming device must go to the place where the device is installed and operate it, but if there are many people who want to use the device at the same time, it is necessary to go to the place where the device is installed and operate it. You must wait until the person who is currently in charge completes the operation. Waiting in the same place will waste time if the waiting time becomes long, and if you leave the place and wait, you will not know that the previous user's operation has finished. , another user may end up using it first, which impedes speedy administrative processing.

In order to solve such problems, network systems have been known in which the use of an image forming apparatus can be reserved using an external device.

This system includes a storage device for storing a reservation signal output from an external device in an image forming apparatus, and an input key for inputting a reservation signal in the external device.
, means for transmitting a reservation signal input from the input key to the image forming apparatus, and a display device for displaying a usage permission signal output from the image forming apparatus.

According to this system, a person who wishes to use an image forming apparatus first inputs a reservation signal using an input key of an external device, and the reservation signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

When the image forming apparatus receives this signal, if the apparatus is not in use and no other reservation signal has been input, it immediately returns the use permission signal to the external device, and the external device receives the input use permission signal. Display on a display device.

On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus is in use or another reservation signal has already been input, the reservation signal received from the external device is temporarily stored in the storage device and the image forming apparatus is not already in use. After the use of the person who is present and the person who made a reservation for use is completed, a use permission signal is returned to the external device that input the reservation signal.

This operation allows a person who wants to use an image forming device to immediately know whether or not the device can be used without having to go to the place where the device is installed. This makes it possible to go to the location where it is installed, eliminating wasted time and speeding up paperwork.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional system as described above, a person who wishes to use an image forming apparatus makes a reservation without knowing the operating state of the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus becomes unusable, for example, when consumables (such as toner) need to be replenished, when a problem such as a paper jam occurs in the apparatus, or when a failure occurs in the apparatus.

If it takes time to restore the image forming device to a usable state, the person who has made a reservation for not using the image forming device,
There is a problem in that the user must continue waiting for a usage permission signal to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus for a long time without recognizing the above-mentioned state of the image forming apparatus.

Due to these problems, the person who made the reservation may become mentally irritated, which may reduce the efficiency of administrative processing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. When an image forming apparatus is not operating normally, the present invention notifies the person who intends to use the image forming apparatus of the status via an external device and allows the user to continue the reservation. The purpose is to eliminate the mental irritation of the reservation person and improve the efficiency of business processing by allowing the reservation person to choose whether to use other devices or other means.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a network of an image forming apparatus and an external device, which has a function of making a reservation to ensure the use of the image forming apparatus by inputting a reservation request signal from the external device. In the system, the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving a reservation request signal and a confirmation signal requesting confirmation of an operating state from the external device; a detection means for detecting the reservation request signal; a storage means for storing the reservation request signal; a transmission means for transmitting the use permission signal of the image forming apparatus and the operating state information detected by the detection means; and control means for controlling each of the storage means, detection means, and transmission means according to a signal, and the external device has an input means for inputting the reservation request signal, and transmits the reservation request signal and the status confirmation signal. a transmitting means for transmitting, and a receiving means for receiving a use permission signal and operating state information transmitted from the transmitting means of the image forming apparatus;
a display means for displaying the content received by the receiving means; and a control means for controlling the display means and the transmitting means of the external device based on the signal received by the receiving means of the external device and the signal input from the input means. The present invention provides a network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device.

[For production]

In such a network system between an image forming apparatus and an external device, a status confirmation signal is sent to the image forming apparatus by input key operation and control means of the external apparatus. The control means confirms whether the mechanism for forming an image operates normally, and transmits the data to an external device.

The control means of the external device outputs the data received from the image forming device to the display device to display the status of the image forming device. This allows a person who wishes to use the image forming apparatus to decide whether to continue with the reservation or cancel the reservation and use another apparatus.

To continue the reservation, input a message to continue the reservation using the input key, and the control means transmits a reservation request signal to the image forming apparatus. The information is stored in the storage device, and when the image forming apparatus becomes usable, a signal indicating that the image forming apparatus can be used again is sent to the external device.

