JPH06189045A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To surely limit an image forming condition change request from the outside during image formation by analyzing the attribute of external communication data and controlling the inhibit/continue of data communication processing start for changing image forming conditions after the image formation of an image forming means is started. CONSTITUTION:After a first control means starts the image formation of the image forming means (main body) based on the image forming conditions from an input means (an operation part at the main body,) a first control means (CPU 801) controls the inhibit/continue of data communication processing start for changing the image forming conditions with a second control means (CPU 901) by analyzing the attribute of external communication data inputted from the second control means (CPU 901) after the image formation of the image forming means is started. Therefore, while the image forming means forms images, the change of image forming conditions based on the external communication data can be limited, and the image forming conditions can be remotely changed from the outside at suitable timing while guaranteeing the normal operations of the image forming means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of processing data transferred from an external device via an external interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus of this type is provided with communication control means for processing data transferred from an external device through an external interface. The communication with the device is mutually controlled, and the transferred data can be transferred to the work memory of the main body. In this case, the image forming operation and the data communication operation are processed in parallel.

Originally, various information processing apparatuses capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device perform data communication with an external device while not executing the main function while affecting the execution speed and effect thereof. There must be. In fact, in most computer devices, arithmetic processing is the main processing, and data communication with an external device is usually handled by an interrupt and a task dedicated to communication.

Further, in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from the outside, when the image forming apparatus main body cannot correctly transmit / receive data to / from the outside, the display means of the image forming apparatus main body is informed of that fact. The method of displaying and prompting the operator of the image forming apparatus to check the communication function is adopted.

In this case, since the image forming apparatus cannot determine when the communication can be normally performed, the image forming apparatus stops the communication operation itself even if it detects a malfunction in the communication operation. I couldn't.

[0006]

Since the conventional image forming apparatus is constructed as described above, the data transmitted / received to / from the external device is mainly necessary for executing the image forming operation. Therefore, if the image forming operation and the data transmission / reception operation with the external device are executed asynchronously, the image forming operation may be adversely affected.

For example, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, while an electronic latent image is being formed on a photosensitive drum,
When the voltage applied to the photosensitive drum is changed, the output image density on the transfer paper becomes uneven. Further, if the sorting method is changed during the copying operation, the following problems will occur, for example.

For example, when a plurality of sheets of one original are copied, it is possible to select whether the sheets output from the apparatus are sorted or not sorted, and "not sorted" is selected. When the copying operation is being executed, the paper is discharged to one non-sort tray. If the setting of sorting / not sorting is changed in the middle of this, the paper will be discharged to the sorting tray.

If the sheets discharged by the previous copying operation are left on the sorting tray, the user is confused. Further, in such a case, even if a measure for stopping the discharge is taken, it is still inconvenient for the user. Further, in many cases, the operator of the external device cannot recognize the operating state of the image forming apparatus during the operation. Even if the image forming apparatus is provided with a mechanism for notifying the external device of a change in its operating state, usually, a plurality of software,
Due to the presence of communication equipment, it is impossible to monitor the status change of the image forming apparatus in real time at a remote location.

Therefore, when changing various setting values of an image forming apparatus at a remote place, the operator must confirm the operating status of the image forming apparatus with the user of the image forming apparatus using a telephone or the like. I won't. Further, it is necessary to inform the user of the image forming apparatus not to use the image forming apparatus during the work of changing the set value.

In such a situation, there is a problem that the operation load is heavy for a service person who performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus, a user of the image forming apparatus, and the like from the viewpoint of improving productivity.

Further, in the conventional data transmission / reception processing between the image forming apparatus and the outside, data to be transmitted / received include, for example, a copy counter, the degree of wear of each component, failure information, paper jam information, and various sensors in the apparatus. There is information to be output, etc., and any information is very important in the maintenance of the image forming apparatus and the sales strategy, and is highly confidential.

Further, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of data protection or data confidentiality that the information is always sent from the image forming apparatus in a state where data communication with an external device is not normally performed. it is conceivable that.

Further, there is a fear that an unintended communication device is connected to the image forming apparatus and information necessary for the image forming operation inside the image forming apparatus is intentionally tampered with.

Further, since the information necessary for the image forming operation includes the control information of the heat generating device, the control information of the high voltage current generating device, etc., it is important to enhance the protection system for updating these data in order to improve product safety. You cannot downplay it from the aspect.

However, in the current image forming apparatus that communicates data with an external device, as described above, since there is no means for stopping the data communication operation even when a communication failure is detected, malicious analysis is performed. There is a serious problem that a person easily enters the line, intercepts the contents of data communication between each image forming apparatus main body and an external device, and valuable machine data is leaked.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an image forming condition change data from the outside is exchanged between the image forming apparatus main body and the communication control means for controlling the communication with the outside. By controlling the communication timing and prohibiting the communication processing based on the communication response state between the main body and the communication control means, it is possible to reliably limit the image forming condition change request from the outside during the image forming and to prevent the illegal data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of effectively limiting communication.

[0018]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image forming unit, an input unit for inputting a recording image forming condition, and an image forming unit based on the image forming condition input from the input unit. The first control means for controlling the image formation on the recording medium by the recording medium, and the second control means for controlling the data communication with the external device and the data communication with the first control means. The means analyzes the attribute of the external communication data input from the second control means after starting the image formation of the image forming means, and starts the data communication processing for changing the image forming condition with the second control means. Is configured to control prohibition / continuation.

Further, the external communication data for changing the image forming condition sent from the second control means is sequentially stored while the first control means sets the prohibition of the data communication processing start with the second control means. Storage means is provided, and the first control means is configured to control the update of the image forming condition set based on the external communication data stored in the storage means after the image formation of the image forming means is completed. Is.

Further, based on the response state from the second control means to the communication command sent from the first control means to the second control means, the data communication processing with the second control means is performed. The configuration is such that the startup state is set to the prohibited state.

Further, the first control means controls the data communication state with the second control means by switching from the start prohibition state to the executable state based on the data communication prohibition release data inputted from the input means. It is composed.

[0022]

In the present invention, after the first control means starts the image formation of the image forming means on the basis of the image forming condition from the input means, the first control means operates after the image formation of the image forming means is started. , The attribute of the external communication data inputted from the second control means is analyzed, and the start / stop of the data communication processing for changing the image forming condition with the second control means is controlled / controlled, so that the image formation is performed. While the image forming device is in the process of forming an image, it is possible to restrict the change of the image forming condition based on the external communication data, and it is possible to remotely change the image forming condition at an appropriate timing while ensuring the normal operation of the image forming device. To do.

Further, since the first control means controls the update of the image forming condition set based on the external communication data stored in the storage means after the image forming of the image forming means is completed, the image forming means of the image forming means is controlled. Stores external communication data for changing necessary image forming conditions while guaranteeing normal operation,
Since the image forming condition is changed at an appropriate timing, the transfer processing of the external communication data can be completed regardless of the operation of the image forming unit.

Further, based on the response state from the second control means to the communication command sent from the first control means to the second control means, the data communication processing with the second control means is performed. Since the startup state is set to the prohibited state, if the response state from the second control means is abnormal, it is possible to restrict the data communication from the outside thereafter and prohibit the execution of the illegal data communication process. And

Further, the first control means controls the data communication state with the second control means from the start inhibition state to the executable state on the basis of the data communication inhibition release data inputted from the input means. Even if the activation state of the data communication process is prohibited due to some reason, the data communication process can be set to the activation state at any time as necessary.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams for explaining the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 100 is the main body of the image forming apparatus. , 800 is a control means for controlling the image forming operation, 90
Reference numeral 0 is a communication control means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external communication line, 908 is a public line that is an external communication line, and 999 is set as a management base for managing the image forming apparatus main body 100. A host computer,
As shown in FIG. 2, the communication control means 900 includes a CPU 901 for controlling communication, a memory (RAM) 903 for temporarily holding communication data, and a modem (demodulator) for putting digital communication data on the public line 908. 905, Network Control Unit (NCU) 906
Etc.

In the image forming apparatus constructed as described above, the first control means is the image forming means (main body 10) based on the image forming condition from the input means (the operation section of the main body 100).
After the image formation of 0) is started, the first control unit (CPU 801 described later) is
The attribute of external communication data input from the second control unit (CPU 901 described later) is analyzed to control prohibition / continuation of the start of data communication processing for changing the image forming condition with the second control unit. Therefore, while the image forming unit is forming an image, it is possible to limit the change of the image forming condition based on the external communication data, and remotely change the image forming condition at an appropriate timing while guaranteeing the normal operation of the image forming unit. It is possible.

