JPH09197941A - Printer device and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accomplish a mechanism for automatically succeeding, or renewing various kind of data held by an original unit to a new unit, in the case of replacing the unit, as for a printer device for performing printing when a command is given by a host. SOLUTION: The device control part 9 of the printer device 2 is provided with a memory part 10, and data of the memory parts 5 and 7 incorporated in each unit are retreated. Besides, in the operation of the printer device 2, data stored in the memory part 10 of the device control part 9 is renewed while periodically referring the data of the memory parts 5 and 7 incorporated in each unit, and in the case of performing an initial diagnose at turning on the power supply of the device, data on the number of printed sheets stored in the memory part 10 of the device control part 9 is collated with the data on the number of printed sheets stored in each unit, and it is decided that the unit is replaced in the case there is a difference between the data, the necessary data among the data stored in the memory part 10 of the device control part 9 is transplanted to the memory part of a new unit, and then, the data is recovered.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to inheritance of an adjustment value of a printer unit, replacement of maintenance information, and the like when a unit of a printer device connected to an information processing system is replaced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of image forming technology using a laser beam, its application range has been applied from the field of copying machines and image transmission apparatuses to the field of printer apparatuses connected to information processing systems. In these devices, in order to allow the operator to use the device without requiring special expertise, the method of replacing each part of the device into a unit and replacing each unit in maintenance is adopted.

Further, normally, as shown in FIG. 4, the printer unit 52 has a mechanism control unit 56 in a printer mechanism unit 53 incorporated therein, and controls the entire printer mechanism unit 53. Further, the toner used in the image formation employs a method for convenience of operation by using the toner cartridge 54 as a unit to be replaced, which is a unit for wrapping related mechanical parts such as a drum.

The mechanism control unit 56 has a memory unit 57 inside, and the printer mechanism unit 53 such as adjustment values corresponding to the settings of the left edge and the upper edge of the paper, toner density adjustment values, total print number, and drum rotation number designation values. Stores various data in.

Further, the toner cartridge 54 has a memory section 55 therein and stores the total number of prints in the toner cartridge 54 as data.

If the mechanism control unit 56 fails for some reason, the mechanism control unit 56 is replaced during maintenance work. In this case, various data set in the failed mechanism control unit 56 is directly extracted together with the memory unit 57 and replaced by the new mechanism control unit 56. Therefore, the data used until then is the memory unit of the new mechanism control unit 56. 5
Must be ported to 7.

Therefore, when replacing the mechanism control unit 56, the maintenance person first operates the operation display unit 58 to operate the memory unit 5.
The data stored in 7 is displayed and recorded on a memo paper or the like, and after the new mechanism control unit 56 is mounted, the operation display unit 58 is operated again to input the above data into the memory unit 57 one by one. It was necessary to store it as a storage.

Toner cartridge 54, which is a consumable item
In the case of replacement, since the data of the number of printed sheets before replacement is attached to the old toner cartridge 54 as it is, the history data is interrupted at the time of replacement.

[0009]

As described above, in the printer device according to the prior art, when the unit is replaced at the time of maintenance, various data that normally need to be inherited are manually transferred. There are the following problems.

When manually writing in a new unit, there is a risk that the memo cannot be inherited due to a lost memo or the like.

To write a new unit manually,
Work efficiency does not increase.

Since this is done manually, there is a risk of human error.

The work must be carried out by a person having specialized knowledge.

[0014]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following measures.

A memory section 10 is provided in the apparatus control section 9, and various control data and total print number data stored in the memory section 7 incorporated in the mechanism control section 6 are saved in the memory section 10 and the printer apparatus 2 is operated. During operation, the memory unit 7 is periodically referenced to periodically update the data stored in the memory unit 10.

When the power of the printer device is turned on, the device control section 9 selects the total print number data saved from the memory section 7 incorporated in the mechanism control section 6 from the data stored in the memory section 10 and uses it as the source. Data, that is, memory unit 7
When the difference is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the mechanism control unit 6 has been replaced, and the data is automatically stored in the memory unit 10. Various control data stored in the memory unit 7
Restore to.

Further, the apparatus control section 9 copies the print number data stored in the memory section 5 built in the toner cartridge 4 to the memory section 10, and periodically refers to the memory section 5 while the printer apparatus 2 is operating. Then, the data stored in the memory unit 10 is updated.

When the power of the printer device is turned on, the device control unit 9 selects the total print number data saved from the memory unit 5 built in the toner cartridge 4 from the data stored in the memory unit 10 and uses it as the original data. That is, by collating with the total print number data stored in the memory unit 5,
If the difference is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the toner cartridge 4 has been replaced,
The management data regarding the toner cartridge 4 in the memory unit 10 is automatically updated.

By the means described above, the following operation is obtained.

When the mechanism control unit 6 is replaced, the set values necessary for controlling the printer mechanism unit 3 are automatically restored in the memory unit 7 incorporated in the mechanism control unit 6.

When the toner cartridge 4 is replaced, the management data regarding the toner cartridge 4 in the memory section 10 is automatically updated.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention has an embodiment as shown below as shown in FIG.

A device controller 9 for controlling the printer device 2
Has a memory unit 10, and a memory unit 7 incorporated in the mechanism control unit 6 and a memory unit 5 incorporated in the toner cartridge 4.
Has a mechanism for saving various data stored in the memory unit 10 in the memory unit 10. As a result, the mechanism control unit 6 or the toner cartridge 4 can be used as a means for protecting various data.

During operation of the printer device 2, the device control section 9
Periodically refers to various data stored in the memory unit 7 and the memory unit 5, and updates the data saved in the memory unit 10. Further, the total print number data stored in the memory unit 5 or the total print number data stored in the memory unit 7 and the memory unit 10 at the time of initial diagnosis when the printer device 2 is powered on.
By comparing and collating with the print total number of sheets of data saved in, the presence or absence of unit replacement in the printer device 2 is determined. As a result, it is possible to obtain an action that triggers necessary measures when the unit is replaced.

At the time of initial diagnosis when the power of the printer device 2 is turned on, the total print number data stored in the memory unit 7 and the total print number data saved in the memory unit 10 are compared and collated, and a difference is exceeded beyond a preset range. If it occurs, it is determined that the mechanism control unit 6 has replaced the unit, and various control data saved in the memory unit 10 is automatically restored in the memory unit 7. From this, when the unit of the mechanism control unit 6 is replaced, various control data are automatically inherited to the new unit.

At the time of initial diagnosis when the power of the printer device 2 is turned on, the total print number data stored in the memory unit 5 and the total print number data saved in the memory unit 10 are compared and collated, and a difference is exceeded beyond a preset range. If it occurs, it is determined that the unit of the toner cartridge 4 has been replaced, and the data of the total number of prints saved in the memory unit 10 and the management data of the toner cartridge 4 are automatically updated.
As a result, the management data is automatically updated when the toner cartridge 4 is replaced.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A typical embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a check flowchart at the time of initial diagnosis when the power is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device controller 29 receives an instruction transmitted from the host 21, and prints according to the instruction. At this time, items to be set as the printer device 22 are given through the operation display unit 28.

When executing the printing operation of the printer device 22, the device control unit 29 refers to the data such as the adjustment value peculiar to the printer mechanism unit 23 or the designated value set at the time of operation from the memory unit 27 built in the mechanism control unit 26. Then, the data is saved in the memory unit 30 incorporated in the device control unit 29.

During execution of the printing operation, the device control unit 29 refers to the memory unit 27 incorporated in the mechanism control unit 26 at a preset interval, for example, an interval of printing five sheets, reads the total print number data, and controls the device. The data is recorded in the memory unit 30 built in the unit 29. Similarly, the memory unit 25 incorporated in the toner cartridge 24 is referred to read the total print number data and stored in the memory unit 30 incorporated in the device control unit 29.

The total print number data stored in the memory unit 25 built in the toner cartridge 24 indicates the total number of prints using the toner cartridge 24, and is stored in the memory unit 27 built in the mechanism control unit 26. The data of the total number of printed sheets indicates the total number of sheets printed by the apparatus, and therefore the two data do not normally match.

Next, the check flow when the power is turned on will be described. When the printer device 22 is turned off and then turned on again, as shown in FIG. 3, after checking the states of the mechanical unit and each unit in the initial diagnosis in step S01, the device control unit 29 controls the mechanism in step S02. The total print number data saved from the memory unit 27 included in the unit 26 is selected from the data stored in the memory unit 30 included in the device control unit 29, and stored in the original data, that is, the memory unit 27. Collate with a certain total print quantity data.

In step S03, the difference between the two data is 5
If the number of sheets is equal to or less than the number of sheets, the printer device 22 determines that the power is turned on again with the power turned off, and various data in the memory unit 27 is stored in the memory unit 30 incorporated in the device control unit 29 in step S04. evacuate.

If the difference between the two data is 5 or more in step S03, the printer device 22 determines that the mechanism control unit 26 has been replaced before the current power-on. Then, it is determined that the new mechanism control unit 26 has no data such as the unique adjustment value of the printer mechanism unit 23 or the specified value set by the operator, and the data is stored in the memory unit 30 built in the device control unit 29 in advance. Various control data relating to the mechanism control unit 26 that has been saved is stored in step S0.
In step 5, the data is restored in the memory unit 27 built in the mechanism control unit 26.

With the above-described operation, the new mechanism control unit 26 by unit replacement inherits the control data before unit replacement to the memory unit 27 built in the mechanism control unit 26.

Even when the entire printer mechanism section 23 is replaced as a replacement unit, the mechanism control section 26 described above is used.
Is a new unit, the control data of the mechanism control unit 26 saved in advance in the memory unit 30 is stored in the memory unit 27 in step S05.
Restore to.

Then, following the check by the mechanism control unit 26, in step S06, the device control unit 29 stores the total print number data saved from the memory unit 25 built in the toner cartridge 24 in the memory unit 30 built in the device control unit 29. It is selected from the stored data and collated with the original data, that is, the total print number data stored in the memory section 25 built in the toner cartridge 24.

In step S07, the difference between the two data is 5
If the number of sheets is equal to or less than the number of sheets, the printer device 22 determines that the power is turned on again with the power turned off, and the process proceeds to step S08, and the total print number data in the memory unit 25 built in the toner cartridge 24 is read. It is saved in the memory unit 30 built in the control unit 29.

If the difference between the two data is 5 or more in step S07, it is determined that the printer unit 22 has replaced the toner cartridge 24 before the current power-on. Then, the process proceeds to step S 09, and the total print number data of the memory unit 25 built in the new toner cartridge 24 is stored in the device control unit 29.
The management data regarding the toner cartridge 24 in the memory unit 30 incorporated in the apparatus control unit 29 is updated while saving the data to 0.

[0040]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

A memory unit built in the device control unit for controlling the printer device, and various data stored in the memory unit built in the mechanism control unit and the memory unit built in the toner cartridge are stored in the device control unit. Since there is a mechanism for retreating to the unit, it is possible to obtain an effect that it can be used as a mechanism control unit or a means for protecting various data of the toner cartridge.

During operation of the printer device, the device control unit periodically refers to various data stored in the memory unit built in the mechanism control unit and the memory unit built in the toner cartridge, and stores the data in the memory unit built in the device control unit. Update the saved data. Further, at the time of initial diagnosis when the power of the printer device is turned on, the total print number data saved from the memory unit built in the mechanism control unit of the memory unit built in the device control unit,
By checking the original data, that is, the total print number data stored in the memory unit built in the mechanism control unit, it is determined whether or not the unit of the mechanism control unit in the printer is replaced. Similarly, the total print number data saved from the memory unit built in the toner cartridge of the memory unit built in the device control unit is compared with the original data, that is, the total print number data stored in the memory unit built in the toner cartridge. In this way, it is determined whether the toner cartridge unit in the printer device is replaced. As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect of taking necessary measures such as data restoration or updating when the unit is replaced in the printer device.

At the time of initial diagnosis when the power of the printer is turned on, the total print number data saved by the mechanism control unit is selected from the total print number data saved in the memory unit built in the device control unit, and the original data, that is, the mechanism control is selected. The total number of prints stored in the memory built in the unit is checked, and if there is a difference beyond the preset range, it is determined that the mechanism control unit has been replaced, and the memory built in the device control unit Various control data saved in the unit are automatically restored in the memory unit built in the mechanism control unit. With this measure, when exchanging the unit of the mechanism control unit in the printer, various control data are automatically inherited to the mechanism control unit which is a new unit, and it is easy to do without the need for a maintenance worker with specialized knowledge. The effect that the unit can be exchanged is obtained.

At the time of initial diagnosis at the time of power-on of the printer device, the total print number data saved from the toner cartridge is selected from the total print number data saved in the memory unit incorporated in the device control unit, and is incorporated in the original data, that is, the toner cartridge. The total number of prints stored in the memory section is checked, and if there is a difference that exceeds the preset range, it is determined that the toner cartridge has been replaced, and it is saved in the memory section built into the device control section. The total number of prints data regarding the toner cartridge and the management data for the toner cartridge are updated. By this measure, the management data is automatically updated when the unit of the toner cartridge is replaced, and the unit can be easily replaced without the need for a maintenance worker having specialized knowledge.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a check flowchart when the power is turned on.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ……………… Host 2 ……………… Printer device 3 ……………… Printer mechanism unit 4 ……………… Toner cartridge 5, 7, 10… Memory unit 6 ………… … Mechanism control unit 9 ……………… Device control unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printer mechanism (3) in a printer (2) for printing data received from a host (1).
A memory unit (which saves various data stored in the memory unit (7) of the mechanism control unit (6) built in the printer and the total print number data stored in the memory unit (5) of the toner cartridge (4) ( A printer device comprising the device control unit (9). 2. A printer unit (3) in a printer device (2) for printing data received from a host (1).
A memory unit (10) for saving various data stored in the memory unit (7) of the mechanism control unit (6) built in the printer and various data stored in the memory unit (5) of the toner cartridge (4). Is provided in the device control unit (9), and the total print number data stored in the memory unit (7) and the memory unit (5) are periodically read while the printer device (2) is in operation, and the memory unit is read. A method for controlling a printer device, wherein the presence or absence of a unit replacement is judged by saving in (10) and comparing and collating each print total number data at the time of initial diagnosis when the power of the device is turned on. 3. Various kinds of control data stored in a memory section (7) of a mechanism control section (6) of the printer device (2) are saved in the memory part (10), and the printer device (2) is also provided.
During the operation of the printer, the total print number data stored in the memory unit (7) is periodically read and saved in the memory unit (10), and the memory is used for initial diagnosis when the printer device (2) is powered on. The total print number data stored in the copy section (7) and the total print number data saved in the memory section (10) are compared and collated, and there is a difference between these data beyond a preset range. Mechanism control unit (6)
The control data that needs to be inherited from the various data saved in the memory unit (10) is automatically restored in the memory unit (7) when it is determined that the data has been exchanged. Item 3. A method for controlling a printer device according to Item 2. 4. A memory unit (10) included in a device control unit (9), which periodically reads total print number data stored in a memory unit (5) included in a toner cartridge (4) of a printer device (2). And the total print number data stored in the memory section (5) is compared with the total print number data saved in the memory section (10) at the time of initial diagnosis when the printer device (2) is powered on. The data is collated, and if there is a difference between the data that exceeds the preset range, it is determined that the toner cartridge (4) has been replaced, and the data stored in the memory unit (10) is checked. The printer device control according to claim 2, wherein the total print number data relating to the toner cartridge (4) is automatically updated in accordance with the total print number data stored in the memory section (5). Method.