When the external device receives this, it displays it on the display device to inform the reservation person that the image forming device is now available for use.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings in the following order: (1) configuration of the network system, (2) signal transmission/reception method, and (2) operation of the network system.

■Configuration of Network System FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to the present invention. An image forming apparatus 101 includes a sensor 103 that detects its operating state, and a recording device 104 that stores reservation request signals. , a use permission signal, and the sensor 10
a transmitting means 105 capable of transmitting data on the operating state detected by the controller 3; and a receiving means 105 capable of receiving a reservation request signal and a status confirmation signal requesting confirmation of the operating state.
06, and a control means 1 for controlling each part of the image forming apparatus 101 including the sensor 103, the recording device 104, and the transmitting means 105 according to the signal received by the receiving means 106.
07, and the plurality of external devices 102 are:
an input key 108 into which a reservation request signal can be input; a transmitter 111 which can transmit the reservation signal and a status confirmation signal; and a usage permission signal and operating status transmitted from the transmitter 105 of the image forming apparatus 101. a receiving means 110 capable of receiving data of
Each part of the external device 102 including the display device 109 capable of displaying the content received by the external device 102 and the transmitting device 111 of the external bag W 102 based on the signal received by the receiving device 110 of the external device 102. and a control means 112 for controlling.

Next, the configuration of this embodiment will be explained in more detail using FIGS. 2 to 8.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the connection state of the network system.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is a copying machine 201, and the external device is a telephone with a terminal function for the copying machine, including a plurality of telephones 202a and 202b.

202c, 202d, and 202e are each connected to the copying machine 201 via a communication line 203.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a copy 4ff 1201 which is an image forming apparatus, and shows a document 30 to be copied.
2, an optical system 380 that optically scans the contents of the document 302 on the contact glass 301, and an image forming system that executes image forming processing based on the image information optically scanned by the optical system 380. 381. A dustproof glass 392 is installed between the optical system 380 and the image forming section 381.

The optical system 380 includes an optical lamp 30 that irradiates light onto the original 302 on the contact glass 301.
8, and the optical lamp 30 reflected by the original 302.
A first mirror 309, a second mirror 310, a third mirror 311, a fourth mirror 313, a fifth mirror 314, a sixth mirror 315 that guide the light from the 8 in a predetermined direction, and a condenser lens 312 installed in the optical path. It is composed of.

The image forming unit 381 also includes a photoreceptor drum 316 that executes image forming processing, a charging charger 317 around the photoreceptor drum 316 that uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 316, and the optical system 380. Eraser 3 that erases the charge in unnecessary parts of the electrostatic latent image formed by exposure processing
93, a developing device 31B (318a is a developing roller that conveys toner to the photosensitive drum 316) that performs developing processing on the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information of the original 302, and A static elimination lamp 3 that removes the electric charge on the photoreceptor drum 316 in order to suppress the occurrence of retransfer.
94 and transfer paper 304 of various sizes for transferring image information.
A paper feed tray 303 that loads the transfer paper 304 on the paper feed tray 303, a calling roller 305, a paper feed roller 306, and a reversing roller 307 that feed the transfer paper 304 of the paper feed tray 303 toward the transfer unit, and a reversing roller 307 that feeds the transfer paper 304 that has been conveyed at a predetermined timing. A registration roller 391 that sends out to the transfer section, a transfer charger 319 that transfers the image information on the photoreceptor drum 316 visualized by the developing device 318 to the transferred transfer paper 304, and After the transfer process is completed, a separation charger 395 separates the transfer paper 304 from the photoreceptor drum 316; a conveyor belt 396 transports the transfer paper 304 separated from the photoreceptor drum 316 by the separation charger 395 in the ejection direction; A fixing device 397 (322 is a fixing roller, 323 is a pressure roller) fixes the image on the transfer paper 304 conveyed by the conveyance belt 396, and after the fixing process is completed by the fixing device 397, the transfer paper 304 is fixed. A paper discharge roller 325 that discharges paper to a discharge tray 390, a switching claw 324 that switches the conveyance path of the transfer paper 304, a contact/separation roller 399 for double-sided copying processing of the transfer paper 304, a reversing guide 398, and a gate claw 32.
6. Intermediate tray 327, leading edge shifting roller 328, double-sided calling roller 329, double-sided paper feeding roller 330, double-sided reversing roller 331
, a transfer paper stopper 389, a charger 320 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 316 after the transfer process in preparation for the next copy process, and a cleaning device 321.

