JPH04318867A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a copying device which can automatically transmit the data of the function and using state, etc., of the copying device to an external device installed on a control charge section, etc., when transmission starting conditions previously stored in the copying device are obtained, and moreover, change the storage of transmission starting conditions. CONSTITUTION:The copying device has a copying control means 800 controlling a copying action, a communication control means 900 executing exchange with the external device via a communicating line 908, a transmission conditions storage means 803 storing the transmission starting conditions for transmitting the data to the external device, and transfer means 805 and 907 performing a data transfer between the communication control means 900, and the transmission conditions storage means 803, and when the transmission starting conditions stored in the transmission conditions storage means 803 are obtained, the data to be transmitted is transmitted from the communication control means 900 to the external device.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine having a function of communicating with an external device via a communication line.

0002

[Background Art] There is a strong desire to add various functions to copying machines and make them more sophisticated.The structures and functions of copying machines are becoming more and more complex, and the number of copying machines installed within a single company is also increasing. In addition, for proper and prompt maintenance, troubleshooting, etc., normal usage conditions and functional data of copying machines are collected and centrally managed by management departments within companies or specialized companies.

[0003] Therefore, the copying machine is equipped with a communication control means,
If the copying machine is configured to be able to communicate with a specific external device via a communication line, and the transmission start conditions set in advance are met, data on the copying machine's functions, usage status, etc. will be stored in a management department, etc. It is conceivable that a copying machine be added with a configuration so that the information is automatically sent to an external device.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, if the copying machine does not have means for setting and changing transmission start conditions, it is difficult to deal with the situation when the operator wants to change the transmission start conditions. Moreover, even when it becomes necessary to change the transmission start conditions on the external device that is centrally managed, a service person has to go to the location where the copying device is installed and reset the settings, resulting in a delay in response. Ta.

[0005] This invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and involves storing transmission start conditions in advance in the copying machine, and when the transmission start conditions are met, the functions of the copying machine are activated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus that automatically transmits data such as usage status to an external device installed in a management office, etc., and can change the storage of transmission start conditions.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Therefore, a copying apparatus according to the present invention includes a copying control means for controlling copying operations;
A communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via a communication line, a transmission condition storage means for storing transmission start conditions for transmitting data to the external device, and data transfer between the communication control means and the transmission condition storage means. and a transfer means for performing the above, and when the transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means is met, the data to be transmitted is transmitted to the external device under the control of the communication control means. It aims to achieve the objectives of

[0007]

[Operation] With the above configuration, the copying apparatus performs copying operations under the control of the copying control means, and the communication control means connects a communication line to an external device installed in a management office, etc., and performs data exchange, etc. Can send and receive data.

The transmission condition storage means stores transmission start conditions for transmitting data to an external device, and when the stored transmission start conditions are met, the data to be transmitted is transmitted from the copy control means to the communication control means. and send it to an external device.

The transfer means transfers the data received by the communication control means to the transmission condition storage means, thereby making it possible to rewrite the transmission start conditions.

0010

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 800 a control means for controlling the copying operation, and 900 a communication control means (modem board) for transmitting and receiving data with an external communication line.
, 908 is a public line which is an external communication line, 99
Reference numeral 9 denotes a post computer system which is an external device placed in a management office or the like for managing the copying apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a communication control device (modem board) 9
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of 00. 901 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for controlling communication, and 903 is a memory (R) for temporarily storing communication data.
AM), 905 transfers digital communication data to public line 908.
906 is a network control unit (NCU).

The copying operation, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 of the copying apparatus 100 are performed under the control of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 having the above configuration.

Next, the control devices 800 and 900 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control devices 800 and 900 of this embodiment, in which 800 is a control device constituting the above-mentioned copying control means that controls the copying operation of the copying apparatus main body 100, and 900 is an external communication line. This is a communication line control device constituting the above-mentioned communication control means that controls communication with.

Reference numeral 801 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the entire copying apparatus, and 802 is a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) that stores control procedures (control programs) for the copying apparatus main body 100. and C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.

[0016] The CPU 801 also has a function of determining the state of the copying machine, and also has a condition detection function of detecting when the copying machine has reached the expected state/condition for transmitting data to an external device. .

Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, etc.
It also constitutes storage means for storing telephone numbers and the like necessary to start communication with 99.

Reference numeral 804 denotes an input/output unit that outputs control signals from the CPU 801 for loads such as the main motor 113 and inputs signals from sensors of the fixing device and sends them to the CPU 801.

A communication line control device 900 that controls communication with an external communication line 908 controls communication using a CPU 901 . 902 is a storage device (ROM) that stores communication control, connection procedure programs, and the like. The control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 constitutes a transfer means.
They are connected by S-232C interfaces 805 and 907, and this RS-232C interface 9
When data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body 100 through the communication control device 07, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903 provided in the communication control device 900, and the data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body. C after the end
Network control unit (
It controls a unit 906 (hereinafter referred to as NCU), connects a communication line with an external device, and after connecting the line, transfers data to the outside through modem 905 and NCU unit 906.

Note that the RAM 803 also constitutes a transmission condition storage means for storing transmission start conditions for transmitting data to the external device 999.

Furthermore, when data is transferred from outside, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903, and the RS-2
Data is transferred to the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the 32C interfaces 805 and 907.

[0022] The data here refers to the data stored inside the copying machine, and the data transfer request may include a copy control error, a paper jam, or a regular reporting time on the copying machine side. Sometimes early requests occur, and sometimes early requests occur when data is collected on the external management side.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the copying apparatus, and the structure and operation will be explained with reference to this figure. Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 200 a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) that automatically feeds originals, 300 a sorter or sorter, and 400 an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). , RDF20 above
0, Sorter 300 and CFF 400 are copying machine main body 1
It can be used in any combination with 00.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be explained below. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table glass serving as a document placing table. Further, 102 is an optical system as a document reading means, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 10
3, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, etc., the document is scanned by the motor 104, illuminated by an exposure lamp 103, and the reflected light from the document is directed to a photoreceptor drum 105 by the scanning mirror and lens. irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, there are a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing device 109, a transfer charger 110, a separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112. These photoreceptor drums 105 and the like constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is connected to the main motor 113
The optical system 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
When reflected light from the document is irradiated from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is separated by the registration rollers 120 between the leading edge of the toner image and the transfer paper. After timing is taken so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the toner image, the toner image is fed to the photoreceptor drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transcription,
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by a separation charger 111, guided to a fixing device 122 by a conveyor belt 121, where the toner image is fixed by pressure and heating, and then discharged from the main body 100 by a discharge roller 123. be done. Further, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 105 is cleaned by a cleaning device 112.

The copying apparatus main body 100 has, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing sheets of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 is raised according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 126.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or multi-recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side. Also, 128
is a lower conveyance path, in which the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is turned over via a reversing path 129 and guided to the paper re-feeding tray 130.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording, and by tilting this to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the lower conveyance path 128 without passing through the reversing path 129. A paper feed roller 132 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through a path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiple overlapping copying), the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upwards, and the copied transfer paper is turned over and re-transferred via the reversing path 129 and the lower conveyance path 128. The paper is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. During the next back-side recording or multiple recording, the transfer sheets stored in the re-feed tray 130 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the feed roller 132.

When reversing and discharging the transfer paper from the copying apparatus main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is pushed down to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 129 side, and the transfer paper is transferred. After the trailing edge of the paper passes the first feed roller 140, it is transferred to the second feed roller 142 by the reversing roller 142.
It is conveyed to the feed roller side of the
Turn the transfer paper over and eject it out of the machine.

Next, the operation panel will be explained. Figure 5
2 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100. FIG.

601 is an asterisk (*) key,
The operator (user) uses this when in the setting mode, such as setting the binding margin or the size of document frame eraser. 62
Reference numeral 7 indicates a cursor key, which is used to select setting items in the setting mode. 628 is an OK key, which is used to confirm the settings in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 is an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. The auto-reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 605 is a copy start key, which is pressed to start copying. A clear/stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stopper key during copy recording. This clear/stop key 604 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Numeric keys 603 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register frequently used modes. Here, recording can be performed in four modes, M1 to M4.

Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is AE
This key is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual.

A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-manual feeder 150. Also, when a manuscript is placed on RDF300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected using this copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette of the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 is a same size key, which is pressed when making a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 616 denotes an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified transfer paper size.

A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
You can create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the transfer paper. 624 is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original. 623 is a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which the user presses when erasing the frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set using the asterisk key 601. 62
1 is a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original according to the copy paper size.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used to create a front cover and a back cover, and to insert interleaf sheets. Reference numeral 630 is a page continuous copying key, which is used to successively copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 is a paper discharge method selection key for selecting the paper discharge method for staple sort, sort, and group, and when the staple sorter 300 is connected, it selects the staple sort mode, sort mode, and group mode for recording paper. You can make a selection or cancel the selection mode.

[0045] 631 is a reservation key, and the reservation tray 21
It is used when starting the copy mode setting for the reserved original placed on the 0, and when canceling the reservation setting. 632 is a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode. 633 is a guide key, and the message display 7 provides explanations of the functions corresponding to the various keys.
Used when displaying 01.

Reference numeral 701 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information regarding copying and communication, and displays characters and figures in 96×129 dots. For example, the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 603, the fixed magnification keys 608, 609, the same magnification key 610, and the zoom key 61.
Copy magnification set in 7,618, copy paper selection key 6
A message indicating the paper size selected in step 07, the status of the copying machine main body 100, a guide message indicating the operating procedure,
Displays other various mode settings.

704 is an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 is a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state.

When using the RDF200 in the standard mode, the settings are 1 copy, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, same size, and 1-sided copying from a 1-sided original. RDF2
In the standard mode when 00 is not used, the number of copies is 1, density manual mode, same size, and single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The difference between using and not using RDF200 is R
This depends on whether or not an original is set in the DF200.

Next, a description will be given of control, which is a feature of the present invention, for automatically transmitting data to an external device installed in a management office or the like when a predetermined situation or condition occurs in the copying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for changing the transmission start conditions for automatically transmitting copying device data to an external device provided in a management office or the like in the first embodiment.

In step S61, if the transfer start conditions are to be changed, such as an abnormality in the copying machine, the occurrence of a paper jam, the setting of whether or not to transfer data in a periodic report, and the setting of the periodic report date and time, the process advances to step S62, and the service engineer The aforementioned setting mode is selected on the operation panel 600 of the copying machine. In this embodiment, the data transfer mode setting mode is entered by inputting keys in the order of *9*. Then, the process proceeds to step S63, and in the above mode, whether or not to execute data transfer when an abnormality occurs, a paper jam occurs, or a regular report is specified, and the date and time, day of the week, etc., for executing the regular report are specified.

[0052] Through the above operation, the transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means RAM 803 is changed and stored by data input from the CPU 801, and from now on, when the changed and stored condition is met, the transmission start condition is changed and stored to the external device. automatically send data.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a second embodiment in which transmission start conditions are changed by receiving data from an external device. When changing the transfer start conditions from an external device such as abnormality, occurrence of paper jam, change setting of whether to transfer data in periodic report, setting of periodic report date and time, etc., proceed to step S7.
In Step 1, the copying apparatus receives data transmission start condition change setting data to be changed from an external device such as a management base, and then proceeds to Step S7.
2, the received data is transferred to the copy control means 800 by the transfer means IF907, 805. In step S73, the transferred data is stored in the transmission condition storage means RAM 803.
Change the memory of the transmission start condition stored in .

With the above control, the conditions for starting data transmission from the copying apparatus can be changed by remote control from an external device.

FIG. 8 is an operational flowchart of the third embodiment in which the transmission start conditions are changed depending on the state of the copying machine. When it is determined in step S81 that it is necessary to closely monitor the copying device at a management base using the judgment function of the CPU 801, which determines the state of the copying device such as frequent paper jams, occurrence of abnormalities, or lack of toner during copying operations. Step S82
Then, the CPU 801 sends a signal to the ROM 803 to change and store the transmission start conditions so that data transmission can be performed more frequently, such as changing periodic reports from once a month to once a week. The data transmission conditions are stored as follows when the copying apparatus is in a normal state and when it is determined that there is a possibility of an abnormality.

[0056] Normally, when an abnormality occurs, and paper jams occur 10 times while copying 100 sheets.・When there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring on the 25th of every month ・When an abnormality occurs ・Paper jam occurs twice while copying 50 sheets. - Two types of data transmission conditions are stored every Friday, and switching between these two types of conditions is performed based on the judgment result of the CPU 801 of the copying machine described above.

By the above operation, data transmission can be started in accordance with the state of the copying apparatus.

[0058]

As explained above, according to the present invention, the copying apparatus performs copying operations under the control of the copying control means, and the communication control means communicates with external devices installed in an administrative office or the like. By connecting a communication line, data can be sent and received.

The transmission condition storage means stores transmission start conditions for transmitting data to an external device, and when the stored transmission start conditions are met, the data to be transmitted from the copy control means is transmitted to the communication control means. and automatically send it to an external device.

The transfer means transfers the data received by the communication control means to the transmission condition storage means, thereby making it possible to rewrite the transmission start conditions.

As described above, the transmission start conditions for data transmission from the copying machine to an external device can be changed according to the state of the copying machine, and the management department etc. can Through the above transmission, the usage status of the copying machine, the functional status of the copying machine, the occurrence of an abnormality, etc. can be collected efficiently and accurately at the necessary time, and the management and response of the copying machine can be executed quickly and appropriately.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication means.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the copying device.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for changing transmission start conditions in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Copying apparatus main body 800 Copying apparatus main body control device (copying control means) 9
00 Communication control device (communication control means) 801 Central processing unit (CPU) 901 Central processing unit (
CPU) 802, 902 Read-only memory (ROM)
) 803 Transmission condition storage means (random access memory RAM) 805, 907 Interface (transfer means) 90
3 Random access memory (RAM) 906 Network control unit (NCU) 908
Communication line 999 external device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A copying control means for controlling a copying operation, a communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via a communication line, and a transmission condition storage means for storing transmission start conditions for transmitting data to the external device. , comprising a transfer means for transferring data between the communication control means and the transmission condition storage means,
A copying apparatus characterized in that when a transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means is met, data to be transmitted is transmitted to an external device under the control of a communication control means. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means can be changed by input means provided in the copy control means. 3. When the communication control means receives data for changing the transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means from an external device, the transmission start condition is transferred by the transfer means to the transmission condition storage means and the data for changing the transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means is transmitted. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conditions are rewritten. 4. The copying control means has a determination function for detecting and determining an abnormal state of the copying apparatus, and when it is determined that the state of the copying apparatus is abnormal, changes the transmission start condition stored in the transmission condition storage means. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: