JP2002232623A - Copying machine management system, copying machine, host computer and storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copying machine, etc., capable of referring to even detailed help information by the so-called help function without using a large- capacity memory. SOLUTION: In the copying machine management system for managing the copying machine connected to the host computer through a line, the copying machine is provided with an information storage means provided with a first storage area where simple information on a copying operation are stored and a second storage area where detailed information on a copying operation communicated from the host computer are temporarily stored, a detailed information request means for requesting detailed information from the host computer through the line, and a display means for displaying the information stored in the information storage means, and the host computer is provided with a database in which detailed information are stored and an information retrieval means for retrieving corresponding detailed information from the database on the basis of a request from the detailed information request means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a copier management system, a copier, a host computer, and a storage device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a copying machine, when a user wants to see a description of a copying operation, for example, a scaling ratio, a one-sided / two-sided / split setting, a simple explanation is displayed on display means by pressing a predetermined setting key. Some have so-called detailed functions. By using this function, it has become possible to easily refer to it without having to check it each time with the operation manual.

[0003]

In order to make sure that the detailed functions can be used, a large memory is required in the copying machine for storing the help information on the copying operation. For this reason, it is difficult to store detailed information on the copying operation in a memory having an economically acceptable capacity, and only simple information can be stored. Therefore, if the user wants to know more detailed information than the simple information stored in the memory, he must refer to the operation manual. However, when the user tries to refer to the operation manual, the user's manual is often not stored around the user, and the operator's request may not be answered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a main technical problem thereof is that a copier management system capable of referring to detailed information with a simple function without using a large-capacity memory. It is to provide.

Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a copier management system capable of transmitting a necessary portion of an operation manual to a facsimile registered in advance when an operation manual relating to a copy operation is desired. is there.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a copier management system for managing a copier connected to a host computer via a line, comprising: And a second storage area for temporarily storing detailed information related to the copy operation transmitted from the host computer, the first storage area being provided for storing simple information related to a plurality of copy operations. Means for providing detailed information relating to the plurality of copying operations to the host computer via a line, the detailed information requesting means being provided in the copying machine; Display means for displaying information related to the copy operation, a database provided in the host computer for storing detailed information related to the plurality of copy operations, and a host computer. Information search means for searching the database for detailed information on the corresponding copy operation based on a request from the detailed information request means; and a request from the detailed information request means to the host computer via a line. And a communication means for communicating with the copying machine detailed information relating to the copying operation searched by the information searching means.

According to the present invention, the database stores operation manuals related to a plurality of copying operations, and the copying machine includes manual transmission request means for requesting transmission of the operation manuals. A copier management system is provided in which the host computer transmits the operation manual requested by the manual transmission request means to a facsimile registered in advance.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a copier management system constructed according to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copier management system configured according to the present invention. The copying machine management system includes a copying machine 2 and a host computer 6 connected to the copying machine 2 via a public line 4. As shown, the copier management system includes a host computer 6.
Is configured to manage a plurality of copying machines 2, 2.

The copying machine 2 includes an exposing unit for reading the original, an image forming unit for forming the original read by the exposing unit into a toner image, and a transfer of the toner image formed by the image forming unit onto a transfer sheet. Transfer means provided in the transfer area, a paper feed means for supplying transfer paper to the transfer area, a fixing means for heating and fixing the toner image transferred to the transfer paper in the transfer area, and the like. . The copying machine 2 includes a control unit 20 shown in FIG. Control unit 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes arithmetic processing according to a control program, a read-only memory (ROM) that stores a control program and the like, a readable and writable random access memory (RAM) that stores arithmetic results, and the like. It is constituted by a microcomputer including an interface and the like. A help information memory 21 as help information storage means is connected to the control unit 20. The help information memory 21 is constituted by a readable and writable random access memory (RAM),
As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a first area 211 in which simple help information relating to a plurality of copying operations (1), (2), and (3) such as scaling factors is stored in advance, and the copying operation transmitted from the host computer 6 There is provided a second area 212 in which one of the detailed help information relating to (1), (2) and (3) can be temporarily stored. An operation panel 22 is connected to the control unit 20. This operation panel 22
It is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body, and includes a setting means 221 such as an input key and a display means 222 constituted by a liquid crystal display element or an LED. The control unit 20 is further connected to the public line 4 via a network control unit (NCU) 23 and a modem 24.

