JP2003271362A - Communication equipment and method for transmitting event information and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communication equipment for surely transmitting all event information generated in an image forming device to be monitored to a monitor center without omitting it regardless of the connecting state of a communication line. <P>SOLUTION: A communication controller (communication equipment) 18 monitors the line connecting state of a public line 17, and at the time of recognizing that any event being the factor of announcement is generated in a copying machine 1, and that the line connecting state of the public line 17 is normal, the communication controller 18 stores the generated event information in a first storage area (first event information memory) of an RAM, and separately transmits it through the public line 17 to a monitor center 200. At the time of recognizing that any event being the factor of announcement is generated in the copying machine, and that the line connecting state of the public line 17 is abnormal, the communication controller 18 stores the generated event information in a second storage area (second event information memory) of the RAM, and transmits it through the public line 17 to the monitor center 200 in a file format thereafter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication line such as a public line that provides event information indicating an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality in an image forming apparatus to be monitored by a monitoring center. The present invention relates to a communication device for transmitting data to a monitoring center via the communication device, a method for transmitting the event information thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for realizing a method (function) required by a computer of the communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the environment in which OA equipment is used cannot be constructed without a network. Similarly, in the maintenance and repair environment of OA equipment, OA equipment (personal computer) in a remote place is used as a tool,
Realizes remote maintenance. As such remote maintenance, an image forming apparatus installed in an office or the like of an unspecified number of customers (users) (generally includes a copying machine, a printer, a printing machine, a facsimile machine, etc. which are premised on remote diagnosis and monitoring). A communication control communication device (communication device) and a communication line such as a public line or a dedicated line are used, and a management device installed at a monitoring center and terminal devices (such as a personal computer) installed at a plurality of service bases, respectively. An image forming apparatus management system that is connectable to an information processing apparatus is generally known.

Such an image forming apparatus management system is
By centrally managing a plurality of image forming devices installed at remote locations by a management device (host machine) in a monitoring center provided at one place, the usage status of each image forming device can be aggregated and The management information is also used for maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The contents of the usage state include the number of copies, and the contents of the maintenance include automatic call to the management device by self-diagnosis of the image forming device and adjustment of each part of the image forming device by access from the management device side.

In such an image forming apparatus management system, a management apparatus (monitoring terminal apparatus) in a monitoring center (service center) receives information reported by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and reports the information. One that displays the content of information (content of notification) so that the operator of the management device (center operator) can recognize the content of the notification and take appropriate measures from a remote location to the image forming device delivered to the customer. In general, for example, JP-A-11-225239.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-287016 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-105522 disclose remote maintenance techniques.

[0005]

In such an image forming apparatus management system, when an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus to be monitored by the monitoring center,
Event information indicating the event (contents of notification information (contents of notification))
The data communication device transmits the data to the management device of the monitoring center via the communication line. If an abnormality (failure) occurs in the connection state of the communication line during the transmission, the event information generated by the image forming device Could not be sent to the monitoring center,
There was a lack of event information.

Further, when an abnormality occurs in the connection state of the communication line during transmission of the event information generated in the image forming apparatus to be monitored, the monitoring center side wants to confirm the event information in real time, but Event information is sent when the connection status of the line is restored to normal, so even if new event information occurs in the image forming device when the line is restored, the event information is sent in real time. Never. In other words, there is a problem that it may not be possible to confirm in real time the event information that has occurred in the monitored image forming apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a communication device, regardless of the connection state of the communication line, the event information generated in the image forming device to be monitored is not lost, and is reliably performed. The purpose is to be able to send all to the monitoring center. It is also an object of the present invention to allow the monitoring center side to confirm event information generated in the image forming apparatus to be monitored as early as possible (in real time).

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a communication device, an event information transmitting method therefor, and a recording medium. In the communication device according to the invention of claim 1, when an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming device to be monitored by the monitoring center, event information indicating the event is transmitted via a communication line such as a public line. In the communication device for transmitting to the monitoring center, the line status monitoring means for observing the connection status of the communication line and recognizing whether the connection status is normal or abnormal, and an event which causes a notification in the image forming apparatus. Occurs, and when the connection state of the communication line is recognized to be normal by the line state monitoring means,
A first event information storage unit that stores event information indicating the event that has occurred and an event that causes a notification in the image forming apparatus occur, and the line status monitoring unit determines that the connection status of the communication line is abnormal. When it is recognized that the event information is stored, the event information stored in the first event information storage means and the second event information storage means for storing event information indicating the occurred event are individually transmitted through the communication line. And a second event for transmitting the event information stored in the second event information storage means to the monitoring center via the communication line in a file format. And an information transmitting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the line state monitoring means recognizes that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal. There is provided an abnormal event information transfer means for transferring event information stored in the event information storage means but not transmitted to the monitoring center to the second event information storage means for storage. In the communication device according to the invention of claim 3, in the communication device of claim 2, the second event information transmitting means recognizes that the connection state of the communication line has been normally restored from the abnormality by the line state monitoring means. In this case, the event information stored in the second event information storage means is transmitted to the monitoring center via the communication line in a file format.

A communication device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein an overflow detecting means for detecting an overflow of the first event information storage means and the first means by the means are provided. When the overflow of the event information storage means is detected, the event information stored in the first event information storage means and not transmitted to the monitoring center is transferred to and stored in the second event information storage means. And event information transfer means at overflow. The communication device according to the invention of claim 5 is the communication device according to claim 1.
In any one of the communication devices 1 to 4, when the line state monitoring means recognizes that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal, the connection state of the communication line is monitored at a constant cycle. A means for recognizing whether the connection state is normal or abnormal, and an abnormal state time measuring means for measuring an abnormal state time while the connection state of the communication line is recognized to be abnormal by the means. is there.

A communication device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the fifth aspect, wherein when the abnormal state time measured by the abnormal state time measuring means exceeds a preset predetermined time, The line abnormality notifying means for notifying the image forming apparatus that the connection state of is abnormal is provided. A communication device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the sixth aspect, further comprising a predetermined time setting means for setting the predetermined time so as to be changeable. In the communication device according to the invention of claim 8, in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when an event which causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, event information indicating the event is displayed. A date and time adding means for adding the date and time of occurrence is provided.

In the event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 9, when an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus to be monitored by the monitoring center, the event information indicating the event is first. A method of transmitting event information, which is stored in the event information memory or the second event information memory and then transmitted to the monitoring center via a communication line such as a public line by a communication device, which monitors a connection state of the communication line. When an event that causes a notification occurs in the image forming apparatus and it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line is normal, the event information indicating the occurred event is stored in the first event information memory. After that, individually transmitting to the monitoring center via the communication line, when an event that causes a notification occurs in the image forming apparatus, and when it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line is abnormal, So After storing the event information indicating the event that occurred in the second event information memory, and transmits to the monitoring center in a file format through the communication line.

The event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 10 is the event information transmitting method of claim 9, wherein when the connection state of the communication line is recognized to have changed from normal to abnormal, the first event information memory is provided. The event information that is stored in the second event information memory but is not transmitted to the monitoring center is transferred to and stored in the second event information memory. Claim 1
In the event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 1, in the event information transmitting method according to claim 10, when it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line is normally restored from an abnormality, the event information transmitting method stores the event information in the second event information memory. The event information is transmitted in a file format to the monitoring center via the communication line.

An event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 12 is the event information transmitting method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein when the overflow of the first event information memory is detected, the first event is transmitted. The event information stored in the information memory and not transmitted to the monitoring center is transferred to and stored in the second event information memory. The event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 13 is the method of claim 9-12.
In any one of the event information transmission methods, when it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal,
The connection state of the communication line is monitored at regular intervals, and the abnormal state time is measured while the connection state of the communication line is recognized to be abnormal.

The event information transmitting method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the event information transmitting method according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the connection state of the communication line is established when the measured abnormal state time exceeds a preset predetermined time. Is notified to the image forming apparatus. An event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 15 is the event information transmitting method of claim 14, wherein the predetermined time is set to be changeable. The event information transmitting method according to the invention of claim 16 is the event information transmitting method according to any one of claims 9 to 15,
When an event that causes a report such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the event information transmitting method is characterized in that the occurrence date and time is added to the event information indicating the event.

In the recording medium according to the invention of claim 17, when an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus to be monitored by the monitoring center, event information indicating the event is communicated through a public line or the like. It is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program of causing a computer of a communication device for transmitting to the monitoring center via a line to execute each procedure of the event information transmitting method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 is recorded.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system (image forming apparatus remote maintenance support system) including a communication apparatus according to the present invention.

In this image forming apparatus management system, a plurality of clients (monitoring terminal devices for performing integrated management) 201a, 201b, ..., 201n as management devices installed in a monitoring center (service center) 200.
And a communication control device (communication device) 18 installed at each of a plurality of customers (user areas) 220.
And multiple service stations (service stations) 2
A personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) 211 or the like installed in each of 10 can be communicatively connected via a public line (may be another communication line such as a dedicated line) 17. .

The monitoring center 200 has a plurality of clients 201a, 201b, ...
..., 201n and their respective clients 201a, 201
b, ..., Information received by 201n,
A file server 204 that controls an external recording device 203 that stores various management tables and master information, a printing device 205 that prints out various information, and each client 201.
a, 201b, ..., 201n, the facsimile (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) information transmitted to the service base 210 is received, and the file transfer is performed from the communication control device 18 installed at each customer site 220.・ Protocol (file transfer protoc
ol: An ftp / FAX server 206 for receiving files transferred by “ftp” is installed, and these are LANs (local areas / areas) for transmitting / receiving various information (data and control signals). Network) 207.

Each of the plurality of customers 220 includes a plurality of copying machines 1 and event information (report information) indicating an event that causes a notification such as a failure (abnormality) occurring in each of the copying machines 1. A communication control device 18 or the like is installed to perform control (communication control) of transmitting various information to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 and receiving various information transmitted from the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17. Has been done. Each of the plurality of service bases 210 is a personal computer that controls reception of various information sent from the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 and transmission of various information to the monitoring center 200 (other information processing devices may be used. ) 211, a FAX machine 212 for transmitting and receiving information to and from the monitoring center 200, a telephone 213, etc. are installed. At each of these service bases 210, the image forming apparatus such as the copying machine 1 of each customer is controlled by district, and a service person who takes measures for the notification information (event information) is dispatched.

Here, each client 201a, 201b, ..., 201n in the monitoring center 200, a file server 204 having an external recording device 203, an ftp / FA.
The X server 206 uses the hardware (including the internal CPU) and software (program) to
1) to (A6), the functions as the respective means are performed. (A1) Function as first event information receiving means for receiving first event information (event information stored in a first storage area described later) sent from the communication control device (A2) Communication control device Function as second event information receiving means for receiving second event information (event information stored in a second storage area described later) sent from 18

(A3) Confirmation information transmission for transmitting confirmation information indicating that the information is received to the communication control device 18 that is the transmission source of the event information received by the function as the first or second event information receiving means. Function as means (A4) Event information accumulating means for accumulating event information received by the function as the first or second event information receiving means (A5) Of event information accumulated by the function as event information accumulating means Event information display means (A6) for displaying contents External (clients 201a, 201b, ...
, 201n for inputting a command from an input device such as a keyboard), a predetermined time setting request means for requesting (instructing) the communication control device 18 to set a predetermined time (predetermined timer value) described later.

In this embodiment, each client 201a, 201b, ..., 201n in the monitoring center 200 is
File server 204, f having an external recording device 203
The tp / FAX server 206 has all the functions of the above-mentioned means by the internal hardware and software, but it is not always necessary to do so, and the above-mentioned means may be selectively provided as necessary. Good.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a concrete example of the configuration of each customer site 220 in the image forming apparatus management system shown in FIG. Each customer site 220 has a client 201 installed in the monitoring center 200.
A communication control device 18 as an interface device (communication device) for controlling communication with a, 201b, ..., 201n is installed in each copying machine (PPC).
1 is connected to the communication control device 18.
The communication control device 18 includes a telephone 19 and an FA.
External communication devices such as X device 20 can be connected,
It can be installed by inserting it into the existing line at the customer (user).

A plurality of copying machines 1 can be connected to the communication control device 18, but a single device may be used. These copying machines 1 do not have to be of the same type, may be different models, and may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer other than the copying machine. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five copying machines 1 can be connected to one communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 and the plurality of copying machines 1 are RS-485.
According to the standard, multi-drop connection is used.

Communication control between the communication control device 18 and each copying machine 1 is performed by a basic type data transmission control procedure (BSC).
Done by. That is, by establishing a data link by the polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 18 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary copying machine 1 is possible. Each copying machine 1 can set a unique value by the address setting switch 110 (see FIG. 5), and the polling address and the selecting address of each copying machine 1 are determined by this.

FIG. 3 shows the communication control device 18 of FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of FIG. A CPU 184 is built in the central portion of the communication control device 18, and the CPU 184 includes a public line 17, a telephone (TEL) 19, a switching unit 180 for switching to the FAX device 20 of FIG. , A communication interface 183 using a transceiver for RS-485 connected to the copying machine 1, a RAM 186 connected to a battery (BATT) 187, a ROM 185, and a clock 188.
And a total counter value automatic call permission switch 189 are connected.

In the communication control device 18 thus constructed, the signal from the public line 17 is first input to the switching unit 180. Here, if the communication from the public line 17 side is addressed to the telephone 19 (or the FAX device 20 of FIG. 2) connected to the communication control device 18, the public line 17 side is the telephone 19 (or of FIG. 2). If the communication is from the monitoring center 200, the connection is made to the fax machine 20) and to the modem 181 on the public line 17 side. Also,
The communication interface 183 enables communication with the copying machine 1 side.

These controls / processes are performed mainly by the CPU 184 according to the control program in the ROM 185. The RAM 186 is used not only for storing intermediate results of processing but also for temporarily storing communication text. Further, the communication control device 18 such as the telephone number sent from the monitoring center 200 side, the number of re-calls when the line is not connected, the re-call interval, the transmission date and time of the total number of copies (total counter value) by the total counter, etc.
Various parameters necessary for the operation of are also written in the RAM 186.

Normally, this communication control device 18 is
Although the power is continuously supplied for 24 hours to keep the communication with the monitoring center 200 at all times, the contents of these parameters and the communication text are not lost due to accidental power-off or power-off for safety. The battery 187 backs up the RAM 186. The communication control device 18 can realize each function shown in the following (B1) to (B12) by the hardware including the CPU 184 and the software (the program in the ROM 185).

(B1) Line state monitoring means for observing the line connection state of the public line 17 and recognizing whether the connection state is normal or abnormal (when recognizing that the line connection state of the public line 17 has changed from normal to abnormal) Has a function of monitoring the line connection state of the public line 17 at a constant cycle and recognizing whether the connection state is normal or abnormal (B2) An event causing a notification occurs in the copying machine 1. However, if the function of the line status monitoring unit recognizes that the line connection status of the public line 17 is normal, the function of the first event information storage unit that stores the event information indicating the occurred event ( (Including the first event information memory)

(B3) When an event that causes a notification occurs in the copying machine 1 and the function of the line status monitoring unit recognizes that the line connection status of the public line 17 is abnormal, the event that has occurred As a second event information storage means for storing the event information indicating (the second event information memory is configured) (B4) The event information stored in the first event information memory is individually connected to the public line 17. Function as first event information transmitting means for transmitting via the public line 17 to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 (B5) Event information stored in the second event information memory
(Specifically, when it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 has been normally restored from the abnormality by the function as the line state monitoring means, the event information stored in the second event information memory) File in public line 1
(Sending to the monitoring center 200 via 7) Function as second event information sending means

(B6) When it is recognized by the function as the line state monitoring means that the line connection state of the public line 17 has changed from normal to abnormal, it is sent to the monitoring center 200 while being stored in the first event information memory. Function as abnormal event information transfer means for transferring and storing unprocessed event information in the second event information storage memory (B7) Function as overflow detection means for detecting overflow of the first event information memory (B8) ) When an overflow of the first event information memory is detected by the function as the overflow detection means, the event information stored in the first event information memory and not transmitted to the monitoring center 200 is used as the second event information. Function as event information transfer means at overflow for transfer to memory for storage

(B9) Function as abnormal state time measuring means for measuring the abnormal state time while the line connection state of the public line 17 is recognized to be abnormal by the function as the line state monitoring means (B10) Abnormality When the abnormal state time measured by the function as the state time measuring unit exceeds a preset predetermined time, the line abnormality notifying unit for notifying the copying machine 1 that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal. (B11) A function as a predetermined time setting means for setting the predetermined time to be changeable in response to a request from the copying machine 1 or the monitoring center 200. (B12) Function as date and time adding means for adding the date and time of occurrence to the event information indicating the event when an event that causes a report such as an abnormality occurs in the copying machine 1.

In this embodiment, the communication control device 18 is composed of hardware and software.
Although all the functions as the above-mentioned means are provided, it is not always necessary to do so, and the above-mentioned means may be selectively provided as necessary. Here, the public line 1 is used by the function as the line abnormality notifying means shown in (B10).
Upon receiving the notification that the line connection state of 7 is abnormal, the copying machine 1 outputs an output indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal (for example, indicates that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal). An error message can be displayed on the operation unit or an image can be formed on a sheet).

When the communication control device 18 has a function as an abnormal state time measuring means instead of a function as a line abnormality notifying means and the abnormal state time exceeds a preset predetermined time, A function as a line abnormality output requesting unit that requests the copying machine 1 to output that the line connection state of the line 17 is abnormal may be realized. In this case, when the copying machine 1 receives an output request from the communication control device 18 indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal, it outputs the output request. The first event information memory (hereinafter also referred to as “first storage area”) and the second event information memory (hereinafter also referred to as “second storage area”) are secured in the RAM 186 in advance.

FIG. 4 shows the communication control device 18 of FIG.
6 is a diagram showing a list of various parameters stored (set) in a RAM 186 of FIG. A model number and a serial number (machine number) of the copying machine 1 are registered for each copying machine 1 of each address, and when the notification (transmission) from the copying machine 1 is added, the model number and the serial number are transmitted to the monitoring center 200. Or to determine the address of the copying machine 1 to be selected at the time of access from the monitoring center 200.

[0038] In addition, for each remote reporting reason, the report destination (contact) telephone number, the number and interval of redials, the monitoring center 2
The type of data (report information) to be sent to 00 (number of jams, number of copies, etc.) and the date and time of reporting to the monitoring center 200 are set. A checksum is added to each block of parameters, which causes malfunction of the communication control device 18, consumption of the backup battery 187,
This can be detected when a parameter value is rewritten or lost due to a communication error or the like.

These parameters are written from the monitoring center 200 side through the public line 17, and a portable device for parameter setting is directly connected to the communication control device 18 for writing, or an operating means is provided on the communication control device 18. The configuration may be set or the copying machine 1
You may make it the structure set from. In this case, since the parameter setting is important, the confidentiality is improved by adding an ID (password) to the communication data. This ID is not determined uniquely to each communication control device 18, but is determined when the first parameter is specified (when the parameter in FIG. 4 is not set), and after that, it cannot be changed in communication, etc. This is possible by manually initializing the communication control device 18.

Since the ID is confirmed every time communication is performed, incorrect data or incorrect system cannot be entered. When a different ID is received a predetermined number of times, this error is stored internally and is automatically notified to the monitoring center 200 to notify the system administrator. Every time this ID is communicated, it is checked to prevent hackers. Although the above-mentioned ID cannot be changed by communication as described above, for example, another ID (ID
(For change) may be used.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the copying machine 1 of FIG. The control of the main body of the copying machine 1 is CP
It is performed based on the control program and data stored in the ROM 101 centering on the U100. Also,
The RAM 102 is used to store intermediate results of processing, various set values, data indicating the state of the device, and the like. This RA
It is assumed that M102 is backed up by a battery. The operation unit 70 includes various operation keys and a display unit, and can perform an input operation from the outside.

The A / D converter 103 is a lamp light amount sensor for detecting the supply voltage (lamp voltage) to the exposure lamp, the light emission voltage and light reception voltage of the P sensor, the output of the potential sensor, the output of the ADS sensor, and the light amount of the exposure lamp. Output, the output of the drum current sensor that detects the current flowing through the photosensitive drum, the thermistor (fixing thermistor) voltage in the fixing unit, and the like. Optical system control unit 1
Reference numeral 04 controls the drive of the exposure lamp. The high-voltage power supply unit 105 supplies a high voltage applied to the charging charger, the separation charger, the transfer charger, and the pre-transfer charger (PTC), and a developing bias voltage applied to the developing roller in the developing unit.

The motor control unit 106 controls the main motor that drives the photosensitive drums and rollers of each paper feeding unit and the transport unit. The heater control unit 107 controls energization to the fixing heater that heats the fixing roller of the fixing unit to keep the surface temperature of the fixing roller within a predetermined range. Sensor sensitivity control unit 10
Reference numeral 8 is used to vary the light receiving gain of the P sensor, the light emitting voltage of the LED of the P sensor, the light receiving gain of the ADS sensor, the light receiving gain of the lamp light amount sensor, and the like.

The communication interface unit 109 includes
It is a unit that communicates with the communication control device 18. An address (device code) unique to the copying machine can be set in the range of 1 to 5 by the address setting switch 110. Further, the communication permission switch 111 can be used to set permission / prohibition of communication with the communication control device 18. The communication permission switch 111 is a dip switch, and when a copying machine equipped with the communication permission switch 111 is connected to an image forming apparatus management system (remote diagnosis system), a serviceman turns it on, but as a general rule, a general user does not touch it. Can not. Therefore, this communication permission switch 11
1 maintains the ON state when a copying machine equipped with the same is connected to the image forming apparatus management system.

Here, the hardware and software (RO, including the CPU 100 and the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1)
The following (C1)-
Each function shown in (C3) can be realized. (C1) Function as an abnormality notification receiving unit that receives a notification from the communication control device 18 that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal. (C2) The line connection state of the public line 17 is changed by the function as an abnormality notification receiving unit. When a notification indicating that there is an abnormality is received, an output indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal (for example, the character of the operation unit 70 of the error message indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal) Display 83
Function as abnormal output means for displaying on or forming image on paper (C3) A predetermined signal for requesting the communication control device 18 to set the predetermined time by an operation signal input from the operation unit 70. Time setting request means

In this embodiment, the copying machine 1 has all the functions as the above-mentioned means by the hardware and the software, but it is not always necessary to do so, and the above-mentioned means can be selectively used as needed. May be prepared for. Note that the copying machine 1 realizes a function as an abnormal output request receiving unit that receives an output request from the communication control device 18 indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal, instead of the function as an abnormal notification receiving unit. You may do it. In this case, when the output request is accepted, it is possible to output that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal by the function of the abnormality output means. Further, in this embodiment, the communication control device 18 realizes the function as the date and time adding means, but the copying machine 1 may realize the function.

FIG. 6 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 of FIG. The operation unit 70 includes a ten-key pad 71, a clear / stop key 72, a copy start key 73, an enter key 74, an interrupt key 75, a preheat / mode clear key 76, a mode confirmation key 77, a screen switching key 78, a call key 79, and a registration key. 80, guidance key 81, display contrast volume 8
2, and a character display 83.

The ten-key pad 71 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies and magnification. The clear / stop key 72 is a key for clearing the number of copies (number of copies) and stopping the copy operation. The copy start key 73 is a key for starting the copy operation. The enter key 74 is a key for confirming the designation of the numerical value such as the zoom magnification and the binding margin size number. The interrupt key 75 is a key used when interrupting during copying to copy another document. The preheat / mode clear key 76 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set copy modes, or for setting the preheat mode to bring it to a 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 form of the character display device 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
It 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 a transparent sheet-like matrix touch panel having a large number of touch sensors built-in thereon is stacked thereon. Displays the copy mode setting screen showing the status of 1 (“ready for copying”, “during copying”, “no transfer paper”, etc.), number of copies, and various keys.

When the copy mode setting screen is displayed, the normal copy mode can be set.
In other words, by pressing (touching) a key on the copy mode setting screen, the paper cassette (transfer paper size),
Automatic paper (the paper cassette containing the optimum transfer paper is automatically selected according to the original size and the set magnification), image density (copy density), automatic density (the image density is automatically selected according to the density of the original. ), Scaling (actual size, reduction, enlargement, paper specification scaling, zoom scaling, dimension scaling), double-sided mode (mode of copying original image on front and back of transfer paper), binding margin mode, sorting Various copy modes such as modes can be arbitrarily set, and the pressed key switches to black and white reverse display.

In addition to the normal copy mode, the copying machine 1 can also set a serviceman mode used by a serviceman during repair and maintenance work. in this case,
For example, a serviceman presses the preheat / mode clear key 76, then the numeric keys 71 "1", "0", and "7" in sequence, and finally the clear / stop key 72 for 3 seconds or more. To shift to the serviceman mode, the SP (service program) mode screen is displayed on the character display unit 83, and under the serviceman mode, the serviceman is in a state of various sensors and operation of loads such as motors and clutches. Can be checked and repair and maintenance work can be carried out.

Next, general functions 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 of functions (1) to (3). (1) Communication control device 18 from the monitoring center 200
Alternatively, textual communication control for the copying machine 1 (2) Textual communication control from the copying machine 1 to the monitoring center 200 or the communication control device 18 (3) Unique control of the communication control device 18

(1) The text-based communication control from the monitoring center 200 to the communication control device 18 or the copying machine 1 includes, for example, adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance and timing of each unit for the specific copying machine 1. Setting and reading, reading and initialization (reset) of counter information such as total number of copies (total number of copies), misfeed count, and communication control device 18
There is a setting (change) of a predetermined time (predetermined timer value) for. Among these controls, control of the copying machine 1 is performed by receiving a text (command signal) from the monitoring center 200 and selecting from the communication control device 18 to the copying machine 1. The selecting means a function of selecting one from a plurality of connected copying machines 1 and communicating with it.

Each copying machine 1 has a unique (specific) device code, and the communication control device 18 specifies a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selection and the copying machine 1 to be selected. The device code is sent to the serial communication interface RS-485. Each copying machine 1 compares the following device code with its own device code by a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating the selection, and when both codes match, it is determined that it has been selected. know.

In the text communication control from the copying machine 1 to the monitoring center 200 or the communication control device 18 of (2), there is a notification due to the occurrence of the following event (report factor). For example, advance warnings that require preventive maintenance, such as service man call (SC) (self-immediate calling and reporting), which is a self-diagnosis abnormality notification due to occurrence of self-diagnosis abnormality, and sensor reaching standard level. An alarm notification (a self-call is made at a specified time on the day of occurrence), which is a prior warning notification by the operator, and an operator (customer) of the copying machine 1 executes a specific operation predetermined by the operation unit 70 (manual switch is used. There is a remote notification key call that calls the monitoring center 200 directly by pressing (pressing) (the response from the monitoring center 200 is a general telephone).

These communication controls are performed at the time of polling from the communication control device 18. Polling refers to a function of sequentially designating a plurality of connected copying machines 1 and confirming whether there is a communication request from the designated copying machines 1. The communication control device 18 uses a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling.
And the device code of the copying machine 1 to be selected are sent to the serial communication interface RS-485.

Each copying machine 1 compares the following device code with its own device code by a specific code (or combination of codes) indicating polling,
Know that you were polled when both codes matched. The communication control device 18 selects, depending on the response from the copying machine 1 to the polling, whether to proceed to selecting to the copying machine 1 or to polling the next copying machine 1.

The control unique to the communication control device 18 in (3) is to read the total counter value (total number of copies). This control is performed by the communication control device 18
To the copy machine 1 once a day (00:00, but if the power of the copy machine 1 is OFF at this time, the power is turned ON for the first time after this time) Ting. The communication control device 18 has two total counter memories (provisionally designated as A and B, respectively) for each of the copying machines 1 connected to the communication control device 18, which are selected once a day as described above. The read total counter value is written in the memory A.

Therefore, the value of the previous day is rewritten in the memory A every day (however, this is not the case when the power of the copying machine 1 is not turned on throughout the day such as a holiday). Further, it is stored in the memory A once a month at a predetermined date and time (which is set by the monitoring center 200 and stored in the corresponding parameter area of the RAM 186 in the communication control device 18 in FIG. 4). Copy the total counter value to memory B.

Then, the monitoring center 200 (actually, any of the clients 201a, 201b, ..., 201n) of the communication control device 18 after the above date and time (the date and time when the contents of the memory A are copied to the memory B). The total counter value stored in the memory B is read. That is, the communication control device 18 is called to connect for communication, and the corresponding read command is transmitted. As a result, the communication control device 18 reads the total counter value stored in the memory B, and reads it out.
7 to the monitoring center 200.

The communication control device 18 prepares a plurality of sets of memories in which the memories A and B are combined for each copying machine 1 connected to itself. This is because various total counter values for black-and-white copy, application copy, color copy, etc. can be considered.

Next, the operation of the communication control device 18 according to the present invention according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 11 and subsequent drawings.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the communication control device 18 when the event information (report information) that has occurred in the copying machine 1 is transmitted to the monitoring center 200. FIG. 8 shows a public line 17 in the communication control device 18.
5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when an abnormality occurs in the line connection state of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a processing operation when the line connection state of the public line 17 in the communication control device 18 is normally restored from an abnormality. Figure 10
7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when an overflow of the first storage area of the RAM 186 in the communication control device 18 is detected (when the amount of event information in the first storage area exceeds the storage capacity). FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing operation (including the abnormal time measurement) relating to the monitoring of the line connection state of the public line 17 in the communication control device 18.

First, the processing operation when the line connection state of the public line 17 in the communication control device 18 is normal will be described with reference to FIG. When an event such as an abnormality occurs in the copying machine 1 (step S100),
Event information indicating the occurred event is transmitted to the communication control device 18 (step S110).

When the communication control device 18 receives the event information from the copying machine 1 (step S120), the line connection state of the public line 17 notified from the line state monitoring section (function as line state monitoring means) is normal. A flag (line connection status flag) indicating whether the line is abnormal is checked (step S130), and when it is determined that the line connection state is abnormal from the check result, the received event information is stored in the second event information storage unit ( It is stored in the second storage area of the RAM 186 by the function of the second event information storage means) (step S180), and the processing operation of FIG. 7 ends. The event information stored in the second storage area is transmitted to the monitoring center 200 in a file format (step S180).
However, the processing operation will be described in detail later.

Further, when it is determined that the line connection state is normal, the received event information is stored in the RA by the first event information storage section (function as the first event information storage means).
The flag is stored in the first storage area of M186 and the flag indicating the transmission status of the stored event information (transmission status flag) is set to "not transmitted" (step S140). Then the first
The event information transmitting unit (function as a first event information transmitting unit) sequentially reads (individually) the event information stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186 and transmits it to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17. (Step S15
0).

The monitoring center 200 (actually any of the clients 201a, 201b, ..., 201n)
When the event information is sent from the communication control device 18 of any of the customers, only a part of the event information is received and the information type (information level) is analyzed. And
The event information sent from the customer's communication control device 18 is the first event information (communication control device 1
8 event information stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186), all event information transmitted from the customer's communication control device 18 is stored in the first event information receiving unit ( It receives sequentially by the function as a 1st event information receiving means.

Thereafter, the first event information receiving unit checks whether or not the reception of the event information from the customer's communication control device 18 has been completed normally, and the check result (normal reception or abnormal reception) is checked. ) As a response message to the communication control device 18 that is the transmission source of the event information (step S160). When the communication control device 18 of the customer receives a response message from the monitoring center 200 indicating that the reception of the event information is normally completed,
The event information stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186 is deleted (step S170), and the processing operation of FIG. 7 ends.

Next, the processing operation when the line connection state of the public line 17 in the communication control device 18 changes from normal to abnormal will be described with reference to FIG. The communication control device 18 starts the processing operation shown in FIG. 8 each time before transmitting the event information to the monitoring center 200. First, the line state monitoring unit monitors the line connection state of the public line 17 and confirms that the connection state. Check (recognize) whether it is normal or abnormal, and if it is recognized that the line connection status has changed from normal to abnormal, change the line connection status flag to "abnormal",
The abnormal event information transfer unit (function as abnormal event information transfer means) is notified that the line connection status is abnormal (steps S200, S210, S220).

When the abnormal event information transfer unit receives the notification that the line connection status is abnormal, the abnormal event information transfer unit transmits the information to the monitoring center 200 while storing it in the first storage area of the RAM 186. Acquires all the event information that does not exist, that is, the event information whose transmission status flag is “untransmitted”, and transfers and stores it in the second storage area of the RAM 186,
After deleting the event information in the first storage area, the processing operation of FIG. 8 ends (steps S230, S240, S25).
0). Here, when new event information is received from the copying machine 1 after the line connection state changes from normal to abnormal,
Check line connection status flag (step S13 in FIG. 7)
0) determines that the line connection status is abnormal (recognized)
Therefore, the event information newly received from the copying machine 1 is RA
The data is stored in the second storage area of M186 (step S18).
0).

Next, a processing operation when the line connection state of the public line 17 in the communication control device 18 is normally restored from the abnormality will be described with reference to FIG. The communication control device 18 periodically starts the processing operation shown in FIG.
Of the line connection state is checked to check whether the connection state is normal or abnormal, and if it is recognized that the line connection state has recovered from the abnormality, the line connection state flag is changed to "normal" (step S300, S310).

Here, when new event information is received from the copying machine 1 after the line connection state is normally recovered from the abnormality, the line connection state flag is checked (step S130 in FIG. 7) to establish the line connection state. Since it is determined (recognized) that the status is normal, the event information newly received from the copying machine 1 is stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186, and the transmission status flag indicating the transmission status of the stored event information is set to "unknown". "Transmission" is set (step S140), and the same processing operation as described above is performed thereafter (steps S150 and S170).

Returning to the processing operation of FIG. 9, after changing the line connection status flag to "normal", it is checked whether or not the event information exists in the second storage area of the RAM 186 (step S320), and the event information Is present, the second event information transmission unit (the function as the second event information transmission means) reads the event information in the second storage area and converts it into a single file format.
(File transfer protocol) is used to transmit (file transfer) to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 (step S330).

When the event information is sent from the communication control device 18 of any of the customers, the monitoring center 200 receives only a part of the event information, analyzes the information type, and communicates with the customer. When it is recognized that the event information sent from the control device 18 is the second event information (event information stored in the second storage area of the RAM 186 of the communication control device 18), the communication control of the customer is performed. All event information (files) sent from the device 18 is received by the second event information receiving section (function as second event information receiving means). Therefore, the communication control device 18 that is the sender of the event information
Performs time-division transmission of the event information stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186 and transmission of the event information stored in the second storage area (file transfer using ftp) via the restored public line 17. It will be.

The monitoring center 200 checks whether or not the reception of the event information (file) from the customer's destination communication control device 18 is normally completed by the second event information receiving unit, and the check result (normal (Reception or abnormal reception) is transmitted as a response message to the communication control device 18 which is the transmission source of the event information (step S340).
When the communication control device 18 of the customer receives the response message from the monitoring center 200 indicating that the reception of the event information is normally completed, it deletes the event information stored in the second storage area of the RAM 186 (step S350). The processing operation of FIG. 9 ends.

Next, when an overflow of the first storage area of the RAM 186 in the communication control device 18 is detected (a large amount of event information occurs in the copying machine 1 and the amount of event information generated is equal to the storage capacity of the first storage area of the RAM 186. The processing operation in the case of exceeding) will be described with reference to FIG. The communication control device 18 periodically starts the processing operation of FIG. 10, and when an overflow occurs in the first storage area of the RAM 186, the overflow detection unit (function as overflow detection means) detects the overflow of the first storage area. Then, the fact that overflow has occurred in the first storage area is notified to the overflow event information transfer unit (function as overflow event information transfer means) (steps S400 and S410).

When the event information transfer unit upon overflow receives a notification that an overflow has occurred in the first storage area,
The overflow event information transfer unit causes the RAM 18
6 is stored in the first storage area 6 and is not transmitted to the monitoring center 200, that is, all the event information whose transmission status flag is “not transmitted” is acquired and transferred to the second storage area of the RAM 186. Store and delete the event information in the first storage area (step S420). Then, the line connection status flag is checked, and when it is determined from the check result that the line connection status is normal, the second event information transmission unit reads the event information in the second storage area of the RAM 186. Convert to one file format,
It is transmitted to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 using ftp as a file (step S440).

When the event information is sent from the communication control device 18 of any of the customers, the monitoring center 200 receives only a part of the event information, analyzes the information type, and communicates with the customer. When the event information sent from the control device 18 is recognized as the second event information, the event information (file) sent from the customer's communication control device 18 is used as the second event information receiving unit. When the reception is completed normally, and the reception is normally completed, a response message to that effect is transmitted to the communication control device 18 which is the transmission source of the event information (step S450). The customer's communication control device 18 is the monitoring center 200.
When the response message indicating that the reception of the event information has been normally completed is received from (step S460), the event information stored in the second storage area of the RAM 186 is deleted, and the processing operation of FIG. 10 ends.

Finally, the processing operation relating to the monitoring of the line connection state of the public line 17 in the communication control device 18 will be described with reference to FIG. The communication control device 18 starts the processing operation of FIG. 11 periodically (at a constant cycle) from the time when the line state monitoring unit recognizes that the line connection state of the public line 17 has changed from normal to abnormal, and connects the line. The public line 17 is checked (monitored) by checking the flag (line connection state restoration flag) that means the restoration of the state.
It is recognized whether or not the line connection state of has been normally restored from the abnormality (step S500). When it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 has been restored from the abnormality to the normal state, the line abnormality counter (function as the abnormal state time measuring means) is cleared and stopped.

When it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 is not normally restored from the abnormality, the line abnormality counter is incremented (+1) (time measurement is performed) and the line abnormality counter is counted. Value (measurement time)
Whether or not exceeds (prevents) a preset predetermined value (predetermined time) (steps S510 and S5).
20). When the count value (measurement time) of the line abnormality counter does not exceed the predetermined value (predetermined time),
The processing operation of FIG. 11 is finished as it is. Further, when the count value of the line abnormality counter exceeds a predetermined value, the line abnormality notifying unit (function as line abnormality notifying means)
An error message indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal (including a command indicating its output request) is notified (transmitted) to the copying machine 1 (step S530).

When the copying machine 1 receives the error message indicating that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal,
When the received error message (for example, "the line connection cannot be restored") is displayed on the display screen of the character display 83 of the operation unit 70 or an image is formed on a sheet and the output of the error message is completed, A response message to that effect is transmitted to the communication control device 18 (step S540). The communication control device 18 is
When the response message indicating that the output of the error message is completed is received from the copying machine 1, the processing operation of FIG. 11 is ended (step S560).

The communication control device 18 of this embodiment
According to this, the following effects (a) to (f) can be obtained: (a) The line connection state of the public line 17 is monitored, and the copying machine 1
In the case where an event that causes a notification has occurred and the line connection state of the public line 17 is recognized to be normal, the event information indicating the occurred event is stored in the first storage area (first event information) of the RAM 186. After storing the data in the memory), the data is individually transmitted to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17, and an event causing a notification occurs in the copying machine 1 and it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal. In this case, after the event information indicating the occurred event is stored in the second storage area (second event information memory) of the RAM 186, it is transmitted to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 in a file format.

Therefore, regardless of the line connection state of the public line 17, that is, even when the line connection state of the public line 17 becomes abnormal (at the time of line failure), all the event information generated in the copying machine 1 is reliably monitored. It becomes possible to transmit to the center 200, and the event information will not be lost. Along with this, on the monitoring center 200 side, it becomes possible to confirm all the event information generated in the monitored copying machine 1 in time series (as a result, it is possible to confirm early), and the monitored copying machine can be confirmed. Since the most suitable work can be performed for the trouble repair and the periodical inspection of No. 1, the work efficiency can be improved and the service for the customer can be improved.

(B) When it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 has changed from normal to abnormal, the event information stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186 but not transmitted to the monitoring center 200 is stored in the second storage area of the RAM 186. Transfer to the storage area for storage. Therefore, the event information transferred from the first storage area of the RAM 186 to the second storage area and stored therein is stored in the file format in the monitoring center 20 via the public line 17.
Since it is possible to transmit the data to 0, it is possible to reliably avoid the loss of the event information that has occurred in the copying machine 1.

(C) When it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 has been normally restored from the abnormality, the RAM 186
The event information stored in the second storage area is transmitted to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 in a file format. As a result, the event information stored in the first storage area of the RAM 186 and the event information stored in the second storage area are transmitted to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17 in a time division manner.

For example, when the line connection state of the public line 17 is normally restored from the abnormality, the event information stored in the second storage area of the RAM 186 when the connection state is abnormal is monitored via the public line 17 in a file format. When a new event occurs in the copier 1 to be monitored after sending to the center 200, event information indicating the event is stored in the RAM 186.
After being stored in the first storage area, the data is transmitted to the monitoring center 200 via the public line 17. Therefore,
Even if the line connection status of the public line 17 becomes abnormal,
All the event information generated in the copying machine 1 can be more reliably transmitted to the monitoring center 200, and the loss of the event information can be more surely avoided. In addition, along with this, it becomes possible for the monitoring center 200 side to confirm all the event information that has occurred in the copying machine 1 to be monitored earlier.

(D) When an overflow of the first storage area of the RAM 186 is detected, the event information stored in the first storage area but not transmitted to the monitoring center 200 is transferred to the second storage area of the RAM 186. Remember.
Therefore, even if an amount of event information that exceeds the transmission capability of the communication control device 18 occurs in the copying machine 1 and an overflow occurs in the first storage area of the RAM 186, all the event information that occurred in the copying machine 1 can be reliably performed. Monitoring center 2
00, it is possible to more surely avoid the loss of event information. In addition, along with this, the monitoring center 200 side can confirm all the event information generated in the copy machine 1 to be monitored even earlier.

(E) When it is recognized that the line connection state of the public line 17 has changed from normal to abnormal, the line connection state of the public line 17 is monitored at regular intervals to recognize whether the connection state is normal or abnormal. However, when the abnormal state time is measured while recognizing that the connection state is abnormal, and the abnormal state time exceeds a preset predetermined time (even if the abnormal state time exceeds the predetermined time, When the line connection state of the public line 17 is not normally recovered from the abnormality), the copy machine 1 is notified that the line connection state of the public line 17 is abnormal, and is displayed on the operation unit 70. , Form an image on paper. Therefore, the customer who purchased the copying machine 1 is
Since it is possible to know in real time that the line connection state of 7 has become abnormal, this leads to the relief of the customer's anxiety about the abnormality when the abnormality occurs in the copying machine 1 and the improvement of the service to the customer.

(F) Since the above predetermined time can be set to be changeable by a request (command) from the copying machine 1 or the monitoring center 200, the public line 1 is classified by machine type and customer.
It is possible to manage abnormalities in the line connection status of 7 and obtain the effect that it is possible to manage the customer very finely,
It also leads to improved service to customers. Although not described in this embodiment, when an event that causes a notification such as a failure (abnormality) occurs in the copying machine 1, the event information indicating the event indicates the date and time of occurrence in the communication control device 18 or The copying machine 1 itself can also add. As a result, on the monitoring center 200 side, all the event information that occurs in the copying machine 1 can be surely confirmed in chronological order,
More optimal work can be performed for repair and periodic inspection of the copying machine 1 to be monitored, work efficiency can be improved, and service for customers can be improved.

It is also possible to create a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk or an optical disk in which a program for causing a computer to execute each of the functions described above (each procedure of the event information transmitting method) is recorded. Then, the recording medium is inserted into a floppy disk device or a CD-ROM reader provided in an information processing device such as a general-purpose personal computer, and the program recorded therein is read to store the internal hard disk or the like. When installed in the device, it can function as the communication control device 18 according to the present invention.

Alternatively, an information processing device such as a general-purpose personal computer downloads the above program from the monitoring center 200 via a communication line such as the Internet, and installs it in an internal storage device.
A function may be provided as the communication control device 18 according to the present invention. Alternatively, the communication control device 18 is an EEPR capable of rewriting the program.
It is also possible to realize the function according to the present invention by providing a non-volatile RAM such as OM, downloading the program from the monitoring center 200 via a communication line such as the Internet, and overwriting the non-volatile RAM.

Alternatively, the copying machine 1 is provided with the function of the communication control device 18, a floppy disk device, a CD-ROM reader, etc., and a recording medium in which the above program is recorded is inserted into the copying machine 1 and inserted therein. By reading the recorded program and installing it in an internal storage device, the function can be provided as the communication control device 18 according to the present invention, or the program can be downloaded from the monitoring center 200 via a communication line such as the Internet. However, it can be provided with a function as the communication control device 18 according to the present invention by installing it in the internal storage device.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention, the event information generated in the image forming apparatus to be monitored is surely prevented from being lost in the communication apparatus regardless of the connection state of the communication line. All can be sent to the monitoring center. Further, the event information generated in the image forming apparatus to be monitored can be confirmed at the monitoring center side as early as possible (in real time as much as possible).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system including a communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of each customer destination 220 in the image forming apparatus management system shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication control device 18 of FIG.

4 is a diagram showing a list of various parameters stored (set) in a RAM 186 of FIG.

5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the copying machine 1 of FIG.

6 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of an operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 of FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the communication control device 18 shown in FIG. 3 when event information generated in the copying machine 1 is transmitted to the monitoring center 200.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing operation when an abnormality occurs in the line connection state of the public line 17.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when the line connection state of the public line 17 is normally restored from an abnormality.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when an overflow of the first storage area of the RAM 186 is detected.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing operation regarding monitoring of the line connection state of the public line 17 in the same manner.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Copier 17: Public line 18: Communication control device 70: Operation unit 83: Character display 100, 184: CPU 101: ROM 185: ROM 102, 186: RAM 200: Monitoring center 201a to 201n: Client 202a to 202n: Modem 203: External recording device 204: File server

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/00 106 H04N 1/00 106C F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 HV05 HV06 HV22 HV35 HV39 HV60 5B021 AA01 AA02 AA05 AA19 BB00 BB10 DD13 NN00 5C062 AA05 AA25 AA30 AB38 AB42 AC22 AC35 AC56 AF00 5C087 AA02 AA03 AA22 AA24 BB12 BB51 BB74 CC04 DD08GG23 GG GG GG GG GG GG08EE 29 GG GG GG08 GG09 GG08 GG09 GG08 GG09 GG08 GG09 GG08 GG09 GG09 LL02 LL03 MM07 NN14 NN21 RR12 SS07

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. When an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus to be monitored by the monitoring center,
In a communication device that transmits event information indicating the event to the monitoring center via a communication line such as a public line, line state monitoring that monitors the connection state of the communication line and recognizes whether the connection state is normal or abnormal Means, and when an event that causes a notification occurs in the image forming apparatus and the line status monitoring unit recognizes that the connection state of the communication line is normal, event information indicating the occurred event is displayed. First event information storage means for storing, and an event as a reporting factor occurs in the image forming apparatus, and when the line state monitoring means recognizes that the connection state of the communication line is abnormal, Second event information storage means for storing event information indicating an event that has occurred, and event information stored in the first event information storage means are individually sent to the monitoring center via the communication line. First event information transmitting means for transmitting, and second event information transmitting means for transmitting the event information stored in the second event information storage means in file format to the monitoring center via the communication line. A communication device characterized by being provided. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the line state monitoring unit recognizes that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal, the first state
Communication which is provided with an abnormal event information transfer means for transferring event information stored in the event information storage means but not transmitted to the monitoring center to the second event information storage means for storage. apparatus. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein when the second event information transmission unit recognizes that the connection state of the communication line has been normally restored from an abnormality by the line state monitoring unit, A communication device, which is means for transmitting event information stored in a second event information storage means to the monitoring center via the communication line in a file format. 4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein overflow detection means for detecting an overflow of the first event information storage means, and the first event information storage by the means. When an overflow of the means is detected, the event at the time of overflow, in which the event information stored in the first event information storage means and not transmitted to the monitoring center is transferred to and stored in the second event information storage means A communication device comprising information transfer means. 5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the line state monitoring unit recognizes that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal, the communication line Has a means for recognizing whether the connection status is normal or abnormal by monitoring the connection status of the communication terminal at a constant cycle, and the abnormal status time while the connection status of the communication line is recognized as abnormal by the means. An abnormal state time measuring means for measuring a communication device is provided. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the connection state of the communication line is abnormal when the abnormal state time measured by the abnormal state time measuring means exceeds a preset predetermined time. A communication device comprising a line abnormality notifying means for notifying the image forming device of the effect. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising a predetermined time setting means for setting the predetermined time to be changeable. 8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the event information indicating the event indicates the event. A communication device comprising a date and time adding means for adding a date and time of occurrence. 9. When an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus to be monitored by the monitoring center,
A method for transmitting event information in which event information indicating the event is stored in the first event information memory or the second event information memory and then transmitted to the monitoring center via a communication line such as a public line by a communication device. When the connection state of the communication line is monitored and an event that causes a notification occurs in the image forming apparatus and the connection state of the communication line is recognized as normal, an event indicating the occurred event After storing the information in the first event information memory, the information is individually transmitted to the monitoring center via the communication line, and an event causing a notification occurs in the image forming apparatus, and the connection state of the communication line is changed. When it is recognized as abnormal, the event information indicating the occurred event is stored in the second event information memory and then transmitted to the monitoring center via the communication line in a file format. Event information transmission method. 10. The event information transmitting method according to claim 9, wherein when it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal, the event information is stored in the first event information memory and is stored in the monitoring center. A method for transmitting event information, characterized in that event information that has not been transmitted is transferred to and stored in the second event information memory. 11. The event information transmission method according to claim 10, wherein when it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line is normally restored from an abnormality, the event information stored in the second event information memory is A method of transmitting event information, characterized in that the file information is transmitted to the monitoring center via the communication line. 12. The event information transmitting method according to claim 9, wherein when the overflow of the first event information memory is detected, the overflow is stored in the first event information memory, A method for transmitting event information, wherein event information that has not been transmitted to the monitoring center is transferred to and stored in the second event information memory. 13. The event information transmitting method according to claim 9, wherein the connection state of the communication line is kept constant when it is recognized that the connection state of the communication line has changed from normal to abnormal. The method of transmitting event information, characterized in that the abnormal state time is measured while the connection state of the communication line is recognized to be abnormal by monitoring the period. 14. The method for transmitting event information according to claim 13, wherein when the measured abnormal state time exceeds a preset predetermined time, the fact that the connection state of the communication line is abnormal is formed by the image formation. A method for transmitting event information, characterized by notifying a device. 15. The event information transmitting method according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined time is set to be changeable. 16. The event information transmitting method according to claim 9, wherein when an event that causes a notification such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the event information indicating the event. A method for transmitting event information, characterized in that the date and time of occurrence is added to. 17. When an event that causes a report such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus to be monitored by the monitoring center, event information indicating the event is sent to the monitoring center via a communication line such as a public line. A computer-readable recording medium, characterized in that a program of causing a computer of a communication device for transmitting to execute each procedure of the event information transmitting method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 is recorded.