JPH0432857A - Network system between image forming device and external device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the mental irritation of an operator and to improve the efficiency of business by making it impossible to set a reservation and informing the operator of that effect when registration equal to or above a fixed number is set in an image forming device. CONSTITUTION:This system is provided with a count means 103 for counting the number of reservation request signals received by the image forming device 101, and a control means 107 for outputting a reservation unable signal when the means 103 counts the fixed number or more registration of reservation. When the registration of the reservation request signal from an external device 102 attains equal to or above the fixed number, the reception of the succeeding reservation request signals is automatically made unable and the operator is informed of that effect. Thus, the operator may reserve another image forming device. As a result, the operator need not wait his(her) turn for reservation for a long time, and the mental irritation of the operator is eliminated, then the efficiency 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. It relates to a network system, and more specifically, when an image forming apparatus exceeds a certain number of registered reservations, it is possible to disable future reservations and notify the operator of this fact via an external device. The present invention relates to a device network system.

[Prior Art] 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, You must wait until the person using it first finishes its 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.

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

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional system as described above, the image forming apparatus accepts unlimited reservations for use, so when reservations are concentrated on a specific image forming apparatus,
There is a problem in that the operator is forced to wait for a long time until the image forming apparatus becomes ready for use, in other words, the operator has to keep waiting for a use permission signal to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus. Due to these problems, the person who made the reservation may feel mentally irritated, which may reduce the efficiency of administrative processing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when a certain number or more of reservation registrations are set in an image forming apparatus,
The purpose is to disable reservation setting and notify the operator of this fact, thereby eliminating the operator's mental irritation and improving office efficiency.

[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 means for receiving a reservation request signal from the external device, a storage means for storing the reservation request signal, and a number of reservation request signals received by the receiving means. The image forming apparatus includes a counting means for counting, a control means for outputting a reservation not possible signal when the counting means counts a predetermined number of registered reservations or more, and a transmitting means for transmitting a usage permission signal and a reservation not possible signal for the image forming apparatus. The external device receives a use permission signal and a reservation prohibition signal transmitted from an input means for inputting the reservation request signal, a transmission means for transmitting the reservation request signal, and a transmission means of the image forming apparatus. a receiving means, 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 a signal input from the input means,
The present invention provides a network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device, which includes the display means and a control means for controlling the transmission means of the external device.

[Operation] In such a network system of an image forming apparatus and an external device, when the number of registered reservation request signals from the external device reaches a certain number or more, reception of subsequent reservation request signals is automatically disabled. By informing the operator of this fact, the operator can reserve another image forming device. As a result, operators do not have to wait long for their turn to make a reservation.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device according to the present invention will be described below in detail based on the drawings in the following order: ■ Configuration of the network system, ■ Signal transmission/reception method, and ■ Operation of the network system. do.

■Configuration of network system FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the network system according to the present invention. Transmission means 10 capable of transmitting a signal
5, and a receiving means 1 capable of receiving a reservation request signal.
06, a counting means 103 for counting the number of reservation request signals received by the receiving means 106, and controlling to output a reservation impossible signal when the counting means 103 counts a predetermined number of reservation registrations or more. The plurality of external devices 102 each include an input key 108 that can input a reservation request signal, and a control means 107 that can control each part of the image forming apparatus 101 including the input key 108 that can input a reservation request signal. a transmitting means 111 capable of receiving a usage permission signal or a reservation prohibition signal transmitted from the transmitting means 105 of the image forming apparatus 101; and a display means capable of displaying the content received by the receiving means 110. 109, and a control means 112 for controlling each part of the external device 102, including the display device 109 and the transmitting means 111 of the external device 102, based on the signal received by the receiving means 110 of the external device 102.

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, the external device is a telephone with a terminal function for the copying machine, and a plurality of telephones 202a, 202b, 202C1202d, 202
e are each connected to the copying machine 201 by a communication line 203.

