JPH07261955A - Image forming network device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the working efficiency of the system of an image forming network device including plural copying machines which are set apart from each other. CONSTITUTION:The image forming network device contains plural copying machines which are set apart from each other and connected together via a communication circuit. Each copying machine has a display part 20 which performs comparison among its working state, the time needed for a user to arrive at a copying machine from another copying machine and the working states of other copying machines and shows the user a copying machine more useful to him. As a result, the user can directly choose one of plural copying machines that has the highest working efficiency. Furthermore, a host computer is available to perform the comparison and to decide the most useful copying machine.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming network apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming network apparatus including first and second image forming units arranged apart from each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a large-scale office, a plurality of copying machines (an example of an image forming apparatus) are often installed.
Each copying machine is used by a large number of people, and when a plurality of people try to use the same copying machine at the same time, a waiting line occurs. This waiting time is often long. Further, since the user does not know the operating state of the copying machine that is far away, the time required for the user to make a round trip to the installation position of the copying machine is often wasted.

An image forming network device for solving the above-mentioned problems is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-22260. There, the copying machine and an external terminal device such as a telephone are connected via a communication line, and the external terminal device can make a reservation for use of the copying machine. If a person who intends to use the copying machine makes a reservation to use the copying machine by using an external terminal device in advance, he / she does not have to go to the installation position of the copying machine and wait for a long time.

[0004]

When the conventional image forming network device is used, it is necessary to first confirm the usage state of the copying machine by an external terminal device, but this confirmation work is complicated and rather inefficient. Target. That is, the work efficiency is poor because the confirmation work needs to be performed by another external terminal device before going to the place where the copying machine is installed. And in the end,
There is a tendency to go to the installation place of the copying machine without neglecting the confirmation work, and the image forming network device does not function efficiently.

An object of the present invention is to improve work efficiency during image formation.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) The image forming network device according to the present invention is the first
The image forming unit includes a second image forming unit, a first display unit, and a second display unit. The second image forming unit is the first
It is arranged apart from the image forming unit. The first display means compares the operating state of the first image forming unit with the time required for the operator to go from the first image forming unit to the second image forming unit and the operating state of the second image forming unit. A display unit attached to the first image forming unit, which indicates an image forming unit that is more advantageous for use. The second display means compares the operating state of the second image forming unit with the time required for the operator to go from the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit and the operating state of the first image forming unit. And a display unit attached to the second image forming unit, which indicates an image forming unit that is more advantageous for use.

The first display means displays the time until the first image forming section becomes operable, and the operator goes from the first image forming section to the second image forming section. A second display unit for displaying the longer of the time required for the second image forming unit and the time until the second image forming unit becomes operable; the second display means enables the second image forming unit to operate. Which is the time required for the operator to move from the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit and the time until the first image forming unit becomes operable. It is preferable to have a second display section for displaying the larger one.

Further, it is preferable that a communication line for operating data transmission, which connects the first image forming section and the second image forming section, is further provided. Further, the first image forming unit has a first instructing unit for instructing an operation reservation of the second image forming unit and a first receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the second image forming unit, and a second image. It is preferable that the forming unit has a second instructing unit for instructing the first image forming unit to make an operation reservation and a second receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the first image forming unit.

Further, the operating states of the first and second image forming units are input, and it is necessary for the operating state of the first and second image forming units and for the operator to go to the first and second image forming units. It is preferable to further include an external terminal device for displaying the time and. (2) Another image forming network device according to the present invention is
The image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit, a second image forming unit, and a host computer.

The first image forming section has a first image forming means, a first inquiry means, and a first display means.
The second image forming unit has a second image forming unit, a second inquiry unit, and a second display unit, and is arranged apart from the first image forming unit. The host computer receives inquiries from the first and second inquiring means, the operating state of the image forming means of the image forming section that receives the inquiry, and the operator from the image forming section that receives the inquiry to another image forming section. To the display unit of the image forming unit that has received an inquiry about the data of the image forming unit that is more advantageous for use by comparing the time required for the The computer that sends.

The host computer further includes an instruction unit for instructing the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit to make an operation reservation, and the image forming unit has an instruction for reservation from the instruction unit. It is preferable to have a reservation means for receiving the operation reservation. In addition, the image forming unit,
Reservation notification means for accepting a reservation from the operator and notifying the host computer of the reservation content, wherein the host computer accepts the reservation notification from the reservation acceptance means and causes the instruction means to function. It is preferable to further have a reception means.

[0012]

[Action]

(1) In the image forming network device of the present invention, the first display means attached to the first image forming unit allows the operating state of the first image forming unit and an operator from the first image forming unit to the second image forming unit. The time required for the image forming unit and the operating state of the second image forming unit are compared with each other, and the image forming unit that is advantageous for use is shown.
As a result, the operator who has come to the first image forming unit can select the image forming unit having higher work efficiency there. Also, the second
The second display means attached to the image forming unit, the operating state of the second image forming unit, the time required for the operator to go from the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit, and the operation of the first image forming unit. The image forming portion which is more advantageous for use is shown in comparison with the state. As a result, the operator who has come to the second image forming unit can select the image forming unit having the better work efficiency there. As a result, an image forming network device with high work efficiency can be realized.

The first display unit displays the time until the first image forming unit becomes operable, and the operator goes from the first image forming unit to the second image forming unit. A second display unit for displaying the longer of the time required for the second image forming unit and the time until the second image forming unit becomes operable; the second display means enables the second image forming unit to operate. Which is the time required for the operator to move from the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit and the time until the first image forming unit becomes operable. In the case of having a second display portion that displays the larger one, the above-mentioned effect becomes more remarkable.

Further, when a communication line for operating data transmission, which connects the first image forming section and the second image forming section, is further provided, the above-mentioned effect becomes more remarkable. Further, the first image forming unit has a first instructing unit for instructing an operation reservation of the second image forming unit and a first receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the second image forming unit, and a second image. When the forming unit has a second instructing unit for instructing the first image forming unit to make an operation reservation and a second receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the first image forming unit, the waiting time is reduced. And the above-mentioned action becomes more remarkable.

Further, the operating states of the first and second image forming sections are input, and it is necessary for the operator to reach the operating states of the first and second image forming sections and the first and second image forming sections. When the external terminal device for displaying the time and is further provided, the above-mentioned effect becomes more remarkable. (2) In another image forming network device according to the present invention, the host computer receives an inquiry from the first and second inquiring means, and an operating state of the image forming means of the image forming unit that has received the inquiry and an inquiry. The time required for the operator to go from the image forming unit to the other image forming unit and the operating state of the image forming means of the other image forming unit are compared to determine which one of the image forming units is advantageous for use. The data is transmitted to the display unit of the image forming unit that has received the inquiry. In response to this transmission, the display means of the image forming section indicates the image forming section which is more advantageous for use. As a result, the operator who has come to the image forming unit can select the image forming unit with higher work efficiency there. As a result, an image forming network device with high work efficiency can be realized.

Further, in this case, the operating states of many image forming units can be centrally managed, and it is not necessary to frequently communicate between the image forming units. The host computer further includes an instruction unit for instructing the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit to make an operation reservation, and the image forming unit receives the reservation instruction from the instruction unit. In the case of having a reservation means for making an operation reservation, the waiting time can be reduced, and the above-mentioned effect becomes more prominent.

Further, the image forming section further comprises a reservation receiving means for receiving a reservation from an operator and notifying the host computer of the reservation content, and the host computer has a reservation notification from the reservation receiving means. In the case of further including a reservation notification receiving unit for receiving the instruction and causing the instruction unit to function, the above-described action becomes more remarkable.

[0018]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an image forming network device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of copying machines 1 as image forming apparatuses are connected in a network form via a communication line 2.

