JPH0432856A - Network system between image forming device and external device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the efficiency of the management of business by inputting a specified time for cancelling reservation at the time of reserving the use of an image forming device and automatically cancelling the reservation after the specified time elapses. CONSTITUTION:In a network system between the image forming device 101 and an external device 102, a reservation request signal and a reservation cancel signal are transmitted to the device 101 by the operation of the input key 108 of the device 102 and a control means 112, and the device 101 which receives the signals sets the reservation of use and a cancelling time specified by the reservation cancel signal. After the device 101 informs a person who makes a reservation that a reservation capable state is obtained by outputting a use permissive signal to the device 102, it counts the cancelling time. After the cancelling time elapses, the reservation of use is automatically cancelled. The specified time for cancelling the reservation is inputted when the use of the device 101 is reserved, and the reservation is automatically cancelled after the specified time elapses, so that the efficiency of the management of business 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. More specifically, the operator sets the time from when the image forming device becomes available until the reservation is canceled, and the reserved image forming device is not used even after the set time has elapsed. The present invention relates to a network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device that cancels the reservation when the reservation is not made.

[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 section for displaying a use 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 the display.

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.

In addition, after the person who is already using the image forming device or the person who previously reserved the use of the device is finished, only the person who has entered the reservation signal by entering the PIN code can use it, and the use by a third party is prohibited. Even if an operation signal is inputted for this purpose, the image forming apparatus ignores the operation signal, ensuring that the order of inputting reservation signals is maintained and efficiency of office work is improved.

Through the operations described above, a person who wishes to use an image forming apparatus can immediately know whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used without having to go to the place where the apparatus is installed, and if the apparatus cannot be used immediately, the person who wishes to use the image forming apparatus can wait until it is ready for use. It becomes possible to go to the place where the device is installed. Furthermore, since the image forming apparatus excludes use by anyone other than the person making the reservation, the order of reservations is reliably maintained, wasted time can be eliminated, and business processing can be carried out quickly.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional system as described above, after the person who is already using the image forming apparatus or the person who previously reserved the use of the image forming apparatus has finished using it, only the person who has input the reservation signal by entering the PIN code can use the image forming apparatus. Even if a third party inputs an operation signal for use, the image forming device ignores the operation signal, so the person making the reservation must remove the designated seat (where the external device is installed). Therefore, if you do not notice the input image forming device use permission signal and do not use the reserved image forming device, a third party (
(including the person who made the next reservation) will be continuously excluded from using the system, and this system may actually hinder the efficiency of office work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and when reserving the use of an image forming apparatus, a predetermined time for canceling the reservation is input, and after the time has elapsed, the reservation is automatically canceled. The purpose is to improve administrative processing efficiency in this way.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the trouble of canceling a reservation for an image forming apparatus that has already been reserved.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a function that allows a reservation to be made to ensure the use of an image forming apparatus by inputting a reservation request signal from an external device. In a network system of an image forming apparatus and an external device, the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving a reservation request signal from the external device and a reservation cancellation signal in which a time until reservation cancellation is set; the reservation request signal; a storage means for storing a reservation cancellation signal, a counting means for counting the time set by the reservation cancellation signal, a control means for canceling the reservation after the counting of the time set by the counting means is completed; a transmitting means for transmitting a permission signal for use of the image forming apparatus; an input means for the external device to input the reservation request signal and the reservation cancel signal; and a transmitting means for transmitting the reservation request signal and the reservation cancel signal. a receiving means for receiving a use permission signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the image forming apparatus; a display means for displaying the content received by the receiving means; and a signal received by the receiving means of the external device and the input. The present invention provides a network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device, including a control means for controlling the display means and the transmission means of the external device based on a signal input from the means.

[For production]

In such a network system between an image forming apparatus and an external device, a reservation request signal and a reservation cancellation signal are transmitted to the image forming apparatus by input key operation and control means of the external apparatus. Set the reservation and the cancellation time specified by the reservation cancellation signal. The image forming apparatus outputs a usage permission signal to an external device to notify the reservation person that the reservation is now possible, then counts the cancellation time and automatically cancels the usage reservation after the cancellation time has elapsed.

〔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 the schematic configuration of the network system according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 101 receives a reservation request signal and a reservation cancellation signal in which a time until reservation cancellation is set. a receiving means 106 capable of receiving a reservation request signal;
A storage means 104 for storing a reservation cancellation signal, a counting means 103 for counting the time set by the reservation cancellation signal, a transmission means 105 capable of transmitting a use permission signal, and a reservation received by the reception means 106. The storage means 104 and the transmission means 105 according to the request signal.
and a control means 107 that controls each part of the image forming apparatus 101 including a control means 107 and cancels a reservation after the counting means 103 finishes counting the set time. An input key 108 that can input a reservation cancellation signal, a transmission means 111 that can transmit the reservation request signal and the reservation cancellation signal, and a use permission signal transmitted from the transmission means 105 of the image forming apparatus 101. a receiving means 110 capable of;
an external device 102 including a display device 109 capable of displaying the content received by the receiving device 110; and a transmitting device 1e of the external device 102 based on the signal received by the receiving device 110 of the external device 102; and a control means 112 for controlling each part.

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 devices are a telephone terminal equipped with a terminal function for the copying machine, a plurality of
i Story 81202 a, 202b, 202c, 202d
, 202e are connected to the copying machine 201 through the communication line 203.
is connected to.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the copying machine 201, which is an image forming apparatus. An optical system 380 that performs optical scanning, and an image forming unit 381 that performs image forming processing based on image information optically scanned by the optical system 380.
It is composed of. 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 318 (318a is a developing roller that conveys toner to the photoreceptor tram 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 tram 316 by the separation charger 395 in the discharge direction, and 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 paper feed roller 306 and the reverse roller 307 prevent heavy running and convey the transfer paper 304 to the registration rollers 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 308 at
The light that has been irradiated onto 2 and reflected is reflected by the first mirror 3.
09, second mirror 310, third mirror 311, condensing lens 312, fourth mirror 313, fifth mirror 314, sixth mirror
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 using 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 the transfer charger 3
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 residual charges removed by the static elimination charger 320, and is transferred to the cleaning device 32.
1, the residual toner is removed and the machine 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 transport heald 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 sent to the leading edge shifting roller 328, and is further transported by the leading edge shifting roller 328 to a transfer paper stopper 389 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 copying machine, and a guidance display section 40 that displays characters for executing operations and warnings to the operator.
2nd place is placed.

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 morph 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 that controls various key switches 520, display LCD-LED 521, pressure plate detection switch 522, etc. in the operation unit 401 shown in FIG. 51
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.

Further, a storage unit 517 (517a is a release time counter) that stores various data is connected to the main control unit 514, and a motor and solenoid 515 as loads of the main body, a sensor 516 that detects the status of each part, etc. are connected. ing.

The means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the telephone, which is the external device 202, includes a converting means (8251) 51B 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, and a TTL
An R3232C interface 519 that performs mutual conversion between a level signal and an R5232C 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 202.

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, a confirmation key 609 for knowing the usage status of the copying machine 201, a reservation key 610 for making a reservation for use of the copying machine, and a reservation key 610 for canceling the reservation. A cancellation key 611 and a cancellation time setting key 612 for setting a time for canceling a reservation are provided.

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.
2 is a block diagram showing a control system of No. 2. FIG.

It has a key input unit 709 as a means for inputting signals, and inputs signals to the CPU 7 via an I10 interface 708.
It is connected to 06. This key human power department 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 entered using the numeric keypad 603 shown in FIG. ,
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 in 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 hook key 604 shown in FIG.
The ON signal is input to the CPU 706 via the I10 interface 708, and the CPU
A hook signal 721 output from 706 controls ON10FF of the line. 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 is carried out by outputting data to a telephone line 701 via a modem 704 and by using an R3232C interface 72.
2, it is possible to output by copying machine 20.
Transmission and reception to and from T1 are performed by converting means (8251) 714 that mutually converts parallel signals and serial signals, and T
This is carried out by a communication line 203 (see FIG. 2), which is separate from the telephone line, via an R3232C interface 715 that performs mutual conversion between TL level signals and R3232C level signals. At this time, the CPU 706 transmits signals to the copying machine 201 based on signals input from the key human power section 709, and transmits signals to the display section 7 based on signals received from the copying machine 201.
The output to 11 is controlled.

■Signal transmission/reception method Next, the above-mentioned copier 201 and telephone with terminal function 202
A method of transmitting and receiving signals in the 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, and FIG. 9 shows the format when transmitting data from the copying machine 201 to each terminal 202,
FIG. 1O shows the format for transmitting data from each terminal 202 to the copying machine 201. In the figure, ADDR
ESS is for distinguishing from each hide data, and when there is no data to send, it is used as dummy data.
ADDRESS 'Data of "000" is transmitted.

(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. 11 to 16.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the telephone 202, which is an external device.

The external device 202 first determines whether a key has been pressed (in other words, whether there has been an input signal from the key input section 709) (step 1101).

When it is determined that a key has been pressed, it is then determined whether or not the key was pressed by the user to reserve the use of the copying machine 201 (step 1102). the result,
If it is determined that the usage reservation key 610 has been pressed,
A process of requesting a reservation to the copying machine 201 (reservation request process) is executed (step 1103). A detailed flowchart of this reservation request processing is shown in FIG.

If the copying machine 201 is already in use when a usage reservation request is made from the external device 202, or if there is already a reservation made by another user, the process currently being executed and the process already until all scheduled 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 (step 1106). If it is determined that this signal has been received, the CPU 706 displays on the display unit 711 that the copying machine 201 is ready for use. A message to that effect is displayed (step 1107). This allows the operator to know that the copying machine 201 is ready for use.

Next, in step 1102, if it is determined that the use reservation key 610 has not been pressed, then it is determined whether or not the reservation release time setting key 612 has been pressed (step 1104). As a result, release time setting key 6
If it is determined that 12 has been pressed, a process for setting the time from when the copier 201 is reserved to when the reservation is canceled (cancellation time setting process) is executed (step 110).
5). A detailed flowchart of this release time setting process is shown in FIG. Thereafter, steps 1106 and 1107 described above will be executed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the cancellation time setting process.

First, when the release time setting key 612 is pressed, "1:5 minutes 2 near minutes 3:10 minutes" is displayed on the LCD display 614 of the external device 202.

The operator selects the time displayed above using the numeric keypad 603.

First, it is determined whether or not the "1'" key has been turned on (step 1201). When it is determined that the "l°° key has been turned on, the release time counter 517a is set to 300 (step 1202).

In step 1201, when it is determined that the ``1'' key is not turned on, it is determined whether the ``2'' key is turned on (step 12o3), and when it is determined that the ``2'' key is turned on, Release time counter 51
Set 420 to 7a (step 120
4). In step 1203, if it is determined that the ``2'' key is not turned on, it is determined whether the 3'' key is turned on (step 1205), and it is determined that the 3'' key is turned on. If so, the release time counter 517a is set to 600 (step 1206).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for requesting a usage reservation from the external device 202 to the copying machine 201.

First, a reservation request signal is sent from the external device 202 to the copying machine 201.
(step 1301). At this time, the signal follows the format shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Further, the LCD display 614 displays the message ``Please enter your password.''. Next, the password code is sent to the copying record 201 (step 1302). This pin code is
This is a code that certifies the identity of the person making the reservation when using the code, and is a code that can be recognized by the copying machine 201. In addition, when the user makes a reservation, the user enters the number of the external device 202, enters a number unique to the operator, or stores the code number unique to the external device used in advance. There may be cases where there is. After transmitting the above-mentioned PIN code, it is determined whether or not an in-use signal (see Fig. 9) is received from the copying machine 201 (step 7).
1303) If it is determined that an in-use signal has been received, determine whether or not the copying machine 201 is in use from the in-use signal. 304) If it is determined that it is in use At step 130, the operator is informed that the reservation has been accepted and there is a waiting list (step 130).
5). On the other hand, if it is determined that the copying machine 201 is not in use, the operator is notified that the reservation has been accepted and that the copying machine 201 can be used immediately (step 1306).

As a method of notifying the above information, the LCD display 614
A guidance will be displayed to that effect. In addition, for example, if a printer (not shown) is connected to the external device 202, a message to that effect is printed out. Furthermore, if an audio output means is connected, a method of outputting a voice to that effect may be considered.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the copying machine 201.

The copying machine 201 determines whether or not it has received a signal from the external device 202 (step 1401). If it determines that it has received a signal, it then determines whether the signal is a reservation request signal or not. If it is determined that it is a reservation request signal, a process for accepting or accepting a reservation (reservation acceptance process) is executed (step 1403). A detailed flowchart of this reservation acceptance process is shown in FIG.

When the above-mentioned reservation acceptance process is completed and the reservation is accepted, it is determined whether or not the copying machine 201 is waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1404). If it is determined, the process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 5) will be executed.
)il 40 B) 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. 16.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the reservation is not on standby,
Determine whether the copying machine 201 is unused (step 140)
5) If it is determined that L is not in use, it is then determined whether there is a reservation (step 1406), and if it is determined that there is no reservation, a usage permission signal is sent from the stored PIN code. The information is transmitted to the determined designated external device 202 (step 1407). Thereafter, processing for waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1408) is executed.

FIG. 15 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).
501) 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 1502). Next, the usage status of the copying machine 201, that is, whether or not the copying machine 201 is in use is determined (step 1503). If it is determined that the copying machine 201 is not in use, the reservation is accepted but cannot be used immediately. A usage permission signal OFF, meaning that it is not possible, is transmitted to the external device 202 (step 1504).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1503 that the device is not in use, the reservation has been accepted and a usage permission signal ON indicating that the device can be used immediately is transmitted (step 1505). 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 1506), and the process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1506) is started. 1507) is executed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the copying machine 201 while waiting for the reservation person to arrive.

Determine whether or not the value of the release time counter 517a has been received from the external device 202 (step 1601). If it is determined that the value has been received, set the value input to the release time counter 517a (step 1602). . After that, the copying machine 201 was set to a state where it could not be used except by the person who made the reservation.
A copy machine 201 is used to distinguish between those who have made reservations and those who have not made reservations.
It is determined whether or not a PIN code has been input from the operation unit 401 (step 1603). If it is determined that a PIN code has been input, it is then determined whether the PIN code is the same as the registered PIN code (step 1603). 1604). If it is determined that the PIN code is the same as the registered one, the operator is determined to be the person who made the reservation, the mode for waiting for the person who made the reservation is reset (step 160B), and the copying machine 201 is set to the usable state. (step 1609).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1603 that the PIN code has not been entered, it is determined in step 1604 that the input PIN code is not the same as the registered PIN code, and as a result, the operator is a person other than the person making the reservation. If it is determined that this is not the case, the copying machine 201
It is determined whether the release time counter 517a has reached "0°" (step 1605).If it is determined that the release time counter 517a has reached "0°", the PIN code is deleted. Then, the reservation is canceled (step 1606), the waiting mode for the reservation person is reset (step 1608), and the copying machine 201 is set to a usable state (step 1609).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1605 that the release time counter 517a is not "Opa", the release time counter 517a is decremented by 1 (step 1607), and then the determination in step 1605 is repeated.

When an operator reserves a copier and the copier becomes available for use, the operator is notified through an external device. A situation occurs in which the user cannot use the copying machine or cancel the reservation.

In such a situation, according to the present invention, when an operator makes a reservation for a copying machine, the reservation retention time is set in advance, thereby preventing the copying machine from being in a usage-heavy state forever. The copier can be automatically set to be ready for use.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the network system of the image forming apparatus and external device of the present invention, since the configuration is as described above, when reserving the use of the image forming apparatus, a predetermined time for canceling the reservation is input, and the By automatically canceling the reservation after a certain amount of time has elapsed, it is possible to improve the efficiency of office processing.

[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 the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the external device, FIGS. 9 and 10 are tables showing the format of communication data between the image forming apparatus and the external device, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the external device. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the cancellation time setting processing operation. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the reservation request processing operation. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the reservation request processing operation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing operations while waiting for a reservation person to arrive. Explanation of symbols 101-m-Image forming device 102-External device 103-
"° Counting means 104 - Storage device 105 - Transmission 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-- Receiving means (of the external device) 111- Transmitting means (of the external device) 112... Control means (of the external device) 201-m-Copying machine 202--Telephone with terminal function for copying machine 514-Main control Section 516--Sensor 517--Storage section 51
7a--Release time counter 519,715...-Interface 609--Confirmation key 610--Reservation key 611...-Release key 612--Release time setting key 6
14-.-LCD display section 615.-LED display section 70
6--CPU 709--Key human power section 71m--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: The forming device includes: a receiving unit that receives a reservation request signal from the external device and a reservation cancellation signal in which a time until reservation cancellation is set; a storage unit that stores the reservation request signal and the reservation cancellation signal; and a storage unit that stores the reservation request signal and the reservation cancellation signal. a counting means for counting the time set by the counting means; a control means for canceling the reservation after the time set by the counting means has finished; and a transmitting means for transmitting a use permission signal for the image forming apparatus. , the external device includes: an input means for inputting the reservation request signal and the reservation cancellation signal; a transmission means for transmitting the reservation request signal and the reservation cancellation signal; and a use permission signal transmitted from the transmission 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, based on the signal received by the receiving means of the external device and the signal input from the input means. A network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device, comprising a control means for controlling a transmission means.