In the above configuration, the operation will be explained. When the start key 403 (see FIG. 4) is turned on, the paper feed CL is turned on.
Press N to feed the transfer paper 304 to the calling roller 305. The transfer paper 304 is prevented from penetrating by the paper feed roller 306 and the reversing roller 307, and is conveyed to the registration roller 391.
The original 302 on the contact glass 301 is transferred to the optical system 380.
The original 30 is optically scanned by the optical lamp 30B at
The light that has been irradiated onto 2 and reflected is reflected by the first mirror 3.
09, second mirror 31o2 third mirror 311, condensing lens 312, fourth mirror 313, fifth mirror 314, sixth
The electrostatic latent image reaches the photoreceptor drum 316 via the mirror 315 and the dust-proof glass 392, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the photoreceptor drum 316, which has been charged in advance by the charger 317. Furthermore, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 316 is irradiated with light by an eraser 393 to erase the charge on unnecessary parts (front end, left and right ends, rear end),
This prevents toner from adhering to areas that will not be transferred.

When the timing of the development process comes, the development motor 510 (see FIG. 5) is driven, and the development roller 318a in the development device 318 rotates, and the toner is applied to the photoreceptor drum 316.
The upper electrostatic latent image is visualized.

The developed image is transferred by the registration roller 391 to the transfer paper 304 starting at a predetermined timing in the transfer unit, but as a preliminary step, the adhesion force (charge) between the photoreceptor drum 316 and the toner is reduced. In order to suppress the occurrence of retransfer during separation, a static elimination process is performed by a static elimination lamp 394.

Transfer paper 3 conveyed from the registration roller 391
04 is in close contact with the photoreceptor drum 316, and 3 during transfer charging.
19, the toner on the photoreceptor drum 316 is transferred to the transfer paper 30.
Transferred to 4. Thereafter, the transfer paper 304 is separated from the photosensitive drum 316 by a separation charger 395, and the separated transfer paper 304 is transported to a fixing device 397 by a transport belt 396 of a transport unit. After the separation process of the transfer paper 304 has been completed, the photoreceptor drum 316 has its residual charge removed by the charge removal charge 320, and is transferred to the cleaning device 3.
21, the residual toner is removed and the printer enters a standby state until the next copying process.

On the other hand, the transfer paper 304 that has completed the transfer process is transferred to the conveyor belt 3
96 to the fixing device 397, and the fixing device 39
7, the transfer paper 304 is pressed by a fixing roller 322 and a pressure roller 323 in order to fuse the image onto the transfer paper 304 by applying constant temperature and pressure. The fixing roller 322 heats the fixing roller 322 .

The transfer paper 304 discharged from the fixing device 397 is sent to the discharge roller 325 by the switching claw 324 and discharged to the discharge tray 390, except when double-sided copying processing is executed.

In addition, when performing double-sided copy processing, the transfer paper 304 is
The transfer paper 304 is sent to the reversing guide 398 by the switching claw 324 and brought into contact with the contact/separation roller 399, whereby the transfer paper 304 is reversed and sent toward the double-sided conveyance section.

The transfer paper 304 sent from the reversing section is passed through the gate claw 326
is discharged to the intermediate tray 327.

The four gate claws 326 are arranged depending on the size of the transfer paper 304.
The part that fits that size operates.

The transfer paper 304 that has fallen onto the intermediate tray 327 is fed to the leading edge shifting roller 32B, and is also fed to the transfer paper stopper 389 by the leading edge shifting roller 328 and stocked.

The paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray 327 using the leading edge roller 32.
8 from the transfer paper 304 and press the transfer paper stopper 389.
is released, the double-sided calling roller 329 rotates, and the transfer paper 304
is sent to the double-sided paper feed roller 330, and the double-sided paper feed roller 330
The double-sided reversing roller 331 prevents double feeding, and the sheet is again sent to the registration rollers 391, and the series of copying processes described above are performed on the back side of the transfer sheet 304.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation unit 401 for operating the copying machine 201 described above. A display section 405 that displays the setting status of the machine and a guidance display section 4 that displays characters for executing operations and warnings to the operator.
02 etc. are arranged.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control system of the copying machine 201 in this embodiment, and the copying machine 201 includes a lens motor 502, a scanner motor 503, an APS sensor 504,
．． 505 and other parts of the optical system 380, a main motor 509, a developing motor 510, a transport motor 511, a paper feed motor 512, and an exposure lamp 507.
, an AC control unit 506 that controls each part of the fixing heater 508, and an operation control unit 51 that controls various key switches 520, display LCD-LED 5215, pressure plate detection switch 522, etc. in the operation unit 401 shown in FIG.
Each of the control sections 501, 506, and 513 is connected to a main control section 514, and input/output of various signals is executed.

For example, when an operation is performed on the operation section 401, the main control section 514 receives the input data via the operation control section 513, and controls the optical control section 501 or AC.
It is configured to output control signals to each section via the control section 506 to execute corresponding control, and to output necessary display data via the operation control section 513.

In addition, a storage unit 517 that stores various data is connected to the main control unit 514, and a motor and a solenoid 515 as loads of the main body, and a sensor 51 that detects the status of each part.
6 etc. is connected.

The means for transmitting and receiving signals to the telephone, which is the external device 202, includes a converting means (8251) 518 that converts a parallel signal to a serial signal when a signal is output, and converts a serial signal to a parallel signal when a signal is input; TT
An R3232C interface 519 that performs mutual conversion between an L level signal and an R3232C level signal is connected, and transmission and reception are controlled by a main control unit 514.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the appearance of a telephone 202 that is used as an external device and has a terminal function of the copying machine 201.

This telephone 202 includes a handset 601 for sending and receiving calls, and an operation surface 602 having an input key and a display device.
The operation surface 602 includes a numeric keypad 603 for inputting telephone numbers and numerical values, a hook key 604 for telephone functions, a redial key 605, a speaker key 606, a hold key 607, and eight keys. One touch key 6
08, and for the terminal of the copying machine 201, there is a confirmation key 609 for knowing the usage status of the copying machine 201, a reservation key f310 for making a reservation for use of the copying machine, and a reservation key f310 for canceling the reservation. release key 611 and the copying machine 2
It has response keys 612 and 613 for responding with YES or NO to the signal sent from 01.

In addition, as a display device, there is an LCD display 614 that displays the dialed telephone number when used as a telephone, and displays operational guidance and status information when used as a terminal for the copying machine 201, and an LCD display 614 that displays the dialed telephone number when used as a telephone. LED display 615 that lights up or flashes when
It is equipped with Additionally, a bell is built-in as a device to notify the reception of a telephone call etc. by voice.

FIG. 7 shows a telephone 20 having the terminal function of a copying machine 201.
20 is a block diagram showing the No. 20 control system. FIG.

It has a key input unit 709 as a means for inputting signals, and
It is connected to 06. This key input section 709 has a sixth
Numeric keypad 603, reservation key 610, confirmation key 6 shown in the figure
09 etc. are applicable.

In addition, the I10 interface 708 is a driver 710
A display section 711 is connected via the display section 711, which corresponds to an LCD display 614 and an LED display 615 shown in FIG.

In order to function as the telephone 202, the telephone line 7
01 is connected to the exchange 720, and the telephone 202
connected to a transmitter 717 and a receiver 718 within the
Voice input/output is possible, and the dial signal for making a call is a telephone number inputted using the numeric keypad 603 shown in FIG. hand,
It is designed to be output to a telephone line 701. The presence or absence of a bell signal for a call from the telephone line 701 is detected by a bell detection circuit 705, and its information signal is input to the CPU 706. CPU706
When it detects a bell signal, it outputs a signal to the oscillator 707 to ring the bell. Also, this oscillator 707 can be sounded independently of the detection of the bell signal, and the signal output to the oscillator 707 can be changed (for example, the frequency of the signal can be changed).
This allows you to change the sound. The hook SW712 is the footer key 604 shown in FIG.
The ON signal is input to the CPU 706 via the I10 interface 708, and the CPU
The ON10FF of the line is controlled by the hook signal 721 output from U706. Further, a storage unit (RAM) 713 for storing data is connected to the CPU 706, and stores telephone numbers sent by one-touch dialing and various data for transmission and reception.

Data communication can be performed by outputting it to the telephone screen KlA 701 via the modem 704 or by using the R3232C interface 722. Data can be sent to and received from the copier 201 using parallel signals and serial signals. a conversion means (8251) 714 that performs mutual conversion between TTL level signals and R3232C level signals; and an R3232C interface 715 that performs mutual conversion between TTL level signals and R3232C level signals.
via a communication line 203 (see FIG. 2) that is separate from the telephone line. At this time, the CPU 706 controls the transmission to the copying machine 201 based on the signal input from the key input unit 709 and the output to the display unit 711 based on the signal received from the copying machine 201.

■How to send and receive signals Next, the above copy 81201 and the telephone with terminal function 20
The method of transmitting and receiving signals in the second network system will be explained.

FIG. 8 illustrates a communication method between a copying machine 201 and a telephone 202, which is a terminal. The copying machine 201 transmits a signal to each terminal 202, and when the terminal 202 receives the signal, it sends a signal. shows how to reply. Transmission/reception is performed twice with each terminal 202, and when this is completed, transmission/reception is started with the next terminal 202, and this operation is repeated.

The first transmission from the copying machine 201 is to specify the terminal 202, and transmits the terminal number (801). When each terminal 202 receives the corresponding terminal number, it sends back the terminal number to notify that it has received it (802).
. When the copying machine 201 receives the signal, it enters the second transmission and transmits the data (803). This data is 1
The terminal 202 selected in the second transmission receives the data, and then the terminal 202 transmits the data to the copying machine 201 (804). The data received from the terminal 202 is
The data is stored in the specified memory of the storage unit 517 of the copying machine 201, and the series of transmission and reception with the terminal 202 is now completed. By repeating this sequentially, it becomes possible to transmit and receive data to and from each terminal 202 at regular intervals.

Data transmission and reception is performed according to the formats shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows the format when transmitting data from the copier 201 to each terminal (controller) 202, and FIG. 10 shows the format for each terminal. (controller)
This is the format used when transmitting data from 202 to copying machine 201. In the figure, ADDRESS is used to distinguish it from each byte of data, and when there is no data to send, ADDRESS “0” is used as dummy data.
00”° data is transmitted.

Furthermore, when it is necessary to transmit operation mode data and time data, the transmission is performed according to the format shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b).

(2) Operation of Network System Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained based on a specific communication example using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 to 18.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the telephone 202, which is an external device.

A person who wishes to use the copying machine 201 presses the reservation key 610 on the external device 202. CPU 7 of external device 202
06 determines whether or not the reservation key 610 has been pressed (Step 1201). If it is determined that it has been pressed, it communicates with the copying machine 201 and executes a series of usage reservation request processing (Step 5 1202). . Detailed flowcharts of this use reservation request processing are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

If the copy a 201 is already in use when a usage reservation request is made from the external device 202, or if there is already a reservation for another user, the process currently being executed and the reservation until all ongoing processing is completed.
The use permission signal is not transmitted from the copying machine 201. After all these processes are completed, the usage permission signal will be received. The external device 202 determines whether or not this usage permission signal has been received (7ff) 21203) L. If it is determined that this signal has been received, the CPU 706 indicates on the display unit 711 that the copying machine 201 is ready for use. A message indicating that the information has been received is displayed (step 1204). This allows the operator to know that the copying machine 201 is ready for use.

FIG. 13 shows that after pressing the reservation key 610 of the external device 202,
3 is a flowchart showing a process of checking the status of the copying machine 201 and requesting a reservation for use.

Before requesting a usage reservation, a status confirmation signal is sent to confirm the status of the copying machine 201 (step 1301).
.

Upon receiving the status confirmation signal, the copying machine 201 transmits a signal indicating the status of each part as an abnormality code (see the flowchart in FIG. 17).

This abnormality code is transmitted according to the format shown in Figs. 9 and 10, and no abnormality is "°0°."

Serviceman call (SC) error is "1", toner fill is "2", A3 paper end is "3°", A4 paper end is "4", paper jam is "5°", and so on. It is set in the device 202.

The external device 202 determines whether or not the abnormality code has been received (step 1302). If it is determined that the abnormality code has been received, the external device 202 performs the following processing.

After determining that an abnormality code has been received, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality based on the abnormality code (step 1303)L;
If it is determined that the device is operating normally and there is no abnormality, the reservation request process (step 1316) is directly executed. Details of this reservation request processing are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14. If an abnormality is confirmed in step 1303, the content of the abnormality is determined from the above abnormality code. Firstly, SC
Determining whether or not there is an abnormality (step 1304) If it is determined that the L or SC is abnormal, the rscS is displayed on the display section 711.
C Do you want to make an abnormal contract? After displaying Yes -1, No-0J, judge whether there is a key input from the key input section 709 (step 1314) L. If it is determined that there has been a key input, then input Based on the received signal, it is determined whether or not to continue the reservation (step 1315). If it is determined that the reservation is to be continued, the reservation request process is executed (Step 9, Step 13).
16). On the other hand, if it is determined not to continue the reservation, the series of operations ends.

In step 1304, if it is determined that there is no SC abnormality, then it is determined whether or not the toner has run out (step 1305). F. Do you want to make a reservation? Yes -1, No-0J is displayed.The subsequent operation is the same as in the case of SC abnormality.

In step 1305, if it is determined that the toner is not exhausted, then it is determined whether there is a need to replenish A3 paper (step 306); if it is determined that there is a need to replenish the toner, then ``Do you want to reserve A3 paper end? Yes -1, No-0J'' is displayed on the display section 711.

If it is determined in step 1306 that there is no need to replenish A3 paper, then it is determined whether or not there is a need to replenish A4 paper (step 1307). displays on the display section 711 r A4<-tent, do you want to make a reservation? Yes -1, No-0J.

If it is determined in step 1307 that there is no need to replenish A4 paper, it is then determined whether or not a jam has occurred (step 130B); if it is determined that a jam has occurred, [Paper jam, do you want to make a reservation? Yes -1, No-0' is displayed on the display section 711.

As shown in the above operation, the operator can select either to continue the reservation or to interrupt the reservation. If there is a problem with the copying machine 201, the operator can decide whether to continue the reservation or use another copying machine 201. Since the user can know what needs to be done to use the copying machine 201 in the correct state, it becomes possible to use the copying machine 201 efficiently.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process for requesting a usage reservation from the external device 202 to the copying machine 201.

If there is no abnormality in the copying machine 201, or if there is an abnormality but the operator inputs an input indicating that the reservation should be continued, a reservation request signal is sent to the copying machine 201 (step 1401). follows the format shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Further, the LCD display 614 displays the message "Please enter your password" (step 1402). Next, it is determined whether or not a PIN code has been input (step 1403), and if it is determined that a PIN code has been input, the PIN code is transmitted to the copying machine 201 (step 1404);
This PIN code is a code that proves the identity of the person making the reservation when used, and is a code that can be recognized by the copying machine 201.

When transmitting the password, a code unique to the external device 202 used is added. This means that the reservation request has been accepted, but if the copying machine 201 cannot be used immediately, a usage permission signal will be sent after the copying machine 201 becomes usable. That is, it is used to identify the external device 202 that sent the reservation request.

When the copying machine 201 receives the password, it registers and transmits a usage permission signal to the external device 202.

Details of the processing in this copying machine 201 are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16.

Next, it is determined whether the external device 202 has received a use permission signal from the copying machine 201 (step 1405). If it is determined that the use permission signal has been received, the signal indicates that the use permission signal is ON. A judgment is made as to whether the use permission signal is OFF (step 1406L use permission signal ON).
If so, the display device 711 indicates that it can be used immediately.
Displayed on C5) 11407) C, use permission signal OF
If it is F, this means that the copying machine 201 is in use or has another reservation, and the display device 711 displays that the reservation has been accepted but cannot be used immediately and is waiting for the turn.
Step 140B).

Next, the operation of the copying machine 201 will be explained.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the copying machine 201.

The copying machine 201 determines whether or not a status confirmation signal has been received from the external device 202 (step 1501). If it is determined that the status confirmation signal has been received, the copying machine 201 determines whether or not the status confirmation signal has been received from the external device 202. Check whether it is operating normally and send a signal indicating the status to external device 2.
02 (step 15)
02), details of the processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

Thereafter, it is determined whether a reservation request signal has been received from the external device 202 (step 1503), and if it is determined that a reservation request signal has been received, a reservation acceptance process is executed (step 1504). Details of the reservation acceptance process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16.

Next, when the reservation is accepted, it is determined whether the copying machine 201 is waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1).
505) L. If it is determined that the reservation is in a waiting state, processing for waiting for the reservation person to arrive (Step 5 1509) is executed. The details of the process while waiting for the reservation person to arrive will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the reservation is not on standby,
Determine whether the copying machine 201 is unused (step 150)
6) If it is determined that the device is not in use, it is then determined whether or not there is a reservation (step 1507), and if it is determined that there is no reservation, a usage permission signal is sent to the external device 202 ( Step 1508), and then a process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1509) is executed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing reservation acceptance processing.

Following the reservation request signal, it is determined whether the PIN code transmitted from the external device 202 has been received (step 1).
601) L. If it is determined that the PIN code has been received, the received PIN code is sequentially registered in the reservation PIN code memory (Step 1602). Next, the usage status of the copying machine 201, that is, whether or not the copying machine 201 is in use is determined (step 1603). If it is determined that the copying machine 201 is not in use, the reservation status, that is, whether or not there is a reservation is determined. (Step 1604). If it is determined in step 1603 that the device is in use, or if it is determined that there is a reservation in step 1604, the use permission signal OFF, which means that the reservation has been accepted but cannot be used immediately, is sent to the external device 202. Sent (S??B1
606). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1603 that it is not in use and that there is no reservation in step 1604, a usage permission signal ON is sent, meaning that the reservation has been accepted and it can be used immediately (Z
'y)11605). This permission signal is transmitted according to the format shown in FIG.

After the use permission signal ON is transmitted, the mode is set to prohibit use by anyone other than the person who received this signal, a flag is set to memorize this (step 1607), and the process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1607) is started. 1608) is executed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the status confirmation process of the copying machine 201.

Copying machine 2 that has received the status confirmation signal from external device 202
01 sequentially determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on information obtained by sensors 516 provided in each part. If there is an abnormality, an abnormality code corresponding to the abnormality is transmitted to the external bag W2O2. That is, it is determined whether or not the SC is abnormal (step 1701). If it is determined that the SC is abnormal, an SC abnormality code is transmitted to the external device 202 (step 1707). In step 1701, if it is determined that there is no SC abnormality, it is determined whether or not the toner has run out (step 1702); if it has been determined that the toner has run out, the toner end code is transmitted to the external device 202 (step 1702). 170 B) If it is determined in step 1702 that the toner is not at the end, A3
Determine whether the paper is at the end (step 1703) L,
If it is determined that it is an A3 paper end, an A3 paper end code is sent to the external device 202 (step 1709), and if it is determined in the above step 1703 that it is not an A3 paper end, it is determined whether or not it is an A4 haveber end. (step 170'4),
If it is determined that the A4 paper end is reached, an A4 paper end code is sent to the external device 202 (step 1710). In step 1704, if it is determined that the A4 paper is not at the end, it is determined whether or not there is a jam (step 1705). If it is determined that there is a jam, the paper jam code is sent to the external device 202 (step 1711). ). If it is determined in step 1705 that there is no jam, a no-error code is sent to the external device 202 (step 1706).
. The error code is, for example, SC error is ° “1” ° Toner end is “2°”, A3 paper end is “3°”
, A4 paper end is set as "°4°°", paper jam is set as "5°", and if there is no abnormality in either, a no-error code "°0°°" is sent to the external device 202. These abnormal codes are transmitted according to the format shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive.

After the use permission signal ON is transmitted from the copying machine 201 to the external device 202, the copying machine 201 is put into a disabled state to prevent anyone else from using it until the person making the reservation arrives at the copying machine 201. (Sumbu 1801)
. This includes, for example, processing such as setting the start key 403 in a state where it cannot be pressed or displaying a message to that effect on the guidance display section 402.

When the person making the reservation arrives, in order to distinguish between the person making the reservation and the person other than the person making the reservation, the person enters the password sent from the external device 202 at the time of the reservation through the operation unit 401 of the copying machine 201. The copying machine 201 determines whether or not the above-mentioned PIN code has been input (step 1802). When determining that the PIN code has been input, the copying machine 201 then determines whether or not it is the same as the registered code (step 1802). 1803). If it is determined that the password codes are not the same, it is determined that the person is not the person who made the reservation, the copying machine 201 is not allowed to be used, and the system waits until the person who made the reservation arrives.

In step 1803, it is determined that the PIN codes are the same, confirming that the person making the reservation has arrived! ! ! j
Then, the flag for the reservation waiting mode is reset (step 1804), and the copying machine 201 is set to a usable state (step 1805).

As mentioned above, when you reserve the use of a copying machine, if the copying machine jams, the system goes down, etc. and it cannot operate normally, or the copying machine runs out of toner, paper runs out, etc., which hinders continued use. In this case, by notifying the operator of this fact via an external device, the operator will be provided with information to decide to stop using the copying machine, and will also be provided with supplies, etc. necessary for normal operation of the copying machine when using the copying machine. By using an external device, judgments can be made from a remote location, making it possible to use the copying machine efficiently and effectively.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device according to the present invention, since the image forming apparatus is configured as described above, when the image forming apparatus is not operating normally, the state can be used via the external device. Inform those who seek it;
By making it possible to choose whether to continue the reservation or to use other means such as using another device, the mental irritation of the reservation person can be eliminated and the efficiency of business processing can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a connection between an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and an external device in the network system, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation section of the copying machine; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the copying machine; FIG. is a plan view showing the appearance of a telephone having a terminal function for a copying machine used as an external device;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the above telephone;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication method between the image forming apparatus and an external device; FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are tables showing the format of communication data between the image forming apparatus and the external device;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the outline of the operation of the external device, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the status display process of the image forming apparatus in the external device, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the usage reservation request process in the external device, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing reservation acceptance processing in the image forming apparatus, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing status confirmation processing in the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing reservation acceptance processing in the image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing while waiting for a person to arrive. Explanation of symbols 101--Image forming device 102--External device 103
...-Sensor 104--Storage device 105--Transmitting means 106 (of the image forming apparatus)...Receiving means 107 (of the image forming apparatus)...Control means 108 (of the image forming apparatus)
...-Input key 109-Display device 110-Reception means 111 (of the external device)--Transmission means 112 (of the external device)--Control means 201 (of the external device)--Copy machine 202-For copying machine Telephone with terminal function 514--Main control section 516--Sensor 517--Storage section 519.715--Interface 609--Confirmation key 610--Reservation key 611--Release key
612, 613--Response key 614--LCD display section 615-LED display section 706--CPU 709--Key input section 1...Display section

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A network system of an image forming apparatus and an external device having a function of making a reservation for securing the use of the image forming apparatus by inputting a reservation request signal from the external device, comprising the steps of: a receiving unit for the forming apparatus to receive a reservation request signal and a status confirmation signal requesting confirmation of an operating status from the external device; a detecting unit for detecting an operating status of the image forming apparatus based on the status confirmation signal; a storage means for storing the reservation request signal; a transmission means for transmitting a use permission signal of the image forming apparatus and the operating state information detected by the detection means; the external device includes: an input means for inputting the reservation request signal; a transmitting means for transmitting the reservation request signal and the status confirmation signal; a receiving means for receiving a usage permission signal and operating state information transmitted from a transmitting means of the image forming apparatus; a display means for displaying the content received by the receiving means; and a display means for displaying the content received by the receiving means of the external device and the A network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device, comprising a control means for controlling the display means and the transmission means of the external device based on a signal input from an input means.