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, 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 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 394 removes the charge on the bulky photoreceptor drum 316 to suppress the occurrence of retransfer, and transfer paper 30 of various sizes to transfer image information.
A paper feed tray 303 on which 4 is loaded, and the paper feed tray 303
A calling roller 305 sends out the transfer paper 304 toward the transfer section.
and a paper feed roller 306, a reversing roller 307, a registration roller 391 that sends out the conveyed transfer paper 304 to the transfer section at a predetermined timing, and image information on the photoreceptor drum 316 visualized by the developing device 318. a transfer charger 319 that transfers the image to the transferred transfer paper 304; a separation charger 395 that peels off the transfer paper 304 from the photoreceptor drum 316 after the transfer process by the transfer charger 319 is completed; and the separation charger 395
Transfer paper 304 separated from photoreceptor tram 316 by
a conveyance belt 396 that conveys the paper in the discharge direction, and a fixing device 397 that fixes the image on the transfer paper 304 conveyed by the conveyance heald 396 (322 is a fixing roller, 323
is a pressure roller), a paper discharge roller 325 that discharges the transfer paper 304 to the discharge tray 390 after the fixing process is completed by the fixing device 397, a switching claw 324 that switches the conveyance path of the transfer paper 304, A contact/separation roller 399, a reversing guide 398, and a gate claw 3 for double-sided copying processing of the paper 304
26, intermediate tray 327, leading edge shifting roller 328, double-sided calling roller 329, double-sided paper feeding roller 330, double-sided reversing roller 33
1. A transfer paper stopper 389, a charger 320 for cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor tram 316 after the transfer process in preparation for the next copy process, and a cleaning device 321
It is composed of.

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 one run by the paper feed roller 306 and the reversing roller 307, and is transported to the registration rollers 391.
Contact I - The original 302 on the glass 301 is transferred to the optical system 38.
The original 3 is optically scanned by the optical lamp 308 at 0.
The light that has been irradiated and reflected to 02 is transmitted to the first mirror 309, the second mirror 310, the third mirror 311, the condenser lens 312, the fourth mirror 313, the fifth mirror 314, the sixth mirror 315, and the dustproof glass. The electrostatic latent image reaches the photoreceptor drum 316 via the electrostatic charger 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. In addition, an eraser 393 shines light on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 316 to erase the charge on unnecessary parts (leading edge, left and right ends, rear end), and toner adheres to the parts that are not transferred. It prevents you from doing so.

When the timing for development processing comes, the development motor 510 (see FIG. 5) is driven, and the development roller 3188 in the development device 318 rotates, and the toner is applied to the photoreceptor drum 316.
The upper electrostatic latent image is visualized.

The visualized image is transferred to the transfer paper 304 starting at a predetermined timing by the registration roller 3911, 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 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 heald 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 conveyor belt 3
96 into the fixing bag W397, 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 0330, 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 above-mentioned copying machine 201. The operation unit 401 includes a start key 403 for starting the copying machine 201, and a numeric keypad 404 for inputting the set number of copies, etc. , a display section 405 that displays the setting status of the copying 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 the like, an optical control unit 501 that controls each part of the optical system 380, a main motor 509, a developing motor 510 . Conveyance motor 511, paper feed motor 512, exposure lamp 507
, an ACi control unit 506 that controls each part of the fixing heater 508, various key switches 520 in the operation unit 401 shown in FIG. 4, a display LCD-LED 521,
It has an operation control section 513 that executes control of the pressure plate detection switch 522, etc., and each of the above control sections 501, 506, 513
are each connected to the 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 (517a is a reservation registration number counter) 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.
Sensors 516 and the like are connected to detect the state of each part.

The means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from 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, and a TTL
It is connected to an R3232C interface 519 that performs conversion between level signals and R3232C level signals, 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, 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. It has a release key 611.

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 dry huff 10
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 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 hook key 604 shown in FIG.
The ON signal is input to the CPU 706 via the I10 interface 708, and the c p
By the hook signal 721 output from U 706,
ON10FF of the line is controlled. Also CPU70
6 is a storage unit (RAM) 713 for storing data.
is connected to the device, and stores phone numbers sent by one-touch dialing and various data for sending and receiving.

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 input unit 709, and transmits signals to the display unit 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. 10 shows the formant used when 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.
Data of ADDRESS “'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 15.

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 unit 709) (Step 2 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 key 610 for the copying machine 201 (Step 2 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 1104). 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 1105). This allows the operator to know that the copying machine 201 is ready for use.

FIG. 12 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 1201). 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 manually.'' Next, the password code is sent to the copying machine 201 (step 1202). The Kono11g1E code is a code that certifies the identity of the person making the reservation when used, and is a code that the copying machine 201 can recognize. 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 PIN code, it is determined whether a signal has been received from the copying machine 201 (step 1203),
Next, if it is determined that a signal has been received, it is determined whether the signal is a busy signal (see FIG. 9) (step 120).
4) If it is determined that an in-use signal has been received, determine in what state the in-use signal was transmitted (whether the in-use signal is ON or not) (step 1205) L,
If it is determined from the signal that the copying machine 201 is in use, the operator is informed that the reservation has been accepted and the operator is waiting for his or her turn (step 1206). 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 1207).

Further, if it is determined in step 1204 that the received signal is not a busy signal, it is determined whether the signal is a reservation unavailable signal (step 120B).
L. If it is determined that the reservation is not possible, the operator is informed that reservations are full and no reservations can be accepted (step 1209).