A control unit 3 is provided inside each copying machine 1 as shown in FIG. The control unit 3 includes a CPU,
It is composed of a microcomputer system including RAM, ROM, various drivers, and various IOs. Control unit 3
The input key section 4 and the display section 5 of the operation panel 12 located on the upper surface of the copying machine 1 are connected to the. An input / output unit 6 which is an input / output interface is connected to the control unit 3, and the input / output unit 6 is composed of, for example, RS232C. The input / output unit 6 is connected to another copying machine via the communication line 2 and outputs the operating state of the copying machine 1 and inputs the operating state of the other copying machine.

A heater driver 7 for controlling a heater 8 provided in the fixing unit of the copying machine 1 is connected to the control unit 3. The heater driver 7 controls the temperature of the fixing unit to a predetermined value based on the setting of the control unit 3. Further, a thermistor 9 provided in the fixing unit is connected to the control unit 3, and temperature data of the fixing unit is input to the control unit 3 via the thermistor 9. In the copying machine 1, the fixing temperature needs to be a predetermined value. Therefore, when the power of the copying machine 1 is turned on or the preheating mode is released, it takes some time for the fixing temperature to reach a predetermined value. The control unit 3 calculates the time until the fixing temperature reaches a predetermined value and becomes the operable state, based on the fixing temperature data from the thermistor 9.

A document number detection sensor 10 is connected to the control unit 3. The number-of-sheets detection sensor 10 detects the thickness of the document stack to detect the approximate number of set documents, and inputs the detected number to the control unit 3. Therefore, the copy number and the number detection sensor 1 input from the input key unit 4
The time required to complete the copy operation can be calculated from the number of originals input from 0.

Further, the storage unit 11 connected to the control unit 3
Stores the time required for the operator to go from this copying machine to another copying machine. This time is
It is input from the input key unit 4 in advance. An example of the operation panel 12 provided on the upper portion of the copying machine 1 is shown in FIG. The operation panel 12 is provided with an input key section 4 and a display section 5. A numeric keypad group 13, a print key 14, a preheat key 15, an inquiry key 16 and the like are arranged on the input key 4. The preheat display section 17 provided on the preheat key 15 is composed of an LED or the like, and indicates that it is in the preheat mode.

On the display unit 5, a numerical value display unit 18 for displaying a code such as the number of copies and a serviceman call,
An LED display unit 19 for displaying paper jam, toner replacement, paper supply, paper feed roller replacement timing, and the like is arranged. Further, the display unit 5 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 20 for displaying information such as the operating state of the copying machine 1 and the operating states of other copying machines.

The liquid crystal display section 20 provided in the display section 5 is
For example, the configuration is as shown in FIG. Liquid crystal display unit 20
In the operating state display section 21 of the main body provided in the upper part of the figure, the operating state of the copying machine 1 in which the display section 5 is provided is displayed. The other machine operating status display section 22 provided in the middle stage of the liquid crystal display section 20 displays the operating statuses of other copying machines input from the input / output section 6. The reservable display section 23 provided in the lower stage of the liquid crystal display section 20 is an operating state display section 22 of another machine.
Corresponding to the information of other copying machines displayed in, the number of copying machines that can be reserved is displayed. Of the numbers displayed on the reservable display unit 23, the operator can make a reservation for the copying operation by inputting the number corresponding to the copying machine desired to be reserved by the input key unit 4.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flow chart shown. When the setting mode is started by inputting a moving time setting key (not shown), in step S1 of FIG.
The display of "Do you want to input data?" Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20, and the operator waits for a key input. In step S4, the input of a command to end this setting work is waited for.

If it is determined in step S1 that the operator has input a setting command, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, a message "Please input the copy machine number" is displayed, and another copy machine number entered by the operator is stored in the storage unit 11. Then, in step S3,
The message "Please enter moving time" is displayed, and the time M1 required by the operator to move to another copying machine 1 is stored in the storage unit 11. Then, the process returns to step S1.

The operator sequentially stores the moving times M2, M3 ... To the other copying machines 1 in the storage unit 11 (step S
2 and S3), and when a setting input end command is issued, the determination in step S4 becomes "YES", and this setting mode ends. When the inquiry key 16 of the comparison / reservation input key section 4 is operated, it is determined in step S11 of FIG. 6 whether or not the copy operation is possible. When the copying machine 1 is currently performing the copy operation, if it is in the residual heat mode state or the state immediately after the power is turned on, it is determined that the copy operation is impossible in step S11, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the time T0 until the copying machine 1 becomes ready for the copying operation is calculated. If the copy operation is currently being performed, the time required for the end of the copy operation from the number of originals based on the number detection sensor 10, the number of copies input from the input key unit 4, and the number of copies already completed. Is calculated and is set as the copy available time T0. Further, when the copying machine 1 is in the residual heat mode or immediately after the power is turned on, the time until the fixing temperature reaches the stable temperature and becomes the copy ready state is calculated from the fixing temperature data input from the thermistor 9. , Which is the copy available time T0. In step S13, communication with another copying machine 1 is performed via the communication line 2 to inquire about times T1, T2, ... Until the copy operation becomes possible (FIG. 7).
Steps S31 to S33). In step S14, the times M1, M2, ... Required for moving to another copying machine 1 stored in the storage unit 11 are read out, and the longer of the copyable time obtained in step S13 is the copyable time T1. , T2 ...

In step S15, the copyable times T1, T2, ... Calculated in step S14 are compared, and the data having the shortest copyable time and the data having the second shortest copyable time are stored in the display table of the storage section 11. Step S1
In 6, the copy available time T0 is displayed on the main body operating state display section 21 (FIG. 4) of the liquid crystal display section 20. If the copy available time of the other machine is shorter, the copy available time of the other copying machine 1 stored in the display table of the storage unit 11 is further displayed on the other machine operating state display unit 22. at the same time,
It also displays the reservable display section 23.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the copy operation is currently possible, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, as in step S13, communication is performed with another copying machine 1 via the communication line 2,
Time until copy operation becomes possible T1, T2, ...
To inquire. In step S18, the time M required to move to another copying machine 1 stored in the storage unit 11
1, M2 ... Are read and the copyable time obtained by making an inquiry in step S17 is determined to be the longer copyable time T1, T2. Of the available copy times T1, T2, ..., the shortest one and 2
The shortest data is stored in the display table of the storage unit 11.

In step S19, the copy available time of the other copying machine 1 stored in the display table of the storage section 11 is displayed on the other machine operating state display section 22 of the liquid crystal display section 20. At the same time, the reservation availability display section 23 is also displayed. When the process in step S16 or step S19 is completed, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the operator is inquired whether or not to perform the reservation process. Other copier 1
When the operator gives a command not to reserve
The process here is terminated. On the other hand, when the operator issues a reservation command for another copying machine 1 in step S20, the process proceeds from step S20 to step S21.

In step S21, the number of the copying machine 1 that makes the reservation is accepted. According to the display, the operator inputs the number of the copying machine 1 to be reserved through the input key unit 4. In step S22, the reservation number (ID number) is accepted. In this case as well, the operator similarly inputs the reservation number using the input key unit 4. In step S23, a reservation command, a reservation number, etc. are transmitted to the copying machine 1 that has received the reservation designation.

On the other hand, when the copying machine 1 receives an inquiry (steps S13 and S17) or a reservation command (step S23) from another copying machine 1, it performs the operation shown in FIG. In step S31 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether an inquiry about the operating state has been received. Also, step S
At 34, it is determined whether or not a reservation command has been received. If it is determined in step S31 that the inquiry is about the operating state, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32,
The time until the copying machine 1 becomes ready for the copying operation is calculated. If the copy operation is currently being performed, the time required for the end of the copy operation is calculated based on the number of originals input from the number detection sensor 10 and the number of copies input from the input key unit 4. Available time. Also,
When the copying machine 1 is in the residual heat mode and immediately after the power is turned on, the time until the stable temperature is reached is calculated from the fixing temperature data input from the thermistor 9, and this is set as the copy available time.

In step S33, the copying machine 1 inquired about the copy available time calculated in step S32.
To end the communication. On the other hand, when a reservation command is received from another copying machine 1, steps S34 to S35 are performed.
Move to. In step S35, the transmitted reservation number is received and stored in the storage unit 11. Step S36
Then, it is determined whether the copying machine 1 is in the copying operation (including the ready state). In step S36, when the copying machine 1 is not in the copying operation, it is determined that the power is off or in the residual heat state, and in step S37, a start command (power-on or release of residual heat) is executed. Copy Execution When copying is executed, the processing changes as shown in FIG. 8 depending on whether or not there is a reservation.

In step S41 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not a copy start command from the operator is received. When the copy start command is received, the process proceeds to step S42. Step S
At 42, it is determined whether or not a reservation from another copying machine 1 is accepted by checking the contents of the storage unit 11. If there is no reservation, the process directly proceeds to step S43 and the copy operation is executed.

If it is determined in step S42 that there is a reservation,
Control goes to step S44. In step S44, a message "There is a copy reservation. Please enter the reservation number." Is displayed. In step S45, the input of a reservation number is awaited. Since the operator who has made a reservation with another copying machine 1 knows the reservation number, the correct reservation number can be input. On the other hand, since other operators do not know the reservation number, the program cannot proceed from step S45. When the correct reservation number is input, the process proceeds from step S45 to step S43 to execute the copy operation. [Second Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of copying machines 1 includes a host computer 32 of a service center and a public line 3.
The present invention can also be implemented by a configuration in which they are connected via 1 (or a dedicated line). Also, here, the external terminal 3
3 (for example, a personal computer or a telephone with a display device) is also connected via the communication line 31.

As shown in FIG. 10, the host computer 32 includes a CPU 34 and a RAM connected to the CPU 34.
35, ROM 36, input / output interface 37 and the like. A CRT 38 for display, an input keyboard 39, an external storage device 40, etc. are connected to the CPU 34. The input / output interface 37 is provided with an input / output terminal such as RS232C, and is connected to the public line 31 via a communication modem (not shown).

The external terminal 33, as shown in FIG.
PU41, RAM42 and RO connected to CPU41
An M43, an input / output interface 44, etc. are included. A CRT 45 for display, an input keyboard 46, an external storage device 47, etc. are connected to the CPU 41. The input / output interface 44 is provided with an input / output terminal such as RS232C and is connected to the public line 31 via a communication modem (not shown).

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flow chart shown. Moving time setting The moving time is set by the host computer 32. When the setting mode is started by input from the keyboard 39,
In step S51 of FIG. 12 showing the operation at the time of setting,
The message "Are you sure you want to enter data?" Is displayed on the CRT 38, and the operator waits for a key input. Further, in step S54, the input of an instruction to end this setting work is awaited.

If it is determined in step S51 that the operator has input a setting command, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the message "Please input the copy machine number" is displayed, and the copy machine number input by the operator is stored in the RAM 35. Succeedingly, in a step S53, a message "Please enter a moving time" is displayed, and the time M1 and M required for moving between the copying machines 1 inputted by the operator is displayed.
2 ... is stored in the storage unit 11.

When the operator issues a setting input end command,
The determination in step S54 becomes "YES", and this setting mode ends. When the inquiry key 16 of the input key section 4 of the comparison / reservation copying machine 1 is operated, it is determined in step S61 of FIG. 13 whether or not the copying operation is possible. When the copying machine 1 is currently performing the copy operation, if it is in the residual heat mode state or the state immediately after the power is turned on, it is determined that the copy operation is impossible in step S61, and the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S62, the time T0 until the copying machine 1 becomes ready for the copying operation is calculated. If the copy operation is currently being performed, the time required for the end of the copy operation from the number of originals based on the number detection sensor 10, the number of copies input from the input key unit 4, and the number of copies already completed. Is calculated and is set as the copy available time T0. Further, when the copying machine 1 is in the residual heat mode or immediately after the power is turned on, the time until the fixing temperature reaches the stable temperature and becomes the copy ready state is calculated from the fixing temperature data input from the thermistor 9. , Which is the copy available time T0. In step S63, communication with the host computer 32 is performed, and the operating state of the own machine (step S6
Copyable time calculated in 2) and inquiry command are transmitted. In step S64, the host computer 32
The data and instructions of the other copying machine 1 from the display unit 5
To display. At this time, at the same time, a display is made on the reservable display section 23 to accept a key input to reserve.

In step S65, the operator is inquired whether or not to execute the reservation process. When the operator gives a command not to reserve another copying machine 1, the processing here is terminated. On the other hand, when the operator issues a reservation command for another copying machine 1 in step S65, the process proceeds from step S65 to step S66. In step S66, the number of the copying machine 1 that makes the reservation is accepted. According to the display, the operator inputs the number of the copying machine 1 to be reserved through the input key unit 4. In step S67, the reservation number (ID number) is accepted. In this case as well, the operator similarly inputs the reservation number using the input key unit 4. In step S68, the reservation instruction, the reservation number, etc. are transmitted to the host computer 32.

On the other hand, the host computer 32 receives an inquiry (step S63) or a reservation command (step S68) from any of the copying machines 1 (including a case where a reservation command is received from an external terminal 33 described later). Performs the operation shown in FIG. First, in step S71, it is determined whether or not the communication from the copying machine 1 is an inquiry about the operating state. Further, in step S74, it is determined whether or not it is a reservation command.

If it is determined in step S71 that the inquiry is about the operating state, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the time T0 until the copy operation of the copying machine 1 that has been inquired becomes possible is received, and the other copying machines 1 are communicated with each other to obtain the copy available time T.
Inquiries 1, 2, ... The relative positional relationship of each copying machine 1 is stored in the RAM 35 of the host computer 32 (step S53 in FIG. 12),
Times M1 and M2 required for a person to move between the copying machines 1
... can be calculated from this data. Based on this, the times M1, M2, ... required to move from the inquired copying machine 1 to another copying machine 1 are obtained. And
The larger one of the times M1, M2, ... and the received copyable time of each copying machine 1 is defined as the copyable time T1, T2 ,. Furthermore, the copy available time T0 received from the inquired copying machine 1
Is compared with the copy available times T1, T2, ... Of each copying machine 1, and if there is a copy available time T0 or less, it is stored in the transmission table of the RAM 35. In step S73, R is sent to the copying machine 30 inquired about.
Another copy machine 1 stored in the transmission table of AM35
Of the available copy time T1, T2, ...

If it is determined in step S74 that the communication from the copying machine 1 is a reservation command, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, the copy machine number and the reservation number to be reserved which have been transmitted are received. Further, the reservation command and the reservation number are transmitted to the copying machine 1 which makes the reservation. Furthermore, if the copying machine 1 that makes the reservation is in the power-off state or the residual heat state, the determination in step S76 is "YES", and the process proceeds to step S77.
A start command such as power-on or release of residual heat is transmitted to the copying machine 1 which makes a reservation. Copy Execution When copying is performed in the copying machine 1, the processing changes as shown in FIG. 15 depending on whether or not there is a reservation.

In step S81 of FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not a copy start command from the operator is received. When the copy start command is received, the process proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the reservation from the host computer 32 (see FIG.
It is determined whether or not Step S75 of 4 is accepted. If there is no reservation, the process directly proceeds to step S83 and the copy operation is executed.

If it is determined in step S82 that there is a reservation,
Control goes to step S84. In step S84, a message "There is a copy reservation. Please enter the reservation number." Is displayed. In step S85, the input of the reservation number is waited for. Since the operator who has made a reservation with another copying machine 1 knows the reservation number, the correct reservation number can be input. On the other hand, the other operators do not know the reservation number and therefore cannot advance the program from step S85. When the correct reservation number is input, the process proceeds from step S85 to step S83 to execute the copy operation. Reservation from External Terminal When making an inquiry about the operating status of the copying machine 1 and making a reservation from the external terminal 33, the external terminal 33 functions as shown in FIG.

In step S91, it is determined whether an inquiry command has been input by the terminal operator. When an inquiry command is input, steps S91 to S
Move to 92. In step S92, communication is performed with the host computer 32, data of each copying machine 1 from the host computer 32 is received, and displayed on the CRT 45.

In step S94, the operator is inquired whether or not to execute the reservation process. If the operator gives a command not to make a reservation for the copying machine 1, the processing here is terminated. On the other hand, when the operator issues a reservation command for the copying machine 1 in step S94, the process proceeds from step S94 to step S95. In step S95, the number of the copying machine 1 that makes the reservation is accepted. According to the display, the operator enters the number of the copying machine 1 to be reserved on the keyboard 46.
Enter more. The reservation number (ID number) is also accepted via the keyboard 46. In step S96, the reservation instruction, the reservation number, etc. are transmitted to the host computer 32. [Other Embodiments] A) The reservable display unit 23 can be configured by a so-called touch panel in which a liquid crystal display element and a transparent electrode are laminated. In this case, step S16 and step S1
9, the reservable copier 1 of the reservability display section 23
Blink the position on the touch panel corresponding to. The operator can make a reservation simply by pressing the position corresponding to the copy machine 1 on which the reservation is possible on the reservation possible display section 23. B) The present invention can be similarly implemented by using a network in which the copying machine 1 and the external terminal 33 are connected by the public line 2 (31) without using the host computer 32.

[0051]

【The invention's effect】

(1) In the image forming network device according to the present invention, since the first display unit attached to the first image forming unit and the second display unit attached to the second image forming unit each indicate an advantageous image forming unit, The operator can select a more advantageous image forming unit in the forming unit. As a result, an image forming network device with high work efficiency can be realized.

The first display unit displays the time until the first image forming unit becomes operable, and the operator goes from the first image forming unit to the second image forming unit. A second display unit for displaying the longer of the time required for the second image forming unit and the time until the second image forming unit becomes operable; the second display means enables the second image forming unit to operate. Which is the time required for the operator to move from the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit and the time until the first image forming unit becomes operable. In the case where the second display unit that displays the larger one is provided, the above effect becomes more remarkable.

Further, when the communication line for operating data transmission, which connects the first image forming section and the second image forming section, is further provided, the above effect becomes more remarkable. Further, the first image forming unit has a first instructing unit for instructing an operation reservation of the second image forming unit and a first receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the second image forming unit, and a second image. When the forming unit has a second instructing unit for instructing the first image forming unit to make an operation reservation and a second receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the first image forming unit, the waiting time is reduced. And the above-mentioned effect becomes more remarkable.

Furthermore, the operating states of the first and second image forming sections are input, and it is necessary for the operating state of the first and second image forming sections and for the operator to go to the first and second image forming sections. When the external terminal device for displaying the time and is further provided, the above effect becomes more remarkable. (2) In another image forming network device according to the present invention, the host computer receives an inquiry from the first and second inquiring means, and displays the operating state of the image forming means of the image forming unit and the inquiry. The time required for the operator to go from the image forming unit to another image forming unit and the operating state of the image forming means of the other image forming unit are compared, and the data of the image forming unit that is advantageous for use is compared. Is transmitted to the display unit of the image forming unit that has received the inquiry. Upon receiving this transmission, the display unit of the image forming unit indicates the image forming unit that is more advantageous for use. As a result, the operator who has come to the image forming unit can select the image forming unit with higher work efficiency there. As a result, an image forming network device with high work efficiency can be realized. Further, in this case, the operating states of many image forming units can be centrally managed, and it is not necessary to frequently communicate between the image forming units.

The host computer further includes an instruction means for instructing the first image forming section and the second image forming section to make an operation reservation, and the image forming section has an instruction for reservation from the instructing means. In the case of having a reservation means for making an operation reservation in response to this, the waiting time can be reduced, and the above effect becomes more remarkable.

Further, the image forming unit further has a reservation receiving means for receiving a reservation from the operator and notifying the host computer of the reservation content, and the host computer has a reservation notification from the reservation receiving means. In the case of further including a reservation notification receiving unit that receives the request and causes the instructing unit to function, the above effect becomes more remarkable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a copier network device as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of control components of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit.

FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a copying machine network device as a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control configuration part of the host computer.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control component of the external terminal.

FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of the host computer.

FIG. 13 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 14 is a control flowchart of the host computer.

FIG. 15 is a control flowchart of the copying machine.

FIG. 16 is a control flowchart of an external terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 3 Control section 20 Liquid crystal display section 21 Machine operation status display section 22 Other machine operation status display section 23 Reservable display section 32 Host computer 33 External terminal

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A first image forming unit, a second image forming unit arranged apart from the first image forming unit, an operating state of the first image forming unit, and the first image forming unit to the first image forming unit. Attached to the first image forming unit, which shows the image forming unit that is more advantageous for use by comparing the time required for the operator to reach the second image forming unit and the operating state of the second image forming unit. The first display means, the operating state of the second image forming unit, the time required for the operator to go from the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit, and the operating state of the first image forming unit. And a second display unit attached to the second image forming unit, which shows an image forming unit that is more advantageous for use. 2. A first display unit, wherein the first display unit displays a time until the first image forming unit becomes operable,
A second display which displays the longer of the time required for the operator to move from the first image forming unit to the second image forming unit and the time until the second image forming unit becomes operable.
A first display unit having a display unit, the second display unit displaying a time until the second image forming unit becomes operable, and the second image forming unit to the first image forming unit. The image forming network apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second display unit that displays a larger one of a time required for the operator to go to the machine and a time until the first image forming unit becomes operable. . 3. The image forming network device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication line for operating data transmission, which connects the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit. 4. The first image forming section comprises first instruction means for instructing operation reservation of the second image forming section, and first accepting means for accepting operation reservation from the second image forming section. The second image forming unit includes a second instruction unit for instructing the first image forming unit to make an operation reservation, and a second receiving unit for receiving an operation reservation from the first image forming unit. The image forming network device according to any one of 1 to 3. 5. The operating states of the first and second image forming units are input, and the operating state of the first and second image forming units and the operator go to the first and second image forming units. The image forming network apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an external terminal device that displays the time required for the process. 6. A first image forming section having a first image forming means, a first inquiry means and a first display means, a second image forming means, a second inquiry means and a second display means, A second image forming unit arranged away from the first image forming unit; and an operating state of the image forming unit of the image forming unit that has received the inquiry from the first and second inquiry units, and an inquiry. The time required for the operator to go from the image forming unit to the other image forming unit and the operating state of the image forming means of the other image forming unit are compared to determine which one of the image forming units is advantageous for use. An image forming network apparatus comprising: a host computer that transmits data to a display unit of an image forming unit that receives an inquiry. 7. The host computer further includes an instruction unit for instructing an operation reservation to the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit, and the image forming unit is provided from the supporting unit. 7. The image forming network apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a reservation unit for receiving an operation reservation instruction and making an operation reservation. 8. The image forming section further comprises reservation accepting means for accepting a reservation from an operator and notifying the reservation content of the reservation to the host computer, wherein the host computer receives information from the reservation accepting means. The image forming network apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a reservation notification receiving unit that receives a reservation notification and causes the instruction unit to function.