JPH04318731A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine having a function of communicating with an external device via a communication line.

0002

[Background Art] There is a strong desire to add various functions to copying machines and make them more sophisticated.The structures and functions of copying machines are becoming more and more complex, and the number of copying machines installed within a single company is also increasing. In addition, for proper and prompt maintenance, troubleshooting, etc., normal usage conditions and functional data of copying machines are collected and centrally managed by management departments within companies or specialized companies.

[0003] Therefore, the copying machine is equipped with a communication control means,
For example, a specific external device is configured to be able to be called by a telephone number and communicated through a communication line, and data can be sent and received with the external device installed in a management office, etc., periodically or at any time. Reproduction apparatuses are known.

[0004] In order to prevent mistakes in communication connections, connection control data necessary to start communication with an external device is usually set in advance in a storage device provided in the copying machine. It is.

[0005]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above conventional example, when it becomes necessary to change the connection control data after installing the copying machine, a service person must go to the copying machine and input the changes. However, there was a problem in that it was not possible to respond quickly.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a copying apparatus in which connection control data can be changed and input by remote control from an external device. It is.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Therefore, a copying apparatus according to the present invention includes a copying control means for controlling copying operations;
A communication control means that performs transmission and reception with an external device via a communication line, a connection data storage means that stores connection control data necessary to start transmission and reception with the external device, and a connection received by the communication control means from the external device. transfer means for transferring the control data to the connection data storage means, and when the connection data storage means receives the connection control data from the transfer means, the connection data storage means transfers the stored connection control data and transfers the received connection control data. By a configuration characterized by changing to
This aims to achieve the above objectives.

[0008]

[Operation] With the above configuration, the copying apparatus performs a copying operation under the control of the copy control means, and the communication control means controls the communication line to a specific external device using the connection control data stored in the connection data storage means. You can connect and send and receive data.

When the communication control means receives connection control data change data from an external device, the transfer means transfers the connection control data received from the external device to the connection data storage means, and the connection data storage means The previously stored connection control data can be changed to the transferred connection control data and stored, and subsequent communications can be performed using the newly stored communication control data.

0010

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 800 a control means for controlling the copying operation, and 900 a communication control means (modem board) for transmitting and receiving data with an external communication line.
, 908 is a public line which is an external communication line, 99
Reference numeral 9 denotes a post computer system which is an external device placed in a management office or the like for managing the copying apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a communication control device (modem board) 9
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of 00. 901 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for controlling communication, and 903 is a memory (R) for temporarily storing communication data.
AM), 905 transfers digital communication data to public line 908.
906 is a network control unit (NCU).

The copying operation, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 of the copying apparatus 100 are performed under the control of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 having the above configuration.

The copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 each include a built-in CPU and a storage device, and a connection data storage means for storing connection control data necessary for starting communication with an external device using the program thereof;
The communication control means 900 also constitutes a transfer means for transferring connection control data received from an external device 999 to a connection data storage means.

Next, the control devices 800 and 900 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control devices 800 and 900 of this embodiment, in which 800 is a control device constituting the above-mentioned copying control means that controls the copying operation of the copying apparatus main body 100, and 900 is an external communication line. This is a communication line control device constituting the above-mentioned communication control means that controls communication with.

Reference numeral 801 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the entire copying apparatus, and 802 is a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) that stores control procedures (control programs) for the copying apparatus main body 100. and C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.

Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, etc.
It also constitutes connection data storage means for storing connection control data such as a telephone number, password, or unique identification number (hereinafter referred to as ID number) necessary to start communication with 99. Note that the stored connection control data is
The configuration is such that it can be rewritten by a signal from 801.

Reference numeral 804 outputs control signals from the CPU 801 to loads such as the main motor 113 and the fuser 1.
This is an input/output unit that inputs signals from 22 sensors, etc., and sends them to the CPU 801.

A communication line control device 900 that controls communication with an external communication line 908 controls communication using a CPU 901 . 902 is a storage device (ROM) that stores communication control, connection procedure programs, and the like. It is connected to the control device 800 of the copying machine main body 100 through RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907, and data transfer from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body 100 is performed via this RS-232C interface 907. The transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903 provided in the communication control device 900, and after the data transfer from the control device 800 of the main body of the copying machine is completed, the CPU 901 controls the network control unit (hereinafter referred to as NCU).
906 and connects a communication line with an external device using the connection control data stored in the connection data storage means RAM 803. After the line is connected, the modem 905 and the NCU unit 90
Data is transferred to the outside through 6.

Furthermore, when data is transferred from outside, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903, and the RS-2
Data is transferred to the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the 32C interfaces 805 and 907.

As described above, the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 also include a transfer means for transferring a signal for changing the connection control data received from the external device 999 to the RAM 803 which is a connection data storage means. The CPU 801 controls changes to the transferred connection control data.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the copying apparatus, and the structure and operation will be explained with reference to this figure. Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 200 a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) that automatically feeds originals, 300 a sorter or sorter, and 400 an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). , RDF20 above
0, Sorter 300 and CFF 400 are copying machine main body 1
It can be used in any combination with 00.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be explained below. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table glass serving as a document placing table. Further, 102 is an optical system as a document reading means, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 10
3, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, etc., the document is scanned by the motor 104, illuminated by an exposure lamp 103, and the reflected light from the document is directed to a photoreceptor drum 105 by the scanning mirror and lens. irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, there are a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing device 109, a transfer charger 110, a separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112. These photoreceptor drums 105 and the like constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is connected to the main motor 113
The optical system 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
When reflected light from the document is irradiated from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is separated by the registration rollers 120 between the leading edge of the toner image and the transfer paper. After timing is taken so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the toner image, the toner image is fed to the photoreceptor drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transcription,
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by a separation charger 111, guided to a fixing device 122 by a conveyor belt 121, where the toner image is fixed by pressure and heating, and then discharged from the main body 100 by a discharge roller 123. be done. Further, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 105 is cleaned by a cleaning device 112.

The copying apparatus main body 100 includes, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing sheets of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 is raised according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 126.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or multi-recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side. Also, 128
is a lower conveyance path, in which the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is turned over via a reversing path 129 and guided to the paper re-feeding tray 130.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper for switching between double-sided recording and multiplex recording.By tilting this to the left, the transfer sheet is guided directly to the lower conveyance path 128 without going through the reversing path 129. A paper feed roller 132 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through a path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple overlapping copying), the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upwards, and the copied transfer paper is re-inverted via the reversing path 129 and the lower conveyance path 128. The paper is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. During the next back-side recording or multiplex recording, the transfer sheets stored in the re-feeding tray 130 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When reversing and discharging the transfer paper from the copying apparatus main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is pushed down to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 129 side, and the transfer paper is transferred. After the trailing edge of the paper passes the first feed roller 140, it is transferred to the second feed roller 142 by the reversing roller 142.
It is conveyed to the feed roller side of the
Turn the transfer paper over and eject it out of the machine.

Next, the operation panel will be explained. Figure 5
2 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100. FIG.

[0033] 601 is an asterisk (*) key,
The operator (user) uses this when in the setting mode, such as setting the binding margin or the size of document frame eraser. 62
Reference numeral 7 indicates a cursor key, which is used to select setting items in the setting mode. 628 is an OK key, which is used to confirm the settings in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 is an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. The auto-reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 605 is a copy start key, which is pressed to start copying. A clear/stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stopper key during copy recording. This clear/stop key 604 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Numeric keys 603 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register frequently used modes. Here, recording can be performed in four modes, M1 to M4.

Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed to manually adjust the copy density. 613 is AE
This key is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual.

A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-manual feeder 150. Also, when a manuscript is placed on RDF300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected using this copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette of the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 is a same size key, which is pressed to make a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 616 is an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified transfer paper size.

A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
You can create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the transfer paper. 624 is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original. 623 is a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which the user presses when erasing the frame of a standard size document.At this time, the size of the document is set using the asterisk key 601. 62
1 is a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original according to the copy paper size.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used to create a front cover and a back cover, and to insert interleaf sheets. Reference numeral 630 is a page continuous copying key, which is used to successively copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 is a paper discharge method selection key for selecting the paper discharge method for staple sort, sort, and group, and when the staple sorter 300 is connected, it selects the staple sort mode, sort mode, and group mode for recording paper. You can make a selection or cancel the selection mode.

[0044] 631 is a reservation key, and the reservation tray 21
It is used when starting the copy mode setting for the reserved original placed on the 0 and when canceling the reservation setting. 632 is a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode. 633 is a guide key, and the message display 7 explains the functions corresponding to each key.
Used when displaying 01.

Reference numeral 701 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information regarding copying and communication, and displays characters and figures in 96×129 dots. For example, the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 603, the fixed magnification keys 608, 609, the same magnification key 610, and the zoom key 61.
Copy magnification set in 7,618, copy paper selection key 6
A message indicating the paper size selected in step 07, the status of the copying machine main body 100, a guide message indicating the operating procedure,
Displays other various mode settings.

704 is an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 is a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state.

When using the RDF200 in the standard mode, the settings are 1 copy, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, same size, and 1-sided copying from a 1-sided original. RDF2
In the standard mode when 00 is not used, the number of copies is 1, density manual mode, same size, and single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The difference between using and not using RDF200 is R
This depends on whether or not an original is set in the DF200.

Next, a description will be given of changing connection control data for starting transmission/reception with an external device, which is a feature of the present invention.

To start communication, there are two cases: calling the copying apparatus from an external side such as a management office, and calling an external side such as a management office from the copying apparatus.

When calling from the copying machine side, when the calling number changes due to a change of base or line change on the management department side, in this embodiment, the service person can call the copying machine without having to go to the place where the copying machine is located. Connection control data can be changed.

First, control on the side of an external device such as a management department that makes changes will be explained. FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of an external device for changing connection control data stored in the copying apparatus.

In step S61, communication is started from the external device to the copying device to be changed. In step S62, the process waits until a response is received from the copying machine. If there is a response, the process advances to step S63 and a command indicating that the call number, which is connection control data, is to be changed is sent. Then, in step S64, call number change data is sent. Step S
At step 65, the process waits for a completion command from the copying machine indicating that the change in read number storage has been completely executed. When the completion command is received, the process advances to step S66, where communication is terminated and the change procedure is completed.

Next, the control of changing connection control data on the copying machine side will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] In step S71, it is checked whether communication from the external device has started. If communication has started, the process advances to step S72, and a response indicating that communication start has been detected is transmitted to the external device.

Next, the received command is checked in step S73, and if it is a command to change the calling number, the process proceeds to step S74, where telephone number data as connection control data is received, and the process proceeds to step S75, where the received data is changed. CPU901, I/F907, I/F805, CP
A RAM 803 which is a connection data storage means in which connection control data is stored via a transmission means consisting of U801.
write to. When erasing the old data and writing the new data is completed, a completion command is sent to the external device in step S76, and the process ends.

With the above operation control, the telephone calling number, which is the connection control data stored in the copying apparatus, can be changed by remote control from an external device.

(Other Embodiments) Next, when it becomes necessary to change the password for reasons such as confidentiality, there is a second
Control in the embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of an external device corresponding to the second embodiment. In step S81, communication is started from an external device such as a management office to the copying device to be changed. In step S82, the process waits until a response is received from the copying machine. If there is a response, the process advances to step S83, and a commad indicating that the password, which is connection control data, is to be changed is sent. Then, in step S84, password change data is sent. In step S85, the process waits for a completion command from the copying machine indicating that the password storage change has been completely executed. When the completion command is received, step S
The process proceeds to step 86, where communication is terminated and the change procedure is completed.

Next, the control of changing connection control data on the copying machine side will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0060] In step S91, it is checked whether communication from the external device side has been started. If communication is started, the process advances to step S92, and a response indicating that communication start has been detected is transmitted to the external device.

Next, in step S93, the received command is checked, and if it is a command to change the password, the process proceeds to step S94, where password data as connection control data is received, and the process proceeds to step S95, where the received data is sent to the CPU 901, I/F907, I/F805, CPU
The data is written to the RAM 803, which is a connection data storage means, in which connection control data is stored, via a transmission means 801. When erasing the old data and writing the new data is completed, a completion command is sent to the external device in step S96, and the process ends.

With the above operation control, the password, which is the connection control data stored in the copying machine, can be changed by remote control from an external device.

Next, a description will be given of control in a third embodiment in which the ID number of the copying machine can be changed when the user of the copying machine changes.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of an external device corresponding to the third embodiment. In step S101, communication is started from an external device such as a management office to the copying device to be changed. In step S102, the process waits until a response is received from the copying machine. If there is a response, the process advances to step S103 and a command indicating that the ID number, which is connection control data, is to be changed is sent. Then, in step S104, ID number change data is sent. In step S105, the process waits for a completion command from the copying machine indicating that the ID number change has been completely executed. After receiving the completion command, step S1
Proceed to step 06 to end the communication and end the change procedure.

Next, the control of changing connection control data on the copying machine side will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0066] In step S201, it is checked whether communication from the external device side has been started. If communication has started, the process advances to step S202, and a response indicating that the start of communication has been detected is transmitted to the external device.

Next, the received command is checked in step S203, and if it is a command to change an ID number, the process advances to step S204, where ID number data which is connection control data is received, and the process advances to step S205, where the received data is changed. CPU901, I/F907, I/F805, C
A RAM 80 which is a connection data storage means in which connection control data is stored via a transmission means consisting of a PU 801.
Write in 3. When erasing the old data and writing the new data is completed, a completion command is sent to the external device in step S206, and the process ends.

With the above operation control, the ID number, which is the connection control data stored in the copying machine, can be changed by remote control from an external device.

[0069]

As explained above, according to the present invention, the copying operation is performed under the control of the copying control means, and the communication control means performs the copying operation using the connection control data stored in the connection data storage means. A communication line can be connected to the device and data can be sent and received.

When the communication control means receives connection control data change data from an external device, the transfer means transfers the connection control data received from the external device to the connection data storage means, and the connection data storage means The previously stored connection control data can be changed to the transferred connection control data and stored, and subsequent communications can be performed using the newly stored communication control data.

As described above, since the memory of the connection control data necessary for the copying machine to start communication can be rewritten by remote control from an external device, there is no need for a service person to visit and change the settings, and there is no need for the user to Even when there is a request to rewrite connection control data, it is possible to respond quickly.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication means.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the copying device.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is an external device flowchart in one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for changing connection control data according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an external device flowchart in a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a connection control data change flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an external device in a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for changing connection control data according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Copying apparatus main body 800 Copying apparatus main body control device (copying control means) 9
00 Communication control device (communication control means) 801, 901
Central processing unit (CPU) 802, 902 Read-only memory (ROM) 803 Random access memory (RAM) (connection data storage means) 805, 907 Interface (transfer means) 90
3 Random access memory (RAM) 906 Network control unit (NCU) 908 Communication line 999 External device

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claim 1: Stores copy control means for controlling copying operations, communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices via communication lines, and connection control data necessary to start transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices. and a transfer means for transferring connection control data received by the communication control means from an external device to the connection data storage means, the connection data storage means having received the connection control data transferred by the transfer means. A copying apparatus characterized in that the previously stored connection control data is changed to the transferred connection control data. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection control data is a telephone number of the communication partner. 3. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection control data is a specific password. 4. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection control data is an ID number unique to the copying apparatus.