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 a voice output means is connected, a method of outputting the fact by voice may be considered.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the copying machine 201.

The copying machine 201 determines whether or not a signal has been received from the external device 202 (step 1301). If the copying machine 201 determines that it has received a signal, it then determines whether or not the signal is a reservation request signal. It is determined (step 1302), and 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 1303). 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 1304). If it is determined, the process of waiting for the reservation person to arrive (7-ten 11308) 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 130)
5) If it is determined that L is not in use, then it is determined whether there is a reservation or not (step 1306), 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 2 1307). Thereafter, processing for waiting for the reservation person to arrive (step 1308) is executed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing reservation acceptance processing.

Following the reservation request signal, it is determined whether or not the password code transmitted from the external device 202 has been received (step 1).
401) L. If it is determined that the PIN code has been received,
Next, it is determined whether the reservation registration number counter 517a has reached 10 (step 1402). As a result, if it is determined that the number has already reached 10, the reservation disable signal is turned on and transmitted to the external device 202 (step l403).
. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number has not yet reached 10, the reservation registration number counter 517a is incremented by 1 (Step 1).
1404). Thereafter, the received code codes are sequentially stored in the reservation memory (step 405), and the usage status of the copying machine (whether the copying machine 201 is in use or not) is determined (step 1406). If it is determined that it is in use, it turns on the in-use signal (see Figure 9) and transmits it (step 1407).On the contrary, if it is determined that it is not in use, it turns off the in-use signal. (Step 408). After the in-use signal OFF is sent, the mode is set to prohibit use by anyone other than the person who received this signal, and a flag is set to remember this (Step 4o9). Processing while waiting for a person to arrive (Status 11410
) is executed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the copying machine 201 while waiting for the reservation person to arrive.

First, in order to distinguish between the person who made the reservation and the person other than the person who made the reservation, the copy machine 201 is now unusable by anyone other than the person making the reservation.
Determine whether or not a PIN code has been input from the operation unit 401 of 1 (step 1501) L. If it is determined that a PIN code has been input, determine whether the input PIN code is the same as the registered code. (Step 1502)
do. If it is determined that the PIN code is the same as the registered one, the operator is determined to be the person making the reservation, and the waiting mode for the person making the reservation is reset (Step 1503);
Setting the copying machine 201 to a usable state (step 1504)
)L, set the reservation registration number counter 517a to minus 1 (Step 1505).

If the number of reservations for copying machines is not determined, you will not know when it will be your turn, and you will not be able to plan your paperwork. However, according to the above embodiment according to the present invention,
By deciding in advance the maximum number of copy machine reservations that can be registered, and notifying the operator who has reserved the copy machine after that limit, the operator can reserve and use another copy machine. , you can use a copying machine efficiently. In addition, the operator does not have to wait for a long time for his or her turn to make a reservation, eliminating time loss in administrative processing.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the network system of the image forming apparatus and external devices of the present invention, because of the above configuration, when more than a certain number of registrations are set in the image forming apparatus, the reservation setting By making this impossible and informing the operator of this fact, it is possible to relieve the operator's mental frustration and improve office efficiency.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bundled work system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a connection in a network system between an image forming apparatus and an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and 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. 6 is a plan view showing the appearance of a telephone having a copier terminal function 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. A flowchart showing the operation, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing usage reservation request processing in an external device, and FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a reservation acceptance process in the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process in which the image forming apparatus is waiting for a reservation person to arrive. Description of symbols Image forming apparatus 102 - External device counting means 104 - Storage device (of the image forming apparatus) Transmitting means (of the image forming apparatus) Receiving means (of the image forming apparatus) Control means 11 ] 519° input key - 109 Display device Receiving means (of the external device) Transmitting means (of the external device) Control means Copying machine Telephone with terminal function for copying machine Main control section 516 Sensor storage section 5173 Reservation registration number counter 715 - Interface confirmation, key ~ 610 Reservation key release key 614-LCD display section LED display section 706-CP U key human power section 711 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 means for receiving a reservation request signal from the external device; a storage means for storing the reservation request signal; a counting means for counting the number of reservation request signals received by the receiving means; a control means for controlling to output a reservation not possible signal when the counting means counts a predetermined number of reservation registrations or more; and a transmitting means for transmitting a use permission signal or a reservation not possible signal for the image forming apparatus, The apparatus includes: an input means for inputting the reservation request signal; a transmitting means for transmitting the reservation request signal; a receiving means for receiving a usage permission signal or a reservation disable 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 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. A network system for an image forming apparatus and an external device, comprising: