Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for a plug connector sensing apparatus for determining whether a transmission line is present within a receptacle. A reprographic printing system including this apparatus is disclosed. The method of using this plug sensing apparatus comprises determining, with the plug connector sensor, whether the plug connector is present within the receptacle and determining, with a separate signal detector, whether a signal is being communicated through the transmission line.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/470,234 filed on Dec. 22, 1999 by the same inventors, and claims priority therefrom, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates generally to a device configured for remote communications through a transmission line and more particularly to printing apparatus configured for remote data transfer and diagnostics. 
     Many types of home, office and commercial electronic equipment now feature capabilities enabled through connection with remote sending and receiving devices. Among the most connections are computer connections with the Internet, facsimile connection with fiber or telephonic transmission lines, and networked office equipment connected through an Ethernet. For complex equipment such as electronic printers and copiers, an increasingly common feature is remote data transfer and diagnostics through which software can be remotely maintained and updated and, in the event of required machine maintenance, diagnostic communications can increase the likelihood that service personnel arrive on-site with the appropriate replacement parts and, at a minimum, arrive with advanced knowledge of the probable location within the system in need of repair. For instance, the DocuCentre 240/265 family of multifunctional printing systems sold by the Xerox Corporation features remote data transfer capability, including automatic detection on startup. Upon machine start-up, the machine runs a dial tone test to determine if the machine has remote data transfer (RDT) configured. If the test results contradict with the system&#39;s RDT settings, an error message is presented to the user stating this “configuration mismatch”. The user then needs to specify whether RDT is configured or not. 
     An undesired effect of the above increased connectedness is an increasing number of fault messages delivered to operators informing them that the communications link is disabled or not available. One reason for this increase in fault messages is the trend toward placement of more and more devices on the same cable or phone line. Since most of these devices require only periodic communication with their remote data transfer host, placement of multiple devices on the same line is more economical than adding new cable or phone lines for each new device. Of course, the more devices that are placed on a single line, the greater the probability that the line will be in use by another device when the subject device seeks to detect a dial tone. 
     Under current practices, an operator working with a device that receives a fault message indicating the non-availability of its transmission line has limited choices. In devices such as the Xerox DocuCentre 240/265, the user must specify the correct configuration. Until this information is specified, the machine will not complete the power on process. There is no indicator under current practice to inform the operator whether the fault message is due to a disconnected transmission line or whether the fault message is simply because the line is busy sending or receiving messages from another device. In the absence of such indicator, the operator will often want to ensure that the fault is not from a defect in the transmission line itself. Since the presence or absence of a physical connection is one of the few problems that can be visibly diagnosed by an operator, many operators will respond to the fault message by attempting to inspect the connection between the system device and its transmission line. As noted above, this is wasted effort in many cases since the most common cause of the error message is simply that the transmission line is busy. Moreover, the receptacle for receiving the transmission line is usually in or near the rear of the system devices. If the operator moves the system device to inspect the physical connection to the transmission line in its rear, then the movement itself may result in a bad connection between the transmission line and the receptacle. In the case of large system devices such as production size copiers or printers, the very size of the system device makes movement difficult. An operator would greatly benefit from knowing for sure that the physical connection between the line and the receptacle is secure in order to be able to rule out this possibility without needing to attempt to move or awkwardly to peer behind such a large system device. Even for physically manageable devices, it would be beneficial for most operators to know that the connection between the transmission line and the receptacle is secure in order that this possible cause of a fault message be ruled out. With such increased information, an operator can more efficiently focus attention on other possible causes of the fault message or may conclude that the fault message is most likely the result of a line being in use when contacted by the system device. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for connecting a transmission line that terminates with a connector to a device. The apparatus comprises a receptacle for receiving the connector and a sensor associated with the receptacle for detecting the presence of the connector within the receptacle. 
     Pursuant to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing machine capable of communicating through a transmission line that terminates with a connector, such printing machine comprising a receptacle for receiving the connector; a sensor associated with the receptacle for detecting the presence of the connector within the receptacle; and a sensor circuit, communicating with the detecting sensor, for transmitting a signal indicating whether the detecting sensor detects the presence of the connector. 
     Pursuant to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for of communicating through a transmission line that terminates with a connector, adapted to be received in a, such method comprising determining whether the connector is present within the receptacle; and determining whether a signal is being communicated through the transmission line. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and upon reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a typical multifunctional reprographic processing system. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational side view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing a pressure switch sensor within a plug receptacle. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention showing an optical sensor within a plug receptacle. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a first method of the present invention showing a logic sequence commencing upon system power up. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a second method of the present invention showing a logic sequence commencing at an event other than system power up. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic elevational view of an exemplary electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the connection sensing apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present invention will hereinafter be described in connection with its preferred embodiments and method of use, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments and method of use. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     As an exemplary application of the present invention, application of the invention within an electrophotographic print engine will herein be described. In as much as the art of electrophotographic printing is well known, the various process stations employed in the  FIG. 6  printing machine will be shown hereinafter schematically, and their operation described briefly with reference thereto. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an illustrative electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the apparatus of the present invention therein. The printing machine incorporates a photoreceptor  10  in the form of a belt having a photoconductive surface layer  12  on an electroconductive substrate  14 . Preferably the surface  12  is made from a selenium alloy. The substrate  14  is preferably made from an aluminum alloy which is electrically grounded. The belt is driven by means of motor  24  along a path defined by rollers  18 ,  20  and  22 , the direction of movement being counter-clockwise as viewed and as shown by arrow  16 . Initially a portion of the belt  10  passes through a charge station A at which a corona generator  26  charges surface  12  to a relatively high, substantially uniform, potential. A high voltage power supply  28  is coupled to device  26 . After charging, the charged area of surface  12  is passed to exposure station B. At exposure station B, an original document  30  is placed face down upon a transparent platen  32 . Placement of original document  30  may be accomplished in some systems using an automatic document handling system  35  which, as explained below in more detail, may utilize the present invention. Lamps  34  flash light rays onto original document  30 . The light rays reflected from original document  30  are transmitted through lens  36  to form a light image thereof. Lens  36  focuses this light image onto the charged portion of photoconductive surface  12  to selectively dissipate the charge thereon. This records an electrostatic latent image on photoconductive surface  12  which corresponds to the informational areas contained within original document  30 . After the electrostatic latent image has been recorded on photoconductive surface  12 , belt  10  advances the latent image to development station C. At development station C, a development system, develops the latent image recorded on the photoconductive surface. Preferably, development system includes a donor roller  40  and electrode wires positioned in the gap between the donor roll and photoconductive belt. Electrode wires  41  are electrically biased relative to donor roll  40  to detach toner therefrom so as to form a toner powder cloud in the gap between the donor roll and photoconductive surface. The latent image attracts toner particles from the toner powder cloud forming a toner powder image thereon. Donor roll  40  is mounted, at least partially, in the chamber of developer housing  38 . The chamber in developer housing  38  stores a supply of developer material. The developer material is a two component developer material of at least magnetic carrier granules having toner particles adhering triboelectrically thereto. A transport roller disposed interiorly of the chamber of housing  38  conveys the developer material to the donor roller. The transport roller is electrically biased relative to the donor roller so that the toner particles are attracted from the transport roller to the donor roller. After the electrostatic latent image has been developed, belt  10  advances the developed image to transfer station D, at which a copy substrate  54  is advanced from substrate tray  57  by roll  52  and guides  56  into contact with the developed image on belt  10 . A corona generator  58  is used to spray ions on to the back of the substrate so as to attract the toner image from belt  10  to the substrate. Contact between the copy substrate  54  and belt  10  is enhanced by transfer assist apparatus  50 . As the belt  10  turns around roller  18 , the copy substrate  54  is stripped therefrom with the toner image thereon. After transfer, the copy substrate is advanced by a conveyor (not shown) to fusing station E. Fusing station E includes a heated fuser roller  64  and a back-up roller  66 . The substrate passes between fuser roller  64  and back-up roller  66  with the toner powder image contacting fuser roller  64 . In this way, the toner powder image is permanently affixed to the substrate. After fusing, the substrate advances through chute  70  to catch tray  72  for subsequent removal from the printing machine by the operator. After the substrate is separated from photoconductive surface  12  of belt  10 , the residual toner particles adhering to photoconductive surface  12  are removed therefrom by a rotatably mounted fibrous brush  74  in contact with photoconductive surface  12 . Subsequent to cleaning, a discharge lamp (not shown) floods photoconductive surface  12  with light to dissipate any residual electrostatic charge remaining thereon prior to the charging thereof for the next successive imaging cycle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a multifunctional document processing system  5  is shown schematically. Printer  24  of system  5  may be based upon the print engine described above in relation to  FIG. 6  or may comprise any other electrophotographic, ink jet or other image forming apparatus. A system bus  12  provides for communication between components. Device control is distributed between two programmable controllers, hereinafter first controller  14  and second controller  16 . Scanner  22  and printer  24  are connected to the system via first processor  14 . The printer  24  generates whatever hard copy is required. Scanner  22  is included to provide full facsimile and/or copier functions. Scanner  22  may have its own connection to an outside PC or network as shown by Ethernet connection  32 . More generally, the system is designed to process electronic document signals directed thereto via second controller  16  by serial, parallel or SCSI connection  26  from an external personal computer or workstation  28 . Second processor  16  may support an additional outward connection  29  from the system to the personal computer  28  for passing scanned data thereto. A direct connection  31  from a local area network server to second controller  16  may be provided. Second controller  16  additionally provides control for a user interface/control panel (UI)  30  for the system. Second controller  16  also receives the outputs of the system&#39;s machine sensors, and provides control of the mechanical components of the system, particularly the paper transport systems. It will no doubt be appreciated that instead of or in addition to a personal computer, a network connection or network server could be substituted, to provide network operation. 
     Facsimile communication is provided for system  5  via a telephone line  40  and fax modem  42 . Decoding and encoding of facsimile transmissions is provided by coder/decoder  50 . Page memory  52  is provided, having storage capability for storing electronic document signals corresponding to at least several pages. Conveniently, it is DRAM-type memory. Access to the memory is controlled by memory manager  54 , which in turn is controlled by controller  16 . 
     One embodiment of the invention allows the use of controller  16  to control access to a data bus  12 , on which image information and control information flow. In such an arrangement, a facsimile transmission can be received by the document process system  5  at telephone line  40  and fax modem  42 , and directed either directly to printer  24 , via first controller  14 , or to page memory  52 . Information stored at page memory  52  can be directed to printer  24 . Information from computer  28  or from network line  31  can be directed via, respectively, connections  26  or  31 , through second controller  16 , to either page memory  52  or printer  24 . Scanned data from scanner  22  can be directed via first controller  14  either to page memory  52  or to printer  24 . 
     It is believed that the foregoing description is sufficient for purposes of the present application to illustrate the general operation of a multifunction printing system incorporating the receptacle connector sensor of the present invention therein. Although the apparatus of the present invention is particularly well adapted for use in conjunction with an electrophotographic reproducing system of the type shown in  FIG. 6 , it will become apparent from the following discussion that the receptacle sensor of the present invention is equally well suited for use in any of a wide variety of electronic devices that communicate through a transmission line to a network or to a remote data source. In addition to reprographic systems, the present invention may be applicable to, without limitation, facsimile machines, computers and computer networks, telephone hubs, Internet devices, and data storage equipment. 
     Moving now to the particular features of the physical connection sensor of the present invention, reference is made to  FIG. 2  wherein a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. In  FIG. 2   a , receptacle assembly  80  is shown comprising female receptacle  81  shaped to receive plug  82 . In the back of receptacle  81  are contacts  85   a, b, c , and  d  which are leads connecting to separate wires within receptacle line  86 . In similar fashion, Plug  82  carries contacts for separate wires within plug line  83 . Plug line  83  exits the system and connects to the external communication network. Although the current embodiment is shown using lines, plugs, and receptacles based upon components of a copper wire telephone system, those familiar with the art will readily understand that the present invention is equally applicable to any type of transmission line requiring a physical connection between a device and an external transmission line. Examples of lines include, without limitation, optical fibers, co-axial cables, USB lines, Ethernet lines, and similar electrical, optical, and pressure-transmitting transmission lines. Referring again to  FIG. 1 , each of transmission lines  26 ,  29 ,  31 ,  32 , and  40  may benefit from use of the present invention. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2   a , mounted within receptacle  81  is pressure switch  84 . In  FIG. 2   a , pressure switch  84  is in its open position, and no current flows in the sensor circuit  87  connected through the switch. The absence of such current signals to the system controller (not shown) that no physical connection has been made between line  83  and receptacle line  86 . 
       FIG. 2   b  shows the receptacle assembly of  FIG. 2   a  after plug  82  has been inserted into receptacle  81 . Insertion of plug  82  has pressed pressure switch  84  into its closed position, and current flows within the sensor circuit  87  signal to the controller (not shown) that a physical connection has been made between plug line  83  and receptacle line  86 . 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the pressure switch  84  of  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  is replaced by light emitting diode  91 , mirror  92 , and light sensor  93 . Light emitting diode  91  emits light. When plug  82  is not in receptacle  81 , the light is reflected from mirror  92  toward light sensor  93 . A positive response at sensor  93  indicates that plug  82  is not present in receptacle  81 . In contrast, a failure of light sensor  93  to detect reflected light indicates that plug  82  is present in receptacle  81 . 
       FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of system logic architecture that makes use of the sensor signal generated as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Specifically,  FIG. 4  shows a method of using the sensor data during system power-up and activation. This power-up and activation sequence is shown generally as sequence  200  which is initiated at step  201 . Sequence  200  is generally directed and interpreted by the system controller shown as  16  in  FIG. 1 . Within the power-up and activation sequence  200  there are diagnostic and power sequences  202   a  and  202   b , both of which represent power-up, diagnostic, and activation sequences that are conventional and well known in the art. After completion of the first portion, shown as  202   a , of this power-up and activation sequence, the sequences of the present invention are instituted. Step  203  initiates the sequences of the present invention by inquiring whether switch circuit  87  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  detects a physical connection between the plug  83  and receptacle  81 . Assuming that an affirmative response is received, then step  204  inquires whether a dial tone has been detected. Assuming an affirmative response to the inquiry of step  204 , then the second portion,  202   b , of the conventional power-up and activation sequence continues. 
     In the event that a negative response is received to the inquiry of step  203 , then the following Default Message as shown in Box  205  is displayed for the operator on control panel  30  of  FIG. 1 :
         &lt;No line connection detected. Check line connection.&gt;
 
The system as shown in  FIG. 4  is configured to halt its power-up and activation sequence  200  if a physical connection between plug  83  and receptacle  81  is not detected. Such a configuration may be selected where the failed physical connection involves a transmission line essential to a significant function of the device, e.g., a telephone line for a facsimile machine or a multifunctional machine having fax capability and frequent use as a facsimile machine. Such a configuration may also be selected where remote data transfer over the applicable transmission line is an important component of system maintenance and for frequent software updates. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the Default Message of Box  205  is displayed on the system console  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), thereby indicating to the operator that there is a problem with the connection to transmission line  83 . System power-up and activation will not proceed until the operator intervenes as provided in step  206 . At step  206 , the operator may enter &lt;CLEAR&gt; in which case step  202   a  is restarted. This command from the operator presumably occurs after the operator has reconnected plug  82  into receptacle  81 . Alternatively, the operator can override the Fault Message of Box  205  by directing that the power-up and activation sequence of step  202   b  be completed without further attempts to monitor switch circuit  87  to detect a physical connection between plug  82  and receptacle  81 .
       

     In the event that a positive response is received to step  203  but a negative response is received to the inquiry of step  204 , then the configuration shown in  FIG. 4  continues with power-up and activation sequences  202   b  but displays the &lt;No Dial Tone&gt; message shown in Box  208  on the system console  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). This configuration may be selected where a failed connection to the transmission line  83  is not an important priority for most users of the system or where the lack of a dial tone is most likely due to a temporary condition such as use of transmission line  83  by alternate users or devices connected to the same transmission line. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment  300  of the method of the present invention is shown. This embodiment is initiated at step  301  wherein the controller  16  of  FIG. 1  commences an operation that requires use of transmission line  83 . Step  301  may be initiated automatically on a timed basis to ensure that the system is available for sending or receiving remote data transfers. Step  301  may also be initiated as part of an activation sequence of a subsystem that will attempt to communicate through transmission line  83 . For example, for systems where active communication through transmission line  83  is important for the functions of the system, then step  301  may be an operation that is initiated every hour or at some other scheduled time interval that is deemed appropriate for the frequency and importance of the communication link. Step  301  could also be incorporated into the activation sequence of an operation which is a job to be performed by the device such as activation of the facsimile subsystem of a multifunctional system. In a multifunctional system, operations, including jobs, similar to the above may be arranged in a queue that sets forth the relative priorities and expected order of processing. 
     Once sequence  300  is initiated pursuant to step  301 , controller  16  inquires, at step  302 , whether a dial tone or similar signal of line availability is detected. An affirmative response to the inquiry of step  302  results in an assumption that a communication link through line  83  is available. The operation that initiated step  301  is then continued. In the event that a negative response is received to the inquiry of step  302 , then controller  16  issues the inquiry of step  303  which asks whether a physical connection between plug  83  and receptacle  81  can be detected. If sensor circuit  87  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  confirms the existence of a physical connection, then the controller issues the inquiry of step  304  which asks whether the communication link through line  83  is needed to process the operation currently being performed. For instance, a remote data transfer operation for routine maintenance status checks would require the availability of transmission line  83  as would an attempt to send a facsimile job. An operation initiated on a timed basis simply to determine whether line  83  is available to receive remote data transfers or facsimiles would not require immediate availability of transmission line  83 . If the answer to step  304  is affirmative, i.e., that the current operation requires use of transmission line  83 , then controller  16  interrupts the processing of the current operation and directs that the following message shown in Box  305  is displayed on the device control panel:
         No Dial Tone Received. Line Connected. Processing of function &lt;job&gt; #12345 will be tried again in 15 minutes. Restore dial tone and modify job queue to try earlier. Press HELP for more information.
 
It is contemplated in the above example that the system will maintain a job queue similar to that taught In U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,345, issued to Paradise et al., and that each operation, including jobs, will be identified in the queue by an alphanumeric ticket number such as #12345 shown above. It is also contemplated that the HELP command will provide instructions concerning probable methods of restoring a dial tone, such as interrupting use of line  83  by other devices that may be currently using line  83 . It is also contemplated that the HELP command will provide instructions for finding and modifying the order of jobs or operations in the queue. As used in the message above, “job” means a service operation to be performed by the system whereas a “function” means an operation internally generated by the device or system such as using remote data transfer for software updates and maintenance.
       

     If the query of box  304  is answered negatively, i.e., the operation currently being performed does not require communication through line  83 , then the system continues to process jobs in its queue. It is contemplated that this situation arises when step  301  was an initiation of the sequence based on a timed interval or was initiated upon some other routine basis not connected to processing of a particular operation that is otherwise in the system queue. 
     Returning to step  303 , if sensor circuit  87  signals the absence of a physical connection between plug  82  and receptacle  81 , then the following message as shown in Box  306  is displayed on the device control panel:
         Line disconnected. Job &lt;function&gt; #12345 aborted. Check line connection. Reconnect line. Begin job #12345 again.
 
When the query of step  303  is answered negatively, the operation currently being processed is removed from the queue and will be reentered into the queue only in response to actions by the operator.
       

     Although the sequences of  FIGS. 4 and 5  are shown in reference to a transmission line such as a telephone line which emits a dial tone signifying its availability, those familiar with the art will appreciate that the examples describe any transmission line that can emit a signal that indicates its availability. 
     In review, the connection sensor apparatus and method of the present invention include a sensor for detecting the presence of a physical connection between a transmission line and the communications receptacle of a device. When compared to systems in the prior art that determine the availability of the transmission line by detecting a dial tone or similar signal, the present invention permits an operator to more readily determine if the failure of a communications connection is due requires his or her intervention to inspect the transmission line or whether the unavailability of the transmission line is more likely due to its current use by other devices attempting to use the same line. The present invention also enables a more sophisticated method of interrupting, delaying, or rearranging the order in which a system such as a multifunctional system performs its operations. 
     It is, therefore, evident that there has been provided in accordance with the present invention a physical transmission line sensor and method of use that fully satisfies the aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with several embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.