After the image formation of the image forming means is completed by the first control means, the image forming condition set based on the external communication data stored in the storage means (RAM 803 to be backed up described later) is updated. Since the control is performed, the external operation data for changing the necessary image forming condition is stored while the normal operation of the image forming unit is guaranteed, and the image forming condition is changed at an appropriate timing. Regardless of this, it is possible to complete the transfer processing of external communication data.

Furthermore, based on the response state from the second control means to the communication command sent from the first control means to the second control means, the data communication processing with the second control means is performed. Since the startup state is set to the prohibited state, if the response state from the second control means is abnormal, it is possible to restrict the data communication from the outside thereafter and prohibit the execution of the illegal data communication process. And

Further, the first control means controls the data communication state with the second control means from the start inhibition state to the executable state on the basis of the data communication inhibition release data inputted from the input means. Even if the activation state of the data communication process is prohibited due to some reason, the data communication process can be set to the activation state at any time as necessary.

FIG. 3 shows the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.
It is sectional drawing explaining the hardware constitutions of 00.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 is a recycle type automatic document feeder (RDF) for automatically feeding documents, 300 is a sorter for sorting sheets having undergone image forming processing, and 400 is an automatic computer form feeder (CFF). The RDF 200, the sorter 300, and the CFF 400 are configured to be systematically combined with the image forming apparatus main body 100.

In the image forming apparatus main body 100, 101
Is an original table glass as an original table. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as an image reading means, which includes a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, and a motor 1.
04, etc., the original is illuminated by the original lamp 103 while being scanned by the motor 104, and reflected light from the original is applied to the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens. It should be noted that an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor serving as a detecting means is arranged at a predetermined position.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, and a potential sensor 1
08, developing device 109, transfer charger 110, separation charger 1
11, a cleaning device 112 and the like are provided, and these constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 by the main motor 113, is corona-charged by the high-voltage unit 106, and when the reflected light of the original is irradiated from the optical system 102, an electrostatic latent image is generated. An image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the upper cassette 114
Alternatively, from the lower cassette 115 to the pickup roller 1
The transfer paper sent into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the registration rollers 12 and 16.
When the timing is set so that the leading edge of the toner image and the leading edge of the transfer paper coincide with each other by 0, the toner image is fed to the photosensitive drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110.
After this transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by the separation charging device 111, guided to the fixing device 122 by the conveyance belt 121, and fixed by pressing and heating.
It is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112. Further, the main body 100 is equipped with a deck 124 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 126.

In FIG. 3, 127 is a paper discharge flapper, which is a double-sided recording side or a multiplex recording side and a discharge side (sorter 3).
00) is switched. The transfer sheet sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Also, 12
A lower conveyance path 8 guides the transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 by reversing the transfer paper via the reversing path 129. Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower conveyance path 128 without passing through the reverse path 129. 132 is a route 133
Is a paper feed roller that feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 side through. Denoted at 134 is a discharge roller which is arranged in the vicinity of the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiplex copying), the ejected flapper 127 is raised and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is turned over again through the paths 129 and 128. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time,
When recording on both sides, tilt the multiple flapper 131 to the right,
In addition, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted leftward during multiple recording. When performing back side recording or multiplex recording next time,
The transfer paper stored in the resupply tray 130 is 1 from the bottom.
The sheets are guided one by one to the registration roller 120 of the main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When the transfer sheet is reversed and discharged from the main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised and the multiple flapper 131 is tilted to the right to reverse the recorded transfer sheet to the reverse path 1.
29, and the trailing edge of the transfer paper is the first feed roller 1
After passing 40, the reversing roller 142 conveys the transfer sheet to the second roller 141 side, and the discharge roller 134 turns over the transfer sheet and discharges it outside the machine. Note that reference numeral 150 is a multi-bypass tray, and 210 is a reservation tray.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed arrangement of the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 is a CPU for controlling the main body 100, 802 is a read-only memory (ROM) for storing control procedures (control programs) for the main body 100, and a bus is provided according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802 of the CPU 801. It controls each constituent device connected via. A random access memory (RAM) 803 is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data, a work storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 804 is an input / output port, 805 is an interface, and 806 is a ROM, which stores font data and graphical data to be displayed on an LCD display 701, which will be described later.

Further, the input / output port 804 inputs the output of the control signal of the CPU 801 to the load of the main motor 113 and the like and the signal from the fixing device 122 and the like to the CPU 80.
Send to 1. Further, reference numeral 900 is a communication control means of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control means 900. The main body 100 is connected to the main body 100 via an interface 907 such as RS-232C. When a data transfer request is made and data is transferred from the image forming apparatus via the interface 907, the transfer data is transferred to a communication control unit. The data is temporarily stored in the RAM 902 provided in the 900, and after the data transfer from the image forming apparatus is completed, N
The CU 906 is controlled to establish a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line is connected, data is transferred to the outside through the modem 905 and the NCU 906. When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily held in the RAM 903, and the interface 9 is used in response to a request from the image forming apparatus.
Data is transferred to the image forming apparatus via 07. The data referred to here is the data stored inside the main body 100, and the data transfer request is the image forming apparatus control abnormality or frequent paper jams on the main body 100 side, or the regular report time. When the above occurs, the above request may occur or a data request from an external management side may occur. 904 is an input / output port, and 909 is R.
AM.

The control means 800 and the communication control means 900 are connected via the interfaces 805 and 907,
Control data is exchanged between the control means 800 of the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 of the public line 908.

In the image forming apparatus thus constructed, when the communication control means 900 receives the display data transmitted from the external device (host computer 999),
The communication control means 900 sends the display data to the control means 800. Then, the transfer unit (CPU 801) transfers desired screen display data to the display data holding unit (RAM 803) based on the display data transmitted from the external device, so that the display unit (LCD display unit 701) receives the external device. It is possible to display the message requested by.

The transfer means transfers the desired screen display data to the display data holding means based on the bit information or character code information for one screen transmitted from the external device, so that the external device can be displayed on the display means. It is possible to display the message requested by.

Further, when the communication control means 900 receives the display screen selection information transmitted from the external device (host computer 999), the communication control means 900 transmits the display screen selection information to the control means 800. Then, the transfer means (CPU 801) uses the display data holding means (RAM 80) based on the display screen selection information transmitted from the external device.
By transferring the desired screen display data to 3), it is possible to display a message according to the display screen selection instruction from the external device on the display means (LCD display 701).

Further, the transfer means transfers the desired screen display data and the variable data to the display data holding means based on the variable information added to the display screen selection information transmitted from the external device, whereby the external device It is possible to display on the display means a message that freely combines a message and additional information according to the display screen selection instruction from.

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the structure of the operation portion arranged on the upper surface of the main body 100 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 600 denotes an operation section main body, 601.
Is an asterisk (*) key, which is pressed by the operator (user) in the setting mode such as setting the binding amount or setting the size of the document frame erasing. Reference numeral 627 denotes a cursor key (up / down key) which is pressed when selecting a setting item in the setting mode. An OK key 628 is pressed to confirm the setting item in the setting mode. An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode. The all reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode. A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during image recording. This clear / stop key 604
Is also used to cancel the set number of copies. The clear / stop key 604 is also pressed when interrupting continuous copying, and the copying operation is stopped after the copying at the time of pressing is completed. Reference numeral 605 is a copy key. 603
Is a ten-key and is pressed when setting the number of copies. It is also pressed when setting the asterisk key (*) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register modes that are frequently used. Here, M1 to M
4 modes of 4 can be registered. Image forming density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the image forming density. An AE key 613 is pressed when the image forming density is automatically adjusted according to the original density, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual (manual). 607
Is a copy paper selection key, which is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the deck 124, and the multi-manual feed tray 150. In addition, RDF200
When the copy sheet selection key 607 is pressed while the original is placed on the sheet, automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is selected, and a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.
Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed when forming an image of the same size (actual size). An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when automatically reducing or enlarging the image of the original according to the designated transfer paper size. Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed when performing double-sided recording from a single-sided original, double-sided recording from a double-sided original, or single-sided recording from a double-sided original. 62
A binding margin key 5 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer paper. Reference numeral 624 is a photographic key, which is pressed when an image is formed on a photographic document. Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiple key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) from the two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper. Reference numeral 620 denotes an original frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases the frame of a standard size original, and the original size is the asterisk key 601.
Set with. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is pressed to erase the original frame according to the copy paper size. 6
Reference numerals 17 and 618 are zoom keys.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is pressed when the front and back covers are created and the slip sheet is inserted. 6
A page continuous copy key 30 is depressed when the left and right sides of a two-page spread book are continuously copied. Reference numeral 614 denotes a sheet discharge method selection key for selecting the staple sort, sort, and group discharge methods. When the stapled sorter is connected to the sheet after recording, the staple sort mode, the sort mode, or the group mode is selected. You can cancel the selection mode. Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key, which is pressed when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved document placed on the reservation tray 210 and when canceling the reservation setting. 632
Is a reservation setting key, which is used as an enter key when setting the reservation mode. Reference numeral 633 is a guide key, which is used when displaying explanations of functions corresponding to various keys on the message display. Reference numeral 701 denotes L for displaying information regarding image formation.
CD (liquid crystal) type message display (LCD
It is a display device) and displays characters and figures with 96 × 192 dots. For example, the number of images to be formed set with the ten key 603, the fixed size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same size key 610, the copy magnification set with the zoom keys 617 and 618, the paper size selected with the copy paper selection key 607, and the state of the main body 100 are shown. Displays messages, guide messages that show operating procedures, and other settings for various modes. 704
Is an AE display, which lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheat indicator, which lights up in the preheat state. Note that when using the RDF200 in standard mode, the number of image formations is 1
Sheet, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal size, single-sided original to single-sided image formation. In the standard mode when the RDF 200 is not used, the number of images to be formed is one, the density is manual, the same size, and one-sided image formation is performed from one-sided original. The difference between using and not using RDF200 is RDF20.
It is determined by whether or not the original is set to 0. Note that 615 is a folding key, 634 is an interrupt key, and 635.
Is an ID key.

Next, the exchange of data between the image forming apparatus and the communication control apparatus will be described.

The current state of the image forming apparatus main body 100, such as the power ON / OFF state of the image forming apparatus, whether or not the image can be formed, how many images are formed, and whether or not the image is being formed, is always displayed on the communication control means 900. The report is also made when a paper jam occurs and an abnormality occurs that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation. Further, if the communication control means 900 has a predetermined transfer condition and is set to report when an abnormality occurs, for example, when the abnormality is reported from the image forming apparatus main body 100, the data is automatically transferred to the outside. I shall. Here, the data to be transferred is common data including an image forming apparatus ID, a reason for transfer, a paper jam history, a detailed counter for each color and size, regardless of the reason for the transfer, and a history of paper jam occurs. The time and date, the total number of images formed at the time of occurrence, and a paper jam code are included. Every time the image forming apparatus reports a paper jam, a maximum of 30 papers stored in the communication control means 900 is added. It is a thing.

The transfer conditions are the above-mentioned abnormality occurrence, the occurrence of a paper jam every set number of times, the continuous jam of the same paper jam code, and the external request.

Next, the control operation when a paper jam occurs during the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described.

When the CPU 801 determines that a paper jam has occurred during operation of the main body 100, the interface 8
05, 907 via the paper jam code, time of occurrence,
Paper jam information such as the current total number of copies is transferred to the RAM 903 of the communication control unit 900. These pieces of paper jam information are held in the RAM 903. Then, the transfer condition determination based on the predetermined transfer condition is performed by C
If you decide to report with PU901,
For example, at the setting notification time, the modem 905, NCU 906
It is transferred to the outside via. The data transferred at this time is
It is composed of the ID of the image forming apparatus main body 100, transfer reason, paper jam information, color-specific information, size-specific information, detailed image formation number, and the like.

In this way, using the RAM capable of backing up to hold the transmission data in the communication control means 900, for example, the RAM 903, the internal data of the main body 100, the information of the paper jam that has occurred, the history of the abnormal image forming operation that has occurred. If you have an inquiry from the outside, RA
By returning the data held in the M903 to the outside, each image forming apparatus is diagnosed and managed outside.

However, if the contents of the RAM data may change due to a reduction in the battery voltage to be backed up, the above-mentioned long section cannot be properly diagnosed and managed.

Therefore, as will be described later, the operation status of the RAM 903 that can be backed up is monitored, and when an abnormality is detected, it is automatically reported to the outside as shown in FIG. 6 and recognized by the host computer 999 at the management base. Can be made.

The data communication processing operation between the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 after the power is turned on in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a data communication processing procedure between the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 after the power is turned on in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 801 checks the write / read function of the RAM 803 and determines whether the RAM 803 is normally accessible (1). If NO, execute error processing, and if YES, initialize the I / O port 804. , Interface 805 is initialized (2), (3). After that, the main task is started (4), and then the communication prohibition flag FPRHBT is set to "0".
It is determined whether or not (5), if NO, the process proceeds to step (7) and thereafter, and if YES, the communication task is started (6).

