JP2001036676A - Image forming device management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance workability for installation of an image forming device by a serviceperson and to avoid occurrence of work mistakes. SOLUTION: A data communication unit 7 transmits device number setting request data to request setting of a device number to each of image forming devices 1-5. In the case of receiving a model number from any of the image forming devices 1-5 before the lapse of a preset time-out time, the data communication unit 7 stores the model number and transmits a communication device number to the image forming device which has transmitted the model number. When each of the image forming devices 1-5 receives the device number setting request data from the data communication unit 7 and the communication device number is not set, each of the image forming devices 1-5 transmits its own model number to the data communication unit 7 in a prescribed timing and when receiving the communication device number from the data communication unit 7, each of the image forming device 1-5s sets the device number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine and the like and a central control unit are connected via a data communication device and a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As such an image forming apparatus management system, an image forming apparatus (copier or the like which is premised on remote diagnosis) installed at a customer site such as an office of an unspecified number of users (customers) is used as data. 2. Description of the Related Art It is generally known that a communication line such as a communication device and a public line can be used to connect to a central control device (host machine) installed in a service center (a base for sales and services).

When a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a data communication apparatus are connected to perform communication according to a basic procedure, the data communication apparatus uses a model number and a model number of each connected image forming apparatus. You must know in advance the device numbers for the different communications.

At present, a switch for setting a device number is provided on the image forming apparatus in order to match the device number of each image forming apparatus with the device number of the data communication apparatus. An empty device number (an unused device number not set in another image forming apparatus) among a plurality of device numbers stored in the data communication apparatus is set in the image forming apparatus by operating the switch. I have to.

[0005]

However, in the device number setting operation described above, a large number of image forming apparatuses are installed at the same customer (a large number of image forming apparatuses are connected to the data communication apparatus). In such a case, it is difficult to manage which image forming apparatus has which device number, and the same device number is often set to a plurality of different image forming apparatuses.

Further, since the setting work of the device number is a troublesome work which must be performed every time the image forming apparatus is newly installed, the service person sometimes forgets the setting work, and the newly installed image forming apparatus is not used. Communication between the forming device and the data communication device may not be possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and by automating the setting of a device number for an image forming apparatus installed at a customer site, the workability at the time of installation of the image forming apparatus by a serviceman. And to avoid the occurrence of work errors.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a central control unit are connected via a data communication device and a communication line.
An image forming apparatus in which a data communication apparatus stores a model number of each image forming apparatus and a communication device number different for each model number, and communicates with each image forming apparatus based on the information. The management system is characterized as follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device number setting request data transmitting unit for transmitting device number setting request data for requesting each image forming apparatus to set a device number to a data communication device, and a device number setting request data transmitting unit. When a model number is received from any of the image forming apparatuses before a preset timeout time elapses in response to the device number setting request data, the model number is stored and the model number is stored. Device number transmitting means for transmitting a device number for communication to the image forming apparatus which has transmitted the device number, and a device number for communication when receiving device number setting request data from the data communication apparatus for each image forming apparatus. A model number transmission means for transmitting the model number of the own device to the data communication device at a predetermined timing when is not set, Against product number sent by the stage, when receiving a device number for the communication from the data communication device is obtained by providing a device number setting means for setting the device number.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, the device number setting request data transmitting means of the data communication device transmits the device number setting request data transmitted to each image forming apparatus. Means for transmitting device number setting request data to the image forming apparatus again when a model number cannot be received from any of the image forming apparatuses. When receiving the device number setting request data from the data communication device, when the device number for communication is not set, the device number of the own device is transmitted to the data communication device after waiting for a delay time by a random number. Things.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system of the second aspect, each of the image forming apparatuses is provided with a model number corresponding to the device number setting request data received from the data communication apparatus. This is longer than the transmission time of the device number and shorter than the timeout time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system of the first aspect, each of the image forming apparatuses
Device number erasure request data for requesting power on / off, a predetermined instruction from the operation unit, or a plurality of times of receiving a model number different from the own model number from the data communication device or deleting the device number. Device number erasing means for erasing the device number set by the device number setting means upon reception is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, the device number transmitting means of the data communication device is provided for the device number setting request data transmitted by the device number setting request data transmitting means. When a model number is received from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses before the preset timeout period elapses, the model number is stored, and the model number is stored. Order corresponding to the receiving order of
Means for transmitting a communication device number to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted each of the above model numbers in an order corresponding to the reverse order of the reception order or in a random order not corresponding to the reception order. It is.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system of the first aspect, the data communication device is set in advance with respect to the device number setting request data transmitted by the device number setting request data transmitting means. When the model number is received from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses before the time-out period elapses, the process by the device number transmitting unit is performed by any one of the image forming apparatuses. Each time the processing is completed for the image forming apparatus, data collection processing from another image forming apparatus for which a device number has been set or request processing from the central control apparatus is performed.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This image forming apparatus management system includes five image forming apparatuses (copiers and the like) 1 to 1 for remote diagnosis.
5 and a central control device 6 are connected via a data communication device 7 and a communication line 8 such as a public line so that the central control device 6 can centrally manage the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. .

The data communication device 7 selectively transmits request data (command signal) from the central control device 6 to the image forming devices 1 to 5 and conversely transmits various notification data from the image forming devices 1 to 5. The information is transmitted (reported) to the central control device 6 via the communication line 8.

The data communication device 7 is energized for 24 hours, and enables communication with the central control device 6 even at night when the power of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is normally off. The data communication device 7 and each of the image forming devices 1 to 5
Are connected in a multi-drop manner by the serial communication interface RS-485, and each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to
5 is being communicated with.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. The control units of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 are a CPU 11, a real-time clock circuit 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, and a nonvolatile RAM 1, respectively.
5, a PPC (image forming apparatus) controller including an input / output port 16, and serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 17c, a personal interface (hereinafter, "interface" is abbreviated as "I / F") 18,
A system bus 19 is provided.

The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that controls the whole of the control unit by a control program in the ROM 13. The real-time clock circuit 12 generates time information, and the CPU 11 can know the current time by reading the time information. ROM
A fixed memory 13 stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 11.

The RAM 14 is a temporary storage memory used as a work memory used when the CPU 11 performs data processing. The non-volatile RAM 15 is a memory for storing the contents of mode instructions from an operation display unit (not shown) and the like, and is backed up by a battery. The input / output port 16 connects output loads such as a motor, a solenoid, and a clutch in the image forming apparatus, and sensors and switches.

The serial communication control unit 17a exchanges signals with an operation display unit (not shown).
The serial communication control unit 17b exchanges signals with a document feed unit (not shown). The serial communication control unit 17c exchanges signals with a transfer paper (paper) post-processing unit (not shown).

The personal I / F 18 is an interface circuit that controls communication with the data communication device 7, and has a CP
It is provided to reduce the load for communication processing with the data communication device 7 of U11. Of course, CPU11
If the processing capacity of the personal I / F 18 is sufficient,
This function may be incorporated in the CPU 11. The main functions of this personal I / F 18 are as follows (1) to
This is as shown in (4).

(1) Monitoring polling and selecting from the data communication device 7 (2) Processing for acknowledgment and negative response to the data communication device 7 (3) Validity of data transmitted and received with the data communication device 7 Check, parity check, and retransmission request processing when an error occurs (4) Header processing of data transmitted / received to / from data communication device 7

The system bus 19 is a bus line including an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus.
PU11, real-time clock circuit 12, ROM1
3, RAM 14, non-volatile RAM 15, input / output port 1
6, Serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 17
c and the personal I / F 18 are mutually connected.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the personal I / F 18 of FIG. This personal I / F1
8 includes a CPU 21, a dual port memory 22, registers 23 to 26, an input port 27, a serial communication control unit 28, a local bus 29, and a device code (device number) setting switch 30.

The CPU 21 has a central processing unit, ROM, R
This is a one-chip microcomputer composed of an AM or the like, and controls the entire personal I / F 18 as a whole. The dual port memory 22 is a data memory that is readable and writable by both the CPU 21 and the CPU 11 of FIG. 2, and is used for exchanging text data between the personal I / F 18 and the PPC controller 31.

The PPC controller 31 includes the CPU 11, the real-time clock circuit 12, the ROM 1
3, RAM 14, non-volatile RAM 15, input / output port 1
6, and serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 1
7c. The registers 23 to 26 are used for control when the text data is transmitted and received.
Detailed description is omitted.

The device code setting switch 30 is used to set a device code (device number) unique to each image forming apparatus, and is used for polling from the data communication device 7 and identifying the device code at the time of selecting. Is done. Serial communication control unit 2
Reference numeral 8 is connected to the data communication device 7 and / or a personal I / F 18 of another image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation display unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. This operation display unit is a general control unit (for example, the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2).
5), a ROM for storing a control program, a CPU for executing various controls by the control program, a RAM for temporarily storing data, a non-volatile RAM backed up by a battery, a serial communication control unit, It has an input / output port and the like, and exchanges data with the serial communication control unit 17a in FIG. 2, but details thereof are omitted.

The operation display unit includes a numeric keypad 71, a clear / stop key 72, a print key 73, an enter key 74, an interrupt key 75, a preheat / mode clear key 76, a mode confirmation key 77, a screen Switch key 78, call key 79, registration key 80, guidance key 81, display contrast volume 8
2 and a character display 83.

The numeric keypad 71 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of images formed (the number of copies) and the magnification. The clear / stop key 72 is a key for clearing the set number (the number of formed images) and for stopping the copying operation. The print key 73 is a key for starting execution of an image forming (copying) operation.

The enter key 74 is a key for confirming numerical values and designations such as a zoom magnification and a number for binding margin size. The interrupt key 75 is a key used when interrupting a copy and copying another original. The preheat / mode clear key 76 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set image forming modes, and for setting the preheat to set the power saving state.

The mode confirmation key 77 is a key for confirming each image forming mode selectively displayed on the character display 83 in a list display. The screen switching key 78 is a key for switching the display mode of the character display 83 according to the skill level. The call key 79 is a key for calling a user program.

The registration key 80 is a key for registering a user program. The guidance key 81 is a key for displaying a guidance message or the like on the character display 83. The display contrast volume 82 is for adjusting the contrast of the character display 83.

The character display 83 uses a full dot display element such as a liquid crystal (LCD) or a fluorescent display tube, and incorporates a large number of touch sensors on it (for example, every 8 × 8 display pixels).
A substantially transparent sheet-like matrix touch panel is superimposed, and an image forming mode (copy mode) screen as shown in FIG. 5, for example, can be displayed when the power is turned on (power is turned on).

Here, by pressing (touching) a key (display unit) on the image forming mode screen, the paper size (paper feed stage), image density (copy density), and scaling (actual size, reduction, Various image forming modes related to image forming operations, such as enlargement, paper specification scaling, zoom scaling, size scaling), double-sided mode, binding margin mode, sort mode, etc., can be arbitrarily selected. Switches to black and white inverted display.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the data communication device 7 of FIG. This data communication device 7
Control unit 41, auto dialer unit 42, and line control unit 4
Consists of three. The control unit 41 includes five image forming apparatuses 1 to 5
, And the reception of a command signal from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8 is controlled.

The auto dialer unit 42 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1.
A self-originating call is made to the central control unit 6 based on the various notification data from. The line control unit 43 controls connection with the communication line 8 and switching control with the general telephone 44.

Although not shown, the control unit 41 has an RO storing a control program in the same manner as a general control unit (for example, the control units in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 2).
M, C that executes various controls by its control program
It includes a PU, a RAM for temporarily storing data, a nonvolatile RAM backed up by a battery, a serial communication control unit, an input / output port, and a real-time clock circuit for knowing the current time.

The non-volatile RAM includes a central control unit 6 and transmission data from one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to one another, and one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. Specify each device code and I
The D code, the telephone number of the central control unit 6, the number of recalls when the line connection is not successful, the recall interval, and the like are stored.

Next, a schematic function of the image forming apparatus management system will be described. The functions of the image forming apparatus management system are roughly classified into the following three types (1) to (3). (1) Communication control from the central control device 6 to the image forming devices 1 to 5 (2) Communication control from the image forming devices 1 to 5 to the central control device 6 or the data communication device 7 (3) Data communication device 7 control

The communication control from the central control unit 6 to the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in (1) includes, for example, the following (a) to (c)
There are the following. (A) The total number of images formed by a specific image forming apparatus, the number of images formed for each paper feed cassette (paper feed cassette), the number of images formed for each transfer paper size, the number of misfeeds, the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper size, Read and reset the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper transport position

(B) Setting and reading of adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance, and timing of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus. (C) Central control from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by communication control of (2). Return of communication result to device 6

These controls are performed by receiving a command signal from the central control unit 6 and selecting the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 from the data communication apparatus 7. The term “selecting” refers to a function of selecting one of the five connected image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 for communication.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the selecting operation in the data communication device 7. Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 has a unique (specific) device code, and the data communication apparatus 7 uses a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selecting function and an image to be selected. Serial communication interface RS-4 with the device code of the forming apparatus
85.

Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 compares the next device code with its own device code by using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating the selecting function. Know that was selected. Here, if there is data to be transmitted, the selected image forming apparatus outputs a busy response using a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes).

When receiving the busy response, the data communication device 7 suspends the selecting operation and shifts to the polling operation described below. When there is no data to be transmitted, the selected image forming apparatus determines whether or not it is possible to support the selecting, and if it is possible, an acknowledgment with a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes). To perform communication with the data communication device 7.

If it is not possible to respond, a negative response is output with a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes), and the communication with the data communication device 7 is terminated. If the image forming apparatus corresponding to the device code output from the data communication device 7 cannot output an affirmative response or a negative response due to power off or the like, the data communication device 7 selects after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Ending operation.

The communication control from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the central control device 6 or the data communication device 7 in (2) includes, for example, the following (a) to (e). (A) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 performs central control via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 immediately upon occurrence of an abnormality (failure) that makes image forming operation impossible. Notify the device 6 (emergency call).

(B) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is operated by a user (customer) through a key operation on the operation display unit, and requires a different user from the image forming mode (repair request or supply replenishment request). ) Is entered to enter the user request input mode, and the character display 8 of the operation display section is operated.
3, a user request input screen is displayed. When a user inputs a required request by pressing a predetermined key on the screen, data indicating the request is immediately transmitted via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 to the user. To the central controller 6 (emergency report).

(C) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 has a predetermined number of integrated image forming sheets (contract number).
Is reached, the integrated data is immediately reported to the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 with data indicating the fact (emergency notification). (D) When the total number of image formations reaches a preset fixed period, the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 transmit data indicating that fact to the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 on time.
To the central control device 6 via the PC (non-emergency notification).

(E) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 can start the image forming operation.
Approaching the specified time, reaching the sensor's standard level, etc.
When an event requiring preventive maintenance occurs, data indicating the occurrence is stored at a specified time of the day (this is the
And is stored in the data communication device 7) to the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 (non-emergency notification). The communication control includes a control for transmitting to the central control device 6 without waiting for the specified time when the number of times reaches a predetermined number before reaching the specified time.

These communication controls are performed at the time of polling from the data communication device 7. Polling refers to a function of sequentially designating five connected image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and confirming the presence or absence of a communication request from the designated image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the polling operation in the data communication device 7.

The data communication device 7 sends out a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling function and a device code of the image forming apparatus to be selected to the serial communication interface RS-485. Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 uses a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a polling function.
The next device code is compared with its own device code, and when both codes match, it is known that the user has been polled.

Next, the polled image forming apparatus:
If there is transmission data (a communication request to the data communication device 7 or the central control device 6), communication with the data communication device 7 is started, and if there is no communication request or when the started communication ends, a predetermined specific code is used. The communication with the data communication device 7 is terminated by outputting a termination response (or a combination of codes). Upon receiving the end response, the data communication device 7 shifts to polling of the next image forming device.

If the image forming apparatus corresponding to the device code output from the data communication device 7 cannot start communication or cannot output an end response due to power off or the like, the data communication device 7 is determined in advance. After the elapse of the given time, the polling operation ends. This polling is sequentially repeated for the connected image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 unless selecting occurs.

The control unique to the data communication device 7 of (3) includes, for example, the following (a) and (b). (A) Reading the total counter value (b) Returning the result of communication from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the data communication apparatus 7 by the communication control of (2)

The reading of the total counter value is controlled as follows.
Once a day from the data communication device 7 to the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 at regular time (00:00, but if the power of the image forming apparatus is off at this time, the power is turned on for the first time after this time) (When it becomes).

The data communication device 7 has two memories for the total counter (these memories are assumed to be A and B, respectively).
The total counter value which is prepared and read by the above-mentioned once-a-day selection is written in the memory A.
Therefore, the value of the previous day is rewritten in the memory A every day (except when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is not turned on all day, for example, on a holiday).

The total counter value stored in the memory A at a predetermined date and time once a month (this is set by the central control device 6 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 7). Copy to memory B. The contents of the memory B are sent from the data communication device 7 to the central control device 6, and there are two transfer methods shown in (a) and (b) below.

(A) The central control device 6 reads the total counter value stored in the memory B of the data communication device 7 after the above date and time (date and time when the contents of the memory A are copied to the memory B). That is, the data communication device 7 is accessed (calling and transmitting a corresponding read command), and the contents of the memory B (total counter values of the image forming devices 1 to 5) transmitted from the data communication device 7 are obtained. I do.

(B) The data communication device 7 makes a self-call after the date and time and sends out the total counter value stored in the memory B to the central control device 6 via the communication line 8. The date and time at which the self-originating call is made is also set by the central control device 6 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 7.

The data communication device 7 has memories A and B
Are prepared in plural sets. this is,
For example, various total counter values for black-and-white copying, application copying, and color copying can be considered.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of text data exchanged between the central control device 6 and the data communication device 7. In FIG. 9, the serial number is a communication block number in one transmission, and the first block starts with “01”, and is incremented by 1 thereafter, and is set to “00” after “99”.

The ID code is stored in the data communication device 7 and the five image forming devices 1 to 5 connected to the data communication device 7.
The purpose is to specify five to one image forming apparatus. The identification code is obtained by adding the source and destination of text data to a code (processing code) indicating the type of communication purpose. The processing code is determined as shown in Table 1.

[0067]

[Table 1]

An information record is composed of an information code, the number of digits of a data part, and a data part, and is determined as shown in Table 2. A semicolon (;) separator is inserted between the ID code and the identification code, between the identification code and the information record, and between the information records.

[0069]

[Table 2]

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between the data communication device 7 and the personal I / F 18 of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. As described above, the device code is uniquely set for each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by the device code setting switch 30 (see FIG. 3), and the association with the ID code in FIG. At the time of installation connected to the apparatus 7, the data is read from the image forming apparatus, stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication apparatus 7, and thereafter appropriately converted depending on the transmission direction of the text data.

The processing code is a code indicating the type of communication purpose as described above, and is obtained by deleting the source and the source of the text data from the identification code of FIG. This is also appropriately added or deleted by the data communication device 7 depending on the transmission direction of the text data.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between the personal I / F 18 of each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and the PPC controller 31 (see FIG. 3), and the data shown in FIG. Communication device 7 and personal I /
Header from text data exchanged with F18,
Device code and parity part are removed.

Next, the notification processing in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. As a form of the notification method from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the central control device 6, for example, how to display an operation display screen (a display screen of the character display 83 of the operation display unit shown in FIG. 4) at the time of the notification, It is conceivable how to determine the notification timing to the central control device 6, how to determine the notification result to the central control device 6, and the like. They are summarized below in (a) to (c).

(A) Display of operation display screen at the time of notification (a-1) Display of image forming mode (display of normal image forming mode screen) is continued as it is. (A-2) Display a message related to automatic notification such as during automatic notification. (B) Notification timing to central control device 6 (b-1) Immediately upon the occurrence of a notification factor, the data indicating that fact is reported (transmitted). (B-2) Report at a fixed time on the day.

Note that, even in the case of a fixed time notification, data indicating the fact is transmitted immediately from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the data communication apparatus 7 to the data communication apparatus 7, and the data communication apparatus 7 generates the data until the fixed time. The minutes are reported at the fixed time. (C) Determination of Report Result to Central Controller 6 (c-1) The result is displayed as it is. (C-2) The result can be confirmed later. (C-3) The result cannot be confirmed (not required).

Here, the following notification modes (1) to (5) are described for each of the automatic notification factors described above. (1) When a failure that disables the image forming operation occurs, the emergency notification for immediately reporting data indicating the failure to the central control device 6 includes (a-2), (b-1), and (c-1). ). However, when a failure occurs in which only a specific function cannot be used, if the function is not selected, the processing shown in (a-1), (b-1), and (c-2) is performed.

(2) When a required request such as a repair request or a supply replenishment request is input by a key operation on the operation display unit by the customer, an emergency report for immediately reporting data indicating the request to the central control device 6. Is (a-2) (b-1)
(C-1). (3) When the cumulative number of image formations reaches a preset predetermined number, the central control unit 6 immediately sends data indicating the fact to that effect.
Emergency calls to (a-1) (b-1) (c-3)
It is.

(4) Although the image forming operation can be started,
When an event requiring preventive maintenance, such as the specified number of replacement parts, approaching the specified time, or the sensor reaching the standard level, data indicating the occurrence is reported to the central control unit 6 at the specified time of the day. Non-emergency call is (a-1) (b-
2) (c-3). (5) The non-emergency notification for notifying the central control device 6 of data indicating that when the accumulated number of image formation sheets reaches a predetermined period set in advance is (a-1) (b-2) (c) −
3).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic notification process at the time of failure in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.
When each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 detects the occurrence of a failure (report cause) in step 1, the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 report the data to that effect to the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 in step 2. Perform notification processing.

Next, the failures (reporting factors) occurring in step 3 are classified into levels, and the level is "a-1 (continue to display the image forming mode as it is)" or "a-2 ( Display a message related to automatic notification during automatic notification, etc.).
If the level is "-1", the process ends in step 4 while the image forming mode display on the character display 83 of the operation display unit shown in FIG. 4 is continued. Therefore, in this case, the customer is not aware of the occurrence of the failure (it is not necessary to be aware)
Will be.

On the other hand, if the level is "a-2", a message is displayed on the character display 83 of the operation display section to inform the customer that automatic notification is in progress due to the failure in step 5, and the customer is notified in step 6 or 7. When the success / failure of the notification is determined, the result is displayed on the character display 83 of the operation display unit at step 8 or 9 to notify the customer. Therefore, the customer can see the displayed content and move on to the next action.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a repair request notification process in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. In this case, the display of the operation display screen at the time of notification is naturally “a-
1 ", which is almost the same as at the level of" a-1 "in FIG. 12, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The display of the repair request notification screen in step 11 may be performed by a combination of pressing the numeric key 71 or the like in FIG.

In the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5,
The notification factors are classified into at least two levels: emergency events and non-emergency events. When it occurs, the following (2)
May be performed.

(1) The image forming mode display on the character display 83 of the operation display section is continued without prohibiting the image forming operation. (2) The image forming operation is prohibited, and a message related to the automatic notification such as the automatic notification is displayed on the character display 83 of the operation display unit. The report factors classified into non-emergency events are as shown in (A) to (D) below.

(A) A failure in which only a specific function cannot be used (provided that the function is not selected when the failure occurs) (a) The preset number of integrated image formation sheets (C) Events that require preventive maintenance, such as the specified number of replacement parts, approaching the specified time, or reaching the sensor's standard level, although image forming operation can be started. (D) Total number of image formations Reach a predetermined period of time

The report factors classified into emergency events by level are as shown in (e) and (f) below. (E) Failure that makes image forming operation impossible (f) Input of required requests such as a customer's repair request or supply replenishment request Automatic notification processing and repair request notification when a failure occurs in image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 The processing is as described with reference to FIGS.

In the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5,
If the cause of the failure is a failure that cannot use only a specific function, the function is classified into emergency events if a failure occurs while the function is selected, and a non-emergency event if a failure occurs while the function is not selected. The processing shown in the above (1) may be performed when a level-divided reporting factor occurs, and the above-described process (2) may be performed when a level-categorized reporting factor occurs in an emergency event.

Here, a failure in which only a specific function cannot be used corresponds to, for example, a failure in a double-sided tray, a document feeding unit, a transfer paper post-processing unit, or the like. FIG. 14 shows image forming apparatuses 1 to 5
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the automatic notification process at the time of a specific function failure in FIG.

For example, when a failure occurs in the double-sided tray, the double-sided mode (specific function) using the tray cannot be selected. Therefore, if the image forming operation is accidentally executed in the double-sided mode when the failure occurs, the failure occurs. Is automatically notified to the central control device 6 (step 22), and at the same time, the image forming operation is interrupted (prohibited) to display on the character display 83 of the operation display unit that the automatic notification is being performed due to a failure ( Step 25), inform the customer of the occurrence of the failure.

If an image forming operation in the one-sided mode happens to occur when the failure occurs, data indicating the occurrence of the failure is automatically notified to the central control unit 6 (step 22). Since it is not necessary to interrupt the operation and to notify the customer of the occurrence of the failure, the image forming mode display on the character display 83 of the operation display section is continued as it is (step 24).

Further, even when the image forming operation is not performed when the failure occurs, data indicating the occurrence of the failure is automatically reported to the central control device 6 (step 2).
2). At this time, it is natural that whether or not the customer is notified of the occurrence of the failure by the operation display unit is determined by whether the double-sided mode is selected by a key operation on the operation display unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic notification confirmation processing at the time of a specific function failure in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.

As described above, when a failure occurs in the double-sided tray, in the following case (a) or (b), an automatic notification is sent to the central control unit 6, but the character display of the operation display unit is displayed. The image forming mode display on the display screen 83 is continued as it is (corresponding to the case of the route of steps 22 to 24 in FIG. 14). (A) The image forming operation is performed in the one-sided mode. (B) The image forming operation is not performed, and the one-sided mode is selected.

Here, in the case of the image forming operation of (a), when the operation is completed, and in the case of (b), the duplex mode (specific function) is selected at that time (step 31). It is necessary to notify the customer of the occurrence of a failure through the operation display unit, but the automatic notification to the central control device 6 due to the failure has already been performed at the time of occurrence of the failure. Therefore, in consideration of providing an easy-to-use image forming apparatus to the customer, a report result of the automatic report is displayed on the character display 83 of the operation display unit until the repair of the failure is completed, as long as the duplex mode is selected. .

[0095] The report result of the automatic report includes the following (a).
(C). (A) During the notification in step 35 (displayed when the double-sided mode is selected at a point in time after the occurrence of a failure where no time has elapsed). (B) Completion of the notification in step 37 (displayed when the two-sided mode is selected after the response of the notification success is received from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8 and the data communication device 7 after the occurrence of a failure. ).

(C) Notification failure in step 38 (displayed when the duplex mode is selected after a failure has occurred, after receiving a notification failure notification from data communication device 7, or after timeout of response reception time) . Of course, upon completion of the repair of the failure, step 32,
It will pass through 33 routes.

When the image forming operation is not executed by chance when the trouble occurs, and the double-sided mode is selected by the operation display unit at this time, the customer is notified by the operation display unit that the trouble has occurred as described above. As a notice, the "confirmation" key prepared on the operation display unit may be pressed (step 39) to cancel the double-sided mode. By releasing the mode, the duplex mode is canceled and the mode returns to the simplex mode. Therefore, the character display 83 of the operation display unit can be returned from the failure occurrence display to the normal image forming mode display to execute the image forming operation in the simplex mode. .

Hereinafter, the processing operation according to the present invention in the image forming apparatus management system will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. Here, each unit in the data communication device 7 (see FIG. 6) functions as a device number setting request data transmitting unit, a device number transmitting unit, and the like according to claims 1 to 6, and each unit in each of the image forming devices 1 to 5. (See FIGS. 2 and 3) respectively function as a model and machine number transmitting unit, a device number setting unit, a device number erasing unit, and the like.

FIG. 16 and FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present invention, and FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing an example of processing according to the present invention in the data communication device 7. The data communication device 7 stores, in a memory (non-volatile RAM), a model number of each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and a communication device number different for each model number, and based on the information, stores each image forming device number. Communication with the devices 1 to 5 can be performed.

The device number (device code) for communication of each of the image processing apparatuses 1 to 5 can be set by the device code setting switch 30 shown in FIG. 3, but the device code setting switch 30 is used. Instead, each of the image processing apparatuses 1 to 5 sets a different device number by communication with the data communication apparatus 7 and stores (registers) the same in a memory (here, the nonvolatile RAM 15 but may be the RAM 14). Communication with the data communication device 7 can be performed based on the device number and the model number of the own device (own device).

In this case, each of the image processing apparatuses 1 to 5 is turned on / off (power is turned off), given an instruction from the operation display unit (operation unit) shown in FIG. Multiple times when a model number different from the model number of the own device is received from the device (multiple matchings are performed when the model number of the own device and the model number from the data communication device 7 are compared with each other in response to a request from the data communication device 7). Even if they do not match, or the device number erasure request code (device number erasure request data) requesting the erasure of the device number is received,
It is determined that the machine has been replaced, and the set device number (device number stored in the memory) can be deleted.

Each of the image processing apparatuses 1 to 5
Even when the device number for communication is not set, the device number setting request code (device number setting request data) for requesting the setting of the device number from the data communication device 7 can be received. For example, by assigning the last number of available (empty) device numbers as a device number setting request code, each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5
Can easily receive the device number setting request code and the free device number.

The data communication device 7 periodically sends a polling signal (a specific code or a combination of codes indicating a polling function) to each of the image forming devices 1 to 5 to transmit data to each of the image forming devices 1 to 5. I try to encourage you.
The polling signal is sent only to the device number stored in the device number management table (see FIG. 20) in the memory together with the model number. This is performed to prevent the image forming apparatus from sending a polling signal to an unconnected device number and to improve communication efficiency.

Further, the data communication device 7 starts the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 between the transmissions of the polling signal, and sends a device number setting request code (device number) to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in step 71. By transmitting the number setting request signal), processing can be performed so as to always deal with addition, deletion, and replacement of the image forming apparatus.

Here, on the data communication apparatus 7 side, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the device number management table is stored in a double structure, and is composed of a main table currently being executed and a backup table one generation before. .

The data communication device 7 is shown in FIGS.
Prior to starting the processing shown in (1), the contents of the backup table of the device number management table are copied to the main table. When there is no response from the forming apparatus, the model number of the image forming apparatus is deleted from the currently executed main table, but is not deleted from the backup table but is stored as it is.

When each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 receives the device number setting request code (actually, text data including the model number and the device number setting request code) from the data communication device 7, each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 shown in FIGS. The process shown in (1) is started, and it is determined (confirmed) whether or not the communication device number has been set. If the communication device number has not been set, the device number automatic setting mode is set, and then the response delay time is calculated by a random number. After waiting for a time (at a predetermined timing), the model number of the own device (actually, text data including the model number of the own device) is returned to the data communication device 7 (step 51).
-Step 54).

Here, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses for which the device number is not set, each of the image forming apparatuses simultaneously returns text data (response data) including the model number of the own apparatus to the data communication apparatus 7. Then, a collision occurs in the response data, and a communication error occurs. Therefore, in order to avoid this, the response data may be returned with a random time difference. At the time of normal polling and selecting, since the connection destination is determined, each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 returns the response data immediately without adding a delay time (waiting time) to the data communication apparatus 7. I do.

The data communication device 7 includes the image forming devices 1 to
If the text data including the model number cannot be received from any of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 with respect to the transmission of the text data including the device number setting request code to the The text data including the device number setting request code is repeatedly transmitted to the apparatuses 1 to 5, and any of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 may be transmitted from the start of transmission of the data to a time before a preset timeout time elapses. If the text data including the model number has not been received, the process is terminated (steps 71, 72, 79).

Note that the response delay time corresponds to the text data including the model number to the data communication device 7 with respect to the text data including the device number setting request code received from the data communication device 7 by each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. (Response time) longer than the transmission time and shorter than the timeout time.

Although not shown in FIG. 18,
If it is recognized that an error has occurred due to collision of response data (text data) for some reason, the response data that was normally obtained from the plurality of response data is utilized as it is, and all the response data are normally received. If it is not possible, response data is obtained by sending out text data including the device number setting request code to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 again.

The data communication apparatus 7 sends a model number from any of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 from the start of the transmission of the text data including the device number setting request code to the time before a preset timeout time has elapsed. Is normally received (acquired), the model number is extracted from the response data, and a model number matching the model number exists in the backup table of the device number management table. Check (Step 7
1-73).

If a model number corresponding to the model number extracted from the response data exists in the backup table of the device number management table, the corresponding used flag in the main table is temporarily registered and the corresponding used flag is temporarily registered. The model number (the matching model number) and the device number (the device number stored together with the model number) are extracted, and text data including the information is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 ( Step 7
7, 78).

If the model number corresponding to the model number extracted from the normally received response data does not exist in the backup table of the device number management table, a process of searching for an empty (unused) device number in the backup table is performed. If there is no empty device number, a code indicating the empty device number and text data including the previously extracted model number are transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5, and the process is terminated (steps 74, 75, and 80). ).

If there is a free device number, the model number and model number taken out earlier are stored (registered) in the corresponding free area (corresponding area) of the main table of the device number management table, and the corresponding used device number in the main table is stored. The flag is provisionally registered, the corresponding model number (stored model number) and device number (free device number stored together with the model number) are extracted, and text data including the information is extracted from each image forming apparatus. 1 to 5 (steps 76 to 78).

Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 receives the text data from the data communication apparatus 7 in response to the return of the text data including its model number to the data communication apparatus 7 (step 54). It is determined whether the model number in the text data matches the model number of the own machine.If not, the setting of the device number automatic setting mode is canceled. It is checked whether or not there is a device number (whether there is a code indicating that there is no empty device number) (step 55).
~ 57, 64).

If there is no device number and there is a code indicating that there is no free device number, a message indicating that there is no free device number (setting error information) is displayed on the character display 83 of the operation display unit. If there is a device number, the device number is set as the own device number and stored in the non-volatile RAM 15, the device number set flag is set, and the device set as the model number of the own device is set in the data communication device 7. The text data including the number is returned (steps 58 to 60, 65).

The data communication device 7 transmits the text data including the corresponding model number and device number to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 (step 78) or retrieves the code indicating that there is no empty device number and the code first. In response to the transmission of the text data including the model number and the model number to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 (step 80), the model is transmitted from any one of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 before the preset timeout time elapses. When the text data including the machine number is received (steps 81 and 82), the following processing is performed.

That is, it is determined whether or not the model number in the received text data matches the model number in the previously transmitted text data, and if they match, it is determined that the device number setting has been completed normally. Then, the corresponding used flag in the main table of the device number management table is replaced from temporary registration to registration, and the process is terminated (step 8).
3, 84).

If the model number in the received text data does not match the model number in the previously transmitted text data, the corresponding used flag in the main table of the device number management table is unregistered, and The model number stored in the corresponding empty area is deleted (erased), and text data including the device number erasure request code is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 (steps 85 to 8).
7).

Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 receives a response from the data communication apparatus 7 to the text communication including the model number of the apparatus and the set device number to the data communication apparatus 7 (step 60). When text data including a model number and a device number erasure request code that match the model number of the own device is received, the text data stored in the nonvolatile RAM 15 is stored.
The (set) device number is erased, the device number setting completed flag is reset, the setting of the device number automatic setting mode is released, and the process is terminated (steps 61 to 61).
64).

FIG. 21 shows each image forming apparatus in the case where one of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 does not have a device number set (for example, a newly installed image forming apparatus). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence between 1 to 5 and a data communication device 7.

Although not shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the data communication device 7 has no available device number (step 75) or corresponds to a corresponding area of the main table of the device number management table. When the corresponding used flag is registered after the model number is stored (when a new device number is set), the data indicating this is reported to the central control device 6.

Upon receiving the data from the data communication device 7, the central control device 6 adds, deletes,
A change process corresponding to the exchange is performed. However, when data indicating that there is no empty device number is received, the device number management table of the data communication device 7 is checked, and it is confirmed that the device number does not match the connected image forming device. If recognized, the following processing is performed.

That is, the device number management table of the data communication device 7 is deleted, text data including a model number different from the model number is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 a plurality of times, or the device number is deleted. By transmitting text data including the request code, each image forming apparatus 1
5 are deleted, and the above-described processing for newly setting the device number is performed for each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.

In this case, if an empty device number cannot be generated, it is conceivable that the number of connected image forming apparatuses is too large, and the fact is displayed on the screen of the display device. It informs the operator of the service center where the control device 6 is installed. Thereby, the operator can dispatch a serviceman to deal with it.

Therefore, an image forming apparatus is added, changed,
Alternatively, even if the device number is deleted, the device number for communication with each image forming apparatus is automatically managed by the data communication apparatus 7, and the installation of the image forming apparatus becomes easy.

By the way, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are newly installed (here, included in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5), the data communication apparatus 7 transmits a text including a device number setting request code. The text data (response data) including the model number of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 before the elapse of the preset timeout period from the start of the data transmission. , The order corresponding to the receiving order, the order corresponding to the order opposite to the receiving order, or the random order not corresponding to the receiving order, or the image of the model number with a higher priority set in advance The following processing (see FIGS. 18 and 19) is repeated in such an order that the device number is set from the forming apparatus.

At this time, the model number is extracted from the received text data. If the model number matching the model number does not exist in the backup table of the device number management table, a search process for a free device number in the backup table is performed. If there is a vacant device number, the previously extracted model number is stored in the corresponding vacant area of the main table, the corresponding used flag in the main table is temporarily registered, and the corresponding model number (stored Text data including a model number and a device number (an empty device number stored together with the model number) is transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.

FIG. 22 shows each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and the data communication apparatus 7 when three image forming apparatuses for which no device number is set are included in each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence between the server and the server. In this example, each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 starts transmitting text data including the device number setting request code to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and before a predetermined timeout time elapses. 5, the text data (response data) including the model number is normally received from each of the three image forming apparatuses, and the subsequent processing (see FIGS. 18 and 19) is repeated in the order corresponding to the reception order. This corresponds to the case where

Note that the data communication apparatus 7 starts transmitting the text data including the device number setting request code and before a predetermined time-out period elapses, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 Text data (response data) including the model number from each image forming device
When the device number is normally received, the device number is set every time the above-described processing (see FIGS. 18 and 19) is completed for any one of the image forming apparatuses. Alternatively, data collection processing from another image forming apparatus or request processing from the central control device 6 may be performed.

The data communication apparatus 7 is provided with a plurality of image forming apparatuses newly installed, so that the transmission of text data including the device number setting request code is started, and the data communication apparatus 7 does not exceed a predetermined timeout time. After the text data (response data) including the model number has been normally received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses among the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by that time, for example, as shown in FIG. In this example, it is also possible to generate text data including a model number 1, 2) and a different device number for each model number, and transmit it to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.

In this case, of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5,
As described above, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that have received the text data including the model number corresponding to the model number of the own apparatus respectively performs processing related to the setting of the device number (step 5).
8, 59), but when text data including the model number of the own device and the set device number is subsequently returned to the data communication device 7, the response delay time is determined by random numbers so as not to cause data collision. Is calculated, and the text data may be returned to the data communication device 7 after waiting for the time.

[0134]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, the data communication apparatus
When the device number setting request data is transmitted to each image forming apparatus, and the model number is received from any one of the image forming apparatuses before a preset timeout time elapses, the model number is stored. A device number for communication is transmitted to the image forming apparatus which has transmitted the model number,
When each of the image forming apparatuses receives the device number setting request data from the data communication apparatus, and transmits the device number for the communication apparatus to the data communication apparatus at a predetermined timing when the device number for communication is not set, When the device number for communication is received from the data communication device, the device number is set, so that the device number for the image forming apparatus installed at the customer is automatically set, and the service is set. It is possible to improve the workability at the time of installing the image forming apparatus by a man and to avoid the occurrence of a work error.

According to each of the second to sixth aspects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the above.
According to the invention, when the data communication apparatus cannot receive the model number from any of the image forming apparatuses in response to the device number setting request data transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses, The device number setting request data is transmitted to the device again, and when each image forming device receives the device number setting request data from the data communication device, if the device number for communication has not been set, the delay time by the random number is set. Since the model number of the own device is transmitted to the data communication device after waiting, even if there are a plurality of image forming devices for which the device number has not been set, the model number (data) of the own device is simultaneously obtained from each of the image forming devices. Can be prevented from being returned to the data communication device 7 and causing data collision.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the delay time is longer than the transmission time of the model number to the data communication device for the device number setting request data received by each image forming device from the data communication device, and Since the time is shorter than the timeout time, communication abnormality can be avoided more reliably. That is, it is possible to avoid a communication abnormality due to the elapse of the timeout time due to the delay time being too long, and a communication abnormality due to data collision due to the delay time being too short.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each image forming apparatus turns on / off the power, a predetermined instruction from the operation unit, or a model number different from its own model number from the data communication apparatus. The device number set in the image forming apparatus can be deleted when the image forming apparatus is abnormal or newly added by receiving the device number multiple times or receiving the device number erasing request data. By deleting, the appropriate device number can be automatically reset in the image forming apparatus.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the data communication apparatus responds to the transmitted device number setting request data by a plurality of image forming apparatuses of each image forming apparatus before a predetermined timeout time elapses. When the model numbers are received from the forming apparatus, the model numbers are stored, and the order corresponding to the receiving order of the model numbers, the order corresponding to the reverse order of the receiving order, or the receiving Since the communication device numbers are transmitted to the image forming apparatuses that have transmitted the respective model numbers in a random order that does not correspond to the order, the device numbers can be set in an optimal order for each image forming apparatus. .

[0139] According to the invention of claim 6, the data communication apparatus responds to the transmitted device number setting request data by a plurality of images of each image forming apparatus before a predetermined timeout time elapses. When the device number is received from each of the image forming apparatuses, the device number is set every time the process related to the transmission of the device number is completed for any one of the image forming apparatuses. Since data collection processing from another image forming apparatus or request processing from the central control apparatus is performed, processing efficiency is improved.

In other words, when a plurality of installed image forming apparatuses include those having a device number already set and those having no device number set, the device number setting is continued if the processing relating to the device number setting is performed continuously. In some cases, other necessary data that is not related to the device number setting cannot be transmitted from the image forming apparatus that has already been set. By alternately performing the data collection process from the forming device or the request process from the central control device, the entire image forming device management system can be smoothly operated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal I / F 18 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation display unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming mode screen displayed on a character display 83 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data communication device 7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a selecting operation in the data communication device 7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the polling operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between the central control device 6 and the data communication device 7 in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a data communication device 7 and image forming devices 1 to
5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged with a personal I / F of No. 5; FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a personal I / O of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged between an F and a PPC controller.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic failure notification process in the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a repair request notification process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific function failure automatic notification process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic notification confirmation process when a specific function fails.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present invention in the data communication device 7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

20 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a main table and a backup table of a device number management table stored in a memory in the data communication device 7 of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a relationship between each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and the data communication apparatus 7 when one of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the communication sequence of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a relationship between each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and the data communication apparatus 7 when three of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the communication sequence of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration from the data communication apparatus 7 to the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data according to the present invention transmitted to personal I / Fs No. to No. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to 5: image forming apparatus 6: central control apparatus 7: data communication apparatus 8: communication line 11, 21, CPU 13: ROM 14, RAM 15: nonvolatile RAM 17a, 17b, 17c: serial communication control unit 18: personal I / F 31: PPC controller 41: Control unit 42: Auto dialer unit 43: Line control unit 83: Character display

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AR03 HH03 HJ08 HK15 HK17 HK19 HL01 HQ01 HQ20 HV09 HV35 2H027 DA01 DA41 DA47 EJ13 FA11 GA20 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AB38 AB42 AB53 AC41 AC42 00Z001 AF00

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of image forming apparatuses and a central control device are connected via a data communication device and a communication line, and the data communication device is connected to a model number of each image forming apparatus and each model number In the image forming apparatus management system, different device numbers for communication are stored, and communication is performed with each of the image forming apparatuses based on the information. A device number setting request data transmitting unit for transmitting device number setting request data for requesting a number setting; and a device number setting request data transmitted by the unit, before a predetermined timeout time elapses. When a model number is received from any of the image forming apparatuses, the model number is stored and the model number is transmitted. A device number transmitting unit for transmitting a device number for communication to the image forming apparatus, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses sets a device number for communication when receiving device number setting request data from the data communication apparatus. If not, the model number transmission means for transmitting the model number of the own device to the data communication apparatus at a predetermined timing, and the data communication apparatus transmits the model number transmitted by the means for communication from the data communication apparatus. A device number setting means for setting the device number when the device number is received. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the device number setting request data transmitting unit of the data communication apparatus responds to the device number setting request data transmitted to each of the image forming apparatuses. When a model number cannot be received from any of the image forming apparatuses, the apparatus has means for transmitting device number setting request data to the image forming apparatus again. Means for receiving a device number setting request data from the data communication device, transmitting a model number of the own device to the data communication device after waiting for a delay time by a random number if a device number for communication has not been set. An image forming apparatus management system, characterized in that: 3. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2, wherein the delay time is determined based on a model number transmitted to the data communication apparatus in response to device number setting request data received from the data communication apparatus by each of the image forming apparatuses. An image forming apparatus management system, wherein the transmission time is longer than the transmission time and the timeout time is shorter than the timeout time. 4. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses is turned on / off, a predetermined instruction from an operation unit, or a model of the own apparatus from the data communication apparatus. A device number erasing means is provided for erasing the device number set by the device number setting means by receiving a device number different from the machine number a plurality of times or receiving device number erasure request data requesting erasure of the device number. An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: 5. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the device number transmitting unit of the data communication device preliminarily receives the device number setting request data transmitted by the device number setting request data transmitting unit. When each model number is received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses among the image forming apparatuses before the set time-out time elapses, each model number is stored and the model number of each model number is stored. Device numbers for communication to the image forming apparatuses that have transmitted each of the model numbers in an order corresponding to the receiving order, an order corresponding to the order reverse to the receiving order, or a random order not corresponding to the receiving order. An image forming apparatus management system, characterized in that the image forming apparatus management system transmits the information. 6. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined time-out period is set for the data communication device in response to device number setting request data transmitted by the device number setting request data transmitting unit. When the model number is received from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses before the time elapses, the processing by the device number transmitting unit is performed by any one of the image forming apparatuses. Every time the image forming apparatus is terminated, data collection processing from another image forming apparatus for which a device number has been set or request processing from the central control apparatus is performed. system.