JPH08116399A - Image forming device system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain timing information even if each image forming device does not have a timing means. CONSTITUTION: A peripheral equipment C transmits the timing information by a timing means B by a timing information transmission means D, each image forming device A receives the timing information by a timing information reception means E and a processing means F is made to perform the processing for which the timing information is required. A communication controller having the timing means B may be used as the peripheral equipment C and each image forming device A may be connected with the controller via the communication controller and a communication line. It is desirable that the timing information transmission means D is provided with plural transmission means transmitting the timing information of each different information amount. Further, it is desirable that the timing information transmission means D periodically transmits the timing information to each image forming device A. Or, each image forming device A may request the timing information to the peripheral equipment C.

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 system having a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is provided with a timekeeping means such as a calendar or a clock and performs processing using the timekeeping information by these means. For example, a weekly timer function that presets the time for each day of the week and automatically turns on / off the power of the image forming apparatus,
There are an auto shut-off function and an auto reset function that turn off the power or reset the image forming mode to the initial state when it is not used for a certain period of time. Further, it is also performed such that an interval for automatically adjusting the image forming process condition is determined, and the operating time is accumulated to be used as a standard for the maintenance interval of functional parts.

On the other hand, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-226765, the above-mentioned image forming apparatus is installed in a service center or the like by using a communication control device (exchange) and a communication line such as a public line. There is known a system capable of connecting to a managed device. As a result, by centrally managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses installed at remote locations by a management apparatus (host machine) provided at one location, the usage status of each image forming apparatus can be aggregated and managed. The information can also be used for maintenance of each image forming apparatus. As for the contents of maintenance,
The self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus automatically calls the management apparatus, and the management apparatus side accesses the image forming apparatus to adjust each unit.

[0004]

However, in such an image forming apparatus system, when each image forming apparatus performs a process that requires time measuring information, it is necessary to obtain the time measuring information from the internal time measuring means. It was Therefore, it is indispensable to have a timer for each image forming apparatus, which is an obstacle to cost reduction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in the image forming apparatus system as described above,
It is an object of the present invention to obtain timekeeping information even if each image forming apparatus does not have its own timekeeping means.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses A and a peripheral device C having a clocking means B.
And a time information transmitting means D for transmitting time information by the time measuring means B to the peripheral device C, a time information receiving means E for receiving the time information to each image forming apparatus A, and the time information received thereby. An image forming apparatus system is provided, which is provided with processing means F for performing the processing.

A communication control device may be used as the peripheral device C, and each image forming device A may be connected to the management device via the communication control device and the communication line. Further, it is preferable that the time information transmitting means D is provided with a plurality of transmitting means for transmitting time information having different amounts of information.

Further, it is preferable that the time information transmitting means D periodically sends the time information to each image forming apparatus A.
In this case, it is desirable to provide a means for setting the interval at which the timekeeping information sending means D regularly sends the timekeeping information for each image forming apparatus A. Alternatively, each image forming apparatus A may be provided with a means for requesting the peripheral device C for timekeeping information.

[0009]

In the image forming apparatus system of the present invention, the peripheral device C shown in FIG. 1 transmits the time information by the time measuring means B by the time information transmitting means D, and each image forming apparatus A receives the time information by the time information receiving means E. Since the processing means F performs the processing for receiving the timekeeping information and requiring the timekeeping information, it is not necessary for each image forming apparatus A to have its own timekeeping means.
The cost of the entire system can be reduced. Further, the timekeeping information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses A can be collectively managed, and the timekeeping information such as time adjustment can be managed by a single timekeeping means, which facilitates the management. Furthermore, there is no deviation in the timekeeping information between the image forming apparatuses, and it is possible to perform operations that are constantly synchronized.

If this image forming apparatus system uses the image forming apparatus management system, a communication control device having a time measuring means is used as the peripheral device C, and each image forming device A is connected to the communication control device and the communication line. By connecting to the management device via the, it is not necessary to prepare another peripheral device C. Further, if the timekeeping information transmitting means D is provided with a plurality of transmitting means for transmitting timekeeping information having different amounts of information, it is possible to reduce the information amount of the timekeeping information without lowering the accuracy by selecting one of them. As a result, communication efficiency is improved, and the idle time can be used for other communication.

Further, if the timekeeping information transmitting means D periodically sends the timekeeping information to each image forming apparatus A, the timekeeping information in each image forming apparatus A can be surely updated and the timekeeping information can be measured. By predetermining the information update interval, the image forming apparatus side can update the timekeeping information only by the trigger information, not the timekeeping information itself. In this case, by setting the interval (update interval) at which the timekeeping information transmitting unit D regularly sends the timekeeping information for each image forming apparatus A, it is possible to perform more efficient communication.

Alternatively, each image forming apparatus A has a peripheral device C.
By providing a means for requesting timekeeping information to
Each image forming apparatus A can promptly acquire the timing information when it needs it.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of a copying machine used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 as an example of an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming apparatus management system (image forming apparatus system) according to the present invention.

The copying machine 1 is an electrophotographic plain paper copying machine (PPC). An automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 3 is placed on the top of the copying machine main body 2 and is placed on one side. A manual feed tray 4 and a large-volume sheet feeding device 5 are mounted, and a paper discharge tray 6 is mounted on the other side. A document tray 7 for the ADF 3 is equipped with a document set sensor 8. The copying machine main body 2 includes a scanner unit 10, an image forming unit 11, a paper feeding unit 12, a fixing / paper discharging unit 13, a reversing unit 14, a duplex unit 15, and the like.

In the scanner section 10, the contact glass 21, the exposure lamp 22, and the first scanner 24 including the first mirror 23, the second scanner 27 including the second mirror 25 and the third mirror 26, Third scanner 3 including fourth mirror 28 and fifth mirror 29
0, a sixth mirror 31, and a lens 32 are provided.

In the image forming section 11, a quenching lamp 36 and a charging charger 3 are provided around the photosensitive drum 35.
7, an eraser 38, a potential sensor 39, a developing unit 40 in which a toner cartridge 41 is mounted, a pre-transfer charger 42, a transfer charger 43, a separation charger 44, a P sensor 45, and a cleaning unit 46 are arranged. A registration roller pair 47 is provided in front of the transfer position on the transfer sheet transport path, and a transport belt 48 is provided behind the transfer position.

A first tray 51, a second tray 52, a third tray 53, and a fourth tray 54 are detachably provided in the paper feeding unit 12 as trays for stocking and feeding transfer paper. Then, a first sheet feeding unit 55, a second sheet feeding unit 56, a third sheet feeding unit 57, and a fourth sheet feeding unit 58 are provided as sheet feeding units for feeding the transfer sheets stocked in them. The manual feed tray 4 or the large-volume feed tray (LC
A manual / large-volume paper feeding unit 59 for feeding the transfer paper from T) 60 is also provided.

Further, in order to convey the transfer paper fed by each of the paper feeding units 55 to 59 and the double-sided unit 15 toward the registration roller pair 47, the right conveying portion 6 is provided.
1, a left transport unit 62, and a horizontal transport unit 63 are provided. Further, the fixing / sheet discharging unit 13 is provided with a fixing unit 65 and a sheet discharging transport roller group 66, and the reversing unit 14 is provided with a reversing roller group 67.

Next, the operation of the copying machine 1 having such a configuration will be briefly described. The photoconductor drum 35 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft (not shown), and rotates in the direction of arrow A according to a copy command or the like. Then, the original fed on the contact glass 21 by the ADF 3 is scanned and exposed by the first scanner 24. The reflected light image is a first mirror 23, a second mirror 25, a third mirror 26,
An image is formed on the photosensitive drum 35 via the lens 32, the fourth mirror 28, the fifth mirror 29, and the sixth mirror 31.

The photosensitive drum 35 is the charging charger 3.
The surface is charged by 7, and when the charged surface is exposed by the reflected light image, an electrostatic latent image is formed. After that, the eraser 38 illuminates unnecessary portions to correct the latent image suitable for the transfer paper or the projected image. At this time, the photosensitive drum 35 and the first scanner 24 are driven at the same speed in order to obtain an image of the same size. Then, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 35 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 40. At that time, a dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential (developing bias voltage) to the developing unit 40.

On the other hand, the transfer paper stocked in any of the first tray 51, the second tray 52, the third tray 53, the fourth tray 54, the hand tray 4, the large-volume feed tray 60, and the duplex unit 15 is used. , Paper feeding units 55-59
Is selected by any one of the following, and is fed at a predetermined feeding timing.
It is conveyed to the registration roller pair 47 which has been stopped in advance through the horizontal conveying section 63 and the like. Then, the photosensitive drum 35
The registration roller pair 47 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the upper toner image and the leading edge of the transfer paper are aligned.

As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 35 is transferred onto the transfer paper by the action of the pre-transfer charger 42 and the transfer charger 43. At this time, the surface of the photoconductor drum 35 is very smooth, and the contact force of the transfer paper is great on the surface, so that the action of the separation charger 44 lowers the potential of the transfer paper and lowers the contact force.

After that, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 35 by a separation claw (not shown), and the separated transfer paper is sent to the fixing unit 65 by the conveyor belt 48. The transfer paper sent to the fixing unit 65 is subjected to heat and pressure on the toner here, so that the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper group 66 for paper discharge ejects the transfer paper from the machine. It is ejected onto the paper tray. When performing a double-sided copy or the like, the sheet is once fed to the reversing unit 14, the conveyance direction is reversed, and then fed to the double-sided unit 15, and is re-fed to the image forming unit 11 when the image of the next original surface is copied.

Since the toner that could not be transferred is adhered to the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 after the transfer, the surface is cleaned by the brush and the cleaning blade of the cleaning unit 46, and then it is nonuniform by the quenching lamp 36. Keep the surface potential constant.

These control timings are controlled by a control circuit which will be described later, mainly based on a pulse generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 35 or a reference pulse for driving the photosensitive drum 35.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the operating section of this copying machine. A guidance display section 71 and a pattern display section 72 using a liquid crystal display panel are provided in the center of the operation section 70, and a large number of keys are provided on the left and right sides and the front side thereof. On the right side, the start key 73, interrupt key 74, preheat key 75, mode clear / preheat key 76, numeric keypad 77, clear / stop key 78, timer key 7
9, a program key 80, an enter key 81, and a guidance key 82 are provided.

On the left side, a remote notification key 83, a sorter key 84, a double-sided key 85, a continuous page key 86, and an erase key 8
7, paper designation scaling key 88, zoom key 89, binding margin adjustment key 90, centering key 91, dimension scaling key 92
Is provided. A reduction key 93, an enlargement key 94, a normal magnification key 95, a paper selection key 96, an automatic paper selection key 97, a density adjustment key 98, and an automatic density key 99 are provided on the front side of the central portion. In addition, remote report key 8
LE of remote notification display 83a during remote notification by turning on 3
D lights up.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the pattern display section 72. Here, the set number display D1 and the copy number display D are shown.
2, running display D3, density adjustment display D4, misfeed position display D5, paper supply display D6, misfeed display D7, remote communication error display D8, toner supply display D9,
Paper remaining amount display D10, paper selection / size / direction display D1
1, pattern display of magnification display D12 and the like, respectively.

The guidance display section 71 shown in FIG. 3 displays messages for operation and warning. Further, the operation unit 70 is characterized in that a remote notification key 83 for making a notification when the user requests a service and a remote communication abnormality display D8 displayed when an abnormality occurs in the notification are provided. However, instead of providing a dedicated remote notification key as in this example, the function corresponding to the remote notification key may be realized by the pressing order of other keys, the pressing time, the combination of the pressing keys, or the like.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus management system to which the present invention is applied. A management apparatus 16 installed at a service base and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine (denoted as "PPC" in the figure) 1 installed under each user are connected via a public line network 17 which is a communication line. are doing.
Since the management device 16 is installed at each service base, a host machine (not shown) that integrally manages these is also connected.

A communication control device 18 for controlling communication with the management device 16 is installed on the user side, and each copying machine 1 as a user is connected to this communication control device 18. This communication control device 18
An external communication device such as a telephone 19 or a facsimile device 20 can be connected to the device by a connection means (not shown), and the device can be installed by inserting it into an existing line of the user.

A plurality of copying machines 1 can be connected to the communication control device 18, but a single device may be used. These copying machines 1 do not have to be of the same type, may be different models, and may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer other than the copying machine. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five copying machines 1 can be connected to one communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 and the plurality of copying machines 1 are RS-485.
According to the standard, multi-drop connection is used.

Communication control between the communication control device 18 and each copying machine 1 is performed by a basic type data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by the polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 18 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary copying machine is possible. A unique value can be set for each copying machine by an address setting switch, and the polling address and selecting address of each copying machine are determined by this.

FIG. 6 shows the communication control device 18 of FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of FIG. A signal from the public line network 17 is first input to the switching unit 180. here,
Communication from the public line 17 side is the communication control device 18
If it is addressed to the telephone 19 (or the facsimile device 20 in FIG. 5) connected to the telephone, the public line 17 side is connected to the telephone 19 (or the facsimile device 20 in FIG. 5), and communication from the management device 16 is performed. If there is, it connects to the modem 181 on the public line 17 side.

Further, the communication interface 183 using the transceiver for RS-485 communicates with the copying machine 1 side. These controls / processes are performed by the ROM 185.
It is performed mainly by the CPU 184 according to the control program therein. The RAM 186 is used not only for storing intermediate results of processing but also for temporarily storing communication text. Also, various parameters necessary for the operation of the communication control device 18 from the management device 16 side are written in the RAM 186.

Normally, this communication control device 18 has two
Although the power is continuously supplied for 4 hours and communication with the management device 16 is possible at all times, the RAM 186 is backed up by the battery 187 so that the contents of these parameters and the communication text are not lost due to an unexpected power failure or the like. are doing. Further, it is provided with a clock 188 as a time measuring means and a total counter value automatic call admission switch 189.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management device 16 shown in FIG. The management device 16 includes a host computer 160 that executes various processes, an external storage device 161 such as a magnetic disk for storing management data, a display 162 for display, and a keyboard 163 as an operating unit. A management data output printer 164 and a modem 165 for connecting to the public line network 17.

The management device 16 is also connected to a host machine by a local area network LAN (not shown). The host machine is a computer that integrally manages the plurality of management devices 16, and also performs various daily tasks in addition to the data management of the image forming device management system. Its configuration is the same as that of a known large-scale computer.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. The control of the copying machine body 2 is
It is performed based on the control program and data stored in the ROM 101 centering on the CPU 100. Further, the RAM 102 is used to store intermediate results of processing, various set values, the state of the device, and the like.

The A / D converter 103 includes the exposure lamp 22.
Supply voltage to the P sensor 45, light emitting voltage and light receiving voltage of the P sensor 45, output of the potential sensor 39, output of the ADS sensor, output of a lamp light amount sensor for detecting the light amount of the exposure lamp 22, and current flowing through the photosensitive drum 35. It is used to input the output of the drum current sensor, the thermistor voltage in the fixing unit 65, and the like.

The optical system control unit 104 controls the scanner section 10 shown in FIG. High-voltage power supply unit 105
Supplies the high voltage applied to the charging charger 37, the separation charger 44, the transfer charger 43, the pre-transfer charger (PTC) 42, and the developing bias voltage applied to the developing roller in the developing unit 40.

