JP2001333200A - Remote management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote management system that can efficiently conduct various jobs to a data communication unit independently of a change in environment of the data communication unit (change in channel type or the like). SOLUTION: The data communication unit 7 makes a call by a selection signal corresponding to a type of a channel stored in itself or makes a call by a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the type of the channel stored in itself when communication with a central controller 6 is disabled because the type of the channel differs from the type of the channel connected to itself, and when the communication with the central controller 6 is enabled, the data communication unit 7 changes the type of the channel stored in itself and rewrites it and informs the central controller 6 about that the type of the channel connected to itself is changed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a business image forming apparatus management system for remotely managing a remotely controlled apparatus such as an image forming apparatus via a public line and a data communication apparatus by a central control apparatus (remote management apparatus). About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, as a remote management system for image forming apparatuses, one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses installed in offices of an unspecified number of users (customers) are connected to a data communication apparatus and a public line (telephone). It is generally known that a connection can be made to a central control device (host machine) installed at a sales or service base (service center) using a (line).

In such an image forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus accumulates the number of image formations by a counter in accordance with an image forming operation, and stores information (counter information) indicating the accumulated number of image formations and ROM version. The data communication device sends various information of the image forming apparatus, such as the information shown and the log information such as the surface temperature (fixing temperature) of the fixing roller in the fixing unit, to the service center by a regular call or a request from the central management device. (Notify) to the central control device of

When the type of a line connected to a data communication device used in such an image forming apparatus management system is changed, the type of the line after the change is automatically determined. Some have a function of making a call (originating) with a selection signal corresponding to the determined line type and enabling communication with the central control device. here,
Lines can be divided into two types: push button (hereinafter abbreviated as “PB”) lines and dial palace (hereinafter abbreviated as “DP”) lines. In addition, the selection signal can be divided into two types, a PB signal and a DP signal, and each of them includes a call destination (destination) telephone number.

[0005]

However, the data communication apparatus changes the type of the line connected to the data communication apparatus and calls the data communication apparatus with a selection signal corresponding to the changed type of the line, so that the data communication apparatus has a centralized connection. Even if communication with the control device can be enabled, the line type of the data communication device stored in the central control device is different from the type of the line actually connected to the data communication device. On the control device side, the environment of the data communication device cannot be correctly grasped, and various operations on the data communication device, such as operations for resetting various parameters in the data communication device (processing by the data communication device and the central control device, and manual operations) ) Cannot be performed efficiently.

Further, when a line connected to the data communication apparatus is changed from an external line direct line to a line via a PBX (private branch exchange) extension, the destination telephone number stored in the data communication apparatus itself is Since no external line calling number (external line selection signal) is added, calling cannot be made and communication with the central control unit cannot be made. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a manual operation for rewriting the destination telephone number stored in the data communication apparatus by adding an outside line transmission number to the destination telephone number, and the manual work load increases accordingly.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to improve the work efficiency of a data communication device in a remote management system. That is, a change in the environment of the data communication device (change in line type, etc.)
It is an object of the present invention to be able to efficiently perform various operations on a data communication device regardless of the above.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a business for remotely managing a remotely managed device such as an image forming apparatus by a central control unit via a public line and a data communication device. A remote management system is characterized as follows.

In the remote management system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data communication device has a line type storage means for storing the type of the line connected to the data communication device, and a selection signal used when making a call to the central control device. Call destination telephone number storage means for storing the call destination telephone number included therein, first call means for calling with a selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the line type storage means, and said means Line type changing means for changing the line type stored in the line type storage means and rewriting when the communication with the central control device is not enabled by the call made by A second calling means for making a call with a selection signal corresponding to the type of the line, and a circuit connected to the data communication device when communication with the central control device is enabled by the calling by the means. The fact that the type of is changed is provided with a a line type change notification means for notifying the central control unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line type storing means for storing a type of a line connected to the data communication device, and a calling signal included in a selection signal used when calling the central control device. Calling destination telephone number storing means for storing a destination telephone number; first calling means for calling with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the line type storing means; Second communication means for making a call with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the type of line stored in the line type storage means when communication with the central control device is not enabled; When communication with the central control device becomes possible by the call made by the communication device, the line type change means for changing the line type stored in the line type storage means and performing rewriting, and the second call means Central by calling Line type change notification means for notifying the central control device that the type of the line connected to the data communication device has changed when communication with the control device becomes possible. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line type storing means for storing a type of a line connected to the data communication device, and a calling signal included in a selection signal used when calling the central control device. Calling destination telephone number storing means for storing a destination telephone number; first calling means for calling with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the line type storing means; When communication with the central control device is not enabled, a call is made by adding an outside line calling number to the calling destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the line type storage means. 2 calling means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system according to the third aspect, when the data communication device can communicate with the central control device by making a call by the second calling means, A means is provided for notifying the central control device that the outside line transmission number has been added to the called telephone number.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system of the third or fourth aspect, the data communication device is provided with means for storing an outside line transmission number.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the data communication device can communicate with the central control device by calling the second calling means. In this case, there is provided a means for rewriting by adding an outside line transmission number to the call destination telephone number stored in the call destination telephone number storage means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, if the data communication device can communicate with the central control device even by calling by the second calling means. If there is no such information, means is provided for notifying the remote management device of the fact.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first of the data communication devices is provided.
Is a means for making a call with a selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the line type storage unit in response to a request from the central control unit.

[0016]

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 as a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This image forming apparatus management system includes a data communication apparatus 7 connected via a communication line to five image forming apparatuses (copiers and the like) 1 to 5 as remote management apparatuses on the premise of remote diagnosis. And data communication device 7 and public line 8
And a central control unit 6 connected via a public line. The central control unit 6 can centrally remotely manage the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 via the public line 8, the data communication device 7, and the communication line. It was made.

The data communication device 7 is connected to the public line 8 and transmits a command signal from the central control device 6 to the image forming devices 1 to
5, and various messages from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 are transmitted to the central control device 6 via the public 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
Reference numeral 5 denotes a multi-drop connection via a serial communication interface RS-485 (communication line), and performs communication with each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by polling and selecting from the data communication apparatus 7.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. Each image forming apparatus 1-5
Are respectively a CPU 11, a real-time clock circuit 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, and a non-volatile RAM.
15, a PPC (copying apparatus) controller comprising an input / output port 16, and serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 17c, a personal interface (hereinafter, "interface" is also referred to as "I / F") 18, and a system bus 19. It has.

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 read-only 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 or the like when the CPU 11 performs data processing. The non-volatile RAM 15 is a memory for storing the contents of a mode instruction from an operation display unit or the like shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, and retains the stored contents even when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. . 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 the operation display unit. 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 post-processing unit (not shown).

The personal I / F 18 is an interface circuit that controls communication with the data communication device 7,
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 / received to / from 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 setting switch 30.

The CPU 21 has a central processing unit, ROM, R
This is a one-chip microcomputer comprising an AM, a bus connecting them, and the like.
It controls the whole F18. 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 the serial communication control units 17a, 17b,
17c. The registers 23 to 26 are used for control at the time of transmitting and receiving the text data, but detailed description is omitted.

The device code setting switch 30 is used to set a unique device code (identification number) for each image forming apparatus, and is used for device code identification at the time of polling and selecting from the data communication device 7. Is done. The serial communication control unit 28 is connected to the data communication device 7 and / or the personal I / F 18 of another image forming device.

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. The operation display unit corresponds to a case where each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is a copying apparatus.

The operation display unit is, like a general control unit (for example, a control unit in each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 2), a ROM storing a control program, and executes various controls by the control program. CPU, RAM for temporarily storing data, non-volatile RAM for retaining stored contents even when power is turned off, serial communication control unit,
And input / output ports, etc., for exchanging data with the serial communication control unit 17a in FIG. 2, but omitting the details.

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, in addition to the control unit described above. Switch key 78, call key 79, registration key 80, guidance key 81, display contrast volume 8
2, and a character display 83.

The ten keys 71 are keys for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies (image formation) and the magnification. clear/
The stop key 72 is a key for clearing a set number (the number of copies) or stopping a copy operation. The print key 73 is a key for starting execution of a copy operation including a print operation.

An enter key 74 is a key for confirming designation of numerical values 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 pre-heat / mode clear key 76 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set copy modes and for setting the pre-heat to make the power saving state.

The mode confirmation key 77 is a key for confirming each copy 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 of the user. 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 thereon (for example, for every 8 × 8 display pixels).
When the power is turned on, the state of the image forming apparatus as shown in Fig. 5 ("Can be copied", "During copying", "No transfer paper", etc.), A normal copy mode screen showing the number of copies and various keys is displayed.

Here, by pressing (touching) a key (display section) on the screen, a paper feed stage (paper size),
Automatic paper (the paper feed tray containing the optimal transfer paper is automatically selected according to the original size and set magnification), image density (copy density), and automatic density (image density is automatically selected according to the density of the original) ), Magnification (magnification, reduction, enlargement, paper magnification, zoom magnification, dimensional magnification), double-sided mode, binding margin mode, sort mode, etc. The pressed key 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
CPU41, ROM42, RAM43, nonvolatile RAM
44, a real-time clock circuit (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 45, an image forming apparatus I / F 46, a network control device (hereinafter referred to as "NCU") 47, a modem 48, and an LED display unit 49.

The CPU 41 performs the following control by the control program in the ROM 42. That is, it controls five image forming apparatuses 1 to 5, controls transmission and reception of a command signal to the central control device 6 via the public line 8,
According to various reports from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5, the public line 8
Control for making a call to the central control device 6 via a telephone line, connecting the public line 8 to the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 or connecting to a general telephone (TEL) or facsimile apparatus (FAX) And a central processing unit that controls the data communication device 7 as a whole.

The ROM 42 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 41. The RAM 43 is a temporary storage memory used as a work memory or the like used when the CPU 41 performs data processing.

The non-volatile RAM 44 stores data transmitted from one of the central control device 6 and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to each other, and each device for specifying one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. Code (identification number) and I
A memory for storing the D code, the telephone number of the central control unit 6, the number of recalls when the line connection is not successful (the number of retries), the recall interval, etc., and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. It is supposed to.

The RTC 45 generates time information, and the CPU 41 can read the information to know the current time. The image forming apparatus I / F 46 includes:
An interface circuit that controls serial communication with the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. The NCU 47 includes the data communication device 7
Is connected to the public line 8 so as to be communicable,
It has an automatic calling / receiving function.

The modem 48 modulates and demodulates data to be transmitted and received. The LED display unit 49 is for notifying the power input state of the data communication device 7 or the fact that the data communication device 7 is not communicably connected to the public line 8.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the NCU 47. The NCU 47 includes a protection circuit 51, a loop current detection circuit 52, a ringing detection circuit 53, a line switching circuit 54, a loop forming circuit 55, and the like. The protection circuit 51 is a circuit for protecting the device from noise from the public line 8.

The loop current detecting circuit 52 detects a current flowing in the DC loop formed by the loop forming circuit 55, and comprises a bidirectional photocoupler or the like (not shown). The ringing detection circuit 53 detects ringing from the public line 8.

The line switching circuit 54 connects the public line 8 to the public line 8 in FIG.
Connected to the modem 48 side or an external general telephone (T
EL) or a facsimile machine (FAX). Loop forming circuit 55
Got off-hook and grabbed public line 8 (public line 8
When the lines L1 and L2 are closed in a DC manner), a DC loop is formed to transmit and receive modem signals to and from the public line 8.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the modem 48. The modem 48 is connected to the analog front end 6
1, a modulation / demodulation unit 62, a call progress tone detection (reception) unit 63, a bus interface 64, and the like. The analog front end 61 is connected to the NCU 47 and has functions such as 2-wire / 4-wire conversion, an amplifier, and a band-pass filter.

The modulation / demodulation unit 62 demodulates (converts) the analog reception signal Rx from the analog front end 61 into a digital signal, and passes the digital signal to the bus interface 64. Further, the digital signal from the bus interface 64 is modulated (converted) into an analog transmission signal Tx and passed to the analog front end 61.

The call progress tone detecting section 63 detects a call progress tone such as a dial tone, a busy tone, and a ring tone by monitoring the analog reception signal Rx output from the analog front end 61, and detects the call progress tone. The information is transmitted to the CPU 41 of FIG.

Here, in the image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment, a control program corresponding to various functions (means) according to the present invention is stored in the data communication device 7 shown in FIG.
The CPU 41 operates in accordance with the program, and the RAM 43, the nonvolatile RAM 44, the RTC 45, the image forming apparatus I / F 46,
By using the NCU 47 and the modem 48, the various functions described above can be realized.

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) Total number of image formations (integrated number of image formations) of a specific image forming apparatus, number of image formations for each paper feed tray (paper supply tray), number of image formations for each transfer paper size, number of misfeeds, transfer paper size Reading and resetting of counter information such as the number of misfeeds for each transfer sheet and the number of misfeeds for each transfer sheet 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 image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by communication control of (2). Result (text) for communication control to device 6
Return

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

FIG. 9 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 device 7 selects a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selecting function. Signal (SA
Signal) and the device code of the image forming apparatus to be selected are transmitted over the serial communication interface RS-485.

Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 compares the following device code with its own device code based on the selecting signal, and knows that it has been selected when both codes match. 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 interrupts 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 using 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 by 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 immediately receives information (emergency call information) indicating the occurrence of an abnormality (failure) that disables the image forming operation, in the data communication apparatus 7.
Then, a report is sent to the central control device 6 via the public line 8 (emergency report).

(B) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5
By key operation on the operation display unit by the user (customer),
The user shifts from the image forming mode to a user request input mode for inputting a required request (repair request or supply replenishment request) by a different user, and displays a user request input screen on the character display 83 of the operation display unit. Is displayed, and when the user inputs a required request by pressing a predetermined key on the screen, the request information (emergency call information) is immediately transmitted to the central control unit via the data communication device 7 and the public line 8. Call 6 (emergency call).

(C) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5
Every time the cumulative number of image formations reaches a preset fixed number (contract number), information (emergency call information) such as the cumulative number of image formations or order information of transfer paper is immediately transmitted to the data communication device 7 and the public line 8. A notification is sent to the central control device 6 via the PC (emergency notification).

(D) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 notifies the data communication apparatus 7 of information indicating the total number of image formations at predetermined time intervals, and the data communication apparatus 7 transmits the information on the day (the current day). The designated time (this is set by the central controller 6 and is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 in the data communication device 7)
To the central control device 6 via the public line 8 (non-emergency notification). This communication control includes a control for transmitting information to the central control unit 6 without waiting for the specified time when the number of reports of information received up to the specified time reaches a predetermined number. included.

(E) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5
Although it is possible to start the image forming operation, data indicating the occurrence of an event that requires preventive maintenance, such as the specified number of replacement parts, approaching the specified time, or reaching the sensor's standard level, is recorded as data. A notification is sent to the communication device 7, and the data communication device 7 is set to the designated time of the day (this is set by the central control device 6, and the nonvolatile RAM 4 in the data communication device 7)
4) and collectively report the received information to the central controller 6 via the public line 8 (non-emergency report). In this communication control, if the number of reports of information received up to the specified time reaches a predetermined number before reaching the specified time, the central control unit 6 does not wait for the specified time.
The control for transmitting the data to the server is also included.

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. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the polling operation in the data communication device 7.

The data communication device 7 converts a polling signal (PA signal), which is a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling function, and a device code of an image forming apparatus to be selected into a serial communication interface RS-. 485. Each image forming apparatus 1
Each of the devices 5 uses the polling signal to compare the next device code with its own device code, and knows that it has been polled when both codes match.

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 by 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 each of 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).

In the data communication device 7, two memories for the total counter are prepared in the non-volatile RAM 44 (these are assumed to be A and B, respectively), and the total counter read by the above-described once-a-day selecting is provided. Write the value to 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 44 in the data communication device 7). Copy to memory B. Memory B from data communication device 7 to central controller 6
Is sent, and the transfer method is as follows (a)
There are two methods shown in FIG.

(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-mentioned date and time (the 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 the total counter value stored in the memory B to the central control device 6 via the public 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 44 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. 11 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. 11, the serial number is a communication block number in one transmission. 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 connected to the data communication device 7.
5 has the purpose of specifying 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.

[0079]

[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.

[0081]

[Table 2]

FIG. 12 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 devices 1 to 5. The device code is uniquely set by the device code setting switch 30 (see FIG. 3) for each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 as described above, and the association with the ID code in FIG. The data communication device 7 reads from the image forming device at the time of installation connected to the device 7.
The data is stored in the non-volatile RAM 44, and is appropriately converted according to 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 destination of 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. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of text data transmitted and received between the personal I / F 18 of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and the PPC controller 31 (see FIG. 3). Communication device 7 and personal I /
Header from text data exchanged with F18,
Device code and parity part are removed.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the central control device 6. The central controller 6 includes a modem 10
1, a communication terminal 102, a display 103, a hard disk 104, and the like. The modem 101 controls communication with the data communication device 7 via the public line 8, and modulates and demodulates data to be transmitted and received.

The communication terminal 102 controls transmission and reception of data (information) to and from the data communication device 7 and processing of the data. The display 103 displays various data including data received from the data communication device 7. The hard disk 104 stores various data such as the telephone number of the data communication device 7 and data received from the data communication device 7.

Hereinafter, claims 1 to 3 of the data communication device 7 will be described.
The processing according to the eighth invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 15 to 19 are flowcharts showing an example of the connection line check processing by the CPU 41 of the data communication device 7 according to the second to seventh aspects of the present invention.

In the non-volatile RAM 44 of the data communication device 7, information (emergency call) from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is notified (notified) to the central control unit 6 when a notification command is received from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. A call destination telephone number for notifying the central control device 6 of information from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 when a predetermined time (report time set in advance) is reached is stored. Further, the type of the line (telephone line) connected to the data communication device 7 (the type of the DP line or the PB line) is also stored.

The CPU 41 of the data communication apparatus 7 starts the connection line check processing shown in FIGS. 15 to 19 when receiving a notification command from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 or at a regular time. A call is made to the device 6 with a corresponding selection signal (step S1). At this time, NCU4
7 is a selection signal (non-volatile RAM 44) corresponding (adapted) to the type of line stored in the non-volatile RAM 44.
Signal or P containing the called telephone number stored in
B signal).

When the selection signal is a DP signal, the DC signal is generated and transmitted by interrupting the DC loop at a predetermined make rate by the loop forming circuit 55. When the selection signal is a PB signal, the PB signal is transmitted to the public line 8 using the DTMF transmission function of the modem 48.

Here, for example, the data communication device 7 originally has D
Consider the case where the connection is made to the P line. In this case, it is preset that the CPU 41 of the data communication device 7 is connected to the DP line (the nonvolatile RAM 44 has
Since information indicating the P line is stored), when a call is made with the DP signal, the line is connected to the central control device 6 (the line connected to the data communication device 7 and the line connected to the central control device 6). Is connected), communication with the central control device 6 becomes possible, and the communication (processing of reporting information from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the central control device 6) can be normally terminated. .

However, when the type of the line connected to the data communication device 7 is changed from the DP line to the PB line due to the convenience of the user (customer) where the data communication device 7 is installed, the data communication is not performed. The device 7 includes a nonvolatile RAM 4
4, the central control unit 6 makes a call with a DP signal which is a selection signal corresponding to the line type (DP line) stored in the central control unit 6.
And communication with the central control device 6 is not enabled.

The data communication device 7 has been directly connected to the public line 8 until now, but when it is connected to the PBX extension, the outside line transmission number is added to the call destination telephone number of the selection signal. Unless (usually "0") is added, the call is not properly connected to the call destination. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the present embodiment, the data communication apparatus 7 makes a call at the above-described timing (notification processing start timing), and checks whether or not there is a response from the central control apparatus 6 that is the communication partner ( Steps S1 and S2).

If there is no response from the central control unit 6, that is, if communication with the central control unit 6 is not possible (communication error), the call progress tone detecting unit 63 in FIG. It is checked whether a busy tone has been detected (steps S2 and S3).

When a busy tone is detected, it is determined that the connection to the central control unit 6 cannot be made because the other party is busy, and a recall is attempted. If not connected to (repeated call count ended), communication error (recall count timeout)
And terminates the connection line check processing (step S1).
~ S3, S12, S13).

If the busy tone cannot be detected,
The selection signal may not be correctly recognized by the exchange of the public line 8. Therefore, once on-hook and then off-hook again three seconds later, the call progress tone detection unit 63
(Steps S4 and S5).

If a dial tone can be detected, it can be determined that the data communication device 7 is directly connected to the public line 8, so that the data communication device 7 corresponds to a line type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44. Dial "1" with the selection signal to be performed (step S6). For example, if the line type stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 is a DP line, "1" is dialed with a PB signal. That is,
A call is made with a PB signal indicating "1".

Thereafter, the call progress tone detector 6
3 is detected, and if no dial tone is detected, it can be determined that the exchange of the public line 8 has accepted the dial of "1". A call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to a type different from the stored line type (steps S7 and S8).

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not there is a response from the central control device 6 as a communication partner. If there is a response from the central control device 6, that is, if communication with the central control device 6 becomes possible, the corresponding After the communication is completed, the nonvolatile RAM
Rewriting is performed by changing the type of the line (PB line / DP line) stored in 44, and a text format shown in FIG. 11 indicating that the type of the line connected to the data communication device 7 has been changed. To notify the central controller 6 (steps S9 to S11).

When a dial tone is detected after dialing "1" with a selection signal corresponding to a line type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 (steps S6 and S7), or When there is no response from the central control unit 6 in spite of calling with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to a type different from the stored line type (step S8,
In step S9), the connection line check processing is terminated as an error because there may be a cause other than the reason that communication cannot be performed because the line type (selection signal type) stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 is incorrect.

In this case, the fact that communication with the central control device 6 has not been enabled is notified to the corresponding image forming device (the image forming device having the information to be reported to the central control device 6), and the operation thereof is performed. On the character display 83 of the display unit, a message such as "communication with the center (the service center where the central control unit 6 is installed) cannot be performed because the communication line is abnormal" is displayed.

If the dial tone cannot be detected off-hook (steps S4 and S5), the data communication device 7
May be connected to a PBX extension. Therefore,
It is checked whether or not the call destination telephone number stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 starts with "0 (outside line transmission number)" (step S14).

Here, the outside line transmission number is generally “0” in Japan, but since this outside line transmission number may vary depending on the country, the non-volatile RAM 4 of the data communication device 7 may be used.
In an environment where the outside line transmission number is other than "0", for example, "8" is stored in advance, and in that case, "8" is used as the outside line transmission number.

If the call destination telephone number stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 starts with “0”, it is considered that the telephone number is connected to the PBX extension.
After dialing "0" with a selection signal corresponding to a line type different from the line type stored in "1", it is checked whether or not a dial tone is detected by the call progress tone detector 63 (steps S15 and S16).

If the dial tone can be detected, it is determined that the type of the PBX extension selection signal (PB / DP) has been changed.
A call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to a line type different from the line type stored in, and it is checked whether there is a response from the central control device 6 as the communication partner (step S17). , S18).

When there is a response from the central control device 6, that is, when communication with the central control device 6 becomes possible, after the communication is completed, the line (PB) stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 is read. The type of the line / DP line) is changed and rewritten, and the central controller 6 is notified in a text format shown in FIG. 11 that the type of the line connected to the data communication device 7 has been changed ( Steps S19 to S20).

After dialing "0" with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, if no dial tone is detected (steps S15 and S16), or RAM
When there is no response from the central control device 6 despite the fact that a call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to a type different from the type of line stored in 44 (step S17, In step S18), the connection line check processing is terminated as an error because the cause other than the reason that communication cannot be performed because the line type (selection signal type) stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 is incorrect is considered.

In this case, the fact that communication with the central control device 6 has not been enabled is notified to the corresponding image forming device (the image forming device having the information to be reported to the central control device 6), and its operation is performed. A message such as "communication with the center cannot be performed due to an abnormal communication line" is displayed on the character display 83 of the display unit.

When the call destination telephone number stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 does not start with "0" (step S1)
4), since the data communication device 7 may be connected to the PBX extension, dial "0" and check whether or not the call progress tone detection unit 63 detects the dial tone (step S21, S22).

If the dial tone can be detected, it can be determined that the data communication device 7 is connected to the PBX extension. After the on-hook, the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 is transmitted. Dialing (calling) is performed by adding the external line calling number “0” to the calling destination telephone number (step S23).

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not there is a response from the central control device 6 as a communication partner. If there is a response from the central control device 6, that is, if communication with the central control device 6 becomes possible, the corresponding After the communication is completed, the nonvolatile RAM
The rewriting is performed by adding “0” to the call destination telephone number stored in 44 and the central control unit 6 is notified in a text format shown in FIG. 11 that “0” has been added to the call destination telephone number. (Steps S24 to S26).

No response was received from the central control unit 6 even though a call was made with "0" added to the call destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44. In the case (steps S23 and S24), a cause other than the reason that communication is not possible because the data communication device 7 is connected to the PBX extension is conceivable, so the connection line check process ends as an error.

In this case, the fact that the communication with the central control device 6 has become impossible is notified to the corresponding image forming device (the image forming device having the information to be reported to the central control device 6), and the operation thereof is performed. A message such as "communication with the center cannot be performed due to an abnormal communication line" is displayed on the character display 83 of the display unit.

If the dial tone cannot be detected after dialing "0" (step S22), the PBX
May have failed to recognize the dial of the data communication device 7, dial "0" with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the type of line stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 after on-hook, It is checked whether or not the dial tone is detected by the call progress tone detector 63 (steps S27 and S28).

If the dial tone can be detected, after on-hook, "0" is added to the call destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44. After dialing (calling), it is checked whether there is a response from the central control device 6 as a communication partner (steps S29 and S30). If there is a response from the central control device 6, that is, communication with the central control device 6 When the communication becomes possible, the following processing is performed after the communication is completed.

That is, the type of the line (PB line / DP line) stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 is changed and rewritten, and “0” is set to the call destination telephone number stored in the non-volatile RAM 44. In addition, rewriting is performed, and the fact that the type of the line connected to the data communication device 7 has been changed and the fact that "0" has been added to the call destination telephone number are described in the text format shown in FIG. The control unit 6 is notified (steps S31 and S32).

After dialing "0" with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, if a dial tone cannot be detected (steps S27 and S28), or RAM
Despite dialing (calling) with “0” added to the calling destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in 44, a response is received from the central control unit 6. If not (steps S29 and S30), the line type (selection signal type) stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 is incorrect and the data communication device 7
Since it is conceivable that the line cannot be connected (communication cannot be performed) for a reason other than the connection to the X extension, the connection line check processing ends as an error.

In this case, the fact that communication with the central control device 6 has become impossible is notified to the corresponding image forming device (the image forming device having the information to be reported to the central control device 6), and the operation thereof is performed. A message such as "communication with the center cannot be performed due to an abnormal communication line" is displayed on the character display 83 of the display unit.

Thus, the CPU 4 of the data communication device 7
1 performs the processing shown in (1) to (5), and various effects can be obtained. (1) A call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, and the line type is different from the line type connected to itself. If the communication with the central control device 6 is not enabled, a call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to a type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44. When communication with the central control device 6 becomes possible, the type of line stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 is changed and rewritten, and the type of line connected to itself is changed. This is notified to the central control device 6 (corresponding to claim 2).

Accordingly, the communication terminal 102 of the central control unit 6
Can be rewritten by changing the line type of the data communication device 7 stored in the hard disk 104,
The type of the line connected to the data communication device 7 can be always grasped.

(2) A call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to the type of line stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, and the line connected to itself is changed from an external direct line to a PBX ( (Private branch exchange) If communication with the central control unit 6 is not possible due to a change to a line via an extension, a call destination telephone of a selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 A call is made by adding an outside line calling number to the number (corresponding to claim 3).

Therefore, the communication with the central control unit 6 does not become impossible due to the entry of the PBX. Further, there is no need to perform a manual operation for rewriting the destination telephone number stored in the non-volatile RAM 44 of the data communication device 7 by adding an outside line transmission number, thereby reducing the work load of the manual operation. Is done.

(3) Communication with the central control unit 6 is possible by adding an outside line transmission number to the call destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 and making a call. In this case, the central control unit 6 is notified that the external line transmission number has been added to the call destination telephone number (corresponding to claim 4).

Accordingly, the communication terminal 102 of the central control unit 6
Changes the call destination telephone number of the data communication device 7 stored in the hard disk 104 (adds an outside line transmission number)
Thus, the call destination telephone number stored in the data communication device 7 can be always grasped.

(4) The outside line transmission number corresponding to the country (region) where the data communication device 7 is
4 (corresponding to claim 5),
At the time of the process (2), the outside line transmission number may be added to the call destination telephone number, so that the data communication device 7 can be used globally.

(5) Communication with the central control unit 6 is possible by adding an outside line transmission number to the call destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 and making a call. Becomes non-volatile RAM 44
Is rewritten by adding an outside line transmission number to the call destination telephone number stored in the telephone number (corresponding to claim 6). Therefore, after that, since a call can be made using the correct call destination telephone number after rewriting (update), the processing efficiency of the data communication device 7 is improved.

(6) Even if a call is made with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, or a selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 If communication is not possible with the central control unit 6 even if a call is made by adding an outside line calling number to the called telephone number of the call destination, the corresponding image forming apparatus is notified and displayed on the operation display unit. Since the display is made (corresponding to claim 7), the user immediately notices the trouble of the line.

Therefore, various operations on the data communication device 7, such as operations for resetting various parameters in the data communication device 7, can be performed efficiently. In addition,
The CPU 41 of the data communication device 7 can perform the following processing instead of the processing shown in (1).

That is, a call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to the type of line stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, and the type of the line and the type of the line connected to itself are determined. If the communication with the central control device 6 cannot be performed due to the difference, the line type stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44 is changed and rewritten.
When a call is made with a selection signal (including a call destination telephone number) corresponding to the changed line type and communication with the central control device 6 becomes possible, the line connected to the data communication device 7 Is notified to the central control device 6 (corresponding to claim 1).

Further, the data communication device 7 has the configuration shown in FIGS.
9 (claim 2)
Although the processing according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is performed at the start of the normal notification processing, it may be performed at the request of the central control device 6 (corresponding to claim 8).

That is, when the connection line check command is received from the central control device 6 in the text format shown in FIG. 11, the line is temporarily cut off, the connection line check processing is performed, and the error is not finally detected. Performs rewriting by changing the type of line (PB line / DP line) stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44, and notifies the central control device that the type of line connected to the data communication device 7 has changed. 6 or “0” is added to the call destination telephone number stored in the nonvolatile RAM 44.
Is added, and the central control device 6 is notified that the outside line transmission number has been added to the call destination telephone number.

Here, the communication terminal 102 of the central control unit 6
If the information of the image forming apparatus is no longer sent from the data communication apparatus 7 even though the data communication apparatus 7 can access the data communication apparatus 7 at a regular time, the cause may be that of the line connected to the data communication apparatus 7. It can be determined that the type has been changed or that the line has been changed from an external direct line to a line via a PBX.

In such a case, when changing the type of line stored in the data communication device 7 or adding an outside line calling number to the called telephone number, the data communication device 7 must be Without performing these setting operations, the data communication device 7 can execute the connection line check processing only by issuing the connection line check command by operating on the central control device 6. Work can be performed more efficiently.

As described above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the remote management system (image forming apparatus management system) for remotely managing the image forming apparatus (remote managed apparatus) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is applicable to a remote management system for remotely managing various types of remotely managed devices such as a key card device for managing the number of copies of a copying device for each department, a gas meter, a power meter, and a vending machine.

[0135]

As described above, according to the remote management system of the present invention, various operations on the data communication device can be efficiently performed irrespective of a change in the environment of the data communication device (such as a change in line type). It becomes possible.

That is, according to the remote management system of the first aspect of the present invention, the data communication device can make a call with a selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the data communication device, and can communicate with the central control device. If not, the line type stored therein is changed and rewritten, a call is made with a selection signal corresponding to the changed line type, and communication with the central control unit becomes possible. The central control unit notifies the central control unit that the type of the line connected to it has changed, and the central control unit changes and rewrites the line type of the data communication device stored in itself. Therefore, the type of the line connected to the data communication device can be always grasped, whereby various operations on the data communication device can be efficiently performed.

According to the remote management system of the second aspect of the present invention, if the data communication device originates a call with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the data communication device and can communicate with the central control device. If not, a call is made with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the line type stored therein,
When communication with the central control device becomes possible, the line type stored in itself is changed and rewritten, and the fact that the type of line connected to the data communication device has changed has been changed. By notifying the central control device 6,
The same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Further, when communication with the central control device becomes possible, the line type stored therein is changed and rewritten, so that communication with the central control device can be reliably performed.

According to the remote management system of the third aspect of the present invention, if the data communication apparatus originates a call using a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the data communication apparatus and can communicate with the central control apparatus. If there is no PBX, a call is made by adding an outside line calling number to the calling destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored therein. Will not be impossible.
Also, it is not necessary to perform a manual operation for rewriting by adding an outside line transmission number to the destination telephone number stored therein, and the work load by the manual operation is reduced accordingly. Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of PBX (change in environment), various operations on the data communication device can be performed efficiently.

According to the remote management system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the processing according to the third aspect of the present invention, the data communication device transmits the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in the data communication device. When communication with the central control unit becomes possible by making a call with an outside line calling number added to the number, by notifying the central control unit that the outside line calling number has been added to the called telephone number, The central control unit can change the call destination telephone number of the data communication device stored therein (by adding an outside line calling number) and rewrite the data. Therefore, the call destination telephone number stored in the data communication device can be rewritten. Can always be grasped. Therefore, various operations on the data communication device can be performed more efficiently.

According to the remote management system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the processing according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the data communication apparatus sets the outside line transmission number corresponding to the country (region) in which the data communication apparatus is installed. By storing the data, the external communication number can be added to the called telephone number when rewriting the called telephone number stored therein, so that the data communication device can be globally used. Become. Therefore,
Various operations on the data communication device can be performed more efficiently.

According to the remote management system of the present invention, the data communication apparatus performs the selection according to the line type stored in itself in addition to the processing according to any one of the third to fifth aspects. When communication with the central control unit becomes possible by adding an outside line calling number to the call destination telephone number of a signal and making a call, the outside line calling number is stored in the call destination telephone number stored therein. Since the rewriting is performed additionally, a call can be made using the correct call destination telephone number after the rewriting, so that the processing efficiency of the data communication device 7 is improved. Therefore, various operations on the data communication device can be performed more efficiently.

According to the remote management system of the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the processing according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the data communication apparatus can make a call with a new selection signal after the change ( Even if a call is made with a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the line type stored in itself, or an outside line calling number is added to the call destination telephone number of the selection signal corresponding to the line type stored in itself. However, if communication with the central control device is not possible, the user is notified to the remote management device to notify the user, so that the user immediately notices a trouble in the line. Therefore, various operations on the data communication device can be performed more efficiently.

According to the remote management system of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the data communication device performs the first call of the processing according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention in response to a request from the central control device. Various operations on the communication device can be performed more efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system (remote 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 the character display 83 of FIG. 4 when the power is turned on.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a data communication device 7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an NCU 47 in FIG. 6;

8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a modem 48 in FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing an example of a selecting operation in the data communication device 7 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the polling operation.

11 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. 12 shows a data communication apparatus 7 and image forming apparatuses 1 to 1 shown in FIG.
5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged with a personal I / F of No. 5; FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a personal I / O of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged between an F and a PPC controller.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a central control device 6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 shows the data communication device 7 of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a connection line check process according to the invention of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the continuation thereof.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the continuation thereof.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the continuation thereof.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the continuation thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to 5: Image forming apparatus 6: Central control apparatus 7: Data communication apparatus 8: Public line 11, 21, 41: CPU 13, 42: ROM 14, 43: RAM 15, 44: Non-volatile RAM 17a, 17b, 17c : Serial communication control unit 18: Personal I / F 30: Device code setting switch 31: PPC controller 46: Image forming device I / F 47: NCU 48, 101: Modem 49: LED display 51: Protection circuit 52: Loop current Detection circuit 53: Ringing detection circuit 54: Line switching circuit 55: Loop formation circuit 61: Analog front end 62: Modulation / demodulation unit 63: Call progress tone detection unit 64: Bus interface 102: Communication terminal 103: Display 104: Hard disk

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 29/08 H04Q 9/00 301B 5K048 H04N 1/00 311J 5K101 106 G03G 21/00 396 H04Q 9/00 301 H04L 11/00 310Z 311 13/00 305C // G03G 21/00 396 307A F term (reference) 2H027 EJ08 EJ13 EJ15 5B021 AA01 AA19 BB01 CC06 5C062 AA13 AA30 AA34 AB16 AB22 AB42 AB46 AB53 AC39 AC03 AF02 AF03 DA01 DA06 DB12 DB16 EA06 EC01 EC03 5K034 AA07 AA20 CC01 EE12 FF01 FF04 HH04 HH14 HH63 JJ24 LL01 5K048 AA04 BA10 CA01 CA03 CA08 DA02 DC04 DC07 EA11 EB02 EB03 EB08 HA12 HA13 HA03 HA03 HA02 MM04 MM05 MM07 NN03 NN06 NN18 NN25 NN34 RR1 2 RR13 RR17 RR24 SS07 TT04 TT05 TT06 UU02 UU03 UU16

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A business remote management system in which a central control device remotely manages a remote management device such as an image forming device via a public line and a data communication device, wherein the data communication device includes: Line type storage means for storing a type of a connected line; call destination telephone number storage means for storing a call destination telephone number included in a selection signal used when making a call to the central control device; First calling means for calling with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the type storage means, and when the communication with the central control device is not enabled by the calling by the means, A line type changing unit for changing and rewriting the line type stored in the line type storage unit, and making a call with a selection signal corresponding to the line type changed by the unit 2. When the communication with the central control device is enabled by the calling means of (2) and the calling by the means, the central control notifies that the type of the line connected to the data communication device has been changed. A remote management system comprising: a line type change notification unit that notifies a device. 2. A business remote management system for remotely managing a remote management device such as an image forming apparatus via a public line and a data communication device by a central control device, wherein the data communication device includes: Line type storage means for storing a type of a connected line; call destination telephone number storage means for storing a call destination telephone number included in a selection signal used when making a call to the central control device; First calling means for calling with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the type storage means, and when the communication with the central control device is not enabled by the calling by the means, A second calling unit for calling by a selection signal corresponding to a type different from the line type stored in the line type storage unit; and a communication with the central control unit by calling by the unit. When it becomes possible, the line type changing means for changing the line type stored in the line type storage means and rewriting the line type, and the central control device by calling by the second calling means. A line type change notifying unit for notifying the central control unit that the type of the line connected to the data communication device has changed when communication becomes possible; Management system. 3. A business remote management system for remotely managing a remote management device such as an image forming apparatus via a public line and a data communication device by a central control device, wherein the data communication device includes: Line type storage means for storing a type of a connected line; call destination telephone number storage means for storing a call destination telephone number included in a selection signal used when making a call to the central control device; First calling means for calling with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the type storage means, and when the communication with the central control device is not enabled by the calling by the means, A second calling means is provided which adds an outside line calling number to a calling destination telephone number of a selection signal corresponding to a line type stored in the line type storage means and makes a call. Far Management systems. 4. The remote management system according to claim 3, wherein when the data communication device can communicate with the central control device by a call made by the second calling means, a call destination is set. A remote management system, further comprising means for notifying the central control device that an outside line transmission number has been added to a telephone number. 5. The remote management system according to claim 3, wherein said data communication device includes means for storing said outside line transmission number. 6. The remote management system according to claim 3, wherein the data communication device can communicate with the central control device by making a call by the second calling means. A remote management system provided with means for adding an outside line originating number to the calling party telephone number stored in the calling party telephone number storage means and rewriting when the call destination telephone number is stored. 7. The remote management system according to claim 1, wherein the data communication device can communicate with the central control device also by calling by the second calling means. A remote management system provided with a means for notifying the remote management device when the failure has occurred. 8. The remote management system according to claim 1, wherein the first calling unit of the data communication device is configured to store the line type storage unit in response to a request from the central control unit. A means for making a call with a selection signal corresponding to the type of line stored in the remote management system.