Next, while the power is on (7), the main task continues its operation and controls all executions related to the image forming operation (8). Next, communication prohibition flag FPRHB
It is determined whether T is "0" (9). If YES, the communication task is the CPU 901 of the communication control means 900 and the C in the main body.
Data communication with the PU 801 is controlled (10), and if NO, the communication task proceeds to step (7) without performing any data communication between the CPU 901 of the communication control means 900 and the CPU 801 of the main body side. Return.

In this way, the communication task is always CPU
Data relating to the copying operation is transmitted / received to / from the 901. The data related to the copying operation is, for example, temperature control data of the fixing device 122, voltage applied to the high voltage unit 106, loop amount of transfer paper formed before the registration rollers, paper feed amount by the paper feed roller 126, and the like. Is applicable.

Hereinafter, a case of remotely changing the data related to the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an example is given in which, during execution of the copy operation, a change in the primary charging voltage VP and the paper feed roller paper feed amount PF is designated for the image forming apparatus from the external device through the communication control unit 900. Explain. Here, the primary charging voltage is
The voltage applied to the photosensitive drum 105 by the high voltage unit 106 before image formation. The paper feed amount of the paper feed roller means the total time during which the paper feed roller 126 is in contact with the transfer paper.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for remotely changing the main body image forming data in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, when the CPU 801 detects that the copy key 605 is pressed by the operator during standby (1), the copy flag FC is set to "1" (2).
Next, it is determined whether or not the clear / stop key 604 has been pressed (3). If YES, the process proceeds to (6), the copy flag FC is reset to "0" (6), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is NO, the image forming operation starts (4). Next, it is judged whether the image formation for the designated number of sheets has been completed (5).
, NO, the process returns to step (3), and if YES, the copy flag FC is reset to “0” (6) and the process ends. As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming operation is continued until the designated number of transfer sheets are ejected or the image forming operation is forcibly stopped by pressing the clear / stop key 604.

During this time, the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 constantly transmit and receive data relating to the copying operation. The communication control means 90 in this embodiment
The data string that 0 transmits to the main body 100 has the following data structure.

The first few bytes of the data string transmitted by the communication control means 900 to the main body 100 are the attributes of the data string, and it is possible to refer to whether the following data string is an update of data related to the image forming operation. Further, the data access is for determining which storage area or port in the main body 100 is to be accessed. The attribute data is followed by data necessary for the image forming operation. Finally, a transfer end code is added.

Hereinafter, when the copy flag FC is "1", the communication control means 900 instructs the CPU 801 of the main body 100 to first change the primary charging voltage VP from the charging voltage VP1 to the charging voltage VP2. The process when the command for changing the paper feed roller paper feed amount FP from the paper feed amount FP1 to the paper feed amount FP2 is sent will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a data update command reception processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 801 receives the above-mentioned command attribute portion (1) and stores it in a predetermined area R1 of the RAM 803 (2). Then, the pointer AC is aligned with the end address of the region R1 (increment of the pointer AC) (3). Next, the data section (new data) is received (4). Next, since it is requested to change the primary charging voltage VP, the charging voltage VP stored in the RAM 803 is stored.
1 and the changed charging voltage VP2 are compared, and it is determined whether the new data and the old data are the same value (5). If YES, the process proceeds to step (10) and the previously received attribute part is unnecessary. Therefore, the pointer AC is returned to the head of the area in which the attribute portion is stored (decrement of the pointer AC), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (5) is NO, it is judged whether or not the value of the copy flag FC is "1 (copying)" (6), and the pointer AC is continuously stored in the area R1. The value of the charging voltage VP2 is stored in the area R2 (7)
. Then, the end address of the storage area R2 is stored in the counter AC (8). When the value of the copy flag FC is "0", the data update is immediately executed (9) and the process proceeds to step (10) and thereafter.

Then, when a request to change the feed roller paper feed amount FP is transferred, the same operation as described above is repeated, and the feed roller paper feed amount FP is continuously written from the address designated by the pointer AC to a continuous storage area. Stores the attribute data string of the instruction related to the change and the updated value.

When the copy flag FC changes to "0",
The data change commands stored in the storage area R1 and below are sequentially executed. Since the pointer AC points to the end of the area for storing the received instruction, it is sufficient to execute the instruction from the beginning of the storage area R1 to the position designated by the pointer AC. [Second Embodiment] The processing operation when communication with the communication control means 900 is interrupted will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 and the like. It should be noted that the CPU 801 of the main body 100 and the CPU 901 of the communication control means 900 constantly communicate with each other immediately after the power is turned on.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the data receiving process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In this embodiment, the CPU 801 is the CPU 9
If the 1-byte data sent from 01 does not arrive within 5 seconds after starting the reception, it is regarded as a time-out error and error processing is performed. CPU 801 is 1
The detailed procedure when receiving byte data is as follows.

First, the timeout flag FTOUT is set to "0" (1) and the timer T1 is started (2).
The timer T1 counts up the timer count TC1 at regular time intervals. It is determined whether the value of the timer T1 is less than or equal to a certain time N (3). If YES, it is determined whether the arrival of 1-byte data input to the receiving port of the CPU 801 through the interface 805 is confirmed.
(Four) . If the determination in step (4) is NO, the process returns to step (3), and if the determination is YES, the data receiving process ends.

On the other hand, when the timer count TC exceeds the fixed time N, the determination in step (3) becomes NO, the timeout flag FTOUT is set to "1" (5), and the reception impossible code is transmitted to the CPU 901 of the communication partner. Then (6),
The process ends. It should be noted that substantially the same processing is executed when transmitting data. However, at the time of transmission, a process of waiting until the transmission permitted state is added in step (4).

The normal data communication processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal data communication processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (18) indicate steps executed by the CPU 801.

First, the re-reception counter CRT is cleared to "0" (1), and the content of the re-reception counter CRT is set to the predetermined number N.
It is judged whether it is less than RT (2), and if NO, CPU 80
No. 1 determines that communication with the communication control means 900 is impossible, the process proceeds to step (18), the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is set to "1" (communication prohibition state), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is YES, the CPU 901 transfers the communication controller status request command (3), and the timeout flag FTOUT is "1".
It is judged whether or not (4), and if YES, the re-reception counter C
RT is incremented by "1" (5) and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (4) is NO, the transfer end code is transferred to the CPU 901.
(6). Next, the timeout flag FTOUT is "1".
It is judged whether or not (7), and if YES, the re-reception counter C
RT is incremented by "1" (8) and the process returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (7) is NO, the re-reception counter CRT is cleared to "0" (9), and it is determined whether the content of the re-reception counter CRT is less than or equal to the predetermined number NRT (10). ), If NO, the CPU 801 determines that communication with the communication control means 900 is impossible, proceeds to step (18), sets the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT to “1” (communication prohibited state), and ends the processing.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (10) is YES, the communication controller status is received from the CPU 901.
(11), it is determined whether or not the timeout flag FTOUT is "1" (12), and if YES, the re-reception counter CRT is incremented by "1" (13) and the process returns to step (10).

On the other hand, if NO in the determination in step (12), C
The transfer end code is received from the PU 901 (14), it is determined whether the timeout flag FTOUT is "1" (15),
If YES, the re-reception counter CRT is incremented by "1" (16) and the process returns to step (10).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (15) is NO, the communication process according to the status is executed (17), and step (1)
Return to.

As a result, after the steps S2 and S10 are NO and the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is set to "1", the operation of the communication task thereafter is stopped.

The value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is stored in the backup RAM 803 and is retained even after the power is turned off. Therefore, in the above-mentioned processing after the power is turned on, it is determined that the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is “0” / “1” (see FIG. 6), and if the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is “0”, communication is performed. If the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is "1", the task is started, and the CPU 8 does not start the communication task.
01 controls the communication between the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 after the occurrence of the above error. The communication prohibition cancellation processing operation between the prohibited main body 100 and the communication control means 900 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication prohibition cancellation processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (4) indicate each step.

The operator inputs a password (for example, an eight-digit numerical value) using the keys of the main body 100 (1). Then
The input password is stored in the password storage area P1 of the RAM 803 (2). Next, the contents of the password storage area P1 and the RAM 803 for backup in advance
It is determined whether or not the password registered in advance in the password storage area P0 of (3) is the same, and if NO, the processing is ended as it is, and the communication prohibited state between the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 is maintained, If YES, the value of the communication prohibition flag FPROHBT is cleared to "0" (4),
The communication prohibition state between the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 is released, and the processing is ended.

