JP2001024838A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide such a communication equipment as a facsimile equipment by which a network manager can manage the ordering of consumables by using electronic mail or the notification of abnormal states, etc. SOLUTION: When facsimile equipment 1 connected to a LAN 2 detects its own abnormality, the equipment 1 first informs a client computer 3 for network manager of the abnormality and, after receiving an instruction from the computer 3, prepares electronic mail including the contents of consumables to be ordered, the details of the abnormality, etc. and transmits the prepared mail to a service center 7 in accordance with the instruction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device such as a facsimile device connected to an external device for management via a LAN, for example. The present invention relates to a communication device for ordering consumables, reporting abnormalities, and the like by e-mail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a facsimile machine,
Monitors the printer for abnormalities such as running out of toner and the life of the drum. If an abnormal state is detected, the printer prints out the consumables order sheet stored in the built-in memory. It is. It is known that a user enters necessary information such as a necessary part name, quantity, and the like on the form of the order sheet, scans the sheet of the order form with a scanner, and transmits the form to a service center by facsimile. There is also known a facsimile apparatus in which, when an abnormal state is detected, information indicating the contents of the abnormality is converted into a facsimile message and directly transmitted to a service center by facsimile.

When a facsimile apparatus having a function of detecting an abnormal state and a function of transmitting a facsimile to a service center as described above is provided as a communication apparatus on a LAN, facsimile communication is used, which increases telephone charges. And the communication time is also long.

[0004] Therefore, a system has been proposed in which an e-mail containing the contents of an order (the kind and number of consumables, etc.), the contents of an abnormal state, etc. is created, and the created e-mail is sent directly to a service center. I have.

[0005]

In this system, the ordering of consumables and the notification of an abnormal state are performed by e-mail, so that the processing can be performed quickly and the communication cost can be reduced.
However, consumables are ordered without the knowledge of the network administrator, and there is a problem that the order contents, time, and the like cannot be managed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and allows a network administrator to manage the ordering of consumables and communication of an abnormal state, etc., and an order sheet can be prepared without the network administrator's knowledge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device capable of preventing a trouble such as being directly sent to a service center.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device connected to a network connected to an external device, wherein the detecting device detects an abnormality of the communication device, and notifies the external device of the detected abnormality. Receiving means for receiving an instruction for the abnormality from the external device, creating means for creating an email based on the received instruction, and means for sending the created email to a predetermined address.

In the communication device of the present invention (claim 1), when an abnormality of the communication device is detected, the content is reported to an external device for a network administrator. When an instruction is received from the external device, an e-mail containing the contents of the order of the consumables, the contents of the abnormal state, and the like is created in accordance with the instruction, and the e-mail is sent to the service center. Therefore, after the abnormal state is once reported to the external device for the network administrator, ordering of the consumables and notification of the abnormal state are performed to the service center, so that the network administrator can order the consumables and respond to the abnormal state. Can be managed, and the purchase order or the like is not sent directly to the service center without the knowledge of the network administrator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, a detection criterion for detecting an abnormality by the detection means;
And / or further comprising means for setting a detection time at which an abnormality is detected by the detection means.

In the communication device according to the present invention, a detection criterion for detecting an abnormality and / or a detection timing for detecting an abnormality are set. Therefore, when the consumables reach a predetermined standard and / or when a predetermined date and time arrive, it is possible to automatically order consumables and report abnormal conditions under the management of a network administrator.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the abnormality detected by the detecting means is out of consumables, and the receiving means includes a consumable part. An instruction for ordering a product is received from the external device.

In the communication device of the present invention (claim 3), when an abnormality indicating exhaustion of consumables is detected, an instruction indicating the contents of ordering the consumable is received from an external device for a network administrator. According to the instruction, an e-mail including the order contents of the consumable is created, and the created e-mail is transmitted to the service center. Therefore, the order contents of the consumables are managed by the network administrator, and a problem that an extra consumable is ordered to the service center without knowing the network administrator is prevented.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the communication device of the present invention is a facsimile device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a facsimile machine, and the facsimile machine 1 has a CPU 10, a ROM 11,
RAM 12, image memory 13, LAN interface (LAN-I / F) 14, hard disk drive (HD
D) 15, a scanner 16, a printer 17, a modem 18, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 19, and the like.

The CPU 10 controls each part of the hardware of the facsimile machine 1 via the bus 20 and
According to the computer program stored in M11,
Perform various software functions.

The ROM 11 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile machine 1 in advance. The RAM 12 is configured using an SRAM, a DRAM, or the like, and stores temporary data generated when the computer program is executed (a predetermined threshold value which is set as a reference for consumable supplies and a predetermined date and time of consumable supplies set as described later). Etc.) is stored. The image memory 13 is configured using a DRAM or the like, and stores a facsimile message to be transmitted or a received facsimile message.

The LAN interface 14 connects the facsimile machine 1 to one node of the LAN 2 via the LAN interface 14, thereby enabling communication with the network administrator client computer 3 connected to the LAN 2. In addition, connection to the Internet 6 is enabled via the mail server 5 connected to the LAN 2.

The hard disk device 15 can store a computer program stored in the ROM 11 instead of the ROM 11, and also stores in advance standard document data for ordering consumables. The address information on the client computer 3 for the network administrator 3 and the service center 7 is also stored in the hard disk drive 1.
5 is memorized.

The scanner 16 reads a document using a CCD and outputs dot image data. The printer 17 is an electrophotographic printing device, and stores image data received by facsimile communication or a scanner 16.
And print out the image data of the original read as a hard copy. Further, the printer 17 includes a toner sensor 17a for detecting the remaining amount of toner and a drum counter 17b for counting the number of times the drum has been used.

The modem 18 is connected to a bus 20 and is composed of a facsimile capable of performing facsimile communication. The modem 18 is directly connected to the NCU 19 which is also connected to the bus 20. NCU
19 is hardware for closing and opening the line with the analog public telephone network (PSTN) 4;
The modem 18 is connected to the public telephone network 4 if necessary. Note that a DSU (Digital Service Unit: subscriber line termination device) may be provided to connect to a digital network (ISDN) of a baseband transmission system.

Note that input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse,
A configuration including a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display, or a configuration including a display device of a touch panel type in place of these devices is also possible.

A client computer 3 assigned for a network administrator is connected to the LAN 2. The client computer 3 includes a CPU 30,
ROM 31, RAM 32, LAN interface (L
AN-I / F) 33, hard disk drive (HDD) 3
4, a display interface (display I / F) 35, an input interface (input I / F) 36, and the like.

The CPU 30 controls various parts of the hardware of the client computer 3 via the bus 40 and executes various software functions in accordance with a computer program stored in the ROM 31.

The ROM 31 stores various computer programs necessary for the operation of the client computer 3 in advance. The RAM 32 is configured using an SRAM, a DRAM, and the like, and stores temporary data generated when a computer program is executed.

The LAN interface 33 connects the client computer 3 to one node of the LAN 2 via the LAN interface 33, thereby enabling communication with the facsimile machine 1 and the mail server 5
It is also possible to connect to the Internet 6 via. The hard disk drive 34 is replaced with the ROM 31,
The computer program stored in the ROM 31 can be stored.

A display interface 35 is connected to a display device 41 which comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display or the like, and displays information or the like sent from the facsimile machine 1. An input interface 36 is provided to a keyboard 42 and a mouse 43 which are input devices for operating the client computer 3.
Is connected.

