JP2012134587A - Image formation apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which can promptly notify a user of a release method of an error when the error occurs at the apparatus itself.SOLUTION: A first image formation apparatus 1 which can mutually communicate with a second image formation apparatus 100 connected with a communication channel, comprises a control part 19 performing processing related to image formation and detecting an error of the apparatus itself and detecting whether to enable or disable image formation, a storage part 23 storing types of errors and a releasing method of each type, and a communication part 30 transmitting data and an instruction to the second image formation apparatus 100. The control part 19 transmits, when detecting image formation becomes disabled due to the error caused by the apparatus itself, data of the releasing method corresponding to the error stored in the storage part 23 and an instruction for causing the second image formation apparatus 100 to perform image formation of data of the error releasing method to the second image formation apparatus 100 by using the communication part 30.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. The present invention also relates to an image forming system having an image forming apparatus.

  Some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers have not only an image forming function but also a communication function for exchanging data with other terminal apparatuses and other image forming apparatuses. This communication function enables data transmission / reception to / from other devices connected via a communication line such as a telephone line or a network line.

  Regarding an image forming apparatus having such a communication function, an example of an image processing apparatus that performs communication with another terminal device when an error occurs can be seen in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-133830. The image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is an image processing apparatus connected to a network including a plurality of terminal apparatuses that output an image processing job, and a job management unit that stores a progress status of each image processing job; Error notification means for transmitting an error occurrence notification to a terminal device that has output an image processing job that has already been completed when an error occurs. As a result, the error canceling process is performed by the user who goes to the image processing apparatus in order to collect the result of the completed image processing job.

JP 2003-15851 A

  However, since the image processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 transmits only an error notification to the terminal device when an error occurs, the user of the terminal device that has received cannot know how to cancel the error. As a result, the user needs to refer to the cancellation method using a manual or request a service person by telephone or the like in order to cancel the error. As a result, the waiting time until the image processing apparatus in which an error has occurred becomes in a normal operable state is prolonged, and the operation efficiency of the image processing apparatus may be reduced.

  The image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 transmits an error occurrence notification to a terminal apparatus (user) that has output an already completed image processing job when an error occurs. There is a possibility that an error generated during the execution of the image processing job output by the user must be canceled. Therefore, a user unrelated to the image processing job caused by the error performs the error canceling process, which may be burdensome and uncomfortable for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. In an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from other image forming apparatuses connected via a communication line, and an image forming system including these image forming apparatuses. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of promptly notifying a user of an error canceling method when an error occurs in the apparatus itself. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can suppress a user unrelated to an image forming job caused by an error from performing an error canceling process and can be used comfortably. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention performs processing relating to image formation in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from other image forming apparatuses connected via a communication line and A control unit that detects whether an error and image formation are possible, a storage unit that stores the type of error and a method for canceling the error, and a communication unit that transmits data and commands to the other image forming apparatus, When the control unit detects that the image formation becomes impossible due to an error of the apparatus itself, the control unit stores the data of the release method corresponding to the error stored in the storage unit and the other image forming apparatus. An instruction to execute image formation of data of the error cancellation method is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus using the communication unit.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus becomes unable to form an image due to an error, the data of the error canceling method is transmitted to another image forming apparatus to execute the image forming of the data. The method is notified to the user immediately after the error occurs.

  The image forming apparatus having the above configuration further includes an input unit that receives an input of an image forming job and a user authentication number, and the control unit is in the middle of an image forming operation related to the image forming job received from the input unit. When it is detected that the subsequent image formation cannot be continued due to an error of the apparatus itself, the data of the cancellation method corresponding to the error and the data of the error cancellation method stored in the storage unit are stored. The authentication number necessary for permitting image formation and a command for causing the other image forming apparatus to execute image formation of data of the error canceling method are transmitted to the other image forming apparatus using the communication unit. I decided to send it.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus cannot continue the subsequent image formation due to an error during the image forming operation related to the image forming job, it is necessary for the image formation of the data together with the error canceling method data. Since the authentication number is also transmitted, only the user who has input the image forming job resulting from the error is notified of the error canceling method.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from another image forming apparatus connected by a communication line, a control unit that executes processing relating to image formation, and the other image forming apparatus A communication unit that receives data transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and the control unit stores data of the error canceling method and data of the error canceling method transmitted from the other image forming apparatus in which an error has occurred. When the communication unit receives an image formation execution command, the processing related to the image formation of the data of the error canceling method is executed.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus receives the data of the error canceling method transmitted from the other image forming apparatus in which the error has occurred, the image formation of the data is executed, so that the other image in which the error has occurred is performed. The error canceling method in the forming apparatus is notified to the user immediately after the error occurs.

  The image forming apparatus having the above configuration further includes an input unit that receives an input of a user authentication number, and the control unit cancels the error transmitted from another image forming apparatus in which the error has occurred. When the method data, the user authentication number, and the image formation execution command of the error cancellation method data are received, the authentication number received from the input unit matches the received authentication number. Processing related to image formation of the data of the error cancellation method received as a condition is executed.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus receives the error cancellation method data and the user authentication number transmitted from the other image forming apparatus in which the error has occurred, the authentication number received from the input unit is received. The image of the error canceling method data received on condition that the authentication number matches is executed, so the error canceling method inputs the image forming job caused by the error in the other image forming apparatus in which the error occurred. Only the user who made the notification will be notified.

  Further, the image forming system of the present invention includes the transmitting side image forming apparatus and the receiving side image forming apparatus related to transmission / reception of data of a method for canceling an error occurring in the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming system becomes unable to form an image due to an error in the transmitting side image forming apparatus, the error forming method data is transmitted to the receiving side image forming apparatus to form an image of the data. When the data of the error cancellation method transmitted from the transmission side image forming apparatus in which an error has occurred in the receiving side image forming apparatus is received, the image formation of that data is executed. The user is notified immediately.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from other image forming apparatuses connected via a communication line and an image forming system including these image forming apparatuses, an error occurs in the apparatus itself. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of promptly notifying a user of a method for canceling the error when it occurs. Further, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can suppress a user unrelated to an image forming job caused by an error from performing an error canceling process and can be used comfortably. .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the image forming apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 2. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation when an error occurs in the transmission side image forming apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of receiving data of an error canceling method in the receiving side image forming apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, it is assumed that the image forming system of the present invention includes at least two image forming apparatuses, for example.

  First, an outline of the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system S includes a first image forming apparatus 1 and a second image forming apparatus 100. The two image forming apparatuses 1 and 100 are each installed in a network environment and can be used from each of a plurality of external computers. The two image forming apparatuses 1 and 100 can also be connected to each other using a direct communication line without going through a network. For convenience, FIG. 1 shows an example in which the image forming system S includes two image forming apparatuses 1 and 100, but three or more image forming apparatuses may be included.

  Subsequently, the image output operation of the first image forming apparatus 1 of the image forming system S will be described while explaining the outline of the structure with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 2, solid line arrows indicate the sheet conveyance path and conveyance direction, and alternate long and short dash line arrows indicate the laser beam L. In the description of the present embodiment, the same type of image forming apparatus is used for the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 100, and the second image forming apparatus 100 is also illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Since the description using the symbol can be applied, the drawing of the drawing and the description thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a paper feed cassette 3 is disposed below the inside of the main body 2 of the first image forming apparatus 1. The paper feed cassette 3 stores and accommodates paper P such as cut paper before image formation. Then, the sheets P are separated and sent one by one toward the upper left of the sheet feeding cassette 3 in FIG. The paper feed cassette 3 can be pulled out horizontally from the front side of the main body 2.

  A first paper transport unit 4 is provided in the main body 2 and on the left side of the paper feed cassette 3. The first paper transport unit 4 is formed substantially vertically along the left side surface of the main body 2. Then, the first paper transport unit 4 receives the paper P sent out from the paper feed cassette 3 and transports it to the transfer unit 5 vertically upward along the left side surface of the main body 2.

  A manual paper feed unit 6 is provided above the paper feed cassette 3 and on the right side, which is the side opposite to the left side of the main body 2 where the first paper transport unit 4 is formed. In the manual paper feed unit 6, paper that is not contained in the paper feed cassette 3, thick paper, or OHP sheets that are to be fed manually one by one are placed.

  A second paper transport unit 7 is provided on the left side of the manual paper feed unit 6. The second paper transport unit 7 is located immediately above the paper feed cassette 3, extends substantially horizontally from the manual paper feed unit 6 to the first paper transport unit 4, and joins the first paper transport unit 4. The second paper transport unit 7 receives the paper fed from the manual paper feed unit 6 and transports it to the first paper transport unit 4 substantially horizontally.

  On the other hand, a document feeder 8 is mounted on the upper surface of the main body 2, and an image reading unit 9 is mounted in the main body 2 below. When a user copies an original, an original on which images such as characters, figures, and patterns are drawn is stacked on the original conveying device 8 or placed on a contact glass (not shown) on the upper surface of the image reading unit 9. To do. The document feeder 8 separates the documents one by one and sends the documents, and the image reading unit 9 reads the images. An image is read by scanning light on the contact glass on the image reading unit 9.

  The reading of the document image and the start of image formation are performed using the operation panel 10 which is an input unit provided on the front side of the image reading unit 9 at the top of the main body 2. The operation panel 10 accepts an input of an image forming job such as setting of image forming conditions such as the type and size of paper P used for image formation, the number of copies, enlargement / reduction, and presence / absence of double-sided printing, and start of image formation Or receiving an input such as a user authentication number, or notifying the user of information and notifications such as notes and error codes. The user authentication number can also be input by using a card such as an IC card in which the data is written on the IC chip. For this reason, a card reader / writer can be provided on the operation panel 10 for handling. it can.

  Information on the image data of the original is sent to the exposure unit 11 disposed above the second paper transport unit 7 and in the center of the main body 2. The exposure unit 11 irradiates the image forming unit 12 with laser light L controlled based on the image data.

  An image forming unit 12 and a transfer unit 5 are provided above the first paper transport unit 4 and to the left of the exposure unit 11. In the image forming unit 12, an electrostatic latent image of a document image is formed by the laser light L emitted from the exposure unit 11, and a toner image is developed from the electrostatic latent image. The toner is supplied to the image forming unit 12 from a toner container 13 provided above the exposure unit 11. The toner image formed by the image forming unit 12 is transferred by the transfer unit 5 to the paper P before image formation sent in synchronization by the first paper transport unit 4.

  A fixing unit 14 is provided above the transfer unit 5. The paper P carrying the unfixed toner image in the transfer unit 5 is sent to the fixing unit 14 where the toner image is heated and pressed by a heat roller and a pressure roller (both not shown) and fixed.

  A sheet guide unit 15 is provided above the fixing unit 14. When the duplex printing is not performed, the paper P discharged from the fixing unit 14 is discharged from the paper guide unit 15 to the in-body paper discharge unit 16 provided in the upper cylinder of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The discharge port portion from which the paper P is discharged from the paper guide portion 15 toward the in-body paper discharge portion 16 functions as a switchback portion 17. When performing duplex printing, the switchback unit 17 switches the transport direction of the paper P discharged from the fixing unit 14. Then, the paper P passes through the paper guide unit 15 and is sent downward through the double-sided printing paper conveyance path 18 provided on the left side of the fixing unit 14 and the left side of the transfer unit 5, and again the first paper conveyance unit 4. And then sent to the transfer section 5.

  Further, the first image forming apparatus 1 is composed of a CPU 20, an RTC 21 (real time clock IC, a clock IC) and other electronic parts not shown in the main body 2 as shown in FIG. The control unit 19 is provided. The control unit 19 uses a central processing unit (CPU) 20, an RTC 21 that performs a clock function, and an image processing unit 22. Based on the program and data stored and input in the storage unit 23, the image reading unit 9, the exposure unit 11, A series of image forming operations are realized by controlling components such as the image forming unit 12 and the fixing unit 14. The image processing unit 22 performs image processing on the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 9. The storage unit 23 can also store the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 9.

  The first image forming apparatus 1 includes various sensors such as a temperature sensor 14a, a paper detection sensor 24, and a paper feed position sensor 25 in each part of the apparatus. Various sensors output as electrical signals the temperature and humidity at each part in the apparatus, the presence or absence of an obstacle such as a jammed paper, and the presence or absence of paper at an appropriate paper feed position. The control unit 19 detects an error in the image forming apparatus 1 itself based on output signals from various sensors. In addition, the control unit 19 operates the operation current and voltage of functional members such as the polygon motor 11a, the drum motor 12a, the fixing motor 14b, and the conveyance motor 26, the connection failure of the connectors, and the abnormality of the data stored in the storage unit 23. An error may be detected based on the above.

  The control unit 19 detects an error of the image forming apparatus 1 itself, and also detects whether or not an image can be formed in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the error or the like.

  The errors detected by the control unit 19 are ranked by type. For example, the error related to the fixing unit 14 is set to be the most serious error, then the data stored in the storage unit 23 is abnormal, trouble in the driving system such as the motor of the exposure unit 11 and the image forming unit 12, and the clock function Various errors are ranked by type in the order of (RTC21) abnormality, connector connection failure, paper feed and paper transport system trouble.

  Here, examples of errors detected by the control unit 19 will be briefly described in order from the most severe error.

  For example, the fixing unit 14 includes a temperature sensor 14a such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the heat roller or the pressure roller with respect to the error relating to the fixing unit 14 set as the most serious error. The controller 19 is connected to the temperature sensor 14a and grasps the temperature of the heat roller based on the output of the temperature sensor 14a. Then, the control unit 19 detects an error in which the heat roller and the fixing unit 14 themselves are overheated in order to prevent the melting and the like of the members inside and around the fixing unit 14.

  Since the fixing unit 14 handles heat, it can be time-consuming maintenance that requires a serviceman's request such as replacement of the fixing unit 14 due to excessive temperature rise. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an error relating to the fixing unit 14 is defined as the most serious error.

  Subsequently, the abnormality of the data stored in the storage unit 23 will be described. Here, for example, the storage unit 23 stores data such as various parameters relating to image formation and a program for controlling each unit. As data such as various parameters relating to image formation, data indicating the total number of printed sheets necessary for maintenance and life management and the rotation speed of each motor, drum charging in the image forming unit 12 and transfer unit 5, development of toner image, transfer Various voltages such as the voltage related to are stored in the storage unit 23. In addition, as a program for controlling each unit, a program for determining timing for applying various voltages and the like are stored in the storage unit 23.

  If the data stored in the storage unit 23 as described above is broken, the image forming apparatus 1 may not properly execute the life management of each unit, or may cause problems such as an image defect or an image forming operation stop. is there. For this reason, the control unit 19 detects a data abnormality in the storage unit 23 by, for example, performing a checksum of data in a certain area stored in the storage unit 23.

  Next, troubles (errors) in the drive system such as each motor of the exposure unit 11 and the image forming unit 12 will be described. The control unit 19 can grasp the operating current and voltage of each of the motors such as the polygon motor 11a, the drum motor 12a, the fixing motor 14b, and the transport motor 26, and can control the rotation speed. For example, if there is an abnormality in the polygon motor 11a or the drum motor 12a, there is a possibility that a deviation occurs in the formation or transfer of the toner image. Further, if there is an abnormality in the fixing motor 14b or the conveyance motor 26, a paper jam or breakage may occur. For this reason, the control unit 19 detects an abnormality of each motor by comparing the operating current, voltage, and rotational speed of each motor in operation with those determined in advance, for example.

  Subsequently, the abnormality of the clock function will be described. In order to perform time management in the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 19 uses time information obtained from the RTC 21 which is a clock IC. The time information obtained from the RTC 21 is such that, for example, the administrator grasps the usage status of each function such as copying and facsimile, manages the communication history, and manages the date and time when the image data is stored in the storage unit 23. It is necessary for. If an abnormality occurs in the time information, a trouble occurs in these time managements, so the control unit 19 detects an abnormality in the RTC 21.

  Subsequently, the connection failure of the connectors will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, for example, electric wires (cables) such as a power line for supplying power and a signal line for transmitting and receiving signals are used between the components. Connectors are used at the ends of the electric wires in order to make electrical connection between the electric wires and the components. For example, two electric wires for connecting each other are provided between the main body 2 and the document conveying device 8 and are electrically connected to each other using a connector. If such connectors are not firmly connected, power supply and signal exchange will be hindered, and the control unit 19 detects an abnormality in the connection failure of the connectors.

  Subsequently, troubles (errors) in the transport system including a sensor abnormality that detects the presence or absence of paper will be described. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, a sheet detection sensor for detecting the arrival and passage of the sheet P before the registration roller pair, the downstream side of the paper feed cassette 3, the upstream side and the downstream side of the fixing unit 14, and the like. 24 is provided. A paper feed position sensor 25 is provided above the paper feed cassette 3 to detect whether or not the sheet bundle is lifted and the uppermost layer has reached an appropriate paper feed position.

  The paper detection sensor 24 and the paper feed position sensor 25 are configured using, for example, a transmissive optical sensor and a rotating plate that contacts the paper P and shields the light from the sensor. The paper detection sensor 24 and the paper feed position sensor 25 move depending on the presence or absence of the paper P, and the level of the output signal of the optical sensor is switched. The control unit 19 receives the outputs of the paper detection sensor 24 and the paper feed position sensor 25, and grasps the paper feed status and paper transport status in the apparatus.

  For example, if a certain sheet detection sensor 24 does not detect the arrival of the sheet P even after an allowable time has elapsed from the time when the certain sheet detection sensor 24 should detect the arrival of the sheet P, it detects an abnormality as the occurrence of a sheet jam. Similarly, the control unit 19 detects the arrival of the paper P even if the allowable time has elapsed from the time when the paper feeding position sensor 25 should detect the arrival of the paper P lifted in the paper feeding cassette 3 to the paper feeding position. If not, a paper feed error is detected. The control unit 19 also detects abnormalities in these sensors themselves.

  The control unit 19 assigns an error code for each type of error and stores the error canceling method in the storage unit 23.

  In the case of an error relating to the fixing unit 14 that is a relatively high error, a data abnormality in the storage unit 23, or a trouble in the drive system, the user cannot cancel the error. Therefore, a request from a service person is required as a method for canceling the error. That is stored in the storage unit 23. When the control unit 19 detects these errors, it displays information such as an error code and a service center contact information on the operation panel 10. In relation to this, the storage unit 23 also stores contact information such as the name and telephone number of the service center related to the error.

  Subsequently, in the case of an abnormality in the clock function, poor connection of connectors, or a trouble in the paper feed system, basically a request from a service person is required as a method for canceling the error, as in the case of the error related to the fixing unit 14. Is stored in the storage unit 23. However, depending on the skill of the user, there are cases where these errors can be canceled completely or temporarily.

  For example, when the clock function is abnormal, the error can be temporarily canceled by removing the RTC 21 from the control unit 19. Further, for example, in the case of a poor connection of the connector related to the document conveying device 8, the error can be canceled by turning off the power of the image forming apparatus 1 and then reconnecting the connector and turning on the power of the image forming apparatus 1 again. Therefore, detailed data on how to cancel these errors is stored in the storage unit 23. When these errors are detected, the control unit 19 displays information such as an error code and a service center contact information on the operation panel 10 and can execute processing relating to image formation of data of the error canceling method.

  Subsequently, in the case of a paper transport system trouble and a paper jam, data on how to remove the jammed paper P by opening the outer cover around the jam occurrence location is stored in the storage unit 23 as a method for canceling the error. ing. When the control unit 19 detects a paper jam error, the control panel 10 displays information such as a jam occurrence position and a method of opening the surrounding outer cover, how to remove the jammed paper P, its instruction, and a manual reference page. To do. Note that the control unit 19 can also execute processing related to image formation of data of these error cancellation methods.

  On the other hand, in the case of an error that cannot be cleared by the user, such as a problem with the paper conveyance system and an abnormality in the sensor itself, the storage unit 23 stores that a request from the service person is required as a method for clearing the error.

  The first image forming apparatus 1 transmits / receives data to / from an external device such as the second image forming apparatus 100 which is another image forming apparatus connected by a communication line such as a telephone line or a network line. The communication part 30 for performing is provided. The communication unit 30 includes a facsimile communication unit 31 that performs communication using a telephone line, and a network I / F (interface) unit 32 that performs communication using a network line. The communication part 30 and the control part 19 are connected so that communication is possible. The control unit 19 gives image data and the like to the communication unit 30, and transmits the data to other external devices. Data received from the external device by the communication unit 30 is transmitted to the control unit 19.

  Further, when the control unit 19 detects that image formation in the first image forming apparatus 1 is impossible when executing processing related to image formation of the data of the error cancellation method stored in the storage unit 23, an error is detected. The cancellation method data and another image forming apparatus, for example, a command for causing the second image forming apparatus 100 to execute image formation of the error cancellation method data are transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 100 using the communication unit 30. To do. In addition, the control unit 19 may receive, via the communication unit 30, error canceling method data transmitted from, for example, the second image forming apparatus 100 in which an error has occurred and an image formation execution command for the data.

  Further, when the control unit 19 detects that the subsequent image formation cannot be continued due to an error in the first image forming apparatus 1 during the image forming job accompanied by the input of the user authentication number, the storage unit The data of the canceling method corresponding to the error stored in the data 23, the user authentication number necessary for permitting the image formation of the data of the error canceling method, and the data of the error canceling method in the second image forming apparatus 100, for example. The command to execute the image formation is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 100 using the communication unit 30. Further, the control unit 19 transmits, for example, the error canceling method data transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 100 in which an error has occurred, the user authentication number, and the image forming execution command of the error canceling method data to the communication unit 30. May also be received via. At this time, the control unit 19 receives an input of an authentication number from the operation panel 10 which is an input unit, and the error cancellation method data received on condition that the authentication number received from the operation panel 10 matches the received authentication number. The process related to the image formation is executed.

  As described above, the communication unit 30 also functions as an input unit that receives data to be image-formed, an image formation job, an input of a user authentication number, and the like from an external device such as another image forming apparatus.

  Next, the first image forming apparatus 1 that is an image forming apparatus on the transmission side and the reception of information related to an error when an error occurs in the first image forming apparatus in the image forming system S, that is, the first image forming apparatus 1 is received. Each operation with the second image forming apparatus 100 which is the side image forming apparatus will be described along the flow shown in FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when an error occurs in the first image forming apparatus 1 which is the transmission-side image forming apparatus of the image forming system S, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart in the second image forming apparatus 100 which is the receiving-side image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the data of the cancellation method of an error.

  Here, it is assumed that the error occurring in the first image forming apparatus 1 is an error that can be canceled by the user, and the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming relating to the image forming of the canceling method corresponding to the error. Each operation | movement with the apparatus 100 is demonstrated.

  The first image forming apparatus 1 which is an image forming apparatus on the transmission side of information relating to an error operates as follows (see FIG. 4).

  During the image forming operation of the first image forming apparatus 1 (start of FIG. 4), when the control unit 19 of the first image forming apparatus 1 detects an error (step # 101 of FIG. 4), the fact that the error has occurred. And information related to errors such as error codes are displayed on the operation panel 10 or the like (step # 102). Information relating to the error is displayed on the operation panel 10 when an image forming job is input from the operation panel 10, and when the image forming job is input from an external computer or the like via the communication unit 30, the corresponding external computer or the like is displayed. Is displayed.

  Subsequently, the control unit 19 determines whether or not image formation is possible in the first image forming apparatus 1 (step # 103). When image formation is possible (Yes in step # 103), the control unit 19 determines whether or not an authentication number has been accepted when an image forming job is input (step # 104). When the authentication number is received when inputting the image forming job (Yes in Step # 104), the control unit 19 requests the user to input the authentication number from the operation panel 10 (Step # 105). The user can input an authentication number using a card such as an IC card.

  Subsequently, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the authentication number input from the operation panel 10 by the user matches the authentication number received when inputting the image forming job (step # 106). The control unit 19 repeats the authentication number input request (step # 105) and the determination until the authentication numbers match (No in step # 106).

  If the authentication number is not received when the image forming job is input (No in step # 104), or the authentication number input from the operation panel 10 by the user in the determination in step # 106 is the authentication number received when the image forming job is input (Yes in step # 106), the control unit 19 executes a process related to image formation of the data of the release method corresponding to the generated error stored in the storage unit 23 (step # 107). As a result, a printed matter on which a method for canceling the error that has occurred in the first image forming apparatus 1 is drawn is output from the first image forming apparatus 1.

  Thereafter, the control unit 19 turns off the power of the first image forming apparatus 1 and stops the apparatus (step # 108 and the end of FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, when image formation in the first image forming apparatus 1 is impossible (No in Step # 103), the control unit 19 uses the communication unit 30 to transmit information relating to an error that has occurred in the first image forming apparatus 1. To the second image forming apparatus 100, which is another image forming apparatus (step # 109). The information relating to the error is a cancellation method data corresponding to the generated error stored in the storage unit 23 and a command for causing the second image forming apparatus 100 to perform image formation of the error cancellation method data. When an authentication number is received when inputting an image forming job, the authentication number is also transmitted together with the information.

  Thereafter, the control unit 19 turns off the power of the first image forming apparatus 1 and stops the apparatus (step # 108 and the end of FIG. 4).

  In this way, when the first image forming apparatus 1 becomes unable to form an image due to an error, the data of the error canceling method is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 100 to perform image formation of the data. The error canceling method is notified to the user immediately after the error occurs. Further, when the first image forming apparatus 1 cannot continue the subsequent image formation due to an error during the image forming operation related to the image forming job, it is necessary for the image formation of the data together with the error canceling method data. Since the authentication number is also transmitted, the error canceling method is notified only to the user who has input the image forming job resulting from the error.

  On the other hand, the second image forming apparatus 100 that is an image receiving apparatus that receives information related to an error operates as follows (see FIG. 5). As described above, the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 100 are the same type of image forming apparatus, and the drawing of the drawing of the second image forming apparatus 100 and the description thereof are omitted. Therefore, hereinafter, the reference numerals of the respective components of the second image forming apparatus 100 are referred to as an operation panel 110, a control unit 119, and a communication unit 130.

  While the second image forming apparatus 100 is in operation (start of FIG. 5), the control unit 119 of the second image forming apparatus 100 makes an error from the first image forming apparatus 1 that is another image forming apparatus in which an error has occurred. Such information may be received via the communication unit 130 (step # 201 in FIG. 5). The information relating to the error is a release method data corresponding to the error generated in the first image forming apparatus 1 and a command for causing the second image forming apparatus 100 to perform image formation of the error release method data. When an authentication number is received when an image forming job is input in the first image forming apparatus 1, the authentication number is received together with the information.

  Then, the control unit 119 determines whether or not an authentication number has been received as information related to the error received via the communication unit 130 (step # 202). When the authentication number is received (Yes in Step # 202), the control unit 119 requests the user to input the authentication number from the operation panel 110 (Step # 203). The user can input an authentication number using a card such as an IC card.

  Subsequently, the control unit 119 determines whether or not the authentication number input from the operation panel 110 by the user matches the authentication number received as information relating to the error (step # 204). The control unit 19 repeats the authentication number input request (step # 203) and the determination until the authentication numbers match (No in step # 204).

  When the authentication number is not received as the information relating to the error (No in Step # 202), or the authentication number input from the operation panel 110 by the user in the determination in Step # 204 is the authentication number received as the information relating to the error When they match (Yes in Step # 204), the control unit 119 executes processing related to image formation of the data of the release method corresponding to the error generated in the first image forming apparatus 1 received in Step # 201 (Step S204). # 205 and FIG. 5 end). As a result, the second image forming apparatus 100 outputs a printed matter on which a method for canceling the error that has occurred in the first image forming apparatus 1 is drawn.

  In this way, when the second image forming apparatus 100 receives data of the error canceling method transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 1 which is another image forming apparatus in which an error has occurred, image formation of the data is performed. Therefore, the error canceling method in the first image forming apparatus 1 in which an error has occurred is notified to the user immediately after the error has occurred. The authentication number received from the operation panel 110 when the second image forming apparatus 100 receives the error canceling method data and the user authentication number transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 1 in which an error has occurred. Is executed on the condition that the received authentication number matches the received authentication number, the error canceling method executes image formation due to the error in the first image forming apparatus 1 in which the error has occurred. Only the user who entered the job will be notified.

  According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 1 capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the second image forming apparatus 100 connected via a communication line, and an image forming system including these image forming apparatuses. In S, it is possible to provide the first image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming system S capable of promptly notifying the user of an error canceling method when an error occurs in the apparatus itself. In addition, the first image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming system S that can suppress a user unrelated to an image forming job caused by an error from performing an error canceling process and can be used comfortably are provided. Can be provided.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 1 is used as a transmission-side image forming apparatus related to data transmission / reception of an error canceling method that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus 100 is used as a receiving-side image forming apparatus. However, the transmission-side image forming apparatus may be replaced with the second image forming apparatus 100, and the receiving-side image forming apparatus may be replaced with the first image forming apparatus 1.

  In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first image forming apparatus 1 and the second image forming apparatus 100 have been described by taking the image forming apparatus for monochrome printing using only black toner as an example. The image forming apparatus to be applied is not limited to such a model, and is provided with an intermediate transfer belt for tandem type or rotary rack type color printing capable of forming an image by superimposing a plurality of colors. It may be an image forming apparatus.

  The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from another image forming apparatus connected by a communication line.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st image forming apparatus 10 Operation panel (input part)
19 control unit 23 storage unit 30 communication unit (input unit)
100 Second image forming apparatus 110 Operation panel (input unit)
119 Control unit 130 Communication unit (input unit)

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from another image forming apparatus connected by a communication line,
A control unit that executes processing relating to image formation and detects errors of the apparatus itself and whether image formation is possible;
A storage unit for storing the type of error and a method for canceling the error,
A communication unit that transmits data and commands to the other image forming apparatus,
When the control unit detects that the image formation becomes impossible due to an error of the apparatus itself, the control unit stores the data of the release method corresponding to the error stored in the storage unit and the other image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that transmits an instruction to execute image formation of data of an error cancellation method to the other image forming apparatus using the communication unit. An input unit that receives input of an image forming job and a user authentication number;
When the control unit detects that the subsequent image formation cannot be continued due to an error of the apparatus itself during the image forming operation related to the image forming job received from the input unit, the storage unit stores The data of the cancellation method corresponding to the stored error and the authentication number necessary for permitting image formation of the data of the error cancellation method and the data of the error cancellation method to the other image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an instruction to execute image formation is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus using the communication unit. In an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from another image forming apparatus connected by a communication line,
A control unit that executes processing relating to image formation;
A communication unit that receives data transmitted from the other image forming apparatus,
When the communication unit receives the error cancellation method data transmitted from the other image forming apparatus in which an error has occurred and the image formation execution command of the error cancellation method data, the control unit An image forming apparatus that executes processing relating to image formation of data of an error canceling method. It has an input unit that accepts input of the user authentication number,
The control unit includes: an image forming execution command of the error canceling method data, the user authentication number, and the error canceling method data transmitted from the other image forming apparatus in which the error has occurred; Is received on the condition that the authentication number received from the input unit coincides with the received authentication number, the process for image formation of the received error canceling method data is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Including a transmission-side image forming apparatus and a receiving-side image forming apparatus related to data transmission / reception of an error canceling method that has occurred in the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 is the transmission-side image forming apparatus.
5. An image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is the receiving side image forming apparatus.

Images