As a result, the communication prohibition flag FPROHB
From the time when the value of T switches from "1" to "0", C
A communication task between the PU 801 and the communication control means 900 is started.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the start of the image forming operation is input from the input means, the communication processing of the externally input image forming condition change data is limited after the image forming operation start command is issued. Therefore, data communication is performed without adversely affecting the image forming process during operation. Further, since the image forming condition change data that is externally input is stored between the time when the image forming start command is issued and the time when the signal indicating the end of the image forming operation is generated, there is no need to retransmit external communication processing. The image forming condition is changed at an appropriate timing. Furthermore, the response state between the main body and the communication control means, for example, the transfer start instruction transmitted from the main body, at least one byte data, and the transfer end instruction, after the transfer end instruction is transmitted from the communication control means within a predetermined time. If the data is not received for a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the data communication is abnormal and the subsequent data communication is prohibited, thereby eliminating the conventional problem associated with mutual communication between the image forming apparatus and the external device. In addition, it is possible to prevent the various data accumulated in the main body from being leaked to the outside due to an unauthorized data communication request.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention,
After the first control means starts the image formation of the image forming means based on the image forming condition from the input means, the first control means inputs from the second control means after the image formation of the image forming means is started. Since the attribute of the external communication data to be analyzed is analyzed and the start / stop of the data communication process for changing the image forming condition between the second control unit and the second control unit is controlled / continueed, the external control is performed while the image forming unit is forming an image. The change of the image forming condition based on the communication data can be restricted, and the image forming condition can be remotely changed from the outside at an appropriate timing while ensuring the normal operation of the image forming unit.

Further, since the first control means controls the update of the image forming conditions set based on the external communication data stored in the storage means after the image formation of the image forming means is completed, the image forming means of the image forming means is controlled. Stores external communication data for changing necessary image forming conditions while guaranteeing normal operation,
Since the image forming condition is changed at an appropriate timing, the transfer processing of the external communication data can be completed regardless of the operation of the image forming unit.

Furthermore, based on the response state from the second control means to the communication command sent from the first control means to the second control means, the data communication processing with the second control means is performed. Since the startup state is set to the prohibited state, if the response state from the second control means is abnormal, the data communication from the outside can be restricted thereafter to prohibit the execution of the illegal data communication process. .

Further, since the first control means controls the data communication state with the second control means from the start prohibition state to the executable state on the basis of the data communication prohibition release data inputted from the input means, Even if the activation state of the data communication process is prohibited for some reason, the data communication process can be set to the activation state at any time as necessary.

Therefore, it is possible to surely limit an external request for changing the image forming condition during image formation, effectively limit illegal data communication, and rewrite or leak valuable data stored in the image forming apparatus. This has the effect of preventing the above and reliably protecting the data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of communication control means shown in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a control unit and a communication control unit shown in FIG.

5 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit arranged on the upper surface of the main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a data communication processing procedure between the control unit and the communication control unit after the power is turned on in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for remotely changing main body image formation data in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a data update command reception processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of data reception processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal data communication processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication prohibition cancellation processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 801 CPU 802 ROM 805 interface 900 communication control means 901 CPU 902 ROM 907 interface

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming unit, an input unit for inputting a recording image forming condition, and an image forming unit for controlling an image formation on a recording medium by the image forming unit based on the image forming condition inputted from the input unit. And a second control means for controlling data communication with an external device and data communication with the first control means, wherein the first control means forms an image by the image forming means. After the start, the attribute of the external communication data input from the second control means is analyzed to prohibit / continue the start of the data communication processing for changing the image forming condition with the second control means. An image forming apparatus having the above configuration. 2. The external communication data for changing the image forming condition sent from the second control means is sequentially stored while the first control means sets the prohibition of starting the data communication processing with the second control means. A storage unit is provided, and the first control unit is configured to control the update of the image forming condition set based on the external communication data stored in the storage unit after the image formation of the image forming unit is completed. Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The image forming apparatus described. 3. A data communication process between the second control means based on a response state from the second control means to a communication command sent from the first control means to the second control means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to control the startup state to be a prohibited state. 4. The first control means controls to switch the data communication state with the second control means from the start prohibition state to the executable state based on the data communication prohibition release data inputted from the input means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured.