JPS63253957A - Copying machine for data logging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute a P/C meter inspection, and a diagnosis for a fault and a maintenance in a wide area, by collecting such field data as the number of copying sheets in each separate mode, the number of times of fault, etc., of plural copying machines in a remote place by utilizing a telephone circuit. CONSTITUTION:An adaptor 1 collects data (the number of copying sheets, the number of times of jamming, an abnormal counter, etc.) of a copying machine 4, sends out the collected data to a telephone circuit as necessary, and its connection to the telephone circuit is executed through a system phone. As for a center device 2, a personal computer is utilized, and it receives the data from the adaptor 1, which has been sent through the telephone circuit, and executes an analytic diagnosis, an inspection, etc. As for its connection to the telephone circuit, the system phone 3 is used in the same way as the adaptor 1. In such a way, various copying state can be read without changing a main control plate of a conventional copying machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Technical field) The present invention relates to a data logging system applied to various devices, particularly copying machines.

(Prior art) For example, in the case of copying machines, devices have been devised to read data in various modes, but as shown in Fig. 18, they either use the power from the copying machine or use a separate power source to generate signals. In many cases, the lines were isolated using a photocoupler.

When using power from a copying machine, it is impossible to count the downtime when the copying machine's power switch is OFF. Further, even when isolated using a photocoupler, it is possible to communicate data in the positional direction, but if it is bidirectional, the circuit becomes complicated and expensive.

(Purpose) The present invention was made based on this background,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying machine for a data logging system that can read various copying states without changing the main control board of a conventional copying machine.

(Configuration) This system collects field data such as the number of copies per mode and number of failures of multiple copiers in remote areas using telephone lines, and enables P/C meter reading in a wide area.
It performs failure and maintenance diagnosis.

First, Figure 1 shows the configuration of this system.

Adapter 11 This collects data (number of copies, number of jams, abnormality counter, etc.) of the copying machine (PPC) 4, and sends the collected data to a telephone line as necessary.

Connection to the telephone line is also made via a system phone.

The center device 2, which uses a personal computer, receives the data sent from the adapter 1 via the telephone line and performs analysis, diagnosis, and inspection. Use phone 3.

Figures 2 and 3 show connection diagrams of each device.The center side shown in Figure 2 connects the telephone line and system phone 3, and the system phone 3 is connected to the center device 2 by R3- 2
Use D type connector 6 for 32C. On the other hand, on the terminal side shown in FIG.
is connected with R3-232C connector cable 7.

Data communication between the copying machine and the adapter is performed in parallel, but in order to connect the main control board of the copying machine without making any changes, an interface port is inserted directly into the RAM socket, and the board and adapter are connected using a cable. . Also, connect cables for each sensor (temperature, humidity, power supply voltage) between the copying machine and the adapter.

Next, the configuration of the adapter 1 will be explained based on the configuration diagram of the adapter in FIG. 4 and the circuit diagram in FIG. 5A.

ICPU II: Classifies, counts, and collects various information sent from the copying machine 4.

ii) Control of parallel communication with the copying machine 4.

iii) Control of serial communication with system phone 3 using R3-232C.

iv) Set and count the real-time clock, etc.

Dual port RAM 12, this is a buffer for communication between the CPU and the copying machine.

Parallel I10 port 13, this is 1) Control signal for RS-232C interface.

1i) DipSW input used for.

Serial port 14, which is a data input/output port for the R3-232C interface.

A/D converter 15, which is used to detect various sensors (in-machine temperature, humidity, power supply voltage).

A timer 16 is used to count operating time, downtime, etc. (an interrupt occurs every second).

ROM 17 is a program memory for controlling the adapter.

RAM18, this is 1) Working area ii for adapter control program
) Memory for data collection, counting, and retention.

The above functions are carried out by l-chip microcontroller 63052.
(shown in Figure 5A).

DipSW 19, which sets the data format and baud rate for serial communication.

Driver receiver 20 for R5-232C, this is an interface for communication with system phone 3, TT
LL/V) L/ is converted to the R3-232C level of ±12V.

Power supply detection and CPU reset In this embodiment, in order to count the ON time and OFF time of the copying machine, the power supply (Vcc) of the copying machine is inputted to the PBO by a photocoupler and detected. In addition, in order to constantly operate the CPU on the adapter side, a reset signal from the copying machine side is input into the 5TBY input. The microcontroller (HD6305 Z) on the adapter side has a 5TBY input #L
# level, the microcontroller stops operating. After that, when the 5TBY input becomes #H'' level, the standby power bit (
STBYPWR) [If it is l, it indicates that the microcomputer power supply (Vcc) is applied to standby 0]
Determining whether to clear the built-in RAM. That is, when this bit is 0, the backup battery is not installed or has reached the end of its lifespan, so the RAM is cleared.

Figure 5C shows the copier power supply (Vcc) and the adapter power supply (
VCM), reset signal, and 5TBY. The reset signal is contained in the CE of the RAM (5517).

Figures 5D and 5E show the clock counting program flow.

The circuit diagram of the adapter is shown in FIG. 5Δ. R50 to R33 are address lines for selecting the 16-byte dual port RAM in the CPU (6305Z).

WR and RD are read/write controls for the port, and C8 is a select signal for accessing the dual baud RAM. DBB0 to DBB are data bus lines for reading and writing the RAM. PBo to PB are input ports for power monitoring of the main control board of the copying machine, and are isolated by a photocoupler (PS2403). C
The 5TBY (standby) signal is used to reset the PU, and is connected to the reset IC (7705). When Vcc becomes 4.7v or less, this IC
become the level.

PF, ~PF, and PC, ~PGy are connected to DipSW, and are used to set the mode and baud rate for communication with the system phone.

TX, 5CLK, PAs, PAh, PAo, RX
, PC,s, Pc4. PCs, PCh, PC,?
are the data lines (TX, RX) and control signals used to communicate with the system phone. Each signal is for R3-232C interface ■C75188,
It is connected to the terminal via 75189. The names of each terminal are based on the modem interface.

MPI and MP2 are for setting the CPU mode, and output ports PA3. I connected it to PA4 and set the mode myself using the software. AND～A
N? is the analog input of the A/D converter, and A V
cc and AVss are its reference voltages. XTAL,
EXTAL is a connection terminal for the system clock crystal of the CPU. In this example, a 4.9152 MHz crystal was used to produce a baud rate of R3-2320. Voltage is Vcc and C of rc other than CPU
It is divided into VeM for PU and 2) The 6.4 side can be backed up with lithium voltage. The analog reference AV cc is connected from the Vcc side. C,N
Reference numeral 103 connects to the copying machine via a path buffer of an interface port. The lower left is the power connection floor, and the DC-DC is a 5V input ±12V output DC-DC converter.

Next, the interface port will be explained based on FIGS. 6 and 7. The interface port 30 has a pin as shown in FIG. 6 so that it can be directly connected to the RAM (5517) socket on the main control board of the copying machine. As shown in the circuit diagram in Figure 7, the interface port has a RAM (RAM) that replaces the RAM on the main control board.
5517) and an adapter. As can be seen from this figure, when A3-A1° are all H, access to the RAM on the interface port is prohibited and the access is switched to the dual port RAM of the microcomputer on the adapter.

That is, for example, the RAM address is C00OH-C7.
If it is FFH, the upper 16 bytes C7FOH~C7
The address of FFH is to be allocated on the dual port RAM. This allows the copying machine to communicate data with the adapter in the same way as reading and writing to RAM.

FIG. 8 shows a mechanical section inside the main body of one type of copying machine embodying the present invention.

A contact glass 40 on which a document is placed is provided, and an optical scanning section is provided below the contact glass.

The optical scanning system includes an illumination lamp 41, a first mirror 42, and a second mirror 42.
Mirror 43, third mirror 44, zoom lens 45, fourth
Equipped with mirror 46 etc. The optical scanning system is mechanically driven to scan in the sub-scanning direction, that is, in the horizontal direction of the drawing, while irradiating the photosensitive drum 47 with light corresponding to the original image. In this example, by adjusting the illumination distance of the zoom lens 45, the original image in the main scanning direction, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the drawing;
The magnification of the copy image is adjusted, and the magnification of the original image and the copy image in the sub-scanning direction is adjusted by adjusting the sub-scanning speed of the optical scanning system.

A charger 48, an eraser 49, a developing unit 50s, a transfer charger 51, a separation charger 52, a cleaning unit 53, and the like are provided around the photosensitive drum 47. There are two paper feed systems, 54.5 cassettes.
Copy sheets are fed by paper feed rollers 56 and 57 from one of the selected copy sheets. Further, a double-sided tray 58 is provided, and when performing back-side copying, copy sheets are supplied from the double-sided tray 5B. Paper feeding mechanisms are provided near the cassettes 54 and 55 and the duplex tray 58, respectively (59 is a duplex paper feeding roller).

Next, an outline of the copy process will be explained. The photosensitive drum 47 rotates clockwise in FIG. 8, and its surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined high potential. When the charged surface is irradiated with light from an optical scanning system, the potential changes depending on the intensity of the light. Since the light emitted by the optical scanning system corresponds to the original image, a potential distribution corresponding to the original image, that is, an electrostatic latent image, is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 47. Photosensitive drum 47
When the portion on which the electrostatic latent image is formed passes through the developing device 50, toner is attracted to the photoreceptor drum 47 according to the potential distribution, thereby forming a toner image (visible image) corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. is formed. A copy sheet is fed at a predetermined timing from a selected sheet feeding system to the photosensitive drum 47 on which the visible image has been formed in this way, and is superimposed on the visible image. The visible image is then transferred to a copy sheet by the transfer charger 51. The copy sheet to which the visible image has been transferred is separated from the photoreceptor drum 47 by a separation charger 52.
It is sent out to the transport section. Then, the visible image is fixed onto the copy sheet by a fixing section 61 provided in the conveying section.
In the single-sided copy mode, the copy sheet that has been fixed passes through the path switching mechanism 62 and is immediately ejected in the direction of the arrow; however, in the double-sided copy mode, when the copy is made on the first side, the The conveyance direction of the sheet is reversed by the path switching mechanism 62, and the sheet is stored in the double-sided tray 58 through the conveyance mechanism 63.

An operation board 60 is arranged on the top surface of the copying machine.

Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF device) is installed above the contact glass 40 of this copying machine, and a sorter is installed near the paper ejection port.

FIG. 9 shows the appearance of the operation board of the copying machine. Referring to the figure, this operation board includes a program key 70 for storing and recalling programs, a program display 71 for indicating that a program is in use, an interrupt key 72 for setting and canceling interrupt copy, and an interrupt display for indicating the interrupt copy status. 73. Number confirmation key 74 used to confirm the number of sheets set during copying, when changing size/magnification/programming, numeric keypad 75 used when setting the number of copies, changing size/programming, display panel 76 for displaying various information. , a double-sided key 77 for making double-sided copies, a double-sided display 78 that displays the status of double-sided copying, a binding margin adjustment key 79 used to create binding margins (margins) for copies, and a binding button that displays binding margin dimensions. Alternate size display 80, DF mode key 81 used when unifying paper sizes or automatic paper selection, unifying size display 82 indicating the unifying state of sizes when using DF, DF
automatic paper selection display 83 showing the automatic paper selection state during use;
A sort display 84 indicating the sort state when using the sorter, a stack display 85 indicating the stack state when using the sorter, a sorter key 86 used to set/cancel sorter mode and set/cancel stack mode, and ADF (fully automatic) mode. ADF display 87. 5ADF display 88 indicating 5ADF (semi-automatic) mode, document feeder in ADF
mode, DF main key 9 used when setting to any of the 5ADF modes, document size manual display 90 that lights up when inputting the dimensions of the document, specified dimension manual display 91 that lights up when the specified dimensions are input, Dimension magnification key 92 used when selecting the copy magnification by dimension, set the copy magnification to 1
Dimension scaling key 93 used when selecting in % increments,
A page continuous copying display 94 that shows the page rapid copying status, a page continuous copying key 95 that is used when automatically copying a spread document one side at a time, and an original size selection key that is used to determine the copy magnification based on the original size and paper size. 96, Reduction key 97 used when making a reduced copy, Enlargement key 98 used temporarily for enlarged copying, Same size key 99 used when returning to same size copy, Paper selection key 100 used specifically for copy paper selection, Cobini image Density adjustment key 101 used to adjust the shading of the image, automatic density key 102 used to set and cancel the automatic density adjustment function, clear key used to change the number of sheets to be set, interrupt repeat copying, cancel program protection, etc. A stop key 103, a start key 104 for starting the copy operation, and a preheating mode mode clear key 105 used to return each mode to the standard mode or to switch between the preheating state and the normal state.
, a preheating display 106 indicating the preheating state.

In the size uniformity mode, the copy magnification is automatically set according to the size of the original and paper (copy sheet) (for example, A4.85, etc.). In automatic paper selection mode, the paper source is automatically selected according to the original size and copy magnification. Binding margin adjustment is a function that shifts the correspondence between the position of the original image and the position on the copy sheet in the sub-scanning direction. In this example, the amount of position deviation is -10° -5, 0, +5 and +10 (m). Any of 5 levels can be specified. It is possible to perform the binding margins on the front and back sides of the copy sheet independently.

To set the dimension scaling mode, press the dimension scaling key 93, specify the original dimensions using the numeric keys 75, press the number confirmation key 74, press the dimension scaling key 93 again, and then press the numeric keys 75 to copy. Specify the dimensions and press the number confirmation key 74.

With this operation, the copy magnification is automatically set by calculating the original and copy dimensions.

In this example, the copy density is adjusted in seven steps, and by pressing a key, the density can be adjusted in steps of one step toward a darker or lighter direction.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the configuration of the electric circuit of this copying machine. Referring to FIG. 10, this copying machine is equipped with a microcomputer unit 120, and this unit 120 includes an automatic document feeder 121, A sorter 122, an operation board 60, an optical system control unit 123, a high voltage power supply unit 124, a motor control unit 125, a heater control unit 126, a solenoid control unit 127, a relay control unit 128, and a sensor unit 129 are connected. The microcomputer unit 120 includes
Microprocessor 130, read-only memory (R
OM) 131, read/write memory (RAM) 132, ■/
o A boat 133, an A/D converter 134, and a driver 135 are provided.

FIG. 11 shows a part of the read/write memory (RAM).

Referring to the figure, this memory includes a memory area PCC3R- for parallel communication with adapter 1.
PCDR14 (this part is on the adapter), communication command buffer PCCMD, and status buffer PC3TS are allocated.

FIG. 12 shows the relationship between commands and status.

Referring to the figure, the command code OIH is duplex mode, and the next status is duplex mode 1. 2.
3. Informs the status of reverse ejection and back side copying. Command code 02H is in an optional state, and the next status informs which mode among 5ADF mode, ADF mode, stack mode, and sort mode. Further, the 5PYST (copying in progress) flag is used so that the copy count in each mode can be incremented only when this flag is set.

Command 03H is a fixed magnification of 50.61°65.
71.74.75, 77.81.85.87゜93.1
00,115,121,122,130°141.15
1,155.200% (code 00H-12H) and zoom magnification 50%-200% (code 32H-C8H)
is represented by the following status. Command 04H is command 05, which shows the status of document feeding and whether the paper was fed by DF.
H indicates that copying has started by pressing the print button, and command 06H indicates copy size and paper size. 07H indicates the cassette stage used for copying, LOWWER flag indicates the lower cassette, UPPER flag indicates the upper cassette, commands 08H and 09H indicate the number of copies set, and 0
8H indicates the lower one digit, 09H indicates the upper one digit, and the next status contains a value from O to 9. Note that this command data is used as an error code (2) when a serviceman call is made.
digit) is entered instead of the set number. Command OAH is an end status, and the next status indicates oil end, paper end, or toner end. Command OBH is a toner replenishment command, and this code is sent from the copying machine to the adapter every time toner replenishment is performed. Command OCH is a service man call, and like the above, this code is sent when a service man call occurs. Furthermore, before sending this code, insert the abnormality code into the set number of sheets of 08H and 09H mentioned above and send it. ODH is the jam status, and depending on the following status, paper output jam, separation jam,
OFH, which indicates a paper feed jam, is an exposure level, and the next status is expressed in seven levels from 1 to 7.

Next, FIGS. 13 to 15 show flowcharts of data transmission from the copying machine to one adapter. When the power is turned on, initial settings are performed. When the initial settings are completed, the computer waits while repeatedly performing various processes such as "key scan" and "sensor state reading".

Through the "key scan" process, the key input from the operation board is processed, various status settings are made according to the key input, and the corresponding transmission data is transmitted.

Next, magnification control is performed and the magnification is transmitted. When the temperature of the fixing section becomes higher than a predetermined value during the standby process and a state becomes ready for copying, the standby process is stopped while checking whether or not the print start key has been input.

When the print start key is turned on, the copy operation starts. When a copy operation is started, a series of processes of "key scan J,""sensor state reading,""heatercontrol,""displaycontrol," and "copy process control" are repeatedly executed. In this case as well, transmission data corresponding to each process is transmitted to the adapter in the same manner as described above. When the copy process is completed, the copy operation is ended and the device returns to the standby state. "
The jam transmission corchin checks whether the jam has occurred after the jam has been reset. This results in
This prevents sending the same jam multiple times. Also, in the case of an abnormality, an abnormality code is first transmitted, and then the abnormality processing is repeated. This loop once turns off the source 1.
It will continue until you turn it on.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer on the adapter side is
This will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1st
Figure 6 shows the main routine of the adapter. When the copier is turned on and off, 5 TBY is stored in the adapter's microcontroller.
A signal comes in. Then, a while after the rise of the 5TBY signal, the microcomputer enters the reset state and starts the program. First, the 5T of the Miscellaneous register
Check the BPW bit and turn on the power supply (V C
, 4) is checked to see if it has expired.

If the power is off before the start, the microcomputer automatically sets 5TBPW to O, so when it is O, the RAM is cleared and the 5TBPW bit is set to prepare for the next check. Next, it is checked by PB6 whether the copying machine is powered on or not. When the power is off, that is, when PBO-0, only timer interrupts are permitted and the machine enters a WAIT state. The timer interrupt is set in advance to occur every second. When a timer interrupt occurs, the WAIT state is released and the next instruction is executed. When the power of the copying machine is ON, that is, PB.

When = 1, increment the power-on counter,
PCI, timer, and A/D interrupts are enabled, and a command from the center device is awaited. Commands from the center device use the serial reception port, so all you have to do is check the reception flag. If there is a command from the center, the command will be processed and the system will wait for a command again. Commands from the copying machine are processed using parallel communication interrupts. When a command is received from the copying machine, a PCI interrupt is generated, the received data is transferred to a buffer, and the command is processed. Reading of analog data is performed by A/D interrupt, and when conversion is completed, it is stored in memory, the next analog channel is selected, and A/D conversion is started. When the A/D conversion is completed, an A/D interrupt is generated again, and this is repeated thereafter.A timer interrupt is used to count the operating time and stop time of the copying machine. When a timer interrupt occurs, first the state of PB is checked, and the operating time or stop time counter is incremented (PB=1 means it is in operation, 0 when it is stopped).

Each counter also counts hours, minutes, and seconds.

FIG. 17 shows a command processing routine from the center. There are commands for S, T, and so on. S uses a set command to change the data at the following address to the next data sent from the center.

T sends all the contents of the counter to the center using a type command. K clears all counters (to 0) with the clear command, sends data to the center device with the T command, and the center device sorts, analyzes, and prints the data, allowing data to be collected from remote locations. becomes possible.

(Effects) The present invention is as described above, and according to the present invention, (1) collecting copies by mode of the copying machine using the power supply of the copying machine; (2) reducing the operating time and stop time of the copying machine; Counting (3) It is possible to transfer the data in (11, (2)) to a remote location.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of the system according to the present invention, and FIG. Figure 3 is a connection diagram of each device, Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of the adapter,
Fig. 5A is its circuit diagram, Fig. 5B is a configuration diagram of the miscellaneous register, Fig. 5C is a diagram showing the relationship between each power supply and signal,
Figures 5D and 5E are flowcharts showing the time counting program, Figure 6 is an external view of the interface port,
Fig. 7 is its circuit diagram, Fig. 8 is a schematic mechanical diagram of a general copying machine, Fig. 9 is a plan view of its operation board, Fig. 10 is a control block diagram of the copying machine, and Fig. 11 is its memory. A diagram showing a part of the contents, Figure 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between commands and status, Figures 13, 14A, 14B, and 14C.
FIG. 14D, FIG. 14E, FIG. 14F, FIG. 14G, FIG. 14H, FIG. 141. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E are flowcharts of data transmission from the copying machine to the adapter, and FIGS. 16A and 16B. 16C and 17 are operation flow charts of the microcomputer on the adapter side, and FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of a conventional copying machine. ■...Adapter. Agent: Patent Attorney Kenji Takeshi (PI To I)
Figure 2 Figure 3 Telephone office

Claims (1)

[Claims] It can be connected to a telephone line so that data can be transferred to a remote location, and it also shares the power supply of the copying machine and is backed up by a built-in battery when the copying machine is turned off. When the machine is powered off, the internal microcomputer is powered by the battery and counts the clock, and an adapter is connected to the copier that can read various data from the copier. Copy machine for data logging system.