The host computer 6 is installed in a service center or the like, and as shown in FIG. 4, executes a central processing unit (CP) which executes arithmetic processing according to a control program.
U) 61, a read-only memory (ROM) 62 for storing control programs and the like, a readable and writable random access memory (RAM) 63 for storing calculation results and the like, and an input / output interface (I / F) 64. The central processing unit (CPU) 61 has a CRT as a display means.
65, an input keyboard 66, a storage device 67 as a database, and the like are also connected. Storage device 67
Is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a plurality of copying operations (1), (2), and (3) stored in the help information memory 21 for each model of the copying machine 2 as shown in FIG. 671, an area 672 for storing detailed information related to the copying operation, an area 672 for storing an operation manual related to the above-described copying operations (1), (2), and (3).
A database is constructed with an area 673 for storing a transmission facsimile telephone number set in advance for each transmission.
The input / output interface (I / F) is connected to the public line 4 via a communication modem 68.

The copier management system according to the illustrated embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

Copying Machine First, the operation of the copying machine 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the power of the copier 2 is turned on and a fixed magnification key of the setting unit 221 disposed on the operation panel 22 is pressed, for example, a screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 222. On the screen shown in FIG. 8, the positions where “enlarge”, “reduce”, and “help” are displayed are:
It is configured to function as a touch sensor. Therefore, when "Enlarge" is pressed, a plurality of enlargement magnifications are displayed on the display means 222, and when "Reduce" is pressed, a plurality of reduction magnifications are displayed, and a desired magnification is displayed from the displayed magnifications. Select and set. On the other hand, if the user wants to see the explanation regarding the magnification, he / she presses “Help” on the screen shown in FIG. The control unit 20 selects “Help” on the screen shown in FIG.
It is checked whether or not is turned on (step S1).
If not, execute other processing such as enlargement and reduction,
When "Help" is turned on, the display means 222 displays
As shown in FIG. 5, a simple explanation about the magnification is displayed, and "detailed information display" and "manual transmission" are displayed (step S2). On the screen shown in FIG. 9, "detailed information display" and "manual transmission" are also configured to function as touch sensors. Next, the control unit 20 checks whether or not “detailed information display” on the screen shown in FIG. 9 has been turned on (step S3). Is O
If N, the process proceeds to step S4 to start communication with the host computer 6 through the public line 4 via the network control unit (NCU) 23 and the modem 24,
Request detailed help information on scaling. Then, the detailed help information transmitted from the host computer 6 is downloaded to the second area 212 of the help information memory 21 (step S5). In step S5, if the detailed help information transmitted from the host computer 6 has been downloaded to the second area 212 of the help information memory 21, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S6 to display the display means 222 as shown in FIG. A detailed description of the magnification is displayed, and "manual transmission" is displayed. With the image displayed on the display unit 222 in this manner, detailed help information on the magnification can be viewed.

Next, in step S7, the control unit 20 checks whether "manual transmission" is turned on in the screen shown in FIG. 9 in step S2 and the screen shown in FIG. 10 in step S6, and turns on.
If not, the process ends. If "manual transmission" is turned on, the flow advances to step S8 to start communication with the host computer 6 through the public line 4 via the network control unit (NCU) 23 and the modem 24, and A request for transmission of a manual relating to the magnification by facsimile is requested (step S9).

Host Computer The host computer 6 operates according to the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. When the central processing unit (CPU) 61 of the host computer 6 confirms the arrival of the transmission signal from the copying machine 2 (step P1), it confirms the transmitted model of the copying machine 2 and the help information code (step P1). P2). Next, a central processing unit (CPU) 61
Proceeds to step P2, and checks whether a request for detailed help information has been received from the copying machine 2. If there is no request for detailed help information in Step P2, the process proceeds to Step P6 described later. If there is a request for detailed help information in step P2, the central processing unit (CPU)
The program proceeds to a step P3, in which the detailed help information requested by the copying machine 2 (in this case, the detailed help information relating to the scaling factor) is retrieved from the storage device 67 as a database. The central processing unit (CPU) 61 stores the storage device 6
The detailed help information relating to the scaling factor retrieved from step 7 is transmitted to the copying machine 2 which has requested (step P2).

Next, the central processing unit (CPU) 61 checks in step P6 whether or not there is a manual transmission request. If there is no manual transmission request, the process ends. If there is a manual transmission request, the process proceeds to step P7. Then, the corresponding manual (in this case, the manual relating to the scaling factor) is searched from the storage device 67 as a database, and the facsimile telephone number designated by the copying machine 2 which requested is searched. Then, the central processing unit (CPU) 61 transmits the retrieved manual relating to the magnification to the designated facsimile (step P).
8). As described above, the manual relating to the magnification ratio transmitted from the host computer 6 is transmitted to the facsimile 10 designated by the copying machine 2 as shown in FIG.
0 is printed.

[0017]

In the copier management system according to the present invention, when the user wants to see detailed help information relating to the copying operation, the copier communicates with the host computer to request the detailed help information. , And retrieves the corresponding information, and transmits this information to the copier. The copying machine downloads the detailed help information transmitted from the host computer to the help information storage means and displays it on the display means, so that the copying machine can use a so-called help function as necessary without using a large capacity memory. You can also refer to detailed help information.

Further, according to the present invention, the database stores an operation manual relating to the copying operation, and the host computer pre-registers the requested operation manual by requesting transmission of the operation manual from the copying machine. Since the data is transmitted to the received facsimile, the corresponding operation manual can be immediately obtained if requested when necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach an operation manual to each of the copying machines, and
Even when the operation manual is revised, it is only necessary to update the data of the host computer, and quick information transmission is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a copier management system configured according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a copier constituting the copier management system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a help information memory provided in the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a host computer constituting the copier management system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a storage device as a database provided in the host computer shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit of the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing the operation of the host computer shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on display means provided in the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on a display unit provided in the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on a display unit provided in the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state in which an operation manual has been transmitted from the host computer shown in FIG. 4 to a facsimile designated to the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

 2: Copier 4: Public line 6: Host computer 2: Control unit 21: Help information memory 211: First area 212: Second area 22: Operation panel 23: Network control unit (NCU) 24: Modem 61: Central processing unit (CPU) 62: Read only memory (ROM) 63: Random access memory 64: Input / output interface (I / F) 65: As display means 66: Keyboard for input 67: Storage device as database 671: Area for storing detailed explanation information 672: Area for storing operation manual 673: Area for storing transmission facsimile number 68: Modem

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 K

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A copying machine management system for managing a copying machine connected to a host computer via a line, wherein the first storage is provided in the copying machine and stores simple information on a plurality of copying operations. An information storage means provided with an area, a second storage area for temporarily storing detailed information on the copy operation transmitted from the host computer, and detailed information on the plurality of copy operations provided in the copying machine; A detailed information requesting means for requesting the host computer via a line, a display means provided in the copying machine for displaying information relating to a copying operation stored in the information storage means, provided in the host computer; A database for storing detailed information relating to a plurality of copying operations; and a database provided in the host computer and based on a request from the detailed information requesting means. An information search means for searching for detailed information relating to the corresponding copy operation from the host computer via a line to the host computer via a line; and a detailed information regarding the copy operation searched by the information search means. Communication means for communicating important information to the copying machine. 2. The database stores detailed information relating to the plurality of copying operations. The copying machine includes a manual transmission requesting unit for requesting transmission of the detailed information. 2. The copier management system according to claim 1, wherein the detailed information requested by the transmission requesting means is transmitted to a facsimile registered in advance. 3. A copying machine connected to a line connecting a host computer or the like, wherein the first storage area is provided in the copying machine and stores simple information on the copying machine. Information storage means provided with a second storage area for temporarily storing detailed information on the copied copier, and provided in the copier, requesting the host computer for detailed information on the copier via a line. A copier comprising: a detailed information requesting unit; and a display unit for displaying information on the copier stored in the information storage unit. 4. A host computer connected to a line to which a copying machine or the like is connected, the database storing detailed information relating to the plurality of copying operations, and the detailed information requesting means provided in the host computer. An information search unit for searching the database for detailed information on the corresponding copy operation based on a request from the database; A communication means for communicating detailed information relating to the searched copying operation to the copying machine. 5. A storage means connected to a line connecting a copying machine, a host computer, and the like, wherein the storage means is provided in the copying machine connected to the line, and stores detailed information about the copying machine via the line. A detailed information requesting means for requesting the storage means; a database provided in the storage means for storing detailed information on the plurality of copying operations; A communication means for communicating from the database to the host computer via the line and communicating detailed information on the copying operation searched by the information searching means to the copying machine; Storage device.