The motor control unit 106 controls the main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 35, each paper feeding unit and the rollers of the transport section. The heater control unit 107 controls energization to the fixing heater of the fixing unit 65 that heats the fixing roller to keep the surface temperature of the fixing roller within a predetermined range. Sensor sensitivity control unit 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes the light receiving gain of the lamp light amount sensor, the light receiving gain of the ADS sensor, the light receiving gain of the P sensor 45, and the P sensor 4
It is used to change the light emission voltage of LED No. 5 and the like.

The communication interface unit 109 is a unit for communicating with the communication control device 18. An address unique to the copying machine can be set within the range of 1 to 5 by the address setting switch 110. Further, the communication permission switch 111 can be used to set permission / prohibition of communication with the communication control device 18.

The communication permission switch 111 is a dip switch, and when a copying machine equipped with the communication permission switch 111 is connected to an image forming apparatus management system (remote diagnosis system), a serviceman turns it on. I can't touch it. Therefore, the communication permission switch 111 maintains the ON state when the copying machine including the communication permission switch 111 is connected to the image forming apparatus management system.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference mainly to FIG. First, the function of remote notification will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 5.

In the case of remote notification by the remote notification key, when the remote notification key 83 provided on the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 is depressed, as shown in FIG.
Transmits the remote notification data from the remote control key to the communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 that has received this receives the management device 1 that has been set inside beforehand.
The telephone number 6 is called, and the remote notification data is transmitted by the remote notification key.

The management device 16 is usually installed at a service base or the like. At this time, the data transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the management device 16 is only the data of the type previously set in the communication control device 18 from among the plurality of types of data received by the communication control device 18 from the copying machine 1. And This setting can be set in the communication control device 18 from the management device 16 through the public line network 17.

When the communication control device 18 finishes transmitting the predetermined data to the management device 16, the communication control device 18 communicates with the copying machine 1 as the transmission source between the communication control device 18 and the management device 16. A report result report indicating the result is transmitted. As a result, the copy machine 1 of the transmission source
Can know whether the communication ended normally or could not be made due to some abnormality.

Further, the copying machine is usually equipped with a self-diagnosis function, and the copying machine is in a dangerous state or cannot be used when an abnormality in the fixing temperature is detected or when the electronic volume of each adjusting portion cannot be adjusted. If it becomes
It is common practice to notify the user or service person in the form of "error" or "service person call".

Even when an abnormality is detected by the self-diagnosis function of such a copying machine, as shown in FIG. 9B,
Data of the remote notification due to the self-diagnosis abnormality is transmitted from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18. The communication control device 18, which has received the remote notification data, transmits the remote notification data due to the self-diagnosis abnormality to the management device 16,
At the end of communication, the report result report is sent to the copy machine 1 that is the sender.

Further, even when the copying machine determines that it is preferable to perform maintenance, for example, when the self-diagnosis function diagnoses that the abnormal state has not been reached but is very close to the abnormal state, the copying machine (c) of FIG. ), The remote notification data of the advance warning is transmitted to the communication control device 18. In the case of remote notification due to this self-diagnosis abnormality, the copier is inevitably in a disabled state, but in the case of remote notification due to advance warning, the copier remains in an enabled state and the original is copied even during communication. When is set and the start key is pressed, the copying operation is performed.

At this time, the communication is interrupted when the load of the controller of the copying machine 1 is heavy due to the copying process, or when the contents included in the transmission data may be changed by the copying operation and become inconsistent. You may. Since the remote notification data of the advance warning is less urgent, the communication control device 18 which received this data immediately receives the management device 16 immediately.
To the communication control device 18 at a time when the telephone 19 or the facsimile device 20 connected to the communication control device 18 is less frequently used, or at a time when the traffic of the public line network 17 is less, and the like at a time convenient for communication. It is good to do.

This time can be set from the management device 16 to the communication control device 18, and the transmission time can be determined by coincidence with the current time by the clock 188 shown in FIG. In the case of this remote notification of advance warning, unlike the other remote notifications, the report result report is not transmitted to the copying machine 1.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, a case where the management apparatus accesses the copying machine will be described. There are three types of access from the management device 16 to the copying machine 1, roughly classified according to purposes: a read request, a write request, and an execute request. The read request is a process of reading logging data, various set values, output values of various sensors, etc. in the copying machine 1, and the write request is a process of sending various set values and the like from the management device 16 and rewriting them. is there. The execute request is a process that causes the copying machine 1 to perform a test operation or the like.

The procedure of the communication process among the management device 16, the communication control device 18, and the copying machine 1 at the time of each request is shown in FIGS. 10 (a), 10 (b) and 10 (c). The management device 16 dials the communication control device 18 to which the target copying machine 1 is connected, and transmits each request data. The communication control device 18 receives these request data from the management device 16. The communication control device 18, which has received the request data, transmits the request data to the target copying machine 1.

Upon receiving the request, the copying machine 1 processes the request content and then sends a response to the request to the communication control device 1
Send to 8. The communication control device 18 transmits this to the management device 16 and ends one processing unit.

Referring to FIG. 11, a case where the management device side accesses the communication control device will be described. The access from the management device 16 to the communication control device 18 is also roughly classified according to the purpose, and a read request, a write request, and an execute command are executed.
There are three types of requests. The procedure of each process at this time is shown in FIG.
It is shown in (a), (b) and (c).

The read request means the communication control device 1
The process of reading the setting parameters and status in 8
When the communication control device 18 reads out the information inside the copying machine 1 and stores it in the communication control device 18 in advance, it is a process of reading the information. The write request is a process of sending data from the management device 16 and setting the parameters of the communication control device 18. The execute request is the communication control device 1
This is processing for causing the 8 to perform a test operation such as a function check.

With reference to FIG. 12, description will be given of processing when the communication control device accesses the copying machine without using the management device. In order to access the copying machine 1 from the communication control device 18, the communication control device 18 reads out the information inside the copying machine 1 and holds the data in the communication control device 18, and the management device 16 later.
This is a reading process for enabling reading from. The process performed by the communication control device 18 includes a process of transmitting time information (timekeeping information) described later.

Generally, counter values such as the total number of copies are used for maintenance contracts and maintenance of copying machines. By using this system, the counter value of the total number of copies is periodically transmitted from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18, and when the power of the copying machine 1 is cut off, the copying machine 1 is in the communication disabled state. Even in this case, the management device 16 side can know the value of this counter.

For this purpose, as described above, the function of the communication control device 18 reading the internal information of the copying machine 1 and holding the data in the communication control device 18 is used. When the total counter value collection time in the parameters set in the communication control device 18 is reached with reference to the clock 188 (FIG. 6) in the communication control device 18, the communication control device 18 is connected. Requests for total copy number information to all copiers every day.

Then, the new total copy number information of the copying machine that responded is updated in the value read on the previous day including the date and time when the total copy number was acquired and backed up in the communication control device 18. RAM1
86 (FIG. 6). Also, when communication is not possible, such as when the power of the copying machine that requested the total copy number information is turned off, the response reception of the data from that copying machine is postponed, and the next copying machine is notified. Process.

At the time of making a request to all copying machines,
Request again only to the copier that could not receive. Normally, the total counter value collection time is set at night when the power of the copier is considered to be cut off, and the power of the copier is turned on with the passage of time. While adjusting each part,
Allow this communication to take place.

RAM 18 in communication control device 18
In order to transfer the information on the total number of copies stored / held in 6 to the management device 16, a method of periodically reading out by access from the management device 16 on the closing day of each month, and a method set in the communication control device 18 are set. There are two methods of automatically transmitting to the management device 16 by the communication control device 18 when the total counter value automatic call date and time is reached.

The selection of this method is set by the total counter value automatic call admission switch 189 (FIG. 6) provided in the communication control device 18. When this switch 189 is ON, when the date and time indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 18 is reached, the call destination telephone number indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 18 is called. It calls and transmits the counter value of the total number of copies to the management device 16. When the switch 189 is OFF, the automatic call is not made and the access from the management device 16 is waited for.

In this example, the data for periodic communication is the counter value of the total number of copies, but other data or other data may be added for communication. The communication control device 18 is capable of controlling a plurality of copying machines 1 and the like, and is configured to acquire data sequentially. In that case, it is possible to prevent data requests from being made to unconnected copying machines, and the access time is being shortened.

FIG. 16 is a list of parameters set in the communication control device 18. A model number and a serial number of the copying machine are registered for each copying machine at each address. When the copying machine 1 makes a report, the model number and the serial number are added and transmitted to the management apparatus 16, or when the management apparatus 16 makes an access. It is used to determine the address of the copying machine 1 to be selected.

Further, a telephone number to be reported, the number and interval of redials, and a type of data to be transmitted to the management device 16 are set for each remote reporting reason. In the remote notification of the advance warning, the notification time to the management device 16 is also set. A checksum is added to each parameter block. This checksum is added when the parameter value is rewritten or lost due to a malfunction of the communication control device 18, the backup battery 187 is exhausted, or a communication error occurs. Can be detected.

These parameters are written from the management device 16 side through the public line network 17, and a portable device for parameter setting is directly connected to the communication control device for writing, or an operating means is provided on the communication control device 18. It may be configured to be set.

Since the parameter setting is an important function, the confidentiality is enhanced by adding an ID (password) to the communication data. This ID is not determined uniquely to each communication control device 18, but is determined when the first parameter is specified (when the parameter in FIG. 13 is not set), and after that, it cannot be changed in communication, etc. This is possible by manually initializing the communication control device 18.

Since the ID is confirmed every time communication is performed, it is impossible to enter from wrong data or different system. When a different ID is received a predetermined number of times, this error is stored internally and the management device 16
The system administrator is notified automatically to the system administrator. Every time this ID is communicated, it is checked to prevent hackers. Although the above ID cannot be changed by communication as described above, for example, another ID (I
(For D change) may be used.

FIG. 14 is an example of a format of communication data at the time of remote notification. (A) is a data format from the copying machine to the communication control device. The first field is a report reason code, and indicates the type of remote report by the remote report key, remote report by self-diagnosis abnormality, or remote report of advance warning. This is followed by information inside the copier. Copier status means toner, oil,
Information about the status of consumables such as copy paper, output values of various sensors, setting values of various adjustment points, and connection status of units.

(B) is a data format from the communication control device 18 to the management device 16. In addition to the data from the copying machine 1, a model number field and a serial number field are added at the beginning to identify the copying machine that is the information source. Also, a communication control device 18 is provided at the rear.
The time 188 in which the reporting factor is generated is added. In the data part, the type of data to be transmitted to the management device 16 changes depending on the parameter set in the communication control device 18. In this example, only the self-diagnosis abnormality occurrence frequency and the copying machine status are transmitted to the management device 16. This is the case when the parameter is set in the communication control device 18.

(C) shows the data format of the notification result report transmitted to the copying machine at the time when the notification from the communication control device 18 to the management device 16 is completed.

FIG. 15 shows a data format at the time of read processing during access from the management apparatus 16 to the copying machine 1. From the management device 16 to the communication control device 18, the model number and serial number of the target copying machine 1 are transmitted, followed by the request code indicating the read process and the code of the item to be read.

The model number and serial number fields are removed from the communication control device 18 to the copying machine 1, and only the read request code and item code are sent. Upon receiving this, the copying machine 1 transmits the requested data to the communication control device 18, following the read response code and the received item code. The communication control device 18 again adds the model number and the serial number, and sends it to the management device 16.

FIG. 16 also shows the data format at the time of write processing. In this case, in the communication to the copying machine 1, the data to be written following the item code is added as compared with the case of the read processing. In the communication to the management device 16, the data actually written in the copying machine 1 is sent following the item code field. Normally, the written data received by the copier matches the written data sent by the copier, but if the received data is outside the valid range, it may be rounded to the boundary value and written. In such cases, they do not match.

FIG. 17 also shows Execute.
This is the data format during processing. In this case, in communication to the copying machine 1, when the operation target cannot be specified only by the item code, a code for supplementing the operation content follows the item code. Copier 1 that performed the requested operation
Sends the operation result information to the management device 16 side.

FIG. 18 shows a data format when the management device 16 accesses the communication control device 18, where (a) is a read process, (b) is a write process,
(C) is a format at the time of execute processing.
These have almost the same data format as when accessing the copying machine 1, but instead of the model number and the serial number, they are codes indicating the communication control device 18.

FIG. 19 shows the data format when the communication control device 18 accesses the copying machine 1.
The data format between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 is the same when the copying machine 1 is accessed from the management device 16 shown in FIGS. There is no need to distinguish the access of, and they can be handled in the same way.

Although only one management device 16 is shown in FIG. 5, in the actual business, the service center repairs the machine, and the management of the number of copies is carried out at another place. There is. Since this embodiment is adapted to cope with these, its operation will be described.

A notification reason code is added to the notification data from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18, as shown in FIG. Communication control device 18
Identifies the report data by identifying the report reason code as shown in (1) to (4) below.

(1) Data by remote notification key (2) Data by self-diagnosis abnormality (3) Data by advance warning (4) Data by total counter value

The communication control device 18 classifies the notification data as described above and then stores it in the internal memory, selects the notification destination telephone number in the parameters shown in FIG. 13 for these data, and transmits to that number. . Therefore,
Centralized management is possible by making the report destination telephone numbers in each category the same, and management can be done in individual locations by making the report destination telephone numbers in each category individual.

FIG. 20 shows the CPU of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing a main routine of notification control by 100. Note that this processing is performed by the operation unit 7 shown in FIG.
It corresponds to the case where 0 is used. The communication permission switch 111 provided outside the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 is turned off.
In the case of N, the remote notification key 83 of the operation unit 70 is pressed, the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the self-diagnosis function, or it is in a state where the advance warning is required. When judged, each remote notification process is performed.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the remote notification subroutine by the remote notification key in FIG. First, remote notification data is transmitted to the communication control device 18 using the remote notification key.
If the communication cannot be performed normally due to no response from the communication control device 18, the remote communication abnormality display D8 (FIG. 4) on the operation unit 70 is turned on or blinks to notify the user of that fact.

When the data is normally transmitted to the communication control device 18, the timer for time-out determination is reset and the report result report from the communication control device 18 is waited. In this example, the time-out time is set to 3 minutes, and if the report result report is not received within 3 minutes, the time-out is set, and the notification of the failure of the report is also displayed on the operation unit 7.
The remote communication error display D8 on 0 is displayed by lighting or blinking to notify the user.

When a report result report is received within the time-out period, it is judged from the result report whether or not the report was successful, and if it is reported normally, the fact that the automatic report has been completed is displayed (see the figure However, if it is a failure, the fact that the remote communication abnormality display D8 is lit or blinking is displayed, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of a remote notification subroutine of self-diagnosis abnormality in FIG. The processing of this subroutine is the same as the remote notification by the remote notification key described with reference to FIG. 21, except that the data to be transmitted to the communication control device 18 is the data due to the self-diagnosis abnormality and the timeout time is 20 minutes. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the subroutine of remote notification by advance warning in FIG. In this routine, remote notification data is transmitted to the communication controller device 18 by advance warning.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the main routine of the processing by the CPU 100 of the copying machine 1 when accessed by the communication control device 18. When the communication permission switch 111 shown in FIG. 8 is ON and there is received data in the communication interface unit 109,
When this is received, the processing requested by the head field is judged, and any one of a read request, a write request, and an execute request is judged, and processing according to the judgment result is performed. If the request is neither of the above, an error code is returned and the process ends.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the read processing subroutine of FIG. In this routine, if the item code received by the copying machine 1 is readable and correct, the requested data is returned, and if not, an error code is returned.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the write processing subroutine of FIG. In this routine, if the received item code is not writable and correct, an error code is returned, if it is correct, the value to be written is checked, and if it is within the valid range, the value of the received data is written as it is. If the item is outside the valid range and the item can be written with the data rounded to the boundary value of the valid range, the boundary value is written. Otherwise, it returns an error code and returns.

Whether or not the data can be rounded to the boundary value and written is determined for each item code. Even if it is within the effective range such as the setting of the fixing temperature, the influence of rewriting is large,
Rounding to the boundary value is prohibited for telephone numbers of service centers that do not make sense of the numerical value, and items such as the auto reset time that do not affect the image quality are rounded to the boundary value for convenience. To give permission. For example, when it is desired to set the auto reset time as long as possible, if the written value is set to the maximum value with the full number of digits, the maximum value is automatically selected on the copier side.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the subroutine of the execute processing of FIG.
In this routine, if the received item code is not the correct one that can be executed, an error code is returned. If the item is correct, it is determined whether or not the item requires the action content supplement, and if not, the specified action is executed and the action result information is returned. If the operation content supplement is an item that requires supplementation, the operation according to the supplemented information is executed, but if the operation content supplement is data outside the valid range, an error code is transmitted and the process returns.

Next, the procedure of communication between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 28 is a communication sequence in an idle state when five copy machines are connected to the communication control device 18.

The communication control device 18 executes a polling cycle for sequentially transmitting a polling sequence using the polling address of each copying machine 1. The copying machine 1 polled by the polling address of its own machine gives a negative response to the communication control device 18 if there is no transmission text.
Send to. The communication control device 18 repeats this polling cycle in a normal state where there is no other communication processing.

FIG. 29 is an example of a communication sequence in the case where the copying machine at the address 2 has a transmission text for remote notification. RS-48 after being polled with own address
Send the transmitted text on the 5th line.

FIG. 30 shows an example of the communication sequence when the text of the report result is transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the copying machine at the address 5. After completing the polling currently being performed, send the selecting sequence using the selecting address of the target copier,
Send the text to the copier. After sending the text, it returns to the original polling cycle.

FIG. 31 shows a communication sequence between the communication control device 16 and the copying machine 1 when the management device 16 or the communication control device 18 accesses the copying machine at the address 3.

In this case, the communication control device 18 selects the target copying machine, and sends one of the texts of read request, write request, and execute request. Immediately after that, the same copying machine is polled to receive a response to the request. Actually, FIG.
This sequence will be inserted during the polling cycle indicated by.

Next, a method of transmitting time information (timekeeping information) from the communication control device 18 according to the present invention to each copying machine 1 will be described. As described above, the clock 188 (FIG. 6) is built in the communication control device 18. In this communication control device 18, the CPU 1
84 transmits the time information obtained from the clock 188 to the copying machine 1 by the communication interface 183 at regular intervals (for example, every one minute).

When a plurality of copying machines 1 are connected as in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 32, transmission cycles are shifted so that the copying machines 1 are transmitted at regular intervals. FIG. 32 shows an example in which three copying machines are connected.

FIG. 33 shows an example in which the data format of the time information transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the copying machine 1 is different. (A) is an example of a format when all the time information is transmitted. (B) is an example in which relatively fixed information of the time information is not transmitted. In this example, the date information is omitted, but this information is 1
It only changes once a day and only needs to be sent once a day. It will be sent once a day in the format of (a), otherwise it will be sent in the format of (b). Do.

(C) is an example of the format when all the time information is omitted. Assuming that the time information is transmitted at regular intervals, if the transmission interval is arranged between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1, the time information transmitted in the format of (a) or (b) can be obtained. As a reference, the time information can be updated on the copying machine 1 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the communication control device 18 can be set with an interval for notifying the time information to each copying machine 1, and can be read and written from the management device 16 like other parameters. It has become. The communication control device 18 transmits time information to each copying machine 1 according to this parameter. It is also possible to set the transmission interval of the time information addressed to itself from the copying machine 1 side.

FIG. 34 shows a data format when the copying machine 1 requests the communication control device 18 for time information. In this case, the copying machine 1 requests the communication control device 18 to transmit the time information, and when polled by the communication control device 18, the copying machine 1 side transmits the time information request code. Upon receiving this, the communication control device 18 returns time information to the same copying machine 1 in the format of FIG.

On the other hand, in each copying machine 1, when the communication interface unit 109 receives the time information sent from the communication control device 18, the CPU 100 performs a process requiring the time information. For example, the time is set in advance for each day of the week, and the power is automatically turned on / off.
Or turn off the power or reset the copy mode to the initial state when this copier has not been used for a certain period of time.
Also, the interval for automatically adjusting the copy process conditions is determined, and the operating time is accumulated to be used as a standard for the maintenance interval of the functional parts.

Next, a method of calibrating the clock 188 in the communication control device 18 will be briefly described. This is performed using the function of accessing the communication control device 18 from the management device 16 described above. That is, FIG.
This is performed using the write process shown in (b) of FIG. In this case, the time calibration code of the clock 188 in the communication control device 18 is prepared as the write request code.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the communication control device 18 periodically transmits the time information (timekeeping information) by the clock 188, each copying machine 1 receives the time information, and the time information. Since the processing that requires
Since it is not necessary to provide each copier with a clock individually, the cost of the entire system can be reduced. Further, the time information of the five copying machines 1 can be collectively managed, and the time information such as the time correction can be managed by the single clock 188, which facilitates the management.

Further, the time information is not shifted between the copying machines 1, and the operation can be constantly synchronized. Furthermore, since the time information is transmitted to each copying machine 1 regularly, the time information in each copying machine 1 can be surely updated, and the time information can be updated by predetermining the update interval of the time information. The copying machine 1 side can update the time information only by the trigger information, not by itself. Moreover, since the interval (update interval) for periodically transmitting the time information is set for each copying machine, efficient communication can be performed.

Further, since the communication control device 18 transmits any one of the time information having different information amounts, the information amount of the time information can be reduced without degrading the accuracy. Therefore, the communication efficiency is improved, and the spare time can be used for other communication. Further, since each copying machine 1 can request the time information from the communication control device 18, each copying machine 1 can promptly acquire the time information when it needs it.

The above has described the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of copying machines are connected to the management apparatus via the communication control (peripheral apparatus) and the communication line. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various image forming apparatus systems in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a peripheral device having a timing unit.

[0114]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus system of the present invention, the time information can be obtained even if each image forming apparatus does not have its own time measuring means, thus reducing the cost of the entire system. be able to.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is not necessary to separately prepare a peripheral device having a clocking means. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the information amount of the timekeeping information can be reduced without lowering the accuracy, so that the communication efficiency is improved and the idle time can be used for other communication.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the timekeeping information in each image forming apparatus can be surely updated, and the update interval of the timekeeping information is determined in advance so that the image forming apparatus side can use only the trigger information. Can be updated. According to the invention of claim 5, more efficient communication can be performed. According to the invention of claim 6, each image forming apparatus can promptly acquire the timekeeping information when it wants the timekeeping information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing an example of an operation unit of the copying machine shown in FIG.

4 is an enlarged view showing the display contents of a pattern display unit 72 of the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system to which the present invention is applied.

6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication control device 18 shown in FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management device 16 shown in FIG.

8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the copying machine 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a communication sequence diagram at the time of remote notification in the image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a communication sequence diagram when the copier is accessed from the management device side.

FIG. 11 is a communication sequence diagram when the management device side accesses the communication control device.

FIG. 12 is a communication sequence diagram when the communication control device accesses the copying machine without using the management device.

13 is a list of parameters set in the communication control device 18 shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format of communication data at the time of remote notification.

15 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of read processing during access from the management apparatus shown in FIG. 5 to the copying machine.

FIG. 16 is a diagram similarly showing an example of a data format at the time of write processing.

FIG. 17 is a diagram similarly showing an example of a data format at the time of execute processing.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a data format when a management device accesses a communication control device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a data format when a communication control device accesses a copying machine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of notification control at the time of power-on by the CPU of the copying machine.

21 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a remote notification subroutine using the remote notification key shown in FIG.

22 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a subroutine for remote notification due to self-diagnosis abnormality in FIG. 20. FIG.

23 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a subroutine for remote notification by advance warning in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a main routine of processing by the CPU of the copying machine when accessed by the communication control device.

25 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a read processing subroutine in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a write processing subroutine in FIG.

27 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a subroutine of the execute processing in FIG.

FIG. 28 is a communication sequence diagram in an idle state when five copiers are connected to the communication control device.

FIG. 29 is a communication sequence diagram in the case where the copying machine at address 2 has a transmission text for remote notification.

FIG. 30 is a communication sequence diagram when the text of the notification result report is transmitted from the communication control device to the copying machine at address 5.

FIG. 31 is a communication sequence diagram between the communication control device and the copying machine when the management device or the communication control device accesses the copying machine at address 3.

FIG. 32 is a communication sequence diagram when time information is transmitted from the communication control device to each copying machine.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example in which the data format of the time information transmitted from the communication control device to each copying machine is different.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a data format when a time information is requested from the copying machine to the communication control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Copier 16: Management device 17: Public line network 18: Communication control device 19: Telephone 20: Facsimile device 70: Operation unit 100: Copier CPU 101: ROM 102: RAM 109: Communication interface unit 180: Switching unit 181 Modem 183, 199: Communication interface 184: Communication control device CPU 185: ROM 186: RAM 187: Battery 188: Clock

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a peripheral device having a clocking means, and each of the image forming apparatuses has a clocking information transmitting means for transmitting the clocking information by the clocking means. An image forming apparatus system, comprising: a time information receiving unit that receives the time information; and a processing unit that performs a process that requires the time information received by the time information receiving unit. 2. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is a communication control device,
An image forming apparatus system, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses is connected to a management apparatus via the communication control device and a communication line. 3. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the time information transmitting means includes a plurality of transmitting means for transmitting time information having different amounts of information. 4. The image according to claim 1, wherein the time information transmitting means is means for periodically transmitting the time information to each of the image forming apparatuses. Forming equipment system. 5. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 4, further comprising means for setting an interval at which the time information transmitting means periodically transmits the time information for each of the image forming apparatuses. Image forming system. 6. The image forming apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses includes means for requesting timekeeping information to the peripheral device.