The facsimile apparatus 1 as a communication apparatus according to the present invention and the client computer 3 for the network administrator have the above-described hardware configurations, respectively. The facsimile apparatus 1 monitors the toner running out. When an abnormality of a consumable such as a drum life or an abnormality requiring the dispatch of a maintenance person from the service center 7 is detected, the fact is notified to the client computer 3 by e-mail, and this is notified. The client computer 3 returns an instruction to contact the service center 7 to the facsimile machine 1. Upon receiving this instruction, the facsimile machine 1 creates an e-mail including the contents of the order, the contents of the abnormal state, and the like based on the instruction, and transmits the e-mail to the service center 7.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the mode for transmitting an e-mail to the service center 7 after receiving the instruction from the client computer 3 as described above, and the mode for transmitting the e-mail from the client computer 3 as in the conventional example. The user can select one of the modes of directly sending an e-mail to the service center 7 without receiving the instruction.

Next, the operation of the facsimile machine 1 as a communication device according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 shows in advance the conditions for ordering consumables (either ordering consumables based on the remaining amount of consumables or periodically ordering consumables according to a predetermined date and time). It is a flow chart which shows an operation procedure of processing. First, CP
U10 determines whether or not the mode is for periodically ordering consumables (step S1). If the mode is set (S1: YES), the CPU 10 sets the date and time when the consumable is ordered (step S2). Information on the set date and time is stored in the RAM 12.

If the mode is not the mode for ordering regularly (S1: NO), the CPU 10 determines whether the mode is the mode for ordering consumables based on the remaining amount of consumables (step S3). If the mode is set (S
3: YES), the CPU 10 determines a threshold value for ordering consumables, that is, a threshold value of the remaining amount of toner in the printer 17 (hereinafter referred to as a first threshold value) and a threshold value of the remaining number of drums (hereinafter referred to as a first threshold value). , A second threshold) (step S4). The set data of the first threshold value and the second threshold value are stored in the RAM 12.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a process for ordering consumables from the facsimile machine 1 to the service center 7. First, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the remaining number of drums has reached the second threshold value or less based on the count value of the drum counter 17b (step S11). Second
If it does not reach the threshold or less (S11: NO), C
The PU 10 determines whether the remaining amount of toner has reached the first threshold value or less based on the detection result of the toner sensor 17a (Step S12). If it does not reach the first threshold or less (S12: NO), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the preset date and time of ordering the consumables has been reached (step S13). If the date and time of the consumables order has not come (S13: NO), the process returns to S11.

When the remaining number of drums has reached the second threshold value or less (S11: YES), when the remaining amount of toner has reached the first threshold value or less (S12: YES), or when the date and time of ordering consumables is reached. If it is (S13: YES), the CPU
Reference numeral 10 denotes a service center for ordering consumables by e-mail.
It is determined whether or not the setting is made for (step S14). If the consumables order using e-mail is not set (S14: NO), the CPU 1
No. 0 executes other processing (consumable goods ordering processing by facsimile communication as in the past) (step S20).

If the order is set for the supply of consumables using e-mail (S14: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the destination of the e-mail is the service center 7 (step S15). If the destination is the service center 7 (S15: YES), the facsimile machine 1
Creates an e-mail describing the order contents (type and number of consumables to be ordered) and order source information, and transmits the e-mail to the service center 7 (step S19).

If the destination of the e-mail is not the service center 7 (S15: NO), the facsimile machine 1 creates an e-mail notifying that an order for consumables is necessary, and sends the e-mail to the client computer. 3
(Step S16). Then, when an e-mail indicating the order contents (type and number of consumables to be ordered) is received from the client computer 3 (step S17: YES), the facsimile machine 1 determines the order contents, based on the order instruction. An e-mail describing the ordering source information is created, and the created e-mail is transmitted to the service center 7 (step S18).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of processing when a service call error (an abnormal state in which a request for dispatch of a maintenance staff (service call) is made to the service center 7) occurs. If a service call error has occurred (step S21: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not a setting is made to notify the service center 7 of the abnormality by e-mail (step S22). When it is not set to the abnormal communication using the e-mail (S22: NO), the CPU 10 executes other processing (such as the conventional abnormal communication processing by facsimile communication) (step S28).

If the abnormality notification is set by using an e-mail (S22: YES), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the destination of the e-mail is the service center 7 (step S23). If the destination is the service center 7 (S23: YES), the facsimile machine 1 creates an e-mail describing the content of the abnormality, the device status, and the information of the transmission source, and transmits the e-mail to the service center 7. (Step S27).

If the destination of the e-mail is not the service center 7 (S23: NO), the facsimile machine 1 prepares an e-mail notifying that a service call is required, and details of the abnormality, and transmits the e-mail. The data is transmitted to the client computer 3 (step S24). Then, when the facsimile machine 1 receives an e-mail indicating an instruction of the content to be transmitted to the service center 7 from the client computer 3 (step S25: YES), the facsimile apparatus 1 performs the abnormality, the device status, and the transmission source information based on the instruction. Is created, and the created email is transmitted to the service center 7 (step S26).

As described above, according to the present invention, when an abnormal condition occurs, after receiving an instruction from the client computer 3 once, an order for a consumable item or a service call is notified to the service center 7 by e-mail. Since this is performed, these can be managed by the client computer 3, and the optimum quantity of consumables to be ordered can be designated.

The facsimile machine 1 can switch between sending an e-mail to the service center 7 via the client computer 3 and sending an e-mail directly to the service center 7 without the client computer 3. Therefore, the former e-mail transmission, which is entrusted to appropriate management of the client computer 3, and the latter e-mail transmission, which can realize quick processing, can be arbitrarily selected according to the situation, and the convenience is improved. .

[0041]

As described above, in the communication device of the present invention,
Upon detecting its own abnormality, it notifies the content to the external device for the network administrator, and after receiving the instruction from the external device, includes the order contents of the consumables, the content of the abnormal state, etc. according to the instruction. Since the e-mail was created and the created e-mail was sent to the service center, the network administrator could manage the ordering of consumables and notification of abnormal conditions, etc. without the network administrator's knowledge. There is no problem that the purchase order is sent directly to the service center.

In the communication device according to the present invention, a detection criterion for detecting an abnormality and / or a detection timing for detecting an abnormality are set, so that when a consumable item reaches a predetermined criterion, and / or Alternatively, when a predetermined date and time has come, it is possible to automatically order consumables and report an abnormal state under the management of the network administrator.

In the communication device of the present invention, when an abnormal state indicating that the consumables are exhausted is detected, a command indicating the order of the consumables is received from an external device for a network administrator, and the ordering information of the consumables is received in accordance with the command. And send the created e-mail to the service center, so that the network administrator manages the order of the consumables, and the extra consumables can be serviced without the network administrator's knowledge. Problems such as ordering to the center are prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a communication device of the present invention is a facsimile device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a process for setting conditions for ordering consumables in advance.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a process of ordering a consumable from a facsimile machine to a service center.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a process when a service call error occurs.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile apparatus 2 LAN 3 Client computer 7 Service center 10, 30 CPU 12 RAM 14 LAN interface (LAN-I / F) 17 Printer 17a Toner sensor 17b Drum counter 18 Modem 19 NCU

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04N 1/32 H04N 1/32 Z F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 HV13 HV14 HV35 HV57 5C062 AA02 AA13 AA29 AA30 AA35 AB11 AB23 AB41 AB43 AB44 AC29 AC58 AF02 AF06 AF13 AF15 BA00 BD09 5C075 AB90 CA90 CE03 CE14 CF04 GG09 5K101 KK01 KK02 LL01 LL02 LL05 MM07 NN03 NN18 NN21 VV04

Claims (3)

[Claims] A communication device connected to the external device via a network, a detecting device for detecting its own abnormality, a device for notifying the external device of the detected abnormality, and receiving an instruction for the abnormality from the external device. A communication apparatus comprising: a receiving unit; a creating unit that creates an e-mail based on a received instruction; and a unit that sends the created e-mail to a predetermined address. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for setting a detection criterion for detecting an abnormality by said detection means and / or a detection timing for detecting an abnormality by said detection means. 3. An apparatus using consumables, wherein the abnormality detected by the detecting means is out of consumables, and the receiving means does not receive an instruction on ordering the consumables from the external device. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein